Android apps are already scanned for malware as they're being downloaded for the first time. However, the new, improved Verify Apps system will ensure that the apps are now also routinely checked once they're up and running on consumers' handsets. Google says that the improvements will not just verify an app prior to install, but will warn or block potentially harmful apps and, most importantly, will work as a feature on devices running Android 2.3 onwards, essentially protecting roughly 90 percent of the world's Android smartphone and tablet owners. In recent weeks, Google's app submission and validating process has been under scrutiny.



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