The week in gadgets


3 Oct 2011

A look at gadget happenings, as a major HTC Android security flaw is uncovered and Nokia finishes outsourcing Symbian to Accenture.

Major HTC Android security vulnerability discovered

A large security vulnerability has been discovered in HTC devices running Android, which gives common apps with internet connectivity access to data such as email accounts, GPS locations, system data, phone numbers and SMS data.

Android Police reports that any app given permission to access the web or show ads can take advantage of this security vulnerability.

Engadget reports HTC is looking into the matter.

“HTC takes our customers’ security very seriously, and we are working to investigate this claim as quickly as possible. We will provide an update as soon as we’re able to determine the accuracy of the claim and what steps, if any, need to be taken,” said a spokesperson.

Nokia completes outsourcing of Symbian

Symbian is officially no longer being developed under Nokia, as the mobile company has finished outsourcing the software.

According to Nokia, Symbian software development and support activities have been brought to Accenture.

As part of the transaction, 2,300 employees will transfer to Accenture.

The agreement was finalised in June, after Nokia shifted its mobile strategy to make Windows Phone 7 its primary operating system.

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