Tag: mobile apps

Google takes a swing at mobile commerce with updated Shopper app

| March 21, 2013

Mobile Commerce Google Shopper appGoogle updates Shopper application to help promote mobile commerce

Google has been working to establish a dominant presence in the world of mobile commerce for some time. The company’s Google Wallet has made mobile payments more available to a wide range of consumers, but many people are still demanding comprehensive mobile commerce services that make mobile payments more convenient. In order to accommodate the needs of consumers, Google has updated its Google Shopper application, introducing new features that may be well received by those that prefer to shop online.

App includes updates search features

Google Shopper 3.2 is the latest version of the application. At its core, the application allows users to find products and compare prices for products offered by several retailers. In previous versions, users could find a wide range of products through the application’s search engine, but sorting through the results of this search would often be problematic. One of the new features of the Google Shopper application allows users to sort the results of their search so as to find the products they are most interested in more easily.

Application designed to improve in-store experience

The application is equipped with a variety of features that are designed to improve the in-store shopping experience. The application can scan barcodes and is equipped with voice recognition software that makes it easier for consumers to find the products they are interested in. Searching for product reviews has also been improved in the latest version of Google Shopper and users can find video reviews via YouTube through the application. Users can access GPS technology in order to find the best deals on products offered at local stores as well.

Google continues to show interest in mobile commerce

Google is investing heavily in mobile commerce and part of this involved encouraging consumers to make use of applications like Google Shopper. Mobile commerce is more than simply purchasing products using a mobile device; it also involves mobile shopping. Google expects that its improved Shopper application may help consumers become more acclimated to mobile commerce and the convenience it offers.

Mobile security suffers a blow from new hacking trend

| March 8, 2013

Hackers Mobile SecurityMobile security becoming a serious issue as hackers find way to exploit Google Play

A new trend is emerging in the world of malware, and it is targeting the Android platform. Hackers are beginning to work their way into Google Play by disguising their malware as legitimate applications. Typically, Google can remove these applications from the Play store with relative ease, but many hackers are hijacking Play accounts from legitimate developers to avoid Google’s own protection methods. This trend could be a major blow against the Android and the platforms ongoing fight in the realm of mobile security.

Google may be unable to keep up with emerging trends in the mobile security space

Mobile security is quickly becoming more important than physical security. The information consumers share through their mobile devices is very valuable, especially to those that know how to exploit such information. Given that mobile technology is relatively new, the security of mobile devices and mobile applications has yet to mature. While Google has taken steps to ensure the security of the Play marketplace, many hackers have found a way to completely circumvent the company’s endeavors in mobile security.

Hackers target developers and not just consumers

Many hackers are beginning to target legitimate developers rather than just consumers. Developer Play accounts are being hijacked and used to distribute applications disguised as safe pieces of software. In many cases, this malware is actually being marketed as mobile security software for smartphones and tablets. Hacking a developer Play account is not the only method that malicious parties are using to gain access to consumers. Some are simply buying these accounts from developers outright.

Developers offered funds for each malicious application they publish to Google Play

Some hacking groups are offering $100 to developers with verified Play accounts for each malicious application they publish. Google charges developers $25 to put an application on the Play marketplace, which can be a hefty sum for small scale developers that do not have a strong presence in the mobile market. Hackers are preying on these developers by offering them a financial incentive to distribute malicious applications and circumvent the mobile security protections that Google has put in place.