Important announcements
An Android vulnerability allows unauthorized code modification
Researchers from security firm GuardSquare have discovered an Android vulnerability that allows for app code to be edited without affecting the apps’ signature. Named Janus, the vulnerability has massive potential for malicious use and affects Android 5.0 onwards. Janus works by combining an unmodified APK file with a modified DEX executable, which doesn’t affect the app signature. Simply put, this would allow attackers to replace any app (one with many permissions already granted, like system apps) with a malicious version.
You can read more here.
Google will open an artificial intelligence research center in China
Google said the facility will be the first its kind in Asia and will aim to employ local talent. The Google AI China Center will have a small group of researchers supported by several hundred China-based engineers. In a blog post on the company’s website, Google said the new research centre was an important part of its mission as an “AI first company”.
More info are available here.
Microsoft launched Quantum Development Kit with the Q# programming language
Microsoft released the first public preview of Quantum Development Kit, giving developers access to a programming language, quantum simulators, and the libraries needed to program a quantum computer. Microsoft describes the Q# programming language as “a domain-specific programming language used for expressing quantum algorithms”. Developers will be able to test code written in Q# in a dedicated local simulator included with the QDK in Visual Studio.
You can read more here.
Top new products
Samsung Galaxy A8+(2018)
The Galaxy A8+ will have a 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885 processor and 6GB of RAM. It will come with a 3,500mAh battery and 64GBof internal storage.
More info here.
LG V30+
LG V30+ will have a 6-inch Quad HD+ OLED FullVision display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB RAM. It will come with 128GB of internal storage and a dual main camera with 16MP and a 13MP sensors.
More info here.
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S9 will be launched in February or March of 2018. The U.S and Chinese variants will have Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, and the rest of the world will be seeing the devices with Exynos 9 Octa-core processor.
More info here.
Top interesting info
Google Maps will notify users when to get off buses and trains
Google will introduce real-time interactive updates on Google Maps for users transiting on buses and trains. This new feature on Google Maps will notify users as and when they are about to reach your final destination. There is no word on when this update is expected to go live, but Tech Crunch said that Google may already be rolling out test updates for it.
You can read more here.
Google integrated Duo on Android call screen
According to Android Police, the Duo button is showing up in some users’ regular phone dialer app. When they tap the video call button, their phone launches the Duo app and activates your camera.
More info can be found here.
The first phone with an in-screen fingerprint sensor will be launched by Vivo
Synaptics revealed that Vivo will be laucnhing a device featuring its Clear ID FS9500 fingerprint sensor, which can be embedded under the display of smartphones and also reads the user’s fingerprint with a single touch on a specified part of the glass. The manufacturer claims that the sensor can function in a variety of situations, including “wet, dry and cold fingers”.
You can read more here.
