Facebook’s Antivirus Marketplace

Facebook

Pnoto courtesy Facebook

We’ve seen many changes in the Facebook world recently, including Timeline (the new Facebook profile that tells your life through photos, friendships and personal milestones), and the acquisition of Instagram (popular photo-sharing app for mobile devices).

Now we see Facebook taking steps to ensure its 900 million-plus users enjoy the social network more securely with the Antivirus Marketplace. Teaming up with Microsoft, McAfee, TrendMicro, Sophos and Symantec, Facebook’s URL blacklist system will be augmented by the various companies’ URL blacklist databases.

You’ll also be able to download a free six-month full version of anti-virus software from the partners (PC or Mac).

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the people who use Facebook, and the security of their data,” reads a note on the Antivirus Marketplace. “The Facebook Security Team has pioneered many innovative defense systems against viruses, spam and phishing attacks, as well as extensive automated enforcement mechanisms that quickly shut down malicious pages, accounts and apps.”

This security push is coming as social networks are becoming a popular target for hackers and spammers. I’ve seen so many of my friends’

Facebook accounts hacked, so this is definitely a good move. Check out Facebook’s Antivirus Marketplace or Security Blog for tips and more information: facebook.com/security/app.

On another note, in the past we’ve had rumors surface before about a Facebook smartphone that were promptly smashed. We’re now seeing another one come up out of Asia from multiple sources. Reportedly smartphone maker HTC is partnering with Facebook to create an Android device that will launch as early as the third quarter of this year. Whether or not this actually happens is questionable.

Click Chick’s Mobile App of the Week: Crunchyroll

A few months ago you may remember me writing about a program called ComiPo!, which you can use to create your own manga. The company that created this, Crunchyroll, also has an app for your iPhone/iPad that allows you to watch anime from Japan with English subtitles legally.

Although the Crunchyroll app has been out for awhile, I just thought I’d share it now because it’s top of mind since I’m in Japan and anime is all around me.

This app allows you to watch the latest episodes from Japan, one hour after it broadcasts on Japanese TV. All episodes are available over both Wi-Fi and 3G/4G, along with 720p HD and DVD quality on most titles on Crunchyroll’s website (crunchyroll.com).

In addition, you can watch your favorite Chinese and Korean dramas and movies with subtitles and sort them by genre, most popular, recently added and more. Watching content with ads is free (most simulcast and catalog titles), and if you need to experience instant episodes, it costs $11.95 per month. You can do the free two-week trial to see if it’s something you truly want to pay for.