Android 4.2.2 Hitting Testers For The Verizon Galaxy Nexus

We heard that an update for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus was coming "soon", but the news didn't say exactly what update we were going to see. Now we know, and it's good news everyone. It looks like the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is about to get Android 4.2.2, as the update has rolled out to testers.

The word comes from the good folks over at XDA, where member El Madhattersays that he got the test build of Android 4.2.2 for his Verizon GNex this week. The update is build JDQ39, and comes with new radio baseband versions listed as FK01 and FK02. So far, other testers have commented on the XDA forum thread saying that the new radios work "really well". 

Source: XDA Developers

Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview Now Available

Canonical has launched a developer preview of the new mobile OS. Designed to play nice with Android development phones, the Linux-based Ubuntu Touch features support for the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. But if you are thinking about moving to the operating system as a daily driver, take note of the “developer preview” tag.

As the build is being released with development for the platform in mind, it does not support the full range of functions  you would get from a fully-baked smartphone experience. The software is described as “very new and unfinished.”

Hit the source link for details and install instructions. 

Source: Ubuntu

Paranoid Android 3 (PA3) Released For Nexus Devices

I'm sure by now you've heard of Paranoid Android. There’s also a good chance that if you own the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, or Nexus 10 you’re either running the ROM yourself or you’ve given it a try in the past.

For these unfamiliar, Paranoid Android’s defining characteristic is what they call Hybrid Engine. Contrary to what many believe, this is not “tablet mode” though that is one of many things that can be accomplished using Hybrid Engine. Rather, Hybrid Engine allows you to select both dpi and layout on a per-app basis. Rather than being forced to modify the look of your entire device, you can optimize your applications to what works best for each and every one.

A new and important feature that has come to light in the recent beta builds, and now sees light in the official release of PA3 is the PIE control system. What this allows one to do is to disable onscreen buttons and use a swipe gesture to access various common functions, thereby freeing up valuable screen real estate. The menu can be seen in the header image above, as well as the video below.

Per-app color, another significant feature in PA3 and recent pre-release builds, allows you set system UI colors on a per-app basis. Want a black system bar for your launcher, but a blue one for Facebook? No problem. Have more eccentric choices in mind? That’s fine too.

The most recent addition is screen calibration for the Google Nexus 4. While the vast majority of third-party reviews have praised the device for its screen, build quality, responsiveness, and overall value; some have been quick to point out that the screen seems under-saturated, especially to those coming from  overly saturated S-AMOLED devices. Rather than trying to offer a simple band-aid solution with RGB calibration, PA3 also corrects for the device’s gamma issues to give it the punch the IPS panel deserves. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find  anyone who says that the Nexus 4 screen looks “bad,” the calibration has been met with much praise thus far, and the team only hopes that these changes are incorporated upstream.

Those eager to get started should visit the link below.


Samsung Galaxy Nexus
LG Nexus 4
Asus Nexus 7
Samsung Nexus 10



Source: XDA Developers

Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview Will Be Available On Feb 21st

Canonical has announced that the Developer Preview for Ubuntu Touch will be available on Thursday, February 21st, with compatibility for something with a lot more power, namely, the Nexus 4.

For those of us attending Mobile World Congress in just a little over a week, Canonical has assembled teams ready and willing to flash their Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview onto compatible devices. Now that’s what I call service. Of course tools will be made available that will allow regular users like yourself flash the OS onto your device and if you’re already accustomed to flashing custom ROMs, should prove relatively easy.

First official smartphone models to launch with the Ubuntu OS pre-loaded are scheduled to arrive sometime in October of this year. Anyone somewhat interested in Ubuntu’s mobile OS, or do you think it will be dead in the water? Full press release below.

Touch Developer Preview of Ubuntu to be published on 21 February 2013

• Touch Developer Preview of Ubuntu for Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 will be available
• Daily update mechanism to follow progress in Ubuntu
• Canonical will flash phones at MWC for industry, developers and enthusiasts
• Preview SDK and App Design Guides already available for developers building touch apps for Ubuntu
• London, 15th February 2013: Images and open source code for the Touch Developer Preview of Ubuntu will be published on Thursday 21st February, supporting the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones.

They are intended for enthusiasts and developers, to familiarize themselves with Ubuntu’€™s smartphone experience and develop applications on spare handsets. Tools that manage the flashing of the phone will be available on the same day in the Ubuntu archives, making it easy to keep a device up to date with the latest version of the Touch Developer Preview.

Attendees of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, 25th – 28th February can have their phones flashed to Ubuntu by Canonical team members at the Ubuntu stand, booth number 81D30, App Planet Hall 8.1, where Ubuntu will be shown on a range of devices.

The code release is a milestone in the development program for Ubuntu’€™s phone experience, and enables developers to port the platform to other devices. “€œOur platform supports a wide range of screen sizes and resolutions. Developers who have experience bringing up phone environments will find it relatively easy to port Ubuntu to current handsets”€ said Pat McGowan, who leads the integration effort that produced the images being released. €”We look forward to adding support for additional devices for everyday testing and experimentation.”

The install process and supported device list are maintained at wiki.ubuntu.com/TouchInstallProcessand will be updated as new devices are added.

The release also marks the start of a new era for Ubuntu, with true convergence between devices. When complete, the same Ubuntu code will deliver a mobile, tablet, desktop or TV experiences depending on the device it is installed on, or where it is docked. Ubuntu 13.10 (due in October) will include a complete entry-level smartphone experience.

Canonical has published a Preview SDK and App Design Guides to allow developers to create applications for the full range of Ubuntu platforms. The toolkit provides a range of documented templates to enable native applications to be created quickly and easily. The App Design Guides explain how these templates can be used to design and build beautiful and usable apps. Blackberry Touch developers will be familiar with the Qt/QML environment, which supports rich native touch apps. Developers will not need to cross-compile or package applications differently for phone, tablet, PC and TV. One platform serves all four, a single application binary can do the same.

On Ubuntu, native and web or HTML5 applications sit as equal citizens and so those developers already developing HTML5 applications will easily gain support for Ubuntu.

“This release marks the threshold of wider engagement both with industry and community.” says Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu. “€œFor developers, contributors and partners, there is now a coherent experience that warrants attention. The cleanest, most stylish mobile interface around.”


Availability: 
Go to wiki.ubuntu.com/TouchInstallProcess to download Touch Developer Preview of Ubuntu from Thursday 21st February.
Go to developer.ubuntu.com to download the SDK to develop applications for Ubuntu.
Go to http://design.ubuntu.com/apps to read the Apps Design Guide giving advice about designing and building beautiful and usable apps for Ubuntu on the phone.
Visit Canonical at Mobile World Congress: Booth Number: 81D30, App Planet Hall 8.1.



Source: Canonical

Google Posts Factory Android 4.2.2 Images For Nexus Devices

With the Android 4.2.2 update finally rolling out for most Nexus devices (minus Sprint / VZW Galaxy Nexus), Google has posted factory images of each on the Nexus Factory Image page. These images are useful for flashing your Nexus device back to stock, whether to get an OTA update, or fix that brick you just caused.

These images are for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi and 3G), Nexus 10, and Galaxy Nexus (Yakju / Takju variants). If you want to see what's new in Android 4.2.2, check out our post detailing some of the changes. For a deeper dive, take a look at the developer changelog.


Source: Google Developers

Android 4.2.2 Reportedly Rolling Out In “Next Couple Weeks”

Google will begin pushing Android 4.2.2 to the Nexus 4, the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10 in the next “couple weeks,” International Business Times reported recently. The news outlet didn't have much to say about what’s included in the release other than there are several bug fixes related to Bluetooth streaming, and performance enhancements.

This won’t be as big of an update as Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, which will likely make its debut during the Google I/O developer conference in May, but it shows Google’s constantly tweaking its operating system releases to make them as efficient as possible. We’re curious at this point if existing Jelly Bean devices will ever see Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean of if owners will simply have to wait for Key Lime Pie if they ever get another update at all.

Source: International Business Times

AOSP Updated To Revision 1.2, Build JOP40G

The AOSP has been tagged as 4.2.1 r1.2, and the small change log lists a few interesting bug fixes. Version JOP40G will have some power management fixes as well as a tweak to the way an EXT4 partition handles file creation. These fixes are not device specific, so they will affect the Nexus 10, Nexus 7, and Nexus 4. We imagine the Galaxy Nexus will also see the benefits of this build.

In a nutshell some folks had issues where their device would shut off when removed from the charger, and these changes should address those. No word on when to expect an update, or if one is planned for this tag. There's plenty of bugs to squash in 4.2.1, and like we have seen with every other build of AOSP these things take a little time.

Source: AOSP

Samsung Still Fighting A Potential Sales Ban On Its Galaxy Smartphones

A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals blocked Apple’s request in October to ban sales of Samsung’s Galaxy line of smartphones. Since then, the company has asked the nine active Federal Circuit judges to reconsider their decision, while Samsung has urged the appeals court to stand by its pretrial ruling. Reuters reported on Monday that Samsung argued in a recent court filing that Apple did not have enough evidence to show a “causal nexus” between its patented technology and iPhone sales to warrant a sales ban against the Galaxy Nexus. The company went on to state that because the Federal Circuit’s panel already ruled against Apple with “well established” reasoning, the iPhone maker should not be allowed to seek another injunction. The two companies are scheduled to face off in another major patent trial in March 2014, at which point a majority of the devices in question will be outdated.

Android 4.1 Released To AOSP

Android Open Source Project technical lead Jean-Baptiste Queru has announced the source for the newest version of the OS, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will be made available today. Currently, binaries are available for the Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus, with Nexus S and Motorola Xoom versions promised soon. As usual, this gets the countdown started for more manufacturers to work on builds for their devices and means third party coders like CyanogenMod can dive in as well. One other thing we should be used to by now is a warning that it still may take some time for things to go live as the code is replicated. Hit the source link for all of the information on the latest build or hit the AOSP site for more information what exactly this is and how to get it.


Source link

Sprint Releases Galaxy Nexus Connectivity Update

In general, people seem to love their Galaxy Nexuses, but every model has suffered from some form of connectivity problem. The HSPA+ plus model already scored its antidote, now its time for Sprint's LTE model to get some love. Over the next couple of days a software update (FD02) will be rolling out to the ICS flagships that should solve a rather bothersome bug that kept the devices from connecting to Sprint's data network after activation... at all. Obviously, you'll need to connect to a WiFi network to download the update if you're one of the afflicted, but you get a nice Google Wallet update for your troubles.

Unlocked Galaxy Nexus Available From Google For $399

Google today made the GSM variant of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus available for purchase directly through the Google Play Store for $399. The device is being sold unlocked and without a carrier contract. The GSM version is compatible with the networks run by AT&T and T-Mobile USA. It is listed in a new section of the Play Store labeled "devices."

Sprint Confirms Galaxy Nexus Release Date: Coming April 22nd For $200



Yep, anyone unhappy with the Verizon variant can now lay claim to the Now Network's version of the Galaxy Nexus, which is up for preorder now, priced at a smidgen under $200, and set to arrive next week. As an added incentive, Google Wallet dabblers will get $10 credit from the start, with an additional $40 bucks given after three weeks.

Samsung Direct Bundles Galaxy Nexus With Extended Battery

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has a pretty capable 1850mAh battery, but when it comes to productivity and 4G LTE, one would always take a bigger battery and that’s what Samsung is offering now.To take advantage of the promotion, you'll have to purchase it through Samsung Direct, which means you'll be paying $300 for the device and agreeing to a two-year contract. As Android and Me notes, though, you'd save quite a bit of money picking up the VZW Nexus and accompanying battery pack at Amazon for a combined $134. Suffice to say, then, this isn't a stellar deal, but those of you who disagree can get one yourselves through May 10, or while supplies last.

Google Tweaks Wallet for Select Android Phones

Google has released a minor update to Google Wallet, its mobile payment tool. The updates include user interface changes, improved management of Citi Mastercards, and more flexible prepaid card top-ups. The update is compatible with the Sprint Nexus S 4G and unlocked versions of the Galaxy Nexus running with AT&T SIM cards. The updated software is free.

Google Deploys Android 4.0.4 To Select Devices

Google recently announced that Android 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich, is rolling out to mutiple devices. The latest update includes “stability improvements, better camera performance, smoother screen rotation, improved phone number recognition and more.” Some devices are seeing Ice Cream Sandwich for the first time, while others are receiving updates from previous versions of Android 4.x.

More devices will be supported soon, but the first wave of devices includes:

• UMTS/GSM Nexus S
• Xoom WiFi
• HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus

Devices we expect to be upgraded in the “coming weeks” include:

• Sprint Nexus S 4G
• Verizon Galaxy Nexus
• Verizon Xoom 4G

Current rumors suggest the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will see a newer Android 4.0.5 as soon as April, so it could be skipping Android 4.0.4 entirely.

Android 4.0.5 Aimed For April On Galaxy Nexus

Last time we had heard about the next bugfix update for Android was in early February, where the rumor was that the update would be coming to the Galaxy Nexus sometime in March, but it looks like there has been a delay. Now, the new word is that the update will be coming in April. Before anyone's panties get even more bunched over the prospect of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus getting an incremental build while Sprint Nexus S 4G owners are left waiting ever longer, you've got to remember this. While both devices are of the Nexus family, they're not the same phone, and not on the same track. That's just the way it is. The other thing here is that while the prospect of Android 4.0.5 is interesting, it doesn't really tell us anything. Not without a changelog, anyway. An incremental tick is just that at this point -- a number.

Galaxy Nexus Android 4.0.4 OTA Package Now Available (Unofficial)

Android Central member seanmacanally got an OTA notification on his rooted Verizon Galaxy Nexus, and with a little help from the great crew in the forums got the package pulled and uploaded for everyone to play with.  A few caveats:

• This is only for the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus
• It's Android 4.0.4 IMM30B
• You will need to be completely stock with stock recovery to install it as-is

This doesn't seem to be an OTA that's going out in full force, so it very well could be some sort of internal testing version.  Keep that in mind if you flash it -- things may not be working as well as you would hope.  

Manually flashing the OTA package is pretty easy, see the instructions here.  And you're going to need the file, which you can download right here.

Verizon Galaxy Nexus – unlocking the bootloader how to

After all the hype and waiting, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus has finally been released in the US and is available for purchase straight from Verizon. We know many of our readers have been waiting for this moment and probably have this device in their hands right now, or are about to. There are many reasons to want this device, but one of the biggest incentives is the fact that a Nexus phone is known to have a more open ecosystem, meaning it is much easier to unlock the bootloader.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a bit different, though. It comes with Ice Cream Sandwich, one of the most (if not the most) revolutionary updates the Android OS has received.Android 4.0 has much to be excited about, and even the CyanogenMod team has mentioned that some of their “extra” features have been taken off the custom ROM, since Ice Cream Sandwich is now incorporating them. This means that, more so than before, users are considering not installing any custom ROMs on their devices in favor of the Stock ICS UI.

We’re reaching out to our readers to see what their opinion is on this matter. We’d like to see how many of you are going to stick with stock, or if you’re loyal to the custom ROMs developer community. One of the main advantages of following the developer community is that updates come out much faster, but this wouldn’t be an issue with a Nexus device. (They are the first to get updated). At the same time, many of you may like the extra juice that some developers add to your device.

Unlocking the bootloader will allow you start messing with your smartphone as you please (rooting, flashing custom ROMs and kernels, etc.), and it’s very easy to do with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Our friends from Droid-Life have posted a video that demonstrates how this is done, as well as a detailed step-by-step guide. The process is very simple; the bulk of the process is setting up the SDK, ADB and drivers.

As always, there’s a disclaimer. Before doing this, you should realize that customizing your device (this includes unlocking the bootloader) may void your warranty and/or brick your device if not done carefully. If you choose to do so, the responsibility is solely yours, and you may be on your own if something goes wrong.

Check out Droid-Life’s video to see how to go about unlocking the Samsung Galaxy Nexus bootloader, and let us know what you think. Will you be unlocking the bootloader to play around with your phone, or would you rather stick with stock this time? If you’re doing it, is it mainly for rooting? Do you think installing custom ROMs is necessary with Ice Cream Sandwich already on your device and updates coming in a timely fashion?