Android app lets suspicious spouses listen to calls. RUDE!

August 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

An Android app Trojan found in Chinese app stores is getting all sorts of press this week. The application is said to have the capability to record and store phone conversations entirely without the phone owner’s knowledge. The data is sent to a remote server where a third party can access it at a fee.

But is this really a Trojan? One must intentionally install the device, the permissions must be accepted, and according to eWeek, after it’s installed “the owner can easily tell by looking at the screen that the call is being recorded.” It sounds more like a case of a suspicious spouse to us. In that case, we recommend the owner install Loky PLUS stat. (Keep your private life private with Loky PLUS.)

Whether or not this particular app is malicious, Android owners should take extra care to protect their devices from malware.  You can’t get to 48% market share without attracting a few crackers. Quite surprisingly though, when it comes to device security, Android owners are not very good at protecting themselves. From MoBlog:

A Retrevo survey found four in 10 (39%) of Android users haven’t done anything to prevent someone from misusing data on their cell phone if it were lost or stolen. That compares to 30% of BlackBerry owners and 26% of iPhone owners. Further, only 32% of Android owners think their cell phones can get malware, while 27% aren’t sure.

Practice Safe Downloading

Unlike Apple and Blackberry devices, owners of Android devices have more power when deciding what goes on their phone. So, how can your protect your device from malicious apps? One thing to note is that in order to install any Android app, malicious or not, you must accept the app’s permissions. Pay attention to what the app is asking access to and ask questions if you have them. For example, a wallpaper application should not need access to your contact list.

App Download Best Practices

Below is a list we complied back in December 2009 of precautions you should take before downloading anything (mobile or web).  Please take the time to review it as it can be the difference between a working Android and a cracked one.

  1. Put on your sleuth cap. Research the developer of the application before downloading. Applications in the MiKandi marketplace are not created by MiKandi.Developers use our marketplace to connect with you, the end user.  So before you hop into bed with an app, get some details on the Developer.  A Developer’s contact information can be found in the app description.  If it’s not, just give us a shout at info@mikandi.com and we’ll send you the info.
  2. Read the fine print. Always read the legal information and privacy policy the Developer provides and review what information they want to collect.  In order to install an app, you will be notified of security permissions the app is requesting access to.  Be wary of apps that request more access than necessary.  Be cautious about sharing your personal information, and click Cancel if you are not comfortable with granting access.  In the end, it’s best to refer to the first guideline and email the Developer with any questions.
  3. Be cautious who you share your location with. Some apps allow you to share your location with the Developer, friends, or public at large.  Refer to Guideline #2 and find out why the app you want needs that information.  There are many fun apps out there that require access to your location.
  4. Listen to the tribe. MiKandi’s review process is driven by the community, as opposed to imposing our own review process. We leave the feedback to our community of users.  Take note of what other end-users are saying about the app you want.
  5. Report abuse. Obviously, illegal content is NOT tolerated on MiKandi.  If you discover an app with illegal content, please report the app in question at developer@mikandi.com
  6. NEW- Install a mobile security app. Lookout provides trusted protection against phishing, malware, and spyware. You can download the app free on MyLookOut.com or in the Android Market.

Developers are more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their application.

Developers who stock apps on MiKandi are subject to the MiKandi Terms of Use.  All apps are subject to MiKandi’s Privacy Policy.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks, Users Tagged With: , , ,

How to buy MiKandi Gold

February 28, 2011 by 5 Comments

What, why haven’t you bought your Gold yet?

As thousands of you have discovered, MiKandi Gold is an easy way to purchase the hottest apps for your Android device. Our Gold is a safe and secure payment method that guarantees that adults can get what they want on their phone.

For those of you who haven’t purchased Gold yet or are having trouble figuring out how to buy the gold, here’s a simple 4 step process:

  1. Open your MiKandi app and make sure you’re logged in (you’ve got to be a registered user if you’re going to buy apps)
  2. On the bottom navigation bar, click on the icon with the gold, lock and keys
  3. Select the amount of gold you’d like and click Buy Now.
  4. A secure web page for our billing provider, Zombaio, will open up and present you with a secure input screen for your credit card details. Once you click “complete this transaction” the page will close and your MiKandi account will now reflect the amount of gold you just purchased.

That’s it! Make sure that you’re inputting all of the correct information into the input boxes and not missing a field – everything is required. Sometimes our awesome fans are so eager to get Gold in their account they miss a field or two – don’t let that be you!

If you should run into any issues along the way, however, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Just email us and write “MiKandi Gold problem” in the subject line, we’ll get right back to you.

 

I’m a little nervous about paying for Gold…

We get it – some of you are a little wary of opening up your wallet  and sharing your credit card information with an adult app store. Maybe you’ve gotten burned in the past or you just don’t know what’s going to show up on your credit card bill. Let us put your minds at ease. Here are some important things to know about purchasing MiKandi Gold:

  1. This billing process is very secure and safe. Our billing partner, Zombaio, is a leading billing provider for our industry and utilizes SSL to make sure that you can conduct your transaction in the most secure manner possible. Your security is our top priority.
  2. Your credit card bill will show a non-descript business, along with the date and time of the transaction. Your privacy is very important to us and the billing line item will NOT mention MiKandi or adult apps or the app you’re planning on purchasing.
  3. Refunds for apps are easy and we answer your problems quickly. If you purchase an app that turns out to not work on your phone or isn’t what you expected, you can reach out to us and we’ll work with you and the developer to make sure you’re getting what you want. If they can’t address your issue, the Gold for the app will be refunded to your MiKandi account, to be used for other apps.
  4. We will only bill you for the amount you authorize when you complete the transaction and will always be clear about any recurring charges. We don’t offer any purchases that have recurring charges at the moment, but if we do, those recurring charges will ALWAYS require your explicit approval.
  5. Our main goal is to provide the best marketplace for you and to treat you like an adult. We pride ourselves on the fact that in our first three months with MiKandi Gold we’ve not had one single charge back by a consumer. Thousands of our consumers have bought Gold and loved it – we are positive you’ll love it too.

Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions about MiKandi Gold, we’ll update this and make sure you’re all getting the information you need.

Filed Under: MiKandi Gold, Requests, Tips and Tricks, Users Tagged With: , , ,

Rate and review your MiKandi apps

January 17, 2011 by 4 Comments

In November, MiKandi launched the NEW MiKandi App Store.  The update included paid app support, the introduction of MiKandi Gold, and a sneak peek of the new MiKandi Theater.  But did you know that we also included the ability to rate and review apps?  Now you can leave your feedback on the apps you’ve downloaded or purchased.  And we encourage you to do just that!

Your reviews will help fellow MiKandi users find the very best apps or steer clear of buggy ones, as well as give developers valuable feedback on their applications.  Below are some guidelines to consider when you leave your review.

Rating and Reviews Etiquette

Communicate. There are many Android screens, and unfortunately fragmentation is a problem.  Before you rate an app poorly for not working on your device, try contacting the developer first.  He or she may not be aware that the app doesn’t work on your device and may be able to put in a quick fix for you.  You can find the developer’s email in the app’s detail screen in the app store.  Or shoot us an email at support@mikandi.com with the app name and the problem, and we’ll get you in contact with the developer.

Be constructive. “This sucks” or “nice” are not helpful reviews.  If the app is buggy, forces closed, or doesn’t do what the developer advertised, let the community know.  If the app is well designed, has premium content, or has awesome features, give the developer praise for his or her hard work.

Follow up. If your initial experience with the app wasn’t positive, and the developer fixed any issues or bugs you addressed, follow up with a new review.

Be respectful. MiKandi strives to maintain a troll-free community that  revolves around mutual respect and open communication.  So please… don’t be a douchebag.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Sideloading Redux

September 1, 2010 by 1 Comment

We’ve been getting a ton of emails from frustrated AT&T customers with Android phones.  In case you didn’t know, AT&T has blocked all non-Market apps on their Androids.  LAME!

But in the words of the New Boyz, folks are saying “You can’t tie me down” to AT&T and the Android Market (we need variety!).  A couple of months ago, the good folks at Android Central released the Android Central Sideload Wonder Machine which allows you to sidestep AT&T’s restrictions… no rooting required!

Just this week, another sideload tutorial found its way into our inbox.  This time it’s specifically for the Dell Streak.  And, again, no rooting required! Its reversible and doesn’t affect your warranty.

From Android Headlines:

Here’s how to loosen AT&T’s stifling grip on your factory condition (build 6601) Dell Streak:

  1. Dial *#*#307#*#* on your Streak. Other than a quick flash on the screen, it will look like nothing has happened.
  2. Go to your app drawer/program menu and tap a new icon labeled EMList. If the icon is not there, turn off the Streak. It should be there when you turn it on again.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap app_security.
  4. Tap update unknown resource property to enable it.

That’s it!

To confirm that it worked, press the Home button followed by Menu -> Settings -> Applications. You should now see the “Unknown sources” option. Now you can download and install any 1.6-compatible app you find with ease!

To uninstall EMList, dial *#*#308#*#* on your Streak.

And there you have it!  Enjoy all of those juicy non-Market apps, you big app-playa, you.  ;)

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

Get MiKandi on your AT&T Android

July 22, 2010 by 5 Comments

Note: If you sideload the MiKandi App Store, you will also need to sideload any apps you find in the MiKandi App Store.

Attention AT&T Android owners: No longer do you have to shake your fists in the air and ask the Carrier gods, “Whyy?  Why have you crippled my Android?!”

No, AT&T has not answered your prayers.  But (inhale) Android Central Sideload Wonder Machine (exhale) has.  File this under: SAH-WEET!

From Android Central:

Or maybe *ahem* your phone doesn’t allow you to directly sideload apps, for whatever reason. And that’s where the Android Central Sideload Wonder Machine comes in. We’ve rigged up a simple Windows program that allows you to install any .apk file (that’s the extension for an Android app) via your computer. It’s completely legit — nobody’s going to track you down and take away your phone — it’s completely free (and open source!)  and now you’re back on the same playing field as everybody else, no rooting necessary.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

Wanna get MiKandi on your Backflip?

July 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Holy tether, Batman!

Follow this link for instructions for getting around AT&T’s annoying non-market apps block.

Usual disclaimer applies:  If you damage/brick/etc your phone, you’re responsible, etc., yada yada, you know the drill.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

See red, double your Android’s battery

July 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Android engineer Jeff Sharkey has discovered that altering the color channels of your device can has a positive affect on your battery life.  Good news for folks that really like the color red.

From Slippery Brick:

Organic LED displays have separate pixel elements for each color channel so powering only one color can save a lot of power.

So what color would be best to use? Jeff hooked up an industrial power meter and found that powering only the red pixels could nearly double the battery life. Now that could come in very handy.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With:

How to get 2.1 (Froyo) on your Droid

June 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The fine folks at UnLockr posted a video with step by step instructions for getting Froyo on your Moto Droid.

Disclaimer: You take full responsibility for any damages that may occur if you choose to root your device, and so on and so forth.  You know the drill.

Click here to continue.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

Poor battery life? User Error! User Error!

May 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

If you’re experiencing poor battery life on your Android, you may be the culprit.  Well, not YOU specifically.  More like your usage choices.  Read on.

From Androinica:

When asked about Android’s weak battery life at the Google Zeitgeist forum, Google co-founder Larry Page said that if anyone is not getting a full day’s worth of battery, there’s “something wrong.” Page then went on to suggest it’s probably user habits and third-party apps causing battery woes. “When there is software running in the background, that just sort of exhausts the battery quickly,” said Page.

Consumers have gotten used to the idea that backing out of an application kills it.  However, Android allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously, which means that unless you actively kill the app, it’s going to be running in the background and draining your battery until you do.

A helpful app feature is an EXIT function that completely closes the app upon exit.  If the apps on your device don’t have this feature, you can also install app killers.  We like Advanced Task Killer on the Android Market.  You can also disable GPS, and change your widget settings so that you’re not getting updates of every happening, headline, tweet, or updated feed.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

Designing an App Icon that doesn’t suck

May 13, 2010 by 1 Comment

Developers, we’re not trying to tell you you’ve got to step up your icon game… but you gotta step up your icon game.  Fer serious.

Your MiKandi Team just launched the new User Web Portal, where anyone (not just Android users) can browse your apps.  And while you guys have developed some awesome apps, some of ya’ll need help in the icon department.  Fret not, we’re here to share some tips we’ve learned along the way.

Know its role.

Your icon is the first point of contact between the consumer and your app.  It’s important that you recognize its power and purpose.

From A Clever Twist:

Keep in mind that the icon for your app may be all a potential customer has to go on when decided when to buy or not to buy.  A poorly-designed icon will make customers assume you are selling a poorly designed application. As Nicholas Thomsen of Apporacle.com told us, “The ineffective [icon] is the “ugly” one, the ones that look like the developer spent two minutes on it and gives you a bad impression of the quality of the app even before you open it.” [emphasis ours]

Your icon is your first chance to pique the consumer’s interest.  So make it hot/pretty/cool/plush.  If it’s ugly, who would want to touch it?  Personally, I like to touch big, soft, bouncy things, but that’s not yet possible on mobile.  Until then, I’ll take this:

over this:

Think “Big juicy button”

The icon is a big, juicy BUY NOW button and it needs to look irresistible to the touch.  So pay attention to the small details.  Sure, you don’t have a lot of space, but it’s amazing the work that can be done.  Hell, thousands of others of already proven that a irresistible app icon is possible.

There are two major mainstream app markets: iPhone’s App Store, and Google’s Android Market.  Each have their own app icon styles (go here for Android’s step by step instructions).  You’re not bound to either style on MiKandi (although we prefer Android’s style), so decide which style you like the most and work from there.

Don’t forget that MiKandi asks for a large and small icon for marketing and promotional purposes.

Ask for help.

There are plenty of resources out there in the innurnetz to guide you through icon design.  If graphic design isn’t your forte, ask for assistance.   We can help you design an icon that fits perfectly with your app.  Email us at developer@mikandi.com subject “Icon Help” for more information.  Don’t be shy. ;)

Filed Under: Developers, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,
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