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Refresh Roundup: week of December 24th, 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!
Samsung offers free flip covers and TecTiles for GS III and Note II device registrations
If you just received a Galaxy S III or a Note II this holiday season, you could do yourself a favor and register it on Samsung's Facebook page to get even more goodies from Santa Sammy. What do you get in exchange for handing over some personal details and giving the Korean company access to your timeline? Why, a free flip cover and six TecTiles, which usually go for about $15 for a pack of five. We haven't heard much about wide adoption of these programmable NFC tags, but maybe it'll gain some traction after a recent 3.0 app update and this promotional giveaway. We're not sure why the offer doesn't extend to other Samsung phones, but maybe they just don't have enough of those pastel covers to go around.
Samsung Galaxy Note II reportedly coming in black, triggers monolithic memories (update: fake!)
Samsung gave Galaxy S III buyers a small rainbow of color choices in the summer, and there's signs that the Galaxy Note II might receive a similarly resplendent treatment. A supposed press image obtained by AndroidSlash shows the giant smartphone draped in a previously unavailable black that's potentially very striking -- and more than a little reminiscent of 2001's species-changing monoliths. There's no official word from Samsung on its authenticity, although we wouldn't be surprised knowing the company's history and the Note II's strong track record. When a theoretically niche device is selling like gangbusters, some added diversity could be in order. Just don't expect any Starchildren as a result. Update: Alas, this is indeed a fake. The source has updated to confirm that this was just a quick darkening job with an image editor -- you can tell by the darkened LED flash, camera and logo. But still, we wouldn't be surprised if Samsung does release its phablet in other colors to keep milking it.
AT&T to update Samsung Galaxy Note II with Multi-Window tomorrow
Most US models of the Samsung Galaxy Note II have already been updated with Multi-Window -- a split-screen feature that allows users to view two apps at once -- but AT&T is the last of the four national powers that hasn't pushed the feature out to its customers. That will change tomorrow, as AT&T has confirmed to us in an email that it will roll out the new build over the air at some point during the day. We're happy that users won't have to rely on Samsung's proprietary Kies desktop software to update their devices, but minor downloads like this are typically facilitated OTA. There's no word on if the ROM will be pushed out in phases to minimalize the impact on AT&T's servers, but don't be terribly worried if you don't get notified right away. Continue below to read the carrier's official statement on the matter.
Refresh Roundup: week of December 17th, 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!
Samsung to release Verizon developer edition Galaxy Note II
Samsung gave devs an unlockable version of its Verizon flavored flagship, the GSIII, mere months ago, and now the Korean firm has seen fit to do the same for its phablet. That's right, folks, you'll soon be able to get a dev edition 16GB Galaxy Note II with all that amazing VZW branding you know and hate love. Of course, while the product page is live on Sammy's site, it hasn't announced availability or pricing for this freed Note II, but we do know it'll have that beautiful 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED screen and come with Android 4.1. So, it appears we won't be getting everything we wanted for Christmas this year, but it's nice to have something to look forward to.
Samsung acknowledges Exynos security issue, promises update 'as quickly as possible'
It may have taken longer than we would have liked, but Samsung has finally confirmed that it's aware of the Exynos security exploit discovered this weekend. The smartphone maker hasn't issued a timeline for plugging the hole, but it is indeed on the case, stating "Samsung is aware of the potential security issue related to the Exynos processor and plans to provide a software update to address it as quickly as possible." Project Voodoo's François Simond (Supercurio) released his own root-free fix just hours after the vulnerability was discovered on Sunday, so you're welcome to use that simple solution in the meantime (at the source link below). You can also head over to Android Central for the full statement from Samsung.
Security exploit opens Samsung Galaxy S III, Note II to attack, could let apps from Google Play write to Kernel
Amid the XDA community's ongoing quest to root every Android handset it comes across, one forum user appears to have found a serious exploit that affects certain Exynos devices. While fiddling with his Galaxy S III, XDA user Alephzain discovered a way to obtain root without flashing with Odin. The Samsung kernel apparently allows read / write access to all physical memory on the device, including the kernel itself. This makes for an easy root, Alephzain writes, but leaves devices open to attack -- allowing Kernel code injections and RAM dumps from malware-laden apps from the Google Play store. It isn't the only avenue for attack on an Android handset, but it is an exceedingly easy attack. Luckily, a community fostered fix seems pretty simple too -- XDA user RyanZA has already created a patch to modify write permissions on affected devices -- though Galaxy S III users are reporting that the fix cripples the phone's camera app. So far, Alephzain has confirmed that the Galaxy S II, III, Note II and the Meizu MX are at risk, but notes that the exploit might work on any device running a Exynos 4210 or 4412 processor. Samsung has not yet made a comment about the vulnerability, but forum members say that the issue has been reported. As for the exploit's lasting implications? Head on over to the XDA forums to join the discussion. Update: François Simond (aka Supercurio) wastes no time plugging holes, and has already released a root-free fix for the vulnerability. Simond's solution is wrapped up in a simple APK, and requires no root, no flashing and no special know-how. It can be enabled or disabled manually, too -- allowing Galaxy S III users to regain full use of their front-facing camera, which as previously stated, is disrupted by the fix. Best of all, it's free -- skip on over to Project Voodoo at the source to get protected. Update 2: Our good friend Supercurio also brought our attention to a statement released by Samsung France to Le Monde: the company will be issuing an official patch "very quickly," and it emphasized that this is an issue "only if a malicious application is installed." Obviously, for now you can use Supercurio's patch to ease your mind.
Verizon Galaxy Note II bootloader unlocked, ready for flashing
Well, that didn't take long. The talented folks over the XDA Developers forums have cracked the Verizon version of the Galaxy Note II. The bootloader has been fully unlocked and the giant phone is ready to be hacked, modded and flashed with custom ROMs. The steps are pretty simple, though, we'll still give you the perquisite warning that messing with your phones bootloader could lead to irreparable damage. But,, if the risk of bricking your handset doesn't phase you, just download a few packages, including the leaked Odin3 tool from Samsung and get cracking. Sadly, unlocking the bootloader can't strip all of the terrible Big Red branding from the device -- you'll need some sandpaper for that. Some users are reporting issues with the unlocking process related to root and the dev has promised an update addressing the bug soon. Complete instructions await you at the source and there's a video walk through after the break.
Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100) getting Android 4.1.2 update
Everyone loves a software update right? Even better when it's an official one. So, Galaxy Note II owners will be pleased as punch to know that Android 4.1.2 is now finding its way to the international variant (GT-N7100) of the handset. You might not think a 0.0.1 refresh will be all that snazzy, but word is that there's actually a reasonable amount of newness going on. This includes the elements we'd expect from 4.1.2, but also some Samsung-specific bits, such as the ability to disable Multi-View, new items in the notification toggles, a customizable notification panel, a new ink effect on the lock screen, and Swype-style typing (without even waiting for 4.2). It's possible you might not see the update right away, but might not hurt to have Kies on hand all the same.
Samsung Galaxy Note II for Verizon: what's different?
The Galaxy Note II is a big phone that has attracted an even bigger following: Samsung shipped over 5 million units in two months, even before the holiday shopping season commenced in full force. And we don't expect the company to slow down either -- now that the device is available worldwide and on all four national US carriers (not to mention a regional player as well), Samsung's likely to pick up the pace exponentially. We've already painstakingly reviewed the Note II in all its glory -- twice, actually -- but Verizon's particular variant has a few key differences that are worth noting. What kind of carrier "enhancements" and other goodies can you expect as a reward for your 300 hard-earned dollars? How does the Note II match up against the rest of Verizon's lineup? Follow us past the break and we'll give you the full scoop.
Mugen Power offers massive 6,400mAh Galaxy Note II battery, tests the limits of our pockets
Is the already insanely long battery life of the Galaxy Note II just not enough? Mugen Power's new extended battery might not have Samsung's giant smartphone running forever, but it sure will feel like an eternity. At 6,400mAh, the replacement has more than twice the capacity of the Galaxy Note II's stock 3,100mAh pack while keeping the NFC wireless. Just don't expect to shove the resulting franken-phablet into a tight pants pocket -- like most such batteries, Mugen's is much thicker than the default and even comes with its own kickstand to save wrist strain during a movie marathon. The pack normally costs $106 and is listed as working with most any Galaxy Note II variant, including at least the American variants for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and US Cellular. Those who can bide their time until the quoted December 21st ship date will end up with a tank of a smartphone, but one that might just last a whole weekend away from a wall outlet.
Swisscom rolls out first LTE in Switzerland on November 29th
The European LTE landscape is unfortunately a fragmented one that favors large countries with large carriers. We can chalk up at least one victory for the smaller nation states, however: Switzerland is getting its first LTE network on November 29th. The country's main provider, Swisscom, is launching initial 4G coverage in 26 cities and regions using the LTE-equipped HTC One X (One XL abroad), quickly following up with the early December availability of the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II and Nokia Lumia 920. A Huawei USB stick and a ZTE hotspot will also be on tap. Customers won't need to spring for a new plan to use the new network on a basic level, although Swisscom's uncommon speed-based phone plans mean they'll be paying a stiff 169 francs ($181) per month to max out the 4G network. We imagine at least some will bite if it means speedy data in Zurich. [Thanks, Joël]
Samsung Galaxy Note II confirmed to reach Verizon stores tomorrow
Despite the fact that Verizon's version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II -- complete with its ugly logo-laden home button -- is already starting to ship out to pre-orderers, the carrier and manufacturer continued to keep quiet about their official launch plans. We've finally received word from a Samsung spokesperson that the 5.5-inch smartphone-tablet hybrid is destined to make its way into Big Red stores beginning tomorrow for $300 with a two-year contract. If you've been exercising a heap of patience in waiting for this gigantophone, you'd best free up some time on your calendar first thing tomorrow. We have the official statement waiting for you after the break.
Verizon's Samsung Galaxy Note II starts shipping
If you've pre-ordered a Verizon flavor of Samsung's Galaxy Note II, it's high time you check your email for a shipping confirmation, as we just received a notice of our own. With two-day shipping on the package carrying our smartphone behemoth, it's estimated to arrive on November 29th. Presumably, it'll be available at Big Red's brick-and-mortar establishments on that same day, but we've reached out to Verizon and Samsung for confirmation. In the meantime, you can peep inside your inboxes and let us know in the comments if your hulking handset is on its way as well.
Beaten, twisted, sprayed and sat on: how Samsung stress tests its phones (video)
Just treated yourself to a new Samsung Galaxy S III or a Note II but wondering how the plastic body will stand up to the rigors of daily life? The manufacturer's showing off a smorgasbord of tests its smartphones go through in the labs while being prepped for prime time. These experiments are engineered to see how sample and prototype devices fare when subjected to use and abuse -- including having their buttons mashed thousands of times, being twisted, splashed with water, and tossed in a churning pot of killer corn to gauge scratch resistance. One test even plonks a fake, denim-clad posterior onto unsuspecting phones, attempting to bend them out of shape. Sammy's hardly going to smash things in its own marketing, but you may still glean some sadistic pleasure from the video after the break -- and understanding Korean is optional.
Samsung announces Galaxy Note II has moved 5 million units worldwide
Well, that was quick. We started off this month with word from Samsung that its 5.5-inch Galaxy Note II passed three million in sales, and now the company is announcing it's moved two million more in less than a month. Now available on North American carriers the stylus-packing smartphone is apparently experiencing popularity in all regions, with no sign of slowing down. It's even had the rite of passage of being included in an Apple lawsuit, and a new ad focusing on using the stylus to become an internet meme. It may not be ready to challenge the smaller Galaxy S III for the company sales crown just yet, but with five million out the door and more every minute, XL-sized handsets are clearly here to stay.
Refresh Roundup: week of November 19th, 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!
Apple asks court to include Galaxy S III with Jelly Bean, Galaxy Note II and four more devices in lawsuit
As usual, Apple thought Friday night on a holiday weekend was the perfect time to push some more paper through in its ongoing patent lawsuit against Samsung. According to Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents, after Samsung asked to add the latest iPads, iPhones and iPod touches to its list of claims and the court approved the addition of the iPhone 5, Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 10.1, Apple is trying to put six more devices on the list. Listed in the motion are the Galaxy S III running Android Jelly Bean (but not Jelly Bean itself), Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Tab 8.9 WiFi, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Rugby Pro and Galaxy S III mini. As usual, the case will proceed, we'll wait to hear if these requests are approved by the court and in the meantime, iThings and Galaxys alike will continue to fly off the shelves. Given the season, for now it's time to be thankful we're not one of the lawyers spending their day working on this. That leaves us plenty of time for more interesting activities, like hand-to-hand combat against fellow shoppers for the right to purchase slightly discounted items.
Galaxy Note II with dual-SIM slots goes official in China
Picking between LTE and HSPA iterations of Galaxy Note II was difficult enough already but now Samsung China has gone official on its previously-spotted twin-SIM variant. It's the same exotic mix of micro and full-size SIM slots, alongside that potent 1.6GHz quad-core processor and 5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD screen. The phone has a respectable collection of radios (GSM 850/900/1, 800/1,900, WCDMA 850/900/1,900/2100 MHz) too -- just ensure you have all your SIM sizes in order when the device goes on sale December 3rd. [Thanks Terence]
