Must you be Concerned With Android Security?

From cheats to viruses, smartphone security is starting to be a obstacle that suppliers are fighting to contain. Because the explosion in people getting smartphones continues, so does the number of criminal gangs and computer hacks researching a strategy to hack or acquire data from your smartphone.

Trojans can not only turn off numerous features on your Google Android phone but may in addition open up a backdoor allowing different types of snoopware (apps that hunt for private data to transmit back to the developer) to be set up and jeopardize your cellphone.

Google has taken many precautionary security steps while creating the Android Operating System and provided the ability to push updates and patches to Android cell phones without worrying about consumer being required to request it. This function was a lifesaver for many Android consumers when in March 2011, Google introduced a security patch which prevented rogue software from accessing private information, effectively incorporating a kill switch for these damaging programs.

The malevolent software at the center the problem has been called the DroidDream Trojan and it was found to be included in well over 58 apps. By sending out this remotely triggered enhance, Google was able to conduct virtual surgery on Android phones throughout the world. This is only one of the many ways your Android device is protected.

You can also make your Android phone safer utilizing a several straightforward strategies.

To start with you'll want to setup the device's password ,this helps prevent low level malware from getting installed. To do this just open the Settings -> Location & Security Settings -> Type in the password of your liking. Now, set a small Timeout option with Settings -> Display -> Set a value (if at all possible under a minute).

A second security measure is to utilize the authorization system that enforces boundaries on what processes an app can conduct. It furthermore defines what data it is allowed to access. This locks down your smartphone so even if a bad application makes its way on to your smartphone it is restricted to what it can accomplish. Without defining permissions there exists a chance that malware applications can silently obtain all the data from your phone.

Lastly, there are many of 3rd party security packages out there such as Norton's Mobile Security software which is able to carry out many valuable functions such as preventing unauthorized applications from being installed in the first place. In addition it can remotely lock the device if the SIM card has been removed. This is extremely handy if the phone gets stolen!

More on Android tablets and devices take a look at Android Tablet reviews.

All You Wished To Know About The Nexus 7 Tablet

Summary
Google has joined the tablet computer market with their own device. The Nexus 7 is a remarkable tablet for the price. Let us look into this device a bit more and discover how it compares to other tablets in the marketplace.

Rumors have been spreading that the Nexus 7 tablet would make an appearance at the Google I/Oconference. And this is what took place. Members of the media were permitted to peek at and use the unit whilst inside the conference. The unit is ASUS designed with little branding. Look for this device online when it's made available for purchase to all shoppers. At the time of this writing you may pre-order the Nexus 7 tablet.

The unit uses the most current Android OS referred to as Jelly Bean. The price of this product is a reasonable $199. The technical specifications for this unit are superb as well for the size of the unit. Total measurements of the system is only 7 in. long and packed with computing power.

The LCD (liquid crystal display) screen features a resolution of 1280 x 800 with 400 nits that is used for brightness. The display on this device is driven with a Tegra 3 T30L quad core cpu by NVIDIA. Speed for the processor is clocked at a powerful 1.2 GHz. That is fast for a unit when compared to the competing items on the market.

Connectivity is offered over a wireless network using 802.11/g/n. A Bluetooth connection exists as well. Having said that, folks won't be able to connect the device using WWAN. Because of this users will need to remain in the area of a wireless hotspot to keep a internet connection.

Available storage provided within this unit is either 8 GB or 16 GB. Total RAM available for the unit is fixed to 1 GB. The price for the 8 GB version is set at $199 and the 16 GB model is set at $249. This pricing is acceptable in comparison to other similar units which are available on the market.

The launch of this device will mean that buyers could see prices decrease for rival products such as Amazon Kindle. This may take place if Amazon releases a successor to the current model which is on the market. If you're not wishing to buy a Kindle, the Nexus 7 tablet is a good choice for tablets that run the Android OS.

One particular issue with this product is it is rather bulky. The thickness is 10.45 mm and is also a bit smaller as compared to the Kindle Fire. Then again, the weight for the unit is 340g. It is quite a bit lighter versus the Amazon branded device which weighs 400g.

A huge difference between the two systems is the quality of the screen. The IPS on the Google branded device is dazzling from any angle. The contrast and brightness settings look great on the display even in a brightly lit space.

Users of the Nexus 7 tablet will undoubtedly be impressed with the overall performance of the unit. The Google unit is on par with other tablets that are available on the market. Starting apps is relatively quick and so is panning on a website. Each charge of the battery will give the user with eight hours of working time. This device is an excellent choice amongst various tablets in comparison to others in the marketplace. Keep in mind, it's under $200.

For more information regarding the Android tablets go and visit Android Tablet Reviews HQ. There are lots of variances in design, features and hardware specs. To make sure you are getting the best product to your requirements be sure to look into the many Android tablet reviews available.

How To Begin Building Apps for Android

Google developed the Android OS so just about anyone together with the proper knowledge can produce software programs to run on an Android smartphone or tablet. Google's strategy to developing smartphones is completely opposite to Apple, preferring control over the applications that people can add to their iPhones. The open nature of Android makes sure that you can create whatever you want and individuals are able to download and install the software. Countless developers have jumped ship from iPhone apps to creating apps for the Android due to the freedom it gives them.

When you build an application for the iPhone then it's in the hands of a reviewer who ascertains if your app meets certain criteria to be sold on iTunes or if it is suitable for the app store. Many apps don't get published due to Apple's censorship procedures. Besides this, research firm, NDP Group said half of all smartphone purchases are for Android smartphones. By the end of 2010 Thirty two million handsets were running the Android OS. It's no wonder that everybody is examining tips on how to create Android applications.

Android apps are programmed with Java. You will need to know this language or work with a programmer who does. The next thing is to download and install the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) from Google. The SDK consists of libraries, classes, code examples plus an interface to test out your Android program. You should also download the Google APIs Add-On extension, which incorporates libraries specific to Google's numerous web services.

You would generally design the interface in Illustrator and save in vector format. On the other hand, you'll find it best to find a skilled designer to develop the UI. The libraries in the SDK also contain some standard vector artwork which can be used when building an Android app. Should your app creates info which needs to be stored and referenced later like a weight management tracker in which you enter your weight and show your trends using a graph or chart over time you need to store the data with an SQLite database. You will furthermore need to create the necessary code to create, write, delete and retrieve data from the database.

Getting the finished application from your computer to your Android smartphone is a tad complex given it must be converted, compiled and deployed. Android works with a system known as Dalvik Virtual Machine. Your Java Class files need to be converted to .dex files by using a tool called DX. After this is accomplished it must be packaged in to an .apk (Android Package) file by using something referred to as the Android Asset Packing Tool. Only if this is successfully done can the application be deployed to an Android handset.

The good thing is you'll find vast libraries of openly available code on the Android developers website and on third party websites which offer lessons on how to get rolling developing your first Android app.

To learn more about Android tablets consider Android Tablet Reviews HQ. After you master coding on Android tablets and phones you might want to broaden your skills and also check out creating applications for Windows 8 tablets and smartphones.

Making Use of Android OS for Business

For the past Five-years the RIM's Blackberry phones were definitely associated with business. No city worker worth a damn that would be without his or her Blackberry. Our current President of the U.S, Barack Obama is a self confessed Blackberry user. But with the growth of Google Android along with the innovation the open operating system provides, it is about time companies look at their addiction with the Blackberry?

Blackberry's foremost feature is the ease which it synchronizes e-mail with the cell phone. Having a data plan you can easily submit and receive e-mail messages as speedily as sending a txt message. The 'Push' feature allows your mobile to auto-magically get your recent email messages as they get delivered to the mail server. If an Android phone can do all this and provide the choice of apps, design and style, functionality and features, don't you think it makes the Blackberry rather redundant? Considering the variety of email programs for the Android you'll be able to pick one which matches your preferences instead of having Blackberry choose how to manage email for you.

Many companies are going to the cloud model where data is kept in datacenters and information is used as it is needed from wherever. At the forefront of this is Google making use of their various solutions ranging from contacts to word processing. Lots of big companies are in fact making use of Google's email service, thereby replacing their Windows Exchange servers. An Android device comes tightly integrated with many Google apps including documents, contacts, email, maps and more meaning all the info that you have on your computer at the office is accessible with a touch of a button on the Android cellphone. Looking for the contact information of a client? Not an issue, it's just a click away in your Google address book.

Think of just how much a lost or stolen smartphone could cost the business. All your contacts, all of your messages and all your stored files could be irreplaceable. Nonetheless, with the Android's synchronization ability with your Google accounts, absolutely no emails need be lost. Your contacts are stored in the cloud along with your Google Docs. The price of losing or damaging the cell phone is limited to the price of the unit itself.

The present day smartphone needs to let the businessperson to perform all functions they'd normally need to have a desktop computer for. If they're going to a client meeting and want to make some final changes to the demo they would generally need to carry a heavy laptop. The Android phone can remove this prerequisite allowing the user to create, modify and view common office docs on the Android and make corrections where needed. The built in WiFi and Bluetooth capability makes it simple to pass any data files to a PC or another device at the touch of the button.

The Android is the perfect business smartphone capable of replacing single purpose devices like mp3 players, PDAs and GPSs.

To read more about Android Tablets and Smartphones take a look at Android Tablet Reviews HQ. Be certain to read the various reviews available to make sure you are purchasing the best device for your situation.  With Windows 8 just around the corner you may also want to checkout a Windows 8 Tablet review.  These devices are offering some cool features for business.

Just What Is The Android OS?

The Android operating system is similar to the Windows OS you use on your personal computer. But, it is mainly designed to work on small, low power units like smartphones and tablets. It's created to run as efficiently as possible while using as little power as is practical. Android Inc. received worldwide attention when in Aug 2005 Google bought the business after which it promptly announced that they're going to be making the operating system Open Source in order that anyone can use it without paying for it or pay out any royalties.

The Android OS is in fact founded on a customized variant of the Linux Kernel, Linux of course already a proven open source alternative to Windows and OSX. At the most rudimentary level, an operating-system supplies the layer between the hardware and the software designed to run upon it. In the case of Android it must be able to pass instructions to the cpu, microphone, camera, GPS, antenna, touchscreen display as well as keypad and so forth. Various applications can then be designed to run on Android Operating System to make these devices useful.

The Android os is a sophisticated software program and delivers a big punch in a small package. It utilizes a compact relational database called SQLite to save and access data for the numerous apps that you install. It also has built-in play back capability for many different media types which includes PNG, GIF, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI, WAV and JPEG. In terms of connectivity it will handle all the latest technologies out of the box like GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS types of messaging which makes it the ideal platform for software coders to create innovative new software.

Currently, Android has overtaken virtually every other smartphone os around, which includes Apple's iOS which powers the iPhones and Blackberry's own operating system. By the end of 2010, 33 million smartphones were purchased which came with a version of the Android operating system and research analyst NPD Group now predicts that 1 / 2 of all smartphone purchases are for an Android smartphone.

The driving factor supporting this rapid uptake is the open source aspect of the OS. As a result any smartphone, tablet or portable device designer on the planet can get the source files, alter and customize it for their exact needs and distribute it on devices developed by them. The royalty free aspect of Android has inspired most of the biggest names in the smartphone business like HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to develop highly desirable devices using the Android operating system.

One more reason for the huge demand of Android smartphones is that towards the end of 2010 there were more than 200,000 applications for download which included games to tools, image editing to location services. Unlike Apple's iTunes store, a lot of Android apps are free or have free versions, which motivates individuals to use Android phones.

Learn more about Android tablets, phones and mobile equipment at Android Tablet Reviews HQ. Before deciding on a device be sure to read the many Android tablet reviews available. This will ensure that you choose a device that is ideal for your intended purpose.

Eight Things An Android Phone Is Able To Do That An iPhone Cannot!

The controversy amongst Android and iPhone is as worn and boring as the eternal debate between Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX. However, as hardcore Android supporters we thought we'd create a comprehensive list on 9 items that an Android phone is capable of that an iPhone just can't.

1. Openness: The Android operating-system is open source and backed by Google. This offers application developers and smartphone providers complete freedom to modify and customize the source as they wish. This allows them to create cutting edge, innovative new apps. There is no limit to what a designer or smartphone producer is able to do with Android.
2. Tight Integration With Google Apps: While we are unable to refute that Google's scatter gun technique of building web apps and services leaves all of us bewildered, there are some invaluable tools at our disposal like Transliteration, Google Books, Google Scribe, Walky Talky and the ever nerdy Sky Map. One application which may almost certainly never reach the iPhone is the Google Maps Navigation. These apps are free of charge and perform flawlessly on any type of Android smartphone.
3. Personalized For You By You: With the iPhone you can have any display setup you choose as long as it's organized in a four column grid. Does not sound truly user friendly. Android will let you pimp out ones experience with widgets and organize the dashboard as you would like. Widgets may include a group of applications and expand when selected.
4. Battery Saving: Android has some of the finest power conservation functions in the smartphone industry built directly in to the operating system. You do not have to acquire extra applications, the unit optimizes the battery life in the background. 
5. Connectivity: In contrast to the iPhone you're not tethered to your iTunes account and may connect and play on any personal computer. This openness and portability makes the Android smartphone or tablet the final word in convenience.
6. Kill Switch: In the click of a button, Google can distribute a signal to all the Android phones and tablets in order to kill and remove any rogue apps. This helps keep your smartphone secure continually and you'll rest assured knowing that Google has your back.
7. Adobe Flash Player: Apple Inc. is anti-Flash, we know that. Nevertheless, how about the millions of men and women who have to be inconvenienced as a result of Apple Inc's whims? Android doesn't put any constraints around the sort of media you can and can't view.
8. Security: Android is an open source platform. This implies that there are tens of thousands of programmers critiquing the code constantly. Whenever you use the effectiveness of the crowd like this, security bugs are unearthed and repaired swiftly. What's more, Android can patch itself automatically and not need to be wired to iTunes.

These are merely Eight things which we believe an Android phone can perform that an iPhone cannot. How many other ways are you aware of that helps to make the Android smartphone or tablet better?

Prior to purchasing an iPhone or Android gadget look into the numerous Android tablet reviews to make sure you are getting the appropriate unit for your needs. Android tablets and smartphones are rising in popularity and the capabilities built into the operating system continues to advance at a furious pace.

Android Phone Customizations You Can't Live Without

The wonderful selling point of the Android tablet and phone is its nearly unlimited customization options in comparison to the likes of the iPhone, iPad and Blackberries. Should there be anything that you don't like about an application, a characteristic or function then be assured that you will find a variety of alternatives accessible to you.

Starting with the standard customization options the initial thing you may want to do is change the normal wallpaper to something that resonates better with your personality. To change the wallpaper you have to touch the 'menu' button and then select 'Wallpaper' from your list of options. You may then pick any image on your smartphone and choose it as the wallpaper. You can also touch and drag to focus on a distinct part of a graphic for the wallpaper. Do not forget using the connectivity options you can even send a photo from your computer to your smartphone. If you still cannot find the right wallpaper there is a free application out there called Backgrounds will supply you with access to a huge number of wallpaper images.

The next basic customization option is to modify your ringtone to something a tad more eccentric as opposed to the standard ringtone. To alter the ringtone hit the 'menu' button, go to 'Settings' and then navigate to the 'Sound and display' option. If you have not already done so, you can actually transfer an MP3 to your phone and set it as your ringtone. To accomplish this you need to create a folder on your memory card named 'ringtones'. Copy the tune you would like to use and Android does the rest. If you want even more control of the ringtone you can download a free app called RingDroid. This application will enable you to modify an MP3 and save just the awesome chorus as your ringtone.

If the Android phone comes with a color LED you have probably observed that it flashes when you have a missed call or message. You can control the color of the LED to show a particular color for specific events. For instance you can set it to flash red if you missed a call from your manager and blue if you missed a call from your friend. To personalize the LED color, download a free app named Missed Call.

After the basic customization is finished, you can begin digging a little bit deeper and personalize your Android phone to your specific requirements. One gripe some individuals have is that the default messaging program. It is a bit cumbersome and clunky. Nevertheless, several developers have created alternative messaging applications which are more user-friendly and possess more features. Handcent has established itself as the number 1 alternative to the default messaging app. Those who use it, swear they would never go back.

Yet another bit of customization you may want to check out is changing the default virtual keyboard. While it's fairly functional it's missing some finesse, which is where the BetterKeyboard app enters in. You can include and remove custom buttons, change the look and utilize a number pad if you would like. For anyone who is sending loads of emails or texts then BetterKeyboard is a highly recommended customization for your Android phone.

Last but not least you may customize the home screen to display the info you truly want. The LauncherPro application does a fantastic job of this letting you to have up to seven screens. This is very useful should you use your phone to manage business and personal work.

Want to uncover more about Android phones and tablets? The latest Android tablet reviews can be found on the net. Check out Android Tablet Reviews HQ and make sure you are buying the system that is right for you.