O'Grady's PowerPage

Category: Apps

  • 17 AppAspect Technologies apps removed from App Store following discovery of clicker malware

    Apparently developer AppAspect Technologies is fond of embedding malware into its iOS apps.

    17 apps from the developer were found to contain clicker malware that automatically clicked on ads and opened web pages in the background without user interaction.

    The malware module bundled with the app SDKs communicated with a previously known command and control servers.

    The malware was discovered in the following apps:

    • RTO Vehicle Information
    • EMI Calculator & Loan Planner
    • File Manager – Documents
    • Smart GPS Speedometer
    • CrickOne – Live Cricket Scores
    • Daily Fitness – Yoga Poses
    • FM Radio – Internet Radio
    • My Train Info – IRCTC & PNR (not listed under developer profile)
    • Around Me Place Finder
    • Easy Contacts Backup Manager
    • Ramadan Times 2019
    • Restaurant Finder – Find Food
    • BMI Calculator – BMR Calc
    • Dual Accounts
    • Video Editor – Mute Video
    • Islamic World – Qibla
    • Smart Video Compressor

    …the C&C server was used to communicate commands to the infected apps which could trigger targeted advertising, as well as the silent loading of websites, and remote reconfigurations on the device. One example involved users who had been fraudulently subscribed to expensive content services following the installation of an infected app.

    The developer currently has no less than 51 apps available on the App Store. The 17 malware-containing apps mentioned before have been removed from the store.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

  • Google adds accident reporting feature to iOS version of Google Maps

    Google announced on Thursday that iOS users will be able to report accidents directly in its Google Maps application. While this has long been a feature on Android, this has finally made its way to the iOS platform. The company is also adding new types of incidents that users can report under both platforms.

    To report an incident, users tap the “+” sign at the bottom of Google Maps, and then tap “Add a Report.”

    Four new types of incidents are included in the ability to report, including “construction, lane closures, disabled vehicles, and objects on the road (like debris).”

    If you’ve had a chance to try this new feature, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via The Mac Observer

  • Spotify beta hints at Siri support for iOS app under iOS 13

    After years of waiting, Spotify will finally be adding the ability to play songs, albums, and playlists via Siri. The feature is present in the latest beta, and is part of the new capabilities included with iOS 13. The addition also puts music apps like Spotify on an equal footing with Apple Music for requests via Siri.

    While this new feature lets you request Spotify songs with Siri on an iPhone, it does not currently work on an Apple Watch as Apple’s wearable doesn’t have a full dedicated Spotify app. Instead, the app is simply a controller for playing songs on other Spotify-enabled devices. Siri simply responds with “I’m sorry, I can’t do that on your Apple Watch” when you try. We haven’t been able to test whether the HomePod now works with Spotify as a result, but it’s unlikely.

    The feature appears to work well where Spotify, Siri integration and Apple’s AirPods are concerned, allowing the user to say “Hey Siri” and request Spotify content. At present, requesting podcasts via this method doesn’t work well, as Spotify attempts to search for music instead of dedicated podcasts. 

    Spotify is currently testing this new functionality, and it will likely debut in the coming weeks in the main app. Spotify isn’t commenting directly on its plans.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Verge and Twitter

  • Apple to launch macOS 10.15 Catalina in October

    Apple didn’t mention macOS 10.15 Catalina during its “By Innovation Only” media event, and per the product’s webpage, the company will release the stable version come October.

    It’s worth mentioning that the webpage update for MacOS Catalina only mentioned that the operating system would be available by the month of October. An actual, full release date has not yet been specified by the company.

    While Apple didn’t specifically mention any new details about Catalina during the event, it did bring up new features and services, such as Apple Arcade, its new subscription gaming service. Apple Arcade will be available as of September 19 in 150 countries worldwide. The service will be available for $4.99 per month, per family, with a one month free trial being offered at launch.

    Apple also mentioned the Apple TV+ service, which will launch on November 1. This subscription will also be $4.99 per month, per family. Notably, those who purchase a new Mac or other qualifying Apple device will also get a year-long Apple TV+ subscription for free included with that purchase. This deal began on September 10.

    MacOs Catalina will introduce a number of new features, including the demise of iTunes. iTunes itself will be succeeded by the Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts apps.

    In addition, Catalina offers second screen support, a Mac version of Screen Time, and an updated Photos app. The second screen support feature in Catalina is known as Sidecar and this feature essentially allows Mac users to use iPads as a second screen.  The Screen Time app on Catalina lets Mac users control and set App Limits for across all Apple devices a given user has.  And finally, Catalina version of the Photos app, comes with a few new updates including a machine learning-driven feature that highlights important life events, as we as photos and videos.

    MacOS 10.15 Catalina will be available for free in October, users being able to download the update for free via the Mac App Store.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via Digital Trends

  • Apple to launch Apple Arcade service, will launch on September 19th for $4.99/month

    Apple on Tuesday announced that the company will be launching its Apple Arcade video game subscription service on September 19th.

    The games span Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the service itself retailing for $4.99 per month. This includes up to six members in your family, and users can try Apple Arcade via a one-month free trial.

    As to the games themselves, the mobile platform titles are exclusive to Apple Arcade and are not available through the regular App Store.

    Apple Arcade is available in the “Arcade” tab of the App Store on iOS 13. Apple is adding new games every month, and says it is launching with more games than any other service before it.

    During its presentation, Apple demoed several games from its upcoming Arcade library, including Frogger in Toy Town from Konami, Shinsekai: Into the Depths from Capcom, and Sayonara Wildhearts from Anna Purina.

    Per Apple’s press release:

    “Apple Arcade requires iOS 13. You need to setup Family Sharing to share a single subscription across your family.Apple today announced that Apple Arcade will be available on the App Store on Thursday, September 19 with iOS 13, offering an all-new way to enjoy games without limits. With a subscription to Apple Arcade for $4.99 per month, users get unlimited access to the entire catalog of over 100 new, exclusive games, all playable across iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and Apple TV. Apple Arcade is launching with a one-month free trial, and users will not find the games on any other mobile platform or subscription service. Apple Arcade games can all be played offline, and a single subscription includes access for up to six family members with Family Sharing. The catalog will exceed 100 games in the coming weeks as new titles are introduced, with more games to come every month. Apple Arcade will be available on September 30 on iPadOS and tvOS 13 and in October on macOS Catalina.’”

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via 9to5Mac