Android Safe Browsing Feature Rolled Out by Google With Live Threat Protection: How it Works

Android Safe Browsing Feature Rolled Out by Google With Live Threat Protection: How it Works

Google is introducing a new security feature for Android smartphones designed to keep users safe from malicious links while using apps on their handsets. The ‘Android Safe Browsing’ feature supports third-party apps and will alert users when they access harmful links or websites, according to Android expert Mishaal Rahman. The feature has been spotted on Google’s Pixel phones and Samsung Galaxy handsets. It is expected to roll out to other smartphones via Google Play Services along with the ability to toggle the setting.

Android is a widely-used mobile operating system developed by Google. Launched in 2008, Android has become the dominant platform for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other mobile devices worldwide. Here are some key aspects and features of the Android operating system:

1. Open-Source Platform: Android is built on an open-source framework, allowing developers to customize and modify the operating system to suit their needs. This open nature fosters innovation and encourages a vibrant ecosystem of third-party apps, services, and customizations.
   
2. User Interface: Android offers a customizable user interface with support for widgets, app shortcuts, and home screen customization. Users can personalize their device’s appearance and layout to reflect their preferences and workflow.
   
3. Google Play Store: The Google Play Store is the official marketplace for Android apps, games, and digital content. With millions of apps available for download, users have access to a wide range of software for productivity, entertainment, communication, and more.
   
4. Google Services Integration: Android seamlessly integrates with various Google services, including Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive, Google Photos, and Google Assistant. This integration enables users to access and sync their data across multiple devices and services easily.
   
5. Multitasking and Productivity: Android supports multitasking features such as split-screen mode, picture-in-picture mode, and multi-window support, allowing users to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and enhance productivity.
   
6. Customization and Flexibility: Android offers extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize their device’s settings, themes, wallpapers, and more. Additionally, users can install third-party launchers, icon packs, and themes to further customize their device’s appearance and functionality.
   
7. Security and Privacy: Android includes robust security features such as app sandboxing, device encryption, and Google Play Protect, which scans apps for malware and other security threats. Google regularly releases security updates and patches to address vulnerabilities and protect users’ devices and data.
   
8. Device Diversity: Android is available on a wide range of devices from various manufacturers, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart TVs, and more. This diversity offers users a choice of hardware options with different features, specifications, and price points.
   
9. Developer-Friendly Platform: Android provides developers with a comprehensive set of tools, APIs, and documentation for creating high-quality apps and services. The Android SDK (Software Development Kit) enables developers to build, test, and distribute their apps across multiple devices and form factors.

Overall, Android’s versatility, customization options, and integration with Google services make it a popular choice for mobile users and developers alike. Its widespread adoption and active developer community continue to drive innovation and evolution in the mobile technology landscape.

According to details shared by Rahman via X (formerly known as Twitter) a new Android Safe Browsing page has appeared on some Android smartphones, informing users that the feature can alert them when they browse within supported apps and encounter harmful links and web pages. The description also says that the safe browsing feature can protect users from phishing links.

It is currently unclear which third party apps will offer support for Google’s new Android Safe Browsing feature, and the Supported apps section in the screenshot does not mention the names of any applications. Rahman says that the feature could be using a library called the SafetyNet Safe Browsing API to allow apps to check whether a link has been designated as a known threat by Google.

The same settings page also shows a toggle called Use live threat protection which is claimed to use the “latest version of Safe Browsing” and offer more accurate detection of threats. It is unclear whether the toggle is turned on by default of whether users will have to opt in to use the feature.

The new Android Safe Browsing feature is yet to roll out to Gadgets 360 staff members’ smartphones, but it is expected to arrive on more smartphones as part of a Google Play Services update, according to Rahman. The company is likely to announce more details regarding the feature when it begins to roll out to more users in the future.

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