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     You didn't really think that just because I/O was this week that there'd be nothing but good news on the Android front did you?!?  A new SMS worm called Selfmite was discovered by security researchers, which has the ability to disseminate itself via SMS message.  Once a user installs the infected APK onto their phone, the worm is able to access the device's contacts and send an SMS to 20 numbers that are stored therein.  You will know you have been targeted when you receive a text message that states, "Dear [NAME], Look the Self-time", followed by a tiny url that links to a file titled TheSelfTimerV1.apk.  That APK contains the worm, and once installed, it will prompt the user to install a version of the Mobogenie app.  Mobogenie is actually a legitimate application that is available through the Play store, and researchers at this point believe the whole point of this worm is to use it to increase the number of Mobogenie installations.  The URL that was hosting TheSelfTimerV1.apk has been shut down by Google, but there is nothing preventing this from popping up again with a different URL.  Since the text message will come from a (presumably) known contact rather than an unknown number, some users may be more inclined to navigate to the link where the initial infected file is hosted.  So if anyone out there still allows unknown source installations on their phones at all times (and if you do, really??) make sure you turn that off.  Because there's enough crap out there without us spreading it.  Seriously.  Read all about this worm HERE. [/size][/font][/color]
 
Source: Computer World, thanks to cmh714 for the tip!
 

Some of us are curious how many people have unlocked since it was found that the KitKat build allows unlock again.

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     Google's 2014 I/O developer conference kicked off today in San Francisco, and as was widely expected, several big announcements were made during the keynote presentation with regard to the future of Android.  Here are of few of the things that were announced:

 

- Android 5.0, going by the name of "L", was previewed.  The upcoming version of the OS will feature support for 64 bit computing, a new design which allows developers to incorporate the illusion of depth into their apps, and enhanced notifications that will allow the user to interact with a notification from within another app.  Additionally, Android 5.0 will allow users to set the security level of their phone based on certain parameters such as location or Bluetooth connection.  In other words, you would be able to have a lock screen that is ordinarily secured with a PIN, but have that PIN disabled when your phone is at a secure location (such as your house) or when it is connected to a trusted Bluetooth device.  The PIN lock would be re-enabled if one of the user defined parameters that disables the lock screen is not met.

 

- New details of the Android Wear platform were released.  The LG G watch was put on display, and used to show off an always on display that displays notifications, as well as the ability to set reminders that are automatically synced to your Android phone.  The G watch can be controlled by voice, and voice commands can be used to conduct a Google search as well as launch and interact with apps.  The SDK for Android Wear will be made available to developers today, and both the LG G watch and the Samsung Gear Live will go on sale today.  The Moto 360 smartwatch will be made available "later this summer"

 

- Android Auto was presented.  The platform will cast a simplified interface from your Android phone to the screen in your car, and will provide context based information such as time and traffic conditions to your destination.  As with Android Wear, Android Auto will be voice controlled.  The SDK will be released to developers "soon", and so far Google has gotten 40 auto manufacturers on board in support of the platform.

 

- Android TV got some time and attention as well.  The platform will be displayed via a simplified UI that displays shows, apps, and games.  As with the other platforms, Android TV will be voice controlled, with the additional ability to control certain TV functions with your Android phone, tablet, or Android Wear device.  Android TV will bring Google Play Games to the big screen, with support for multiplayer games that can be played with various devices such as a traditional controller, phone, or tablet.  A few television manufacturers, Sony and Sharp being the biggest, have pledged to have Android TV built in to upcoming sets, while Razer and Asus have stated they will manufacture set top boxes.

 

- An Android for Work program was announced.  Google is making a push to get deeper into the enterprise market, and this initiative will allow users to segregate work data and apps that need to be kept to a certain security standard from their everyday user apps and data.  Android for Work will be compatible with devices running Android 4.0 and above.

 

     There was much more announced and detailed than what I've described above, particularly with respect to Chromebooks and Chromecast devices. Undoubtedly there will be more to report on as I/O continues into tomorrow, but if you want to catch up on what was presented today, THIS would be a good place to start. 

 

Source: Wired.com

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Another sale has started on the Motorola store. This time they are bringing cases for 50% off and screen protectors for 25% off. This sale is for Droid line and Moto X devices. According to the email, the sale will last through July 17th.

Sent by a Motorola Fanboy

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     Security guru Jcase and friends at theroot.ninja have released a utility that will S-off and bootloader unlock the HTC One (M8), HTC One Mini 2, HTC One Remix, and possibly other newer HTC phones.  The only two requirements for the utility to work are a Sense-based ROM and root access, which is attainable with several exploits.  And in a move that is sure to earn the team the ire of many on the interwebs, they have decided to release the utility as paid, licensed software at the price of $25 per device license.  You can grab the utility, and read an explanation of why they made the decision to charge for the utility, HERE.  

     Now, please indulge me while I editorialize a bit.  Rather than regurgitate the explanations that are linked to above, I'll just add this: a move like this has been a long time in the making, and will likely become more common in the future.  And like it or not, it's a good thing.  It will allow the security experts to devote the time and obtain the resources they need to keep finding and producing the utilities that implement the exploits that allow us to have things like root access and bootloader unlocks.  As we have all been hearing for quite a while now, Android is only getting more secure, and these exploits are getting increasingly difficult to find.  And let's face it, the interwebs are great at promising huge bounties to find the vulnerabilities that allow us to do all of this cool stuff with our devices, but the reality is these guys are lucky to get 25% of any given pledged bounty.  $25 may seem a bit steep to some, but when you compare that to the price of most unlocked, developer edition phones, it's not even close.  All of us who benefit from the work these guys do, in their own time I might add, should in no way begrudge them for wanting to be compensated for that work.  If they choose to offer up a product for free, great, but if not, that is their decision, and it should be respected.    

 

Source: theroot.ninja, thanks to livinginkaos for the tip!

If you have opted in on Motorola news and promotion emails then you may have seen this. If not, then let me enlighten you on their latest deal. Right now, Motorola has a promotion that will give you 10% off select accessories using promotion code JUSTBECAUSE10. Again, this is on select accessories and if you look at the screen shot, it does state items that are not eligible. If you are looking for something to go along with your favorite device, check these deals out.

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Sent from my Droid Xyboard 8.2

With the news of 4.4.4 being release, we finally heard from Motorola about our Droids getting 4.4.3. You'll remember a while back that we were told we would be skipping 4.4.2 and going straight to 4.4.3. Now this may not be the case.

David Schuster has just posted on Google+ a update on what's going on now. It seems that our updates have been pulled from the carrier labs to fix a vulnerability which was found in 4.4.3. That being the case, its back to the drawing board to get this fixed and pushed back to the carriers. He doesn't actually say that we will skip 4.4.3 and now go to 4.4.4 and honestly who knows at this point what build we will get.

I know there are a lot of pissed off people over this and honestly, I'm NOT one of them. At least we are being given updates by Motorola on the future of our updates and not being left in the dark.

Source: https://plus.google....sts/Dfpjj3F2K6T

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Sent from my Droid MAXX

     Security guru Geohot has released a root exploit which is said to work on any Android device with a kernel build date prior to June 3, 2014.  You read that right, any Android device, including those running 4.4.2 (even one or two that are running 4.4.3).  So far it's confirmed to be working on multiple carrier variants of the S4 and S5, as well as the Note 3, and the Razr HD and M.  And as a special added bonus for Razr HD/M users, this root exploit will open the door to being able to unlock your devices' bootloaders with djrbliss' previously released tool.  Both exploits are accomplished by installing a specific apk file, so no computer needed.  Oh, and if you want to take advantage of this, you may want to get on it, as this exploit will definitely be patched in the next set of updates.  Info for the root exploit is HERE, info for the HD/M unlock can be found right HERE.  Standard caveats apply.