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Want Windows on your tablet or phone?

Available for iOS and Android, OnLive Desktop, puts a Windows environment on your tablet or smartphone. Users can view, edit and create documents with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Files can be transferred between OnLive Desktop and other devices. Two gigabytes of storage is also included with the free version.

The optional $4.99 monthly service adds some features including being able to play Flash video and access to more services.

You can read a review of OnLive Desktop for the iPad here.
 

N.C. State researcher launches project to battle Android malware

Android malware can wreak havoc on a user. The quick growing threat can exploit data and even take control of a device incurring hidden charges. There is a new effort to battle the menace on mobile security.

To help combat malware attacks on the platform, N.C. State researcher Xuxian Jiang announced The Android Malware Genome Project at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy in San Francisco. The goal of the project is to facilitate mobile security research by sharing malware-related code.

Jiang and his team are known for being the first to identify dozens of malware threats against Android.

Teaser video for next Galaxy device ...teases

Nothing much is revealed, except more jabs at iPhone users. Samsung's advertising doesn't seem to be making the same impression that Apple's memorable Mac versus PC ads. Samsung launched thenextgalaxy.com to advance the rollout of its new Galaxy S III smartphone, possibly with a new Galaxy Tab tablet and cloud service May 3.

If you haven't yet, check out Draw Something

Maybe you're still obsessed with Words With Friends or Angry Birds. It's time to give something new a try. Draw Something recently topped both iOS and Android App downloads.

With similarities to Pictionary, its developers call it a social drawing game that you can play cooperatively or competitively with others.

If you or someone you know uses a mobile device primarily for solitaire, Draw Something may help.
 

Mobile tax apps for iOS and Android

Filing federal income tax returns is a chore. Maybe like so many others you've put it off. Did you know there are a number of mobile tax filing apps available for iOS and Android users?

There are several online income tax preparation products for both Mac and PC, but users are relying more on their mobile devices to perform tasks once reserved for the desktop.

Some are as basic as an income tax calulator, but others offer tax filing on-the-go.

Here are a few leads to help you out.
Find the best mobile tax filing app for iOS
6 Tax Apps for iPhone
6 Tax Apps for Android
 

Samsung Galaxy Note review: Bridging the tablet-smartphone gap

The Samsung Galaxy Note is not optimized for skinny jeans. You will not see a Galaxy Note strapped to the arm of a mall-walker. It is not for the meek, nor the timid. Is it the Swiss Army knife of mobile devices? Can it be your smartphone and tablet? Does it live up to being the phablet?

Today's cell phone news

An AT&T iPhone user successfully sued the telecommunications firm for throttling his unlimited data plan.

A small claims court in California awarded Matt Spaccarelli $850 for throttling, which slows down data sent to or from a smartphone for the duration of a billing cycle to preserve network capacity.

AT&T has 17 million data plans that might be subject to throttling, according to this AP article about Spaccarelli's victory.

In other news, Android-powered smartphone owners face a new security flaw.

A cyber security researcher found that users who open links sent from malicious text messages might unwittingly allow their phones to be remotely commandeered. If that happens, a hacker could record calls or view texts, emails and location data.

Though the researcher only tested Android phones, he said iPhones are at risk, too.

The Los Angeles Times has more information here.

Quick take: Verizon's Motorola Droid Razr Maxx

Next to the more svelte Motorola Droid Razr,  Maxx is noticibly thicker, but don't call it fat. It's still a RAZR, and that extra bulk packs power.

In fact there are just two things new with the Maxx: a larger battery and the case that accomodates. The Maxx's 3300mAh battery gives it nearly double the capacity of the slimmer Droid Razr.

Samsung Galaxy Note now available at AT&T

If your smartphone credo is go large or go bust, then you might want to check out AT&T's Samsung Galaxy Note.

The $299 (with a 2-year contract) LTE device boasts a 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED screen with a 1280x800 resolution, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and Samsung's "S Pen" that just might revive the stylus.

It ships with Android 2.3, but should see an Ice Cream Sandwich update in a few months.

I've been carrying a review unit for a few days and it's pretty hot to death. Look for my impressions in a review later, but if you are wanting a large-screened Android device then adding the Note to your short list is a no-brainer.

Cheaper Nook Tablet aimed at Kindle Fire

The Kindle Fire has been a successful device for Amazon, but Barnes & Noble  may be looking to disrupt that with a new lower-cost version of the Nook Tablet.

The current 16GB Nook Tablet is priced $50 over the $199 8GB Kindle Fire. According to The Verge, Barnes & Noble is releasing a cheaper 8GB version of its Android tablet to compete more directly with the Fire.

The Verge's source indicates the new tablet could launch as early as Wednesday.

Does B&N have to undercut the Kindle Fire's price to draw consumers?

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