The new OOptOut extension for Chrome adds toggles to the top of the Facebook permissions window for locking down apps of dubious origin.

Still in rough development, a new extension for Google Chrome puts in your hands a useful power tool for separating your data from Facebook apps of dubious origin. Called OOptOut (download), the add-on by Chad Selph helpfully lists above the Facebook header for you any permissions that a newly-installed Facebook app requests.

Check boxes next to each let you toggle the select permission. Keep in mind that this extension isn't for casual enthusiasts. Disabling permissions can prevent an app from functioning properly. A gaming app that wants your location data may seem strange at first, but it's possible that the game has a legit reason for the request, such as finding other players that are nearby.

Another problem with the extension is that the developer freely admits that it's in rough shape as it now. As the instructions on the download page indicate, sometimes it breaks sites, but it requires a certain degree of savvy to even install. You must be comfortable creating a git clone of the extension repository and working with Google Ch... [Read more]

DroidHen's Defender for Android puts you at the gates of a medieval castle under attack.

With your trusty bow, a bottomless quiver of arrows, and a few magic spells, you're the kingdom's only hope of fending off what seems likes endless waves of monster assailants.

To start, you are equipped with a basic bow, fixed in position on the left side of the screen. As enemies bull-rush your castle walls, tap and hold anywhere to send a continuous stream of arrows to that point. If you drag your finger across the screen, you can also get a machine-gun-spray effect that not only looks awesome, but also works like a charm against particularly large waves of enemies.

But Defender isn't just about shooting arrows. As we all know, medieval storylines often involve magic, and this one is no different. If you find yourself being overrun by monsters, tap and drag a spell to any point on the screen to unleash a magical attack. You can choose from fire, ice, and lightning, all of which are visually stunning.

The best part about Defender is its huge menu of weapons upgrades. As you beat each level, you collect more coins and jewels, which can be used to purchase more magical energy (Mana), strengthen your castle walls, learn new spells, improve your strength and shooting speed, and of course, unlock new, more powerful bows. It's these upgrades that are sure to keep you nose-down for hours at a time.[Read more]

Twitter has acquired an Android security firm, but exactly what the social-networking company wants to do with it is currently unknown.

Whisper Systems announced on its blog today that it will become part of Twitter. Although the company didn't disclose an acquisition price, it did say that it will bring its "technology and our expertise into Twitter's products and services."

Whisper offers a range of security products--currently all in beta--that focus on safeguarding device data, network connections, backups, and calls. Considering that, it's quite possible Twitter will try to improve the security of its mobile apps with Whisper's technology.

Related Links

• Twitter acquires new personnel from Fluther
• Twitter acquires popular client TweetDeck
• Twitter acquires gear-sharing site Bagcheck

That said, don't expect to see Whisper's apps, including TextSecure and RedPhone, to be available for a while. Whisper said that as part of its transition to Twitter, it will be forced to take its services down until the social network decides to put them back up. However, they will all be making a comeback.

For its part... [Read more]