New Headache: Hackers Targeting Android Browser

This is a guest post by Jaskirat S Talwar.

According to statistics, cybercriminals and hackers are now targeting the Android browser. Many Android phones are now malware-infected through the browsers. This tactic is working and so if you are an Android phone user, you have to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Hackers implant hidden downloads in the web pages that are optimized for mobile internet users. Reports claim that there are now over 4,500 malware species infecting Android phones, Java ME, and Symbian.

A great disadvantage in using Android phones is that the security etiquette adopted by laptops and desktop computers is not yet available to mobile gadgets. Most Android users are unaware that there are infected sites that can cause potential harm to their mobile phone. Fake files make use of unsuspected names and the vulnerable Android user downloads it thinking that the file is a system or software update.

Hackers these days are very specific in choosing their targets, and are also more precise. If you want to protect your phone from hackers, here are some things you can do:

• Update your Android browser automatically: This is to ensure that you’re using the latest browser version. You need to be sure that it is set in auto-updating because in some browsers it is disabled.
• Disable cookies tracking: At some point, cookies can be useful. However, there are individuals who don’t like cookies that follow you anywhere you go. A good option is to block the so called third-party cookies. The procedure in blocking these cookies may differ depending on the browser that you’re using.
• Sync bookmarks: You can say goodbye to manual wrangling of bookmarks. Premium services are now available to sync bookmarks to the Android browser. However, you may have to pay around $12 per year for such services. Despite the cost that you will incur, there are also benefits to enjoy.
• Use reliable mobile security for your Android. It is better to pay for premium services because you can take advantage of better features like secured internet browsing, remote locking function, back up of important files, and many others.
• To keep all data in your phone, you have to make a password today.
• Get only the official apps for Android – Be selective with what you download and get it from the official Android Market

It is truly a headache for Android phone users once their device is infected with malware. Now that you know the latest news about hackers targeting the browser of Android phones, it is your responsibility to browse the web securely. Follow the suggestions above and you can protect your device from the many malware species found on infected websites.

Safety is an important factor whenever you surf the web. You can combat these hackers and cybercriminals but you should be equipped with the right knowledge and tools. Frequent updates on your browser are the best way to keep hackers at bay, and this is true whether you own the Google Android or the Apple iOS.

Because of the popularity of Android phones, it has become one of the primary targets of hackers and cybercriminals.

About the author:

Jaskirat S Talwar is the owner of Imping Solution. Impinge Solutions is a WEB DESIGN COMPANY which offers full-cycle services in areas of custom web design, web development, MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT, SEO, hosting & support in all over the Globe.

5 Amazing Android Apps For Programming

This is a guest post by Ashlee McCullen.

For years, programming was an activity I didn’t perform much of anywhere other than on my trusted laptop. However, that laptop isn’t always with me, and sometimes I just don’t want to wait for it to boot up when I need to make a simple edit or adjustment. Fortunately, I’ve found a group of fantastic apps that I’ve been using to program on my T-Mobile Samsung phones and my trusted tablet. Here are some of my favorite mobile apps for code monkeys:

• DeuterIDE: This amazing editor offers support for a mind-boggling long list of languages, from HTML to Fortran. Even so, it’s a zippy, lightweight app that’s ideal for tablets. Features include syntax highlighting and support for cloud storage service Dropbox. ($4.99)
  
  
  
• DroidEdit Pro: DroidEdit includes both free and pro versions. Both support the most common languages and offer syntax highlighting plus useful keyboard shortcuts. The Pro version also has support for Dropbox, SFTP, and some customizations. ($1.69)
  
  
  
• AIDE – Android Java IDE: The beauty of this app is that you can make and test Android apps right on your Android device. You’ll find support for the full programming process with this amazing Java app: coding, compiling, and running. Plus, bonuses like error correction help you save time. (Free)
  
  
  
• C4Droid (C/C++ Compiler): If you program in either C++ or C, this handy app provides robust tools for compiling, right on your phone. ($1.50)
  
  
  
• C++ Programming Reference Free: Finally, I’ll recommend one more C++ app. C++ Programming offers both a searchable reference of common C++ syntax and lessons in the powerful language. If you’re programming on a desktop, it’s handy to keep this app open as a second screen for reference. (Free)
  
  
  

These are just a few of my favorite apps, but I know there are many I’ve left out. What are your favorites?

About the author:

Ashlee McCullen is a staff writer for ApronAddicts.com, a website about kitchen fashion and home style. She also writes about mobile technology and self-improvement.

Android Apps For Efficiency And Productivity

This is a guest post by Randy Phillips.

Since I bought my first Samsung Android smartphone, I became obsessed with getting the most out of it. As I was reaching its limits, I turned to HTC, who provided me with the much awaited power boost. Since those days, I focused on Android apps for efficiency and productivity, always trying to reach the maximum potential of my device.

In this short article, I will go over my top 3 choices for Android productivity applications. Without any further ado, let us get started.

Root Explorer

Root Explorer is one of the best Android applications to boost your productivity. The application includes tons of features useful to keep your device on the edge of performance. With the included SQLite database viewer, text editor, archive extractors and tons of other facilities, Root Explorer is one of the best Android apps for productivity.

The application allows you to run scripts, send files, it gives you the “Open With” facility and the list keeps on going. The best of it all is the fact that the firm making it, still uses the 24-hour refund policy, meaning that you get a full refund if after 24 hours you are not satisfied with the app. So what else are you waiting for, get control over your Android smartphone.

Advanced Task Killer Pro

The other big element people tend to forget about Android smartphones is that they might end up running a lot of applications in the background, they do not actually use. Advanced Task Killer Pro is a great application, which really allows you to take control of those pesky applications.

With features like auto-kill, ignore list and so forth, Advanced Task Killer Pro takes care of any services running in the background, chewing on your performance. However, my only recommendation in this regard, would be not to go overboard with the app termination. This might cause you to find yourself disconnected from the web or find yourself dropping calls. Also, the Auto Kill feature is nice, but I would recommend setting it to “Safe”. Experiment around with it and see how much more power lies within your Android!

Memory Booster

My following recommendation for your list of Android productivity applications is Memory Booster. This little app will really start putting your smartphone to good use. 

Some of the best features are the Android system crash protection and the ability to set your own target for performance. The application works hard on controlling the memory usage from other applications and defragments your memory to gain that extra little edge. This little Android productivity application also helps you check reports and monitor the memory status of your device.

About the author:

Randy Phillips is a true smartphone fan. He spends his time testing and playing around with Samsung cell phone accessories and HTC cell phone accessories for his first two devices. When not changing components he seeks ways to boost the performance of everything he owns.

Apps For Securing Your Smartphone From Hackers And Thieves

This is a guest post by Katheryn Rivas.

Your phone houses some of the most sensitive data in your life. Phone numbers, private notes, emails, internet history, financial information, personal photos—virtually everything you do can be captured and catalogued on your phone. That’s why it’s of utmost importance that you secure your phone against any potential threat, be it damaging malware, unsecure web pages, or the physical theft of your phone. Your smartphone is a part of your identity, so securing it should be a no-brainer.

If you don’t have any extra security on your smartphone, now is the time to try out some of the options available. Here are some of the best security apps and services out there for Android and iOS:

Lookout Mobile Security

Lookout Mobile Security is a free app available for both Android and iOS platforms, offering a wealth of security features for your smartphone. The app stays vigilant as long as your smartphone is on, meaning that it monitors all sorts of online activity to make sure that its safe and secure. The monitoring capabilities include checking for secure Wi-Fi connections, warning you about potentially hazardous websites and apps, and protecting any financial transaction that might occur. Lookout Mobile Security also backs up data from your smartphone so you can retrieve sensitive data in the event that your phone is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

F-Secure Mobile Security

F-Secure Mobile Security is an app available for Android and Symbian powered smartphones that covers all the bases. It has state of the art tracking software so you can track not only your own phone, but other phones on your account (like your child’s phone, for example) with the simple touch of a button. The app also monitors web activity for potentially dangerous sites, and has customizable options for you to change at your leisure should you want to block certain sites or apps from ever appearing on your phone. F-Secure also secures your sensitive data in the event that your phone falls in the wrong hands.

Find My iPhone

This service is strictly for products that operate off iOS, but it’s definitely one worth having for the security features alone. Find My iPhone is among the best tracking apps that you can get for an iPhone. You simply need to download the app (which is free), and let it sit in your iPhone. Hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but if your iPhone is lost or stolen, you’ll be able to track it remotely using the phone’s GPS capabilities. Through the app’s website, you should be able to track your phone down to the very street and unique address to where it’s being held. You can even send a text message to your phone if you want to communicate with your phone’s captor! How’s that for impressive?

Cerberus for Android

Cerberus is Android’s version of Find My iPhone, complete with impressive tracking technology that’ll locate your lost smartphone within moments. For only a small user fee (around 3 dollars) you’ll have a lifetime of security against any potential theft or losses. You can track the exact location of your missing phone and send a text message to it just as well as you can with the previously mentioned app. It’s a necessary app for any Android user.

About the author:

This guest post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who writes on the topics of online universities advice. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katherynrivas87[at]gmail[dot]com.

Android Smartphones To Take On The iPhone 4S

This is a guest post by Rob Clymo.

When it comes to smartphones, then there’s no doubt that the Apple iPhone 4Sis one of the major hits, but it’s a costly piece of kit and not everybody shares thesame level of enthusiasm for the iOS as some people do. So, if you’re looking foran alternative then many of the smartphones running Android make a good bettoo, and there are models to suit all kinds of budget.

Top of the pile

One of the current best buys in terms of an enviable specification has to be theSamsung Galaxy Nexus, which is one of the bug guns in the world of Androidsmartphones. It’s got some really impressive technical features and, of course,coming from the Samsung stable means that the design and built quality isright up there with the best of them too. It’s one of the pricier alternatives to aniPhone, but the specification justifies that.

Motorola too are also able to produce a very decent handset from time to timeand the new Defy + is no exception. This has a price tag that’s also much moreaffordable than the Nexus while at the same time there’s plenty to catch theeye, both on the outside and the inside of this mobile device. Indeed, Motorolahas tweaked the Android interface to give it a rather different look and feel toproceedings.

Another option

Samsung comes to the fore again when you’re looing at other high-end handsets,and the Galaxy SII is no exception. This is a smartphone that comes overflowingwith technology and super-cool looks. It’s no wonder that this phone has gone onto become a best seller because it has a fantastic design that is not only practicalbut durable too. Again, it’s not cheap to buy, but the additional features matchthe extra cost.

Sony is also busy improving its profile when it comes to smartphone productionand the latest Xperia Arc is another Android phone to watch. This is everythingyou’d expect from Sony in terms of top quality build and design, while the XperiaX10 is also a fabulous handset that makes a really good multimedia powerhouse,complete with HD functionality for movies on the move.

Looking elsewhere

No look at the latest Android smartphones to rival the Apple iPhone 4S canignore the range of handsets produced by HTC either, because they are currentlyone of the most prolific producers of smartphones you can find. In fact, such isthe quality of their current range that you can pick any one of them and expect toget the best from Android via a handset that delivers the goods. Granted, you’llneed to pay top dollar for the more premium models in their range, but that’sstill going to look competitive alongside the top-heavy cost of the iPhone. What’smore, you get the added benefit of Android and the HTC Sense user interface too.

About the author:

This post was contributed by Rob Clymo. If you are still convinced by the iPhone 4S, Visit his site Smartphone Genie for the latest deals.

8 Awesome Ways To Play With Instagram

This is a guest post by August Drilling.

The world’s most popular photo-sharing app, currently an iOS exclusive, Instagram gives users the ability to take snapshots and customize them with vintage filters. Launched only one year ago, Instagram already has over ten million users who have shared millions of nostalgic photos.

Many sites now connect to Instagram and further its use into new creative territories. I’ve rounded up a list of eight different new ways to interact with Instagram.

1. Postagram: Postagram lets you create a postcard using a photo from Instagram, your iPhone or Android phone, or your Facebook, and send it to your friends and family. There is also a web app as well if you don’t have a smartphone. The postcard is printed with your customizable message and a glossy, pop-out photo. The cost of the print is only 99 cents. What a great way to send unique postcards!

2. Followgram: Because Instagram is a mobile app exclusively for iOS and Instagram’s dedicated website lacks any real functionality beyond pointing visitors to Apple’s App Store, the creators behind Followgram decided to bring the experience of the app to the Internet.  Each Instagram user gets their own URL where they and others can browse, comment, and like photos. Followgram also lets visitors search for photos by keyword, tag, or user, and view Instragram’s current most popular photos.

3. Instaprint: Instaprint lets you turn your Instagram photos into actual printed pictures. How it works is you can rent an Instaprint box that is set with a specific location or special hashtag of your choosing. As soon as someone takes a photo that is tagged at the location or with the hashtag, it prints from the Instaprint box. This is basically like an updated, digital photo booth that prints inkless photos, similar to Polaroid. Each print features the location, hashtag, and title that you’ve chosen, and is automatically uploaded to the Instaprint website for later browsing. 

4. Teeny Tile: Have you ever wanted to turn your photos into ceramic tiles? Maybe not, but now you can with Teeny Tile! Take any Instagram photo, or other snapshots from Facebook or your cell phone, and turn it into 2” x 2” x .25” tile. Tiles can be used in actual tilework around your house, if you feel so inclined, or they come with an adhesive magnet to turn the tiles into refrigerator magnets. Each tile is just $3.99.

5. Instawar: Let your Instagram photos do battle! Instawar pits two random photos together and makes you choose the better photo. If two photos complement each other, you can click “make a pair” to create a side-by-side image to reshare throughout the web. If your photo becomes paired with another, you are notified by email with a link to the new image.

6. Casetagram: If you love using Instagram on your iPhone, then a custom iPhone case from Casetagram is right up your alley. Using the site, you can design a case for an iPhone 4 or new 4S that features your favorite Instagram photos. Choose from four layouts, and either color or grayscale printing, to create your highly personalized iPhone case. Any case is $34.95 with free worldwide shipping.

7. StickyGram: StickyGram, which is similar to Teeny Tile, lets you turn your Instagram photos into magnets. Each magnet is about 2 inches by 2 inches square. Simply connect your Instagram account to StickyGram, select nine of your photos, and for $14.99 you’ll receive a printed sheet of high-quality, printed magnets for your fridge.

8. Teleportd: Teleportd is a new iPhone app that lets you navigate a digital map of the world and see real-time photo uploads tagged to specific locations. If something important is happening or there is a breaking news event, you can search its location and see Instagram, Twitter, Foursquare, and PicPlz users’ firsthand photos. The idea behind teleportd is to give everyone the opportunity to experience the world through everyday Instagram photographs.

About the author:

Article written by August Drilling works in the marketing department at CliqStudios, the online supplier of oak cabinets, and is an Apple fan, social media enthusiast, and blogger.