These 22 malicious apps were removed in the last few days of November.

A well-organized and persistent malware known as “Andr/Clickr” has the potential to cause serious harm to the end users, as well as the entire Android system. The apps which apparently clicked on fraudulent ads without the knowledge of the users were active even when it was force-closed which further led the apps to drain the phone’s battery and cause data overages.

This is not actually the first time the Play Store has experienced something like this. Last month Google removed around 13 apps from the Play Store because they were found to be installing malware on user’s devices. Many users have downloaded these apps which include truck stimulator, luxury car driving stimulator and many more.

It’s about the last year that Google was held responsible for the spread of auto-clicking adware to as many as 36 million mobile devices.

Google gave a statement a few days back that it takes deceptive and malicious behaviour on the platform very seriously. The statement was released after Google removed Kika and CM File manager from the Play Store for deceptive behaviour.

What is more disturbing about the situation is that these apps have been downloaded on over two million instances, signifying that a large number of users were targeted by the malware. A single app- Sparkle Flashlight was responsible for over one million downloads alone, and was listed much earlier than the other apps.  

After Sophos reported the malicious apps to Google, the company immediately removed those apps from the Play Store. However, it is still not clear that if it also removed from the user’s phones on which these apps are installed. Google can directly remove the apps from the people’s phone if they downloaded the apps through the Play Store and if they are logged in as well as connected to their Play Store account.

If you have any of the below-listed apps in your device, please remove it immediately in order to get away with any malware.

The list includes some of the popular apps like Sparkle Flashlight with one million or over downloads.

Below are the 22 apps that you should not have in your phone. Please check these out as it’s very crucial.

1. Sparkle Flashlight
2. Snake Attack
3. Math Solver
4. Shapesorter
5. Take a Trip
6. Magnifeye
7. Join Up
8. Zombie Killer
9. Space Rocket
10. Neon Pong
11. Just Falshlight
12. Table Soccer
13. Cliff Driver
14. Box Stack
15. Jelly Slice
16. AK Blackjack
17. Color Tiles
18. Anika Match
19. Roulette Mania
20. Hexafall
21. Hexablocks
22. Pairzap

These apps were deemed malicious and had a backdoor built into them that helped these apps in doing ad frauds. So, if you have any of these apps still in your devices, please get rid of it.

The post Google removed 22 malicious Apps from Play Store appeared first on Amazing Things.

Get Started with Friendly Pix

Friendly Pix is currently available on iOS and web app. Those who have androids can access it via browsers like Chrome or Firefox. The demo app is a cloned version of Instagram where you can upload images and share those using captions and hashtags. You can also follow people and other trends.

Meanwhile, a disclaimer on the web app reiterated the following:

“This is a sample application aimed at showcasing the Firebase platform capabilities. Avoid posting personal or private data.”

However, the application is fully functioning as it supports signing up with Google or Facebook to create a profile and upload photos. You can also like and comment on posts, as well as report the posts.

Despite its intended test nature, it seems that a handful of users from around the world have found the app and have started using it. Even I have logged in the app via Chrome on my phone. Also, I did see many people uploading photos with captions and others have started following as well.

It is actually not clear the intended use of the app whether it is for social networking or some other purpose. Nevertheless, Friendly Pix seem to be amusing as it is really simple and easy to use.

The whole idea behind releasing the app is to show that Firebase is actually a platform worth to consider for developers. So, if you want to have a look at the app and use it, simply click the link below. You can register your account, upload, and share photos and start following others. But just keep in mind not post anything that’s personal as Google has mentioned.

Start sharing your photos here https://friendly-pix.com/

Also read this 9 Amazing Things You Can Do With Google

The post Friendly Pix, a new photo sharing app appeared first on Amazing Things.

We have a list of smartphone games that you can play comfortably without engaging in too many in-app purchases and we hope you enjoy them!

It’s by no means a definitive list, there are lots of games that you could play with your friends online and have a great time after a hectic work schedule.

1. N.O.V.A. Legacy

Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance is game of a soldier who needs to investigate the Colonial Pride Frigate and take on an alien force that threatens to destroy the mankind. This is a multi-player game and 8 people can participate in the game at once. This smartphone game is available on both App Store & Play Store.

2. Asphalt 8: Airborne

This is the latest in the series of mobile racing games from Gameloft. Airborne lets you take to the air, jumping off ramps and performing stunts mid-air with your car. You can play the game with a new range of cars and tracks, improved graphics, and some new gameplay modes. The game is split into a single player solo race, single player career, online multiplayer, and local multiplayer over Wi-Fi. This smartphone game is available on both App Store & Play Store.

3. Critical Ops

The game’s inspiration is none other than Counter-Strike. Critical Ops is a fast-paced Fist Person Shooter that will test your impulses and strategic skill. The game requires to fight for domination alongside your friends or show the world your skill by leading the individual scoreboard. The game currently features three game modes:

1. Defuse Mode: One team tries to plant and defend the bomb until detonation and the other team tries to defuse it
2. Team Death Match: The two opposing teams battle it out in a times death-match and make each bullet count!
3. Gun Game: The two teams fight against each other with individual players working their own way through all the weapons in the game.

This one also available for both App Store & Play Store.

4. Pac-Man 256

Coming from the same minds behind Crossy Road, Pac-Man 256 gives the old game a modern, infinite runner spin for mobile devices. The players guide Pac-Man through a maze, munching through dots and power pellets while outrunning ghosts and, “The Glitch”. The good power pellet makes its return, allowing you to fight against the ghosts, while new feature, laser beam adds a new twist to the familiar gameplay. You can download this smartphone game from Play Store or App Store.

5. PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite

This one is one of top popular smartphone games these days. PUBG Mobile hasn’t been out globally for long. However, it’s already one of the most widely played mobile game available. It features a 100-player battle royale on a small island. In this game, each player is required to collect gear, weapons, and vehicles on the island and battle it out. The winner is the last person standing or surviving. There is also a Lite version of PUBG Mobile with lighter graphics, fewer players per match, and more. It’s only available for the lower end devices. PUBG Mobile is both Android & iPhone smartphones. Download it from Play Store & App Store.

6. Clash of Clans

This game is a good combination of slow planning and quick chaotic battles. You can build up your settlement, plan your defences, raise an army, and guide your tribe to victory against nasty goblins or other clan leaders. It’s a very popular and interesting game. Download it from Play Store & App Store.

7. HQ Trivia

HQ Trivia is a hit new trivia game. It’s actually a live game show or kind of quiz show where all the players compete at the same time. There is a host that asks questions and people answer in real time. The game consists of 12 questions per round with a ten-second timer for each question. The players that answer the final question split the prize money. The prize is currently $2,500 for most games but has been as high as $18,000. Amazing, right? Download it from Play Store & App Store.

8. Sky Dancer

Sky Dancer has something particular that keeps you playing, you can’t just stop playing it.

The game requires the player to run and jump across hazardous cliffs from one flying island to another while avoiding large boulders. The game comprises of tiny chunks of land hanging in the air in a manner that rocks usually don’t have. As you hurl yourself off the edge of one, you must quickly maneuver to land on a platform. This smartphone game also available for both Android & iPhone.

9. BombSquad

BombSquad is a multiplayer game. The eight players can participate at once in the game. They all try to bomb each other to supremacy.  It’s an explosive arcade-style party game which is enjoyed with many friends or a good number of players. Jump, punch, bomb your way to victory as you complete in a plethora of mini-games. The game is pretty interesting! Download it now from Play Store or App Store.

10. Alto’s Adventure

Alto’s Adventure is all about snowboarding at a high speed. Very simple one-touch controls let you guide Alto down the mountain while getting big air, grinding edges and performing multiple back-flips. With beautiful endless mountain scenery, amazing day-to-night transitions and a mesmerizing soundtrack, this is a must-have on any device. Download it now from Play Store or App Store.

These smartphone games have become dominant in the gaming industry as these games are easy to find, download, available with free of cost, and if you don’t like it you can easily delete it as well. The smartphones are powered by increasingly capable processors to support these games and have emerged as serious contenders in the gaming arena.  The rapid spread of these games cannot be attributed to one factor, there are many forces that have allowed for such fast growth.

The above mentioned smartphone games are the best ones, if you are a game lover you must try all these games once and the most popular amongst these games is “PUBG”. Make sure you don’t miss it out!

If there is a game you have been spending tons of time playing on your phone this year, please recommend it to us in the comments.

The post Top 10 Smartphone Games appeared first on Amazing Things.

Instant Pre-approved Loans…

The tech giant in order to support the development has also partnered with four Indian banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Federal Bank to offer instant, pre-approved loans to customers through the Google Pay in seconds. In the event, Google made many announcements (other than renamed Google Tez). These announcements were related to other Google products like Google Assistant, Google Search, Android Go, Google Go, Google Maps, Google Station, and more.

Google launched its Google Tez in September last year. It serves lives of more than 22 Million people and businesses every month. People from over 300,000 suburbs, towns, and villages use it to pay for their electrician, book bus rides, or split a dinner bill with friends. The company also announced that 22 million people now use Tez every month. After its launch in September last year, a total of approx 750 million transactions have  made so far.

Working of Google Pay

Google Tez is a UPI-based payment platform. With the lack of NFC-based mobile payment solutions in the country, Google opted not to launch Google Pay in India. Instead of this, Google launched a UPI-based mobile payment system which is different from NFC-based payment systems. Tez has achieved a certain degree of success in India. In March, Tez had added a chat feature allowing users to communicate with their contacts while sending and receiving money.

According to Caesar Sengupta, ”Google Pay will soon offer deeper integration with Indian apps, single-click transactions”. Caesar Sengupta is Vice President of Product Management at Google.

Meanwhile, It will continue to offer instant mobile recharges, gifting options like a birthday gift, as well as promotional coupons that vary with different payments. Currently, Google Pay have around 22 million users in India. Google has claimed that over 750 million transactions have been completed since the app’s launch in September last year.

Along with other old features, Google has added certain new features which include the following:

• Google Pay will allow online payments on applications, websites, and branded retail stores. Consumers can use GPay on many sites or apps like redBus, Freshmenu, Goibibo and many more partners for transactions currently.
• The company will also do deeper integrations with BookMyShow in future. In coming days, Google Pay will also support payments at  retail stores like Big Bazaar, e-Zone, and FBB.
• Google Pay will also be working on building a dedicated merchant experience to help small business grow. It will help companies/ individuals in getting discovered through Google Search and Maps, and ensuring communication through messages and offers.
• Customers will be able to use this App to take customised loan amounts from their banks with minimal paperwork.  Banks will deposit loan amount securely and instantly into their banks account.

Google also stated that over time, the company will bring many India-specific Tez features to Google Pay users in other countries just as the country has brought features launched elsewhere to India. For more details about Google Pay, visit there official website.

Google Pay is available for both Android & iOS devices. You can download it from App Store & Play Store for your mobile or tab.

The post Google Tez is now Google Pay appeared first on Amazing Things.

Here are the all new Apps for you

Storyboard

This app is currently available on Android Platform only. Storyboard transforms your videos into comics. It selects, lays out, and stylizes video frames using experimental research technology from Google that runs entirely on your device. Its very easy & simple to use as other Google’s Apps. You need to Load a Video than Pull down to refresh till you get your desired layout & Tap on it to select. Your creativity can be Saved or shared. You can download this all from Google Play.

Selfissimo!

This App is for both Android & iOS platforms. This App is really amazing. It will take your Black & White selfie each time to pose in a new style. When you finish your poses, tab anywhere on screen to see your all selfies in different poses. Now you can select from the grid & Save or Share them. It uses experimental research technology from Google to capture photos automatically each time you pose. iPhone/iPad user can download this from App Store & Android phone user from Google Play

Scrubbies

Google has launched this App only for iOS platform currently. It lets you easily manipulate the speed and direction of video playback to produce amazing video loops that highlight actions, capture funny faces, and replay moments.
How you can use this App – Open the App, tab on Get Started & shoot a video. Click on recording button to once you finish your video. Now you can it back by swiping with one finger. Swipe it with two fingers to record the playback. Here is your loop ready, now you can share it with word & save in phone. You can always return to your captured footage as it automatically saved in the gallery. You can download it from iOS App Store

For more & detailed information, you can go through Google Research Blog Please let us know how much you liked these apps in our comment section below.

Enjoy New Photography highs…!!!

The post Google’s Three New Amazing Photography Apps appeared first on Amazing Things.