2014 FIFA World Cup's Wi-Fi password revealed accidentally

The state of the art security system deployed at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil is still no match to human error. In a hilarious gaffe, top officials accidentally leaked the tournament's Wi-Fi network's security password.

It all happened in a photo-op as the Israel-based security firm RISCO, who's tasked with providing security at football venues where the World Cup's currently underway in Brazil, invited a reporter to survey the premises (and shoot photos!) for a story in a local Brazilian newspaper. It caught Luiz Cravo Dorea (pictured in the opening image above), Head of Brazilian Police's International Co-operation initiative, surveying live streaming feeds from various security cameras all over the stadium (and around the venues).

But behind him on the screen, if you look closely, are revealed the network's Wi-Fi credentials: SSID - WORLDCUP and Key - b5a2112014 (which is nothing but Brazil2014 written in l33tsp34k). Uh oh! Big mistake, Officer.

Since then, that unfortunate photo has been tweeted a few thousand times on Twitter. 

While no untoward incidents were reported since the accidental password leak of the World Cup's secured network, however, there was the possibility of cybercriminals getting through the door and compromising the system, and maybe even launching attacks to disrupt the network further -- if they were within range of the wireless network and there were no MAC address restrictions. 

Can't be too careful while everyone's having fun in Sambaland, can we? We can only hope that the password has been changed by now.

via Geek.com

Opera Mini 8 for iOS gets a "flat" design and new data saving features

Opera Software has released a new update for its Opera Mini browser for iOS devices that brings a revamped UI along with a range of new features. The Opera Mini app (version 8.0.0) can be downloaded via the App Store and is meant for devices running iOS 7.0 or higher.

The new update brings a flat new design that's in-line with the iOS 7 style. It adds new features like a built-in QR code reader for scanning and sharing QR codes from the browser itself. The Opera Mini 8.0.0 for iOS also includes a 'Speed Dial' page which can be customized as per the user's liking.

A new 'Discover' feature gives users access to top stories from a list of sites. Users can select an option and swipe left and right to access more articles. Unfortunately, websites cannot be entered manually, so users end up using Opera's preset list of feeds.

Opera has also introduced three new compression modes for data saving called Opera Mini, Opera Turbo and Off. The company states:

"Opera Mini mode offers huge compression of web traffic, up to 90%, and data savings. In areas with poor coverage and tough network conditions, Opera Mini saves both time and money. Opera Turbo mode saves slightly less data than Opera Mini mode, but offers better website compatibility, making it the ideal browsing mode for most users. Data savings off is a no-compression, straight-to-the-source option, that ensures maximum website compatibility."

Other features include a new tab gallery that stacks tabs for a quick overview and easier tab management as well as a combined search and address bar. It brings easier editing of addresses and search terms with the slider and also makes it easier to switch between search sources.

Source: Operasoftware

Google Drive 2.0 update makes it easier to manage files

Google has unveiled a new update of its Google Drive for Android that makes it much easier to manage your files than before. Now, users can just tap on a button to rename, share or star a document and it is also easier to print or delete a file. Google also added Hotword support and Audio history to its voice search.

Version 2.0.222.39 of the Drive Android app allows users to access the document view mode by clicking on the “i” icon displayed to the right of each file. You also get a larger preview of the file as well as a button to keep the file on the device for offline access. The update also brings a new activity tracker and a redesigned sharing area. The functionality is the same as before, but everything is displayed in a more user friendly way.

Google has also rolled out Google Search 3.5.14 update that brings a cool new feature that was available only to Moto X users till now. Google has added hotword detection for “Ok Google”. So now you can start voice search from anywhere on your device rather than having to be on your home screen. The update even allows you to trigger “OK, Google” from the lock screen. To activate the feature you have to go to settings in Google Now and enable 'Ok Google'.

The app also gets Audio History, that uses your voice searches to create a history which can make your searches more accurate. Google Now will learn the sound of your voice, how you pronounce words, etc. to get more specific search results.

Google has also recently announced adding support for Indian accent in its Voice Search.This will help improve search experience for Indian users and find answers on the web more quickly. Mr. Sandeep Menon, Head of Marketing, Google India stated, "We’re delighted to showcase the improvements we’ve made to Search for Indian users today. These features demonstrate Google’s commitment to India and to continually improving Indian users’ search experience.”

Sources: Engadget, Droid-Life

Apple iPod touch 16GB updated with 5MP iSight camera

Apple has announced a new 16GB fifth-generation iPod touch, featuring a 5MP rear camera. While the 16GB model has been priced at Rs. 16,990, the 32GB and 64GB versions are now priced at Rs. 20,900 and Rs. 24,900 respectively.

The new 16GB iPod touch version comes equipped with a 5MP iSight camera that also shoots 1080p HD videos. Camera features include advanced optics, tap to focus, LED flash and face-detection. Apart from addition of the camera, rest of the specifications of the device remains same – 4-inch Retina display, A5 processor and front-facing Face-Time HD camera. 

The 16GB is now available in five colours options - pink, yellow, blue, silver, space grey and (PRODUCT) RED. 

The iPod touch 16GB is available starting in the US today and worldwide in the coming days, in pink, yellow, blue, silver and space grey through Apple Authorised Resellers for a suggested price of INR 16,900 (INR 14,863.68 ex VAT). Starting today, the 32GB and 64GB models have been repriced worldwide, at a suggested price of INR 20,900 (INR 18,381.71 ex VAT) for the 32GB model and INR 24,900 (INR 21,899.74 ex VAT) for the 64GB model. 

Update to the iPod touch comes days after Apple unveiled a new 21.5-inch iMac with price starting at Rs. 79,900.

Note: Price taken from official Apple's press release, read it out below:

Apple Brings Vibrant Colours & iSight Camera to Most Affordable iPod touch Model

iPod touch Lineup Now Starting at INR 16,900

CUPERTINO, California—June 26, 2014—Apple today announced its 16GB iPod touch is now available in vibrant colours and equipped with a 5 megapixel iSight camera for just INR 16,900. The entire iPod touch lineup features the 5 megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording, brilliant 4-inch Retina display, Apple's A5 chip and FaceTime camera. iPod touch features an ultra-thin and light anodised aluminium design and is available in pink, yellow, blue, silver, space grey and (PRODUCT) RED*. iPod touch comes in a 16GB model for INR 16,900, 32GB for INR 20,900, and 64GB for INR 24,900.  

iPod touch comes with iOS 7, offering more than 200 features including Camera app filters that let you easily add real-time photo effects. Additionally, the Photos app offers ways to automatically organise your photos based on time and location. With iCloud Photo Sharing, it’s simple to share photos and videos with exactly the people you want to see them and your friends and family can comment and access their shared streams from any iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC at any time. This fall, iOS 8 will be supported on the entire iPod touch lineup.

With the revolutionary App Store on iPod touch, users in 155 countries have access to over 1.2 million apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, including hundreds of thousands of games. More than 75 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store. Customers also have the iTunes Store at their fingertips, giving instant access to an incredible selection of music, TV shows, movies and books to purchase and download directly to their iPod touch.

Pricing & Availability
iPod touch 16GB is available starting in the US today and worldwide in the coming days, in pink, yellow, blue, silver and space grey through Apple Authorised Resellers for a suggested price of INR 16,900 (INR 14,863.68 ex VAT). Starting today, the 32GB and 64GB models have been repriced worldwide, at a suggested price of INR 20,900 (INR 18,381.71 ex VAT) for the 32GB model and INR 24,900 (INR 21,899.74 ex VAT) for the 64GB model. iPod touch requires a Wi-Fi connection or a Mac with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, Mac OS X v10.6.8 or later and iTunes 10.7 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later and iTunes 10.7 or later. An Apple ID is required for some iPod touch features.

*(PRODUCT) RED is available in select countries via the Apple Online Store.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

Google not abandoning Nexus programme, confirms company exec

Ever since reports about the Android Silver emerged on the web, there were speculations that Google would soon scrap its popular Nexus line up and replace it with Android Silver. Well, Google has made it clear the Nexus program will continue and that a new Nexus device will be launched when it releases Android L later this year. 

In an interaction with Readwrite.com, Dave Burke, the head of Android engineering and the Nexus program at Google, said: "People just get excited by concepts and forget why we do things. We are still invested in Nexus.” 

"People have been commenting about Nexus because there is something else and they think that means the end of Nexus. That is the totally wrong conclusion to make," Burke said.

Burke, however, did not divulge details about the rumoured Android Silver project. “Android Silver is not something that we are commenting on right now," he said.

According to rumours, Android Silver will be the Play Editions-like premium smartphones. Rumours suggest Google will select between high-end smartphones from OEMs and brand them with “Silver” status.

Currently, there's no information on who will manufacture Google's next line up. So far, Google has tied up with LG to launch its Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 smartphones. LG's Communications Director Ken Hong recently revealed Google hadn't approached the company for this year's Nexus phone.

"I know at least not yet. Normally, we were informed. That can mean two things. Either I got ignored, or we simply won't be making [the Nexus 6]. If you can develop a Google phone that gives credibility. But money you earn is not easy, and you become too dependent on Google,” said Ken Hong in an interview.

Recent reports have suggested Google will be teaming up with HTC to launched next-gen Nexus devices.

Google begins removing search results under 'right to be forgotten'

Google has begun removing search links to content in Europe under the "right to be forgotten" ruling, that gives users the right to request removal of "outdated or irrelevant" results that turn up in the Internet searches for their own names.

Searches made on Google's services in Europe using peoples' names includes a section at the bottom with the phrase "Some results may have been removed under data protection law in Europe", and a link to a page explaining the ruling by the European court of justice (ECJ) in May 2014. However, the ECJ ruling does not apply to searches made on the US-based service Google.com.

Google has refused to comment on how many peoples' search histories will be altered or how many web pages have been affected by the ruling. The company chief executive, Larry Page revealed in a recent interview that it had received thousands of requests for changes to search results within days of the new ECJ ruling.

The company has received more than 41,000 requests since the court's ruling in May. One of the first links that Google removed, was a 1998 newspaper advertisement that mentioned a long-resolved debt of Mario Costeja González. The complaint by Mr. Costeja González's in 2010 was among those that led to the ECJ's ruling about the 'right to be forgotten'.

The Internet giant has set up an online forum where people can request removal of links, and states that people can appeal to data protection authorities if they disagree with its decision. The company has hired dedicated 'removal teams' to assess each request.

"This week, we're starting to take action on the removals requests that we've received," a Google spokesman said. "This is a new process for us. Each request has to be assessed individually, and we're working as quickly as possible to get through the queue."

Source: The Guardian

Android L Developer Preview now available for Nexus 5 and 7

Staying true to its word, Google has released the developer preview of its next version of Android called "L" (for now). The Android maker had promised to release the build at Google I/O. So far, there are only two builds available - for Nexus 5 smartphone and the Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi only) tablet.

The latest version of Android brings a lot of improvements as promised by Google. One of the most obvious improvements is the new design called Material Design which has overhauled the look and feel of controls. Despite the new look, the overall feel of the OS remains the same except a major change in the settings and notifications panel.

The preview SDK for Android L is available on Android developer site and it must be noted that it is a preview version only. Users who wish to install the preview must know that the build may contain bugs and it could brick their devices. So far, the good news is that the preview version has been working quite well and Google will keep fixing the bugs over time till it is ready to release the stable version.

If you are among the ones who are not scared of playing around with your Nexus devices, we suggest that you give the preview a try and let us know if the next version of Android can make the platform even more exciting. Get started from here.

Flipkart launches Digiflip Pro XT 712 tablet at Rs. 9,999

Flipkart has announced a new 7-inch tablet called the Digiflip Pro XT 712. Priced at Rs. 9,999, the Digiflip Pro XT 712 features dual-SIM support, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system and 1.3GHz quad-core Cortex-A7processor and 1GB of RAM.

The tablet sports a 7-inch (1280 x 800pixels) capacitive multi touch IPS display. It sports a 5MP autofocus rear camera with auto focus and LED Flash, and 2MP front-facing camera. The tablet comes with 16GB built-in storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD.

For connectivity, the Digiflip tablet supports 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n , Bluetooth 4.0 LE, GPS / A-GPS and USB OTG. It is powered by a 3,000 mAh battery.

The Digiflip Pro XT 712 comes preloaded with Flipkart shopping and Flipkart eBook apps. Flipkart is bundling the tablet with shopping offer worth Rs. 5,300 on Flipkart through mobile app on the device, 1-month subscription of Flipkart First, Free eBooks worth Rs.2300, Flat 50% Off on Book Case worth Rs.799 and more. Flipkart is also offering a 'Try  & Buy' for limited period.

The Digiflip Pro XT712 is available on Flipkart in two colour options.

Flipkart's latest foray into the tablet segment seems inspired by Amazon, which sells  Kindle tablets. While Amazon has worked extensively on building an ecosystem for the Kindle devices, Flipkart faces the challenge to replicate the model in India. The Indian e-commerce giant will have to work on inventory balancing, technical support and most importantly after sales support. However, it has an advantage of popular branding and an already targetted audience.

LG G Watch, Gear Live already available on Google India Play Store

The LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live smartwatches are already live on the Google Play store in India. The devices are also priced around Rs 16,000, making them quite affordable. The LG device is priced at Rs 14,999, while the Samsung smartwatch costs Rs 15,900. Both the devices run the Android Wear operating system, introduced by Google at its I/O conference yesterday. Further, while the G Watch is already available for purchase, the Gear Live is listed under the 'comin soon' tag.

On the specifications front, the LG G Watch has a 1.65-inch IPS LCD screen along with 4GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM. It has a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 dual-core processor and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity. It is powered by a 400mAh battery. The Samsung Gear Live has pretty much the same specifications as well, with a 1.63-inch screen along with a smaller 300mAh battery.

The two devices were showcased at Google I/O conference yesterday alongside the Moto 360 smartwatch, which will be available later this year.

Google gets ready to launch Android "L" Developer Preview

Even though Google is yet to finalize the name of its next version of Android, the company has announced that it won't stay behind when it comes to giving a sneek peek into the upcoming mobile OS which is expected to launch this fall. 

Google unveiled the new version yesterday at the Google I/O in San Francisco. So far, the Android owner is simply calling it "L" which makes it obvious that the company is yet to finalize a name for the next version. The new developer version was unveiled by Matias Duarte, who is the head of Android Design at Google. Those of you who want to try get their hands on the new version can download the Developer Preview version from the new Android Developer site that Google announced at the conference. The preview will be available later today.

For the first time in the history of Android, Google is releasing a preview version before the actual release of the new Android version. Google is now letting programmers to develop their apps more efficiently for the upcoming version as developers get an easy access to the L version.

The new redesigned (and flatter-looking) Gmail on the right.

The major change, apparent during the unveiling of the L version, was the new design called Material Design which brings shadows, new textures, overhauled notifications bar, new animations, better camera controls, better network and Bluetooth performance, better battery backup and ART runtime - for running apps twice as faster compared to earlier versions of Android.

ART runtime, which is the successor to the Dalvik, will bring a major change when it comes to Android performance. With the new runtime platform, apps will become faster and more power efficient. This new feature could be the biggest attraction to users running Android on their devices.

The new design is a more flatter looking interface making the OS more simpler and efficient in performance. As obvious from the preview pictures, the new design contains certain elements from other mobile operating systems like iOS 7 and Windows Phone 8.

Google gets Micromax, Karbonn and Spice onboard the Android One platform

Out of all the announcements that were made on the first day of the Google I/O conference in San Francisco, there was one that made the most sense to India. The Android One platform, announced by Google Android boss Sunder Pichai, during his keynote makes the most sense for India, which is perhaps why homegrown manufacturers Micromax, Karbonn and Spice has been named as OEM partners for the program. The program will also be available first in India.

Android One covers hardware and software reference platforms, which will allow OEMs to build smartphones that are priced below $100, which comes to less than Rs 7,000. It’s an initiative that is beneficial for both consumers and the manufacturers since Google will be pushing the updates to these devices itself. Imagine a Google Play Edition, just in a more basic phone. Google brings it updates, taking the task away from the OEMs. The OEMs on the other hand are relieved of the need to launch a new smartphone in less than 10 months because the old one is outdated.

That of course means that devices in the Android One platform will come without layering, pure Android being the way to go for them. This would mean that Google will be giving the OEMs the optimal hardware specification for the device, which would then run on stock Android. This would then be updated to the next Android version by Google, making the phone last longer. A good example would be the Moto E, but with Google support for updates.

Google showcased a Micromax Android smartphone at the I/O, which boasted a 4.5-inch display along with a micro-SD slot, FM Radio and dual-SIM support. This covers a big portion of what the consumer needs from a smartphone in budget sensitive markets like India. Moreover, Pichai said that Android One would be accompanied by Play Auto Installs, which is a service that tells the users what apps are recommended for his device.

Still wondering why this is good for the Indian market? Think back to the biggest grievance you have had with a smartphone that is priced below Rs 10,000. Yes, KitKat solved it to an extent, with the Moto E beginning a trend for the cheapest devices to be sporting the newest Android version. But, we expect that One will add better performance and more longevity to that, making the budget market highly attractive for OEMs.

Google I/O 2014 Day 1: Chromebook and the rest

The first day of the Google I/O conference for 2014 is over and the company has made some pretty big revelations. While the Android ecosystem is definitely getting an overhaul, other Google services and products also play an important role in the future of the company. The Chromebook, Chromecast, Google Drive and new health apps have demonstrated Google's seriousness towards conforming the mobile and PC arenas. Here's what the company announced.

Chromebook

The Chromebook plays a big role in Google’s efforts to bring the PC and mobile arenas together. At the I/O conference, the company announced that the Chromebook can now run Android apps. More importantly though, you can use an Android L-powered smartphone to unlock, lock or login to web apps on the Chromebook. The proximity sensing abilities of the Android L OS come into play for this functionality.

Google Fit

Apple has its own health apps, Samsung has its SAMI suite of applications and now Google has the Google Fit suite of applications. This is a set of cross-platform applications, which can track fitness-related activities. Google already has Nike, Adidas, Runkeeper and some smartphone makers as partners for the project. Amongst this, Nike will bringing its Fuel platform to the Google Fit program.

Chromecast

The Chromecast can now stream directly from an Android smartphone or tablet, which means that even if your device is not on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast, you can still cast your phone’s or tablet’s screen on another screen through the Chromecast.

Google Drive

The update to Google Drive, with new presentation and other features could be bad news for Microsoft. In addition, Google gave some numbers, which should be alarming to the Windows maker. As with Google Docs, you can use Google Presentation to create full fledged presentations. Moreover, you can run them on all your devices seamlessly. The new update will also include features to differentiate your work files from your personal files. Google also announced a 10$ per month unlimited storage plan on the Google Drive, probably the best cloud storage deal till date.

Google I/O 2014 Day 1: Roundup of the most important Android announcements

Google’s biggest show for the year has begun and we saw some amazing new announcements being made on the first day of Google I/O 2014. The most exciting and awaited announcement was of course the newest Android version and while Google remained mum on the official name, it just called it Android L.

Other announcements included integration of Android in to your car systems, TV and wearable devices. So here is a quick roundup of what all Google had in store for the year 2014.

Android L Developer Preview

We were very eager to see the new Android update, but sadly the official update is not revealed. Rather, Google has employed a new strategy this year by announcing a developer preview of the update. This helps developers and OEMs to scrutinize the update and work on it before the official release is out. The Android L SDK is already out and developers can start working on apps for the new upcoming Android platform.

The preview shows a new UI design with a much more flatter UI with card-like enhanced notifications just like Google Now. There is a whole new lockscreen with notifications and privacy features, a new notification bar, multitasking, updates in Chrome and so on.

The official L update will reach consumers by fall and hopefully a number of OEMs will launch the update for their devices in the same time frame.

Android Auto

Google officially announced the Android Auto program which brings your Android phone experience to an Android Auto-ready car’s entertainment system. So now you have your car powered by your Android smartphone. It is fully compatible with steering based controls and using voice commands it lets you listen to music, navigate your way around places, receive calls, reply to text messages, and many more features. Just sync your Android smartphone, and you are good to go. The platform seems quite intuitive and Google has confirmed that Android Auto equipped cars will be rolling out by the end of this year.

Android TV

Google is invading your living room once again with Android TV. While Google TV wasnt a big success, this is a whole new operating system for your TV and it can also be incorporated with your Smart TVs, set top boxes, and even gaming consoles. Android TV can be controlled via smartphones, controllers, tablets and even wearable devices. You also get access to the Play Store so you can now either watch a movie or switch easily and play your favorite videos games. Gogle has already got partners like Sony, Sharp and TP Vision which will be launching Android TV powered televisions by next year.

Wearables

A new step in wearable devices was showcased as Google announced the LG G Watch, the Samsung Gear Live and Moto 360 smartwatches. The former two are already available on the Play Store while the Moto 360 will be launched soon. These wearables allow seamless connectivity with your Android device and gives you all your notifications, messages, updates and so on. The SDK is already out and developers can now create content for the wearable devices.

Android One

Probably the most exciting and unexpected announcement was the Android One program. Google has officially tied with partners including Micromax, Karbonn and Spice to offer smartphones at a $100 price point with the latest update. With this Google is targeting the low end segment of the smartphone market and this could be excellent news for Indian consumers.A Micromax Android One smartphone was shown off featuring a 4.5 inch display, dual-SIM, a microSD card slot, and FM radio and cost less than $100.

A lot more is expected to be announced on day 2 so stay tuned for the updates.