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Saturday, August 31, 2013

iOS 7 vs Android Jelly Bean vs Windows Phone 8 vs BB10

The battle for dominance of the smartphone world is one that has been raging for a few years. With the migration of consumers from feature phones to modern wonders such as the iPhone 5 and the HTC One, or even the cheap as chips offerings like the Nokia Lumia 520 or Huawei Ascend G330, it is clear where the money, and the future lies.


Weve seen some impressive hardware come and go, quad-cores grace most flagship devices (i.e. Sony Xperia Z or HTC One) and there is even the quad/octa core that sits inside the Samsung Galaxy S4, dependent on your location.

Needless to say, all the big guns in the tech industry have some level of input into the mobile OS world. Apple has iOS (just about to reach iOS 7), Google has Android, the most recent version being 4.2 Jelly Bean, Microsoft has Windows Phone 8, leaving BlackBerry with its hopes pinned on BB10.

Interface

The iOS 7 interface is a radical new look compared with previous iterations. Although with a clean and modern new look, the formula based upon simplicity is one that has been stuck to. Icons have had an overhaul, and there is transparency through apps, giving iOS devices a more unified feel.

Users familiar with previous iOS versions may be in for a bit of a shock, with elements such as the lock screen taking a new look. Elements now seem more rounded, and much brighter than before. On the face of it, things seem very different with iOS 7, but the real changes go deeper.

Android is currently sitting at version 4.2, which is another iteration of the popular Jelly Bean OS. Jelly Bean built upon the work done by 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, with everything being much smoother with Project Butter, and the introduction of Google Now.

Pretty much every OEM has placed a skin over the top of Android, take a look at HTCs Sense, Samsungs Touchwiz or Huaweis Emotion UI.

That said, nigh on every version builds on the use of multiple home screens populated with widgets, and apps being kept tidy in a drawer.

Microsofts offering bases itself around a system of LiveTiles. These are used in a similar way to widgets on Android, providing information at a quick glance. Users of Windows Phone 7, or Windows 8 on tablets or desktops will feel right at home.

In terms of user customisation, much like iOS, Windows Phone 8 is relatively closed. Live Tiles can be resized, so that more important tiles can take up more screen real estate, and the tile colour can be any of 20 variations. It is also possible to change the lock screen, to bring up photos, or widgets and notifications.

Out of Canada comes BB10, with BlackBerry pinning pretty much all its hopes on the OS. In a similar way to Windows Phone 8, BB 10 allows 8 Active Frames, of which only 4 are visible at one time.

These show the most recent apps used, as well as any information that app may offer, be it weather or calendar events.

Being a totally different OS to prior BlackBerry OS iterations, BB10 is at first a little confusing to use.

Closing apps by running your finger up from the bottom of the screen feeling a little unnatural.

The BlackBerry 10 lock screen comes complete with notifications, calendar events and ability to quick launch the camera.

Camera

With the Camera app being one of the most widely used features on the modern smartphone, it is only natural that every OS has given the camera a certain level of attention. One feature we are very fond of, that appears on iOS 7, pretty much every Android UI and BB10 is the ability to launch the app directly from the lock screen.

iOS 7 brings in a raft of changes to the camera app. There isnt a whole load of changes deep down, these being limited more to photo effects; varying lens shapes and live photo filters giving you the Instagram look, without having to use the app. Elsewhere, the interface has become more swipe-friendly.

The Gallery app has also had a few tweaks, meaning that photos are arranged by location, being titled moments. Pinching to zoom will re-draw your library, highlighting days out or holidays. Pinching further shows an overview of the years photos, complete with location tags.

Androids camera app is one that gets a lick of paint with each UI that is placed over the top. Also, with the incredible variation in Android devices, each camera is different, the HTC One being most notable for camera tech with UltraPixel and HTC Zoe, or there is Samsung with Burst Mode found on the Galaxy S3 or S4.

That said, there is an underlying theme that graces Androids camera and gallery app. Photo filters are common place, even the basic Android devices offer Sepia, Monochrome and Negative effects. Gallery apps are a little more varied, however most can pull down images from the cloud, from Picasa/Google+ web albums, with some going so far as Facebook albums too.

Being a unified OS across all devices, Windows Phone 8 camera settings are common. Pinch to zoom has been brought in, and the ability to take photos by tapping the screen making the app feel a little more natural. There is also the idea of lenses, that allow you to use camera tools that you have downloaded, rather than via a separate app.

BlackBerry was keen to show off their camera at the BB10 launch. The reason for this is something that the Canadians are terming Time Shift. This is a nifty piece of tech that, if selected, allows you to go back in time to find the perfect smile. It even works on multiple faces, however needs good lighting.

BB10s other features include standard scene and shooting modes, as well as the ability to use the volume keys as a shutter button.

Media, Apps and Storage

The original iPhone launch in 2007 put media on phones very much back in the spotlight. iOS7 continues that, given that it will be available on the 5th gen iPod Touch, as well as later iPad versions.

iOS 7 now incorporates your iCloud stored media, allowing you to see all your tracks in one place, with a wall of album art in Landscape mode adding a nice look to things.

The biggest revolution it brings is iTunes Radio, Apples much rumoured and talked about music streaming service, previously dubbed iRadio. We are unable to comment on the exact release, with availability confirmed for this fall in the US, with the rest of the world left waiting for news. We can say that there will be both a free (ad-funded) and premium service, though.

As for apps, Apples App Store is by far the most famous of all app stores/markets across all OS. iOS7 brings in some updates, such as being able to search for apps based on age range, or the Apps near me feature, which shows you the most popular apps in your location. Apps can also update in the background.
Storing all this media, and all your apps is done in true Apple fashion, with varying sizes of internal storage available. MicroSD is still unsupported, although we never expected, nor ever expect that to change.

Playing catch up in the media department, Google has launched its Play Books, Play Magazines, Play Movies and Play Music apps. Whilst nowhere near as popular as the iTunes version, media downloading is now a lot easier on Android devices.

Downloading apps is also very easy, as Googles rebranded Play Store has become a very attractive and very functional marketplace, with different sections and lists of apps for you to peruse. Auto updating is available, and disable-able too.

The Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry app stores are far less populated in comparison to both the Google and Apple offerings, although we would be doing them a disservice by calling their offerings sparse (BB10 has 120,000 apps compared to iOS 900,000), especially given that the Microsoft OS has Xbox compatibility.

Since Android 2.2 Froyo, apps to microSD has been a standard feature, alongside its long supported media storage feature. App installation on microSD is also supported via Windows Phone 8, with standard microSD support also being available in BB10.

NFC

With NFC slowly becoming more prevalent across devices, it has been noticed on the lower end handsets that we have reviewed (LG Optimus L5 2, Huawei Ascend G510, Samsung Galaxy Fame to name but a few), OS support is vital.

NFC wasnt something that wasnt explicitly mentioned with the launch of iOS7. Until now, previous iOS devices havent come with NFC chips. We could look into this and say things about upcoming iOS touting devices, such as the unlikelihood of NFC inclusion, with the claim that theres No need to wander around the room bumping your phone with others. That said, apps will be able to share information via Airdrop, provided that it supports Share Sheet.

Android has supported NFC for a while. Android Beam has been used on devices to share data since Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Certain manufacturers have taken it a little further, with Samsung adding its S title to create S Beam. Googles wallet application is also likely to make use of NFC as mobile payment becomes increasingly popular.

Windows Phone 8 also packs in NFC support, with its very own Microsoft Wallet app to rival Googles version, and BlackBerry has long had NFC in its handsets so its no surprise BB10 also makes use of the technology.

Notifications and Control

Notifications are something that are very important across devices, giving quick access to Calendar events, Emails and Text messages. Device control is equally important.

iOS 7 makes a big deal out of both notifications and Control. The notifications centre that was accessed by swiping down from the top has become a full-screen affair, also available via the lock screen.

The Control Centre is where the real innovation lies, however. Previous iOS versions had a very basic centre, however now quick settings such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be enabled or disabled, as well as controlling screen brightness, music being played, and access to AirDrop and AirPlay controls.

Android has had its notifications bar longer than Apple, so it has come on in leaps and bounds. Jelly Bean also brings in expandable notifications, showing more information about the top event, as well as being able to swipe to dismiss.

Many custom UIs include access to the quick settings (Touchwiz has gotten this nigh on perfect) in the notifications bar. Android also include a Power Control widget that can be placed on home screens, giving quick access to a lot of important settings.

Notifications arent something that ever made it over to Windows Phone 8, however there are strong suggestions that there is a notifications centre making it over in Windows Phone 8.1. Notifications are viewable from the lock screen.

With BB10, there is a dedicated Notifications hub, accessed by swiping from the left hand side of the screen, as well as notifications that can be seen for individual apps such as Email, Texts or social networks.

Maps

Given the kerfuffle surrounding the launch of iOS Maps on iOS 6, there was a disappointing lack of map based announcements with iOS7, although developers have been making great improvements to Maps, which will bring features such as being able to push mapping info from a Mac of MacBook to an iDevice.

There has been no such problems for mapping on Android, given that Google has managed to port across its Google Maps desktop browser application so successfully.

Google maps provides one of the most comprehensive mapping apps available, as well as being able to provide information through its Local app, and sat-navving via the Navigation app. Googles recent acquisition of Waze is going to throw in user based traffic updates as well.

Microsoft has also got a decent map app. Bing maps brings over many features that were prevalent throughout Nokia phones of old, including Nokias turn-by-turn directions from Nokia Drive. Other useful features include downloading maps for offline use, pinning favourite locations and Local Scout (similar to Googles Local).

BB10 provides a basic mapping option as well, covering turn-by-turn and traffic updates. The app is a fairly basic affair, with fewer features than the other options available on other devices.

Browser

You would expect, given that it was the key to revolutionising mobile browsing, that Safari on iOS7 would be important. You wouldnt be wrong. The URL bar is now resizable, you can swipe through the history, and the bookmarks and tabs have had an overhaul.

Bookmarks now sit on the home screen, drawing in data from your Twitter feed. Tabbing is no longer limited to 8, and is synchronised across multiple Apple devices through iCloud.

Since Ice Cream Sandwich, Google has mobilised its Chrome browser, which now interestingly sits alongside the native Android Internet app. Weve not understood why both browsers are run side by side, but it provides a little choice. Google bookmarks can be synced across, and incognito browsing is available too.

Internet Explorer is available on Windows Phone 8 devices, with the version being nearly identical to IE10, even if it looks a little different. Internet Explorer is a very accomplished mobile browser overall, and comes with the Do Not Track feature by default, as well as SmartScreen phishing protection.

BB10s browser is a minimalist design, with the URL at the bottom of the page, akin to IE on Windows Phone 8. BB10 does pack in some useful features, such as a Reader mode that lifts text and images, making it more readable. We also found that the BB10 browser was lightning fast, which is a major tick in anybodys book.

Multi-Tasking

iOS7 brings more changes to the Multi-tasking window as well. No longer does a swipe from the bottom bring up recently used apps, but a newer interface that shows information from the app screen, as well as the app icons along the bottom.

Googles multi-tasking has been handled for a long time through the long press of the home button, if the device has one, or through the dedicated button on total touch screen devices. This brings up a quick window of what was last on the app whilst you were using it, and can be swiped to dismiss.

Windows Phone 8 has a similar method of bringing up its multi-tasking window. Long pressing the back button brings up the multi-tasking screen, allowing users to flick across to the app they wish to use.

RIM have implemented a multi-tasking action, which is vaguely reminiscent of cards on WebOS. The Canadians call this Cascades, accessed by swiping left to right. BB10 also uses the multi-tasking screen on the home page we mentioned earlier, that gives access to your eight most recently used apps, shown four at a time.

Availability

Apple have said that iOS7 will be available on a large amount of its iDevices, from the iPhone 4 upwards, iPad 2 and up, iPad Mini and iPod Touch 5th generation. iOS7 is due to launch this fall, and we would highly expect it to launch alongside at least one new iDevice, the iPhone 5S/6, iPad 5 or iPad Mini 2.

Android Jelly Bean has been around for two years now, available on devices from multiple OEMs, and with devices now being launched 4.1 or 4.2. There is a lot of talk of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean also being released at some point this year, and rumours of the Key Lime Pie (Android 5.x) also being launched this year.

It is available on the highest end devices, from a variety of OEMs, such as the five star HTC One, and at the bottom end of the market on devices such as the LG Optimus L3 2.

Windows Phone 8 is also available on devices from different OEMs, with Nokia Lumia devices being the most talked about. HTC, Samsung and Huawei also have their own devices out and about.

Talk of Windows Phone Blue, or 8.1 has also been bandied about, with an expected release alongside Windows 8.1. Current devices span the market, again from a variety of OEMs, with the high end Nokia Lumia 925, or the low end Lumia 520.

BB10 is unavailable on all new BlackBerry devices, the BlackBerry Z10, Q10 and Q5. Being a whole new OS, it is unavailable on previous BB7 toting devices.

As for BB10 on the PlayBook, your guess is as good as our at this point, with BlackBerrys 2012 annual conference stating that it would make its way across, although 12 months later, there is still no update. Being an all new OS, BB10 is now available on the BlackBerry Z10, BlackBerry Q10 and announced BlackBerry Q5.

Early verdict

The iOS7 launch is arguably as important to the Cupertino-based firm since Steve Jobs first took the stage in 2007 to launch the original iPhone.

A number of previous devices (iPhone 4, 4S, 5, iPad 2, 3, 4, iPad Mini and iPod Touch 5th generation) will be getting the update, with the OS also being a major precursor to the upcoming iPhone 5S/6, iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2.

Apple therefore has a very large existing customer base ready to upgrade, with those on earlier iDevices also potentially looking to the launches of the next line of products. iOS is also highly successful in the business market, as well as the personal market.

It is therefore almost impossible to say that iOS7 will be a flop, after all the trouble that Apple maps gave iOS6, it is still very popular. Android is Apples biggest worry, with Windows Phone 8 and BB10 making strides through the mobile market, yet still not as firmly established.

Android handsets are still the most popular on a world wide scale, but only just over a third are actually running Jelly Bean, with the fragmentation the major negative point against what is a highly versatile platform.

iOS7 will be massive, but dont forget it is really just the first OS refresh to launch this year, with Windows Phone 8.1, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and/or 5.0 Key Lime Pie likely to arrive later in 2013. Expect to see the competition really heating up.
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Friday, August 30, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4 software update released phone now more stable

A new Samsung Galaxy S4 software update has been released, introducing a number of new user interface fixes in a bid to make the handset more stable.


Amending a selection of minor software glitches found on the flagship Samsung Galaxy S4 since launch, the S4 software update sees new camera firmware added while the handset’s storage space woes, which were investigated by the BBC’s Watchdog, are addressed.

Having come under criticism for the 16GB model offering just 9.15GB of user available storage space, the Samsung Galaxy S4 update allows users to move apps to additional SD storage.

Rolling out across S4 users now, the software release is currently available only for those using the 1.9GHz quad-core rendition of the phone (the model available in the UK). What’s more, the patch has kicked off with a German release. The Samsung Galaxy S4 software update is expected to be made available to all S4 users in the near future.

Lining up at 365.67MB in size, the update alters how the S4 looks and performs, with the purple smearing issue reported by some while scrolling through menus eradicated. On top of this, a semi-transparent status bar has been introduced as have legibility improvements looking to remove text blurring.

With a Smart Pause Toggle option added to the mix, the S4 update sees users now able to benefit from HDR video recording capabilities, moving the high dynamic range features beyond the handset’s stills camera.

Available as an over-the-air fix, the S4 patch is accessible through Samsung KIES.

Next: Read the full Samsung Galaxy S4 review, then discover many useful tips and tricks for Samsung Galaxy S4.
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Thursday, August 29, 2013

How to Root Galaxy S3 AT T SGH I747 on Android 4 1 2 Jelly Bean Firmware

The AT&T version of Samsung Galaxy S3 (SGH-I747) has just received a new software update based on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. The new software update is now available as an Over-The-Air (OTA) update.

Samsung Galaxy S3 (AT&T) SGH-I747 users who have already updated their devices with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, may root their devices using the tutorial below.

This tutorial uses CF-Auto-Root file released by recognised XDA Developers, Chainfire. The CF-Auto-Root file allowing Galaxy S3 users to root their devices easily without depending on the firmware. It completely supports Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and future firmware as well. Head over to the CF-Auto-Root main thread to learn more about the root method.

Note: Using this root increases your flash counter. The flash counter keeps track of how many custom firmwares you have flashed, as this voids warranty. Triangle Away can be used to reset the flash counter after installing CF-Auto-Root.

Disclaimer: Rooting voids the warranty of your device. We and the developer of this rooting procedures shall not be held responsible if any undesirable outcomes may happen to your device. use of this root guide is solely at your own risk!

Pre-requisites
1. Install USB Drivers for Samsung Galaxy S3 on the computer.
2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.
3. Make a backup of all your important data before following the guide.
4. Ensure the battery of the phone is charged more than 80 percent.
5. The CF-Auto-Root file works only on Samsung Galaxy S3 (AT&T) SGH-I747. Applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S3 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

File Required
1. CF-Auto-Root (Mirror Link) for Galaxy S3 (AT&T) SGH-I747 (CF-Auto-Root-d2att-d2uc-samsungsghi747.zip)
2. Odin 3.07

Steps to Root Galaxy S3 (AT&T) SGH-I747 Running on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Firmware
Step 1: Extract CF-Auto-Root and Odin 3.07 files using winrar/7zip/winzip or any other extracting tool.
Step 2: Switch off the Galaxy S3. Then boot the device into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Now press the Volume Up button to enter Download Mode.
Step 3: Launch Odin on the computer as an Administrator.
Step 4: Connect the Galaxy S3 to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. Wait until Odin detects the device. When the device is connected successfully, the ID: COM box will turn blue with the COM port number. Additionally, the successful connected will be indicated by a message saying Added.

Note: If the Added message does not appear, then try re-install USB drivers or changing the port on the computer.

Step 5: In Odin, click the PDA button and select the CF-Auto-Root-d2att-d2uc-samsungsghi747.tar.md5 file.
Step 6: Verify that Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected in Odin. Also, ensure the Re-Partition option is not selected.
Step 7: Double-check and click Start button in Odin. The installation process will now begin.
Step 8: Once the installation process is completed, your phone will restart and soon you will see a PASS message with green background in the left-most box at the very top of the Odin. You can now unplug the USB cable to disconnect your device from computer.

Samsung Galaxy S3 (AT&T) SGH-I747 running on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean firmware is now rooted successfully. You can now install any app that requires root permission. Verify the root status of the device by downloading Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Thanks to all fellas at XDA who first tried out this rooting technique. This method was originally posted via XDA-Developers original thread.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Samsung ATIV Q first impressions

What is the Samsung ATIV Q?

 

The Samsung ATIV Q is a new convertible tablet hybrid which, not content with being able to take on various forms also runs both Windows 8 and Android operating systems.





Taking many things on, the Samsung ATIV Q runs the risk of feeling cluttered and clumsy. Fortunately the two distinct operating systems are individually hosted but provide strong, seamless file and data transitions work together well, quietly and behind the scenes.

Convertibles have been threatening to push a new forge in the tablet and notebook scenes for some time; can the Samsung ATIV Q finally win the battle for the hybrids? We go hands-on to see for ourselves.

Samsung ATIV Q Design

The Samsung ATIV Q’s design is all about the tablet’s many forms. Capable of taking on four different guises (‘tablet’, ‘typing’, ‘floating’ and ‘stand’), the ATIV Q is jack of many talents and, pleasingly, master of at least a couple. While the ‘floating’ stance of the screen pointing up on a stork is of little use, the ‘typing’ position highlights the unit’s impressive keyboard.

The Samsung ATIV Q is 13.9mm thick and 1.29kg in weight. Although not slight by any stretch of the imagination, this mass is well distributed across the hybrid’s full 13.3-inch form and as such feels as comfortable and sturdy as any Asus or Acer convertible.

Available in black, the Samsung ATIV Q’s rather smooth design is broken up by all manner of connection ports. A single USB 3.0 port features alongside a USB 2.0 connection while microHDMI and microSD slots are also present.

The Q’s design is functional more than attractive but, with time, we can see it growing on us and winning us over with its multiple forms and convertible options.

Samsung ATIV Q Screen

 

 

The Samsung ATIV Q screen is a bit of a beaut. It is a 13.3-inch qHD offering which, thanks to a 3200 x 1800 pixel resolution and 275 pixels-per-inch image density, is both detailed and sharp.

The Q’s screen is vibrant and eye catching on first impressions, with colours proving expansive and with a pleasing level of subtlety. Brightness was impressive in the garishly artificial lighting of our hands-on environment, but will require further testing in a variety of conditions.

A screen to rival those on many ultrabooks, the Q’s display features strong viewing angles and its touch panel proved responsive and accurate during early tests.

Samsung ATIV Q Performance

 

 

The Samsung ATIV Q is a powerful hybrid device. With an Intel Core i5 processor at its heart, the Q also features backing from Intel 4400 HD Graphics and 4GB of RAM.

Windows 8 makes a good foundation for the Samsung ATIV Q, with Android present to provide some much needed glamour. Sadly, Samsung’s TouchWiz UI is missing, leaving plain old Android to hold the fort. Keeping things running smoothly across the two platforms, Android apps can be pinned to the Windows 8 homescreen, creating seamless shortcuts between the two content levels.

The Samsung ATIV Q’s performance is further enhanced with SideSync compatibility, letting you use your smartphone as a second screen. This requires further testing before we are able to pass judgement.

With a 128GB SSD providing ample storage, the Samsung ATIV Q claims a 9 hour battery life. We were unable to test this claim during our hands-on and so will take a further look in our full ATIV Q review in the near future.

Samsung ATIV Q First Impressions

 

The Samsung ATIV Q is a mixed bag of tricks. Slightly too chunky to work as a designated tablet, the additional convertible options are a serious boon to its credentials. Similarly, while the need for both Android and Windows 8 OSs might not be felt by many, it helps separate the Q’s business and pleasure attributes. The Samsung ATIV Q is, in short, an interesting device which we are intrigued to spend more time with.
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

How to Update Galaxy S4 Active I9295 with Android 4 2 2 XXUAMF7 Jelly Bean Official Firmware

The international version of Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (GT-I9295) in Southeast Asian countries have received Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update with firmware build number I9295XXUAMF7. The new official firmware is now available as an Over-The-Air (OTA) update as well as through Samsung KIES.

Firmware details
PDA: I9295XXUAMF7
CSC: I9295OLBAMG2
MODEM: I9295XXUAMF7
Version: Android 4.2.2
Built date: Jun 25, 2013
Regions: Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active I9295 users who missed the OTA update notification or unable to access the update over Samsung KIES, may follow our step-by-step guide to install the update manually.

Pre-requisites
1. Install USB Drivers for Samsung Galaxy S4 Active on the computer.
2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.
3. Make a backup of all your important data before following the guide.
4. The Galaxy S4 Active should be factory unlocked and not locked to any particular carrier.
5. Ensure the battery of the phone is charged more than 80 percent.
6. The Android 4.2.2 XXUAMF7 Jelly Bean firmware is compatible only with Samsung Galaxy S4 Active I9295. Applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 Active by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

File Required
1. Android 4.2.2 XXUAMF7 Jelly Bean Firmware (Mirror Link) for Galaxy S4 Active I9295
2. Odin 3.07

Steps to Update Galaxy S4 Active I9295 with Android 4.2.2 XXUAMF7 Jelly Bean Firmware
Step 1: Extract Firmware zip file using winrar/7zip/winzip or any other extracting tool, you will get a .tar.md5 file and some other files.
Step 2: Extract Odin zip file and you will get Odin3 v3.07.exe along with few other files.
Step 3: Power off your phone.
Step 4: Boot the device into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Now press the Volume Up button to enter Download Mode.
Step 5: Run Odin on the computer as an Administrator.
Step 6: Connect the Galaxy S4 Active to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. Wait until Odin detects the device. When the device is connected successfully, the ID: COM box will turn blue with the COM port number. Additionally, the successful connected will be indicated by a message saying Added.

Note: If the Added message does not appear, then try re-install USB drivers or changing the port on the computer.

Step 7: Choose the following files in Odin from extracted I9295XXUAMF7 firmware folder by using respective checkboxes:
  • Select the PDA checkbox, and choose the file named .tar or .md5.
  • Click the Phone checkbox, and choose the file with modem in its name (ignore if there is no such file)
  • Click the CSC checkbox, and select the file with csc in its name (ignore if such file is missing)
  • Choose the PIT checkbox, and choose the .pit file. Use only the file obtained during extracting in step 1 above, otherwise ignore it.
Step 8: In Odin, enable Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checkboxes. Also, ensure the Re-Partition checkbox is chosen only if a .pit file was chosen in the previous step.
Step 9: Verify everything suggested in Step 7 and Step 8 is done correctly. Then hit the START button to begin the installation process.
Step 10: Once the installation process is completed, your phone will restart and soon you will see a PASS message with green background in the left-most box at the very top of the Odin. You can now unplug the USB cable to disconnect your device from computer.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active I9295 should be now updated with official Android 4.2.2 XXUAMF7 Jelly Bean. Head over to Settings >> About Phone to verify the software version running on the device.

Note: If Galaxy S4 Active I9295 stuck at booting animation after Step 10 then go to recovery mode (press and hold the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together) and perform Wipe data/Factory Reset and Wipe Cache Partition task before selecting reboot system now function. In recovery mode use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the option. Please note, performing wiping task will erase your device internal memory data and not external SD card data.

Click here to know How to Root Galaxy S4 Active I9295 running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean firmware.
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Monday, August 26, 2013

Android 5 0 Key Lime Pie release date tipped for October

An Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie release date has been pegged for October, with the next-gen mobile operating system tipped to land alongside the Google Nexus 5 smartphone.


Having widely been expected to make an appearance at Google I/O last month, an Android 5.0 release date has now been mooted for October. This potential launch window would see the latest Google OS touch down within weeks of Apple’s recently unveiled iOS 7.

With the Google Nexus 4 having launched Android 4.2 last year, it has been suggested that a currently unconfirmed Google Nexus 5 handset could be partnered with the Key Lime Pie arrival. What’s more, the October release period would see the eagerly awaited operating system iteration land around the same time as the repeatedly tipped Motorola X Phone.

Although it is not yet clear what introductions an Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie arrival would make, latest reports have suggested the OS improvement will be back compatible with all manner of current Android handsets.

Said to demand system requirements of just 512MB of RAM, Android 5.0 could soon find its way to all manner of mid-range handsets and not just the high-end likes of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One. Citing unnamed sources, VR-Zone has suggested the next Android OS could be as much about uniformity across all screen sizes and handset abilities as it is introducing new features.

Tipped to hit with a new Nexus smartphone, recent Google Nexus 5 rumours have suggested the repeatedly leaked handset will land running a 5.2-inch 1080p Full HD display alongside a speedy 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor.

With a reported 3GB of RAM and a 3300mAh Lithium-Polymer battery in tow, the Google Nexus 5 is seemingly set to become the new powerhouse of the smartphone scene.

Although it has been mooted that LG will manufacturer the Nexus 5, like it did the Nexus 4, the South Korean manufacturer has seemingly ruled itself out of the running for such a task.

“The Nexus 4 was a great success despite the production problems for us and Google,” Kim Wong, Vice President of LG Mobile in Europe said recently. He added: “However, we do not need such a marketing success again.”
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Sunday, August 25, 2013

Android 4 2 New Features Malware Scanner For Apps

In Android 4.2 , Google has integrated the feature to check applications before installing the apps. So it will prevents your android device from malicious software. So your smartphones and tablets will be better protected against malware. This Google has now announced the details.

From many new feature on android 4.2. Google has integrated with its android version, a new security feature for android 4.2. Before the installation of applications beyond the Play Store these are now checked for malicious software. This is to avoid that users undetected malware install. Directly into Googles Android App Store was malware recognizer Bouncer integrated earlier this year. The Android apps will be examined so that within the Play Store for malicious functions anytime and then banned from the shop. Android is good

android 4.2 scanner malware apps


Because it is possible on Android devices without problems, download apps from other stores or even from a web page, it has been possible, however, to capture malware beyond the Play Store. Google wants to change this with the new security feature in Android 4.2. The functioning of the innovation Google has more details announced.

Function sends data to Google

"Verified apps" feature is enabled in Android 4.2 by default and reviewed applications before installing. When the user installs the first time an application is verified that, there is a query as to whether the relevant data may be sent to Google. For app-testing some data is sent to Google. This App includes related URLs, the device ID, the version number of the Android version, the IP address and cookies.

If the app-review noted an application that may contain malicious code, the user is warned before installing the app. If it is clearly in an application is malicious software that installed the app is prevented. Only by turning off the safety function can not be started in this case the relevant app.

Generally the app-check is only available if the backing store is installed, which in most Android devices is the case anyway.

However, it will take many months before these safety improvements will be present on the instruments on the market, so to offer device manufacturers an update to Android 4.2. Up until now less than 30 percent of Android devices with Android 4.0.x or 4.1.x. Android The majority of these relate to Android 4.0.x, which was released over a year ago. The vast majority of Android devices running an older version.
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Saturday, August 24, 2013

BlackBerry A10 image leaked

Following recent rumours of the BlackBerry A10s power and size, the first image of the device has leaked onto the internet.


The picture revealed by BGR shows the BlackBerry A10, also known as the Aristo, in all its large-screen glory.

Itll be a touch-only device (no trademark BlackBerry keyboard) with a large 5-inch Super AMOLED display - the largest BlackBerry smartphone yet.

Its claimed that this screen wont be particularly sharp with a resolution of 1280 x 720. Thats just 720p, when most new 5-inch Android devices are 1080p.

The BlackBerry A10 will apparently feature a dual-core CPU backed by 2GB of RAM, as well as a separate GPU. Previous reports claim that BlackBerry will leverage this setup to make the A10 a gaming powerhouse.

The rounded edges and touches of white revealed in this picture appear to partially confirm previous suggestions that the BlackBerry A10 would resemble the Samsung Galaxy S4 more than any previous BlackBerry. Having said that, we can definitely see plenty of the BlackBerry Z10s design language in there.

Apparently the BlackBerry A10s rear will "feature something similar to the BlackBerry Q10," though were not quite sure what thats supposed to mean at this point.

The report maintains that well be seeing the BlackBerry A10 hit the market some time this autumn.
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