Lilbits (12-09-2013): CyanogenMod gets secure, encrypted text messaging

The folks behind the CyanogenMod seem to be fans of privacy. Earlier this year the company introduced per-app incognito mode to let you run Android apps without leaving a data trail. And if you have a CyanogenMod account, you have a secure way to find a missing phone or remotely wipe it without going through Google servers or those of your phone maker or wireless carrier.

Now CyanogenMod is adding an open source system for encrypting text messages.

Here’s a roundup of tech news from around the web.

• CyanogenMod introduces secure, encrypted text messaging with WhisperPush
  Don’t want the NSA intercepting (and reading) your private messages? The folks behind popular custom ROM CyanogenMod are bringing encryption to SMS messaging in their custom version of Android. It’s also open source, which means we might see it in other ROMs soon. [CyanogenMod]
• Google Android 4.4.2 rolling out for Nexus devices
  Google has started rolling out an unannounced (probably minor) Android update for Nexus phones and tablets. it seems to fix a few bugs without offering many new features, but if you don’t feel like waiting for an OTA update notification, Android Police has some direct download links. [Android Police]
• Tasker extension for Sony Smartwatch 2 lets you see/trigger Tasker activities on your phone/tablet
  Tasker is an Android app that lets you create little programs that trigger actions based on conditions such as time or location. Now you can view and control those little programs from your smartwatch. [xda-developers]
• Upcoming LG V510 tablet may be a Nexus device
  There’s mounting evidence that LG’s upcoming V510 device is a Google Nexus tablet — and it could be the first Nexus with an 8 inch screen. [@evleaks]
• Amazon expands Kindle Free Time for tablets (and for parents)
  Kindle Free Time lets parents set rules for how kids can interact with the tablet. Now parents have new options — for example, they can set educational goals that kids have to meet before they can play games, watch videos, or perform other activities. [Amazon]
• Crystal Board dev board runs Android, Linux, has RK3188 quad-core CPU, is Arduino compatible
  This little dev board should sell for around $149 and up, and you can use it as a little computer the foundation for hardware projects, or more. The folks behind it are trying to raise money for the board on Kickstarter. [CNX Software]
• Google could launch a Nexus TV box in 2014 (Evolution of Google TV/Chromecast), sans live TV support
  Google may be re-inventing its TV software… again. Reports suggest that a Nexus TV could be on the way, designed to simplify the process of interacting with apps such as Netflix and Hulu. It might not have all the functionality of today’s Google TV boxes, but the popularity of the much simpler Google Chromecast could indicate that simple trumps feature-packed. [The Verge]

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