Google's Android O to be revealed today after the solar eclipse

Today is a special day as we await the solar eclipse and Google is taking advantage of the ocassion to announce more information on the next version of Android which is currently called Android O. 

"On August 21st, a solar eclipse will sweep across the entire United States for the first time since 1918. Android is helping you experience this historic natural phenomenon so you can learn more about the eclipse and count down to the big day—when you’ll meet the next release of Android and all of its super (sweet) new powers, revealed via livestream from New York City at 2:40PM ET."

Your phone can be hijacked through a replacement screen

Installing malicious apps or visiting phishing websites aren’t the only things that can compromise security of your phone. A new study finds that even a screen replacement can compromise this. In a newly published paper from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, they found that embedding a malicious integrated chip within a third-party touchscreen can manipulate the communications system of a device. They tried this out on a Huawei Nexus 6P and LG G Pad 7.0. The chip was able to do things like take photos of the users and send these via email, record keyboard input, direct users to phishing sites, and install apps. A second class attack also let them exploit vulnerabilities in the devices’s operating system kernel.

The researchers say these screens can be made to look like the real thing and is file-less so it can go undetected by anti-virus software. They made use of an Arduino platform running on an ATmega328 micro-controller module and STM32L432 micro-controller to carry out the task. But other micro-controllers could also work. They used a hot air blower to separate the display from the main assembly board to access the copper pads and then they soldered a copper wire to attach the chips. While it isn’t the most polished job, it could require little effort to hide the altered part. And it affects not just Android but iPhone devices, too. Be careful where you get your screen replaced.

Source: Engadget

‘Tekken’ comes to mobile, preview available for iOS users in Canada

If you’re a fan of the classic fighting game Tekken, then you’re in for a treat. Bandai Namco just announced that it’s opening Tekken Mobile for pre-registration. And even better news for iOS users here? The game is already available to try out. The game is also coming to Android but no word yet when that version will drop. The official launch of the game isn’t being announced yet.

Tekken Mobile brings over 100 characters and has new different modes to try out. One is Story Mode, where you’ll create a team of three players to help Kazuya Mishima defeat the new mobile game’s enemy named Revenant. Another is Dojo mode where, in typical Tekken fashion, you can challenge your friends and other users. Bandai plans to host live events for the games centered on different themed content. If you pre-register, you might receive special in-app bonuses. As the game developer said in a statement, “as more people pre-register for the game, more rewards and in-game contents will be available for the Global Launch.”

Source: Engadget

Google enables Bluetooth streaming for Home speaker

After making the announcement at Google I/O in May, Google is finally ready to roll out a much needed feature: Bluetooth streaming support. Your Google Home speaker can now be used as an actual speaker that streams content from your other devices. It won’t just rely on the supported music services now with this new addition.

Google is gradually rolling out this update to users so you may or may not have access to this just yet. Once you do though, you can just head over to the Home app and look for the “Paired Bluetooth devices” under settings to pair your selected device. It must be noted though that some users are currently reporting audio issues, such as lag and low voices, at the moment. But we’re sure Google is working on that—or at least we hope they are.

Source: SlashGear