Author: Meenakshi Rawat

Spy Agencies Hack Mass SIM Cards to Monitor Mobile Communication

As per a recent revelation, American and British spy agencies have hacked the internal computer system of the world’s largest SIM manufacturer, causing a threat to the privacy of global communications. The spies have nabbed the encryption keys that protect the privacy of mobile communications.

Intercept, the source, has gained information from whistleblower Edward Snowden who was a former system administrator at the National Security Agency (NSA) of USA. He confirmed that the American Agency and British Government’s Communications Headquarter (GCHQ) have jointly managed to breach the privacy. They now have the ability to access and monitor both voice calls and data usage.

The report says that Gemalto, a multinational firm in the Netherlands, is the target of the intelligence agencies. Gemalto is the largest producer of chips embedded on smartphones and next-gen credit cards. The company provides services to 85 countries and has more 40 manufacturing facilities. Gemalto’s services are spread all over the world, and its clients are Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and some 450 wireless network providers.

Executive Vice President at Gemalto Paul Beverly expressed concern over the mishap –

I’m disturbed, quite concerned that this has happened. The most important thing for me is to understand exactly how this was done, so we can take every measure to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, and also to make sure that there’s no impact on the telecom operators that we have served in a very trusted manner for many years. What I want to understand is what sort of ramifications it has, or could have, on any of our customers.

SIM card is a component that is prone to such attacks. It is not designed to protect the conversations. Any SIM card works with an encryption key called “Ki.” A Ki is burned on the SIM once it’s made, and a copy of the key is sent to the network provider. The spies just have to steal the Ki, and they can monitor all the activities.

The infringement will have an adverse effect on global communications and security firms that claim to be protecting the rights of the citizen. Gemalto produces around 2 billion SIMs every year and with this report, there’s a big question mark on the solitude of the conversations. This also turns out that other nations too are vulnerable to this encroachment.

The only way to keep you protected is to use secure communications softwares. These software guard mails and many other apps that hold your personal conversions.

February 20, 2015
YouTube’s New Kid-Friendly App is Coming to Android Devices on 23 February

Google’s video-sharing service, YouTube is attempting to expand its user base by including the tech generation kids to its audience. The company announced in a statement that it would launch an app for kids called YouTube Kids app, which will have children specific content to create a safer environment for kids.

The new app will be an entirely separate division of the main YouTube service and will include age-appropriate content (videos, channels and playlists). YouTube Kids will feature a homescreen and will have eight options including kids TV shows and more. Kids can search for videos by typing in the standard search bar and can even browse through their voice.

Richard Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Global Distribution and International Consumer Products at Jim Henson Co. said –

The app is extremely kid-friendly and features a variety of content, including several of our series such as Sid the Science Kid, Pajanimals, and Fraggle Rock.

Google has partnered with many content providers like DreamWorks TV, National Geographic and The Jim Henson Co. to provide content. Earlier this month, it acquired mobile application maker Launchpad Toys Inc., the developer responsible for building Toontastic storytelling tool, to help provide kids with more games and services.

YouTube Kids allow parents to have a control over the content and for how long will your child be watching a particular channel. The free app will be available on Android devices through Play Store from February 23, and meanwhile, it’s limited to just US kids. The company is expected to extend the service to other nations as well. The app would be appreciated by the parents who wanted to keep their kids away from the massive inventory of non-kids friendly content on Youtube.

February 20, 2015
Samsung Z1 Successor Running on Tizen is Reportedly in Works

Clad in a plastic body and embedded with Tizen OS, Samsung Z1 was barely unique and failed to find a space for itself in the brutal smartphone marketplace. However, the Korean electronics giant seems to be standing firmly behind its operating system and is reportedly working on expanding its smartphone portfolio running on the Tizen OS.

As per Tizen Indonesia blog post, Samsung is working on the successor of Z1 that would run on the company’s Tizen OS. Rumour mills suggest that the iteration (temporarily titled Z2) would have a slightly higher display resolution of 540x960p which is a qHD display. The presently available Z1 features a 480×800 WVGA display.

Samsung claims most of the major apps are available on Tizen OS

Tizen OS was criticized for being an Android clone. In spite of the unfavorable reviews for Tizen based Z1, Samsung made a marginal profit by selling 100,000 units in India in just one month and sold 20,000 handsets in less than 30 days in Bangladesh. The reason may be the low-price device and the much hyped new operating system from a major company that led people to give it a try.

There are no more speculations about the Z2, but it will surely stand close in specs with the Z1 which has a 4-inch WVGA display, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 768 MB RAM, 4 GB inbuilt storage, and 1500 mAh battery. Samsung can probably attract more audience if it adds some unique features instead of just emulating Android. The consumers have embraced new operating systems like the MIUI and Cyanogen for their varied appeal. Being Samsung, the company can afford to take a risk here as it desperately needs a popular device in the affordable segment of smartphones which is currently dominated by Indian and other Asian brands.

February 19, 2015
Drone Technology to Help Transform the Agriculture Industry in India

When the consumer drones first came into prominence, no one would have thought how it could lend a helping hand in almost every sector. Today drones are delivering parcels, are likely to reach moon to make way for rovers, and can be put to use for many commercial purposes. In India, these drones are now being put to use to learn about crop diseases and help to gather data to help agriculture in the country.

Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC) of India along with Skymet, weather forecasting company, conducted a brief demo in parts of Gujarat to test how drones can be supportive in the agriculture sector. The test led to the conclusion that drones allow the observation of agronomic indicators for every square meter, something a satellite cannot do.

Skymet CEO Jatin Singh more details about the plan saying:

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Jatin Singh” author_title=”CEO, Skymet”]

Remote sensing through unmanned aerial vehicles allows nondestructive sampling to observe agronomic indicators every square metre. We did a pilot project last year and will increase its coverage across Rajasthan and Gujarat this year.

[/quote]

Jatin further commented that at a time when land holdings are less and there is multi-cropping, they will be able to help Gujarat government in monitoring agricultural area and crop yield. The data could help AIC in giving farmers their insurance claims.

The drones are better suited for detailed analysis of the fields in comparison to satellites.

The unnamed aerial vehicles cover an area of 5 sq. km. in a single flight and send geo referenced images every five seconds together with. The images will help the specialists to identify the issues with the land and the crops and will assist them in finding solutions for them.

The chairman and managing director of AIC, P. J. Joseph pointed out its use in maintaining land records saying:

[quote text_size=”small” author=”P J Joseph ” author_title=”Managing Director, AIC”]

It’s a beneficial technology for states that have digitized land records or are in the process of digitizing. Pictures clicked by the unmanned aerial vehicles can be superimposed on digital maps of states and we can identify farms and crops sown.

[/quote]

The drone will help keep a track on crop position, control farm subsidies, detect pests, monitor nutritional and water stress on the crops, and they can even spray fertilizer and pesticides on the crops from above. Drone technology has found massive utility in the US and other developed nations. The use of this 21st century technology for the sake of agriculture is commendable and it will directly help farmers in the long run. We might find a lot of drones flying over the agricultural fields in the coming future and it will also double as a scarecrow.

February 19, 2015
Sony May Quit Smartphone and TV Segment in a Bid to Multiply Profits

The consumer electronics company Sony is not enjoying a good time it used to before. There’s a steep decline in company’s revenue in past few years and resultantly, Sony has decided to compensate the loss by focusing on camera sensors, entertainment and PlayStations entirely. The Japanese firm announced that it could shut down the audio and video business in order to boost 25-fold profit within three years.

Sony CEO and President Kazuo Hirai showcased an isolated picture the company’s future saying that it could exit smartphone and TV sector. He made a remark at the corporate strategy meeting –

The strategy starting from the next business year will be about generating profit and investing for growth.

As per Kazuo, Sony is not at all making money with their high-end smartphones and has been dragged back by Samsung, Apple and some cheaper Asian rivals.

Kazuo put forth the statistics of a profitable tomorrow saying that the spinoffs will raise the profits of the company by 500 billion yen ($4.2 billion) by the end of 2018, a massive leap from the 20 billion yen in previous forecasts. It’s yet not clear if Sony will not be dealing in the TV sector any more as the firm recently unveiled an Android-powered TV at CES 2015.

If Hirai is considering to cut out the smartphones and TVs division, Sony will be left out with three main businesses – Sony Pictures Entertainment; a major film studio in Hollywood, PlayStation; which has turned profitable for the company recently with its next-gen consoles; and the last one is the image sensors unit that is completely dependent on Apple for retailing camera sensors for its iPhones. The last one doesn’t seem to have long term dependency as Apple may anytime lose interest in Sony sensors and can move to other firms or decide to manufacture its own sensors. So the focus towards the PlayStation ecosystem is Sony’s best bet towards profitability.

The PlayStation business is Sony’s best bet towards profitability.

If Sony cuts off smartphone and TV business, it would probably be the end of Sony as a major and prominent electronics company. Meanwhile, the personal computer unit, VAIO, has already been sold out and if Sony Pictures is still reeling from the massive hacking attacks of last year. These are trying times for the Japanese electronics company and might have to take some calls to prevent following the path of Nokia.

February 19, 2015
Facebook Confirms of Designing Virtual Reality Apps

Last March, Facebook acquired virtual reality (VR) headset maker Oculus with a vision of introducing the world to futuristic social media experience. The social media giant hasn’t taken a break since then and is coming up with one or the other breakthrough. Lately, Facebook has confirmed that it is working on virtual reality apps that will assist users in creating and viewing VR content.

In a conference today, Chris Cox, Chief Product Officer of Facebook, stamped the news saying that they’re working on apps for VR.

You realize, when you’re in it, that you’re looking at the future, and it’s going to be awesome. When you’re in Facebook, you’re just sending around these bits of experience — a photo, a video, a thought, whereas with VR, you could be sending a fuller picture.

According to Cox, the users will be able to create VR content of their own and share the surrounding environment with other app users. Though, he didn’t elaborate what all apps are in the progression and how are they going to work.

Facebook exhibited a small demo of the boundless platform at Sundance Film Festival this year. The company stepped forward and premiered its first short piece titled ‘Lost‘. It also confirmed to release five more flicks this year.

This step by Facebook is commendable. It would be exciting to see the apps that would give users freedom to create VR content of their choice and share it. This will give social media whole new space to grow.

February 18, 2015
Apple’s Upcoming 12-inch MacBook Air May Feature Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner

The highly anticipated next generation MacBook Air is said to boast a 12-inch display along with Intel Broadwell chipsets, but its other specs are still behind the veil. A Taiwanese website Apple.club.tw has made an announcement that the Cupertino-based giant will embed the future MacBooks and desktops with Touch ID fingerprint scanner. This includes the rumoured 12-inch MacBook Air as well.

According to the source, Apple will infuse the Touch ID in the trackpad of the purposed 12-inch laptop and next-gen MacBook Pro. As for desktops, the fingerprint scanner is likely to be implanted in the Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

The website also stated that the next sleek and thin MacBook Air may come in three colour variants – silver, space grey, and gold. The colours may remind you of the last released iPhones and iPads.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that these are just rumours, and the company hasn’t come forward with any statement confirming these reports. If the speculations turn out to be true, then it may give a push to the company’s payment system, Apple Pay. The users will be allowed to make safe online purchases using Apple Pay. The mobile payment, as for now, is limited to the two top-end handsets, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. In future, it will be compatible with iPhone 5 series when paired with Apple Watch.

The reported 12-inch MacBook is said to be thinner than its predecessor and will come with a Retina display. It is expected to launch this year by the end of the second quarter.

February 18, 2015
Apple Might Step in the VR Headset Space With an iPhone Centric Device

Virtual reality is the newest trend in the market that every firm wants to foster. Samsung and Facebook are already making headlines with their offerings in virtual reality space. Now, Apple is attempting to jump into the battleground to make a space way for itself in this budding market.

Today, the Cupertino based tech giant has been granted a patent titled ‘Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display.’ The patent describes a Samsung’s Gear VR-like portable electronic device, which will be powered by the high definition screen of the iPhones. The patent was first filed back in September 2008 and the company is now awarded the same after five years.

According to images registered with the patents, the iPhone will be placed within the headset frame, and its screen will act as the primary display for viewing the virtual reality content. The pictures also depict a remote that could be used to control the content on screen.

Electronic headset concept is not new as Samsung and Google have gone far ahead in VR headset game. Samsung Gear VR is a commendable product which is compatible with Galaxy Note 4 and the new Galaxy A7 for now. The company is also exploring the virtual reality space with Project Beyond, which is a 360-degree camera for recording VR content.

Meanwhile, besides a VR headset, the patents speak of one more feature called picture-in-picture (PIP). This tool will aid users in keeping an eye on the real world when the headset is on. A total of 41 patents have been granted to Apple on Tuesday, which came to light today. These patents are related to optics, design and accessories. So, users can expect a pinch of new innovation with Apple’s VR headset.

February 18, 2015
New Microsoft Office Update Extends Support to iCloud Storage

Microsoft is expanding its horizon and is releasing app upgrades equally for all platforms. They’ve recently taken commendable steps to ensure everyone gets the chance to use their services, without being restricted to Windows. Today, the company updated the Microsoft Office app to Version 1.6, adding iCloud support for iOS customers. The new upgrade allows users on Apple devices running iOS 8 or above, to open, edit, and save Office documents to iCloud.

With the new version, users don’t have to pay for an Office 365 subscription or to use OneDrive. They can view, edit and create docs for free. The upgrade could be a bit confusing for the regular iCloud users as the new version doesn’t allow you to add iCloud as a place in Word, Excel or PowerPoint. One has to tap on ‘More’ section to access the saved documents on iCloud.

File type is also a hurdle and users wouldn’t be able to overwrite the docs created with TextEdit on Mac. But you can always create a new document. Simply share your work with others by emailing a hyperlink, the file or a PDF.

February 17, 2015
IDC : Xiaomi Takes Samsung’s Top Spot as China’s Biggest Smartphone Vendor in 2014

Samsung was leading the race of the biggest smartphone vendor race in China. But it was before Xiaomi stepped into the battle ground. The five-year-old Chinese smartphone producer has now dethroned Samsung from the top spot and has become the leader of China’s smartphone market, as per a report by research firm IDC.

According to the firm, Xiaomi showed a splendid 150 percent year-on-year unit growth in the fourth quarter of 2014, which was followed by Apple at 99.7 percent. Samsung was at the fifth place with a declined smartphone shipment numbers at -49.9 percent after Huawei and Lenovo.

The news in not at all astonishing as IDC and Strategy Analytics dubbed Xiaomi as the biggest smartphone vendor of China in the third quarter last year in August. They also confirmed that Xiaomi is the third-largest smartphone vendor in the world.

A total of 420.7 million smartphones were shipped to China in 2014. The IDC’s analysts say that Xiaomi has gained success due to the flash sale strategy and low prices.

Samsung is going through a rough patch since the past few months. After losing the world’s leading smartphone vendor position from Apple, its situation became more critical after Indian-grown Micromax snatched another accolade from the South Korean electronics producer. Samsung continues to launch more phones with low specs and high prices, which are failing dramatically to impress the potential customers.

February 17, 2015
Google’s Upcoming 2-in-1 Chromebook Will Run on Both Chrome OS and Android

If Google is the frontrunner in the smartphone race with Android, Microsoft is the boss of laptops and computers with the power of Windows. The internet search beast wants to take the charge in this segment as well and is geared to release a hybrid 2-in-1 Chromebook that would be working on both Chrome OS and Android.

The yet-untitled device is a detachable machine that runs on Android in the tablet form, and when attached to a keyboard instantly switches to Chrome OS. Google has gone far ahead with the integration of Android ecosystem to Chrome OS.

Meanwhile, it’s not known that how the two operating systems are going to boot or if Android apps will run on Chrome OS. It seems like the 2-in-1 hybrid machine will switch between the two operating systems automatically as per requirement.

The forthcoming Chromebook is said to be designed by Quanta Computer and will launch under Google branding. The product will complete sometime in the first quarter of this year. Many vendors are said to be joining Google’s 2-in-1 Chromebook later this year.

The Chromebooks did tremendously well in 2014 with a worldwide shipment of 6.5 million units. But to retain that number and increase it, Google needs to carry on, on the path of innovation.

February 17, 2015
Top 5 Apps to Help Keep a Tab on the World Cup Fever

The 11^th Cricket World Cup, which the whole world was eagerly waiting for, commenced on 14^th February. The first battle of the Indian team was with the arch-rival Pakistan and the players added one more star to their report cards with a historic win.

Fortunately, the decisive tussle was on Sunday, and everybody cheered for India sitting in front of their TV sets. But the upcoming matches won’t coincide with the holidays, and everybody would be busy with their routine schedule. But we’ll make sure the World Cup fever doesn’t fade away.

Catch the match with the list of apps that will offer you Live cricket experience:

ESPN Cricinfo

If you wish to get updates real quick, then ESPN Cricinfo is the app to go for. The website is the oldest provider giving cricket coverage, and the app adds value to it. You can check the scoreboard, and can track the number of 6s and 4s. Player-wise scores are exhibited within the app, and it also helps new viewers by showing the bio-data of each player. Besides, it supplements with related cricket news and covers almost all updates about the World Cup matches till date.

Cricbuzz

If you’re looking out for live cricket commentary and want the scores to come in the form of a widget on your home screen, then install Cricbuzz app from the Play Store. Apart from scores and other match updates, the app allows you to watch match images, get live tweets from experts and ranking of each team along with points and rating.

Star Sports

This app is appealing and the most user-friendly one. You can fetch the status of every ball, plus it gives extra information about the scene to retain engagement. As it’s the official broadcast partner for the World Cup, users can see the complete match live on their smartphones. Also, one can see video highlights for batsmen and bowler innings, ball by ball commentary and forthcoming event details.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

This app by the International Cricket Council accomplishes the vital and primary needs of cricket fans. One can learn ball-by-ball scores and commentary, score notifications, tournament stats, match highlights and related news about the game. Additionally, it has polls and a social hub to get interactive through #cwc15.

ESPN Cricket 2015

This app is for die-heart cricket fans who can’t afford to miss the World Cup matches at any cost, even if they have to watch it on repeat as well. Another tool by ESPN is primarily designed to witness the World Cup live and rebuild the thrill of all 49 matches, in case someone missed a match. In all, it’s a wholesome entertainment pack, exclusively for iPhone users.

February 17, 2015
New Additions to Samsung’s 4G Portfolio, Galaxy Grand Prime and Galaxy Core Prime

Today, at the Samsung forum 2015, held in Bangkok, Thailand India Head Asim Warsi announced that Samsung is now focusing on releasing 4G-friendly smartphones. He also mentioned 4G internet in India is expected at the same price bands as of 3G today.

Keeping in line with its promise, Samsung introduced three 4G enabled smartphones; swelling the spectrum to nine 4G devices in total. Apart from Galaxy J1 4G and Galaxy A7 announced earlier today, the company added Galaxy Grand Prime 4G and Galaxy Core Prime 4G in its 4G smartphone portfolio. Both the handsets encompass a comparatively larger screen and pack a decent set of specs.

The Galaxy Grand Prime 4G boasts a 5-inch TFT (960x540p) display and is infused with 1.2GHz quad-core processor. The device runs on Android 4.4 KitKat and is dual SIM. Holding an 8 GB ROM and 1 GB RAM, the memory of the Galaxy Grand Prime 4G is expandable up to 64 GB. It comes with a 8MP rear camera and 5MP front snapper. With 2,600mAh battery, the Galaxy Grand Prime 4G has connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi and NFC.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Core Prime 4G features a 4.5-inch WVGA TFT (480x800p) screen. The gadget is powered by 1.2GHz quad-core processor paired with 1 GB RAM. Running on Android 4.4 KitKat, the device has 8 GB internal memory which can be expanded up to 64 GB. The camera is restricted to 5MP rear and 2MP front. The dual-SIM handset gets its juice from the 2,000mAh battery.

The company hasn’t given a word about the price of both the devices, and how they are planning to retail them.

Stay tuned, hands-on coming up soon!

February 16, 2015
Samsung’s New Galaxy Tab Active is Designed to Boost Business Productivity

At its 2015 Forum in Thailand, the South Korean electronics giant, Samsung, is carefully and slowly taking the veil off its latest innovations. After introducing the Galaxy J1 for Rs. 9,900, the company has now showcased a tablet primarily manufactured for business-oriented customers. The Galaxy Tab Active is designed to boost business productivity.

The Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business, Samsung India Electronics, Mr. Anuj Jain commented about the gadget saying –

Samsung’s latest innovation, Galaxy Tab Active is the first tablet built for enterprise use. The device has been created basis the valuable feedback from top companies across industry verticals and Samsung’s own market insights. Galaxy Tab Active features business enhancing functionality and powerful technological capabilities allowing professionals to work without limitations in and out of the office.

The Galaxy Tab Active is 9.75mm thick and sports a sufficient 8-inch LCD screen. It is infused with 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 1.5 GB RAM, which is powerful enough to carry out routine tasks. The tablet is supported by Samsung KNOX for comprehensive mobile security. The security feature keeps the data safe without the need for a third-party platform and gives the freedom to customize the device with personal apps.

The tablet features a 3.1 MP rear snapper with Auto Focus and LED Flash, and a tough 4,450mAh battery, which can go for 10 hours on a single charge. Connectivity options include Micro USB 2.0, NFC and AllShare Cast. The company has added a built-in C-Pen, a stylus for easy access and note-talking.

There is no detail about the price and availability of the tablet. Keep checking our website for more updates.

February 16, 2015
Samsung Forum 2015: Samsung Brings Out Galaxy J1 4G, Priced at Rs. 9900

Samsung launched the Galaxy J1 at the ongoing Samsung Forum 2015 in Thailand. We’re currently on the ground covering the event, bringing the latest news. The new version is LTE and is different from the one released a few days back. The model will come at Rs. 9,900 and will be available in India from the second week of March 2015.

The Galaxy J1 has a conventional specs sheet. It sports a 4.3-inch WVGA TFT display with 480×800 pixel density. It is equipped with 1.2GHz quad core processor and runs on Android 4.4 KitKat. The inbuilt memory specifications include 768 MB RAM and 4 GB ROM, which can be upgraded up to 128 GB via microSD slot.

Considering the camera, the Galaxy J1 features a 5MP rear shooter with Flash along with 2 MP front snapper. Connectivity options include MicroUSB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC and USB 2.0. The Dual SIM handset gets pepped up from the 1,850mAh battery. The device is available in blue, black and white colour variants.

Hands on coming up soon. Keep checking iGyaan for updates.

February 16, 2015