How to install Google Play on Amazon Fire tablets
Google Cuts The Cord On Another Feature From Its Phone App
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
Google has officially removed the "Nearby Places" feature from its Phone app. The company announced its intention to do so back in February, citing low usage. At the time, Google stated that "the vast majority of users go to Google Search or Maps" to find business phone numbers.
The "Nearby Places" function allowed users to search for local businesses directly within the phone app. This meant you could quickly find the number for your favorite pizza place or local mechanic right from the dial pad. It seemed like a convenient way to leverage Google Maps' extensive database within the phone app.
Pixel phones have enjoyed this feature since the Pixel 2, and it was available to anyone through the Play Store via Google's "Phone by Google" app. As first reported by 9to5Google, the functionality was already removed for those using the Phone by Google beta program. Now, with the latest stable release (version 125), "Nearby Places" is officially gone for everyone.
Google's explanation points to low user engagement with the feature. However, multiple reports in the past have mentioned bugs with this feature, and the feature was even reported to be disabled on some new Pixel phones. Did you ever find the Nearby Places feature useful? Let us know in the comments.
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at news@androidauthority.Com. You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice. CommentsIf You Exclusively Use Samsung Apps On Your Galaxy Phone, You're Part Of A Very Small Group
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Samsung makes several stock apps for its Galaxy phones. From Samsung Gallery to Samsung Notes, Samsung Calendar to Samsung Internet, and many more — Galaxy phone users have the option to remain entirely within Samsung's ecosystem if they want. However, that's not what most of them prefer, at least not exclusively.
The results were mostly unanimous across all three platforms where we conducted the polls. On our website, only 9% of the total 2,600 voters said that they only use stock Samsung apps on their Galaxy phones. 64% of the voters said they use a mix of Samsung and alternative apps, the latter mainly consisting of Google apps. 27% of the survey takers stay completely away from Samsung apps and only rely on alternatives.
"Dialer, contacts, messages, gallery, calculator from Samsung. Mail (Gmail, ofc), browser, calendar, and app store from Google," said a user, echoing what we're seeing across comments on our polls.
This sentiment was also reflected in our YouTube poll, which garnered a little over 4,700 votes. However, we found that a larger chunk of our YouTube audience rejected Samsung apps outright in favor of other options.
"I have a Samsung S20 phone, but I prefer using the Google apps or alternatives to the Samsung apps. If there was a way to uninstall them, I would," commented one Galaxy user who took our YouTube poll.
"I use the essentials like phone app messages app, gallery app, camera app, clock calender calculator apps, and the health app," said another Galaxy user.
On X (formerly Twitter), Galaxy users once again expressed how they use both Samsung stock apps and alternates instead of sticking solely with apps from the South Korean company. From the 990 votes the poll gathered on the platform, 43.6% said they don't use Samsung apps at all.
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
While the polls reflect how Galaxy users don't prefer putting all their eggs in Samsung's basket, the comments show that Samsung is definitely going in the right direction when it comes to pushing new features to its native apps.
"I use all the native Samsung Apps now as they are much more feature-rich. Only Gmail and Google Messages are the exception," said a user.
With One UI 6.1, Samsung is also bringing more innovative AI features to older flagships, positively affecting user perception of its apps.
"Samsung Calendar plus Reminder is actually the reason I went for S24 over Pixel 8 – priceless month view with everything listed, good widget, and doesn't pester me to use an online calendar like GCal does. I have also grown to like the built-in AI translate/dictation/rephrase/gallery features – I just flip the Process data only on device switch, and it's like an iPhone in terms of privacy, except without all the Apple railroading," said a Galaxy S24 owner.
"I do use Google's apps, but they are becoming progressively worse. As the features in Samsung apps catch up and become more integrated with themselves, I might find myself switching back," a user commented.
So, while the scales currently don't tip in favor of Samsung apps, it's not like users don't find them helpful. In fact, if the trend that we're seeing continues in this direction, we might even see more users exclusively relying on Samsung apps and ditching the alternatives.
CommentsVultur Banking Malware For Android Poses As McAfee Security App
Security researchers found a new version of the Vultur banking trojan for Android that includes more advanced remote control capabilities and an improved evasion mechanism.
Researchers at fraud detection company ThreatFabric first documented the malware in March 2021, and in late 2022, they observed it being distributed over Google Play through dropper apps.
At the end of 2023, mobile security platform Zimperium included Vultur in its top 10 most active banking trojans for the year, noting that nine of its variants targeted 122 banking apps in 15 countries.
A report from Fox-IT, part of the NCC Group, warns that a new, more evasive version of Vultur spreads to victims through a hybrid attack that relies on smishing (SMS phishing) and phone calls that trick the targets into installing a version of the malware that masquerades as the McAfee Security app.
Vultur's new infection chainVultur's latest infection chain starts with the victim receiving an SMS message alerting of an unauthorized transaction and instructing to call a provided number for guidance.
The call is answered by a fraudster who persuades the victim to open the link arriving with a second SMS, which directs to a site that offers a modified version of the McAfee Security app
Inside the trojanized McAfee Security app is the 'Brunhilda' malware dropper.
Upon installation, the app decrypts and executes three Vultur-related payloads (two APKs and a DEX file) that obtain access to the Accessibility Services, initialize the remote control systems, and establish a connection with the command and control (C2) server.
New capabilitiesThe latest version of Vultur malware that researchers analyzed keeps several key features from older iterations, such as screen recording, keylogging, and remote access via AlphaVNC and ngrok, allowing attackers real-time monitoring and control.
Compared to old variants, the new Vultur has introduced a range of new features, including:
In addition to these features, the latest Vultur version has also added new evasion mechanisms, such as encrypting its C2 communications (AES + Base64), using multiple encrypted payloads that are decrypted on the fly when needed, and masquerading its malicious activities under the guise of legitimate apps.
Additionally, the malware uses native code to decrypt the payload, which makes the reverse engineering process more difficult and also helps evade detection.
The researchers note that Vultur's developers appear to have focused on improving the remote control feature over infected devices with commands for scrolling, swipe gestures, clicks, volume control, and blocking apps from running.
It is clear that the author of the malware has made an effort to improve the malware's stealth and to add new functions at a rapid pace, indicating that future versions will likely add more capabilities.
To minimize the risk of malware infections on Android, users are recommended to download apps only from reputable repositories, like Android's official app store, Google Play, and avoid clicking on URLs in messages.
It is always a good idea to check the permissions an app requests when installed and make sure that you consent only to those needed for the app's core functionality. For instance, a password management app should not require access to the phone's camera or microphone.
Comments
Post a Comment