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Google phone hits snag prior to UK launch

Google phone hits snag prior to UK launch The first ever mobile phone with Google, the T-Mobile G1, hits the shops in the UK on Thursday.

However, consumers should be aware that a team of computer experts has found a major flaw in the phone's operating system.

The problem affects the phone's web browser and could allow hackers to con users into accessing a website that would download malicious software onto the phone automatically.

Hackers could have installed keystroke logging software that would enable them to track which keys are pressed — granting access to password-protected websites such as online banking.

It is a similar sort of ploy to the ones used on standard desktop and laptop computers and consumers should be aware that smartphones can be equally as vulnerable to hacking.

Charles Miller, who was one of the experts responsible for discovering the flaw, explained that victims of the ploy could inadvertently give away confidential details and that he and his contemporaries wanted to make people aware of the risk.

"I can basically do anything the web browser has permission to do," he said.

"I can read text messages, read their cookies, see their passwords, watch them surf the web and watch what they type."

Google admitted that it was aware of the issue and was planning to resolve it as soon as possible, but reassured shoppers that the phone's security measures should mitigate against many of the dangers associated with the issue.

"We wanted to sandbox every single application because you can't trust any of them," Google security engineer Rich Cannings told The New York Times.

Using touchscreen technology and a QWERTY keyboard, the G1 is designed to act as a handheld computer.

It will be available free on a £40-per-month contract from T-Mobile, as well as a phone and runs on the Android operating system.

It combines the functionality of a phone with high-speed internet access and allows users to personalise it by downloading their own applications in much the same way as an iPhone or BlackBerry.

The smartphone will provide direct competition for both Apple and Research In Motion's offerings, as well as for the new HTC Touch HD.

If Google can iron out the problem, the G1 will likely be among the front runners as this year's hot Christmas present.

Google phone news posted on 29 October 2008

Comments

Reply

Google will fix it

Google will fix the flaw before the hackers figure out how to exploit it. As long as you're careful where you surf, you won't have a problem.

http://androidsupportforum.co.uk

Comment posted by Anonymous on 29/10/2008 23:23:40

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