Tech News Recap: Popular app plagued by PORN virus, Tesla PowerWalls and How Old Do I Look

ALL THE biggest technology news from the past week – A hugely popular smartphone has been accused of watching PORN behind the scenes, Apple has hired THREE more staff from BBC Radio 1, Google launches its Person Finder web app to help to reunite families torn apart by the Nepal disaster, LG launches the G4 with an updated 16megapixel camera, curved back and leather cladding, the FAA has cautioned Boeing over a software glitch discovered in the 787 Dreamliner which SHUTS DOWN all the engines, and much more.

Express.co.uk brings you all the biggest technology stories from the last week EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS

Express.co.uk brings you all the biggest technology stories from the last week

Your smartphone could have been watching PORN without you knowing

A popular mobile app has been accused of visiting pornographic websites behind users' backs.

The Android app – called Dubsmash 2 – has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of smartphone owners.

The fraudulent app has leveraged the popularity of the cross-platform video app Dubsmash to trick users into downloading the virus.

Dubsmash, which is available on Android and iOS, allows users to lip-sync to an audio recording of a well-known quote.

But Dubsmash 2 is a malicious app which uses PORN to trick users into generating revenue for app creators.

The malicious app was in the Google Play Store – and had been downloaded more than 500,000 times GOOGLE • IG

The malicious app was in the Google Play Store – and had been downloaded more than 500,000 times

Malware specialist Avast has accused the app of accessing adult content online without the knowledge of the smartphone owner.

Dubsmash 2 vanishes as soon as it is installed on an Android device.

The malicious mobile app then reappears with an icon similar to the official Google settings application and with the name Settings IS.

When a user clicks on the Settings IS icon – it secretly actives Dubsmash 2.

Dubsmash 2 will run a background task every 60 seconds which downloads links to pornographic websites and then introduces the adult content into the smartphone’s browser.

Avast suspect the developer used the porn clicker method for financial gain.

Clicking on the pop-up ads would trigger pay-per-click earnings from the advertisers who were unaware that the system had been hijacked.

Some 500,000 people have downloaded the Dubsmash 2 app to date.

Google deploys Person Finder for Nepal Earthquake 

The Californian search giant has deployed the web application to try and reconnect those affected by the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Kathmandu.

Person Finder allows users to search a crowd-sourced database of missing people.

Users can subscribe to email updates on the status of an individual person.

There are currenlty 7,700 crowd-sourced records in the free, searchable database. 

Those stranded in an area without mobile internet can search Google Person Finder by sending a text message.

Individuals, press agencies and non-governmental agencies can all contribute to the online database.

A test version of the free tool was first rolled out to help with the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

The Google app relies on individual users to update and remove records when no longer relevant.

The web application can be embedded on any website – to help people quickly access the growing database.

LG G4 launch

LG this week unveiled its latest flagship handset – the LG G4.

“See the Great, Feel the Great,” the firm promised.

The LG G4 boasts an eye-watering Quantum IPS Quad HD display, a new curved design and a staggering THREE different choices of leather cladding.

Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop – with LG's UX 4.0 interface – the G4 sports the same 5.5inch screen as its predecessor.

The front of the flagship phone is dominated by its almost edge-to-edge, crisp and colourful display.

LG has used the same, subtle top-to-bottom curve – dubbed Slim Arc – it debuted in its G Flex smartphone series.

The curved backplate also houses the visually-striking rear-mounted volume rocker and power button which have become synonymous with LG flagship phones.

Measuring 5.9 x 3 x 0.4 inches – the G4 is slightly chunkier than its predecessor which clocked in at 5.8 x 2.9 x 0.35-inches.

At 5.5 ounces, the G4 is also 0.14 ounces heavier than the G3 as well.

The much-advertised new leather backplate is made genuine leather – which LG claims is ‘vegetable tanned’ – and is available in a choice of three different colours.

Its not all Vegetable Tanned leather – the LG G4 also comes with a ceramic backplate LG

Its not all Vegetable Tanned leather – the LG G4 also comes with a ceramic backplate

The South Korean company has chosen not to upgrade the resolution of the display in the G4 which instead keeps the same pin-sharp 2,560 x 1,440 resolution as last year.

However, LG has debuted a new display technology which it claims makes some significant improvements to the Quad HD screen.

Dubbed Quantum IPS Display – the display is "25 per cent brighter" than the LG G3 and boasts a "20 per cent wider colour range".

LG claims its updated display technology makes outdoor usage “squint free”.

The LG G4 comes with 3GB of DDR3 RAM as standard – a small bump from the 2GB included with the lower-end model last year.

LG has upgraded its rear-facing camera too which increases from 13megapixels to 16megapixels.

The rear camera also boasts a f/1.8 maximum aperture lens which trumps the f/1.9 offerings on the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.

This is paired with a 40 per cent larger image sensor which the firm claims has improved low light performance two-fold since the G3.

LG has also added a range for manual controls into its default app which it claims allows users to shoot “like a professional”.

Apple has hired THREE more BBC Radio 1 employees 

The Cupertino company hired popular DJ Zane Lowe, who has hosted the BBC Radio 1 evening show since 2002, earlier this year.

Apple has now reportedly poached James Bursey – who worked as a producer on Zane Lowe's show.

DJ Zane Lowe, who has hosted a BBC Radio 1 show since 2002, joined the Cupertino team earlier this year GETTY

Zane Lowe, who has hosted a BBC Radio 1 show since 2002, joined the Cupertino team earlier this year

We are proud to have a proven record of discovering and developing staff that are seen as the best in the business

Spokesperson for BBC Radio 1

Mr Bursey has worked at the BBC station since 2003 and reportedly left Radio 1 for Los Angeles on Friday.

He is believed to be involved with the relaunch of the Beats music streaming service.

Apple is expected to take on Spotify with a new iTunes music streaming service powered by the technology it acquired from Beats last year.

It is thought Apple will merge Beats Music – which is currently US only and has around 250,000 paid subscribers – with iTunes Radio.

The service is expected to include cloud-based libraries and curated playlists.

Apple has also hired Radio 1 producers Natasha Lynch and Kieran Yeates, Music Business Worldwide has reported.

Ms Lynch worked on the successful Huw Stephens show while Mr Yeates was an executive responsible for BBC Introducing.

Both will reportedly be working from the Apple campus in London.

"There's no denying that there’s something of an exodus to Apple from Radio 1 right now,” a source told Music business Worldwide.

A spokesperson for Radio 1 told Express.co.uk: "Radio 1 is respected worldwide for making great programmes and is vital to the record industry for choosing the best new music and artists.

"We are proud to have a proven record of discovering and developing staff that are seen as the best in the business.”

In addition to its hires from the BBC, Apple has hired head of editorial at Deezer, James Foley.

This video demonstrates why it is NEVER a good idea to try and strap a GoPro to a GREAT WHITE SHARK

This shocking footage shows a frenzied Great White Shark attacking a film crew after they attempt to strap a GoPro camera to its fin.

Video has emerged of a group of international scientists attempting to attach a GoPro camera to the fin of a Great White Shark.

The team wanted to use the footage for a documentary on the Discovery Channel.

However, the Great White Shark had other ideas.

The terrifying marine killer – which measured six metres in length – is filmed smashing into the team’s dingy.

It snaps its impressive jaws at the panicked crew.

"I don't think this is such a brilliant f****** idea you know,” one of the researchers can be heard screaming.

“I don't think we can have a boat in there. I really don't."

The terrifying footage shows the 2,000lb Great White tearing into the rope tethering the small dingy to the scientist’s ship.

The crew were filming Lair of the Megashark, a program set to air on the Discovery channel.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner software glitch SHUTS DOWN passenger plane's engines

A software glitch in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner triggers a complete engine SHUTDOWN, experts have warned.

The software bug cuts power to the engines if the plane has been left turned on for more than 248 days, the US Federal Aviation Administration has cautioned.

When the glitch activates – the electrical generators within the Boeing 787 will go into failsafe mode and pilots immediately 'lose control' of the plane.

A stock image of the controversial Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger planeGETTY

A stock image of the controversial Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger plane

If the shutdown took place during take-off or landing – the loss of control could be disastrous.

The American Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, ruled the software glitch to be critical.

"We are issuing this AD [airworthiness directive] to prevent loss of all AC electrical power, which could result in loss of control of the aeroplane," the FAA ruled.

"If the four main generator control units (associated with the engine-mounted generators) were powered up at the same time, after 248 days of continuous power, all four GCUs will go into failsafe mode at the same time, resulting in a loss of all AC electrical power regardless of flight phase."

Over 250 Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes are currently in operation.

Boeing is believed to be working on a software patch that will resolve the issue.

A spokesperson for the company told The Guardian: "The airworthiness directive action addresses a condition that only occurred in the lab. 

"Simulated testing determined that this condition is possible in cases where an aeroplane’s power is left on for more than eight continuous months. 

"No airplane in the fleet experienced that condition."

How Old Do I Look? Microsoft online app is easily the best way to lower your self esteem on the internet

Microsoft this week unveiled a new face-detection tool that wants to try and accurately guess your age and gender.

The new website – dubbed How-Old.net – was quietly launched earlier this week.

How-Old.net has been very generous to Her Majesty – who is in reality 24 years olderIG

How-Old.net has been very generous to Her Majesty – who is in reality 24 years older

Thousands of people have already put Microsoft's "state-of-the-art, cloud-based algorithms" to the test.

Predictably, users have responded to their results with either adoration or outrage – depending on the outcome.

"Sorry if we didn’t quite get the age and gender right," the website adds apologetically. "We are still improving this feature."

Tesla wants to power your home with batteries 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk this week announced plans to "fundamentally change the way the world uses energy".

The company – known for its hugely successful electric cars – wants to introduce its battery technology into homes and businesses as part of an elaborate plan to reshape the power grid.

Tesla has already announced it will make the home battery technology – dubbed Powerwall – although the product will be sold by a variety of other companies.

"Our goal here is to fundamentally change the way the world uses energy," Elon Musk told reporters at the Tesla design studio, near Los Angeles International Airport.

As with Tesla's electric cars, which start from around £54,800 in the UK, the battery is too expensive for the majority of consumers. 

PowerWall will carry a suggested price of $3,000 to $3,500 – some £1,954 to £2,275 – depending on the desired capacity.

That could discourage widespread adoption, especially for a product that may only have limited use.

Elon Musk has said he is so encouraged by the initial demand that he believes Tesla and other future entrants in the market will be able to sell 2 billion battery packs around the world.

That is roughly the same number of vehicles already on roads. 

Tesla will begin shipping a limited number of Powerwall batteries this summer in the United States before expanding internationally next year.

And in other news, NASA is testing a WARP DRIVE

NASA is believed to be testing a Warp Drive which could one day blast a manned spaceship FASTER than the speed of light.

The Warp Drive could slash the current four day journey from the Earth to the Moon to less than four HOURS.

Researchers believe a trip to Alpha Centauri – the nearest star system to our sun – could be cut from 160,000 to 100 years.

The new technology is based on an electromagnetic drive, or EMDrive, which converts electric power to thrust without the need for fuel.

Warp Drives are a stable of many science fiction properties, including Star Trek PARAMOUNT PICTURES • IG

Warp Drives are a stable of many science fiction properties, including Star Trek

EMDrives generate thrust by bouncing microwaves inside a closed container.

Solar panels generate the electricity to power the thruster, which means the EMDrive is completely self-sufficient.

NASA has carried out a number of tests on the technology, which has been labelled "impossible" because it cannot be explained with our current understanding of physics.

British aerospace engineer Roger Shawyer is credited with first designing the concept for a EMDrive back in 2000.

A Chinese team – following instructions from Mr Shawyer – allegedly produced 720 millinewton (around 72g) of thrust in 2009.

Last year, an advanced propulsion research wing at NASA announced it has successfully tested the "impossible" technology.

NASA demonstrated the EMDrive could work in a space-like vacuum by producing some 30 to 50 micronewtons – less than a thousandth of the output of a relatively low-powered ion thruster.

Researchers understood to be involved in the project were spotted posting in an online forum on NasaSpaceFlight.com.

The scientists claim the reason the accuracy of previous EmDrive trials has been criticised is because none of the previous tests were carried out in a vacuum. 

"NASA has successfully tested their EmDrive in a hard vacuum – the first time any organisation has reported such a successful test," the anonymous researchers wrote.

"To this end, NASA Eagleworks has now nullified the prevailing hypothesis that thrust measurements were due to thermal convection."

However, the official NASA website claims: "There are many 'absurd' theories that have become reality over the years of scientific research.

"But for the near future, warp drive remains a dream."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?