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Google’s adding a new feature to the Android Market called Bouncer, which will scan available apps for malware without hassling developers or interfering with user experience at all. It’s one of the first signs that Google’s taking Android malware seriously, and it’s about time.
Bouncer works on a few levels. As new apps come in, they’re analysed to see if they’re carrying malware, spyware and trojans. It also compares how an app is operating versus how it’s expected to operate, and how that compares to similar apps that have been problems in the past. And finally, it analyses new dev accounts to see if they’re just old malware hawkers coming back around (how that last part works is less clear).
It sounds like a great step toward ridding the Market of problem apps. There’ve been a number of high profile alarms over the past several months, but Google claims there was a 40 percent drop in malware activity from the first to the second half of 2011. Do with that what you will, but in any case, a more secure Android Market is only good news. [Google]
A bit of a misleadingly worded article. Bouncer’s actually been at work for a few months already – and that’s why there’s been the 40% drop.
It really does make sense for a company that made its name with search algorithms to be using that to protect their key progeny, so it’s kind of disappointing that it’s actually taken this long for Google to step up and get something out there.
I still think it wouldn’t be a terrible idea for Google to require someone to review the first published app by any registered developer before letting loose their stuff on the market. It’s not as intensive as Apple’s complete control over EVERYTHING, but then it wouldn’t need to be. If the first app is genuine and doesn’t break the T&Cs, then the rest are more likely to – and this’d make Bouncer’s work even easier by cutting out a lot of the flotsam.
Ad what happens if the developers offend on the 2nd or 3rd app, they won’t offend 1st if they know they will be checked, that would be plain stupid! 1 strike and you are out for good would be better, or just check everything to protect the user base, what apple does helps keep things working as they should do..
What Apple does is keep a closed and controlled market working like Apple wants it to, it seems you won’t be happy till Android functions and works like iOS, and every smartphone is limited and limiting – yet at the same time are happy to bitch about certain Android phones replicating iOS models – you can’t have it both ways, which is it?
While you get an erection every time someone takes a bite out of an Apple you got to to realise most people don’t hold your perversion, 50%+ of smartphone owners, and growing, are more than happy with Android and its openness – the reason we buy Android above all other things is the simple fact that it isn’t Apple, and doesn’t function like a limited and limiting Apple product, if Android didn’t exist someone would have to invent it, if iOS didn’t exist then far less people would be less limited in the world.
I admire your tenacity, but one day you are going to need to realise that not every product needs to be made by one company and respect other peoples freedom in that open market, even if it means you are number two – and if it was all made by Apple it would be like a soviet Russia of smartphones, is that what you really want?
I support Microsoft, 100% in windows mobile, I like the metro interface and would consider purchasing in the future alongside a microsoft tablet.. Also my iOS devices are jailbroken and customised, no need to be locked into Apple if you know what your doing, although for the average consumer perhaps being locked in is the safer option..
Ha, ha… you funny.
Actually, the majority of people buy android phones over iPhones because of price. If you looked at activation specs I’m sure you’ll see that most of the new activations came from android phones under the £150 mark.
Of course, I love android (although not my phone. It runs Eclair, is slow and has very little storage), but I also have an iPod touch (bought faulty for £30, replaced by apple free of charge. Can’t really complain at that, even if they have ditched it.), so I have the best of both worlds. But android is my platform of choice.
I think Google’s approach is sensible and timely, it is about freedom, an inclusive environment, they don’t what to spoil a free party for everyone because some dick crashed it – I see this as the right move at the right time.