Is Your Android Phone Violating Your Privacy?

If you’re like me, you love your Android phone. But like me, you’re not in love with the news that Android software called Carrier IQ is recording everything you do on said phone.

That’s right: all your texts, Google searches, passwords and keystrokes are being grabbed—all in the name of “making your user experience better” through research. Scarier still, the software seems to log each user’s location data. We have to wonder, is “research” the only way this info is being used?

Check out the video, created by Android developer Trevor Eckhart, to see how Carrier IQ works.

Carrier IQ said in a statement that it “assists operators and device manufacturers in delivering high-quality products and services to their customers … by counting and measuring operational information in mobile devices – feature phones, smartphones and tablets.

“The information gathered by Carrier IQ is done so for the exclusive use of that customer, and Carrier IQ does not sell personal subscriber information to third parties,” it added.

Can Facial Rec Be Fooled With This Simple Trick?

Facial recognition technology gets a lot of credit for being secure and difficult to hack. But the software on Samsung's Galaxy Nexus has revealed a chink in its armor.

The phone's facial rec "lock" can be unlocked by showing a photo of the user, according to a test by the tech blog Soyacinau. That means this seemingly more-secure feature is actually less secure than a good old-fashioned password.

Is this the undoing of facial rec as we know it? Probably not. Apparently the phones that were tested aren't even running the final version of the Android Ice Cream Sandwich software. But it is raising some interesting questions and concerns. And Google even admits the software's imperfections on their About page, where it warns the feature may not be absolutely secure.

The company reminds users that facial recognition passkeys are not as secure as pattern PIN or a password, and someone who looks similar to the phone's owner could break in.

Luckily, this isn't the case with most facial recognition applications. But users should remember that they're not all created equal.

Get Ready for an Explosion of Computer Vision Apps

Surprised by how often computer vision technology is already cropping up in your life? Just wait: Qualcomm has released the first mobile-optimized computer vision library, FastCV. Get ready to enjoy an endless supply of CV apps.

FastCV enables developers to use computer vision in their mobile apps, which will heighten a wide range of capabilities, like facial detection/recognition, text tracking/recognition, gesture recognition and augmented reality tools.

So far, FastCV supports Android development only, but additional platform support should come soon. Developers, download it here. Smartphone fans, keep it tuned to InHardFocus for more on the amazing apps that will come of this announcement.

Next Google Phone May Have Facial Rec Lockscreen

After yesterday's iPhone 4S announcement, tech lovers are ready for even more news. Luckily, rumors have started swirling about the features on the upcoming Google Nexus Prime, which should hit Oct. 11.

One of the most intriguing is that the Android OS, Ice Cream Sandwich, will have a facial recognition lockscreen. Love it.

Apparently an accidentally-leaked phone included a file called FaceLock.apk in its OS toolbox. Although there's a chance this refers to something else altogether, the possibility is interesting.

Would you use a facial recognition lock for your phone? How well do you think the tech would work? Is facial recognition mainstream enough for everyday users to want it on their smartphones -- or would it only appeal to certain corporate and government users?

Will iPhone 5 Feature Futuristic Voice Controls?

The interwebs are buzzing about the possibility of an iPhone 5 release today, and reports are flying about the new phone's rumored features.

We're intrigued by the possibility of advanced speech recognition capabilities, which would let you control your phone with your voice - like never before. This technology will enable users to make appointments on their calendars, send emails and text messages, and more, without typing a word.

Apple's rival, Google, has always been the front-runner when it comes to voice search and transcription. Now that more Androids are sold than iPhones, it would be a good time to step up the voice rec game.

In addition to (maybe) improving their voice controls, Apple will also unveil a better camera and a stronger processor in the new iPhone.

Following today's event, conveniently called "Let's Talk iPhone," we'll probably get the full scoop.