Android 4.4 to be called KitKat; Android activations top one billion

Gimme a break, Google. Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar.

The tech giant, which is known for nick-naming its Android mobile operating systems for smartphones and tablets after desserts, has for the first time chosen a brand-name candy for version 4.4 that's expected to launch this fall: Kit Kat, the chocolate candy bar with the well-known "Gimme a Break" jingle. Kit Kat packaging will show Android's green robot mascot breaking a Kit Kat bar.

Financial terms weren't disclosed for the sweet deal between Google and Hershey Co., which makes Kit Kat. But the deal shows that naming a stadium or sponsoring a TV show can be seen as old school. The latest marketing craze may be to slap a brand name on a tech product.

Google approached Hershey about six to nine months ago for permission to use the name, said Jennifer Podhajsky, vice president of U.S. chocolate at Hershey, which licenses the Kit Kat brand in the U.S., while Nestle owns the worldwide brand.

Podhajsky said that Kit Kat's jingle is a good fit for people taking a break to look at their smartphones or tablets. She added that the deal appeals to Hershey because Android hits the sweet spot of Kit Kat eaters, who are typically between the ages of 18 and 34.

"Kit Kat consumers are young, vibrant consumers of candy and chocolate bars, and that's a nice match with Android," Podhajsky said.

The Kit Kat name was unexpected since tech pundits have speculated for months that the next operating system would be called Key Lime Pie. Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing, said the name was chosen because Kit Kat bars have been a "favorite go-to snack among the team since the early days of Android."

The Android 4.4 Kit Kat system is expected to launch in October.

The software is now running on more than 1 billion smartphones and tablets throughout the world, making it the world's most widely used mobile operating system, Android chief Sundar Pichai revealed on Twitter.

Indian school kids to design Android apps

School students in the age group of 10-13 years will design mobile applications on Android platform in a countrywide contest.

"Students from schools across the country will participate in the first all-India Android mobile applications (app) design competition," Global Discovery Academy's chief product officer Vipul Redey said Bangalore Saturday.

"The contest has been designed to develop the thought process of students by exploring and generating their own unique concepts," Redey said.

The students will also compete in creating problem-solving applications in the areas of social concerns like environment, education, health, nutrition and civic amenities.

The criterion to participate is knowledge of computers and internet applications. The academy will provide training on mobile phone programming.

"We believe in leveraging technology as a tool to enhance conventional teaching and encourage students to ideate, explore and learn through exposure than rote-learning," Redey asserted.

In the three-stage contest, a participant has to describe to the academy by Sep 1 the app he/she will design and develop to serve a specific social cause, its functionality and user engagement.

In the second stage, a student has to submit a prototype of the mobile app to the academy for programme.

"Selected finalists will present the app idea and prototype at a special event in New Delhi and winners will be decided by a panel of judges on basis of creativity, effectiveness of the app and ease of its use," Redey added.

7 amazing Android apps for notes and tasks

From day one, Android has provided a number of applications to help users stay more organized. We bought these expensive devices to keep us on track; it's a smart phone so we expect it to do things we can't always remember to do.

Thanks to the beauty of the app store, there are new and much more sophisticated tools popping up on a regular basis. But, with so many to choose from, how does one get started?

Catch Notes and Astrid are popular apps for managing such needs, but with the future of both services in the air it's time to export your data or consider moving on to a different app.

I've put together a short list of my favorite Android apps for managing tasks, keeping notes, and more. If you've dabbled in smartphones for any length of time then you've likely encountered one or two of these. Some have been around for years, working as cloud-based services accessible from browsers while others are just sweet and simple apps from the last few months.

Google Keep

As one of Google's more recently released apps and services, Google Keep is a bare bones way of organizing notes and lists. As is to be expected, the app ties directly to your Gmail or Drive account. Thanks to the power of the cloud, your notes, tasks, photos, and other items can be accessed from anywhere.

Color coding makes it easy to differentiate between your work-related tasks and that growing honey-do list.

One of the more practical features I've found in Keep turning a simple note into a checklist by toggling checkboxes. Doing so provides a quick way to tick off accomplishments or items one at a time.

Additional features in Google Keep include the ability to create notes using your voice, store photos, and choose from a number of home screen widget options. It might not have the polish and appeal of similar apps, but it's a Google product, so that's fitting. With that said, we might look for new features to gradually appear.

Evernote

Evernote is likely the first name that comes to mind for many readers, and it's for good reason. First and foremost, the service has moved far beyond a "cloud based note service". Not only are users able to upload notes, tasks, and photos, but Evernote also provides a backbone for other apps. Indeed, the home screen widgets allow for quick adding of items, even by voice.

Some of Evernote's standout features include searching for text inside notes, tagging, and sharing over social networks. Those who travel often will appreciate being able to quickly identify scanned receipts, invoices, and other documents that you can find based on location.

The Evernote experience gets even better for foodies with Evernote Food. Offered as a standalone app, this one lets you capture photos and notes of that sushi you enjoyed the last time you visited the coast.

The recently updated Skitch app lets users read and markup PDFs in addition to photos and drawings. Social butterflies will like the Evernote Hello app and the way it creates a browsable history of individuals and encounters.

If you're at all serious about Evernote, then you'll certainly want to download a browser extension or two. This way, you can quickly save a Web article, photo, or document directly to your account and pull it up later.

While Evernote is quite the robust offering, there are additional features available with a Premium account. For $5 a month ($45 per year,) users can also enjoy offline notebooks, PIN locks, and multiple user editing of notebooks, to name a few benefits.

Any.Do

Simple and clean yet gorgeous and polished at the same time, Any.do was Holo-themed before before Google made it cool. There are few apps rival this straightforward to-do and task app; both the black and white themes make your checklists pop off your device.

Peel back the top layer, however, and you'll find great features such the ability to make calls, send messages, and schedule meetings. Toggling from Folder View and Date View (today, tomorrow, upcoming, someday) rearranges things for time sensitivity or groups your work and errands.

One of the features I enjoy most often is turning a missed call into a reminder or task. Don't tell her this, but I really have no excuses for not returning mom's calls. Another subtle touch that I like is the way Any.do is able to predict what my tasks are before I finish typing. The app pulls from an inexhaustible list of preset tasks and ties right into my contacts. Need to send an email to someone specific next Monday? Any.do cuts through the steps and sets you up instantly.

Wunderlist

If you're looking for a slick-looking list keeping service with cross-platform support, Wunderlist is one of the top names today. Available for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac, this free client makes for a great way to create, manage, and share lists.

Thanks to integration with Android's lock screen, Wunderlist ensures you're never too far from your tasks or birthday reminders. The design is straightforward so you'll be creating and sharing in no time at all and the tablet optimized layout takes advantage of Android fragments framework.

Indeed, the free service provides additional options such as folders, prioritization, and reminders. Spend $4.99 per month ($49.99 per year) and you'll also unlock Pro features including the ability to attach photos, spreadsheets, presentation decks, PDFs, music, and videos. For deeper team collaboration, check out the task assignment and delegate that TPS report.

Todoist

One service that I've enjoyed watching develop over time is Todoist and its eye-catching Android app. Not only is it simple to pick up, it's rich enough to satisfy deeper needs.

Essentially a cloud-based filing system for your to-do lists, Todoist provides for unlimited tasks and sub-tasks. Need to prioritize things or set them as recurring events? No problem. Break things down into folders and projects and assign them one of many great colors or labels.

Additional features give you multiple actionable widgets, offline access, and due dates. For those who need even more, an in-app purchase will unlock Premium options for $3.99 per month or $28.99 per year. You'll see features like reminders (email, push notifications, SMS), filters, colorable labels, and integration with Todoist.com.

Todoist is also available for iOS and Windows and also comes in great extensions for your browser of choice.

Task List

If you're like me then you've been pining for an official app for Google Tasks for years. Task List is one of those apps that fills the void quite nicely and happens to look like something Google might endorse. It also doesn't hurt that it actually syncs with your Google account.

This app will let you create tasks based on categories, due dates, and overall priority as well as the option to share across SMS or email. Intuitive and easy to learn, users can also set alerts and recurring tasks without breaking a sweat. Need a gentle reminder to send an email or call an old friend? You'll enjoy integration with Gmail contacts, Facebook friends, LinkedIn, and more.

Looking ahead, the Task List developers expect to sync with other task apps, including many of the others listed here.

GTasks

An oldie but goodie, GTasks eschews the glitz and glamour for straight up task and to-do list management. Like the others in this list, this free app offers reminders, prioritization, due dates, and sorting items by name.

One of the features I most enjoy about GTasks is that I can synchronize multiple Google accounts at once. As someone who manages a busy work and personal life, I like that I can quickly see what's on my overall agenda. Thanks to the way it plays with custom launchers, I can scroll through widgets on my desktop, never having to open the app.

If you're the kind who doesn't care how an app looks just so long as it gets the job done, GTasks should be high on your list. Having said that, you can purchase a Premium key for a one-time $4.99 that unlocks additional options. Again, more function than fashion, you'll get customize background synchronization, themes, pattern security locks, and more.

Google Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 spotted running Android 'Key Lime Pie'

Google may have rolled out Android 4.3 Jelly Bean a few weeks back, but that doesn't seem to have stopped the search engine giant from testing the next OS version.

The Nexus 7 and the Nexus 4 have been spotted with a build number KRS36B, suggesting Google might already be testing the next Android version.

Both the devices have been spotted at the Chromium Bug tracker, first picked up by Android Headline, who also notes that it's time to start looking for the next version of Android which can be expected to be announced in October along with the successors to Google Nexus 4 and Nexus 10.

Following the usual alphabetical order for Android updates and naming them after desserts, the successor to Android Jelly Bean is widely believed to be dubbed as Key Lime Pie, though nothing has been confirmed by Google. Looking at the build number, the publication notes, since the first letter of the build usually corresponds to the major Android version (e.g. J for Jelly Bean in Android 4.3 build number JWR66V), it's likely that KRS36B corresponds to the next major version, Android 5.0.

Android Headline predicts that possible changes that the new Android version may bring is a refined user interface, probably some more features as well as improved NFC capabilities.

It seems that the Android 4.X Jelly Bean has run its course and now Android 5.X Key Lime Pie is ready to take the rounds as the new Android version in the near future. Nothing has been confirmed by Google yet but it will be interesting to see the changes in the next Android OS.

Google announces Android Device Manager to help you track a lost phone

Google has announced a new tool that will let users track their lost Android phones on a map, ring them and remotely erase all the data on the phone.

In a blog post, Google mentions that Android Device Manager, can quickly ring a linked phone at maximum volume so that users can find it (even if it's been silenced), or locate it on a map, in real time. It mentions, "If your phone can't be recovered, or has been stolen, you can quickly and securely erase all of the data on your device to keep your data from ending up in the wrong hands."

Its  not sure why Google jumped the gun early and made the announcement, even though the service is still awaiting a launch. It could have announced it when the service was ready.

Apple, Microsoft and BlackBerry have been offering online utilities, namely Find My iPhone, BlackBerry Protect, and Find My Phone, respectively, that let owners of phones track the location of their handsets, lock them, trigger an alarm and wipe data remotely, for a long time.

Google is late to the party, however, making the utility a part of Android would benefit a large number of users. Handset makers like Samsung and HTC already offer similar tools with their Android phones. Sony had also started rolling out its remote security service "my Xperia," in July.

While third-party services offered by companies like McAfee, Norton, Quickheal and Kaspersky, among others also offer mobile security services, they charge users a one time or recurring fee.

Top 10 new features in Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Google has announced the roll out of the next iteration of its Android operating system, dubbed as version 4.3, with the launch of its new Nexus 7 tablet. The new version will be called 'Jelly Bean' and would actually be the third version to carry the same tag after Android 4.1 and Android 4.2. The latest update comes about nine months after Google introduced Android 4.2.

However as suggested by previous leaks, the new Android version doesn't bring a big makeover and comes with a few major features. The new OS is being rolled out first to Google's Nexus range of devices including the original Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10 tablet and will ship with the new Nexus 7. We take a look at its new features.

1. Restricted profiles

Google added multi-user profiles in the last iteration of Android and it seems the search engine giant wants to enhance that experience through restricted profiles. With the new feature, users can restrict app usage and content consumption on an Android device. So you'll be able to set profiles for each user of the device in case of multiple users. For instance, parents can control what apps or games their kids have access to on their tablets. However, it's worth pointing out that the new restricted feature is only available on Android tablets.

2. Bluetooth Smart Ready

Google seems to be making way for wearable technology by introducing the Bluetooth Smart Ready feature in Android 4.3. Devices running Android 4.3 will now support low-energy Bluetooth Smart accessories like heart rate monitors, pedometers, thermometers and many others. Users can now sync the low energy devices without these affecting the battery usage of the device, as per Google. This feature was missing on Google's mobile operating system, till now. This would also make way for Android friendly wearable tech.

3. Dial-pad Autocomplete

Android 4.3 now adds the autocomplete feature in the dial-pad suggesting contact names or phone numbers when users start keying-in something. This is not a new feature as OEMs like Samsung and HTC had already introduced this feature on to their UI skins running on top of Android, but devices running stock Android were missing it. Users can initiate the feature by going to the app settings and enabling 'Dial Pad autocomplete'

4.Notification Access

The Notification bar has been a popular feature on Android and with Android 4.3, you can control and interact with the status bar notifications. This would allow users to control how notifications are pushed to the primary and connected devices(smart watches, fitness bands). Users will also be able to see all the notifications at one place.

5. OpenGL ES 3.0

If you are a gaming junkie, the new update will definitely excite you. This feature would let Android devices render high quality graphics in games and other apps. Google claims that Android 4.3 supports the new version of the industry standard for high performance graphics. Google also gave a demo of a game showing detailed textures, lens flare, and reflections. This was missing in Android 4.2.

6. Simplified Setup Wizard

Android Jelly Bean now supports corrections to user inputs while signing-in to the device, the first time. This is due to more streamlined user agreements. Now a user can change the information that was keyed-in during the first boot of the device. Google has also introduced faster user switching from the lock screen in case of multiple users.

7. Bluetooth AVRCP

Google devices running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean can sync with Bluetooth enabled car stereos and offer additional functionality. The Bluetooth AVRCP 1.3 version allows stereos to display metadata such as song names when music is being streamed from an Android 4.3 device.

8. Location accuracy features via Wi-Fi scan only mode

Google has now increased the location accuracy of Android devices by allowing location scanning via Wi-Fi. It now allows apps to get location data through Wi-Fi even when Wi-Fi is set to off and not being used for data access.

9. Keyboard & input

Android 4.3 comes with an upgraded algorithm for tap-typing recognition that makes text input easier while chatting via messages or even while composing emails. It also brings a new emoji keyboard, which we've previously seen in iOS. The update also adds lower latency input for gamepad buttons and joysticks.

10.Hindi support lands on Android 4.3

Google has introduced native local language support to its operating system for Africaans, Amharic, Hindi, Swahili and Zulu. Hindi has finally reached the stock Android operating platform.With the update, Google has also added support for Hebrew and Arabic (right-to-left) in the home screen, Settings, Phone, People, and Keep apps.

Samsung Galaxy S III running Android 4.3 build spotted online

After a series of leaks revealing the Android 4.2 software update for the Samsung Galaxy S III, a new report claims that Samsung is also working on an Android 4.3 update for the phone.

The more interesting bit is that the leak allegedly comes from Samsung R&D India, if a report by Temefy.com is to be believed. According to the website, the company is working on an Android 4.3 build for the Galaxy SIII and the Galaxy Note II. The site has also posted an image of a Galaxy S III (GT-I9300) phone running Android 4.3 with Build number JDQ47.I9300XXUFMGQ and Baseband version I9300XXUFMGQ.

The report mentions that Samsung R&D, India, is simultaneously working on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates for the Galaxy S III. It speculates that Samsung could abandon the Android 4.2.2 update as Google is expected to release Android 4.3, next week.

It needs to be pointed out that there's no way to verify this information, and it should be taken with a grain of salt. Device manufacturers do work on experimental software internally, and a device spotted running a build of the OS does not imply that an update is imminent. Having said that, we'd expect Samsung to release a software update for the Galaxy S III bringing some features of the Galaxy S4 to it. Android 4.2 also offers additional features like lock screen widgets and daydream picture mode, so it's likely that the company would be planning to release an update, soon.

However, the Android 4.3 update is an incremental update bringing more changes under the hood, so it's hard to say if the company would altogether abandon development on Android 4.2 just because Google is expected to release the Android 4.3 update. It's worth pointing out that integrating Samsung's UI and UX (user experience) features with Android takes time due to development and testing, but Samsung's score is improving when it comes to OS updates.

In June, a near finished Android 4.2.2 firmware for the Samsung Galaxy S III had leaked online. The update included a number of new software enhancements including a new Galaxy S4-like lock-screen with support for multiple widgets, an additional 'Light' unlock effect and an improved ripple effect compared to the current version, the ability to change clock size and set a personal message. It was reported that Samsung intended to release the update in July or August.

The new firmware also reportedly includes the Adapt Display screen mode that optimises display settings depending on ambient light conditions automatically and offers more natural colours.

It also brings the Daydream lock screen mode, a driving mode, actionable notifications, a new notification tray with additional toggles and a Galaxy S4-like tabbed interface for the phone settings menu. The update also offers a new version of S-Voice, Samsung's voice assistant and adds voice controls for operating the phone using voice commands. It also includes full-screen Samsung apps, a new smart switch widget and a white background in the 3D view mode for the Gallery app.

It's still not known if the final version of the update will also bring the camera features of the Galaxy S4

Android 4.3 leaks online, brings new dialler, camera app

By TechnocafePro

While Google is expected to release the next version of its mobile operating system, Android 4.3, next week, a leaked copy of the OS for Nexus 4 devices has already appeared online.


Although it's known that Android 4.3, which would continue to be referred as Jelly Bean, will be a minor update and won't bring major user-facing changes, it still offers some incremental updates.

According to a hands-on video uploaded by Android Central, the update will increase the touch responsiveness of the Nexus 4.

The new update will bring an additional feature to the phone's dialler suggesting phone numbers from your contacts as you dial by matching digits or looking up names. It also adds an option to add pauses while calling a number.

Android 4.3 also seems to brings a new Wi-Fi setting, 'Scanning always available' which will allow apps to get location data through Wi-Fi even when Wi-Fi is set to off and not being used for data access.

As revealed in previous leaks, Android 4.3 also offers a new updated Camera app that features a new arch based menu that makes it easier to control and switch camera settings.

In addition to these, the update brings the OpenGL 3.0 graphics standard for better 3D rendering for visual effects in apps and games, and Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) support, through which devices running the OS will be able to sync with low power wearable devices like health monitors and smart watches.

The update also offers a new Notifications history menu which keeps a log of all notifications and the app responsible for them.
Alleged screenshots of an early version of Android 4.3 running on Samsung Galaxy S4's Google edition variant had also appeared online, in June. The screenshots had suggested changes to the Camera app.  We had earlier seen the same camera app when a Nexus 4 running Android 4.3 was spotted at the Thailand Mobile Expo last month. 

Android 4.3 to come with an updated version of Play Store

By Technocafepro

Google is expected to launch the next generation Nexus tablets next week running the latest Android operating system. However, there was no indication suggesting a possible update to the Google Play store.

If rumours are to be believed Google will be rolling out an update to its Play Store as well. According to Android focused technology site, Android Police Google has updated the Play Store version in the Android 4.3 release.

The current Play Store version is 4.1.1 and the alleged updated version is 4.2.3. The report further suggests that the Play Store's overall looks and design has nothing new but there are some revamped sections in the store. The last official update to the Play Store arrived in April and came with an all new user-interface. Google is supposedly planning a restriction that denies access to the Play Store to devices that have not been licensed by the company.

Earlier, the Google Nexus 7 successor was spotted in leaked videos and pictures ahead of launch. The tablet is expected to sport a 7-inch LCD display and would likely include dual cameras, a 1.2-megapixel front camera and a 5-megapixel rear camera. The device is said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. It also mentions 4GB of DDR3L RAM and 16GB and 32GB storage options.

The tablet is likely to come with Android 4.3 and is expected to be announced at an event on July 24 in San Francisco as Google Inc. sent invitations to the media.

Update for Google Maps for iOS - dedicated iPad interface

By Technocafepro

After the update for Android devices Google has now updated Google Maps for iOS, adding support for the iPad and bringing a revamped Maps interface that offers new enhanced navigation features including live traffic updates and incident reports.

The updated Maps app(version 2.0) also offers a new 'Explore' feature enabling users to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink, shop, play and sleep. It also offers merchant deals through Google Offers, and indoor maps with walking directions for shopping centres, public transport stations and airports, among others.

The new user interface is cleaner compared to the previous one and brings a new slider menu at the left allowing users to switch between different layers including Traffic, Public Transit, Bicycling and Satellite.

The major feature of the Google Maps app update is its support for the iPad and the iPad mini. The iPad interface is inline with the recent redesign of the app, that optimised it for Android tablets. The iPad app offers the same Card-like interface offering several route options when one searches for directions, in the form of cards. Different direction modes( driving, walking, transit) can be toggled from the search listing overlaying the maps without going to a different screen and losing map view.

The Explore page also lists places in different groups accompanied by images to make the experience better in terms of aesthetics. However, we were not able to access this feature, at the time of writing this post. Perhaps, it's not available in India.

It's also worth pointing out that the app can run only on iOS 6 or later.

This essentially means that in addition to getting a new Google Now cards-like interface, Google Maps will offer users live traffic updates/ alerts including incident reports in case of accidents, diversions and road blocks. The Explore feature appears to be an extension of Google's Places feature which highlights points of interest for users and offers reviews, ratings and other details related to places on Maps.

Google had first announced the update to its online Maps service and mobile and tablet apps, at its annual Google I/O event in May. Google also intends to release the updated app for iOS.

What's New in Version 2.0

● New design for iPad
● Enhanced navigation including live traffic updates and incident reports
● Explore: A new way to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink, shop, play and sleep
● Simple 5-star ratings and reviews from friends, plus expert Zagat content
● Great deals from your favorite brands with Google Offers
● Indoor maps with walking directions for malls, transit stations, airports and more

Top 5 Free Antivirus For Android Smartphones

By SheebaSudeep

Android users who randomly and widely  install every app from third party vendors have a misconception  that Smartphones are unreachable to viruses. But the truth is, popularity of Android  has paved way to security threats, including spread of common malwares to phishing viruses that steal IDs and passwords from the device. Many security software companies are already selling antivirus apps at a price. However, as it goes with Android apps, anything that comes at a cost is often forgotten!

But there are also a set of free security apps available, which perfectly   takes  are of sealing the loopholes in your Smartphone with security suites and anti-theft capabilities. Here is a list of five free and best ones.

#5. TrustGo Antivirus & Mobile Security

TrustGo antivirus  is a free and simple app that protects your Smartphone  that comes with anti-theft tools and top- notch malware protection accompanied by an interesting app certification system, providing more detailed  information about apps before you download them.

It takes care of the thefts by  removing  the viruses, malware, spyware, Trojans and any vulnerable application that can steal data from your device.

The interesting device protection and data backup features in this app allows you to Lock the phone, set off an alarm, or securely wipe data and personal information remotely, in case you lose the device. It even takes a snapshot of the suspect and sends it to your email.

#4 Comodo Mobile Security

Comodo Mobile security is another free application that marks its presence in market due to  in class anti-malware engine along with utilities to protect your data, privacy and device.

 

The app comes with an additional advantage that will allow you to check the health of your device after you set it up. Once the scanning is done, the results will be displayed under three categories namely dangerous, pending and secure and will instruct you about the proceedings.

 

It has an awesomeprocess manager that will  kill the unwanted tasks, and alsotakes charge of  traffic monitoring and call and SMS blocking options. The App protector helps you to lock the apps for your privacy and finally there is an anti theft feature which will send the location of your phone to another defined number which you can set , triggers an alarm, block the phone remotely and also wipe the data. It will also accept an SMS command that will activate the front camera and send the picture of the man who possesses the device to your email.Simply Superb! Click Here to download Comodo mobile security for your SmartPhone.

#3 Lookout Mobile Security

 

Lookout Mobile Security is one of the first security apps that came into the Android platform. Once the installation is over, the app will  scan your device for malicious files and malware automatically. It  ensures that  the apps you are about update doesn’t contain any virus.

 

The app  has options to take backup of  your contacts to Lookout account and  enable to share it on multiple devices if you are possessing any. Other options  include the ability to locate the phone even if GPS is turned off, in case the device is lost. However, it doesn’t support advanced  other options like use of SMS to locate the  lost device and the holder information.

The app has a beautiful interface and it won’t drain off the device’s RAM when in use. The usual memory usage is found to be 14 to 15 MB. Even though the utilities like remote lock, data wipe and privacy adviser works only with the paid versions, it has a trial period of 15. days.Click here for free Download of Lookout.

#2 Avast! Mobile Security

Avast, which  carries a long tradition of protecting the desktops and laptops from virus has extended its services into the mobile platform with this free app. The icon which appears on the notification tray after installation can be pressed to activate and deactivate the real time protection.

 

The privacy adviser of the app will check and list every harmful privacy issues that pops up while installing a new app. The “Shield Control” feature of the app protects you from infected links, SMSs.

 

The Firewall feature of this app is a boon to the user. On activation, it disables all the internet connections via wi-fi, 3G or 2G, thereby helping you from additional charges and preventing apps from automatically updating itself while roaming.

 

The anti-theft function of this software has a stealth mode, which will hide the anti-theft feature from an intruder’s eye and has a set of SMS codes to trigger alarm, data-wiping, remote locking and so on. Click here for free donload of Avast.

 

#1 Sophos Security and Antivirus

 

 Sophos ,is the first mobile security application from SophosLabs, which comes with the most minimalistic home screen.

The screen has only four parts: Scanner, Loss & Theft, Security Advisor and the Privacy Advisor. Like the other security apps, it is inbuilt with othe features like scan Apps, scan SD card, USB drive and also a “Cloud Scan Mode,” which will update all the information from Sopho’s cloud infrastructure on the malicious Android apps.

 

The privacy advisor comes with interesting feature. It lists all apps under three categories namely Apps that may cause costs, Apps that may harm your privacy and Apps that may access the internet. You can set them accordingly.

 

Once installed, the app work in a silent mode without effecting any other running applications, which means you cannot enable or disable it with a button. However, it uses less resources; i.e the Ram usage is very low.

 

Adding to it, the app offers all anti-theft tools for free.Click here to try a free trial of Sophos