Google Details How It Keeps The Play Store, Android Apps Clean Of Malware

Google revealed how it verifies apps before they are published in the Play Store to ensure that Android devices operate smoothly and securely. The process, which includes the Verify apps solution and the so-called DOI rating mechanism, is said to have flagged around 25,000 malwares. (Photo : Android)

Last Jan. 17, Google declared that silence speaks louder than words with the way it has been working to ensure that Android devices remain secure, but the company violated that mantra in the very same announcement by detailing how it endeavors to guarantee that Google Play Store and the apps sold therein are free of any form of malware.

You cannot really fault Google for patting itself on the back for its vigilance especially when you learn that the company was able to detect 25,000 malwares that, if allowed, would have thoroughly compromised Android devices and their users' data.

Google Verify Apps Solution

One of the key mechanisms that Google uses to weed out malwares such as Gooligans and Ghost Push Trojan is the Verify apps tool. This checks whether there are malwares or harmful apps installed in an Android handset before and after it is published in the Play Store. You might have encountered it at work if you have been warned about an app or a suggestion that it should be uninstalled.

Addressing Security For Installed Apps

It is worth noting that Android is an open platform, which makes Google's security efforts critical. Some compromised apps could, therefore, escape scrutiny or install outside of the Play Store. Also there are instances when Android devices no longer check with the Verify apps solution. These are what Google calls as Dead or Insecure devices.

In these conditions, the Android Security team conducts a statistical analysis to determine the harm that devices are exposed to and take down apps based on the number of installations and their retention rates.

"Even after you've installed an app, built-in software regularly scans your device to ensure that app is behaving," Google said. "If the app steps out of line, you'll be notified and Google Play can automatically block it, lickety-split."

Google On Transparency

According to Google, the Verify apps mechanism and the DOI scorer, along with other unidentified Android anti-malware initiatives demonstrates a multi-layered approach that allows its security team to keep the Play Store and the Android ecosystem safe and stable.

Google has also indicated that the public would probably get to know more about its continuing security processes in a drive to increase transparency. This goal is sensible if only for the fact that Android users will know that their devices are safe to use straight out of the box and that they can download just about any app in the Play Store, confident that it will not harm their device or compromise personal data

Google Pixel And Pixel XL Update To Fix Volume Bug, Rolling Out Soon

Google Pixel XL and Pixel smartphone owners will be pleased to learn that the company is gearing up to push out a software update, which will address the volume issue plaguing the handsets.

The latest news comes courtesy a company support staff who shared with a user that the update will be made available soon.

Responding to a query pertaining to the volume issue from a user called Dillon, Google's support staff Hank shared that the company had identified the problem and was looking to address the same.

Google Assistant Could Soon Allow Users To Make Payments Through Voice Commands

A string of code found in the latest beta version of the Google App hints that Google Assistant will become even more useful in the future by allowing users to make payments through voice commands.
The integration with Google's wide range of services and the expanding availability of third-party APIs has contributed to making Google Assistant a successful piece of software, and the future addition of a feature to make payments will only add to its appeal.

Google Maps Update: You Can Now Book Uber Rides

Google has announced a New Year gift for users of its Maps app all across the globe. Maps has received a massive upgradation to its ride service mode.
Since its inception Google have always carried on the trend of modifying its Maps app by adding features one after another. By tapping into the Maps app, users can access all kinds of information such as finding a restaurant, locating a particular address, get the walking distance to a destination and more.
Now the latest update to Google Maps will enable riders to book their ride from ride hailing services like Uber, Lyft and more directly from the Maps app.
"Today, we're starting to roll out an updated ride services experience to make it even easier for you to book a ride directly from Google Maps, on both Android and iOS globally," shared Sara McKinley Torti, the Senior Product Manager of Google.

Google Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2 Specs, Features And Release Date Rumors

Google has more in store for Pixel smartphone lovers. Rumors are swirling that Google has the successors of the current-gen Pixel phones i.e., the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 in the works, which may debut in Q4 2017.
Despite analysts suggesting that the probability of HTC coming up with a new set of featured designs for the 2017 Pixel line is very minimal, reports suggest that Google will continue its strategic partnership with HTC for the development of the former's flagship handsets.
The notion of the Pixel XL 2 and the Pixel 2 getting a revamped design is something that fans would look forward to and hopefully, Google will not disappoint.

Google Assistant update adds ability to take screenshots

Google Assistant can now take and share screenshots as of the Google App 6.10 beta. The option was previously available with Google Now on Tap, Assistant’s predecessor, as part of the screen search function but it wasn’t carried over to Assistant.

Like Google Assistant, Google Now on Tap users can press and hold the home button to deliver information regarding what’s currently on screen (albeit with a slightly different interface). They can also share that screen capture, however, meaning they don’t have to resort to the traditional multi-button press method for taking a screenshot.

Nexus 6 Gets Android 7.1.1 Nougat Update As Google Makes Factory Images And OTA Files Available

Google's self-branded pair of flagships, the Pixel and the Pixel XL, have been enjoying the latest Android Nougat update for a month now. The same can be said for Google's older devices, with the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C also getting Google's latest OS.
What about the Nexus 6? The model has been slogging through an older software while its newer

Best Google Products Of 2016: Google Pixel, Pixel ...

Best Google Products Of 2016  Google managed to capitalize on Apple and Samsung's weak performance this year. While Samsung's attempt at smartphone dominance literally blew up on its face and Apple was mediocre at its best this year, Google managed to successfully enter the lucrative hardware market by coming up with a slew of premium hardware products.
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Nexus 6P Battery Problems: Users Report Early Shutdown Issue After Android Nougat Update

After the rollout of the Android 7.0 Nougat update, it appears that several Nexus 6P handsets started experiencing battery issues. The initially sporadic complaints seemed to have snowballed, and users are raising a ruckus at Google's forum and elsewhere.

All seem to indicate the same problem: early device shutdown.
Android 6.0 Nougat Battery Bug

The bug has already been reported since the Nougat update hit the Nexus 6P in the latter part of October. It completely turns the phone off even when there is still a good amount of power remaining. Owners point out that this usually happens whenever the device hits below 15 percent battery level.

"The phone flashes orange to go into battery saving mode and shuts down concurrently," a user complained. "The phone won't turn back on without charging. When on charge and powered back on the battery will show as being at least 15% full."

Interestingly, the problem is also inconsistent. The device could power off even when the battery still has around 20 percent charge or thereabouts. Sometimes the phone could use up its entire power reserve without turning itself off.

Such inconsistency has aggravated the issue further because it made it even more difficult to zoom in on the root cause of the bug.

- See more at: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/189594/20161220/nexus-6p-battery-problems-users-report-early-shutdown-issue-after-android-nougat-update.htm#sthash.wzwcm15D.dpuf

Without any solution in sight, some consumers have tried some workarounds such as the replacement of the battery itself, but the issue still persisted, bolstering Huawei's position that the problem lies with the Nougat update rather than a hardware problem. The company could only wring its hands and offer to downgrade the OS back to Android 6.0 Marshmallow after Nexus 6P owners start complaining via its hotlines.

While Google may think that a premature device shutdown deserves to be lumped in the low priority category, the same cannot be said for owners who are using the Nexus 6P as their daily driver. That is even worse for the hardcore users.- See more at: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/189594/20161220/nexus-6p-battery-problems-users-report-early-shutdown-issue-after-android-nougat-update.htm#sthash.wzwcm15D.dpuf