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Fuzhou Rockchip teases Android 4.0 PAD, brings Ice Cream Sandwich to the big screen (video)
A tablet running Ice Cream Sandwich? That's what China's Fuzhou Rockchip has apparently produced with the Android 4.0 PAD, as seen by our brethren over at Engadget China. According to the manufacturer, this slate is the very first to run Android 4.0, having been put together only a couple of weeks after Google released the source code for its latest OS. Rockchip's being rather mum on specifics and release dates for supported devices, though it has revealed that this particular prototype's powered by its 1GHz RK2918 processor. The company's released a teaser video as well -- check it out for yourself after the break, and do also head over to Engadget China for some hands-on shots.
Developer creates proxy server for Siri, controls thermostat with his voice (video)
Now that Siri's protocol has been freshly dissected and laid bare for the world to behold, hackers have been busy finding ways to move Apple's personal assistant beyond the realm of the iPhone 4S. That task may be getting easier, however, now that a developer has created his very own third-party proxy server, designed specifically for Siri. The dev, known by his Twitter handle @plamoni, demonstrated his brainchild in a recent video clip, using a plug-in to control a WiFi thermostat with only voice commands. As @plamoni explains, the hack won't require users to jailbreak their iPhone 4S, but it won't let them port Siri over to earlier iPhones or iPod Touch models, either -- not yet, at least. The idea, according to the developer, is to make it easier for other hackers to experiment with and build upon Siri's functionality. Head past the break to see the demo video for yourself, or if you're up for it, grab the source code and instructions on how to create your own server, at the source link below. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Amazon releases Kindle Fire source code, devs figure out how to install Android Market
The Kindle Fire's nascent hacking community is heating up, now that Amazon has released the source code for its new Android tablet. Homebrewers, of course, will first have to root the device before tweaking with the Fire's Gingerbread-based build, but fortunately for them, there's already a guide for that. Once that's taken care of, you can also load the Android Market and a slate of other Google apps, using a handy how-to guide published on xda Forums. It certainly doesn't seem like the simplest of processes, but several xda users have posted successful reports. Check out the links below for the full guide, along with the source code download.
Kindle Fire gets rooted with 'one click,' paves the way for Amazonian adventures
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]
Samsung requests iPhone 4S source code in Australian court
Samsung continues is counter-assault on Apple in Australia, now requesting that Apple show it the the subsidy agreements that the company has with the Australian carriers and also the source code to the iPhone 4S firmware. Samsung's attorneys told the court that the company needed both the carrier agreements and the firmware source code in order to prove that there are grounds for a ban of the iPhone 4S in Australia. Samsung alleges that the technology used in the iPhone 4S infringes on three of its patents. According to Apple, Samsung had agreed to license those patents under the Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory terms (FRAND) standard. Samsung has also tried to get the iPhone 4S banned in Japan, France, and Italy, but an Italian judge threw out Samsung's request, making it unlikely that Samsung would be successful in getting Apple's latest iPhone banned in any European country.
Samsung offers up the Galaxy Note's goodies, makes kernel source code available
Samsung's been pretty good at spreading the kernel source love. With the final Galaxy S II variant code released just a few short days ago, the time has come for the company's IFA-unveiled inbetweener to share its special sauce. That's right, the part tablet / part phone Galaxy Note's headed for developer customization as its particular 1s and 0s are now up on Sammy's site. While no official plans to port the 5.3-inch device stateside have been announced, eager devs familiar with the ways of GSM can sink their hacking hooks into the tab when it's purported to launch overseas next month. So, what are you waiting for? Click on the source below to get a headstart on the... source.
Samsung delivers kernel source for T-Mobile Galaxy S II, developers can now collect all three
Developers, start your engines. T-Mobile's version of the Samsung Galaxy S II was the slowest in the family to get the official kernel source. It's here now, though, arriving on Sammy's site a whole four days after the phone's release; this isn't an eternity by any means, but its counterparts had the source available no later than the actual launch date. No matter the reason, make your way to Samsung's official site to dive in and make some magic happen. [Thanks, Aubrey]
Refresh Resource: week of October 10, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. 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 from 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! Official Android updates Motorola Xoom owners who swapped in their devices for one with LTE capability may have found an OTA enhancement waiting for them when the tablet arrived. It included a few minor changes, such as updates to Android Market and some additional browser security measures. The full changelog can be found at the link. [AndroidCentral] The update to the Motorola Droid 2 Global was pulled last month due to an Exchange encryption issue, but we're hearing reports that it's once again resuming the rollout with that concern resolved. [Droid-Life] Motorola's Photon 4G on Sprint is on the receiving end of a minor bug fix update, which includes video chat capability for Google Talk. [PhoneArena] The good news for unlocked Dell Streak 7 users: the official update to Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) is now rolling out and you should see it over the course of the next couple weeks. the coming weeks. [Dell] The bad news for T-Mobile Dell Streak 7 users: Honeycomb isn't coming to your tablet, for unknown reasons. [Android Community] According to a tweet from LG, there's a small refresh in the works for the Optimus 7 which will finally enable WiFi tethering. [WPCentral] Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery A new piece of firmware for the AT&T Galaxy S II was leaked via RootzWiki, and includes a few bug fixes. Sadly, it adds some bugs as well. [Android Community] Samsung's officially released the kernel source for the Stratosphere, Transfix and Galaxy Y Pro. [Android Community] And now for the best news for TouchPad owners: after several weeks of progress, it appears that CM7 is now ready to roll on the HP TouchPad. As always, download and install at your own risk -- we have a feeling this may be a bit more involved than your typical Android custom ROM. [Redmond Pie] Other platforms Redsn0w 0.9.9b5 is here, giving you the go-ahead to jailbreak iOS5. Up for the task? Head to the link for all of the details on how to make it so. [Redmond Pie] Some Windows Phone users have noticed a few bugs popping into their updated devices ever since they received Mango. The main concerns seem to be found in the keyboard and live tiles, though the reported issues are much more numerous. Have you experienced any of these on the list at the link? [WMPowerUser] Refreshes we covered this week Motorola a bit slow boomerangin' back with LTE update iOS5 now available for download
Refresh Roundup: week of September 12, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. 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 from 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! Official Android updates The HTC Merge on US Cellular can now be bumped up to Android 2.3.4. It appears to be a manual install, so visit here to download the file and learn exactly how to update your device. [via UnwiredView] HTC has added another device to its growing list of phones and tablets that now support the HTCDev bootloader unlock tool. [via PocketDroid] The LG Optimus S on Sprint is now on the receiving end of an OTA Gingerbread rollout. [via UnwiredView] Great news, Samsung Infuse 4G users: you're getting an update. The bad news: it's a maintenance fix, rather than a full-out Gingerbread upgrade. Still, it may be worth the download if you have the time or opportunity. [via AndroidCentral] Samsung has released the kernel source for the Epic 4G Touch. [via PocketNow] Sprint's certainly getting a lot of love this week, and we're not done yet: the Motorola Photon 4G is beginning to push out another smallish bug fix meant to curb WiFi issues experienced by a few users, and appears to be a gradual rollout. [via SprintFeed] The original Motorola Droid X is expected to receive a maintenance refresh as early as tomorrow, which is intended to resolve a widespread issue with the keyboard. If you're in this category, definitely keep a close eye out on this space. [via Droid-Life] We're hearing that the Droid 2 R2-D2 update to Gingerbread, which we originally reported on last week, is officially rolling out to eager fanboys and fangirls countrywide. [via AndroidCentral] Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery Those CyanogenMod7 builds for the HTC Sensation and EVO 3D we were talking about last week? They're now available. As extremely early builds, download and flash at your own risk. [via AndroidCentral] Since we're talking so much about HTC, here's one more thing: you can now grab a ROM for your HTC Desire HD that enables the beats audio technology. [via GSMArena and Android Community] A dev has been hard at work pulling various Motorola Atrix ROMs and porting them over to the Droid X2. The first one available is plain vanilla Android 2.3.4, if you're just not feeling up to using MotoBlur (aka the now-nameless Moto UI). [via Droid-Life] The initial build of the Motorola Droid Bionic bootstrap is available for install, which essentially will enable you to bootstrap your recovery and create backups on your device. Custom ROMs still aren't around for the Bionic yet (although early builds of CM7 began showing up this week), but the bootstrap is a big step toward achieving that goal. [via Droid-Life] Other platforms Symbian's Anna update is continuing to expand support to more countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Taiwan and Turkey. The refreshes for the US, Canada and Australia -- according to an email from Nokia -- is expected to arrive within the next two weeks. [via MyNokiaBlog] Refreshes we covered this week AT&T Windows Phone 7 devices to receive Mango this fall BlackBerry PlayBook to get OTA update next month that will offer native email, calendar
Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. 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 from 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! Official Android updates The HTC EVO 3D is now ready for a maintenance fix called 2.08.651.2, which offers some nice improvements like allowing more Sprint bloatware to be uninstallable by the user, contact transfer via bluetooth, fixes for the lock screen occasionally freezing, and GPS enhancements. This update is available through a manual install. [via SprintFeed] Speaking of the HTC EVO 3D, the bootloader unlock tool is now ready for your enjoyment on the company's fancy new dev site. Android 2.3.4 is finally rolling out on T-Mobile's HTC Sensation 4G, and all users should receive the OTA update by the end of September at the latest. Aside from the standard 2.3.4 enhancements, Sensation 4G owners can also expect better battery life, additional software stability, extra touchscreen responsiveness, and improved "device reboots." Curiously, the refresh also promises better screen and photo resolution. All in all, this is the kind of firmware boost we love to see. (Thanks, Anonymous) [via TmoNews] If you're using a Samsung Fascinate 3G on Telus, you'll be interested to know that you may now have Gingerbread bestowed upon your device. It'll involve a manual install using Samsung Kies, so go to the website to get all the instructions. [via MobileSyrup] The five people enjoying their Motorola Flipside can finally be treated to Android 2.2. Yes, that's Froyo. Go here to get the update manually. [via AndroidCentral] Some Motorola Droid X users complained about bugs after its bump up to Gingerbread, which should be resolved by installing version 4.5.602. It's a simple maintenance fix that throws in a couple additional enhancements at the same time. [via AndroidCentral] HTC Droid Incredible is inching closer to getting upgraded to Android 2.3.4, according to the support page Verizon recently set up on its site. [via Droid-Life] In time for today's launch, Samsung has released the source code for the Conquer 4G. Devs, head here to download it -- you'll know what to do after that. [via Android Police] For everyone who chooses to get the Conquer 4G, it's supposedly set to receive a device security enhancement today as well, according to some leaked screenshots. [via SprintFeed] Unofficial Android updates/custom ROMs/misc hackery This was fast -- the same bug fix update for the Droid X that we mentioned above has already been rooted. Go to the via for the full details on how to get it. As always, diving into these types of processes are more advanced, and you should follow the instructions to the letter. [via Droid-Life] The MIUI custom ROM is starting to gain a lot of momentum in the Android community, and if you're interested in checking it out on your device without going through the hassle of installing the full version (let alone rooting your phone or buying a MIUI-supported phone), an XDA developer has created a clone of the MIUI launcher and has made an APK available for your downloading pleasure. The via has a large screenshot gallery to check out. [via AddictiveTips] We've seen a lot of leaked Gingerbread ROMs surface for the HTC Thunderbolt, but this time an "official" update has made its ways to the Android dev world. It's been told that this is not yet the final build, so it's bound to get even better with time. Still, the impatient users may want to get this as soon as possible. [via RootzWiki and AndroidCentral] Another build of Gingerbread, EH06, has leaked for the Samsung Epic 4G. [via AndroidCentral] The HTC EVO 4G update to Android 2.3 can now be rooted, courtesy of Revolutionary. [via AndroidCentral]
Microsoft Research's .NET Gadgeteer steps out into the light, shoots daggers at Arduino (video)
Arduino, meet .NET Gadgeteer -- your newest homebrew hacking rival. Born from Microsoft Research engineers' desire to build prototypes quickly and easily, the two-and-a-half-years in the making ARM7-powered mainboard packs 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM, Ethernet, WiFi, an SD card interface and USB ports. Novice mods might wanna put the Netduino down because this homespun alternative also runs atop MS' .NET Micro Framework, and thanks to its IntelliSense feature, makes auto-coding a breeze for first-timers. If you're interested in what Ballmer & co. are offering, you can head to the project's site now to pre-order its GHI-made hardware: a $250 Spider Starter Kit and the $120 Spider Mainboard. Both will be available by the end of September, but if you need a preview of what this burgeoning open source community has to offer, peep the stop-motion making mod after the break.
Mindscape pulls the server plug on Nabaztag, hands source code to developers
Mindscape's ambient hare progenitors are officially headed off to that matrix briar patch in the sky. Turns out a battle with the server's host has left the company in a sticky financial situation, effectively shutting down support for the WiFi-enabled bunnies. In a recent YouTube announcement, CEO Thierry Bensoussan addressed the community's concerns, offering up source code that ensures a homebrew future for the Little Linux-Bunny Foo Foo forebears. Hobbyists hoping to snag that Nabaztag.com domain for themselves will instead have to accept a url redirect, as the site remains firmly under the software publisher's lock and key. But don't mourn your news reading, weather-forecasting buddy just yet, you can always replace it with the discounted love of lil' bro, Karotz.
HTC makes Incredible S, Desire Z source code available, throws Flyer in for good measure
Aftermarket ROMs for the Incredible S and Desire Z (and their US variants) aren't exactly breaking news -- the rooting community's been cracking away at those handsets since their launch. Release their Gingerbread maintenance source code, however, in addition to the Flyer's kernel code and you'll have developers foaming at the mouth. Which is exactly what HTC did over the weekend, paving the way for a new flood of ROM-flashing options to hit your hacked handsets. Android modders should hit the source below to download the AOSP goods.
Screen Grabs: Engadget makes its prime time TV debut on XIII
Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com. It's been a long time coming but after years of cataloging various gadgets in TV and movies, we finally got our own starring role on the small screen. Our HTML code stood in for the usual computer gibberish pretending to be a dangerous hacking program on an episode of the French / Canadian TV series XIII and was spotted by a keen-eyed (and HDTV-equipped) reader as seen above. US viewers might recognize the title since it was also the source of a videogame in 2003 and a miniseries that aired on NBC in 2009; in its current iteration, the tale of a conspiracy in the US government airs strictly outside our borders. A clip of the scene is included after the break, check for the "5 years old, highly encrypted source code" at about 1:29. Nice job Prodigy Pictures but next time we expect a speaking role, two scenes with co-star Aisha Tyler, a trailer and a bowl of M&Ms -- but only the green ones. Have your people talk to our people, we've been looking for a new career. [Thanks, Dennis] %Gallery-127870%
Microsoft offers up 'managed driving' source code, gets back to location-based business
WiFi-sniffing -- all the major tech giant's are doing it. But it's for your own better-targeted, location-based good... they swear. It's a familiar story that saw Google get served in France and the UK for its fleet of data-collecting Street View cars, and had Apple accidentally storing users' geographic info unencrypted on their phones. Given the history, it's not surprising to see Microsoft take the offensive by offering up source code from its own 'managed driving' program: the cars that collect WiFi, GPS and cell tower data. With the code out in the open, MS can easily side-step allegations of personal data-mining and continue its focus on improving local search services. The move is further evidence that the Ballmer-led company intends to take user privacy very seriously, having already stopped the tracking of individual Windows Phone handsets last May. Location aware devices are an inevitable part of our search-assisted lives, we just wish they all came with a giant opt-out button. [Image credit via WinRumors]
Samsung releases Droid Charge source code ahead of phone's launch
This isn't right... this isn't right at all. As a possible tip of the hat to enthusiastic coders, or merely a curious oversight, the source code for Verizon's forthcoming Droid Charge has appeared on Samsung's open source portal. Nothing earth-shattering here (as we've known of this 1GHz LTE handset for a while), but we reckon there's a few industrious readers who will appreciate hacking this Droid's software ahead of launch. So if you count yourself among that bunch, follow the source link and type 'SCH-I510' in the search box -- happy coding!
ASUS releases Eee Pad Transformer source code, physical bits to come later
We're still sitting here playing with our Decepticon and Autobot toys, Jetfire and Starscream continuing their battle for airborne supremacy. It's how we entertain ourselves whilst waiting for ASUS to release its Transformer tablet on the world, but now we can at least get our hands on what makes it tick. The source code for that 10.1-inch tablet with its IPS screen and Honeycomb flavor has just been lobbed up onto the company's site and, with just a few clicks, you can continue its trajectory right onto your storage device of choice -- though you'll need to run it through an unzipper before it can really have any impact. What you do with it after that is up to you, but you're going to have to wait a bit longer before you'll have anywhere to deploy the results of the included makefile.
Man steers R/C car with his hands, not to mention an HTML5-based web app (video)
With the right Arduino board, an R/C race car, a couple paperclips and the MacGyver spirit, we imagine most anyone can hack together a creative remote control these days... but how many can open-source an HTML5 web app that'll do the deed from any tablet, phone or PC? Gaurav Manek crafted just such a thing, and he'll demonstrate it for you on an Apple iPad in the video immediately above. What's more, he's also got a Kinect hack that uses Microsoft depth camera (with Code Laboratories' NUI SDK) to control the very same with the wave of a well-placed hand -- we're already envisioning fisticuffs should he and a lab partner try for some head-to-head racing action. That said, you don't need to wait for an illustrious creator to have all the fun. Why not download his source code at our links below and give it a go yourself?
Google keeping Honeycomb source code on ice, says it's not ready for other devices
Itching to put some sweet, crunchy AOSP Honeycomb on your hardware of choice? You might have quite a wait, as BusinessWeek reports that Google will not release the Android 3.0 source code in the near future, and we just received confirmation of the same. Google forwarded us the following statement, which pretty much says it all: Android 3.0, Honeycomb, was designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes and improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization. While we're excited to offer these new features to Android tablets, we have more work to do before we can deliver them to other device types including phones. Until then, we've decided not to release Honeycomb to open source. We're committed to providing Android as an open platform across many device types and will publish the source as soon as it's ready.It's fairly clear that the company's motivation here is the same as it's been all along -- Google wants to restrict Android to the devices it was designed for. Though the company long insisted that earlier versions of Android were not for tablets, manufacturers quickly adapted the source code to slates anyhow, and we can imagine the company wasn't thrilled some of the middling results. At that time, Google's only weapon was to deny access to Gmail, Maps and Android Market, which it did liberally (with a few exceptions to the rule) but this time it sounds like it's simply withholding the "entirely for tablet" source code instead of sending cease-and-desist letters out. Another explanation, however, could just be that Honeycomb's not ready for primetime without some OEM help -- last we checked, smartphone support was a far cry from final, and even the finished Motorola Xoom still has a few software kinks to work out. Here's hoping a nice cold bowl of Ice Cream will smooth things over with the open source community before long.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread's source code now available
Want to dig through 2.3 and see what all the fuss is about for yourself? Well, you're in luck, because Gingerbread has just hit the Android Open Source Project's repository, which means you can set up your machine to download the code. It's great news for hardware companies that don't care to get Google's certification to include Android Market access -- but it's also great news for casual and serious hackers alike who are looking to craft some seriously wild, wacky custom ROMs. So, what are you waiting for? Get to it, folks. [Thanks, Mike] Update: Eager coders are being asked to "wait a few hours or a few days" before downloading to balance out the server load -- and while you're likely not interested in doing that, it's probably in your best interest to heed the advice.
