Google Restores December; Bluetooth Issue Remains

by Holly Shoemaker

This week Google released version 4.2.1 Jelly Bean to its Nexus devices. The release aimed to fix the glitch of forgetting to include the month of December in its People App. As a point of clarification, because of the posts out there that claim Google stool Christmas, never mind some of us celebrate a holiday that begins earlier that month, December always showed up in the calendar app.

Fix Fails to Address Bluetooth Issue

Now that people may once again enter birthdays, other dates or remind themselves that Christmas is the same day every year, unlike Hanukkah which never starts on the same day, Google may need to address another issue. Since version 4.2 of Android, many users have complained about the inability to use Bluetooth. The patch did not address the issue for those hoping to connect Bluetooth-enabled devices to Nexus ones. It looks like Google needs to work on version 4.2.2.

Researcher Claims Threat to Android Memory Cards

 by Holly Shoemaker

Apple’s app mess continues to garner attention, but security researcher Ravi Borgaonkar last week warned users about potential Android threats, noting that he informed Google of security vulnerabilities in June. He claims those using Android’s operating system risk disabling or wiping clean data such as contacts. In particular, those who open website links on a mobile app with malicious code could trigger an attack destroying memory cards in handsets made by Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson and Motorola.

The researcher also calls out the Galaxy S III. Samsung acknowledged that an issue affected early models of its flagship device, but said a software update issued in June fixed the problem. Despite that, Borgaonkar claims the fix was not publicized enough.

Outstanding Problems?

Borgaonkar claims that those using Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean remain vulnerable to attacks, and that Honeycomb, used for tablets, still needs testing to determine risk. Samsung said it will conduct an internal review to assess the threat level to other devices and encourages users to check for software updates to lessen threats by going to the “Settings: About device: Software update” menu.

Real Concern?

Security threats must contain some type of vulnerability. At this time, the risk level remains uncertain. Those who want to obtain data look for some way to profit from it. While Android by default opens its apps to more risk, always assess the potential for vulnerability before panicking.

Nexus 7 Ships, Unclear How Tablet Affects Retail Chains

by Holly Shoemaker

Google shipped its Nexus 7 tablet to customers in the United States this week. Reports remain mixed regarding the availability of the tablet in retail stores. Google has not officially said when the tablet will be for sale in retail chains, although some consumers indicate they have purchased the tablet in stores. Some retailers report they have sold out of all Nexus 7 tablets. Google has not publicly released information on how many Nexus 7 tablets it shipped to retailers or the quantity stores ordered.

Concluding Thoughts

This is the first tablet to have Google's name on it and the first to run Jelly Bean, the latest Android operating system. At this time, the Kindle Fire is the best-selling Android tablet. As I have stated before, based on the price point, Google’s tablet seems like it could affect sales of Amazon's Kindle line over Apple's iPads. However, its smaller size could sway some customers considering iPads and Android tablets. For those that do not want a skin over the Android platform, like the Kindle Fire has, the Nexus 7 could be a good choice.

Google Releases I/O 2012 Companion App: Preview of Jelly Bean?

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple focused on the importance of apps at its annual developer’s conference last week. While Google will not hold its conference until next week, the company got a head start by releasing a Google I/O 2012 companion app. The free app, available from the Google Play Store, allows users to plan their schedules with the conference agenda.

Overview of Features

The app was designed to work well on Android smartphones and tablets. It allows users to:

• Sync events with their calendars so they may find the sessions they are most interested in attending
• Share information on Google+
• Participate and view in conversations using the #io2012 hash-tag as it is built into the application
• Access reminders before sessions start
• Play back video session streams 
• Obtain company information in the Developer Sandbox
• Review information regarding speakers, photos and biographies 

Preview of Jelly Bean?

Some have noted that the search box looks different on the app. This had led many to wonder if Google has released a sneak peek of Jelly Bean, the next version of Android that should be on display at the developer’s conference. On June 27, 2012, when the conference starts, we should all find out.