Custom ROMs are the way to go for power users of Android devices. No matter what developer you take and whichever flavor of a custom ROM you may want to pick up, some of the omni-present features would be faster updates, better modifications, root access, custom recovery, zip aligned APKs, deodexed ROMs, more features, ports from other devices and whatnot. Then, there’s that class of these firmware that hail from the Android Open Source Project, or AOSP, as it is better known. These ROMs are decidedly different from others, in their minimalist native feature set and more freedom towards change.
Whereas most vendors release a new flagship, take some time to appreciate their achievements and perhaps even give themselves a little self-congratulation, Samsung instead works without relent to bring more devices, more features, and more options to consumers. The Galaxy S4 may just be taking its baby steps into the market, but the talk of several spin-off devices has been incessant since before consumers could even get their hands on the latest and greatest. The Galaxy S4 Mini has been mentioned several times, as has a ruggedized, water and dustproof model of Galaxy S4, and according to a bunch of leaked images, the latter now looks a certainty for release in the near future.
Having a network locked device can really hamper how you use it, especially if the network isn’t of your choice. While most of the times, the operator in question would let you unlock your device for a small fee, not everyone might be that lucky. Imagine a scenario where you’re travelling abroad and want to use another network’s SIM card, only to discover that you cannot thanks to a carrier lock. Unlocking can really save you from quite a few hassles and tight spots.
The bigger problem with Android has always been its fragmentation, which often results in certain devices being left out when it comes to being eligible for an Android version update. Unfortunately, this happens quite often with devices that are barely a year old, and quite capable (hardware-wise) to run the new software. Therefore, it’s really encouraging to see an old device getting an official update to a newer version of Android. If you own an HTC One X, you may have reason to rejoice, because renowned developer LlabTooFeR claims that HTC is planning to update its last year’s flagship, HTC One X, to Android 4.2.2, and not only that, but also supply the handset with the brand spanking new Sense 5 UI skin! Details past the break.
One of the widespread, long-standing features our mobile devices seem not to have latched onto yet is multi-user support. Whereas an overwhelming number of software interfaces allow for more than one person to log in, store their own data, tweak their settings and preferences and whatnot, the vast majority of smartphones and tablets haven't followed the script. As well as the Windows-based Surface slate, which naturally brought this feature as standard, Android Jelly Bean 4.2 also presented consumers with multi-user support, but if you were frustrated at the fact that Google has deemed it suitable only to the tablet for the time being, you'll be pleased to learn that the MoDaCo Toolkit will help your smartphone achieve this same functionality.
Guide on how to install ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery On HTC One, with complete step by step instructions and download links.
If you're into your big, bolshy, animated Android launchers, you might be intrigued to learn that the GO Launcher Dev Team has been hard at work in building a home screen alternative to fit those exact criterion. The Next Launcher 3D, which offers interested parties a fully functional 36 hour trial via the Lite version, comes jam-packed with features, and is one of the most heavily customizable, fluid, and striking launchers we've ever seen here at Redmond Pie.
The consensus thus far has been, at least where the Galaxy Note III is concerned, that Samsung would break from its ongoing tradition of plastic outer shells and finally bring an aluminum (or similar) finish to match the high-end status of the handset. However, sources of SamMobile have suggested that the forthcoming device will use pretty much the same build as the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy S4.
First day of Google I/O is officially over and a lot of great announcements were made, and some of those announcements were strictly focused towards Android developers.
Google's Maps is seen as the authority in the field of navigation, and of course, mapping, and having established a large user base already, the company is preparing to revamp the mobile arm of the service in the coming weeks and months. Following on from the new-look desktop version, Google will now be bringing the look of iOS Maps to Android, and an iPad version is also going to be hitting the App Store in the summer along with a revamp of the desktop version of Maps. More details after the break.
