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HD2 keeps active with NoDo ROM, shows no sign of slowing down (video)
No thanks to Windows Mobile 6.5, the HTC HD2 is managing to keep spry as it's approaching retirement. Rather than relegating itself to playing shuffleboard with the codgers, it's been dancing to the tunes of Windows Phone, Android and Meego. Now the HD2 is learning NoDo's moves, and from the looks of its demo video, the phone is quite a performer -- take a peek after the break. Of course, this wouldn't be possible without a jolt from the WaterBear development team, which bundles the 7392 security update, an HD7 registry key and some language fixes. If this is new territory for your HD2, it'll require a little assistance from HardSPL (for unlocking), MAGLDR (the bootloader), and the proper radio file, but it seems like a worthwhile pursuit. After all, there's no sense in keeping this handset cooped up in the old folks home -- it's bound to rile up the nurses. [Thanks, Ehsan]
Windows Phone patch comes to Sprint and Orange, beefs up security
Windows Phone owners start your engines -- or at least your Zune software. First promised three weeks ago, Microsoft is ready to roll out the "7392" post-NoDo update to phones on Sprint in the US and Orange in Europe (with one exception: updates to the Omnia 7 will be meted out in phases). It's not a Mango-sized update, so you'll be sorely disappointed if you're yearning for new features; the 7392 refresh is a security patch that fixes fraudulent third-party certificates that could lead to phishing attacks or content spoofing, and that's it. If you still haven't put NoDo on your phone, however, 7392 will bundle both updates together in one package. On one last note, it looks like phones previously updated using "unofficial mechanisms" are still unable to get the refresh. If that's not a concern, the security patch can be installed through your computer if you're so inclined.
Samsung Omnia 7 patch resistance resolved using, well... resistors of course (video)
Omnia 7 owners just can't get a break. Sure, life seemed dandy after Samsung released a utility that promised to resolve future update headaches, but that assumed everyone would be able to apply the fix. Unfortunately, Sammy's tool requires users to put their phone into download mode to get the patch -- a feat that devices with bootloader v4.10.1.9 simply cannot perform. Understandably, some frustrated folks are taking matters into their own hands after discovering a way to fool the Omnia 7's circuitry, which forces the phone to enter download mode with the help of a 301KOhm resistor (although three 100KOhm resistors in series work fine most of the time). It's not a pretty solution, but seems to be working for many. Hit the break for a video detailing the trickery -- RadioShack will surely appreciate the business.
HTC Arrive slated for May 24 security update?
We tend to get a little overexcited for phone updates, but who doesn't appreciate a good tweak to add new features and kill old bugs? The HTC Arrive on Sprint may be receiving a minor software refresh on May 24, known as 1.29.651.02, that should bump the device's security up a notch. The holes getting patched up are somehow related to fraudulent third-party certificates that make it easier for hackers to get into your business. This could be a glitch in the Matrix, or it might just be HTC's name for the 7392 patch. Either way, you'll definitely want to check Zune on Tuesday to see if the rumor (and your fanboy fantasy) will come true.
Samsung Omnia 7 patch promises brick-free WP7 updates
That latest WP7 update, the post-NoDo tweak dubbed 7392, has apparently been giving some Samsung handsets fits. This time though, the company has taken matters into its own hands and has released a patch for the Omnia 7 that should solve any issues with applying the latest Windows Phone refresh (Focus owners will have to remain patient). The fix should work for all future updates as well, but considering the rather tumultuous history of WP7 and Samsung, we're staying cautiously optimistic on that claim. Check out the source link for the Update Support Tool and the instructional PDF -- and don't forget to actually run the Zune software to score that sweet 7392 update when you're done. [Thanks, jjr]
Dell Venue Pro getting a tune-up on May 18th? A chatty support rep thinks so, anyway.
Dell's Venue Pro recently arrived at AT&T for $99 with a two-year commitment, and while this troubled QWERTY slider has already embraced NoDo, a new OS simply wasn't enough to patch these cracks -- random crashes and WiFi woes continue to haunt users on a daily basis. Recently, a member of xda-developers shared their experience with Dell support, proclaiming the company is targeting May 18th for this much-needed firmware update. While follow-up communication with Round Rock have proven less fruitful (perhaps suggesting a rogue tech support agent), it has confirmed the update is a high priority and will be delivered following a successful rollout of the 7392 security update from Microsoft. Sure, you could just take the plunge and hope Dell's new firmware brings the cure, but given its track record here, you're probably wise to do a background check before hiring this as your next assistant. [Thanks, Dennis and Rob]
Microsoft confirms WP7 handsets updated using 'unofficial mechanisms' cannot get latest update
In case you were left unsure what a "non-serviceable state" meant when Microsoft warned users to avoid the ChevronWP7 updater, we now have further details. The company is in the process of rolling out a Windows Phone update charmingly called 7392, a post-NoDo improvement that does nothing other than fix some bogus security certificates on handsets. With no user-facing changes it's not really something users would probably be pining for -- except that many are now being told they can't get it, and of course we always want those things we can't have. Microsoft has confirmed that phones updated using "any unofficial mechanisms" to NoDo (which was 7390) will not be able to get 7392 via its very official mechanism: Zune. No big deal now, but it will be in six months when 7394 comes along and delivers the long-awaited addition of Microsoft Bob to the platform. No, Redmond's brightest aren't going to help you out of this mess you've created for yourself, but happily someone else is: the "clever bunch" who released the unofficial update in the first place. That bunch is said to be working on another unofficial tool that will help users get back onto the "officially supported path," a route that is slow and meandering but is, at least, quite unlikely to hurt you along the way.
