OnePlus to fix backdoor root access issue via a software patch

A few days ago, OnePlus was accused of intentionally leaving a backdoor root access (via the EngineerMode apk) on the OnePlus 5, OnePlus 3 and the OnePlus 3T, which can be exploited to obtain root access to the devices. The company’s CEO Carl Pei responded to the issue saying that the company would look into it. Now though, the company has confirmed in a blog post that gaining root access functionality via EngineerMode apk will be removed from the aforementioned OnePlus phones through an upcoming OTA update.

In the blog post, OnePlus explains the EngineerMode apk, and states that it is a diagnostic tool, which is mainly used for “factory production line functionality testing” and after sales support. The company claims that even though the EngineerMode app grants escalated privileges using adb commands, it will not allow full root privileges to third party apps.

The post further clarifies that obtaining root access via adb is only possible through USB debugging mode turned on. This is turned off by default. It adds that obtaining root privileges will require physical access to the device. OnePlus believes it’s not a major issue, but they have promised to remove the adb root function from EngineerMode in the upcoming OTA update.

To recall, the issue started when a developer discovered that certain OnePlus phones can be rooted without even unlocking the bootloader. The developer claims that launching ‘DiagEnabled’ activity associated with the Engineering Mode app with the correct password grants root privileges to users. The ‘Engineering Mode’ is meant for factory testing devices and ensuring that they are working properly. The app is reportedly pre-installed on the OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T and the oneplus 5.

Last month, OnePlus also faced user backlash for collecting their personal data like IMEI numbers, serial numbers, app usage statistics and more. The company responded by saying that the collected data is used for improving their services and users have an option of opting out.

Source: /www.digit.in/mobile-phones/oneplus-to-fix-backdoor-root-access-issue-via-a-software-patch-38130.html

Google Pixel 2 XL Now Available in India: Price, Specifications, and Everything Else You Need to Know

Google Pixel 2 XL is now available in India starting Wednesday. The new smartphone by Google will be made available online exclusively on Flipkart and it will be also available through offline channels. Pixel 2 XL (Review) can be purchased via Reliance Digital, Croma, Poorvika, Sangeetha Mobiles, Vijay Sales, and other offline retail stores across India beginning Wednesday.

Google Pixel 2 XL price in India
The Pixel 2 XL price in India starts at Rs. 73,000 for the 64GB model and 128GB model comes at Rs. 82,000. The company has announced several financing offers on the Pixel 2 XL from HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance and other companies. Notably, the Google Pixel 2 has been already available in India from early November. Pixel 2 price in India starts at Rs. 61,000 for the 64GB model while 128GB model is priced at Rs. 70,000. During pre-orders, Reliance Jio had announced its offers on the pre-orders of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

Source: https://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/google-pixel-2-xl-goes-on-sale-in-india-price-specifications-and-more-1775601

Moto X4 India Launch Set for Today, Watch Live Stream Here

Moto X4 India launch is scheduled for Monday, at a New Delhi event scheduled to begin at 2:30pm IST. Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for more details from the Moto X4 India launch event, as they happen. The smartphone was one of the first to come with inbuilt support for Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, and based on Android 7.1 Nougat, it of course also supports Google Assistant. Other highlights include IP68 water and dust resistance. So far, the expected Moto X4 price in India has been leaked – Rs. 23,999. This is significantly lower than the EUR 399 (roughly Rs. 30,300) price tag given to it at its launch during IFA 2017. To note, the Moto X4 was originally supposed to launch on October 3, before being delayed. We also know the smartphone will be a Flipkart exclusive. You can watch the live stream of the Moto X4 launch below.
The Moto X4 runs on Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box and sports a single-SIM slot (Nano) – however, the India variant can be expected to come with dual-SIM card support. It bears a 5.2-inch full-HD (1080×1920 pixels) LTPS IPS display with 424ppi pixel density and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. The smartphone is powered by the 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 octa-core SoC paired with Adreno 508 GPU and 3GB of RAM. Inbuilt storage is at 32GB, but there is scope for further expansion using the microSD card slot (up to 2TB).

Google cracking down on apps using Accessibility Services, asks for explanation

Google is reportedly contacting developers to ask for explanations on Accessibility Services that their apps use. While these services are usually used to enrich applications, many developers have also used Accessibility Services to offer newer controls and overlays on their applications. Google is reportedly sending emails to developers to explain what these services are being used for, or have their apps removed from the Play Store.

“We’re contacting you because your app, BatterySaver System Shortcut, with package name com.floriandraschbacher.batterysaver.free is requesting the ‘android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE’. Apps requesting accessibility should only be used to help users with disabilities use Android devices and apps. Your app must comply with our Permissions policy and the Prominent Disclosure requirements of our User Data policy,” Google wrote in its email to developers, say reports.

“Action required: If you aren’t already doing so, you must explain to users how your app is using the ‘android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE’ to help users with disabilities use Android devices and apps. Apps that fail to meet this requirement within 30 days may be removed from Google Play. Alternatively, you can remove any requests for accessibility services within your app. You can also choose to unpublish your app,” Google added.

The move is of course an effort at improving security measures on Android. However, Google doesn’t go on to explain what security issues improper use of accessibility issues can lead to.

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Android Oreo update for Nokia 8 coming soon, beta-testing completes

HMD Global has revealed that they will soon be releasing the Android Oreo update to the Nokia 8 handsets. The news was confirmed by Juho Sarvikas HMD Global’s Chief Officer. Juho Sarvikas has posted a video on his official Twitter handle, which shows the Nokia 8 receiving the latest Android Oreo Beta update.

Further, Sarvikas said “We have well over 2000 #Nokia8 #nokiamobilebetalabs users! Thank you so much for your passion and great feedback. We’ve listened, we’ve taken action and we will soon roll out official #AndroidOreo release for everyone!”. However, the tweet has not mentioned any device name, and the Oreo Beta testing has been done only for Nokia 8.So far, HMD has been testing the Android Oreo Beta update on the Nokia 8 under the Nokia beta labs program. However, the company has not revealed the exact time frame on when the final Nokia 8 Oreo update will start rolling. In the past, HMD Global had already confirmed all its Nokia-branded smartphones including Nokia 8, Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 will be upgraded to Android Oreo.

To recall, the smartphone was launched in India at Rs 36,990. The Nokia 8 is powered by an octa-core (Four 2.5GHz Kryo + Four 1.8GHz Kryo) Snapdragon 835 processor with 4GB of LPPDDR4X RAM along with 64GB of internal storage which can be expanded to 256GB.

The flagship Nokia phone comes with a 5.3-inch IPS QHD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 in a 2.5D finish for better aesthetics. As far as the build quality is concerned, it comes in a 6000 series aluminum body in has four colour options– two with the glossy finish and two in Matte Polished Copper, Polished Blue, Tempered blue and Steel.