Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S III S Voice APK leaked online]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-s-voice-apk-leaked-online/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-s-voice-apk-leaked-online/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-s-voice-apk-leaked-online/#comments Samsung Galaxy S III S-Voice APK leaked online

If you find yourself with nothing better to do this weekend, then you might have a bit of fun playing around with Samsung's soon-to-be-released S Voice application on your rooted Android 4.0 smartphone. The APK has now made its way into the wild, and we couldn't help but take it for a spin on our Nexus S. First off, while we can't vouch for the security of the file, we can confirm that it's indeed functional. Secondly, while some of the S Voice features work just fine -- such as search or contact queries -- other requests such as navigation repeatedly caused the app to crash. In other words, if you're expecting this app to behave as it should on the Galaxy S III, you might be in for a disappointment. If you're merely looking to poke around with the S Voice functionality, however, the download seems quite worthwhile. At this point, we're most curious to know whether non-Samsung owners have similar luck. If you're willing to give 'er a go, let us know your experience in the comments below.

Update: We've also now tested the leaked APK on our Galaxy Nexus, and are happy to report that S Voice works quite flawlessly. As always, your mileage may vary.

Samsung Galaxy S III S Voice APK leaked online originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 May 2012 21:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0Android4.0apkdiygalaxy s iiiGalaxySIiiice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichleakleakedleaksrootrooteds voicesamsungsamsung galaxy s iiisamsung s voiceSamsungGalaxySIiiSamsungSVoiceSVoiceSat, 19 May 2012 21:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of April 30th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-30th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-30th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-30th-2012/#comments Refresh Roundup: week of April 30th, 2012

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of April 30th, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of April 30th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 May 2012 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>101 g9101G980 g980G9androidandroid 2.3android 4.0Android2.3Android4.0aokparchosarchos 101 g9archos 80 g9Archos101G9Archos80G9asusblackberryblackberry 7.1blackberry bridgeblackberry curve 8520Blackberry7.1BlackberryBridgeBlackberryCurve8520Bold 9900Bold9900cliq2clockworkmodclockworkmod recoveryClockworkmodRecoverycurve 8520Curve 9360Curve8520Curve9360cyanogenmodcyanogenmod 9Cyanogenmod9droid 3droid bionicDroid3DroidBionicevo 3dEvo3dgalaxy nexusgalaxy notegalaxy s iigalaxy tab 2 7.0GalaxyNexusGalaxyNoteGalaxySIiGalaxyTab27.0gingerbreadhtchtc evo 3dhtc mozarthtc one xhtc rezoundhtc sensation 4gHtcEvo3dHtcMozartHtcOneXHtcRezoundHtcSensation4ghuaweihuawei mediapadHuaweiMediapadice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichleakleakedleakslumia 800Lumia800mediapadminipostmobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola cliq2motorola droid 3motorola droid bionicMotorolaCliq2MotorolaDroid3MotorolaDroidBionicmozartnokianokia bellenokia lumia 800NokiaBelleNokiaLumia800one xOneXP9981refresh roundupRefreshRoundupresearch in motionResearchInMotionrezoundrimrootrootedrrsamsungsamsung galaxy nexussamsung galaxy notesamsung galaxy s iisamsung galaxy tab 2 7.0SamsungGalaxyNexusSamsungGalaxyNoteSamsungGalaxySIiSamsungGalaxyTab27.0sensation 4gSensation4gsense 3.6Sense3.6smartphonesmartphonessonysony xperia playSonyXperiaPlaysprintsymbian belleSymbianBellet-mobiletablettabletstf300Torch 9810Torch 9860Torch9810Torch9860transformer pad tf300TransformerPadTf300updateupdatesupgradeupgradesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessxperia playXperiaPlaySun, 06 May 2012 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of April 23rd, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/29/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-23rd-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/29/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-23rd-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/29/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-23rd-2012/#comments Refresh Roundup: week of April 23rd, 2012

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of April 23rd, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of April 23rd, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a100aceramaze 4gAmaze4gandroidandroid 4.0Android4.0asusblackberry bold 9790blackberry curve 9380BlackberryBold9790BlackberryCurve9380bold 9790Bold9790cincinnati bellCincinnatiBellclockworkmod recoveryClockworkmodRecoverycurve 9380Curve9380cyanogenmod 9Cyanogenmod9eee pad transformerEeePadTransformerepic 4g touchEpic4gTouchgalaxy nexusgalaxy nexus ltegalaxy s iiGalaxyNexusGalaxyNexusLteGalaxySIihtchtc amaze 4ghtc one shtc sensationHtcAmaze4gHtcOneSHtcSensationice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichiconia tab a100IconiaTabA100leakleakedleakslumia 900Lumia900minipostmobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola photon 4gMotorolaPhoton4gnokianokia bellenokia lumia 900NokiaBelleNokiaLumia900nova launcherNovaLauncherone sOneSphoton 4gPhoton4grefresh roundupRefreshRoundupresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimrogersrogers wirelessRogersWirelessrootrootedrrs-offsamsungsamsung epic 4g touchsamsung galaxy nexussamsung galaxy s iiSamsungEpic4gTouchSamsungGalaxyNexusSamsungGalaxySIisasktelsensationsense 3.6Sense3.6smartphonesmartphonessonysony xperia sSonyXperiaSsprintsymbian belleSymbianBellet-mobilet-mobile ukT-mobileUktablettablet pcTabletPctabletstelstratf101updateupdatesupgradeupgradesxperia sXperiaSSun, 29 Apr 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of April 9th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/15/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-9th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/15/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-9th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/15/refresh-roundup-week-of-april-9th-2012/#comments Refresh Roundup: week of April 9th, 2012Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of April 9th, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of April 9th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aakash 2Aakash2androidandroid 4.0Android4.0attburstdroid 2Droid2elementevo design 4gEvoDesign4ggalaxy sgalaxy s iiGalaxySGalaxySIigooglehtchtc evo design 4ghtc one shtc one xhtc rhymehtc trophyHtcEvoDesign4gHtcOneSHtcOneXHtcRhymeHtcTrophyice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichindialumia 800Lumia800minipostmobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola droid 2MotorolaDroid2nexus s 4gNexusS4gnokianokia 603nokia 700nokia 701nokia bellenokia lumia 800Nokia603Nokia700Nokia701NokiaBelleNokiaLumia800one sone xOneSOneXpantechpantech burstpantech elementPantechBurstPantechElementrefresh roundupRefreshRounduprhymerootrootedrrsamsungsamsung galaxy ssamsung galaxy s iisamsung nexus s 4gSamsungGalaxySSamsungGalaxySIiSamsungNexusS4gsmartphonesmartphonessprintsymbiansymbian belleSymbianBelletablettabletstrophyupdateupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelesswindows phoneWindowsPhoneSun, 15 Apr 2012 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[DingleBerry 4.0 cancelled, open-sourced in search of PlayBook OS 2.0 root exploit (updated: ok, maybe it's not cancelled)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/dingleberry-4-cancelled-and-open-sourced/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/dingleberry-4-cancelled-and-open-sourced/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/dingleberry-4-cancelled-and-open-sourced/#comments DingleBerry 4.0 cancelled, open-sourced in search of PlayBook OS 2.0 root exploitDingleBerry arrived with an awesome name and even better functionality: the ability to root a BlackBerry PlayBook. For the moment, however, it seems the utility is little more than dust in the wind. We've received news that development of the famed exploit has been halted. If it's any solace to super users, the project may find new vigor, because the source code for DingleBerry 3.3.3 is now available for all to improve upon. Perhaps the cat and mouse game with RIM's security team was simply too burdensome for DingleBerry developers, as PlayBook OS 2.0 has remained impervious to root exploits. Whatever the case may be, if you'd like to take a swing at a new root method, be sure to hit up the source below.

[Thanks, Joao]

Update: DingleBerry dev Chris Wade reached out to us to clarify that version 4.0 is not cancelled -- regardless of what the official changelog says. Where exactly the confusion comes from we're not entirely sure, but we've been told the project was open sourced so that others, perhaps those with more free time on their hands, could take a crack at the PlayBook OS and not because it's dead.

DingleBerry 4.0 cancelled, open-sourced in search of PlayBook OS 2.0 root exploit (updated: ok, maybe it's not cancelled) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBXBlackBerryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookdingleberryhackhackedhacksjailbreakjailbreakingopen sourceOpenSourceplaybookplaybook 2.0playbook jailbreakPlaybook OS 2.0Playbook2.0PlaybookJailbreakPlaybookOs2.0QNXResearch In MotionResearchInMotionRIMrootrootedtablettabletsMon, 09 Apr 2012 06:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of March 12th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/refresh-roundup-week-of-march-12th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/refresh-roundup-week-of-march-12th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/refresh-roundup-week-of-march-12th-2012/#comments Refresh Roundup: week of March 12th, 2012Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of March 12th, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of March 12th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 3.2Android3.2asusasus transformerAsusTransformerblackberryblackberry bold 9900blackberry torch 9810BlackberryBold9900BlackberryTorch9810bold 9900Bold9900droid prodroid x2DroidProDroidX2g-slategalaxy nexusgalaxy nexus lteGalaxyNexusGalaxyNexusLtehoneycombhtchtc one shtc rezoundHtcOneSHtcRezoundlteminipostmobilepostcrossmodacomotorolamotorola droid promotorola droid x2MotorolaDroidProMotorolaDroidX2mytouch 4gmytouch 4g slideMytouch4gMytouch4gSlideone sOneSrefresh roundupRefreshRoundupreloadedicsresearch in motionResearchInMotionrezoundrimromromsrootrootedrrsamsungsmartphonesmartphonest-mobilet-mobile g-slateT-mobileG-slatetablettabletstf101torch 9810Torch9810transformertransformer primeTransformerPrimeupdateupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessviziovizio tabletVizioTabletSun, 18 Mar 2012 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[GTVHacker teases Boxee for rooted Sony Google TVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/rooted-sony-google-tv-boxee/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/rooted-sony-google-tv-boxee/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/rooted-sony-google-tv-boxee/#comments Since the Boxee Box and original Google TV v1 hardware share Intel Atom processors at their heart users have wondered about the opportunity for a port, and as seen above, that may have been achieved. GTVHacker tweeted out the picture tonight, promising "big things" in store for owners of rooted Sony Google TV devices while showing Boxee running on a Sony NSZ-GT1 Blu-ray player. There's no other details mentioned so far, but if you managed to open up the capabilities of your hardware before an update put the kibosh on rooting, you should have some extra capabilities coming your way shortly.

GTVHacker teases Boxee for rooted Sony Google TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxeeboxee boxBoxeeBoxce 4100Ce4100google tvGoogleTvgtv hackerGtvHackerhdpostcrossintelintel atomIntelAtomnsz-gt1portrootrootedsonyMon, 12 Mar 2012 20:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Tablet P gets rooted, does it effortlessly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/sony-tablet-p-gets-rooted-does-it-effortlessly/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/sony-tablet-p-gets-rooted-does-it-effortlessly/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/sony-tablet-p-gets-rooted-does-it-effortlessly/#comments For anyone that's dabbled long enough with Sony's dual-screen tablet as-is, we've got good news. The device can now be rooted and -- better still -- it's not all that difficult. Pocketables forum member RayIczr goes over the method, which requires an ADB installer and a Sony Tablet Root program. Add in some allowances for the USB debug mode and unknown program sources and you'll soon arrive at an unrooted Tablet P. More details and due praise can be found at the source below.

[Thanks Jenn]

Sony Tablet P gets rooted, does it effortlessly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 3.0Android3.0GooglehoneycombPlayStation CertifiedPlaystationCertifiedRayIczrrootedsonysony tablet pSonyTabletPtablet pTabletPunrootedFri, 09 Mar 2012 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Inception brings root privileges, rush of adrenaline to Nokia N9 community]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/inception-brings-root-privileges-to-nokia-n9/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/inception-brings-root-privileges-to-nokia-n9/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/inception-brings-root-privileges-to-nokia-n9/#comments Inception brings root privileges, rush of adrenaline to Nokia N9 community So, here's the thing: Aegis, the security framework on the Nokia N9, has been busted wide open -- thanks to an exploit known as Inception. Much like root access on Android, the software allows developers to write apps (and users to install apps) that take full advantage of the N9's capabilities. Naturally, exploits such as these aren't for everyone -- in particular, Inception requires a familiarity with the command terminal -- but if you've ever wanted to load custom kernel modules, activate disabled hardware features or apply community-provided upgrades, a quick and relatively painless method is now here. A few words of caution: users mustn't upgrade their firmware beyond PR1.2 without first confirming that Inception is compatible, and because the exploit allows applications to gain full access to the phone, users should only install apps from trusted sources. Want to know more? Just follow the rabbit hole in the source below.

Inception brings root privileges, rush of adrenaline to Nokia N9 community originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aegishackhackedhacksinceptionmobilepostminimodmodsn9nokianokia n9NokiaN9rootrootedsecurityWed, 07 Mar 2012 02:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of February 6th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/refresh-roundup-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/refresh-roundup-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/refresh-roundup-week-of-february-6th-2012/#comments Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of February 6th, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of February 6th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleFireandroidandroid 2.3android 4.0.2Android2.3Android4.0.2asusasus transformer primeAsusTransformerPrimebellbell mobilityBellMobilitybioniccanadadroid xyboarddroidbionicDroidXyboardg-tabletgalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgingerbreadhackhackedhacksice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichkindle fireKindleFirelglg phoenixLgPhoenixmiuimobilepostminimotorolamotorola droid bionicmotorola xoomMotorolaDroidBionicMotorolaXoomphoenixrefresh roundupRefreshRoundupromromsrootrootedrrsamsungsmartphonesmartphonessonysony tablet sSonyTabletStablettablet sTabletStransformer primeTransformerPrimeupdateupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessviewsonicviewsonic g-tabletViewsonicG-tabletxoomxyboardSun, 12 Feb 2012 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/nook-tablet-gets-easy-root-shortcut-via-sd-card-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/nook-tablet-gets-easy-root-shortcut-via-sd-card-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/nook-tablet-gets-easy-root-shortcut-via-sd-card-video/#comments Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video)As the (admittedly niche) battle for root access wages on between the Nook Tablet creators and its end users, a new shortcut's been discovered for unlocking the Android-based slab -- and you'll need an SD card to do the business. The new technique, courtesy of xda-developers forum member Indirect, works on all tablets up to version 1.4.1, requiring the installation of some key files onto the card and a reboot to unleash the might of Google's Android Market. Those interested in a Google app hook-up for their Nook should check the video below and visit the source for those all-important files.

Continue reading Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video)

Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android marketAndroidMarketbootloadergooglehackhackinghacksIndirectmodnooknook tabletNookTabletrootrootedsdSD cardSdCardsoftwaretabletunlockvideoxdaxda developersxda forumsXdaDevelopersXdaForumsSun, 29 Jan 2012 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[SwitchMe brings makeshift guest account to Android root users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/switchme-brings-makeshift-guest-account-to-android-root-users/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/switchme-brings-makeshift-guest-account-to-android-root-users/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/switchme-brings-makeshift-guest-account-to-android-root-users/#comments SwitchMe brings makeshift guest account to Android root users, so lend that weirdo your phoneWouldn't it be absolutely splendid if you could hand your phone over to a friend (or complete stranger) without fear of them mucking up your system or digging into your personal bits? Yes, we'd absolutely love to see guest accounts become standard issue on all handsets, but until that day arrives, a new application called SwitchMe will work in a pinch. Word of caution, this app requires root privileges, which may deter many folks.

Rather than allowing multiple sessions to run simultaneously, as you'd expect on a desktop computer, SwitchMe lets users easily jump between different installations of Android -- they exist separately and don't talk to each other. Naturally, this also allows hobbyists to easily jump between their favorite ROMs, and gives developers clean sandboxes for app testing. The first hit is free, but if you want to manage more than two installations, you'll need to buy the unlock key for $1.98. Still, those who find the SwitchMe useful should consider tossing the developer a few bones.

Update: As a commenter pointed out, multiple ROMs are not supported at this time. The developer has verified this, stating that any content inside /system cannot be changed. Bummer.

[Thanks, Alan]

SwitchMe brings makeshift guest account to Android root users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappappsdeveloperdevelopersfahrbotfahrbot mobileFahrbotMobilegoogleguestguest accountGuestAccounthobbyistmobilepostcrossprivacyrootrootedswitchmeThu, 26 Jan 2012 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Silk ported from Kindle Fire to rooted Android devices, other web browsers now jealous]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/silk-ported-from-kindle-fire-to-rooted-android-devices-other-we/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/silk-ported-from-kindle-fire-to-rooted-android-devices-other-we/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/silk-ported-from-kindle-fire-to-rooted-android-devices-other-we/#comments Give it time and eventually someone will port your favorite browser to everything, even your toaster, if you're lucky. A group of developers on the XDA-forums has begun sharing how to port the Silk web browser found on the Amazon Kindle Fire to various Android devices. To accomplish this, you'll need a rooted Android device, whereupon you can download a package file and install it to the /system/lib directory with permissions set to the same as the other files in that folder. Users can choose to install any of the .apks that they want to side load, but will need to ensure that they also move the Silk apk from /data/app to /system/app. After a reboot, the Silk browser should be good to go, complete with access to Amazon's cloud-based services through your favorite device. That's just our quaint little summary, though: for the full instructions, you'll most definitely want to hit up the source link.

Silk ported from Kindle Fire to rooted Android devices, other web browsers now jealous originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon Kindle FireAmazonKindleFireAndroidportrootedrooted Android devicesRootedAndroidDevicesSilkSilk web browserSilkWebBrowserWed, 04 Jan 2012 13:12:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM puts BlackBerry Playbook on massive sale; Android Market shoehorned onto rooted units]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/blackberry-playbook-fire-sale-android-market-access-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/blackberry-playbook-fire-sale-android-market-access-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/blackberry-playbook-fire-sale-android-market-access-hack/#comments Research in Motion may not have found itself in a coveted spot as 2011 ended, but if it's learned anything from HP, there's a surefire way to rid itself of remaining BlackBerry PlayBook inventory: sell 'em for a loss. After the unloved slate went on sale in its native land, Americans can now save up to $400 on a PlayBook through February 4th. RIM's official webstore is offering the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB model for $299, leaving us to wonder who would ever choose the smaller two if all three remain in stock. In related news, those who take the company up on the offer can now gain access to the Android Market with a few choice moves. The fine folks over at CrackBerry have detailed the process, which requires a rooted PlayBook, WinSCP, the latest version of Cyanogen Google apps and a fair amount of patience. Naturally, not all Android apps will actually work on the device, but it's a lovely hack for a sure-to-be-sluggish week in your workshop. Hit the links below to learn more.

RIM puts BlackBerry Playbook on massive sale; Android Market shoehorned onto rooted units originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketapplicationappsblackberryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookcrackfire saleFireSalegooglehackhackedjailbreakjailbrokenon saleOnSaleplaybookqnxrimrootrootedsaleslatetabletMon, 02 Jan 2012 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Galaxy Nexus gets unofficial Google Wallet, leaves rooters feeling flush (update: now root-free)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/galaxy-nexus-gets-unofficial-google-wallet-leaves-rooters-feeli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/galaxy-nexus-gets-unofficial-google-wallet-leaves-rooters-feeli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/galaxy-nexus-gets-unofficial-google-wallet-leaves-rooters-feeli/#comments

While it may have arrived with the Nexus name, Google's latest flagship has appeared without Wallet functionality, despite the inclusion of NFC hardware. Fortunately, it hasn't taken long for a few eager Android tinkerers to get it working on the LTE model. There's still a few hiccups and bugs and the phone needs to be rooted and unlocked, so consider yourself forewarned: you're on your own if it bricks. Still, it works -- user Mike Beauchamp was able to add extra funds to his account and make his first NFC McDonalds purchase. His video demonstration awaits after the break, Nexus-toting risk-takers can find a full step-by-step guide at the Google Plus link below.

Update: We talked too soon. Those that fear the uncertain future of a rooted handset now have a workaround. An APK is now up for grabs at XDA-Developers that will furnish your new favorite smartphone with Google Wallet goodness, hack-free. Non-US residents, however, still appear to be locked out from adding funds to their account. Let us know how it goes in the comments below.

[Thanks all]

Continue reading Galaxy Nexus gets unofficial Google Wallet, leaves rooters feeling flush (update: now root-free)

Galaxy Nexus gets unofficial Google Wallet, leaves rooters feeling flush (update: now root-free) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidcontactless paymentContactlessPaymentGalaxy Nexusgalaxy nexus lteGalaxyNexusGalaxyNexusLteGoogleGoogle WalletGoogleWallethackmobilepostminiNexusNFCrootedSamsung Galaxy NexusSamsungGalaxyNexusvideoSun, 18 Dec 2011 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry PlayBook gets root thanks to childishly named DingleBerry tool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/blackberry-playbook-gets-root-thanks-to-childishly-named-dingleb/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/blackberry-playbook-gets-root-thanks-to-childishly-named-dingleb/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/blackberry-playbook-gets-root-thanks-to-childishly-named-dingleb/#comments DingleBerry It's been a long time coming, but the PlayBook has finally been rooted. Devs neuralic, xpvqs and Chris Wade have been hard at work and have finally discovered a persistently exploitable hole that enables unfettered root access to the PlayBook. The culmination of their efforts, DingleBerry, hasn't been released just yet, but it should be hitting the series of tubes in the not too distant future. Obviously having super user access opens a world of possibilities to developers, but there are some immediate advantages too. For one, with DingleBerry the creators were able to re-enable web access to Hulu -- not only bypassing the lack of an app, but skipping the usual requirement of a Plus account for mobile consumption. Head on after the break to see the hack in action.

Continue reading BlackBerry PlayBook gets root thanks to childishly named DingleBerry tool

BlackBerry PlayBook gets root thanks to childishly named DingleBerry tool originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookchris wadeChrisWadecmwdingleberryhackhackedhuluhulu plusHuluPlusjailbreakneuralicplaybookqnxResearch In MotionResearchInMotionRIMrootrootedtablettabletsxpvqsTue, 29 Nov 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Tablet gets rooted, bootloader stays under lock and key]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/nook-tablet-gets-rooted-bootloader-stays-under-lock-and-key/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/nook-tablet-gets-rooted-bootloader-stays-under-lock-and-key/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/nook-tablet-gets-rooted-bootloader-stays-under-lock-and-key/#comments Jealous of that root-ready Kindle Fire, but not ready to trudge through the Amazon to get it? Don't worry, you can stay huddled up with your Nook Tablet and get all the device rooting you want -- with a few caveats. Although the good folks on the XDA Forums haven't unlocked the slab's bootloader just yet, they've managed to root the tablet all the same. Jumping through a few technical hoops (or stumbling across forum user Indirect's one-click Windows utility) will score you access to the Android market and another way to sideload apps on the souped up slate. Custom ROMs? Not yet; in addition to killing the root with every device reboot, the locked bootloader is keeping the Nook's tweaked build of Android 2.3 front and center. Hit up the source link below to get started.

Update: Indirect has updated his forum post to clarify that the root is permanent.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Nook Tablet gets rooted, bootloader stays under lock and key originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bootloaderhackhackinghacksmodnooknook tabletNookTabletrootrootedsoftwaretabletunlockxdaxda developersxda forumsXdaDevelopersXdaForumsSun, 20 Nov 2011 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire gets rooted with 'one click,' paves the way for Amazonian adventures]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-gets-rooted-with-one-click-paves-the-way-for-amaz/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-gets-rooted-with-one-click-paves-the-way-for-amaz/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-gets-rooted-with-one-click-paves-the-way-for-amaz/#comments Yesterday, we saw the Kindle Fire get ripped apart. Today, it's been rooted. The solution comes courtesy of a user lovingly known as "death2all11o," who posted the "1-click' recipe to Android Forums earlier today. The procedure seems relatively straightforward, requiring only a copy of SuperOneClick 2.2, an Android SDK, and a bit of hacktastic know-how. For a more detailed guide, hit up the source links below.

[Thanks, Blake]

Kindle Fire gets rooted with 'one click,' paves the way for Amazonian adventures originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleFireAndroidcustomizationhackkindlekindle firekindle fire rootKindleFireKindleFireRootmodrootrootedSDKsoftwaresource codeSourceCodesuperoneclicktabletxdaWed, 16 Nov 2011 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid RAZR rooted -- watch out for rough edges]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/motorola-droid-razr-rooted-watch-out-for-rough-edges/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/motorola-droid-razr-rooted-watch-out-for-rough-edges/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/motorola-droid-razr-rooted-watch-out-for-rough-edges/#comments

First it was the Kevlar-coated hardware, and now Android enthusiasts have cracked open the software edges of Motorola's latest Android baby. Yes, that dual-core slice of smartphone that is the Droid RAZR can now be rooted, but there is a catch. The Windows-only program won't let you reverse the deal once you've taken the hack-friendly plunge, even if you're unfortunate enough to hit a soft brick wall. You can check out the directions in the source link below, but we're wagging our finger of caution right now -- you've been warned.

Motorola Droid RAZR rooted -- watch out for rough edges originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3.5Android GingerbreadAndroid2.3.5AndroidGingerbreadDroid RAZRDroidRazrGingerbreadhackhackedmobilepostminimotorolamotorola droid RAZRMotorolaDroidRazrphonesrootrootedsmartphonesmartphonesMon, 14 Nov 2011 05:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Galaxy Nexus gets rooted, forums burst into applause]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/galaxy-nexus-gets-rooted-forums-burst-into-applause/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/galaxy-nexus-gets-rooted-forums-burst-into-applause/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/galaxy-nexus-gets-rooted-forums-burst-into-applause/#comments To root or not to root -- that's never really been a question for Nexus owners. Google's purebred Android phones are by nature developer-friendly and ship with a painless ability to unlock their bootloaders. So, it comes as no great surprise that well-known modder Modaco has achieved this very feat on the Galaxy Nexus, although it is nice to this Ice Cream Sandwich flagship upholding tradition. Whatever your personal computing OS choice, the superboot image file provided at the source will work for you, pushing the superuser APK to your handset and granting you administrator privileges. Retail versions of the phone will likely come locked, so be prepared to wipe your data if you choose to go down this route (pun definitely intended). As always, tinkering with high-end mobile toys comes with the usual associated risks, so proceed with caution. And remember the cardinal rule -- friends don't let friends root their phones.

Galaxy Nexus gets rooted, forums burst into applause originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 4.0Android Ice Cream SandwichAndroid Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0Android ICSAndroid4.0AndroidIceCreamSandwichAndroidIceCreamSandwich4.0AndroidIcsbootloaderbootloader unlockbootloader unlockedbootloadersBootloaderUnlockBootloaderUnlockedGalaxy NexusGalaxyNexusICSmobilepostminiModacoNexusrootrootedrootingSamsung Galaxy NexusSamsungGalaxyNexussuperuserThu, 03 Nov 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/irl-airport-express-jabra-freeway-and-rooting-the-nook-color/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/irl-airport-express-jabra-freeway-and-rooting-the-nook-color/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/irl-airport-express-jabra-freeway-and-rooting-the-nook-color/#commentsWelcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Now that we've gotten all the dirty details on the new iPhone, we Engadget editors have a few precious days to kick back, unwind and futz around on our aging gadgets before Google and Samsung team up to announce a certain something something next week. Until then, Darren's traveling from Japan to San Francisco and back -- most likely with his AirPort Express in tow, Joseph is rooting the snot out of his Nook Color and Brad's just trying to keep up on podcasts while driving the kiddies around.

Continue reading IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color

IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirPort ExpressAirportExpressAppleApple Airport ExpressAppleAirportExpressBrad MolenBradMolencm7cyanogenmodCyanogenMod 7Cyanogenmod7darren murphDarrenMurphengadgetIRLhackhackinghacksIRLJabrajabra freewayJabraFreewayJoseph VolpeJosephVolpenook colorNookColorrootedrootingThu, 06 Oct 2011 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix patch arrives for rooted Asus Transformers, it's okay to be happy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/netflix-patch-arrives-for-rooted-asus-transformers-its-okay-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/netflix-patch-arrives-for-rooted-asus-transformers-its-okay-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/netflix-patch-arrives-for-rooted-asus-transformers-its-okay-to/#comments If you've seen this handsome screen on your Asus Transformer, it means you've finally managed to root it. Congratulations. And yet, it's all so... anticlimactic. What was the point of it? In fact, what's the point of anything? Hey, don't go down that road. Install Netflix instead, courtesy of a new patch from XDA Developers at the source link below. Then watch Kung Fu Panda one more time and the sense of order in your life will magically return. Like the wise Oogway said: "You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach."

[Thanks everyone who sent this in]

Netflix patch arrives for rooted Asus Transformers, it's okay to be happy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 3.1Android honeycombAndroid3.1AndroidHoneycombasusasus transformerAsusTransformerGoogleGoogle AndroidGoogleAndroidhackhoneycombkung fu pandaKungFuPandanetflixpatchrootrootedtransformerxdaxda developersXdaDevelopersThu, 21 Jul 2011 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Native screencaps coming to CyanogenMod 7.1]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/native-screencaps-coming-to-cyanogenmod-7-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/native-screencaps-coming-to-cyanogenmod-7-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/native-screencaps-coming-to-cyanogenmod-7-1/#comments Taking screenshots on Android devices is by and large a sore spot for pretty much anyone whose needed to perform the deed. Unless your phone is one of the few that supports the functionality, you must first root your handset and install third-party software -- or grab the Android SDK and access your device in USB-debugging mode from ddms. Regardless of how you get there, neither option is ideal. Now, the creators of CyanogenMod think they can do better. While rooting your phone is still a prerequisite, the operating system will bring native support for screen captures via a long-press on the power button. You can expect to receive this delightful new feature in the upcoming CyanogenMod 7.1, which is currently in Release Candidate status -- or, just check the nightly repository -- if you dare!

Native screencaps coming to CyanogenMod 7.1 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3.4Android2.3.4cyanogenmodcyanogenmod 7cyanogenmod 7.1Cyanogenmod7Cyanogenmod7.1ddmsdiygingerbreadgooglehackhackedhacksmobileoperating systemOperatingSystemromromsrootrootedscreen capturescreen grabscreen grabsscreen shotscreen shotsscreencaptureScreenGrabScreenGrabsscreenshotscreenshotsMon, 11 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thunderbolt gets Sense 3.0 through the back door]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/thunderbolt-gets-sense-3-0-through-the-back-door/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/thunderbolt-gets-sense-3-0-through-the-back-door/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/thunderbolt-gets-sense-3-0-through-the-back-door/#comments Before HTC announced that the Thunderbolt wouldn't receive Sense 3.0, perhaps it should have consulted the dev community. That's because a determined group of modders have successfully massaged HTC's latest skin onto the popular Das BAMF Gingerbread ROM. The current iteration has some bugs, including a glitchy front-facing camera (that you can remedy by switching from widescreen to 4:3 capture), but it's now at release candidate status and awaiting a final coat of gloss. If you've got to have it now -- and have no interest in HTC's upcoming Android 2.3.4 build -- you'll need a rooted phone, S-Off status, and Clockwork Recovery to load the flashable ROM, along with the MR2 radio (preferably). Love what you see? Consider donating to the devs so they can show their neglected significant others a night on the town -- after cranking out the final version, of course.

[Thanks, AJFTL]

Thunderbolt gets Sense 3.0 through the back door originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android 2.3Android2.3diygingerbreadhackhackedhackshtchtc senseHTC Sense 3.0htc thunderboltHtcSenseHtcSense3.0HtcThunderboltmobilemodmodsradioromromsrootrootedsenseSense 3.0Sense3.0thunderboltverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwThu, 23 Jun 2011 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 retail version gets rooted]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/samsung-galaxy-tab-10-1-retail-version-gets-rooted/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/samsung-galaxy-tab-10-1-retail-version-gets-rooted/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/samsung-galaxy-tab-10-1-retail-version-gets-rooted/#comments
The limited edition Galaxy Tab 10.1 handed out at Google I/O was rooted in no time, and it looks like owners of the more widely available retail version can now thank XDA member shep211 for opening up some new possibilities on their iteration of the tablet as well. As usual, you should proceed with some caution if you decide to take the plunge, but the root can been unrooted if you wind up having second thoughts -- all the details you need are at the source link below.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 retail version gets rooted originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxy tabgalaxy tab 10.1GalaxyTabGalaxyTab10.1rootrootedsamsungsamsung galaxy tab 10.1SamsungGalaxyTab10.1Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rooted Nook WiFi loaded with Angry Birds, soars then stalls (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/rooted-nook-wifi-loaded-with-angry-birds-soars-then-stalls-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/rooted-nook-wifi-loaded-with-angry-birds-soars-then-stalls-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/rooted-nook-wifi-loaded-with-angry-birds-soars-then-stalls-vid/#comments
That was fast. The Nook WiFi just hit the streets and already it's been rooted for less reading and more gaming -- with Angry Birds, no less. YouTuber JFreke has posted the results of loading a custom ROM on the Android 2.1 e-book reader, and it isn't exactly glamorous (read: playable) as-is. The refresh rate on the device may be quick for page turns, but the mid-sling freezing doesn't quite make a case for after school utility. Still, it probably won't stop some users from wanting to join in on this Android exploiting pastime; if you dare, J says the code will be released shortly, but for now you'll find the footage by breezing past the break.

Update: If you're still feeling brave enough, you'll find the root guide by hitting the Nook Devs link below.

[Thanks, Linus]

Continue reading Rooted Nook WiFi loaded with Angry Birds, soars then stalls (video)

Rooted Nook WiFi loaded with Angry Birds, soars then stalls (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1Android2.1angry birdsAngryBirdsbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblebne booke bookse ink pearle readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookebooksEInkPearlEReadernookNook touchnook wifiNookTouchNookWifirootrootedvideoWed, 08 Jun 2011 05:48:00 EST<![CDATA[LG Revolution root method promises to silence Bing's chime]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/28/lg-revolution-root-method-promises-to-silence-bings-chime/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/28/lg-revolution-root-method-promises-to-silence-bings-chime/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/28/lg-revolution-root-method-promises-to-silence-bings-chime/#commentsIf you're looking to banish Bing from your LG Revolution, then roll up those sleeves because root access is now possible on Verizon's latest LTE-equipped wunderphone. The process is relatively straightforward (provided you know what you're doing), and uses the rageagainstthecage method to unlock your handset's full potential. This crack comes one day following the phone's release, which suggests LG didn't expend much effort locking this one down. There's just two caveats here. First, you must install and configure the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which puts the rage into your Revolution. Second, there's currently no option for recovery images -- which must be addressed for custom ROMs to be of any value. Still, if you're undeterred (or really want to eliminate bloatware), just follow the source for this superuser solution.

[Thanks, Andy]

LG Revolution root method promises to silence Bing's chime originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 May 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adbandroidandroid 2.2android debug bridgeAndroid2.2AndroidDebugBridgegooglehackhackslglg revolutionLgRevolutionmobilemodmodsrageagainstthecagerevolutionrootrootedsmartphonesmartphonesVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwSat, 28 May 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround brings Netflix to more (rooted) Android users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/workaround-brings-netflix-to-more-rooted-android-users/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/workaround-brings-netflix-to-more-rooted-android-users/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/workaround-brings-netflix-to-more-rooted-android-users/#comments We've already had some success getting Netflix for Android up and running on an officially unsupported phone (a Droid X), but those not able to get it to work simply by transferring and installing the .APK now have another option. As some folks on XDA and Reddit have discovered, you can apparently just edit a few system settings to make your phone (or Nook Color, for that matter) think it's actually an HTC G2, which is apparently all it takes to satisfy the Netflix app. It doesn't work with every phone, of course, but quite a few seem to have had success with it. Unfortunately for some, you'll also need to first root your phone in order to make those changes, but the steps are fairly simple once you've done that. Hit up the links below for all the details, and let us know how it worked out for you in the comments below. Just remember: when in doubt, back up.

Workaround brings Netflix to more (rooted) Android users originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapphacknetflixnetflix for androidNetflixForAndroidrootrootedworkaroundFri, 13 May 2011 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Cydia 1.1 unleashed, performance improvements abound]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/03/cydia-1-1-unleashed-performance-improvements-abound/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/03/cydia-1-1-unleashed-performance-improvements-abound/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/03/cydia-1-1-unleashed-performance-improvements-abound/#comments
 Owners of jailbroken iPhones were greeted with a welcome tweet recently, as Cydia -- Steve Jobs' least favorite app store -- announced its version 1.1 debut. Despite third-party repositories getting hammered early on, and a now resolved 'hash sum mismatch' snafu, the update continues to roll, and hacked iOS devices are gobbling it up. Indie app seekers will notice a snappier interface, better search results (thanks to refined algorithms), and the ability to resume downloads. Saurik's efforts to streamline code have reduced its memory footprint as well, bringing increased stability to the marketplace that continues to rock the App Store's boat. 130,000 downloads were noted in the first three hours -- was yours among them?

Cydia 1.1 unleashed, performance improvements abound originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 05:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStorecydiacydia 1.1cydia storeCydia1.1CydiaStorediydownloadiosiphonejailbreakjailbrokenjbmobilerootrootedSaurikupdateSun, 03 Apr 2011 05:13:00 EST<![CDATA[StreakDroid 1.9.0 takes Dell Streak Own3rs to the frontier]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/streakdroid-1-9-0-takes-dell-streak-own3rs-to-the-frontier/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/streakdroid-1-9-0-takes-dell-streak-own3rs-to-the-frontier/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/streakdroid-1-9-0-takes-dell-streak-own3rs-to-the-frontier/#comments Fans of rooting the Dell Streak are likely familiar with the efforts DJ_Steve, a tenacious phone enthusiast with a penchant for keeping the tablet at its bleeding edge. To the uninitiated, this five-inch smartphone is enjoying an underground renaissance, thanks in large part to the hacked ROMs known as StreakDroid. Even while Froyo has been available officially from Dell for some time now, the aforementioned spinner got it there first. Releasing a tireless flurry of updates since then, StreakDroid now sits at version 1.9.0. Dubbed 'The Final Frontier,' DJ_Steve's latest release brings Android version 2.2.2 to the Streak, along with a more polished, heretofore unreleased version of Dell's Stage UI. Additionally, users are now given the option to select a default launcher before installation, with LauncherPro, Stage UI, and Gingerbread's launcher available for the choosing. Issues of a flaky accelerometer are documented in the release notes, though initial user reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Streak hackers, get your download on in the source below, and let us know how this particular mix resonates with you.

StreakDroid 1.9.0 takes Dell Streak Own3rs to the frontier originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2android tabletAndroid2.2AndroidTabletdelldiydroidfronierfroyohackhackermobilemodrootrootedslatesoftwarestagestage uiStageUistreakStreakDroidtabletuiuser interfaceUserInterfaceSat, 02 Apr 2011 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Thunderbolt rooted for real, locked files nearly soured the deal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/19/htc-thunderbolt-rooted-for-real-locked-files-nearly-sour-the-de/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/19/htc-thunderbolt-rooted-for-real-locked-files-nearly-sour-the-de/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/19/htc-thunderbolt-rooted-for-real-locked-files-nearly-sour-the-de/#comments They thought it would be easy, but they were wrong -- AndIRC developers reportedly spent the last 72 hours readying the new HTC Thunderbolt for custom ROMs. Today, they emerge victorious, but that victory is bittersweet, because it may signify the end of a generally hacker-friendly era from the folks at HTC. While devices from the Taiwanese manufacturer have traditionally been easy to modify, the hacker community found Verizon's LTE flagship fully locked down, with a signed kernel, signed recovery image and a signed bootloader. FOF. Of course, if you're just looking for a way to overclock your Thunderbolt, you probably don't care about all that. You'll find all the (exceptionally lengthy) instructions you need at Android Police. Just be careful out there!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading HTC Thunderbolt rooted for real, locked files nearly soured the deal

HTC Thunderbolt rooted for real, locked files nearly soured the deal originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndIRChackhackedhackinghackshomebrewHTCHTC ThunderboltHtcThunderboltrootrootedThunderboltVerizonSat, 19 Mar 2011 20:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola will upgrade your Xoom to 4G LTE -- even if you've rooted it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/motorola-will-upgrade-your-xoom-to-4g-lte-even-if-youve-root/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/motorola-will-upgrade-your-xoom-to-4g-lte-even-if-youve-root/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/motorola-will-upgrade-your-xoom-to-4g-lte-even-if-youve-root/#comments Happy news for Android tinkerers everywhere -- Motorola has officially confirmed it will attempt to perform its 4G upgrade on all Verizon Wireless-riding Xoom tablets it receives from users, whether they've been rooted, repainted, or accessorized with fluffy dice. Naturally, the company can't guarantee successful software updates on devices that have had their OS tweaked, so it asks users to be kind and rewind to the original firmware state. For those unwilling to stretch that far back, Moto will still give it a shot and says that it'll install the 4G LTE modem at a minimum. What a refreshingly open-minded attitude. Now if Moto could give us an open-minded bootloader on its phones as well, we'd be all set.

Motorola will upgrade your Xoom to 4G LTE -- even if you've rooted it originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g upgrade4gUpgradeandroidconfirmedeligibilityeligiblehardwareineligibleltelte modemlte upgradeLteModemLteUpgrademotorolamotorola xoomMotorolaXoomrootrootedslatetabletunlockunlockedupdateupgradeverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessxoomSun, 06 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Xoom rooted in two hours flat, sinister transforming exoskeleton jetpack returns in Verizon ad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/motorola-xoom-rooted-in-two-hours-flat-sinister-transforming-ex/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/motorola-xoom-rooted-in-two-hours-flat-sinister-transforming-ex/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/motorola-xoom-rooted-in-two-hours-flat-sinister-transforming-ex/#comments What's the first thing you're going to do with your Motorola Xoom? If you're Koush, the answer's clear -- install your very own ClockworkMod recovery image and ROM Manager, and grant the latter superuser permissions. That's right, on the very day of release, the Motorola Xoom's all but ready for custom builds of Android and all the joy they bring.

Meanwhile, Verizon's decided to bring us the latter half of the abruptly cut Xoom TV ad, which actually differs significantly depending on whether or not Spanish is your primary language. Either way, it's a fairly sordid affair, with no Iron Man feats of stratospheric skill to be found, merely a short demonstration of gaming with the accelerometer and a few quick swipes through Honeycomb. You'll still watch it if we tell you it's after the break though, won't you?

Continue reading Motorola Xoom rooted in two hours flat, sinister transforming exoskeleton jetpack returns in Verizon ad

Motorola Xoom rooted in two hours flat, sinister transforming exoskeleton jetpack returns in Verizon ad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisementsadvertisingAndroidClockworkModHoneycombKoushKoushik DuttaKoushikDuttaMotorolaMotorola XoomMotorolaXoomROM ManagerRomManagerrootrootedtablettablet PCTabletPctabletsverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideovzwXoomFri, 25 Feb 2011 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Thunderbolt exclusively hits Best Buy for $250 at launch, rooted prototype provides hope for easy unlock]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/htc-thunderbolt-exclusively-hits-best-buy-for-250-at-launch-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/htc-thunderbolt-exclusively-hits-best-buy-for-250-at-launch-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/htc-thunderbolt-exclusively-hits-best-buy-for-250-at-launch-ro/#comments Though hard facts on the HTC Thunderbolt's availability were hard to come by, conflicting rumors were flying fast and strong -- now, a Best Buy ad seems to clear most everything up. Like we'd originally heard, the 4.3-inch LTE smartphone will launch for $250 on a two-year contract -- or a wallet-crushing $750 without -- but the key ingredients here are three words at the very top. The Thunderbolt is apparently a "national retail exclusive" for Best Buy, which explains how the device could simultaneously face Verizon delays and yet come in for a Valentine's Day landing at the big box store. You'll also note that the ad mentions Skype video and 4G mobile hotspot functionality, so we'd be surprised if the phone came without, though it's also possible that the whole kit and kaboodle has been delayed to match -- Droid-Life says this ad comes from a February 20th circular, so we might not see anything until then.

In case you needed an additional reason to be excited about the Thunderbolt, the developers at AndIRC have some related news -- they've already rooted a prototype version (which just so happens to have the familiar codename Mecha) and believe the same technique will work on retail devices. Wouldn't it be nice to have root on day one... whenever that is?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

HTC Thunderbolt exclusively hits Best Buy for $250 at launch, rooted prototype provides hope for easy unlock originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBest BuyBestBuyexclusivehackhackedhacksHTCMecharetailrootrootedsmartphoneThunderbolttimed exclusiveTimedExclusiveVerizonVZWSat, 12 Feb 2011 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Fascinate gets leaked EB01 Android 2.2 build, yours if you want it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/samsung-fascinate-gets-leaked-eb01-android-2-2-build-yours-if-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/samsung-fascinate-gets-leaked-eb01-android-2-2-build-yours-if-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/samsung-fascinate-gets-leaked-eb01-android-2-2-build-yours-if-y/#commentsSo much for Verizon being the carrier of choice when it comes to accelerated Android updates, eh? Those who selected Big Red for their Galaxy S have been waiting on a Froyo build for what feels like an eternity, with our brethren to the north already enjoying the spoils -- things like Flash support and an integrated mobile hotspot. Of course, Samsung once promised that all Galaxy S phones (yeah, including the Fascinate) would receive Android 2.2 at some point in time, and while an official release is still eluding us, it looks as if the day is drawing ever closer. The fine folks over at Android Central simply couldn't wait any longer, and they're taken it upon themselves to wrap up the TouchWiz-infused EB01 build for all to enjoy. Naturally, you'll need to do a fair amount of hacking to get this up and running without anyone's consent, but all the details you're craving await you there in the source. Still unsure if it's worth the drive? Head on past the break for a quick video.

Continue reading Samsung Fascinate gets leaked EB01 Android 2.2 build, yours if you want it

Samsung Fascinate gets leaked EB01 Android 2.2 build, yours if you want it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2cdmaeb01fascinatefirmwarefroyogooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidhackmodrootrootedsamsungsmartphonesoftwaretouchwizverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideovzwSat, 12 Feb 2011 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Color meet Ubuntu, Ubuntu meet Nook Color]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/nook-color-meet-ubuntu-ubuntu-meet-nook-color/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/nook-color-meet-ubuntu-ubuntu-meet-nook-color/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/nook-color-meet-ubuntu-ubuntu-meet-nook-color/#comments
Although you won't hear this through official channels, Barnes and Noble's Nook has been plenty of fun for hacksters. And what spells fun better than U-b-u-n-t-u? Certainly nothing that we can mention in mixed company, that's for sure! If you pop over to the always lively XDA Developers Forum, you'll see a crazy little post wherein the author took inspiration from a Nexus One hack and decided to port Ubuntu to the Nook Color. And by jove, it looks like it's worked... even if it is by accounts "a little laggy" and not without errors. Please feel free to hit the source link if you'd like to take in the details on what made this work... and to keep abreast of further developments, to boot.

Nook Color meet Ubuntu, Ubuntu meet Nook Color originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androide booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershackhomebrewlinuxmodnooknook colorNookColorrootrootedubuntuMon, 10 Jan 2011 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexus S has been rooted, let the madness commence!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/nexus-s-has-been-rooted-let-the-madness-commence/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/nexus-s-has-been-rooted-let-the-madness-commence/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/nexus-s-has-been-rooted-let-the-madness-commence/#comments Our good friends at xda-developers haven't kept us waiting long. Root access on the Nexus S has been achieved on the phone's day of release, and full instructions for replicating it are available at the link below. The Nexus S is the proud and so far only carrier of Google's latest and greatest Android software, so you're basically getting unrestricted access to the very best Mountain View can offer. Hit that source link. Do it.

[Thanks, Brad]

Update: An Android team member has written in to remind us that the Nexus S, like the Nexus One before it, is designed with a user-unlockable bootloader out of the box -- it's not a magic trick. Good to know they're keeping the tradition going.

Nexus S has been rooted, let the madness commence! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3androidandroid 2.3Android2.3gingerbreadgooglehackhackingnexus sNexusSrootrootedxdaxda-developersThu, 16 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gingerbread ROMs start cooking for HTC EVO 4G et al; keyboard ported for rooted Androids]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/gingerbread-roms-start-cooking-for-galaxy-s-evo-4g-et-al-keyb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/gingerbread-roms-start-cooking-for-galaxy-s-evo-4g-et-al-keyb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/gingerbread-roms-start-cooking-for-galaxy-s-evo-4g-et-al-keyb/#comments You can have your doubts about when your phone maker will finally get around to delivering an Android 2.3 update (March if you're with HTC, June if Samsung, 2017 if you're unfortunate enough to own a Sony Ericsson), but the smartphone dev community doesn't work that slowly. The guys who build custom ROMs just for the sheer pride of it have already begun work on delivering Gingerbread to owners of HTC's EVO 4G, Droid Eris, and Wildfire. It's all in the very nascent stages and warnings abound that you should only install these ROMs if you intend to contribute to the development process, but it does give us hope for a consumable new OS in the not so distant future. One thing that does look ready to be gobbled up, however, is Gingerbread's new software keyboard -- you'll find the download and installation instructions at the Droid-Life link below, just remember to bring your rooted Android phone along.

[Thanks, Jacob]

Gingerbread ROMs start cooking for HTC EVO 4G et al; keyboard ported for rooted Androids originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3androidandroid 2.3android osAndroid2.3AndroidOscodingcommunitycustom romCustomRomdevelopersdevsdroid erisDroidErisevo 4gEvo4ggingerbreadhackinghtchtc evo 4gHtcEvo4gromromsrootrootedwildfirexdaxda-developersTue, 07 Dec 2010 02:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Color finds its roots? Angry Birds say yes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/nook-color-finds-its-roots-angry-birds-say-yes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/nook-color-finds-its-roots-angry-birds-say-yes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/nook-color-finds-its-roots-angry-birds-say-yes/#comments We already knew the Nook Color was capable of something a bit more than its initial offering, having seen Angry Birds run fairly smoothly on a dev unit. In fact, it's exactly what we want in between chapters of Animal Farm, and the xda-developers community, right on schedule, are providing pictorial evidence of its rooting conquests. So far we've seen the aforementioned game / addiction, a few other additions to the extras menu, and even Launcher Pro (image after the break). NookDevs has a page going with instructions, but even it admits to being a work in progress, so we're gonna emphasis a little stronger than usual: don't try this at home unless you're absolutely sure what you're doing -- or don't mind a broken tablet or two.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Nook Color finds its roots? Angry Birds say yes

Nook Color finds its roots? Angry Birds say yes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry birdsAngryBirdscolore booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersgoogle androidGoogleAndroidnooknook colorNookColorrootrootedrootsMon, 29 Nov 2010 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile G2 said to have 'hardware rootkit' that restricts modifications (update: confirmed)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/t-mobile-g2-said-to-have-hardware-rootkit-that-restricts-modif/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/t-mobile-g2-said-to-have-hardware-rootkit-that-restricts-modif/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/t-mobile-g2-said-to-have-hardware-rootkit-that-restricts-modif/#commentsSay it with us now: "Here we go again." Just months after a particular eFuse predicament left legions of Droid X owners fuming, it seems that an all-too-familiar scenario is presenting itself to the earliest of T-Mobile G2 buyers. As the story goes, there's a problematic microchip embedded into the handset which "prevents device owners from making permanent changes that allow custom modifications to the Android operating system." That's according to a lengthy New America report on the issue, which outright proclaims that a hardware rootkit "restricts modifications to a device owned by the user." In other words, if you install some fishy (or not fishy, for that matter) third party ROM, the phone is capable of overriding your software changes and reinstalling the original firmware -- makes perfect sense considering how earlier roots were "vanishing" post-reboot. Needless to say, this isn't exactly going over well with the tinkering community, and a 40+ page thread has already exploded over at xda developers. The silver lining isn't tough to spot, though -- chances are someone with ample time and sufficient coding skills will be able to circumvent this nonsense by the time the G2 actually finds its way back into stock.

Update: And now T-Mobile confirms our worst fears. If you're looking to root, you best look elsewhere. Here's the full statement from the carrier: "As pioneers in Android-powered mobile devices, T-Mobile and HTC strive to support innovation. The T-Mobile G2 is a powerful and highly customizable Android-powered smartphone, which customers can personalize and make their own, from the look of their home screen to adding their favorite applications and more. The HTC software implementation on the G2 stores some components in read-only memory as a security measure to prevent key operating system software from becoming corrupted and rendering the device inoperable. There is a small subset of highly technical users who may want to modify and re-engineer their devices at the code level, known as "rooting," but a side effect of HTC's security measure is that these modifications are temporary and cannot be saved to permanent memory. As a result the original code is restored."

T-Mobile G2 said to have 'hardware rootkit' that restricts modifications (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>g2htcrootrootedt-mobileT-Mobile G2T-mobileG2Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:39:00 EST