Belkin Skorpion Charges Your Phone’s Batteries, Hunts Down Malware Too

If you think that viruses and malware only affect PCs or laptops, then think again. A lot of them are already making the rounds on mobile devices, such as your smartphones and tablets.

The unfortunate thing is that most people don’t think about getting an anti-virus app for their device because they never even considered the idea and danger of mobile malware in the first place.

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If you’re one of those people, then it’s high time for you to learn a thing or two about mobile security and take the necessary steps to safeguard your data and device–before it’s too late. The good news is that a number of anti-virus providers have released mobile anti-virus programs that can be downloaded through various app stores, depending on your operating system.

Taking things one step further is Kaprica Security. They’ve worked with Belkin to come up with a phone charger called Skorpion that scans your device for the presence of any virus, malware, or malicious rootkits. Some of these malware work by stealing your personal information (which could lead to identity theft) and by accessing your phone remotely (which could lead to atrocious charges from your telco provider), which could result in bigger problems down the line.

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All you have to do is plug in your phone and Skorpion will get to work. It will take all of two minutes to detect the presence of malware on your device. A comprehensive scan of the OS will also be done and you’ll be alerted to any potential problems or threats that have been found afterward.

Kaprica Security only works with Android devices. Belkin will be manufacturing the Skorpion, although a release date has yet to be announced. As for pricing, the Skorpion charger unit will cost $65(USD) and you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $3-$4 for continued protection.

[via Technology Review via Gizmodo]

Google seeks to control Android by making more apps closed source

When Google’s Android operating system first started as an attempt to compete against Apple and the original iPhone Google really didn’t have anything to lose. The iPhone was dominating the smartphone market at the time and the way Google decided to compete against Apple was offering a free smartphone operating system that it could sell […]

GarageBand for iOS 7 to be offered for free with in-app purchases

It seems that someone at Apple got a wee bit excited and accidentally revealed way too much ahead of the company’s Tuesday event. Briefly appearing on its Built-in Apps page for the iPhone 5s was a footnote indicating that GarageBand will be available as free app download. Of course, with in-app purchase options. iOS 7, […]

PhotoCard App: Design Postcards on Your Phone, Then Send Them in the Mail

There’s just something about getting actual mail versus email. With the former, you get to touch it, manipulate it, and pin it on your wall or stick it on your fridge for good measure. With the latter, all you can do is look at it on your computer or mobile device, and print it out, if you want an actual physical copy.

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The thing is, not everyone has the time to go out and mail an actual postcard, or fire up Photoshop or Illustrator to customize their own. So for that, there’s the PhotoCard app by Bill Atkinson, who happens to have been one of the members of the original Apple Macintosh team, and developed the popular Mac applications, Hypercard and MacPaint.

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The app features a neat and easy-to-use interface that lets users create and design their very own personalized postcards that will be printed out and sent via postal mail. Users can choose to upload their own images or use the ones in the app’s image library. They can then add their personal messages and “stickers” to the card and choose to have it printed and mailed (for a small fee, of course.) For those of you who prefer things digital, you can electronically send images for free.

PhotoCard can be downloaded for free from the iTunes App Store.

[via Laughing Squid]

iOS is more popular than Android for businesses using custom apps

The battle for smartphone supremacy between Apple and Android device makers continues to rage. Android is the most popular mobile operating system for smartphones while the Apple iPhone is often the most popular smartphone in many areas. New data has been offered by Good Technology looking at business support for mobile devices for the most […]

Updated Nook for Windows 8.1 app launches

Yesterday marked the official launch of Windows 8.1 as a downloadable product for users of the Windows operating system. Today the Windows 8.1 operating system will be available on DVD and on new computers and other products from retailers. The launch of Windows 8.1 has also brought with it a rash of updated applications specifically […]

Facebook for iOS app update brings photo commenting, additional editing options

Facebook has updated its social networking app for iOS to version 6.6, bringing with it some additional functionality that desktop users have enjoyed, improving the overall process. After updating, users will be able to add photos to comments they leave on statuses, something that has been available for a little while now on the Web, […]

Xbox One Machinima App Lets You View Help Videos While Playing: “Xbox, I Suck”

Some older gamers complain that we’re spoiled today because of the wealth of guides, cheats and tips available online. If you’re one of those gamers, you’ll hate Machinima’s Xbox One app. The rest of you, feel free to rejoice. The app will let you view videos related to the game you’re currently playing. Because of the console’s multitasking feature, you’ll be able to watch videos and play your game at the same time.

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While playing a game, you can start the Machinima app by saying “Xbox, snap Machinima.” Once it opens, the app will then load Machinima videos that are related to the game you’re playing. You can then watch videos from the side of your screen, while your game takes up most of your display. If you have a mobile device, you’ll also have the option of using the app from inside Xbox SmartGlass.

I don’t know if the app can recognize what part of the game you’re playing or if you’ll have to search for a relevant video yourself. That said, Machinima is working on what it calls Wingman, a series of official help videos for certain Xbox One games that will have detailed and exclusive content. You can expect that feature to come with a price tag.

The Machinima app will be available on November 22, i.e. the same day the Xbox One is released. I wish Shin Megami Tensei IV had this feature built-in. Damn you Tokyo and your stupid overworld map!

[via Xbox via VG24/7]

Budget Management App Level Compels You Not to Spend More Than You Should

Some people spend more than what they can actually afford. A lot of financial advisers recommend keeping a list of every purchase, so that each expenditure can be reviewed afterward. Most people start out okay but eventually forget a few days later.

An alternative? Level.

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Level is a lightweight budget management app that links to the user’s bank account. Once it’s hooked up, the app will then calculate how much the user can spend in a day given their income. It shows the “spendables” left for the day, keeping users in check before they swipe their card or buy something that they don’t really need.

The cool thing about Level is that it also automatically detects fixed expenses. Over a hundred top banks in the US are supported by Level, so you’ll most likely be able to find your institution on the list.

Level also recommends and encourages saving, and we all know that’s not a bad thing. The app is available for free from the iTunes App Store, and an Android version is currently in development.

[via TNW via Laughing Squid]

SwiftKey 4.3 beta brings multiple keyboard layouts with custom positioning

SwiftKey has rolled out the latest beta app update. This one brings the app up to version 4.3.0.139, but before anyone knocks this as simply being a bug fixing update in the beta process — there are some worthwhile changes and improvements this time around. The folks at SwiftKey have this listed as bringing “layouts […]