Thursday, August 2, 2012

How to flash CyanogenMod 10 for the Sprint Galaxy S3 SPH-L710


How to flash CyanogenMod 10 for the Sprint Galaxy S3 SPH-L710



Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is out but we are still waiting for official announcements from manufacturers about when will they be shipping the updates to our mobile phones. Rumor says that Samsung is already testing the ROM and is expected to ship the updates this coming August or September to the international Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300.
For carrier-locked variants, you will have to wait much longer until individual phone carriers approve to ship the update. To enjoy Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, you will either have to wait for the official update to come, or install a custom ROM such as CyanogenMod 10 on your mobile phone.
The CyanogenMod team has been busy gathering the rare ingredients and studying the cookbook to serve the sweet and tasty Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to your Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 SPH-L710. The team has released a preview build of the ROM to let users take a first bite of the Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean on their mobile phone.
Although the CyanogenMod 10 ROM for the Sprint Galaxy S3 is still in its early stages, the ROM’s progress looks promising and we should be expecting a more stable release sooner than the official updates arrive.
Read on to learn how to flash CyanogenMod 10 for the Sprint Galaxy S3 SPH-L710.

Warning

  • The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3, model number SPH-L710. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
  • The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
  • Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
  • Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

Instructions

  1. Copy cm-10-20120723-UNOFFICIAL-d2spr.zip and gapps-jb.1.zip to your phone’s internal SD card.
  2. Switch off your Samsung Galaxy S3.
  3. Reboot your phone into ClockworkMod Recovery Mode. You can do that by pressing and holding down the Volume Up key, Home button (middle key), and the Power button simultaneously until recovery boots. 
    • NOTE: Once in recovery, use the Volume keys to navigate and the Home button to select an option.
  4. Create a NANDroid backup of your current ROM. From the main recovery menu, selectBackup and Restore and select Backupon the next screen.
  5. Perform a full wipe by doing the following:
    • Select Wipe Data/Factory Resetand confirm the action on the next screen.
    • Select Wipe Cache Partition and confirm the action on the next screen.
    • Go back to the main menu and select Advance. From there, select Wipe Dalvik Cache and confirm the action on the next screen.
  6. Return to the main menu and select Install ZIP From SD Card.
  7. Select Choose ZIP From SD Card and locate the cm-10-20120723-UNOFFICIAL-d2spr.zip file. Confirm the action on the next screen to flash the ROM to your mobile phone.
  8. After installation is complete, go back and flash the gapps-jb.1.zip in the same manner as steps 6 and 7.
  9. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot System Nowto restart your phone.
  10. To head back to your previous ROM, reboot your phone into ClockworkMod Recovery and select Backup and Restore.On the next screen, select Restore to install your previous backup ROM.
Terrific! You have successfully flashed the preview build of CyanogenMod 10 on your Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 SPH-L710.


How to flash CyanogenMod 9 for the AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717


How to flash CyanogenMod 9 for the AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717




The rate at which official OTA (over-the-air) updates are arriving for AT&T devices is quite slow, at some point even inversely proportional to the rate at which Google is continuously improving Android.
In turn, many AT&T users are turning their attention towards the shelves of developers to look for some sweet Google goodies. This time it’s the AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717 that gets an official CyanogenMod 9 ROM. It’s not Jelly Bean, but it’s definitely pure Ice Cream Sandwich.
CyanogenMod ROMs are software customizations and modifications designed to make your mobile Android device perform faster. This ROM in particular, however, might still have some issues with the 3G video calling feature and S Pen applications, but other functions are working well. You can also use third-party apps to cover up those lacking functions.
See the requirements and instructions below to flash CyanogenMod 9 for the AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717.

Warning

  • The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note,model numberSGH-I717. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
  • The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
  • Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
  • Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

Instructions

  1. Copy the two ZIP files to the phone’s SD card.
  2. Switch off your phone.
  3. Boot your phone into ClockworkMod Recovery: Press and hold the Volume Up and the Power buttons together. When the screen turns on, release the Power key while keeping the Volume Up key pressed until recovery boots.
  4. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm the action on the next screen.
  5. Select the Install ZIP From SD Card. Select Choose ZIP From SD Card and highlight the CyanogenMod 9 ROM ZIP file.
  6. Confirm the installation on the next screen.
  7. Go back to the main menu and flash the gapps-ics-20120422-signed.zip in the same manner in steps 5 and 6.
  8. Go back to the main menu select Reboot System Now. The initial boot up may take up to 5 minutes, just be patient.
Congratulations! You’ve just installed the CyanogenMod 9 ROM for the AT&T Galaxy Note SGH-I717. Keep your eyes open for Jelly Bean.


Google Nexus 7 to get even more official accessories: rotating case, Bluetooth keyboard case and more


Google Nexus 7 to get even more official accessories: rotating case, Bluetooth keyboard case and more




You can’t buy them yet, but word on the street (in UK) is that there will be several new official accessories coming for the Google Nexus 7 slate. Sure, the dark grey cover that the Nexus 7 sports right now does its job in protecting the tablet and giving it a handsome look, but the more options you have the better, right?
The slew of new Asus-made accessories that will be available for the Nexus 7 include a leather rotating stand case, a leather stand case, a folio case, a Bluetooth keyboard case, and a screen protector. UK retailer Mobile Fun, which lists the accessories, will have them for sale soon.



The rotating stand, which will be offered for at £14.95 ($24), is a nifty one to get if you want to prop up the Nexus 7 – whether in landscape or portrait mode. The leather stand case is a more affordable option at £27.95 ($44), but it only supports landscape mode. The simple folio case, meanwhile, should be retailing for £39.99 ($62).
Those who use the Nexus 7 tablet as a workhorse will probably opt for the official Bluetooth keyboard case, which will be offered for £79.95 ($125). It comes with a spill and dust proof QWERTY keyboard and an integrated desk stand. Lastly, the screen protector – a must have for those who like to keep their screen scratch-free – will set you back £14.95 ($23).
The release date for the new official accessories hasn’t been confirmed yet, although you can pre-order them now. We’ll update you once they become available.


Sony Xperia SL goes white and silver, other colors are up for grabs


Sony Xperia SL goes white and silver, other colors are up for grabs




It’s hard to keep up with so many Xperia models that Sony Mobile has been and will be churning out, but at least the Xperia SL – the successor to the Xperia S – is something that we already knew about (albeit a little) and have reported before. Following earlier leaks that showcased the many colors of Xperia SL – black, pink and purple – what you’re seeing now are the official images of the white and silver variant of the phone.
The latest leak comes from ePrice, which has been a steady source for unreleased Sony goodies. Apart from the new promotional pictures, there’s not much else to share – except that the Xperia SL may come with a dual-core 1.7GHz processor. It’s almost certain it will not be a Snapdragon S4, but rather the older S3 chip that is now powering the international version of HTC One S. So really, it’d only be a minor improvement from the processor – clocked at 1.5GHz – used by the Xperia S.



Those hoping that the Xperia SL will come with a mind-blowing sheet of specs over its predecessor should probably look elsewhere. But hey, the specs aren’t confirmed yet. If you are looking for some raw power though, the Xperia SX and the Xperia LT30p Mint may better suit your need for speed.
We’ll see what Sony has to say about the specs of the Xperia SL, and loads more, on its upcoming Berlin event at the end of the month. We’re pretty keen on finding out what the Japanese Android maker has in store for its new Xperia tablets as well.


Google Wallet can now add any credit card or debit card


Google Wallet can now add any credit card or debit card




Google Wallet promised to replace physical wallets with a virtual wallet that can be accessed from your Android phone. However, the momentum has been slow in the U.S. because carriers are trying their best to avoid using it on the handsets they sell, because they are preparing their own competing solution called Isis. The only carriers in the U.S. that have been friendly to Google Wallet are Sprint and Virgin Mobile, which have adopted a total of six Google Wallet-enabled phones. The Nexus 7 tablet also comes with Google Wallet support.
Google Wallet has also experienced some security issues initially, and Verizon has even claimed that the reason they are not embracing it is because it’s not secure enough – although I still think the main reason for rejecting it was its own payment system, Isis.
Today, Google is announcing a new version of Google Wallet, one that is powered by the cloud and dramatically increases security by keeping your credit card information stored only on Google’s highly secure servers instead of your own device. The phones will be getting a virtual card number that is tied to the real one, and will be stored in the secure area of your phone. This will help ensure that the transaction process works smoothly, but without compromising on security



Google Wallet has always required a PIN so only you can have access to it. But now, in case your phone is stolen or lost, you’ll be able to remotely disable the Google Wallet functionality on that device. In such a scenario, no more transactions will be authorized from that handset.
One of the biggest improvements in Google Wallet is that you can now add any credit card or debit card from various providers including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. To save a card’s information to Google Wallet you’ll have to use the mobile app or the official website to complete the form and sign-up.


Having a Google Wallet account also allows you to buy any sort of content from the Google Play Store, so even if you don’t have an NFC-enabled phone, you may still want to use Google Wallet for purchases from the Play Store.


Motorola Electrify 2 now available from U.S. Cellular for $179.99, Defy XT to hit stores August 3


Motorola Electrify 2 now available from U.S. Cellular for $179.99, Defy XT to hit stores August 3




Fresh from the very successful launch of the top of the line Samsung Galaxy S3, U.S. Cellular is hoping to jolt its Android roster some more by introducing two new mid-range phones from Motorola, the Electrify 2 and Defy XT.
The Motorola Electrify 2 is the sequel to Moto’s Photon 4G, which was released a year ago for Sprint. At the heart of the phone is a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, though we’re not sure what SoC it’s sporting since it’s not mentioned. It also boasts a 4.3-inch ColorBoost display, 1GB RAM, 8GB onboard storage, microSD card slot, 8MP rear camera with LED flash and 1080p HD camcorder, and 1,780mAh battery.
If you’re a fan of the RAZR series, you’ll feel right at home with the Electrify 2, as it too has that durable Kevlar fiber casing. Size-wise, the phone is a mere 8.4mm thick. The Android 4.0 phonewill be sold online for $179.99 with a two-year contract, after a $100 mail-in rebate. You’ll be able to find the Electrify 2 in physical stores starting tomorrow.
The second offering is the rugged Motorola Defy XT, which comes with a dustproof, scratch- and water- resistant 3.7-inch Gorilla Glass display with 854 x 480 resolution. The Defy XT’s other features include a single-core 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM, 5MP rear camera with 720p camcorder, and 1,700mAh battery. Unlike the Electrify 2, the XT only comes with Android 2.3 Gingerbread on board.
The phone will go on sale on August 3, though U.S. Cellular is yet to share its price. It’s worth to mention that Republic Wireless is selling the Motorola Defy XT off-contract for $249.


Samsung lead lawyer explains decision to share rejected evidence, anger judge


Samsung lead lawyer explains decision to share rejected evidence, anger judge



Earlier today we showed you a few images that came directly from the U.S. Apple vs Samsung trial. Only they’re not allowed in court as evidence for Samsung, and since Samsung’s counsel can’t use them to defend against Apple claims, it decided to leak them to the media.
The decision angered Judge Lucy Koh, who is presiding over the case and who wanted to know exactly how this happened. And when a judge asks, you can only answer, which is what John Quinn, Samsung’s lead counsel did.
The attorney filled a personal declaration today in which he explained that he is the one that authorized the release of the Samsung evidence. Here are relevant fragments of his declaration – the entire document is available at the Source link at the end of this post.
On July 31, 2012, I approved and authorized the release of a brief statement—it was not a general press release—and proposed trial demonstrative exhibits. This followed multiple requests from members of the media seeking further explanation—including requesting the demonstrative exhibits at issue—as to the basis for Samsung’s claims, made in open court and in its public trial brief, that it had the right to present evidence that the iPhone was inspired by “Sony style” and that Samsung had independently created the design for the F700 phone—that was alleged in Apple’s opening statement to be an iPhone copy—in 2006, well before the announcement of the iPhone.
A true and correct copy of a sample of the press inquiries seeking precisely the information that was provided—including requesting the trial demonstrative exhibits at issue—is attached as Exhibit A.
Contrary to the representations Apple’s counsel made to this Court, Samsung did not issue a general press release and more importantly, did not violate any Court Order or any legal or ethical standards. These false representations by Apple’s counsel publicly and unfairly called my personal reputation into question and have resulted in media reports likewise falsely impugning me personally.
[…]
As this Court has acknowledged, this is a case with genuine and substantial commercial and public interest and with enormous potential commercial impact. The media has been reporting in salacious detail Apple’s allegations of Samsung’s supposed “copying”, causing injury to Samsung’s public reputation as a company. Moreover, Apple’s baseless and public assertions that Samsung’s transmission to the media of public information constituted contempt of court and that these actions were intended to pollute the jury were themselves glaring falsehoods, highlighting why Samsung has every right to defend itself in the public domain from unfair and malicious attacks.
Samsung’s brief statement and transmission of public materials in response to media inquiries was lawful, ethical, and fully consistent with the relevant California Rules of Professional Responsibility (incorporated by N.D. Cal. Civil Local Rule 11-4) and legal authorities regarding attorneys’ communications with the press. California Rule of Professional Responsibility 5-120(B)(2) specifically permits attorneys involved in litigation to disclose “information in a public record.” As shown above, all of the information disclosed was contained in public records.
As you can see, Quinn firmly believes that he was not wrong to share with the media evidence that’s not allowed in court but that already is part of the public record. The lawyer argues that Judge Koh decided that this trial would be open to the public and therefore the public needs to know what each party has to say. Furthermore, Quinn says the object of his actions was not to influence the jurors.
Now we’ll have to wait for Judge Koh to rule on the matter, and it will be interesting to see which party she will side with.