Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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Google Android News Android Forums

Android ROM and rooting dictionary for beginners

Posted: 11 Dec 2012 06:45 AM PST

Diving into the world of rooting and modding your Android phone or tablet can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. Open a forum thread with some instructions and you’ll find yourself staring at all sorts of strange words and confusing combinations of letters. ROMs, Kernels, Nandroids, TAR images…what does it all mean?! We’re here to help! Below you’ll find the newb’s dictionary to the strange language of modding/hacking. This is not intended to be a technical definition of each concept, but an easy to understand explanation for the average Joe.

Get reading after the break:

Disclaimer: We chose NOT to put this “dictionary” in alphabetical order because we believe it follows a logical order from basic to more advanced hacking knowledge that will be easier for the complete beginner to follow and understand. 

Root - Acquiring ”root” is the process of gaining total control over your device. When you purchase your device, there are certain files and systems that you cannot access because they are blocked by the manufacturer. By aquiring root you gain access to these files, allowing you to modify, replace and even delete them. This allows you to take total control over how the software of your device looks and works.

Bootloader - Before you can root your device, you must unlock your bootloader. The bootloader is a line of code that is executed even before your Android operating system boots up. The bootloader’s code is specific for each make and model of the many Android devices. Bootloaders come “locked” because the device manufacturer doesn’t want you tinkering with the software that they worked so hard to optimize for that particular piece of hardware. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to tinker with the phone’s firmare, or even replace it with a custom firmware (aka: ROM). It is important to note that unlocking your bootloader will erase all data stored on your phone, essentially putting it back to a “factory reset” state, so you’ll want to save any pictures, music, or any other important files that are on your device.

Recovery - Once your bootloader is unlocked and you have rooted your device, you will need a custom recovery. A recovery is a piece of software that is called up separate from the actual Android operating system. Its purpose is to make changes to the Android OS at a core level, such as delete user data, apply updates and more. The stock recovery is limited in function, so if you are planning on modifying/hacking/rooting your phone, you will need to install a “Custom Recovery” such as Clockwork Mod Recovery. A custom recovery will allow you to make backups, restore them, wipe partitions, install custom software and more.

Backup / Nandroid - Once your custom recovery is installed, you will want to make a backup (also known as a Nandroid). A Nandroid is simply a complete and total backup of your phone. It will store all of your data, apps, settings, SMS messages, and more, basically allowing you to restore your phone to the exact state that it was in when you made the backup.

Wipe - Now that your backup is made, you don’t have to be afraid of making changes to your phone or losing data, since you can always restore it (just be sure to not delete the backup!). Now you can “wipe” your phone without worry. Wiping is deleting all the user data from your phone, essentially reseting it to its factory state. You can also wipe (ie: delete) other partitions of your phone like the cache partition. It is always recommended to wipe your phone before installing a custom ROM (we’ll get to that in a second). You can wipe your phone via the custom recovery you installed.

Flashing - Flashing is the process of installing some sort of software or code via your custom recovery.

Flashable ZIP - A flashable ZIP is the actual file that you install or “flash”  via the custom recovery to make changes to your phone’s software. It is a normal .zip file that contains the lines of code to modify your software. These Flashable ZIPs can be used to flash a ROM, Kernel, Radio, mod, and more, which we will define below.

ROM - A ROM is the main firmware or operating system that your phone runs. Just like Windows 7 runs on your PC, or Mac OSX runs on your Macbook, a ROM is the main software you interact with to use your phone. It includes all the system apps (messaging, email, phone), the launcher, the notification bar…everything really. Google’s Nexus line runs a “stock” Android ROM (meaning it’s unmodified) while manufacturers make significant changes to the look and feel of their ROMS before they ship them with your phone (for example: note the difference between the Samsung Galaxy S III’s software and the software on LG’s Nexus 4) . Code-savvy developers have taken the manufacturers’ code and created their own “Custom ROMs”. These ROMs can dramitically enhance the look and feel of your phone, and often add tons of useful features. Two very popular custom ROMs are CyanogenMod and MIUI. A ROM is made for a specific model phone and comes in a Flashable ZIP file that is installed (“flashed”) via your custom recovery.

Kernel - Unlike a ROM the Kernel does not alter the look and feel of your phone, but is a “deeper” line of code that rests beneath the surface, so to speak. It tells the software how to interact with the hardware. A custom kernel is a kernel that developers have added code to, in order to create all sorts of new options and abilities. They might add code to make the phone’s processor run at a higher speed, or make the battery draw less power when the phone is in “idle” mode. Kernels are like the soul of the software. They can be flashed in the custom recovery and the files are usually called Tar Images or Zimages.

Radio / Basebands / Modems - The radio / baseband / modem is a  firmware that allows your phone to connect to the wireless network. This firmware controls basic low-level functions of your phone like cell-network connectivity, Wi-Fi, and GPS. Oftentimes an updated radio / modem will help with signal strength issues, battery drain and more. The radio / modem firmware is specific to each device and carrier and is flashed via custom recovery.

Mod - A “mod” is simply a modification made to the phone’s software. This can include adding functionality or changing the visual layout of your phone, like moving the location of the clock to the center of the notification bar, or inverting the colors in the SMS app. Mods are usually Flashable Zip files that are flashed in the custom recovery.

Brick – A brick is when your phone won’t recover from a bad rooting/flashing process. Your device becomes unresponsive and unable to be restored…essentially making it a “brick” or a very expensive paperweight. Bricking your phone usually happens when you do not follow instructions carefully or if a device does not allow for root. Bricking your phone is a real possibility and risk in rooting and modding your phone, but it is very rare to occur, and most unlikely to occur if you simply follow the instructions.

Superuser (SU) – If you follow the instructions and root correctly, you will become a Superuser (SU), which means you become a complete and total admin of your device, allowing for most, if not all root permissions to be accessible.

Kang - A Kang is a ROM or mod that uses a significant portion of code created by another developer.

Overclock / Underclock - This means that you have installed a custom Kernel that has allowed you to speed up or slow down your phone’s processor speed. Most phones are clocked at a certain processor speed (ie: 2.4 MHz), but if you overclock it, you are allowing your process to push the limits by working at a higher speed. Overclocking will make your phone perform faster, but often comes at the expense of battery life. Underclocking does the exact opposite of overclocking. It makes your processor perform at a lower speed, slowing down perceived performance, but helps increase battery life.

Under Volt (UV) - Undervolting is a feature that is enabled in certain custom kernels. Undervolting lowers the amount of power your processor needs to perform at its normal level which, in theory, saves you battery life. The feature is known to cause issues in many phones.

APK - An APK is the file name for an Android application that can be installed on your phone. All apps downloaded from the Google Play store come as APK files. APKs can also be “sideloaded” by downloading them from outside of the Google Play store and placing on the phones internal or external memory. To install a sideloaded APK you need to enable that option in settings, then find the APK file on your phone and tap it to begin the installation process.

Odex / DeOdex - DeOdexing APKs is a way that developers optimize APKs (apps) to be compatible with different themes that themers have created. Please see this very good explanation on Odex / DeOdex that we wrote about previously.

Android SDK - Android SDK is a software development kit written by Google that enables developers to create applications for the Android platform. The Android SDK includes sample projects with source code, development tools, an emulator, and required libraries to build Android applications. In many cases, if you want to hack your phone, you will need to have the Android SDK installed on your computer. 

ADB - ADB stands for Advance Debug Bridge which is a tool that comes in the Android SDK. ADB lets you modify your device (or device's software) via a PC command line. ADB is mainly for developers to create and test their apps, but it can also be used by curious hackers (like you!) to access your phone from your computer and run some commands via your computer’s command prompt.

 

Well, that’s it for now! Hopefully this has demystified some of the strange language for you beginner hackers and interested parties. Now that you have a basic understanding of the words that you find in the forums, be sure to do some in-depth reading on how to properly root and mod your Android device. Remember, if your device breaks, it’s no one’s fault but your own. Check out XDA Developers to find many great resources for hacking your specific device. Happy hacking!

 

 

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S III $98 at Walmart on contract

Posted: 11 Dec 2012 06:25 AM PST

For those still holding out for a deal on the Galaxy S III, Wal-Mart seems like the place to be as it looks like they’re offering the device for $98 for new contracts as well as qualifying upgrades. This doesn’t look like it’s any sort of promo either as we may see this price for a while. It must be noted however that Wal-Mart only offers Classic plans through T-Mobile so you’ll have to crunch some numbers and see if this deal is right for you since Classic plans are typically more than Value plans, yet you don’t have to pay the extra $20 per month on Classic. Decisions, Decisions… Let us know if you’re jumping on this deal as it’s always intriguing regarding the ‘numbers game’ when we’re discussing T-Mobile.

source: TmoNews

HTC Jelly Bean Update List Gets Leaked

Posted: 11 Dec 2012 06:14 AM PST

 

Sure HTC may be hemorrhaging money at an alarming rate, but at least it’s continuing to make its customers happy by providing guidance on which of its popular devices will be getting the coveted Jelly Bean update. According to a leaked update list from notorious leaker Football4PDA, owners of the following devices will get the Jelly Bean update… at some point:

 

 

This is exciting news indeed— though I’m sure owners of the above devices are eager to know when they will get the extensive update. Hopefully HTC doesn’t wait until even newer pieces of software is out before unleashing the Jelly Bean update to the masses.

source: GSMArena

 

New chip making process in the works for Intel

Posted: 11 Dec 2012 05:58 AM PST

Much like AMD, Intel, which was once a powerhouse in the processor business, is fighting an uphill battle these days as the market has suddenly shifted to very tiny processors and mobile devices. Also like AMD, they look to gain a foothold in this lucrative market. On Monday, Intel revealed a new way of making chips for mobile devices which it hopes will help to strengthen its position in the very competitive mobile chip market.

Intel is banking on a process they call ‘TriGate’ transistors. This new method consists of three-dimensional transistor structures in its chips which it began work on in 2011. Not surprisingly, this new method will save space, run more efficient, and run faster. However, after over a year’s worth of effort, they have yet to introduce the actual chips into any devices. Further complicating matters is the opinion of industry experts as to whether this new method will be worth the effort at all.

Intel claims the new TriGate SoC (system on a chip) 22-nanometer chip will yield 22% to 65% faster processing compared to 32-nanometer versions. That all sounds well and good but experts challenged Intel and are wondering how so much investment in the technology could only yield ‘minor’ improvements. A former Intel employee added that while the advancements in power are meager, it’ll also come at a price since their methods are not very cost-effective. We should find out in the second half of next year how all of this pans out.

 

source:  WSJ

International Variant Of The Samsung Galaxy Note II (GT-N7105) Officially Getting Jelly Bean Update

Posted: 11 Dec 2012 05:52 AM PST

 

Yet another Samsung toy has just gotten some sweet, sweet Jelly Bean lovin’. Reports are coming in that Samsung has slowly begun rolling out in phases the Jelly Bean update for the international variant of the Galaxy Note II LTE (GT-N7105). The update will bring the Galaxy Note II’s Android software version to 4.1.2 and the build to JZO54K, while offering some noteworthy enhancements like new additions in the Notification Toggles, customizations to the Notification Panel and a new Group Cast application.

If you happen to own the GT-N7105 variant of the smartphone, head on over to Kies Desktop software or go to your device’s settings and snag that update ASAP because after all— Google Now is looking forward to getting to know you a little better and all.

source: SamMobile

 

YouTube for Android updated with new 10-inch tablet UI

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 09:42 PM PST

Google has released a fresh update to the official YouTube application for Android which features an entirely new UI for 10-inch tablets like the Nexus 10. Similar to the current smartphone application, the refreshed two-pane interface offers a more intuitive experience, allowing users to navigate the app by swiping through channels and genres on the left, while browsing content on the right.

Other than the noticeable visual changes, the update to version 4.2.16 brings a swath of much appreciated bug fixes. If you haven’t already received a notification from Google Play, you can manually retrieve the update via the download link or QR code below.

QRCode

Play Store Download Link

Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour now available to download from Google Play

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 09:23 PM PST

Gameloft’s highly anticipated first-person shooter, Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour, is now available to download through Google Play after making its debut last Thursday on iOS. The new title marks the fourth installment in the studio’s Modern Combat franchise, which has undoubtedly become the Call of Duty of mobile.

Touting an all-new tactical movement system, Gameloft is declaring Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour “the most memorable action shooter ever.” Of course, the premise of the game hasn’t changed, remaining true to its terrorist-killing origins. What’s more is that the new game is the first from Gameloft powered by the powerful Havok Engine, which is said to produce “amazing ragdoll effects and the most realistic feeling vehicles ever.” Last but not least, the multiplayer mode has been completely overhauled, now offering over 20,000 different weapon arrangements and an all-new ranking system to keep track of your progress.

The game is available for $6.99 via the source link below. I just downloaded my copy. How about you?

QRCode

Play Store Download Link

Click here to view the embedded video.

Official Twitter app gets updated with photo filters, wages war against Instagram

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 08:17 PM PST

 

It’s no secret that Twitter has been tightening its belt when it comes to allowing its competition to access its services. Today Twitter tightens that belt one notch tighter with an update to its official Twitter app that adds photo filters. This seems to be a direct attack against its biggest photo sharing competitor – Instagram. Twitter’s latest release now includes eight “creative” filters that enhance your images before you upload them. The filters include: vignette, black & white, warm, cool, vintage, cimematic, happy, and gritty. Twitter has also added cropping and auto-balancing tools. The cool thing about how Twitter is approaching photo filters is that their editing grid allows you to see how each filter affects your photo in a side-by-side comparison (see the screen shot below). This update should cause a lot of people to cut out the middle man and edit their photos and upload them all from the same app, which is exactly what Twitter wants. If you’re ready to update, head past the break and use the QR code or Google play link to get your photo-filtering on.

(The new Twitter photo filter editing grid)

 

QR Code generator

Play Store Download Link

Bango to bring carrier billing to Google Play

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 08:06 PM PST

 

We’ve already heard some news today about in-app billing in the Play Store, and now we’ve got a little more to go along with it. Mobile payments and analytics company Bango is stepping into the Play Store to help carriers set up carrier billing within applications. Since the process of starting that carrier billing can be a bit pricey, using a third company for the legwork is financially easier. Plus, it makes things more convenient for some customers and offers alternatives to customers that don’t want to use their credit cards or bank accounts online.

Telstra in Australia is going to be the first at bat with Bango’s billing services, and hopefully we’ll see a few more follow suit. Hit the break for the press release.

Bango launches billing on Google Play

Cambridge and New York, December 10th, 2012. Bango plc (AIM: BGO), the mobile payments and analytics company, announces that its first integration on Google Play™ is now live. The first mobile network operator (MNO) to be connected is Telstra, the leading MNO in Australia. Telstra subscribers using Google Play can now purchase digital content without resort to sending SMS messages or the limitations of credit cards. Users now enjoy frictionless operator billing powered by Bango, paying on their phone bill, without the need to register personal details.

On 21 May 2012, Bango announced that various MNOs had approached Bango to use the Bango payment platform to connect their billing systems to the Google Play store.  This is the first such partnership to have gone live, reflecting the strong culture of innovation at Telstra. The Board believes it is too early to accurately forecast the level of business which will be generated through the partnership.

Bango expects to deliver further operator connections into Google Play in the coming year, as Android™ continues to forge ahead in the connected device market.

More than an application store, Google Play is all the stuff you love in one place, delivering music, books, movies and apps straight to hundreds of millions of users around the world. Operator billing is emerging as an ideal billing method for such a wide-range of digital categories. The proliferation of content rich devices running Android, coupled with the simplest online payment method available, is the basis for a truly transformative global business.

Bango is one of the world’s leading mobile payments and analytics companies. App stores, publishers and content providers use Bango to collect payment from mobile device users for online content and services. Bango's pervasive presence across app stores and the mobile web creates a platform effect for its partners, leading to more identified mobile users and maximizing the number of single-click payments. The result is a one click payment experience and significantly higher rates of collection. This is the experience that Telstra subscribers on Google Play will now enjoy.

Telstra's Director of Consumer Applications and Services, Freddie Jansen Van Nieuwenhuizen, said the new service would make it easier for Australians to acquire the latest games and content for their mobile devices.

"Aussies love their mobile apps. Telstra research shows that on average we download 36 apps each year and one in five of those are paid for. With more than 700,000 games, apps, books, movies and magazines now available on Google Play, including a wide selection of paid titles, many of our customers have told us they would like a simpler way to buy.

Bango CEO Ray Anderson added: "Android is winning the battle for smartphone market share. As user numbers soar, we will see an increasing flow of developer talent and compelling content channelled through Google Play. We're expecting that operator billing from Bango will boost conversion rates and developer monetization. It's a new weapon in Google's armoury".

Bango has become the payments platform of choice for many of the world's leading app stores. In addition to this first Google Play integration, Bango's existing app store connections include Facebook, Blackberry App World, Opera Mobile Store and others. Bango has also announced an agreement to provide payment services to Amazon and has become a technology partner for MasterCard’s PayPass mobile wallet.

About Bango

In the era of mobile technology, collecting payments has emerged as a central and complex challenge. Bango (AIM: BGO) powers payment and analytics on the mobile web, providing users with a massively smooth payment experience.

Bango's pervasive presence across the web creates a platform effect for partners, identifying hundreds of millions of users and maximising the number of single click payments. Customers who plug into Bango include Facebook, Blackberry App World, Windows Phone Store, Amazon and major mobile brands including CNN, Cartoon Network and EA Mobile. Visit: bango.com

In-app Billing v3 brings more changes, makes life easier for devs

Posted: 10 Dec 2012 06:24 PM PST

Seeing as the majority of top-grossing apps on the Play Store utilize In-app Billing, you can bet they will continue to revamp the tool to streamline it even more. Today the Android developers blog revealed a few changes in the latest version. Below is a summary of the major changes devs can expect to see:

 

  • A streamlined design that makes applications simpler to write, debug and maintain. Integrations that previously required several hundred lines of code can now be implemented in as few as 50.
  • More robust architecture resulting in fewer lost transactions.
  • Local caching for faster API calls.
  • Long-anticipated functionality such as the ability to consume managed purchases and query for product information.

 

I’m sure that’s all good news for devs. The good news for consumers is that it’s now even more easier for developers of apps to take our money. Wait, maybe that’s not so good.

 

source:  Android Developers Blog
Posted by at 6:47 AM

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