Lineage OS update brings WiFi vulnerability "KRACK" fix

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 17, 2017       

Lineage community has updated all the official Lineage OS 14.1 builds with WPA2 WiFi vulnerability "KRACK" Fix. The Key Reinstallation Attacks (A.K.A KRACKs) was first discovered by Mathy Vanhoef of imec-DistriNet, KU Leuven. It’s a WiFi vulnerability that breaks WPA2 by forcing nonce reuse.

According to krackattacks.com, An attacker within range of a victim can serious weakness of WPA2 using key reinstallation attacks (KRACKs). Attackers can use this attack technique to read information that was previously assumed to be safely encrypted. This can be abused to steal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, chat messages, emails, photos, and so on. The attack works against all modern protected Wi-Fi networks. Depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to inject and manipulate data.

If your device supports Wi-Fi, it is most likely affected. Google is expected to fix this vulnerability with its November Security patch, which will be available next month for Nexus and Pixel devices. Until then if your device is unlocked and have custom recovery, you can install the latest LineageOS 14.1 build.

LineageOS 15 based on Android Oreo is coming soon: "While the cm-14.1 branch development hasn’t stopped, we’re also working on the next LineageOS version (15.0), based on the latest Android 8.0. We will refrain from giving any ETA, just patiently wait until the new branch is ready for release-time. - Team Lineage OS"

New Motorola Moto X4 India launch date revealed!

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 17, 2017       

The Moto X4 was announced near the end of August, with the promise the device would launch in India on October 3, but the company cancelled the launch without any reason being given.

Now, Motorola India has revealed the new launch date for the Moto X4. The smartphone is set to launch on 13th November in India and will be available both Online and Offline.

With the Moto X4, you get a 5.2-inch Full-HD glass layered display with 3D glass on top, Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 2.2 GHz octa-core processor, 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB storage plus microSD support up to 256GB, Dual Pixel 12+8MP rear camera for the best low-light, zoom and blur background with enhanced image processing, 16MP front camera with Panoramic Selfie, 3000mAh battery with Turbo-charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

What else new, though? Well, you get Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the front and back of the devices from scratches, Integrated Amazon Alexa Assistant, Quick Screenshot feature which allows you to just place three fingers on the screen for a moment to capture a screenshot anytime, and Moto Key to access your favorite password-secured websites on your phone or laptop with a simple touch of your finger. There's also an Android One variant for the people living in the U.S.

Although the phone was priced at €399 (Rs 30,000 approx.) in the European market, it is expected to be launched within the Rs 20,000 to Rs 23,000 price bracket in India.


Motorola India

The Google Pixel 2 has a new tiny power menu

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 16, 2017       

The new Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL comes with a lot of Pixel Exclusive stuff including the new Launcher, Live Wallpaper, an updated Google Assistant, and a brand new power menu.

Yes, Google just added a new look to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's power menu. This is shown off in a new video surfaced online today. As seen in the video, the new Pixel 2 tiny power menu appears on the top left side making it easy to access.

There's no information if this new "Easy to Access" Power menu is coming to other devices or not. But Google Pixel and Pixel XL (2016) will surely get this feature. Also Read: The Google Pixel 2 has a hidden LED.

Until then enjoy the Pixel 2 Launcher which comes with Bottom Search bar, Google Pixel 2 Motion Camera Application, Pixel 2 Live Wallpapers, and other Pixel 2 goodies.

YouTube

Motorola Moto Z with Moto Pen Concept

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 16, 2017       

Back in 2011, Samsung introduced the S Pen with the Galaxy Note. The S pen or Stylus pen is an input tool that provides a similar feel to an actual pen by detecting the pressure applied on the screen with great accuracy. It also comes with most loved Air command and tons of other cool features.

Now, Designer Skrubbe has come up with an exciting new concept of Moto Z Smartphone with Moto Pen. The thought of merging the Stylus and Moto Z is unlikely to be something Motorola would consider. But the question is whether or not you’d buy it? Leave your comments below.

Reddit

Android Oreo Beta coming soon to OnePlus 5

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 16, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update has already started.

The Shenzhen-based company OnePlus typically announces the Android Beta preview before the final update. Just a few days back. the company announced Android Oreo beta for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T so many could test Android Oreo before Public roll-out.

But, what about their latest flagship OnePlus 5? Well, OnePlus's Co-founder Carl Pei on his twitter handle announced that the OnePlus 5 will be soon getting Android Oreo Beta.

Once Available (Open Beta Program for OnePlus 5), you'll need to do is flash the Oreo Beta firmware on your OnePlus 5. Once you migrate to the Beta path, you will continue to receive Open Beta OTAs. You will NO LONGER receive the regular Official Stable OTAs.

Carl Pei (Twitter)