Google has now confirmed that the functionality will be coming to the next version of Android (4.2, also known as Jelly Bean).
In a recent interview with Computerworld, Android's VP of Engineering explained that in the next version of the operating system, it will be possible to scan any apps that are installed from third-party marketplaces.
Hiroshi Lockheimer told JR Raphael that the first time apps are installed from anywhere other than the official Google Play store, Android will display a message asking the user if they want the app to be checked for "harmful behavior".
So, what happens when you tell Google that you want it to check the apps that you install on your Android phone?
Well, by the sound of things, your Android smartphone will send identifying information about the app (the equivalent of a signature) up to Google's servers. There Google will check to see if it a known legitimate app that has already been whitelisted, or determine if it is a known sample of Android malware (and prevent you from installing it).
Read more: http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/11/08/android-jellybean-malware/
