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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 pushing Android 4.1 update to Samsung Galaxy S III tomorrow
Verizon seems to be late to the update party, but Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will be pushed out to its version of the Samsung Galaxy S III "in phases" as an OTA update beginning December 14th. We knew it was coming in the very near future, but it's nice to have a specific date to look forward to. Don't be alarmed if the update doesn't show up right away; as we've seen with plenty of other OTA rollouts, it may take a while for it to reach every GS3 user on the network. Along with Jelly Bean, you can also expect to see support for global data roaming, mobile payments through Isis, some extra preloaded applications and miscellaneous enhancements across the board. Here's the interesting tidbit: Verizon's support page claims that the new upgrade is only 62MB in total size. This seems to be quite hard to believe, given the fact that Jelly Bean on other Galaxy S III variants has ranged in size from 275MB (Sprint) to 740MB (AT&T), but perhaps Big Red cooked up a little extra magic to make the long wait even more worthwhile. Update: We just received word from Verizon that the support page is incorrect and that the update will be around 400MB. This makes it one of the larger updates, but still nowhere as hefty as AT&T's.
Refresh Roundup: week of December 3rd, 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 said to be pushing Android 4.1.2 to some Galaxy S III owners, multi-window included
Samsung has only just started seeding Jelly Bean to some Galaxy S III owners, but it may already be delivering a second round to others. SamMobile claims that Android 4.1.2 is starting to reach those using the international 3G model, with hinted-at multi-window support still intact. The Galaxy Note II's gallery app, Smart Rotation and other apps or (at times subtle) features may come with the extra 0.0.1's worth of code. Don't expect to see a notice on your particular phone or in Kies just yet, however. As we write, only Poland is believed to be in line for an immediate upgrade -- our UK team isn't seeing it, which makes the rollout difficult to confirm unless it spreads. Let us know if you're seeing the split-view multitasking on your Galaxy S III in Krakow.
Samsung Galaxy S III to become Russia's first LTE phone, reach 17 cities on December 20th
LTE has been available in Russia for some time, but it's largely been the province of modems and tablets until now. Samsung wants 4G to be more pocketable in St. Petersburg -- it's launching the quad-core Galaxy S III LTE as the country's first LTE smartphone. The flagship should reach 17 Russian cities on December 20th through local carrier MegaFon at a premium price of 29,990 rubles ($973) off-contract. Those who do jump in early on will get up to 100Mbps downstream and the promise of VoLTE calls once testing wraps up. And before you ask: while the iPhone 5 is arriving in Russia a week earlier, on December 14th, there's no indication that it will serve up LTE. Russian 4G networks run on the 2.6GHz band that the iPhone 5 doesn't support despite its many frequencies; the Galaxy S III should be the first to put its LTE to full use in the region.
Leaked Sprint holiday ad outs BOGO offer on a trio of Samsung Galaxy smartphones
After a couple of Sprint Black Friday leaks here and there, our anonymous tipster is going for a hat trick by revealing the Now Network's pre-Christmas festivities. Running December 7th through 24th, the house of Hesse will be offering a buy one get one free special on the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II and Galaxy Victory. The temporary promo is available to new and eligible upgrading customers alike and requires a new two-year service agreement. Supplies are expected to be limited, so if you're looking to score one of these snazzy doodads, we suggest that you start mapping out your nearest Sprint stores and put together a plan of attack.
Jelly Bean now available for Samsung Galaxy S III on AT&T via Kies
Good news tonight for AT&T subscribers, as a number of readers are now reporting that Samsung's update to Android 4.1.1 is now available for the Galaxy S III via Kies. We've reached out to the carrier to learn whether any specific improvements are in store, but it's not like we need to tell you that users will be immersed in the goodies of Google Now and the performance enhancements from Project Butter. Word from members of xda-developers reveals that the update weighs in at a substantial 738MB. For those keeping score, AT&T's update to Jelly Bean for the Galaxy S III follows previous deployments from Sprint and T-Mobile. With the latest outpouring of love from Ma Bell, this puts all eyes squarely on Verizon Wireless. If you're able to snag the update for yourself, be sure to toss your impressions into the comment section -- more timid users will surely appreciate it. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Refresh Roundup: week of November 26th, 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!
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]
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!
IRL: ColcaSac's Hanakapiai sleeves, the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S III on MetroPCS
Welcome 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. Two sleeves, two phones. That's what we've got in store for you this week, with Darren dropping $55 on two protective cases and two of our intrepid staffers trying out some new handsets. On team Android, we have Edgar setting aside his Galaxy Nexus to try out the GS III, while Jon Fingas (team Phone, really) trades off between a GNex and iPhone 5. How does he like his new iPhone apart from mapgate and that minor purple flare issue? Read on to find out.
Mobile Miscellany: week of November 19th, 2012
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, we discovered an abundance of special edition smartphones and T-Mobile gave ten new reasons for owners of unlocked iPhones to smile. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of November 19th, 2012.
How would you change the Samsung Galaxy S III?
When we reviewed Samsung's Galaxy S III in the simple, gentle days of May, our reviewer wasn't sure it would win out against HTC's One X. In the intervening six months, however, the Korean behemoth has battled to the top of the smartphone world and shipped 30 million of its 2012-era flagship to consumers worldwide. But what about the phone itself? You've had half a year to burrow deep into this device and find out what you love and what you don't. It's How Would You Change time, folks, you know what to do.
Court approves addition of iPhone 5, Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note to Samsung v. Apple lawsuit
Those looking for the light at the end of the legal tunnel may want to take a seat: Apple and Samsung's ongoing patent war just got a bit more crowded. Both sides are fighting to add hardware to their respective patent claims. The U.S. District Court in San Jose is approving these additions too, adding the iPhone 5 to Samsung's claims and approving the Apple's updated complaint to include the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S III. More devices could be added, too -- Judge Paul Grewal specifically warned Apple to "think twice" before opposing future amendments on Samsung's part, which might include the iPad mini and 4th generation slate. For better or for worse, never-ending litigation and sticky sales injunctions seem to becoming an unfortunate mainstay of the modern product cycle. We'll let you know when the ongoing battle poses a threat to your upgrade plans.
Cricket announces LTE-capable LG Optimus Regard, Galaxy S III coming later this month
CDMA-based Cricket has announced its first LTE smartphones, launching the Optimus Regard this week, while that rather popular Samsung Galaxy S III will shake hands with the carrier's new 4G network on November 23rd. The Optimus Regard features a 1.2GHz processor, Android 4.0, 3.5-inch screen and 5-megapixel camera, with that humble spec sheet setting you back $250. Meanwhile, a few weeks later, Samsung's flagship will land priced at $550 off-contract. Cricket is offering both devices on its new Double Data plan that offers (for now, at least) double the monthly data allowance of its 3G plans. The $50 plan nets your 2GB of data, while $60 gets 5GB and $70 will offer 10GB of data. If you're mildly tempted by either the Galaxy S III or the humbler (cheaper) Optimus can read up on the full offering at the sources below.
Samsung Galaxy S III for T-Mobile USA receives its Jelly Bean update
Sprint was the first major US carrier to start delivering Jelly Bean to Galaxy S III owners, but it no longer stands alone now that the T-Mobile edition is officially receiving its update. If you're part of the initial crop deemed eligible on Magenta's network, a check either over-the-air or through Kies should put Android 4.1.1 on the Samsung flagship. T-Mobile's version of the upgrade delivers the expected dashes of Google Now and Project Butter as well provider-specific fixes for WiFi calling. Don't worry if there isn't an immediate notice, as carrier-linked OS updates usually take weeks to get everyone on the same page; the main question is when all the other big US networks will follow suit.
Is Samsung's multi-window mode coming to the Galaxy S III?
While the productivity-boosting wiles of the Galaxy Note II's multi-window feature have been promised to the original Note, these screenshots suggest that its slightly smaller brother might also add them to its repertoire in its next software update. According to TGSpot, these screens show how dual-browsing would look on the Galaxy S III's slightly smaller 4.8-inch screen -- we reckon Samsung's floating keyboard might shrink a little too much here. SamMobile made a similar claim just last month and posits that users could see the update before the end of the year. Nothing quite like the holidays to bring out the multi-tasker in all of us.
Refresh Roundup: week of November 5th, 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 Galaxy S III dethrones iPhone 4S as smartphone sales champ for Q3 2012
The Galaxy S III has overtaken Apple's iPhone 4S for the first time ever to become the top selling smartphone for Q3 2012, according to Strategy Analytics. Samsung claimed the pole position by shipping 18 million copies of its flagship handset during the quarter, compared to Cupertino's 16.2 million iPhone 4S units. Of course, serendipity is also likely at play, as the iPhone 5 hit shelves towards the end of that period, likely cannibalizing 4S sales -- in fact, the market research firm thinks Apple's new top handset will likely trump Samsung in Q4. That means the Korean giant may have to step up its game, or it'll just be keeping the top spot warm for its arch-competitor. Check the PR after fold for more info.
The Engadget Interview: ARM's Lead Mobile Strategist James Bruce (video)
Last week we got the chance to spend a few minutes with James Bruce, ARM's Lead Mobile Strategist, to chat about the company's past, present and future. We discussed the recent Cortex A50 announcement and ARM's broad history -- including key products like the Nokia 6110 and how the company's chip designs have "changed how people compute and lead their digital life" over the past five years. We also talked about the scalability and flexibility of the ARM architecture, from embedded systems to smartphones and tablets to servers. So what's in the pockets of one of the most important people in the chip world? A Nexus 7 and a global Galaxy S III, it turns out. Go ahead and watch the full interview above.