There might be Google Assistant-powered headphones in our future

With Apple’s success with the AirPods, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Google might be thinking of offering its own pair. 9to5Google’s teardown of the Google app APK shows the possibility of a pair of “magic pairing” headphones that will be powered by Google Assistant. Codenamed Bisto, Android Authority says it first appeared back in April but it wasn’t clear what kind of device it could be. Strings of code show that it could possibly be a pair of headphones that work with Google Assistant: <string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_text”>”Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”</string>. It might also be able to read incoming notifications to you has these strings suggest: <string name=”expand_bundle4_1″>To hear them, press the Google Assistant button” and “<string name=”expand_bundle_1″>=”expand_bundle4_1″>To hear them, press the Google Assistant button” and “<string name=”expand_bundle_1″>.

These lines of codes show the headphones (or earbuds) could have two physical buttons: one activates Google Assistant, while the “top button” will activate verbal notification alerts. There are other strings in the teardown that say Bisto will get OTA software updates, which could probably be through Android Wear. If this does come to fruition, will you get a pair?

OnePlus now offers 8GB RAM/128GB storage configuration in Slate Gray

Previously an exclusive configuration for the Midnight Black model, the 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage is now available for the Slate Gray version of the OnePlus. It’s available at the same price as the Midnight Black at €559 (around CA$830). But if you’re okay with 6GB of RAM with 64GB storage, you can get that at €499 (around CA$740). OnePlus is also still selling Midnight Black in the same configuration. If you’ve had your eye on the Soft Gold version, unfortunately, you’re going to be stuck with 6GB of RAM with 64GB of storage for now.

Source: GSMArena

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