Phones Your thoughts on the Galaxy S III

[VSMacOne]

I don't think the AppStore is safer because it's Apple. I think it's safer because it's safer.

I just read an article about Android Malware saying that the amount of money stolen from Android users from Malware (like sending secret SMS messages to premium numbers costing $10 a message) was in the millions last year. Apparently the number of Malware attacks on Android is accelerating.

There are 0 malware/viruses in the wild for iOS right now, and outside of jailbroken devices there have never been any malware/virus outbreaks on any iOS device.

The AppStore is exactly as safe as I think it is.

At the end of the day, this is true. I have never downloaded an app from the AppStore that was malware. Are there exception? I'm sure devs can sneak stuff by Apple, but most of them won't becasue they know they'll get kicked out of the AppStore. There is no sense of this in the Android Market.

Hmm... I had to call AT&T about 90$ worth of premium numbers last month, spread across 4 iPhones (none jailbroken). You called these malware in your post, so apparently there are at least 9 malware cases just on my AT&T bill alone. I'm not sure if these actually count as malware though, as I know nothing about this topic. Just saying, to think any there are no viruses/malware for any OS is very dangerous imo. Many people said Macs were impervious to these exact things and in the end it just makes you an easier target. Don't think for one second your safe just because your on iOS.

This is not Apple's fault. I'm dealing with one of those things on our bill right now, and it's all AT&T.

 

[ChazUK]

I've found it extremely easy to remain malware free on Android since 2009 by not pirating apps (developers deserve their money), checking reviews, developer reputation and reviewing app permissions on all applications that install to my Android hardware.

Anything iffy and it isn't installed. The same can be said for my time on Windows, Windows Phone and OS X. Its been a life long thing of mine to do so and has kept me safe on multiple platforms.

 

[cynics]

At the end of the day, this is true. I have never downloaded an app from the AppStore that was malware. Are there exception? I'm sure devs can sneak stuff by Apple, but most of them won't becasue they know they'll get kicked out of the AppStore. There is no sense of this in the Android Market.



This is not Apple's fault. I'm dealing with one of those things on our bill right now, and it's all AT&T.

Depends if your phone SENT SMS behind your back it is apples fault. The only other way is you did it? Did you text one of those fortune telling or love numbers?

There was a few threads on this forum a while ago. Apple is usually pretty quick to pull the apps.

App store is overall safer then google play. However if you use your brain google play is safer. Since YOU have to check the permissions of an app you know what it's doing, a weather app doesn't need access to your SMS for example. Plus some big names have anti malware apps for free like norton, avg, etc

It's like a pc. If you use common sense you will be fine!

 

[VSMacOne]

Depends if your phone SENT SMS behind your back it is apples fault. The only other way is you did it? Did you text one of those fortune telling or love numbers?

There was a few threads on this forum a while ago. Apple is usually pretty quick to pull the apps.

App store is overall safer then google play. However if you use your brain google play is safer. Since YOU have to check the permissions of an app you know what it's doing, a weather app doesn't need access to your SMS for example. Plus some big names have anti malware apps for free like norton, avg, etc

It's like a pc. If you use common sense you will be fine!

In my situation a bunch of our numbers are getting SPAM sms that will automatically add a $9.99 monthly charge. That is definitely AT&T's fault.
Regarding the App Store, I agree with you that common sense and careful analysis will (most of the time) keep you safe. However, most consumers are not as tech savvy as some of the forum members and will undoubtedly fall prey to the malware. The average person is not going to know that there are 20 games called Words With Friends on Android Market but only 1 of them is the right one. Does that make sense? Lack of knowledge is mostly to blame for PC malware and viruses because a large number of these can be avoided by not clicking certain links, etc. But again, most people don't know that.
And this is where the AppStore comes in. Consumers just go in download an app and use it, without any extra steps. Simple and safe. Apple gets that right more than anybody else (for the majority of times).

 

[onthecouchagain]

EDIT: Fake!

SIII Leaked pics that actually look legit: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Alle...-both-physical-and-capacitive-buttons_id29554

However, if this is real, I'm disappointed. I'm not sure why there's hardware button on the front when one of the major ideas of ICS was to eliminate front hardware buttons.

Could be an old prototype too.

 

[cynics]

In my situation a bunch of our numbers are getting SPAM sms that will automatically add a $9.99 monthly charge. That is definitely AT&T's fault.
Regarding the App Store, I agree with you that common sense and careful analysis will (most of the time) keep you safe. However, most consumers are not as tech savvy as some of the forum members and will undoubtedly fall prey to the malware. The average person is not going to know that there are 20 games called Words With Friends on Android Market but only 1 of them is the right one. Does that make sense? Lack of knowledge is mostly to blame for PC malware and viruses because a large number of these can be avoided by not clicking certain links, etc. But again, most people don't know that.
And this is where the AppStore comes in. Consumers just go in download an app and use it, without any extra steps. Simple and safe. Apple gets that right more than anybody else (for the majority of times).

I agree, ignorance of the consumer is google play's main downfall when it comes to this.

On the flip side this is a downfall of apple too. It's a tech world, if you don't know how something works you have no business using it. I hate how restricted apps are with ios. I have two apps in particular I find relatively useless because of this. Sleep cycle and battery doctor. What good is a alarm clock or battery monitor if they have to run in the foreground? I end up not using them!

 

[DodgeV83]

Hmm... I had to call AT&T about 90$ worth of premium numbers last month, spread across 4 iPhones (none jailbroken). You called these malware in your post, so apparently there are at least 9 malware cases just on my AT&T bill alone. I'm not sure if these actually count as malware though, as I know nothing about this topic. Just saying, to think any there are no viruses/malware for any OS is very dangerous imo. Many people said Macs were impervious to these exact things and in the end it just makes you an easier target. Don't think for one second your safe just because your on iOS.

There have been 0 reports of iPhone malware sending hidden text messages to rack up your phone bill. It is thought to be impossible due to iOS restrictions.

If you have evidence showing otherwise, please provide a source.

 

[newbiemacguy128]

There have been 0 reports of iPhone malware sending hidden text messages to rack up your phone bill. It is thought to be impossible due to iOS restrictions.

If you have evidence showing otherwise, please provide a source.

There was already another forum member a few posts back who also claimed he got some text message fees also. I'm not going to go scavenge through my bills from months ago. As to who's at fault, maybe its AT&T, maybe its Apple. I don't know and I personally don't care. As far as i'm concerned, if Apple chooses to use a carrier that is susceptible to hidden text message fees. They are just as much to blame. In the end, I lost money. No one likes that.

Still going to keep using my iPhones on AT&T, it's just annoying that I have to go Sherlock Holmes on my bill every time it gets here. I believe the pros outweigh the cons at the moment. I'll try Android one of these days though.

 

[DodgeV83]

There was already another forum member a few posts back who also claimed he got some text message fees also. I'm not going to go scavenge through my bills from months ago. As to who's at fault, maybe its AT&T, maybe its Apple. I don't know and I personally don't care. As far as i'm concerned, if Apple chooses to use a carrier that is susceptible to hidden text message fees. They are just as much to blame. In the end, I lost money. No one likes that.

Still going to keep using my iPhones on AT&T, it's just annoying that I have to go Sherlock Holmes on my bill every time it gets here. I believe the pros outweigh the cons at the moment. I'll try Android one of these days though.

If you're referring to the quote below:

In my situation a bunch of our numbers are getting SPAM sms that will automatically add a $9.99 monthly charge. That is definitely AT&T's fault

Then it wouldn't matter which phone you had. It could have been a non-smart phone from Nokia and you still would have been charged. It's a billing issue, not a phone issue. Even if you took your sim card out and literally didn't have a phone, you would still have been charged.

That's like blaming your car manufacturer, because the gas station overcharged you

 

[Wrathwitch]

When I first got my iP4, after nightmare experience with HTC and although more stable, less than fun experience with BB. The iPhone felt like I had died and gone to geek heaven.

I would swear up and down that the iPhone4 JUST WORKs and I have never had a problem with it ever.

I recently seen a video on how Ice Cream Sammich on a SS GII ran compared to an iP4S and I have to say, there was some Very cool looking differences between them. Enough to actually tempt me.

The conditions that would have to be met for me to switch though, would be to
1) be able to get updates from the actual Android site, not have to wait for my lazy a** carrier to grace me with the update 3-6 months after the release.

2) the phone would have to NEVER freeze on me. I rely on my cell phone as an alarm clock.

3) I would have to be able to get consistent battery life of a full day's and evening's usage from the device. As it is, I use a Mophie battery pack because I don't like to have to worry about not being able to use my device when I need it.

That being said, if Apple actually pulls a magic re-design out of their hat and offers some pleasant surprises, I would stay with Apple for my chosen device. I really do want a slightly larger screen, LTE, It would be nice to be able to arrange my icons in anything other than a graph, but I can live without that.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Debunked! My earlier post of the SIII leak is debunked as a fake.

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I want to laugh at everyone who says the iPhone "just works."

And people wonder where the term "sheep" comes from.

 

[hot spare]

Debunked! My earlier post of the SIII leak is debunked as a fake.

I saw the article in PA. But where was it debunked as FAKE? any source?

cheers!

 

[onthecouchagain]

I saw the article in PA. But where was it debunked as FAKE? any source?

cheers!

Yeah, I'm not seeing the debunk story making the rounds or updates, but I read it here: http://www.tmonews.com/2012/04/newe...tly-like-latest-render-samsung-confirms-name/

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Also seems like Samsung had nothing to do with that "Wake Up" group.

 

[cynics]

If you're referring to the quote below:



Then it wouldn't matter which phone you had. It could have been a non-smart phone from Nokia and you still would have been charged. It's a billing issue, not a phone issue. Even if you took your sim card out and literally didn't have a phone, you would still have been charged.

That's like blaming your car manufacturer, because the gas station overcharged you

But you can't GET a text that charges you money. You have to send a text to get those charges. Like when you see the late night commercials that say "text love to 22342 to get your next boyfriend or girlfriends name" or some lame crap like that.

The way the malware thing works is it secretly sends a text to one of these pay for text numbers. At least that's the way I understand it.

I'm not saying its just not a billing error though.

 

[DodgeV83]

But you can't GET a text that charges you money. You have to send a text to get those charges. Like when you see the late night commercials that say "text love to 22342 to get your next boyfriend or girlfriends name" or some lame crap like that.

The way the malware thing works is it secretly sends a text to one of these pay for text numbers. At least that's the way I understand it.

I'm not saying its just not a billing error though.

That's what I thought as well, VSMacOne's account is unfamiliar to me.

 

[hot spare]

Yeah, I'm not seeing the debunk story making the rounds or updates, but I read it here: http://www.tmonews.com/2012/04/newe...tly-like-latest-render-samsung-confirms-name/

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Also seems like Samsung had nothing to do with that "Wake Up" group.

Ok I got the debunked info now!

1] you can see a reflection of the person’s hand on the carpet!
2] since this phone has its screen off, why are the physical buttons lit up?
3] why would the multitask button look like the standard menu button?
4] they probably aren't real buttons - but stickers.

check droid-life.com

 

[kevinof]

Er yes you can. I could set up a premium rate service that charged say $5 per message. I can either get you to sign up , or fake your sing up if I'm that way inclined and from then on every message I send to you is billed at $5 to your mobile account.

It's called a premium rate text and is supported by operators (who take a nice percentage of the charge).

But you can't GET a text that charges you money. You have to send a text to get those charges. Like when you see the late night commercials that say "text love to 22342 to get your next boyfriend or girlfriends name" or some lame crap like that.

The way the malware thing works is it secretly sends a text to one of these pay for text numbers. At least that's the way I understand it.

I'm not saying its just not a billing error though.

 

[newbiemacguy128]

If you're referring to the quote below:



Then it wouldn't matter which phone you had. It could have been a non-smart phone from Nokia and you still would have been charged. It's a billing issue, not a phone issue. Even if you took your sim card out and literally didn't have a phone, you would still have been charged.

That's like blaming your car manufacturer, because the gas station overcharged you

No, it doesn't matter which phone you get. Unfortunately most companies will do whatever it takes to make money at the expense of consumers. Thats why I reserve my praise for companies actually worthwhile, like a charitable organization.

Think of it this way, lets say Apple was releasing the first iPhone and had a choice of two carriers. One with hidden text message fees. One without. They chose the one with hidden text message fees. Their decision will cause headaches for THEIR consumers (i.e. me). I just happen to blame both the carrier and apple for choosing them. Thats all.

Obviously, the easier choice is for me to switch carriers, but I don't want to lose that unlimited data!

Anyways, I have a feeling we aren't going to agree. So lets just cut it here. .

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That's what I thought as well, VSMacOne's account is unfamiliar to me.

My charges happened the same way too...thats what costs me probably $90-$300 worth of charges. I never sent any texts out that would warrant 10$ charges. They were definitely hidden.

 

[kdarling]

At the end of the day, this is true. I have never downloaded an app from the AppStore that was malware.

I've never downloaded a malware app from the Google Play Store, either.

The Android SMS trojans that I've read about, and which at first were said to be on Google's store, ultimately ended up to have been hosted on app stores in China and other unofficial places.

Are there exception? I'm sure devs can sneak stuff by Apple, but most of them won't becasue they know they'll get kicked out of the AppStore. There is no sense of this in the Android Market.

Yep, devs have snuck stuff by Apple.

Both stores depend on the threat of dev removal, and on people's promises not to misuse customer info. That hasn't stopped apps on both platforms from sending personal info all over the world to be misused or sold.

 

[ajvizzgamer101]

The main problem for me is that Android is just such a tasteless OS.

It simpy doesnt have the elegance and class feel to it like iOS.

Don't tell that to an Android fan. "They don't need a good OS, because they are free to make it anyway they want."

 

[cynics]

Don't tell that to an Android fan. "They don't need a good OS, because they are free to make it anyway they want."

You can use an iOS theme if you'd like. Looks just as elegant as iOS 5. LOL

 

[lordofthereef]

Don't tell that to an Android fan. "They don't need a good OS, because they are free to make it anyway they want."

Troll much?

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Not sure what Mac's you are using, but my iMac and MBP din't use the same RAM chips as my HP PC? I'm also not sure where you got the idea that any PC manufacturer besides Apple utilize the same type of Trackpad. Sure a few companies like Logitech have put out crappy looking plastic clones, but nothing even close to the real thing.

As for the iPhone and iPad on iOS. If you think people don't care about RAM, then you haven't seen the difference between the iPad1 and iPad3. Enjoy have apps constantly close on you on the original iPad, due to lack of RAM? Many people may not know what RAM is, but they have seen the consequences of having to little.Having more RAM is becoming critical!

CPU and GPU are important, but not as important as being designed for a specific piece of hardware, a la iPhone. Android compensates for shoving a simple OS into many pieces of hardwae and then dealing with several UI's placed on top. More CPU cores, more RAM, more battery, more everything is the only solution they have, hence internal hardware is detrimental to the success of Android. But it's up to each Android based phone manufacturer to out do each other and keep pushing the envelope.

And your comment about Android having malware, trojans, viruses or what have you is the go to line for the Apple loving crowd to slap in the face of the iHaters. It is true that an Android phone can download such things, BECAUSE it is an open platform, allowing people to download apk files from any shady place on the internet. And if you think the app store is safer, because it's Apple, you may want to check the news from this past month and end of last year. App store isn't quite as safe as you think. However, with proper planning, both OS's can avoid those bad files from ever getting on your phone or if they do, being able to backup to a previous saved version.

I meant that it's not Apple's proprietary technology. Macs and PCs can use the same exact RAM chips but not ALL Macs can use ALL PC RAM chips and vice versa. But they are compatible. Just because it's not the same exact RAM chip doesn't mean it's completely different and proprietary. Also certain PC manufacturers use the same Synaptics ICs for their laptops that Apple uses for MacBook Pro trackpads.

The biggest issue with RAM is not how much you have, it's how you use it. iOS has always been more efficient with system resources including RAM.

Of course CPU and GPU are important components. But compared with other smartphones (aka WP and iOS), it is less optimized as a whole device because software and hardware weren't developed to be hand in hand.

The App Store is SAFER than Android Marketplace. If I were a malicious hacker, Google welcomes me with open arms while Apple would slam the door in my face. If anyone is trying to fool themselves different, regardless of iHater or iLover, they are kidding themselves. Btw, most users don't care, don't want to care, don't know, and/or don't want to know about "proper planning". They just want a device that works.

 

[lordofthereef]

I don't think the AppStore is safer because it's Apple. I think it's safer because it's safer.

I just read an article about Android Malware saying that the amount of money stolen from Android users from Malware (like sending secret SMS messages to premium numbers costing $10 a message) was in the millions last year. Apparently the number of Malware attacks on Android is accelerating.

There are 0 malware/viruses in the wild for iOS right now, and outside of jailbroken devices there have never been any malware/virus outbreaks on any iOS device.

The AppStore is exactly as safe as I think it is.

Interestingly the same thing happened to me on two lines. The difference is that we have only ever used iOS devices on our AT&T lines. Now I am not saying Malware did this, but on the same token, do we know that malware did it to the Android users?

When talking malware infected apps, are we talking apps that are downloaded from Google Play (formerly Android marketplace) or are we talking about apps downloaded elsewhere from third party sites?

 

[cynics]

Interestingly the same thing happened to me on two lines. The difference is that we have only ever used iOS devices on our AT&T lines. Now I am not saying Malware did this, but on the same token, do we know that malware did it to the Android users?

When talking malware infected apps, are we talking apps that are downloaded from Google Play (formerly Android marketplace) or are we talking about apps downloaded elsewhere from third party sites?

If you get those charges on a line that is an iPhone it's cause the carrier screwed up. If you get those charges on a line you have an android device on its cause of malware. Or at least thats the general consensus around here.

And it doesn't matter android can download files from anywhere you like!!! It's all bad!! Lol