DoJ files a motion to force Apple to comply with FBI iPhone backdoor request

In response to Apple's denial to allow a backdoor access on an iPhone used in a terrorist attack in San Bernandino, the US Department of Justice has filed a motion to compel Apple to create firmware that would allow the FBI to brute force access into iPhones. Apple has three days to reply to the order.

Apple CEO Tim Cook posted a public letter this week to Apple's website explaining why creating a backdoor tool for the iPhone would set a dangerous precedent. Other technology CEOs, namely Google's Sundar Pichai and executives from Twitter and Facebook have backed Apple's stand. Apple has stressed that it has in the passed turned over subpoenaed information under request as well as allowed its engineers and their expertise to serve as consultants to various government and security agencies, however the creation of a tool that can be used to crack the encryption of the iPhone would be a dangerous precedent.

Source: 9to5Mac

Google's Sundar Pichai weighs in on FBI encryption issue, sides with Apple's Tim Cook

Google's CEO Sundar Pichai took to Twitter to raise his concerns over the FBI's attempt to gain access to an iPhone backdoor which could expose user information. Pichai seems to agree with Apple CEO Tim Cook who today released a strongly worded public letter in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's desire to be able to access the contents of people's iPhones in investigations.

"The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers — including tens of millions of American citizens," Cook declared in his open letter.

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Apple issues statement regarding Error 53, it is a security measure

Some iPhones that have had their displays repaired or replaced by third-party technicians have become non-responsive because of an Error 53, which forces a boot loop on some repaired iPhones rendering them unusable. Here's Apple's clarification.

"We take customer security very seriously and Error 53 is the result of security checks designed to protect our customers. iOS checks that the Touch ID sensor in your iPhone or iPad correctly matches your device's other components. If iOS finds a mismatch, the check fails and Touch ID, including for Apple Pay use, is disabled. This security measure is necessary to protect your device and prevent a fraudulent Touch ID sensor from being used. If a customer encounters Error 53, we encourage them to contact Apple Support."

The problem with Error 53, from a user's point of view, is that it renders the iPhone completely useless (not just TouchID and ApplePay), seeing nothing but the Error 53 alert isn't just puzzling to most users, it doesn't help in any way.

Source: Engadget

Apple could bring more apps and services to Google Android

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

We're at a completely different place in mobile ecosystems than we were years ago. The era of closed systems and software exclusive to specific hardware is  quickly comng to an end.

Google has always had its software and services available on iOS (not so much on Windows Phone or BlackBerry). Under Satya Nadella, Microsoft has been relentless in making its services and apps available to Android and iOS and now it seems Apple is thinking of putting some of their apps and services on Android.

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