Google Utilizes Global Kill Switch on Malicious Apps

Google was made aware of an issue with a little over 20 applications in the Android Market that were malicious.  These apps gained system access when downloaded and intercepted and secretly transmitted private data from user’s handsets to third party servers. To make matters worse, some of these apps have been downloaded over 50,000 times.

Google started using a remote ‘kill switch’ feature to wireless kill the apps on user’s handsets.  In addition to removing the apps, Google is [...]

Updated Anrdoid Market 2.2.11 Now Available

A new version of the Android Market app is now available, reportedly fixing a security issue in the previous version.  Some users have already received the update, but if you don’t want to wait you can download the file below and follow the steps to upgrade your market.

Download the updated market app HERE.

Follow the steps here to update your market app.

Real-time Translation for Android Translate App

Google announced a new version of their Translate app last week for Android devices.  The most notable change – real-time speech translation.  The new conversation mode will enable users to quickly translate speech in a foreign language into their language.  To reply, users can speak their response in their own language and the app will translate and play the message in the foreign language.

The app is currently only available to Android devices running 2.1 or higher.  Check out some of [...]

Google Places for iOS

Earlier this week Google announced the availability of their popular Android application “Places” for iOS devices.  The app will allow users to quickly locate businesses within their current proximity. One notable feature, dubbed HotPot, enables users to “add friends to the mix and quickly rate all the places” they already know.  Once they’ve added friends, they will also be able to view their friends feedback on businesses (in addition to the standard user / Web ratings).

The app is currently only [...]