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Google will protect your phone by looking for sketchy apps you've already installed
Got an Android device with access to Google's Play Store? Congratulations: It's about to become even more resistant to malware, and you'll barely have to lift a finger. You see, for around two years now, the folks in Mountain View have been able to throw up red flags when users try to install apps of questionable provenance on their devices. Now they're taking it a step further -- Google will soon be able to check up on your apps after you've already installed them. Why? Well, it's possible that you downloaded some sketchy apps before Google's verification feature went live in 2012. A bad app that previously managed to fly under the radar could also be rooted out as Google continues to learn more about mobile malware. Those situations may seem a mite outlandish, and Android Security Engineer Rich Cannings admits that most people won't ever see one of those notifications. Still, there's no denying this is a solid tool to have in the ol' arsenal, and ComputerWorld previously reported that it'll come in the form of an update to Google's Play Services; so devices running Android versions as old as 2.3 should get that added security without a headache.
Mt. Gox now requires verification for non-Bitcoin transactions
While the Bitcoin market is advancing toward legitimacy in the financial world, that also means closer legal scrutiny -- and the Mt. Gox exchange is tightening its policies to match. As of today, the institution requires verification for every non-Bitcoin deposit or withdrawal. The move keeps Mt. Gox in line with "strict anti-money laundering rules," and it reduces the chances that security breaches will spark chaos. Verification won't be necessary for pure Bitcoin transactions, the exchange says. Some traders see the new rule spoiling dreams of a truly borderless currency, but it may help reassure those still skittish about virtual cash.
Evernote two-step verification now available for Premium and Business users
Three months after a major database hack, Evernote has finally made good on its promise to implement two-factor authentication as an additional precautionary measure. Following the footsteps of other security-conscious companies, the technique requires not just your username and password, but also a six-digit code provided either via text message or an app like Google Authenticator. Further, you can print out a list of backup codes in case you don't have your phone handy. Premium and Business users will be the first to get this functionality -- they'll be treated as a test group for feedback. Once the system is optimized for a wider audience, it'll be offered to all users. Other apps in the Evernote clan, including Skitch, Penultimate and Evernote Food will need to be updated and certain third-party apps might need to be given their own dedicated passwords as well. Aside from the double-step verification, Evernote has also introduced the ability to view your account's access history and a list of authorized applications; you can revoke any device from your account settings if necessary. All of these added layers of security are totally optional, of course, but you might want to set yourself a reminder to check them out.
Twitter adds two-factor login verification via SMS (video)
Twitter just boosted its security with a new two-factor login method. The new option, which was announced in the form of a YouTube video, oddly enough, allows users to require a verification code each time they log in. Once this is enabled, Twitter will send a code to your phone each time you log in from the website or third-party apps. You'll need to type in that temporary code to access your account. It's a process many of us are already familiar with -- online banking, corporate intranet sites and services like Evernote offer similar two-factor authentication options to their users. It's not clear when the new feature will roll out (it hasn't hit our account just yet), but once it's available, setup appears to be straightforward. You can see how it works in the video just past the break.
Nintendo ID requires credit card verification for minors
Parents looking to create additional Nintendo ID accounts for their children are required to pay a one-time $0.50 fee via credit card to provide consent for minors to access Nintendo Network.Nintendo's confirmation email notes that Wii U owners can use a "Parental Control PIN" to create additional Nintendo Network IDs without any added charges. Credit card information used for the transaction doesn't appear to be stored on the system.
Apple, other thin laptop makers pass latest round of EPEAT tests after summer mini-drama
Apple gave eco-friendly computer fans a brief jolt this July after it backed out of EPEAT certification, only to restore most devices just days later. While we can't say we're completely shocked at the follow-up, EPEAT has confirmed that at least one "ultra-thin" laptop from Apple has just cleared the verification process. The as yet unnamed system is more likely to be a Mac that had already earned the recycling-friendly rating in the past, such as the MacBook Air, rather than a sudden turnaround for the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. The look wasn't exclusively devoted to the Mac side, though -- EPEAT cleared Apple's computer as part of a wider test that also greenlit extra-thin portables from Lenovo, Samsung and Toshiba. We've reached out to get a more definitive list, but the approvals should ease the minds of those worried that ever-slimmer laptops are forcing us to give up our green efforts.
Google rolls out Trusted Stores verification program for online retailers
Along with talking up 3D images and other new features for Maps, Google is pushing its new Trusted Stores program this week. The service, which has been in testing for the last nine months, monitors online retailers and awards those with good shipping and service records a "trusted" badge. In addition to giving online shoppers some reassurance that a vendor is, well, trustworthy, Trusted Stores will offer users assistance in resolving issues with sellers, plus up to $1,000 of purchase protection. For the retailers, the company says the value proposition is an increase in sales "by showing you're a great place to shop." Google will be rolling out badges for approved stores in the US starting today, and clicking on those little seals of approval will let you view a merchant's "report card" for shipping and customer service reliability.
Verify your Ambassadorship with Nintendo's eligibility checker
As one of the first 4 millionish people to buy Nintendo's 3DS prior to its dramatic price drop earlier this month, you've no doubt assumed the role of Ambassador with pride, dignity, and a frantic, ever-present anticipation for all of the dope swag in your near future. We get the feeling that you already know whether or not you successfully connected to the Nintendo eShop before the deadline, but just to make super double sure, Nintendo has launched an Ambassador eligibility verification tool on its support site. Our eagle-eyed tipsters have informed us that including the last digit of your serial numer (the one in the box) may return a false ineligibility error, so 3DS owners looking for absolute peace of mind regarding their free games should be sure to try the tool both ways. [Thanks, Sonny!]
Nokia N900 does real-time face tracking for verification (video)
In a world where smartphone unlock patterns and PINs can be easily gleaned from display muck, and computer passwords can be deciphered from the telltale audible clicks of the keyboard, it's any wonder that research is funded for alternative identity verification schemes. One promising technology is face verification -- technology we've already seen implemented in webcams, laptops, and more recently, Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360. Where we haven't seen it broadly deployed is in the easy-to-lose smartphone, at least not with the level of sophistication achieved by the University of Manchester (UK). Using an N900, the research team developed a prototype that quickly locks and tracks 22 facial features in real time (even when upside down) using the Nokia's front-facing camera. The Active Appearance modeling technique was developed for the EU-funded Mobile Biometrics (MoBio) project as a means of using face verification to authenticate smartphone access to social media sites. Unfortunately, there's no mention of how long Manchester's face-verified login actually takes. Nevertheless, the video, apparently shot in a steam room full of hot man smudge, is worth a peep after the break.
BluFocus gets BDA official stamp as the first U.S. movie player testing center
The unglamorous but so-necessary job of making sure all those Blu-ray discs and players work nicely together has long been the aim of BluFocus, which has most recently become the first and only BDA approved site in the U.S. for Movie Player Verification. While certification and compatibility testing is usually the kind of thing we only consider when something doesn't work, it's always good to know this on someone's mind. Any recent Blu-ray compatibility complaints? Let the folks at BluFocus know on their website.
wowtwitter giving away a FigurePrint for a screenshot contest
We've talked about wowtwitter here on the site before -- they're the ones who created a whole other Twitter-like service just for your WoW characters (and that featured verification of your toons, so that no one else could claim or tweet as them). The site is definitely growing, but they wanted to give it that extra oomph, and so they're giving away a free FigurePrint to someone who joins up and posts a special screenshot. If you want a chance at the prize, what you've got to do is log in to the site and verify your character (as we said last time, it requires that you remove a piece of gear and then log out so the Armory can see the change), and then use their new screenshot uploading tool to post a screenshot with "wowtwitter" somewhere in the picture. Then they'll take the screenshots with the top three "like" totals (other users on the site can approve of your uploads), and the one they choose will win a real-life 3D sculpture of their character from FigurePrints.Seem like a lot of work? It does to us, too, but FigurePrints are still $130, so if you want a representation of your character but don't want to cough up the cash, this is probably easier. So good luck to everyone who enters -- the contest runs through July 31st, so you've got a little bit of time to get your picture in and get it voted up somehow.
Last Remnant PC unplayable due to Steam activation [update]
European PC gamers got their hot little hands on the Games for Windows version of Square Enix's The Last Remnant today. Don't be too jealous, Americans -- the PCified RPG is coming stateside next Tuesday. Actually, don't get jealous at all -- according to a number of consumer reports via Eurogamer, the game refuses to accept the activation codes printed on the title's manual. Any attempt to install the game is met with a prompt informing the user the game hasn't been unlocked on Steam yet. More troubling, Steam's separate launch isn't coming until April 9.Hopefully, Square Enix will rectify this verification blunder before the Steam launch date rolls around. We heard a rumor that most folks don't appreciate not being able to install the games they've rightfully purchased. Weird, right?[Update: Square Enix reports that copies of the game should now be activating just fine, saying, "This issue was actually fixed early this morning so any technical glitches were resolved within a few hours."
Terminal Tip: Stop disk image verification
Sure, we've all wanted to stop the pesky "Disk Image Verification" process that starts when you want to open that .iso, .dmg, or other disk image. While this process is a precaution against possibly installing/using corrupt files, sometimes it is completely unnecessary. To stop disk image verification forever, just open Terminal and type: defaults write com.apple.frameworks.diskimages skip-verify TRUEIf you want verification enabled again, type the same command, replacing the "TRUE" with "FALSE." While verification is off, we recommend only using disk images from trusted sources.
Fujitaka readies age-verifying cigarette machines for Japanese launch
Recall those age-verifying cigarette machines we mentioned last year? Even if not, Fujitaka is getting set to remind everyone in Japan under the age of 20 that they won't be getting their fix unless they've got the face (or ID) to prove it. Reportedly, the outfit is hoping to launch 10,000 or so units -- which range in price between ¥700,000 ($6,070) to ¥900,000 ($7,805) -- within the next year, and each one will feature a camera / face-recognition software in order to determine if the hopeful purchaser is indeed of age. After the "adult recognition" button is pressed, it snaps a photo of the customer-to-be and analyzes certain features to make its judgment, and if it just can't decide one way or another, it'll require a license to be inserted as proof of age. 'Course, one could always enlist the assistance of a nearby 20-something in order to satisfy their urge, but at least this is a step in the right direction to curb underage puffing. [Warning: Read link requires subscription][Via Textually]
