Thursday, 31 July 2014
Is Xiaomi Secretly Sending Smartphone User Data to Chinese Servers?
Chinese handset makers in the past have been accused of stealing smartphone user information in numerous instances. Recently, a German security firm even claimed that a Chinese smartphone brand's smartphones came preinstalled with spying software.
The latest in the series of claims against Chinese smartphone manufacturers is the allegation that the popular brand, Xiaomi - which recently marked a successful entry into the Indian market this month, was stealing user information stored in the Redmi Note smartphone.
OCWorkbench, citing a Taiwanese publication, suggested that the budget Xiaomi Redmi Note, which was announced for the Indian market alongside the Mi 3 (Review | Pictures), was secretly sending data to a China-based server.
In addition, [the OCWorkbench report notes] a Hong Kong-based IMA Mobile user Kenny Li claims to have tested the Redmi Note smartphone, and found it was automatically connecting to an IP address hosted in China and sending data back when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Li also claimed that the Xiaomi Redmi Note was sending information to the Chinese server at a much lower data transmission rate when connected to a 3G network.
Interestingly, the Redmi Note was reportedly found transmitting data in the background even after being rooted or after being flashed with another firmware on top. OCWorkbenchspeculates that the transmission process had been hardcoded into the Xiaomi Redmi Note. The site noted that the company's cloud service called MiCloud was switched off during the testing.
According to the OCWorkbench report, the data transmitted to the China server included photos in media storage, and text messages. OCWorkbench notes that this could be an 'automatic' backup of the user data on the Xiaomi smartphone; although this was done without an explicit permission from the device user.
We are yet to hear an official comment from Xiaomi responding to the allegations that the Redmi Note secretly sends user data to a China-based server.
Friday, 25 July 2014
Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update for Sony Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, Z1 Compact and Xperia T2 Ultra: Bug Fixes
Users of Sony's flagship smartphones, including Sony Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia Z1 can now avail the official Android 4.4.4 KitKat update. According to information on Sony's Mobile Support pages, the latest firmware from Google offers many special features, counting camera updates, App to SD card transfer, plus the most recent apps editions.
Google, by default, did away with the "App to SD Card" transfer feature from the Android KitKat OS, which was incorporated in the earlier Android versions like 2.3 Gingerbread, 4.1 to 4.3 Jelly Bean and 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
However, XperiaBlog recently observed that Sony Xperia T2 Ultra and Sony T2 Ultra Dual rolled out by the company, which received the latest firmware update, regained the "App to SD Card" feature enabling the movement of specific applications to the external storage facility.
This feature can be accessible by going to Settings>Applications. Sony Mobile has also included a latest column in the Applications Manager and labelled "On SD Card" showing that now users are able to move apps. Thus, move space will now be available on these two devices' internal storage by transferring selected apps to the SD card.
This feature, however, is not present in the Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware update for Sony Xperia Z series. While the reason for its non-inclusion is unknown, it may result in limited internal storage in Sony's low-level and mid-range smartphones.
Camera Enhancements
Sony has also upgraded the performance of the camera of Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 Compact running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat. The official support page of Sony confirms that these devices received latest camera updates enhancing the experience of the users. However, the precise improvements were not divulged by the company.
Nearly all Xperia smartphones that received the Android 4.3 and Android 4.4 updates are now using Smart Social Camera app enabling downloadable camera add-ons like Info-Eye, Augmented Reality, Motiongraphy and Timeshift Burst. They also have faster loading times, enhanced low-light scene detection, better image capturing and other improvements.
Other Enhancements
In addition, Sony Mobile incorporated many additional changes on the Android 4.4.4 KitKat pertaining to the apps' performance and services as well as the essential bug fixes. Now the users can avail the latest security updates of Android KitKat 4.4.4: improved Google Voice, Google+, Contacts app and music streaming; in addition to the latest versions of Sony indigenous apps.
The new bug fixes alott a more stable system, longer battery life, and a patch for OpenSSL vulnerability on Android 4.4.3 KitKat pertaining to Heartbleed bug and better user experience.
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Flir One case turns Apple's iPhone into a high-end thermal imaging camera
Thermal imaging company Flir has announced that pre-orders for its new One iPhone case — which will let outdoorsmen, HVAC contractors, and people who simply like to see how hot things are convert their iPhone 5 or 5s into a thermal camera — will begin Wednesday, with the device coming to Apple retail stores in August.
The Flir One will offer users the ability to view live infrared imagery when paired with a companion app, and the company imagines a variety of uses for the accessory, ranging from home improvement to security. Flir hopes the One's relatively modest $349.99 price tag — a significant discount from the company's other cameras, which can run into the tens of thousands of dollars — will inspire even more creative applications.
"Based on technology that was formerly reserved for the military, Flir One is the first in a new generation of affordable thermal imaging devices designed to inspire imaginative and innovative uses by consumers," Flir Chief Executive Andy Teich said in a release. "This represents a revolutionary step forward for both Flir Systems and thermal imaging."
Homeowners could use the Flir One to find and fix air leaks to make their home more energy efficient without needing to hire outside contractors, for instance, or campers could use the camera to observe nocturnal creatures. The Flir app also allows for the creation of time-lapse and panoramic thermal images.
Flir will begin accepting pre-orders in the U.S. on July 23 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time at flir.com//flirone. The camera will make its way to Europe as well as Apple retail outlets in the U.S. and Canada in August.
Saturday, 19 July 2014
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