Google

Project Zero: Google’s Hero

July 25, 2014 — Leave a comment

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The Project Zero is an ambitious attempt to introduce the zero tolerance when it comes to security bugs. There will be a special team working around the clock. Something like navy seals behind the computers. They will deliver security bug fixes on a daily or even hourly basis. Then, your vendors will be responsible for timely security updates and patches.

We do apologize for our tones filled with a bitter tone or irony. However, we just cannot help ourselves noticing how this is a convenient way to switch your responsibility and blame someone else. In this case the poor old vendors themselves. So, what can we conclude from this brave new plan introduced by our thoughtful Google?

The next time you face a security threat, you will know who to blame. There has to be a solution for your trouble. Nevertheless, your vendor was lazy to either inform you or deliver the invaluable solution. Google’s busy little bees have done their homework. It is not their responsibility that vendors cannot catch up with them.

So, what is next? Google will create the black list of uncooperative vendors? We will storm the vendors, rather than to deal with the hackers themselves? Why is Google determined to present itself as the protector of the cyber – galaxy? Maybe, because the absolute majority of all attacks comes through the browsers. Who runs the biggest and the most popular search engine in the world?

KitKat Security Smart

July 5, 2014 — Leave a comment

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According to the most recent findings of IBM security experts, it seems that KitKat and other newer Android versions have a serious security flaw. The main focus of their report was the KeyStore segment of the Android OS. The things could not get worse in this matter for Android, could they? How are we to interpret these findings?

Well, this is definitely a bad news for all Android users. KeyStore is the most important and sensitive component for the proper security functioning of any system. It would be very interesting to see how Google will react about this one. We are also not sure whether or not the IBM can claim the bug bounty, in the first place?

For what is worth, being the number one platform for mobile devices in the world, certainly draws a lot of attention both positive and negative one. Living under the spotlights is definitely not an easy thing. However, Google has probably gotten used to it by now. What about the signature of these findings?

Well, we sure hope that Microsoft or Apple signatures are completely eliminated in these cases. Who is who’s best friend in this story is a question worth million dollars. It comes without saying that Android has been extremely successful. We sure hope that they will be dedicated enough to security issues solving, as well.

Android Wear Time To Swear

June 23, 2014 — Leave a comment

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The more we know about it, the more we want to own it. Google OS for smarwatch or better known as Android Wear. This is going to be a heart and soul of any smartwatch, which is going to run on Android. You may play with the design itself, but at the end of the day it is the OS, which is going to say what exactly can you expect.

Let us take a quick peek, shall we? The voice command is something that will immediately grab your attention. You do not have to bother to type like crazy. All you have to do is to address your smartwatch with a gentle voice. In addition, you can rest assured that your commands will be executed smooth and easy.

You can even answer your messages with no need to type not even a single letter. Again, the voice command comes to rescue. For what is worth, these voice commands are still in the test phase. Therefore, you should hold your horses when it comes to your expectations. You cannot have a Star Trek feeling, but you will definitely enjoy it, for sure.

Is Google exaggerating a little bit with its Android Wear? Well, it depends from your point of view. If you have already paid $500 for a smartphone, then it has to be a good reason for you to pay extra $200 or $300 for basically the same thing in a smaller format. Right? If you buy yourself a smartphone with a smaller screen, then it is not likely that you will acquire a smartwatch. Are we right again?

TINSTAFL Version for Smartphones

May 12, 2014 — Leave a comment

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Do you know what does TINSTAFL stand for? There Is No Such Thing As Free Lunch. Although, this may seem a little bit heartless, we are talking about one of the leading principles in capitalism. Now, let us apply this one to the fascinating world of smartphones. Who should we call to demonstrate this principle in real business life?

How about Google? It seems that some dirty laundry has surfaced during the second legal clash between Apple and Samsung. Google’s Mobile Apps Distribution Agreement is really something. If you want to make smartphones based on Android, then there are so many things you have to accept unconditionally. Let us start.

When it comes to this, Google Search Engine and Google Play are the absolute must. Do we have to mention that Gmail and Google Maps are almost impossible to avoid. As you can see, Android platform comes with a certain additional “price”. Who is to pay for it eventually is a completely different question. In most of the cases the users themselves.

It comes almost without saying that Google can stand aside in this legal conflict between Apple and Samsung. Having in mind that Samsung is its biggest customer and Apple the most formidable adversary the things just could not be clearer for Google in this matter. Let us wait and see, if this unprecedented legal conflict is to include more than just two parties as originally planned.

Google Contact Lens Camera

April 24, 2014 — Leave a comment

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There are some guys in Google’s development team, who literally adore SF and anything related to it. There is on other way to explain the “sudden” explosion of quite unusual products, which keep pumping out of the Google’s kitchen. We have not quite yet familiarized ourselves with the idea of Google Glass and there is something else equally intriguing – Google Contact Lens with no more no less than a camera (?!).

The funny thing about it is that you will be able to control the camera within lenses by blinking. On the other side, Google is extremely serious about this one. For this case, Google has already patented the concept about contact lenses with a camera. How it will work practically is a completely different issue. What is this, just one version of Google Glasses or a completely genuine product?

The longer you think about it, the less you will be able to imagine a situation where something complex as a camera can be successfully integrated into tiny lenses. Let us not forget to mention some of the extremely controversial ethical issues, which can be associated with this potential product. We have already seen some highly controversial videos made by Google Glasses. Can you imagine what can happen with the “invisible” Google Lenses?

We sure hope that these smart contact lenses will make this world to be a better place for all of us. The last thing we need is to experience first-hand how some of the most pessimistic SF movies have found a fruitful ground among these products. Who knows, maybe the next post on this blog you will read by using your Google Glasses or Contact Lenses.