Written Android App Review
One of the most popular paid antivirus programs, ESET NOD32, recently released a new Android app. Currently, it is in Beta but it shows promise as being the best antivirus on the Android Market. Our Android app review explores the beta Android app.
Features
ESET Beta
I have used many antivirus programs since getting the Droid nearly two years ago. To be honest, I have never been fully satisfied with any of them. However, I think ESET, with a few changes, could quickly change that.
- Proactive Protection: ESET instantly scans all incoming downloads and texts for any sign of Trojans, viruses, worms, spyware, adware, and other threats. What makes their scan unique though is the heuristic technology included which searches for common patterns of security threats. What does this mean? It means ESET will catch a threat before it has even become part of the database. Other virus programs rely solely on preset virus definitions. But ESET can actually recognize a virus not currently listed! This provides near perfect protection and is why NOD32 has become so popular, particularly among businesses.
- Anti-Theft Security: Many people have both an antivirus and an anti-theft app on their phone. ESET eliminates the need for two apps by including an anti-theft security module with the app. The only problem with this is that GPS must always be on for it to work properly. However, like other such modules, a text to the phone will lock it down and can even erase all data on the phone if necessary. In addition, if anyone tries replacing the SIM card, ESET will send an alert to your alternate phone silently.
- Security Audit with Task Manager: This feature runs automatically every 24 hours, but can be changed in the settings. The audit will check all vital phone functions, such as battery life, free space, running processes, etc., and then alert you if anything is wrong. You can even set it to fix problems automatically.
- Password Protection: All modules and the device can be protected by a single master password. This also protects against removal should someone steal your phone to ensure the anti-theft security module will not be removed.
- Texting Antispam: This feature allows the user to set trusted contacts as well as white lists and black lists. It can also be set to automatically block calls and message from unknown numbers.
What could be improved?
- When an audit is run, it complains if GPS is not turned on due to the anti-theft security module. While I understand why it wants it turned on, ESET needs to realize that it would be impractical to leave GPS on all the time as it can rapidly drain a battery. I did discover that I could tell it to ignore the GPS setting so it wouldn’t gripe at me every time it ran, but this is an inconvenient solution.
- The app complains if it is not set as a system administrator and the alert can only be cleared temporarily. The app can and will work without being a system administrator. The only functionality lost is the ability to 100% wipe the phone in the event of theft. It will, however, still allow the user to remotely delete contacts and other personal information.
- I did not add ESET as a system administrator because of the security settings which state ESET would have permission to erase everything in my phone without warning or confirmation. Again, while I understand this is for the anti-theft feature, I was not comfortable giving this type of god-rights to an app. I have too much important stuff on my phone to risk an accidental deletion!
For the reasons mentioned above, I am deducting half a star each for a total of 1.5 stars. Some minor tweaks could improve this score greatly.
Layout
I must say, ESET did a great job with the layout and visual appeal of this app. Each feature is easy to recognize and settings are readily available. Everything is laid out in an easily understandable fashion. The color scheme is professional and clean with attractive icons and rounded buttons. I award five stars for layout.
Value
Considering the Android app is currently free and ESET is well known for its protection against viruses and malware in the computing world, I would give value five stars. I am unsure whether they plan to ultimately charge for the app once it is out of Beta, but so long as it is not more than a couple dollars, they should still make money. If they do charge, I’m sure they will continue to offer a free trial or a limited version, as they do with their computer-side application. Even at $2-$3, this app would still retain its five-star value.
Android Apps Review Details: ESET Beta Android App is free. This app requires Android 2.0.1 and up. You may download ESET Beta from the Android Market.
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