Mobile Security Tips to Follow

This will be the first in a series of articles about mobile phone security. This first article deals with Internet security in general, and the follow-up articles will be on specific security apps for Andorid and iOS devices. Even if you follow just a few of these tips, you will go a long way in safeguarding your information, both personal and financial.

1. Don’t Lose Your Phone

Or, if you do, make sure that your phone is password protected. And just to be clear, a password like 1234 or 0000 is not really a password. This is basically a default code, so try to be a little more creative when choosing a code.

If you go into your General settings on your iPhone, for instance, under Passcode Lock, you can also select to have all data wiped from your phone if after 10 tries the right password is not entered. Of course, this means that a code should not be so difficult that even you have a hard time remembering it.

2. Download with Care

It is always a good idea to carefully review an app before downloading it. You should also make sure you cross-reference reviews so that you are not using just once source. Although Apple has much stricter guidelines for uploading new apps to the App Store, it has been shown that iOS devices are not impervious to hackers.

That said, if you have an Android device, you must exercise greater caution when downloading because the Android Market is a completely open forum. This allows, in theory, for greater diversity and creativity, but it also makes the entire market place, so to speak, more vulnerable to hacker attacks.

3. Safeguard Data

Your phone is basically a computer, so you need to show as much care in safeguarding data on a tablet or cellphone as you would on a regular computer. This is especially true if you use applications to view PDF files or if you transfer information via the Cloud.

Most apps that allow you to view a Word document or a PDF file, for example, do not actually save the file on your device. That file is saved on a remote server that belongs to the app developer or one that the developer has piggybacked on. That is, if you have no way of knowing whether or not the remote server can be trusted, then you probably should find a more traditional way to review and work with these types of files.

The Cloud is another issue all together and leads us to the next tip.

4. Wi-Fi & “The Cloud”

In their 2011 Mobile Threats Report, Juniper Networks states that Wi-Fi hotspots are expected to grow from 1.3 million in 2011 to 5.8 million in 2015. Although the convenience of these ‘free’ hotspots is undeniable, they must be accessed with caution. Simple tools and apps, such as FaceNiff and Firesheep, now exist that allow you to essentially eavesdrop on other mobile devices that are using unprotected hotspots.

Of course, even mentioning these ‘tools’ here is a risk, but it is important to know that they exists so that you can make an informed decision when traversing a hotspot’s access point. In other words, when you are at a local Starbucks and decide you want to use their complimentary Wi-Fi, make sure that the information you will be accessing (or that you have on your phone) is not vital.

The same can be said for cloud computing. Although the cloud offers marvelous features and versatility, it should be used with discretion. All it takes is one time for sensitive data to breached and misappropriated.

5. Review App Permissions

App stores are starting to be a little more transparent with respect to the data to which they have access. Be sure when you first open an app (after downloading it) not skip over the step where permission is asked to access or share your information.

Although some apps have a social-networking component, like Hipster or Path, the choice is ‘always’ yours. All you have to do is select “Don’t Allow.” Now, this might mean that some key features will be disabled, but you have to weigh this against potential security breaches, which have happened, for example, in the case of both Path and Hipster.

Ultimately, much of the onus when it comes to securing our information falls on us, the user. With the exponential growth and potential use of mobile devices, there has scarcely been enough time for consumers to consider all the implications. Developers and app platforms like the App Store and Android Market are starting to take some responsibility for securing their products and services, but not enough can be said for a little good, old-fashion common sense.

Stay tuned for more information on securing your iOS and Android devices.

Juniper Networks has published their 2011 Mobile Threats Report. In it, Juniper states the greatest number of attacks have been perpetrated against Android devices, which makes sense given the open platform of the Android Market. The increase in Android attacks is said to be over 3,000 percent over the last year.

But even more alarming are the actual numbers. In 2010, just over 11,000 samples of malware were reported across all operating systems. In 2011, that number shot up to almost 29,000. And given that Apple has recently reported that they have in the past year sold more iOS devices than they have Mac computers since they started selling Mac computers, it is easy to see where this malware trend is going.

What the Numbers Say

The Juniper report shoots out a whole list of other numbers that are, to the say the least, disconcerting. Thirty percent of apps have the ability to obtain (via GPS) the location of a device (i.e., the user) without the user’s explicit consent. There are 14.7 percent of apps that can initiate a phone call without the user having knowledge that they have given the consent to do so. Six percent of applications request the ability to look up all the accounts on the device (and not always in a manner that is forthcoming). Although these are considered to be suspicious and not malicious in the industry, it is unlikely that the average user would agree.

The Culprits

There are two basic types of malware: SMS (Short Messaging Service) Trojans and spyware, the latter being the most prevalent. SMS Trojans trick users into sending out premium messages on behalf of a malicious third party. The user usually does not find out that these message have been sent until they receive their bill.

Spyware, on the other hand, is a little more insidious in that it is often harder to detect. It also accounts for 63 percent of the identified samples of malware. Spyware can cull information from a user ranging from their GPS coordinates to their text messages as well as their browser history—all of which can be used to extract sensitive and lucrative information from a user.

Google to the Rescue?

Google recently announced its new malware patroller codenamed “Bouncer.” Hiroshi Lockheimer, Android vice-president of engineering, wrote on the Google blog that “once an application is uploaded, the service immediately starts analysing it for known malware, spyware and Trojans. It also looks for behaviours that indicate an application might be misbehaving, and compares it against previously analysed apps to detect possible red flags.”

Lockhemier also states that “the service has been looking for malicious apps in Market for a while now, and…we saw a 40 percent decrease in the number of potentially-malicious downloads from Android Market.” Given that Google is the maker of Android, it is not a bad idea that they spearhead the fight against malware attacks against Android devices. However, it is unlikely that any real solution will come from one source. If that were true, then in the PC world, there would be one anti-virus to rule them all.

iOS Devices versus Android

The Juniper report also makes it clear that although iOS devices fair better because of Apple’s strict policy on app development and publication, they are by no means immune to attacks. iOS malware usually stem from ‘jailbroken’ devices that permit the proliferation of unapproved apps or from errors in code-signing restrictions that can lead to unapproved apps being uploaded to the App Store, as was recently demonstrated by Dr. Charlie Miller at Accuvant LABS.

Apple’s iOS sandboxing model is also part of the problem because it uses only one sandbox to run all its applications. Although Android runs a separate one for each of its applications, the Android Market allows any developer to upload their potentially malicious app, which is the reason why Android devices are so susceptible to attacks.

What the Infographic Says

The Juniper report also includes an infographic of the month-to-month appearance of new and malicious attacks against all mobile operating systems in 2011. It would seem that the only month specific malicious activity was not reported was in August, which might lead one to believe that even hackers take vacation time. However, what this graph is really suggesting is that malware is on the rise, and not just of the PC variety.

We take for granted that our phones are really computers and that more and more we are using them as such. Apps have become so sophisticated and widespread that even most banks these days have a mobile division. Your smartphone is no longer a mere diversion to go gather some eggs with some angry birds.

Vudu and UFC Available for Xbox

In a move which signifies the start of a period of increased launch activity Microsoft has announced the availability of two anticipated apps for its Xbox console. Vudu, the video streaming service, and an app by the UFC for live and Pay-Per-View events continue the trend of the console being used as a media consumption device via its very popular Xbox Live platform. The company has announced plans to launch at least 40 new entertainment and media apps in the coming months.

For some time, Microsoft has been repositioning its console and online platform. Originally focused on its core function of gaming, it has now developed into one of the leading online content-consumption devices. These releases, along with several others this year, will serve to consolidate their already-strong position and perhaps serve as a spring board in its quest to grow its market share and lead the industry.

Popular UFC Event “Sold Out”

The UFC app, in particular, could help them achieve their goals. Mixed martial arts (MMA) is extremely popular, and is one of the fastest-growing sports today. Reports late last month were that the large number of downloads forced the UFC to announce that an event promised free to those who download the app was no longer available. Fans of the sport reported being able to see the event listed via the Xbox app for free, but were unable to order it.  Under pressure from consumers, the UFC released additional free Pay-Per-Views for UFC 141 prior to the December 30^th event.

Vudu will strengthen the already solid line up of options to stream video content on demand. Its primary competition will be Netflix which has been available on the Xbox for some time. While Netflix has the advantage of incumbency and a large user base, Vudu is not without its strengths. It has the ability to offer movies that are more recent and sometimes current.  That may entice some users who are not satisfied with the catalog nature of much of Netflix’s content. To further encourage customers to choose the app Vudu has announced a one-time free credit of $4.99 which can be used for both purchases and rentals. Vudu is owned by Wallmart a competitor to online retail giant Amazon who also offers a streaming service. Amazon’s instant video is available on the Xbox using a workaround that involves a PC.

The announcement by Microsoft follows the recent redesign of the user interface of its console and online platform. The redesign brings the Xbox in line with its overall strategy of implementing a more or less single and universal control scheme based on the “Metro” UI of the upcoming Windows 8 operating system. The latest version of the Windows Phone UI already features a Metro styled design. There are reports that Microsoft is working to allow their phones to be used as a device to control the Xbox.

In what may be something of a preemptive strike against possible moves by apple Microsoft has incorporated the very popular Kinect also. Users can now use gestures to move through menus and  make selections. Voice commands can also be used to control the device.

It is unclear at this time if the new control scheme will be successful, However along with its big push in the direction of general entertainment, it is clear   that Microsoft is playing this game to win.

Sony Will Launch Titles for North American PlayStation Vita in February

Finally!  After months of speculation and hair pulling Sony has finally released some news that North American gamers can sink their teeth into. The Japan based electronics giant has released its line-up of 25 games for the February 22^nd release of the much-anticipated follow up of the successful PSP. The PlayStation Vita is a powerful new handheld device that will have multiple input options including the new back touch panel. The quad core device will also sport a capacitive touchscreen, along with the traditional D-Pad and face buttons. The device will also have dual analog stick, a feature long demanded by users of the original PSP.

The list of games which will be available from day one includes a few heavyweight titles including the very successful “Uncharted.” Other titles likely to generate lots of interest include “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” and “Dynasty Warriors.” Sony also released pricing for various add ons and peripherals. The game launch is said to be the largest in PlayStation history. In addition to the titles available at launch there will be a special bonus to customers. Each PlayStation Vita will come bundled with 6 AR cards as well as a voucher for mini-games. The mini-games will be downloadable Augmented Reality titles, called “AR Play.”

The Vita, which has already launched in Japan, has had solid retail numbers. Initial sales figures however were slightly lower than its main competition the Nintendo 3DS. Sony plans a global roll out of the Vita this year, and says there are over 100 titles in development and that major third-party developers are on board. Games will be available in both physical and downloadable versions. They will cost between $10 and $50, and ten other titles will be available during the launch window.

All first-party games and a selection of third-party games will be available as downloadable titles on February 15^th.  This date coincides with the launch of the special First Edition Bundle Vita. A PS Vita starter kit will also be available at launch. The kit, which will cost $39.99, will include headphones, a 4 GB memory card protective case, and cleaning cloth, among other items.

FilmOn Strikes Back —  Announces FilmOn Air ATSC TV Receiver

FilmOn, the Internet-based TV provider, is set to offer a new device dubbed the “FilmOn Air” to consumers. The FilmOn Air is an ATSC TV receiver dongle. It is expected to cost $95.95 as a stand-alone device. It will also be bundled free with an annual subscription for its online service. The subscription includes around 120 channels and costs $149.95. Current subscribers will receive the device free.

The Air is very compact device that will connect directly to your iPhone. Since it relies on over-the-air broadcasts, it can tip toe around issues raised by major broadcasters regarding the legality of its current Internet-based offering. The device is said to be compatible with Android and iOS phones and tablets. It is claimed that it will also work with both PC and Macs. In addition to allowing you to view over-the-air broadcasts the device will also allow users to record shows. It has a battery that is said to be good for about 5 hours and will feature pass-through charging. That last feature will allow users to use the Air and charge their device at the same time making battery life less of an issue.

FilmOn Still in Litigation

FilmOn initially launched an Internet-based TV service in September 2010. That service delivered HD channels that were available over the air and charged users a monthly fee. Major broadcasters soon went to court to prevent FilmOn, which is owned by billionaire David Alki, from using its content. The case is still ongoing and FilmOn has been blocked from re-broadcasting the disputed content. Presently, the online service continues to operate using programs from smaller content providers. The company cites exemptions for cable TV providers as one of the reasons it believes they should be allowed to provide the copyrighted material.

The new device essentially circumvents the court ruling. It will allow current and new subscribers to watch OTA content from major broadcasters on their mobile devices at no additional cost. The device is expected to be available in February and there is no indication if it will have any impact on the ongoing case.

 LG and Lenovo Promise to Make 2012 CES Ultra-exciting

 What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?

Not this week.

The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has officially begun in Sin City, and with 20,000 new products expected to make their debut at the show—including new models of the highly anticipated ultrabook—word is going to spread fast.

With global consumers expected to spend a record $1 trillion on consumer electronics in 2012, a record number of people are expected to attend the show. Last year, more than 2,700 exhibitors showcased their latest products on more than 1.6 million net square feet of exhibit space, with nearly 150,000 people in attendance. This year’s show will match or even surpass that number. Certainly, the CES has come a long way since it introduced the videocassette recorder to17,500 attendees in 1970!

And so have the products.  Many of this year’s attendees will be coming to see what’s been touted as the year’s biggest thing in computer devices:  the super thin, super lightweight ultrabook.  Developed by Intel, the ultrabook design marries the best of the notebook and the tablet. In order to be called an ultra book, these high performing devices must meet Intel’s stringent criteria:  weigh no more than 3.1 pounds, be no more than 0.71 inches thick, and provide five or more hours of battery life. They must also offer flash-based storage and Intel technology that makes for extra-fast boot times.

This week, CES 2012 will showcase about 50 ultrabook models.  Nearly every major manufacturer is set to unveil its version of this ultra computing device. Here’s a brief look at some of the highlights that will be showcased respectively by industry giants LG Electronics and Lenovo.

Lenovo

Lenovo is not new to the ultrabook game. The company recently introduced two new ultrabooks that will sit alongside Lenovo’s existing model, the ThinkPad X1.

The Thinkpad X1 Hybrid is the crown jewel of Lenovo’s ultrabook product line (and a royal price, starting at $1,599). As its “hybrid” title suggests, it’s a variation of the original. Like the original, the ThinkPad X1 Hybrid is available with three Intel Core CPU options (i3, i5 and i7), along with a 13.1-inch Gorilla Glass screen. The main area in which the Hybrid differs from the original is in the operating system; the new model features a supplementary Qualcomm dual-core CPU and up to 16GB of memory that runs a custom Linux-based operating system.  Lenovo says that in this mode, the battery will last 10 hours, compared to only five when using the traditional Windows/Intel platform.

On the other end is the ThinkPad T430u—at about $849, it’s known as the budget ultrabook. The T430u has a 14-inch screen but it’s still less than .8 inches thick. You can choose between Intel Core CPUs and optional Nvidia graphics…or opt for an SSD instead of a traditional disk drive. This ultrabook comes with a large battery with a stated life of six hours.

Lenovo’s newest offerings include the IdeaPad U310 and U41. Like all Ultrabooks, these models are characterized most notably by their super-thin, lightweight form factors. The U310 weighs in at 3.74 pounds and measures 0.7 of an inch thick, while the slightly larger U410 weighs in at 4.18 pounds and measures 0.83 of an inch thick.

LG Electronics

Front and centre for LG Electronics is what it calls the Super Ultrabook ^TM Series, a brand new lineup that includes the Z330 and the Z430.  Both models boast powerful performance and a sleek design not seen in ordinary ultrabooks.

Z330

At just 14.7 mm throughout, the Z330 14-inch notebook is the most compact product in the lineup. It’s also lighter than most competing ultrabooks in this class, weighing only 1.21 kg. Powered by LG’s Super Speed Boot technology, the Z330 completes booting in less than 10 seconds–about three times faster than other 13-inch notebooks on the market, and it can recover from standby mode in only two seconds.

Z430

The Z430 is a 14-inch notebook offering high performance in a sleek package. At 19.9 mm thick, and weighing 1.50 kgs, it’s the most compact 14-inch notebook on the market, yet it still boasts super fast 12 seconds booting time (thanks to Super Speed Boot) and large storage capacity of up to 500GB.

LG Electronics has not yet announced a price for either ultrabook.

New in 3-D

While the spotlight is most certainly on the ultrabooks, LG is also showcasing the latest in slim and powerful CINEMA 3D notebook technology.

P535

The P535 features both:  the notebook has a 24.1 mm chassis, weighs just 2.2 kg and has a 15.6-inch super-slim LED backlight display. In fact, it’s up to 24 per cent slimmer and 27 per cent lighter than the closest competing 15-inch 3D notebooks.

A540

LG’s A540 provides glasses-free 3D display panel, SRS premium sound effect and 4.1 channel 3-D sound—bringing consumers full on 3D entertainment in a powerful package with an easy on the eyes 15.6-inch Full HD LED backlight display.

LG V300

LG’s first-ever all-in-one PC features Film Patterned Retarder, 3D technology and an IPS display. Originally launched in 2011, the V300 offers the most vivid, immersive full HD 3D viewing experience on a 223-inch Full HD display without any eye fatigue. Unlike competing all-in-one PCs with a dual camera touch sensor, the V300 is equipped with a triple camera system that offers a multi-touch experience.

New 3D technology and what many are predicting to be the next big thing—the ultrabooks—are bright lights at this year’s CES, and kick off an exciting new year of technology.  Look for the lightest, fastest, the ultra-est devices becoming available to consumers very soon in 2012.

Cloud Storage on the Go — SkyDrive is Here For iOS

If you’re a fan of Microsoft’s famous file-storage service, Windows Live SkyDrive, you’ll be happy to know that you can now order it — to go!  There is now an iOS app on offer that lets you access your files from your mobile device as well as your PC.

Heaven on earth?  Absolutely — if you know what it’s all about. The new information mobility means people can choose to store their files in the clouds instead of their PCs, and that makes understanding the nature of your cloud more crucial.

A Quick Comparison

A search can give you more than 70 cloud storage options, most of which appear able to manage basic documents, photos, and videos.

One difference is in how much free storage space provided. Of the two most well known cloud products, Windows Live Skydrive has 25GB free storage, while iCloud offers 5GB free (but purchased music, apps, books, and TV shows won’t count in that measure.)

Another is in integration.  Windows Live Skydrive integrates with hotmail, Bing, and Live Groups (5 GB shared space with members.) iCloud users get a free me.com account for email integration.

The biggest difference in the two clouds seems to be what you can do with them. The Live Skydrive supports collaboration, in that multiple users can edit the same document stored in the cloud. iCloud celebrates access to everything everywhere, which means all files are relayed to all linked devices; ‘No syncing required. No management required.’ If device individualization is not necessary to a user, that service may be a terrific timesaver.

So whether you think heaven is being able to collaborate on the go, have access to all your music, books and photos on all your devices, or other potential mobile efficiency applications, now is a great time to get your head in the cloud.

You can download Windows Live SkyDrive for free, at iTunes.

Ultrabooks:  Is this what everyone’s been waiting for?

They say you can never be too rich or too thin. It’s an adage that’s as true today as it ever was, particularly the thin part, and especially when you’re talking about computing devices.  Case in point:  the super thin, unbelievably light and high performing ultrabook—one of the year’s most talked about computer products and a much anticipated highlight of the Consumer Electronics Show starting tomorrow in Las Vegas.

 Matching the Wish List of Consumers

The ultrabook is the result of a seven-year effort by Intel to develop a computing device that delivered all the features consumers were asking for. Research showed that users wanted technology that allowed them to do all the things they could do on a larger device, but with the portability of a smaller laptop. And they wanted to do that easily and comfortably, with a keyboard they could really type on and a screen they could really see.

They also wanted a battery that lasted longer than the movie they were watching; quick response times; and security that ensured the safety of their private information.  And they wanted all of this wrapped tight in one lightweight, sleek and attractive package.

And in 2011, combining the best of the notebook and the tablet, the ultrabook was born.

Ultrabooks are what some are calling the PC industry’s answer to the Apple’s MacBook Air.  As for Intel, stringent criteria must be met before it will call any device an ultrabook.  It can weigh no more than 3.1 pounds, be no more than 0.71 inches thick, and provide five or more hours of battery life. It must also have flash-based storage, and incorporate Intel ® Rapid Start Technology for lightning fast boot times, providing users with ultra quick access to their data and applications.

The Next Big Thing?

Intel unveiled the ultrabook in May 2011. The company called it a game-changer, bringing together the power of laptops and the convenience and power efficiency of tablets. According to Intel, ultrabooks are expected to make up 40 per cent of the consumer-PC market by the end of 2012.

Some say this is a highly ambitious prediction—the company sold only one million ultrabooks worldwide last year. But the firm continues to hold fast to its ultrabook sales projections for 2015, which assume a 342 per cent annual growth rate.

Again, some say it’s a highly ambitious forecast, especially when you consider that the entire PC market is projected to grow less than five per cent. Time will tell if we see these predictions come to fruition.

See It Tomorrow

What you can be sure to see is a whole lot more excitement about the ultrabook; much of it starting tomorrow at the Consumer Electronics Show. While some companies’ devices have already hit the market, other companies, including Dell, are expected to introduce models in Las Vegas.  In fact, you can expect to see 30 to 50 ultrabook models from Dell, HP, Toshiba, Acer, Asus and Lenovo.  A few of these already have ultrabooks in their catalogue of shipping products.

The general consensus among most analysts is that the ultrabook category has some staying power. For the most part, consumers are hungry for what Intel is promising: an emerging breed of no-compromise computers that will increasingly combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and battery life, and built-in thin, elegant, must-have mobile design.

But most also agree that the device’s success may be determined by its price tag–many of next year’s ultrabooks will be in the $1,000 to $1,200 range, perhaps limiting their appeal to mainstream, price-conscious consumers. However, it’s also possible that the price could eventually come down, particularly in light of Intel’s $300 million investment in a fund to help lower the cost of the components that go into making the device ultra thin and ultra lightweight.

Will the ultrabook be ultra-successful?  Stay tuned.

And tune in right here tomorrow for a closer look at some of the ultrabook models that will be featured at this year’s Consumer Electronic Show.

Toshiba’s Dynabook WT301/D Tablet Japan Bound

When computer scientist Alan Kay conceptualized the Dynabook back in 1968, he had a definite vision. It was a product that could be used by all, but one that was designed for a specific target audience. It was supposed to be function-oriented, easy-to-use, and above all, portable to the extreme. It had to be; his target audience was children. Skip forward a little more than three decades, and we come to a new device carrying that legendary Dynabook name. The modern-day device takes a somewhat similar approach. It is a device that can, in theory, be used by anyone, but it was designed for a specific target: Japanese enterprise customers.

Toshiba has announced the latest entry into the Windows 7 tablet market segment, a 10.1 inch slate powered by a yet unknown Atom processor. The slate packs in all the usual suspects. It comes with 2 gigabytes of RAM, a 64 gigabyte SSD, as well as front and rear cameras (the former, VGA, while the latter being of the 1.3 pixel variety). The device also sports USB and micro-HMDI ports and stereo speakers. It will support Wi-Fi b/g/n, and Toshiba expects to begin offering them to potential buyers by January 2012.

Cameras aside, the Dynabook offers decent specs, and Toshiba has wisely decided to target this somewhat chunky slate to its enterprise customers. However, running a standard build of Windows 7 on a target sporting less that 3 gigabyte has its problems—specifically, frame rate when moving between screens and when zooming and performing actions that have a lot of transitions. There was no word on whether there would be a customized skin running atop Windows 7, a move that would significantly improve visual performance. Depending on the processor used, general performance for enterprise-related tasks should be more than acceptable.

While the Windows tablet never really took off in the North American market, in Japan, they are very popular. Many manufacturers are coming out with new devices to supply demand for the Microsoft operating system. The device comes with Microsoft Office Home and Business pre-installed, and the processor is said to be an Atom that is “Next Generation.”

There was no mention of North American availability, and if other recent Windows 7s that have hit the Japanese market is any indication, it won’t be coming to Western shores anytime soon. With Windows 8 expected to be out in the not-too-distant future, there is a huge case to be made for the “wait and see” approach. If you simply cannot wait though and you live in or are planning to travel to the land of the rising sun soon, the Toshiba Dynabook WT301/D tablet may just be the one for you. Price unannounced, availability January 2012.

We have been here before. Back in March, rumors started to circulate about a proposed Google Nexus tablet. All the ingredients for a media frenzy were there: anonymous sources, check; juicy details, check; likely release date, check. That Google Nexus tablet was rumored to have a tightened version of the Honeycomb OS and was to be released by summer. That timeframe came and went, and the rumor never generated anything more than the odd scoff.

Things are a bit different this time. Tech sites and more traditional news-oriented content providers, like the UK Telegraph and The Christian Science Monitor, are abuzz with opinions and discussion. This time, information is not coming from anonymous sources, but directly from the horse’s mouth. Never one to shy away from the media, Google’s Executive Chairman, Eric Schmidt, in a recent interview with an Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera revealed that the company had plans to “market” a high-end tablet within six months.

The choice of wording is largely overlooked by most writers and analysts: market, as opposed to make or produce. Nowhere in the statement did he make mention of any specific decision that Google itself—or even its soon-to-be-acquired partner Motorola Mobility—was to be the actual maker of the tablet or that it would sport the Google logo.

The timeframe of the planned tablet also gives some clues to the direction that Google may take. Six months is a long time in the mobile tech industry, and Google is known to have relatively short OS cycles. Moreover, the current Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android—for all its hyped tablet/phone convergence—is still, from all appearances, phone-leaning.

A certain possibility arises: Is Google starting the hype machine for a new version of Android—a more tailored version of ICS or a full-on 5.0—that will launch with a flagship tablet from one of its partners?

It’s all conjecture at this point, of course, but there is certain symmetry in the scenario described above. It avoids the pitfalls of directly competing with one’s own customers and also spreads out the risk. For all its hype, the Xoom Honeycomb flagship tablet was met with lukewarm response by consumers, and despite its PC market share and financial might, HP failed to capitalize on the well-liked WebOS platform when it designed its own tablet.

If Google does intend to build its own branded hardware, it would have to “go all out”. In his recent interview, Schmidt did give something of an indication that Google may indeed lean towards building their own hardware when he spoke about the fierce battle expected in the New Year.

As things now stand, Apple, with its iPad 2 dominates the high-end of the tablet market, and Amazon with its recently-launched Kindle Fire is showing signs that it intends to clean up at the lower-end (the middle of the market, however, appears hollow). For Google to compete with the market leader Apple and its upcoming iPad 3 tablet, it will have to beat it in multiple areas—and not in price alone.