Software : Siri security flaw uncovered

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Siri security flaw uncovered Posted: The default setting for Apple's new Siri personal assistant app for iPhone 4S allows much of the handset's functionality to be used even when the phone is locked. The security worry means that anyone can pick up your iPhone and dictate texts, emails, make calls and have Siri list calendar appointments, while the 4S is passcode locked. Siri - the little harlot - will also tell anyone details and addresses from your contacts book, but it can't open apps without unlocking the phone. Dirty default It's easy enough to atone for Siri's promiscuous behavior though, as you can turn her off in the Passcode Lock settings menu, but many users may not even realise that this is an issue. Voice Control on previous iPhone models also allowed limited actions with the device in lock mode, but the sheer range of functionality on offer here is quite worrying. Although it's easy to switch Siri off with the phone locked, it's somewhat surprising that Apple chose this as the default mode. Graham Cluley of security giant Sophos blogged: "What's disappointing to me though is that Apple had a clear choice here. "They could have chosen to implement Siri securely, but instead they decided to default to a mode which is more about impressing your buddies than securing your calendar and email system." Via: CNET

Android's Andy Rubin slaps down Siri Posted: Andy Rubin, the head of Android at Google, has taken a swipe at the Siri personal assistant feature on the new Apple iPhone 4S. Following the launch of Android 4.0 in Hong Kong, Rubin today said that your smartphone shouldn't be for talking into, but for communicating with people. "I don't believe that your phone should be an assistant," said Rubin during an interview. "Your phone is a tool for communicating. You shouldn't be communicating with the phone; you should be communicating with somebody on the other side of the phone." Projecting the future Rubin did applaud Apple's foresight in bringing the tech to the market at the right time, but was keen to point out that Siri isn't a new idea. "To some degree it is natural for you to talk to your phone. We'll see how pervasive it gets," he added. "This isn't a new notion. In projecting the future, I think Apple did a good job of figuring out when the technology was ready to be consumer-grade." Android Ice Cream Sandwich, like previous versions of the OS, does have excellent voice-to-text functionality and the Google Translate app, which now can be used in 14 languages, is also a godsend for many.

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