Android Apps

Recent Google Wallet vulnerability could expose credit card information

What you need to know

  • Recent findings have unveiled a loophole in Android, particularly with Google Wallet.
  • Cards linked to the wallet risk exposing themselves if NFC and App pinning features are enabled.
  • Google is said to be aware of the issue, and the recent September 2023 security patch for Android devices might have fixed it.
  • The Pixel phones, however, are yet to receive the security patch.

Android screen pinning, aka app pinning functionality, is a nifty feature that lets users pin specific apps (via apps overview) on their screens. However, a recent security vulnerability has revealed that this feature can put your credit/debit cards at risk if linked to your Google Wallet.

A recent Github finding (via 9to5Google) has revealed a possible way to get your card details linked to Google Wallet through a general-purpose NFC reader (Flipper Zero, in this case). The finding suggests this is due to a logic error in the code when the device resides in lock screen mode — with app pinning enabled — and the NFC turned on. The risk is significant as user interaction isn’t necessary for this exploitation.

The Github member used a Google Pixel 7 Pro with App Pinning enabled and “Ask for Pin before unpinning” turned on. At least one card has to be linked to Google Wallet. Additionally, NFC has to be enabled with the “Required device unlock for NFC” option allowed.

In this state, the phone is vulnerable as pointing a POS (Flipper Zero in this case) at the back of the Pixel 7 Pro could read the card’s data (including card number expiry date) that was registered in Google Wallet.

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Google Wallet vulnerability
(Image credit: MrTiz/ via Github)

This makes it possible for anyone with an NFC reader, like

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Android Google

Android TV Is Getting a Google TV Like Refresh On More Devices

If you haven’t already, you’re more likely to start seeing the Google TV-style home screen makeover on your Android TV.

The interface tweak was initially limited to select countries like the US. Today, 9to5Google spotted a Reddit post that said the update has expanded to more regions like Malaysia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Guatemala.

Google has historically had two operating systems for streaming players: Android TV and Google TV. Both are still around, but now Android TV’s OS is well on its way to mirroring Google TV’s interface. The Google TV interface was originally meant to fully replace the Android TV interface last year. The update began rolling out in 2021, showing that Google was working to better assimilate Android TVs into its brand.

The refresh would include a Discover tab with content recommendations, ads, watchlist support, a new apps section and featured content recommendations in the top half of the screen. Users got a look at the new interface with the preview of Android TV 12 in February 2021. The following summer, Nvidia Shield Android TVs were given the Google refresh as well, followed by some Hisense and Sony TVs as well.

The modified Android TV user interface was first introduced in 2020 on the Chromecast with Google TV streaming device and offered a smoother navigation experience. Google TV is compatible with thousands of Android TV apps, further easing the transition.

Google wasn’t immediately available for comment.

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Advertising & Marketing

telling better stories, Marketing & Advertising News, ET BrandEquity

<p>Image used for representative purpose</p>
Image used for representative purpose

Content consumption has taken a wild spin over the years and stolen the spotlight in the conversations of industry leaders. With the mere click of a button or the sassy swipe of a finger, we are transported into a world where the type and medium of content consumption are as mind-boggling as a unicorn riding a unicycle. It’s a revolution that has left no screen untouched and redefined the very essence of how audiences and stakeholders devour their dose of entertainment.

This evolution has paved the way for advertisers to unleash their creativity, utilising targeted messaging and interactivity to captivate and conquer their desired audience. No longer confined to traditional television commercials, the realm of video ads has become a playground of innovation and engagement.

With modern targeted advertising using video and interactive tools, advertisers are now customising their campaigns, fostering meaningful connections and creating impact in the digital era. Empirical studies have unequivocally demonstrated that viewers exhibit an impressive 95% retention rate when exposed to video-based messages, underscoring the exceptional potency of video as a medium for capturing and retaining audience attention.

The power of video ads lies in their ability to create brand recall and drive better engagement compared to static or textual ads. Furthermore, video ads increase viewers’ intent to purchase the advertised product by a staggering 97% and enhance brand association by 139%.

Even in the analog era, after all, who can forget Lalitajiextolling the virtues of Surf, Karen Lunel below a waterfall using Liril (though we still don’t know why she was bathing there), or Jayant Kripalani coughing so he could take a Vicks kigoli? David Ogilvy liked to say the consumer isn’t a moron, she’s your wife. I’d like to amend that. The consumer isn’t a moron, he’s your

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Android Apps

How to Transfer Data From iPhone to Android

Setting up a new smartphone can be a pain, but switching from one platform to another is downright intimidating, especially if you have a lot of apps and photos. Many people switch from Android to iPhone, but some do the opposite, moving from iPhone to Android in search of more hardware and customization options. If you’re a longtime iPhone owner who wants to explore Android, here’s how to become a green bubble (without losing your stuff in the process).

What you’ll need

How long it will take

The length of the transfer depends on how many apps and how much data you need to move. For example, I moved a total of 56 GB across four different email accounts, and it took about 30 minutes from start to finish. If you’re transferring 200 GB of data or more, it could take an hour or longer.

Before you begin

To get started, back up all of your iPhone’s data. You can use iCloud, use the Google One storage app, or store everything on a computer.

Next, turn off and deregister iMessage in order to properly send and receive text messages on your new Android smartphone. Go to your iPhone’s Settings menu, tap Messages, and turn off iMessage. In addition, while you’re in your iPhone’s Settings menu, tap FaceTime and turn off FaceTime. Then, to deregister iMessage, visit Apple’s support page for iMessage and scroll down to the “No longer have your iPhone?” section. Enter your phone number, click the confirmation link, and enter the code that Apple sends to your phone to complete the process.

Once you’ve disabled iMessage on your iPhone, you can start transferring your information and app settings to your new Android phone. You can do this in a few different ways, namely by using a direct connection

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Android Google

Google Camera 9.0 update rolls out for Android 14 ahead of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro releases

Google has now pushed its next major Camera update, which is rolling out as Google Camera 9.0. Previously, the update was rumoured to arrive after the release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, pre-orders for which will open on October 4. Instead, Google has issued the new update a few weeks ahead of schedule, albeit with some caveats.

As always, Google restricts its Camera app to Pixel devices. Additionally, Google Camera 9.0 will only officially run on Android 14. As such, the sole way to experience Google Camera 9.0 is by enrolling your Pixel smartphone on the Android 14 Beta Program, which is currently on Android 14 Beta 5.3. However, Android 14 is expected to reach stable status this month for Pixel smartphones or early October at the latest.

Thus, Google Camera 9.0 is likely to be one of the first app updates that a recent Pixel smartphone downloads after it finishes installing Android 14. In summary, Google Camera 9.0 adds a photo/video switcher, changes up the list of default shooting modes and removes the rounded corners from the viewfinder. Moreover, Google has inverted the shortcuts for accessing the default gallery app and Locked Folder. Please see the screenshots below for what to expect from Google Camera 9.0 and how it differs from its predecessor, Google Camera 8.9.

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Advertising & Marketing

Why Google on trial is the pivotal moment that could shape the future of online advertising

When the U.S. government faces off against Google in court later today, it will be the start of the first significant attempt to rein in a major tech giant in a generation. If the Department of Justice manages to pull this off, it could really shake things up for Google, possibly giving its rivals a chance to grab a bigger slice of the pie in what used to be Google’s stronghold: search advertising.

Whether this happens depends on if Judge Amit P. Mehta believes that Google played a bit dirty by cutting deals with Apple, telco companies and other device makers to be the automatic search engine to users on their platforms and tech. The U.S. government argues that this strategy has harmed fair competition, effectively locking Google into a dominant 80 percent or higher market share in search.

Key dates for trial

Tuesday, September 12, 2023:
Opening

Tuesday September 12 – Friday October 6, 2023:
Parties opening statements
DOJ’s Case-in-Chief

Tuesday October 9 – Tuesday October 24, 2023:
(Colorado) State AGs Case-in-Chief

Wednesday October 25 – Wednesday November 15, 2023:
Google’s Case-in-Chief

Thursday November 16 – Friday November 17, 2023:
Rebuttal

Friday January 26, 2024 (estimated):
File Post-trial briefs & PFOF (estimation based on scheduling order)

Perhaps this talk of monopolistic behavior rings a bell? That sense of déjà vu is because the U.S. government is also making a similar attempt to challenge Google’s dominance in open web advertising. The outcomes of both trials could be seismic, but the search one is arguably more critical since it’s the foundation of Google’s business. It’s also likely to impact the outcome of the ad tech case, which won’t start until some time next year at the earliest. 

Whether Google

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Android Apps

One UI 6 lets you choose which apps to update when installing new Android versions

Summary

  • In the latest One UI 6 beta update, Samsung now allows users to choose which system apps they want to update alongside the Android OS.
  • This new feature gives Android users more control over their smartphones, allowing them to customize their device to their preferences even further.
  • While opting out of app updates may speed up the OS update process, it’s important to note that apps can still update on their own depending on your settings in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.


Android smartphones are renowned for the level of control people have over the OS. Whether that’s from gaining root access and really changing the look and functionality of your phone, or simply getting to place apps in specific places on the home screen grid, the possibilities are basically endless. Samsung added a very small touch to its latest One UI 6 beta update adhering to user control, as people can now choose whether to update specific apps alongside Android updates.

Previously, Samsung simply updated system apps — the preinstalled ones that weren’t downloaded from Google Play or sideloaded — in bulk only alongside software updates, and there was nothing you could do about it. Now, users can pick and choose which system apps get updated when installing a new Android version.

Tucked away in a small section of the Software update screen when installing One UI beta 3 is a box that reads, “Some apps can be updated along with this software update.” Underneath is an option that lets you Choose apps to update. Tap that, and you’re directed towards a new settings screen with a list of all Samsung system apps. Here, you can select which ones you want to update along with the system update. Any not chosen will need to be

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Android Firmware

OnePlus Nord N20 SE Receives Firmware Update with Security Patch

OnePlus has started rolling out a firmware update for the global variant of the OnePlus Nord N20 SE. The update, labeled CPH2469_13.1.1.520(EX01), brings various fixes and the latest September 2023 Android Security Patch to enhance system security. This update addresses a severe zero-day vulnerability that could have allowed unauthorized access to the device without user interaction. Additionally, it fixes three critical vulnerabilities and resolves several less severe potential issues.

To ensure optimal security, it is highly recommended to keep smartphones up to date with the latest security patches. OnePlus Nord N20 SE users can check for updatesnavigating to Settings > About > System Update on their device.

Feedback and bug reports can be submittedusers encountering any issues while using the smartphone on a daily basis through the OnePlus Community. OnePlus values user feedback and strives to improve the overall experience.

Furthermore, OnePlus is actively working on the development of OxygenOS 14, based on the latest Android 14. The Open Beta program for OxygenOS 14 is already available for the OnePlus 11. Users can choose to participate in either the Closed Beta or Open Beta programs to experience the latest features firsthand.

The Closed Beta is currently available for the OnePlus Nord 3, OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus 11 (with an Open Beta option), OnePlus Nord 2T, and OnePlus 10 Pro. These devices can enjoy OxygenOS 14, which introduces several new features, including the Trinity Engine.

Keeping devices updated with the latest firmware and security patches is crucial in maintaining device performance and safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities.

Sources:
– OnePlus Community

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Android Google

SamMobileGoogle Chrome to get iPhone-like smooth scrolling on Android 14 (One UI 6.0)Google has leveraged the nanosecond API in Android 14 to offer a two-times smoother scrolling of web pages with Chrome. – SamMobile..1 day ago

SamMobileGoogle Chrome to get iPhone-like smooth scrolling on Android 14 (One UI 6.0)Google has leveraged the nanosecond API in Android 14 to offer a two-times
smoother scrolling of web pages with Chrome. – SamMobile..1 day ago
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Advertising & Marketing

Fortune Media and Great Place To Work Rank Basis

CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Place To Work® and Fortune have selected Basis Technologies (https://basis.com) as the No. 2 ranked company for the 2023 Fortune Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing™ List. A global provider of programmatic advertising and media automation solutions, Basis Technologies secured consecutive years of distinguished recognition on this list, last year ranking No. 1. Widely renowned for its focus on wellness for its team and the digital media industry at large, Basis Technologies’ media automation platform improves the lives of customers and drives optimal outcomes for marketing enterprises. The company continues to grow its team, hiring in engineering, product, and services — https://basis.com/company/careers.

The Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing list is based on an analysis of survey responses from over 10,000 employees from Great Place To Work Certified™ companies in the advertising and marketing industry. In that survey, 96% of Basis Technologies’ employees said it is a great place to work. This number is 68% higher than the typical U.S. company. Learn more about the workplace at Basis Technologies.

“Fortune congratulates the Best Workplaces in Advertising and marketing,” says Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell. “Creating a vibrant workplace culture that draws the best talent in advertising and marketing is vital for the success of the leaders in this highly competitive industry. It is also what’s needed to ignite innovation and deliver best-in-class performance.”

Basis Technologies continues to surpass industry standards in workplace satisfaction in multiple categories examined by Great Place to Work and Fortune. The company has been:

  • No. 1 in Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing in 2022.
  • No. 1 in Best Workplaces in Chicago in 2023 and 2022 (Small and Medium), No. 6 in 2021, and 4 in 2020.
  • No. 10 in Best Medium Workplaces in 2023, and
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