Apple iOS 7.0.2 update to fix lock screen passcode bypass

Apple released a new update for its iOS 7 operating system that is intended to fix the issue that allows users to make a call by bypassing the passcode screen.

In my last post it shows how Daoud were able to replicate that flaw. The iOS 7.0.2 update is now being rolled out (13.6MB.)

Check out Apple’s website for details here.

A bug on iOS 7 allows anyone to make calls from locked iPhone

More iOS 7 security problems are coming to light, after the discovery of a Control Center vulnerability that allowed intruders to gain access, to the Photos app and to the user's Messages, Mail, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr accounts via the sharing menu, bypassing the passcode completely, another new security hole that allows anyone to make calls even through a passcode locked iPhone has been discovered by Karam Daoud.

Daoud posted a video with him trying to dial a number through a passcode locked iPhone's Emergency number dialler screen. The screen allows users to dial select emergency service numbers and rejects other unassigned numbers. But, after many failed attempts, Daoud was able to make a call to the number though the screen went black and displayed an Apple logo.

Daoud said that he already reported the bug to Apple's security team and briefed them on the security flaw. He said Apple requested more information and a video, and then thanked him and mentioned that the bug would be fixed in an upcoming software update.

iOS 7 install errors for iPhone and iPad

It seems that the servers of Apple were not able to handle the overwhelming number of requests from people updating to iOS 7 that caused users around the world to experience problems installing it.

Those who encountered errors were unable to activate the update and therefore rendered their iPhones useless, stuck in the installation process.

New iPhone Won't Store Fingerprints. I doubt it

The latest iPhone 5S which comes with a fingerprint scanner, won’t store actual images of users’ fingerprints on the device, an Apple spokesman confirmed. This could ease concerns from privacy hawks. However, with the current technoly the NSA has and their blatant disregard on privacy laws, I really doubt they are not collecting fingerprints from this latest technology.

Apple said that the new Touch ID system only stores “fingerprint data,” which remains encrypted within the iPhone’s processor, a company representative said Wednesday. The phone then uses the digital signature to unlock itself or make purchases in Apple’s iTunes, iBooks or App stores.

In practice, this means that even if someone cracked an iPhone’s encrypted chip, they likely wouldn’t be able to reverse engineer someone’s fingerprint.

The iPhone maker has pitched the addition of a fingerprint sensor to its flagship smartphone as a security boost for consumers. But the company also appears conscious of privacy concerns that could arise from storing biometric data on everyday electronics. Fingerprint technology is not new, but still exotic for most customers. Apple appears to want to nip some concerns in the bud.

Samsung to launch Galaxy Note 3 in the US in October

Samsung the largest smartphone maker in the world said Friday that the new Galaxy Note 3 smartphone and tablet, along with its new smartwatch, will be released in the U.S. next month.

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular will all carry the Galaxy Note 3 smartphone. Some of the cellular carriers will also sell the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Major retailers like Amazon.com, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and RadioShack will sell both the smartphone and smartwatch.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 3 smartphone and Galaxy Gear smartwatch on Wednesday. The smartwatch let users check messages with a glance at their wrists or have a conversation through a speaker phone.

The watch must be linked wirelessly with a smartphone to perform its full range of functions. It acts as an extension to the phone by discreetly alerting users to incoming messages and calls on its screen, which measures 1.63 inches diagonally.

AT&T said it will sell the phone for $299.99 with a new two-year agreement, or for $35 a month under its AT&T Next installment plan. It will begin shipping orders on Oct. 1.

T-Mobile said it plans to sell the smartphone for $199.99 down with 24 monthly payments of $21. It's also selling the smartwatch for $299.99. U.S. Cellular confirmed that it will start selling the phone next month, but didn't announce pricing.

The smartwatch will be available in jet black, oatmeal beige, rose gold, wild orange, lime green and mocha gray. The phone and the tablet will be available in jet black and classic white. Colors will vary by seller, Samsung said.

Apple launched iPhone trade-in program in US stores

Apple has launched their trade-in program in U.S. retail stores. You can now trade-in your older iPhone models for the latest model. They are gearing up for the launch of a new version of the smartphone, it said on Friday.

Apple store will give customers a credit for their old phones to be used toward the purchase of a new model, Apple said.

A thriving industry exists for older versions of smartphones, especially the iPhone, on websites such as eBay and Gazelle. Even broken iPhones can fetch as much as $125 from vendors, who resell them in the United States and internationally.

Gazelle Chief Executive Israel Ganot estimated the used smartphone and tablet market in the United States will reach $14 billion by 2015.

"So there's obviously a huge opportunity here for multiple players," he said.

Apple shares dipped nearly 1 percent to $487.46.