Google Maps on IOS 6

After months of rumors following the announcement and subsequent botched roll out of Apple’s own mapping application, Google has released a stand alone Google Maps application for iOS 6 with substantial updates over the previously Google-powered but debranded Maps application previously shipped by Apple since the launch of the iPhone.

The new Google Maps for iOS features the following additions from the previous built-in version:

• Free turn-by-turn equal to the Android version
• Mass transit directions
• Street View integration
• 3D viewing capability

The release of Google Maps on Apple’s iOS after being pushed aside this year follows a tumultous 6 months for the company whereby the announcement of Apple’s own Maps application unrealistically raised expectations following a very slickly produced preview during the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. However, once the updated iOS 6 rolled out with Apple Maps, the reaction to its mapping capabilities was swift and immediately negative, enough to force Apple to make the uncharacteristic step of issuing a public apology and forcing out the two key executives in Scott Forstall and Richard Williamson over the debacle.
While the return of Google Maps is being met with jubilation, the app does not immediately replace Apple Maps, as the operating system will not allow the app to be set as the default mapping application, with Apple Maps being integrated at the system level and forcing many users to make compromises in usage, though those compromises are being seen as tolerable compared to the typical user complaints for Apple Maps during daily use. The app is available now.

More about → Google Maps on IOS 6

Logitech Keyboard for iPad

Those who live and die by color coordination can breathe a bit easier today, as Logitech has introduced its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the iPad in white. Like the black model, the accessory operates via Bluetooth and features a battery that's said to provide up to six months worth of go time -- a statistic that's based on two hours of usage per day. You can expect to coat your very own white keyboard with a layer of grime in short order: it's currently available for pre-order on Logitech's website for $100 and is said to hit Apple retail stores later this month.

source

More about → Logitech Keyboard for iPad

iOS sms text spoofing ?

A relatively serious flaw in the way iOS handles SMS messages has been found by hacker and iOS security researcher pod2g. It appears that there are some phones (not only the iPhone) that are compatible with a number of advanced SMS functions, that become enabled if a hacker tinkers with the UDH (User Data Header) section of a text message. One of these advanced functions allows the user to specify a different reply-to path for the message than the original one (which would be the number that actually sends the message).

According to pod2g, the right way to implement this feature would be to make both the original and reply-to addresses visible to the recipient of the SMS. This way they will know which number has sent the message, and which number will receive the message once they reply. However, it looks like on the iPhone the user only sees the reply-to number, and they lose track of the original sender's number. This way, pod2g explains, it's very easy for a hacker to pretend that the message is send from a trusted source like your bank, when it actually isn't.

Here's the explanation directly from the horse's mouth:

"In the text payload, a section called UDH (User Data Header) is optional but defines lot of advanced features not all mobiles are compatible with. One of these options enables the user to change the reply address of the text. If the destination mobile is compatible with it, and if the receiver tries to answer to the text, he will not respond to the original number, but to the specified one. Most carriers don't check this part of the message, which means one can write whatever he wants in this section : a special number like 911, or the number of somebody else."

According to the hacker, this kind of SMS flaw can be used for various bad stuff including someone pretending to be a trusted source, asking you to submit your personal data, or even a spoofed message acting as a false evidence.

Probably the most interesting thing about this whole story is that the flaw has been present ever since the launch of the original iPhone back in 2007, and continues to be around with the latest beta of iOS 6. pod2g presumes that other security researchers, as well as some pirates are also aware of it... which would be strange, because we should have known about this by now, if other security researchers like him were really aware.

source

More about → iOS sms text spoofing ?