Beware of Fake BBM apps for Android they are out there to dupe you!

BlackBerry has halted its global release of BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) version for Android and iPhone platforms. What you may have downloaded or are going to download, is a fake (probably malicious) application.

What’s going on?Back in May, BlackBerry managed to raise quite a lot of eyebrows, when it declared that Android and iPhones users would be able to get their hands on BBM. The Canadian-based company had announced that, the roll-out of BBM for Android users will begin from September 21 and for iPhone users, from September 22. But it looks like, the grand event has encountered a show stopper. BlackBerry has halted the official launch of the messenger for both Android and iPhone platforms. Apparently, an unreleased version of BBM for Android was leaked online, before the official launch. Reportedly, within the first 8 hours of this unofficial release, the company has recorded about 1.1 million activations.

Unofficial Android BBM to be blockedThis hiccup triggered by the unofficial release is bad news for Android users. BlackBerry has declared that the unofficial Android version of the app will be disabled. Users who have already installed the app, would have to visitwww.BBM.com, to register themselves for updates on the release of the official BBM for Android.

Steer Clear of Fake BBM appsIf you search for BBM on Google Play, you may find multiple apps claiming to be from BlackBerry. As tempting as it might be to install one of them, hold your horses before you do so. The app, definitely a fake, will also be packed with malicious elements.

BlackBerry has declared that as soon as they fix the issue, they will begin to roll-out the BBM app worldwide. However, it has not given any fixed timeline. So, until then, let’s take the “wait and watch” approach.

A Word of Advice for our ReadersEven when the official release of BBM does happen, readers are advised to review the permissions asked by the app, and confirm the news from BlackBerry’s official website. Also, they must go through the ratings and comments posted by other users. This is because, when the official app makes it entry into the Android arena, we wager a slew of fake apps will also follow.

Read more about this news here on the official BlackBerry blog.

Read More

How to check your bank balance using sms banking - India

Axis Bank

ICICI Bank

HDFC  Bank

citibank India

PNB - Punjab National Bank

Read More

iOS 7 has a critical lockscreen flaw

Reports about a critical loophole in the iOS 7 software update with video evidence raises concerns for iOS device owners.

Apple recently released the iOS 7 software update with totally new user interface and features. While users are still getting accustomed to the new look and feel, security researchers have found a loophole in the iOS 7. A video showing a lockscreen flaw in iOS 7 devices has raised a concern about their security. AllThingsD reported that Apple has acknowledged the flaw and is working on a fix for the iOS 7 lockscreen hack.

Recently released iOS 7 software update is available for iOS devices to enjoy the new user experience and features. Meanwhile, the age old lockscreen hack still exists on the iOS 7. This hack works by accessing the Control Center from the lockscreen and then loading the camera with quick toggle. The lockscreen hack allows accessing the new multi-tasking menu.

Apple has reached out to acknowledge the flaw, 'Apple takes user security very seriously. We are aware of this issue, and will deliver a fix in a future software update.'

Read More

Samsung Galaxy S5: five Expected Features details leak

Speculations of Samsung's next-generation Galaxy smartphone have gained traction, shortly after the Korean tech giant revealed its flagship Galaxy Note 3 phablet along with the much awaited smartwatch, Samsung Galaxy Gear earlier this month.


Samsung has been criticised for its use of plastic smartphone cases which were considered cheap by many tech pundits. The company is reportedly planning to change its design philosophy by incorporating an aluminum frame for its next iteration, Galaxy S5.

According to design concepts and patent on designs shown by samsungsvi.com, Galaxy S5 will come with a sleek profile and do away with the plastic chassis. The smartphone is expected to come with a plethora of high-end features and specifications under the hood.

Below are five expected features of Samsung Galaxy S5, which is rumoured for a global launch in 2014.

64-bit Chip processor: Samsung has revealed that its future devices will be equipped with a faster 64-bit chip Exynos processor, according to galaxysv.com. Currently, Apple's recently launched iPhone 5S is the only existing device to carry an A7 64-bit chipset.

Android 4.4 KitKat OS: The upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat OS is expected to make its debut on Galaxy S5. Few features which might come with Android 4.4 KitKat is lower RAM usage, battery saving, Bluetooth 4.0, low-energy usage, new interface and visualisation tweaks.

16 Megapixel Camera:  Galaxy S5 may come with a 16-megapixel camera sensor with optical image stabilisation, reported Android Beat citing Korean website ETNews.

4K Video recording:  Galaxy S5 is rumoured to come with a 4K video recording feature. Since the recently launched Galaxy Note 3 is the first device to bring 4K video recording to customers, chances are that Galaxy S5 may also bring the new level of HD recording, according to Design Trend.

IGZO Screen Display: Earlier this year, Phonearena reported that Samsung has been spending a whopping $110 million on getting Sharp's IGZO screen technology. With this groundbreaking innovation, one can expect the high-resolution thin panels to be fitted inside Galaxy S5

Read More

Make Your Android Mobile to Read your SMS For you

Police are really cracking down on the use of phones while driving. Everything on your phone is really a distraction, be it your navigation, music player, having a conversation or texting. One way to eliminate some of the distraction is to have your Android read out the SMS to you. ReadItToMe is just the app to do that for you. The name kind of gives away what the app is all about, but there are some really cool and helpful features available in the free version and even more in the paid version.

The Basics

The first thing I noticed is a feature I disliked other apps for not having. You can choose when you’d like the messages read. For example, you can have the messages read to you when you only have your headphones in. An example of this being handy is if you are a working out and don’t want to break your rhythm to see if the arriving message is the one you are waiting for. Similarly, you can have the messages only read to you when you are hooked up to a Bluetooth device. Make sure you are comfortable with anyone in your car hearing your messages being read aloud if you use Bluetooth in your vehicle.


Another really handy option is to be able to choose the delivery method for each contact individually. This lets you set the global setting to do not read but have messages from important people like your spouse or kids read aloud.


Using ReadItToMe

To get started using ReadItToMe, download the app from the Google Play Store. Once installed and started, you will be asked if you want to learn to use ReadItToMe or just wing it. Take the time to go through the tutorial. It really explains the basics and you can see how easy it is to use and what it can do for you.

Go through the settings and tick the boxes you’d like to enable. Here is a screen shot of what I chose.

The settings are pretty well laid out. You will see different tabs. Accessing them is a simple scroll left or right to get to the column you’d like to see. Some of the tabs are only accessible with the pro version. The pro version opens up access to other apps. What I mean is, if you have the pro version, you can have your messages read in your third-party apps like Google Hangout. Also, you can reply via voice with the pro version.

Final words

I tried out ReadItToMe for a few days before starting the review. What I found was, it worked really well overall. I had no troubles with the Bluetooth and headphone only options. I also used it for specific contacts who I chat with a lot. It worked well.

What I found was, there were times when I didn’t want to have the messages spoke to me but forgot to turn off ReadItToMe. Also, I had some troubles with ReadItToMe still speaking the name of the person when I asked it not to in the settings. The voice reply and everything else worked well for me.

ReadItToMe  reads out your incoming callers, sms messages and other app notifications, translating txt speak into normal language. In ANY language.

It's great for use whilst driving, cycling, running, walking, in the gym or any other time you need to be handsfre

Read More