Just because the OG Samsung Galaxy Note is considered a little old in the tech world, it doesn’t mean that it still can’t get timely updates in order to keep things fresh and modern on the device, right? That’s why Samsung has gone ahead begun the initial push of its Android 4.1.2 update for the international variant of the Galaxy Note smartphone. The update brings the Android build to version JZO54K and brings with it the following:
The newest addition to Verizon’s Droid family, the HTC Droid DNA, is set to receive a minor update OTA relatively soon. It’s not a major update to 4.2, unfortunately, but it does contain quite a few other enhancements WiFi, Bluetooth, and audio quality, among other things. Regardless, updates are always a good thing. No official word on when this update is going to roll out to devices, but since Verizon has officially put up their support page, it shouldn’t be too much longer. Hit the source below to get the full changelog for the update.
source: Verizon Wireless
Mobile security is a big deal on Android devices. While it’s debatable if malware is as big of a problem on Android as security analysts say it is, it’s still very important to keep your devices protected, just in case. Usually, Google does an excellent job of patching most vulnerabilities in their software, the problem is that carriers take way, way too long to get those security patches onto consumer handsets. Activist Chris Soghoian, known for his work with consumer security and privacy, has recently called out wireless carriers on their poor practices with updating these devices.
He’s saying what we’ve all been thinking, but he definitely brings to light some of the less thought about problems of slow updates. Most people complain about being stuck on old software because it’s slower or lacks cooler features, but that outdated software also lacks the updated protection that current software would provide. The antivirus on your computer wouldn’t do much good if it was looking for malware from 2010, would it? He also talks about the stock Android browser, which is one of the more popular browsers simply because it’s preloaded on the device. Unlike Firefox, Chrome, or any other browser you can download from the Play Store, the stock browser lacks constant updates and new malware protection like updateable apps have.
It’s definitely a good read, and definitely a situation that needs to change. Read on past the source to see what Soghoian has to say.
source: Threat Post
Those of you out there who own a variant of the Sony Xperia T smartphone are about to get a taste of some buttery goodness in the near-future. According to the PTCRB website, a new firmware version of 9.1.A.0.489 has been certified for the Xperia T (LT30p) and Xperia TX (LT29i) smartphones— which effectively moves the software up from Ice Cream Sandwich to Jelly Bean. Oh and owners of an American variant of the smartphone won’t be left out either— the Xperia TL (LT30at) for AT&T is also getting a new firmware version certified with 9.1.F.1.120, which would also bring the device up to Jelly Bean as well.
So while the new pieces of firmware have been certified, it would still be a matter of weeks before we see the update land on the respective devices. Hopefully the different Xperia T owners out there will be able to contain themselves in the meantime.
source: Xperia Blog
Google Wallet has recently been updated to be better than ever by including some nifty little features. Among the cool items to note is the fact that Google has implemented support for Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express cards, a revamped user interface, application stability and improved battery life. So while those features are greatly welcomed—- it’s easy to catch that the most eye-catching item among the listed improvements to the app is the revamped UI. The new UI seems to fall in line with the newer Holo-type theme found in Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean devices. What this means is that users will be able to navigate through the app in a much more fluid manner by now allowing users to simply swipe left and right in order to access the various sections of the app.
While the latest app is not available for a limited number of NFC-based devices, the latest update is in the Play Store now. So if you have a device that can take advantage of the revolutionary payment app— be sure to grab the latest update today.
The Samsung Galaxy Camera has gotten its first major software update which brings some significant improvements and goodies to the camera. In addition to bringing the Galaxy Cam’s Android software to version 4.1.2, the update brings a few new “smart” shooting modes including a dawn, food and snow settings which all aim to enhance whatever picture or image you are trying to capture— as well as some additional minor bug and lag fixes. While the update is available for users now— it will need to be flashed manually, so it’s advised that Galaxy Cam users take extreme caution in doing so. Or users can ummm, you know… wait for the update to be pushed out over the air and all.
The complete update file can be found at the source link below.
source: SamMobile
We have some Android OEMs that are bad about releasing updates for their handsets, and then we have Motorola. In a world where more and users are demanding updates, Motorola has completely failed to bring those updates, and in many cases backed out of their promises to upgrade phones. Naturally when Google acquired Motorola, we all expected some changes to be made, and it looks like we’re starting to see some of that now. New Moto VP of Product Punit Soni talked about the broken promises publicly on Google+, and left a cautiously optimistic comment concerning the company’s future.
In the 5 months I have been on this, I dont go through one day when I dont feel the impact of past promises that were made and couldnt be met. I have said this before: I cannot fix the past. However, going forward, anything we launch, we will support. Any commitment we make, we will follow up.
It’s nice to hear, but Motorola’s broken more than their fair share of promises, so it’s going to take a little more than a social media comment to fix those trust problems. Regardless, we can all hope that some things do start to change for the better at Motorola.
source: Google Plus
It’s been a long time coming for you owners of the Sprint variation of the Galaxy Nexus smartphone— but Android 4.2 glory is now available and ready for you to conquer… sort of. Reports are coming in that a 100MB update file that is identified as JOP40D has been leaked on Google servers and can be accessed and download simply by clicking a link. Once the file is downloaded, all that’s needed is to simply flash the update to your phone and bam!— you’re in business.
Unfortunately there is no indication of when the update will be available over-the-air for all Sprint G-Nex owners, but we suspect it will be out sooner than later. All we need now is to see the Verizon variant of the Galaxy Nexus seeing its Android 4.2 update and we’ll be in business…
source: XDA Forums
If you’re an owner of the US variant of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet, then you will probably be all smiles after hearing this news. Reports are coming in that Sammy has begun pushing out the long-awaited and coveted Jelly Bean update to owners of the tablet. The update brings the Android software to version 4.1.2 and brings with it some nice little goodies such as the multi-window multitasking feature. The update is just now being pushed out to the masses— so if you don’t see anything now don’t fret— it’s probably a good bet that you’ll see it sooner than later.
source: Android Central
It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally seeing HTC’s One S smartphone starting to get the coveted Jelly Bean update rolled out… well for owners of the global version of the device at least. There are numerous reports coming in that select owners have finally gotten the Android 4.1.1 update notification indication and have successfully been able to finally experience the joys of Google Now and Project Butter. Additionally, as if that wasn’t enough— the gang at XDA also was able to find a welcome direct HTC link to the update. It’s a wonderful Christmas for owners of the global One S, isn’t it?
Interested parties can grab even more deets once they hit the source link.
source: Engadget