News
Motorola Droid 4 rooted, just like that
Posted on February 13, 2012 |
The advantages of having a rooted Android smartphone are endless. Many users can no longer live with a locked down device, and smartphones are being rooted as soon as they come out (sometimes even before). The newest root news revolve around the Motorola Droid 4, which can already hacked for all its root goodness.
This device was just released yesterday, and there is already an exploit available. Those interested in rooting their devices must always remember the usual disclaimer: Rooting your device can void your warranty/insurance, and there is a chance of bricking your device. This must be done carefully, and after reading instructions thoroughly. If something bad happens, the responsibility falls solely on your hands.
Now that we have that out of the way, we can move on to the details. You have Dan Rosenberg to thank for all of the hard work. This security researcher fell into a bit of a dilemma, though. After working endlessly to bring everyone a rooting solution for the Droid 4, he thought it would be fair for him to take $200 to buy himself a Motorola Droid 4. He would donate the rest of the money for charity.
It seems this was not acceptable by many Android users out there, so he decided to just donate everything to the American Red Cross. Personally, this guy is doing a great thing for the Android community. It doesn’t seem like a bad idea for him to get a bit out of it. At least a device – I mean, he was not trying to live out of this money.
Regardless, the exploit and rooting instructions are available straight from his site. So go ahead and check it out if you are interested in rooting your brand new Droid 4! You can also find the files there, so have at it. If you want to donate some money, just head to this site.
What do you guys think, though? Is it fair for this fine gentleman to get a Droid 4 out of his hard work? If not, then why?
[Source: vulnfactory Via: TalkAndroid]
Rumor: HTC Endeavor – Sources confirm what we already expect
Posted on February 13, 2012 |
We have all heard about HTC’s upcoming flagship device – the HTC Endeavor (formerly known as the HTC Edge). We are expecting this device to be announced at Mobile World Congress, which is just a couple of weeks away. The rumored specs on this device are simply stunning, but if you haven’t had enough, new sources are confirming them.
The newest details come from MoDaCo‘s sources, and include the following:
Android 4.0 (with Sense 4.0)1.5 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor4.7-inch 720p display1 GB of RAMWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.08 MP rear-facing camera / 1.3 MP front-facing cameraHSPA+ radio (quad-band)As mentioned, we have already heard these specs before. It is great to see more sources confirming them, though. This device will be quite the super phone, and MWC should be an exciting event for HTC, as well as many other manufacturers.
Stay tuned for upcoming details, and let us know what you think. Is anyone thinking of waiting for this bad boy?
Poll: Would you use a mobile device as a desktop computer?
Posted on February 12, 2012 |
Needless to say that Android smartphones are powerful gadgets. We have already stopped using our computers and replaced it with our phones to perform many tasks. But as smartphone technology advances, the time when we can completely replace our PCs with our Android smartphones might not be very far off.
I have attempted to replace my laptop computer with the Transformer and laptop dock. This experiment lasted 2 weeks, and to say the least, it was a very frustrating time. But Android is evolving quickly, with quad-core smartphones, Chrome browser, and better UIs and applications being developed every day.
In this video, the user has hooked up his Samsung Galaxy Nexus to a monitor, and managed to get a great desktop experience with the help of a keyboard and touchpad. All main features work great with this set-up, and internet browsing looks like a breeze.
Other manufacturers are already making an attempt to unify computers, tablets and smartphones. Motorola and ASUS being the most notable, with devices like the Transformer, the Padphone and Motorola’s docks / desktop UI.
Using a mobile device as a computer replacement is not too convenient just yet, though. Performance is not quite there, and Android apps are nowhere close to beating some PC programs. Video/image editing, as well as other assignments would be a pain if performed only with a tablet (at least for now).
We have a long way to go, but projects like this make unified computing seem much closer. But what do you guys think? Participate in the poll posted below, and let us know what you think in the comments section.
Spray-on antenna to revolutionize the mobile industry
Posted on February 12, 2012 |
One of Google’s latest projects is “Solve For X,” a project that allows people to propose ideas that would solve world problems through technology. We did not think great projects would start spawning so quick, though. The latest Solve for X proposition includes a spray-on antenna, which may revolutionize the way mobile communications work.
Chamtech Etnerprises claims that this product can increase mobile energy efficiency by 10%. It is also more light-weight, and as you can assume, it can be used on anything. Imagine being able to paint an antenna into your device when you find yourself without signal. Even better, how about painting your car with it. Maybe even your house, or a tree. The possibilities are endless.
CTO Rhett Spencer mentions that Chamtech is in the talks with government-based customers (including the military). This is the reason why not much detail about the product is provided. But it seems like it uses organic elements to improve magnetic and radio frequency signals. Being organic, it can be used under any circumstances. This includes outer space, underwater, and wherever it may be seen fit.
Undoubtedly, this would be a great solution for mobile carriers. Instead of installing antennas, they could just go and spray an antenna on anything. And if you live in a low-signal area, all we would need is a technician to come and spray your house with this technology.
What do you guys say? Is this the future? Check out the video and let us know what you think.
One-day deal: Phillips Android Media Player for $89.99
Posted on February 12, 2012 |
WiFi-only Android-powered devices are not as popular – our smartphones can do everything these gadgets feature, and more. But if you are looking for a portable media player, this deal might spark your interest. Woot deal of the day features A Phillips Android media player (SA3CNT08K) for the low price of $90 (goes for about $140 on Amazon).
It is not the device of your dreams, but it could get the job done for certain users. Specifications include a 3.2-inch 480x320p display, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 720p HD video playback, 8 GB of internal storage and WiFi/bluetooth connectivity.
As mentioned, not the best device out there, but it could be great if you are looking for a media player with a bit of extra punch in functionality. The deal is only available today, so check out Woot.com for more details.
Would any of you purchase a device like this? And why?
Thanks, Danndroid!