Caterpillar Cat B15 Waterproof Android Phone Announced

Caterpillar has announced its latest waterproof Android phone: Cat B15. If you want to know what features have been packed in the smartphone, let’s go on checking. The Cat B15 is a waterproof Android smartphone that measures 125 x 69.5 x 14.95mm and weights 170g. As we can see from the images, the Android phone features tough, rugged design, and meets IP67 rating, this means you can submerge the smartphone up to 1m for 30 minutes.

Moreover, the smartphone runs on Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean mobile operating system, and comes with a 1GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, 4-inch capacitive multitouch screen LCD display, a front-facing VGA webcam, and a 5-megapixel rear camera, moreover, other specs also include WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM radio, and microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB, apart from that, the smartphone is powered by 2000mAh rechargeable battery. The Cat B15 waterproof phone is priced at $349.99 USD. If you’re interested, jump to Caterpillar official site for more details.

Jolla Introduces First Sailfish OS Smartphone

When it comes to mobile operating systems, this particular market is starting to get a little bit more crowded than usual. First of all, let us list down the two major players where smartphones are concerned, and obviously iOS as well as Google’s Android would pop into your mind, and after that we have Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform that is closely followed by BlackBerrry 10 OS, and the featurephone market will see Symbian taking the chunk of the market share.

Does this mean that there is no longer any more room for innovation for the more ambitious around? The correct answer would be a resounding, “No!”, as Jolla from Finland recently announced their maiden attempt at a smartphone which is powered by their very own Sailfish mobile operating system. Some folks might have thought that the device was named “The Movement” as though it were to be a representation of a rapper or a wrestler, but that is besides the point.

As with any new hardware release or announcement, you can be sure that ordinary folks would flock to word of it, hoping to get more information on the important details such as the hardware located underneath the hood. We do know that the Jolla smartphone will come with a 4.5” display, powered by a dual-core processor, carries 16GB of internal memory, has 4G LTE connectivity for you to enjoy a blazing fast Internet connection no matter where you are (subject to signal availability, of course), and an 8-megapixel shooter for posterity.

Not only that, there is another feature known as the “Other Half”, where users are able to switch out the handset’s backplate. Jolla explained it this way, “Attach the Other Half and your Jolla becomes alive and unique. Magically, the software changes to match your selected colour and design.

Your Ambience. Your Jolla.” Basically, Jolla’s Salifish operating system is actually a reworked version of Nokia’s now defunct Meego OS, and Salifish OS will play nice with Android apps, now how about that? We should be able to see the Jolla handset hit Europe by the end of 2013, where it will carry a €399 price tag – so you might as well place your pre-order at the moment if you are interested. [Via]

LG Nexus 4 White Announced

LG has just announced that they have introduced yet another color variation of the LG Nexus 4 device, where this time around it would ditch the regular dark shades which tend to signify the business market segment. LG’s attempt this time has ended up with the LG Nexus 4 White, which so happens to be the latest edition of the popular smartphone that was specially developed in collaboration with Google. The LG Nexus 4 White would not trump the regular LG Nexus 4 when it comes to hardware specifications, as the only difference would be the added prestige that you carry a white color version of the smartphone.

In a nutshell, the LG Nexus 4 White would boast of a similar stellar Android experience as the original Nexus 4, where it will merge LG’s sophisticated hardware design as well as popular Google Services including Google Now and Photosphere, delivering a top notch and outstanding overall user experience. Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company, said, “Nexus 4 set the standard for Android 4.2 Jelly Bean smartphones. Nexus 4 White delivers the same Google experience to consumers in a stylish and attractive color option.”

Just to refresh our memories, you will not find the LG Nexus 4 end up obsolete so soon, as it will arrive with a superb 4.7-inch True HD IPS Plus display at 320ppi with 1,280 x 768 pixels resolution to deliver eye popping visuals, which has additional support by Zerogap Touch technology.

Right at the core of things would be the high performing Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor alongside 2GB RAM. Folks who are living in Hong Kong will be pleased to hear that from May 29th onwards, the LG Nexus 4 White will roll out globally in select markets in Asia, North America, Europe and the Middle East in the weeks to come. We do not expect pricing details to veer too far off the original Nexus 4 sticker price despite sporting a new color, though. [Via]

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom Announced

Samsung’s latest puppy to hit the market might have arrived at the wrong time, as it could very well have done a whole lot better if it were to be a trailblazer a couple of years ago. Having said that, let us not judge a particular device before using it, so here we are with the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom, where it will once again take advantage of the insanely popular Galaxy name of device.

Armed with a moniker like the Galaxy S4 Zoom, you can be dead sure that this particular smartphone is serious about the photography department, and we as end users are certainly more than happy to see features such as 10x optical zoom thrown into your everyday smartphone. Is it a phone? Is it a camera? I will leave its primary function to the owner of the Galaxy S4 Zoom, since he or she would know best what they are going to do with it.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom can be said to be the realization of Samsung’s dream to conjure a single device which is capable of playing the role of an industry leading smartphone in addition to being a high-end compact camera. I guess they have more or less achieved their ambition at the moment in the form of the Galaxy S4 Zoom, where it boasts of the aforementioned 10x optical zoom, and will be accompanied by a 16-megapixel CMOS Sensor, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Xenon flash, all running on the most recent Samsung Galaxy S4 technology in order to set new standards for perfect mobile photography for the others to follow.

There is the presence of an all new Zoom Ring which is said to make photography with the Galaxy S4 Zoom all the more natural, letting you shoot more often instead of spending time to go through the various control dials as found on a regular digital camera. Android 4.2 Jelly Bean would be the operating system of choice, although it remains to be seen just when the Galaxy S4 Zoom would be released, and for how much?  [Via]

Sony Xperia M and Xperia M Dual Announced

Sony Mobile has certainly come some way since they split up with Sony Ericsson, and the handsets which run on the Android operating system have proven themselves to be beautiful devices in their own right, and the functionality as well as user interface has improved by leaps and bounds.

I know what I am talking about, since I do own a Sony Ericsson LIVE Walkman smartphone, which still runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and when I compare it to other newer devices from Sony Mobile like the Sony Xperia Z, those totally blow me out of the water. Having said that, Sony Mobile has just announced the Sony Xperia M for the masses, and it will also come in a dual SIM model, where it is aptly known as the Sony Xperia M Dual.

The all new Xperia M is said to feature Sony’s innovative one-touch functions, delivering effortless connectivity in a signature premium design without breaking the bank, hopefully. The Xperia M is said to have been designed to bring Sony experiences to a new market and price point – particularly one that is a whole lot more affordable. Despite what the economic data reads, not everyone is in the pink of financial health, and we are always on the lookout to get the best bang for our hard earned buck.

One-touch buttons deliver NFC connectivity with the Xperia M, and for those of you who are always hankering about the poor battery life on your smartphone, you will be pleased to hear that there is a new Battery STAMINA Mode on the Xperia M which is touted to deliver outstanding battery life throughout the day, never mind that you are an intensive smartphone user.

Other hardware specifications include color-changing illuminations which can be personalized so that you have visual alerts to work with whenever you need to be in a quiet environment, a 4” FWVGA touchscreen display, and the smartphone will arrive in black, white and purple shades. There is no word on pricing, but it ought to hit the markets worldwide in the third quarter of the year. [Via]

Huawei Ascend P6 Android Phone Announced

Huawei has announced its latest flagship Android phone – Huawei Ascend P6. If you’re curious, let’s go on checking what features have been equipped in the 4.7-inch Android smartphone. Huawei Ascend P6 is a well-designed Android phone that measures only 6.18mm thin and weights just about 120g. The smartphone features ultra slim and lightweight design, and its brushed metallic body with naturally curved base makes it more stylish and elegant.

Moreover, the smartphone runs on Google Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean mobile operating system, and comes with their own 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, 4.7-inch HD in-cell LCD display with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution, 5-megapixel front-facing camera and 8-megapixel rear BSI camera with f2.0 aperture and 4cm macro view, additionally, other specs include Emotion UI, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 2000mAh rechargeable battery. Huawei Ascend P6 comes in black, white and pink with matching color cases, and will be available for €449 EURO (approx $586 USD), starting from June. If you’re interested, jump to Huawei official site for more details. [Via]

Kevo iPhone Operated Door Lock

We’ve seen a few attempts at smartphone activated door locks over the years, and it looks like the Kevo iPhone Operated Door Lock has all the necessary ingredients to become a household item. Like some of the products we’ve featured in the past, the Kevo was originally introduced on ABC’s The Shark Tank, and has since been picked up by the team at Kwikset.

Forget using normal keys ever again. Keep your iPhone in your pocket, walk up to the door, place your finger on the lock, and you’re in. The ring around the lock communicates with your iPhone via Bluetooth, and the blue ring will illuminate once you’re within range, changing to green once you’ve unlocked the door.

Other nifty features include a key fob, along with the option to send electronic keys to family and friends (that can later be deleted). Expect to see this thing land on the retail scene this summer with a price tag hovering around $250. [Via]

Volta Apple iPhone Sound Block

There’s really an endless number of options when it comes to sound amplifiers for your iPhone, but when you’re looking for a passive offering, few do it better than the Volta Sound Block. Amplifying your iPhone’s speaker without any chargers, electronics or Blue -Tooth, this sound block is a true work of art.

The block itself is crafted from Oregon sourced Northwest Alder, and has been paired (through the use of super strong Neodymium Magnets)with a fully adjustable bison horn. To ensure that your Apple device never sees a scratch, the designers at Volta Sound have also outfitted the block with wool lining from Pendleton Woolen Mills, and the included travel bag lets you enjoy passive amplified sound on the road.

Samsung ATIV Q Convertible Tablet Announced

As we had said, Samsung announced multiple new devices just yesterday, including Samsung ATIV Q, a hybrid tablet with both Windows 8 and Android. If you’re curios, let’s go on checking. Samsung ATIV Q is an innovative convertible tablet combines with Android tablet and Windows 8 tablet that measures 327.0 x 217.8 x 13.9mm thin and weights at 1.29kg.

The convertible tablet features both Windows 8 and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating systems in order to focus on entertainment and business, while the slidable keyboard brings you comfortable typing experience.

Moreover, Samsung ATIV Q comes with Intel Haswell Core i5 processor with Intel HD Graphics 4400, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 13.3-inch touchscreen LCD display with 3200 x 1800 pixels resolution, and 720p HD camera, apart from that, other specs also include USB 3.0 port, USB 2.0 port, HDMI, RJ45, and microSD card slot, and the rechargeable battery offers up to 9 hours of use time. Samsung hasn’t unveiled the detailed pricing and release date of ATIV Q convertible tablet until now. If you’re interested, jump to Samsung official site for more details.

Lenovo IdeaTab A3000 Android Tablet

We introduced Lenovo’s IdeaTab S6000 tablet two days ago, but if you need a more portable option, Lenovo IdeaTab A3000 Android tablet may be more suitable for you. Lenovo IdeaTab A3000 is a 7-inch Android tablet that measures 7.63 x 4.72 x 0.43 inches and weights 0.76 lbs.

The tablet runs on Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean mobile operating system, and comes with MediaTek 8125 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB LP-DDR2 RAM, 17GB eMMC internal storage, 7-inch multi-touch screen IPS display with 1024 x 600 pixels resolution, 0.3-megapixel front-facing webcam, and 5.0-megapixel rear autofocus camera.

Moreover, other specs also include WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, micro USB supporting USB-OTG, microSD card slot and 3500mAh rechargeable battery.Lenovo IdeaTab A3000 Android tablet is priced at $183.2 USD. If you’re interested, jump to Lenovo official site for more details. [Via]

Nexus 7 Tablet Announced

There are very few good, original movies these days. Most of what hits the silver screens are prequels as well as sequels of a particular franchise, and the audience continue to lap it up regardless. Well, I guess the same can be said of hardware, especially in the consumer electronics realm – narrowing it down to portable devices like smartphones and tablets. From the Samsung Galaxy S, we have seen it “grow” to end up at the Galaxy S4 at the moment, while the iPhone has ended up as the iPhone 5 till today, with whispers of an iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 on the way. The Asus-manufactured Nexus 7 tablet is no different, and it is all set to embrace a next generation model, simply known as the new Nexus 7.

Just what kind of hardware can you expect this sequel to carry? For starters, this 7” tablet is touted to boast of the highest resolution for a 7” tablet in the world – at 1,920 x 1,200 pixels on its 10-point touch IPS panel at 323ppi pixel density. Apart from that, a quad-core 1.5GHz S4 Pro Qualcomm processor would keep it chugging along nicely without any slowdown, where it is accompanied by an Adreno 320 GPU, 2GB RAM, and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean right out of the box. Should you wish to hook up the new Nexus 7, it can do so via NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11n connectivity, with the option of wireless charging capability thrown into the mix. In front lies a 1.2-megapixel shooter, while at the back there is a 5-megapixel camera.

Going on sale via Google’s online store in the US, expect the new Nexus 7 to hit other markets in due time. For those who were hoping that the next generation Nexus 7 tablets will arrive with the same price tags as before, you will be slightly disappointed. After all, better hardware does command a higher price point, does it not? Good thing Google and Asus have managed to keep overall costs relatively low still, where the 16GB model will retail for $229, which is $30 more expensive than its predecessor, but still a whole lot more affordable than the cheapest iPad mini. As for those who want to pick up the 32GB Nexus 7, you will have to fork out $269 for it. [Via]

HTC Butterfly S Android Phone Announced

Following HTC Desire 200, HTC announced another new Android phone – HTC Butterfly S. if you’re curious, let’s go on checking what features have been equipped in the smartphone. HTC Butterfly S is 5-inch Android smartphone that measures 144.5 x 70.5 x 10.6mm, and weights 160g.

The smartphone runs on Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean mobile operating system, and comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 1.9GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, 5-inch Full HD LCD display with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 440ppi, and Gorilla Glass 3, 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera and rear HTC UltraPixel camera with f/2.8 and 28mm lens, moreover, other specs include WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, DLNA, microSD card slot supporting up to 64GB, A-GPS with GLONASS, and BoomSound dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amps and an embedded 3200mAh rechargeable battery. Apart from that, the Android phone supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/1900/2100MHz network standards.

HTC Butterfly S Android phone comes in red, white and grey, and will be available first in Taiwan for NT$22900.

HTC Desire 200 Android Phone Announced

HTC has announced its latest Android phone – HTC Desire 200. If you’re looking for a budget friendly smartphone, HTC Desire 200 may be able to meet your requirements. HTC Desire 200 is an entry-level Android smartphone that measures 107.7 x 60.8 x 11.9mm and weights 100g.

The smartphone runs on Google Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich mobile operating system with HTC Sense, and comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal capacity, 3.5-inch HVGA display with 320 x 480 pixels resolution, and a 5-megapixel rear camera with fixed focus, f2.8 aperture and 34mm lens, moreover, other specs also include Beats Audio, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB, and A-GPS, apart from that, the

Android phone is powered by a removable 1230mAh rechargeable battery. HTC hasn’t unveiled the detailed pricing and release date of HTC Desire 200 Android phone at present. If you’re interested, jump to HTC official site for more details. [Via]

HTC Launches HTC One Mini

Every single company would do well to release a flagship device of their own – it is not only a matter of technological achievement, but one of pride as well. After all, what is the point of tooting your trumpet if you do not have a flagship that is capable of duking it out with the best of the rest out there? HTC knows that they have a winner with the HTC One on their hands in the recent past, where it has picked up mainly rave reviews from the masses as well as the press, but still, the HTC One was unable to help HTC deliver a stellar quarter when it comes to earnings.

Having said that, this has not stopped HTC from moving in the right direction, and they have just announced the HTC One mini, keeping in vein with the “mini me” theme that smartphone manufacturers, Samsung especially, just love to play with these days. The HTC One mini is said to be HTC’s ultimate 4.3” smartphone, after all, it does come with HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe and HTC BoomSound, all features that are available on their HTC One flagship, too.

The HTC One mini would continue in the same iconic design flow of the HTC One, where you will find that the 4.3” display is easy on the eyes, while a powerful dual-core 1.4 GHz processor helps run proceedings from underneath the hood. Not only that, it will also be powered by the most recent version of the Android operating system, where it will be accompanied by HTC Sense.

Coming in Glacial Silver and Stealth Black colors, the HTC One mini boasts of a striking aluminum unibody in a slim profile, looking premium regardless of which angle you’re starting it down from. Not only that, there is also HTC BoomSound, which is HTC’s dual frontal stereo speakers that deliver less distortion and finer detail, and headphone lovers will love the Beats Audio integration that delivers immersive audio to the next level. It remains to be seen just how much the HTC One mini will sell for, but it is tipped to arrive in select markets from August onwards, before a global rollout in September. [Via]

LG G2 Android Phone Announced

LG has officially announced its latest Android phone – LG G2. If you’re curious, let’s go on checking what features have been equipped in the smartphone as the successor to last-year LG Optimus G. LG G2 is LG’s latest flagship Android smartphone that measures 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm.

As we can see from the images, the smartphone features ultra narrow bezel design, and runs on Google Android 4.2.2 mobile operating system, and comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.26GHz quad-core processor, 2GB LPDDR3 RAM, 32GB internal storage, 5.2-inch Full HD IPS display with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 2.1-megapixel front facing camera and 13-megapixels rear camera with optical image stabilizer, 8x digital zoom, sapphire crystal glass lens and multi-point autofocus.

Moreover, the Android phone also has dual speakers, micro USB, GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS, 3000mAh rechargeable battery and more. Apart from that, LG G2 supports GSM/EDGE, HSPA+42Mbps/HSPA+21Mbps, and LTE networks.LG G2 Android phone comes in white and black, and will be available in over 130 wireless carriers in the next eight weeks. If you’re interested, jump to LG official site for more details. [Via]

Apple Marketing Head Says Samsung Made Job a Lot Harder

Apple's head of marketing, Phil Schiller, said Samsung's devices resembling the iPhone made it "much harder" to effectively distinguish between the two lines of products. Schiller spoke in front of a court hearing a retrial for damages Samsung allegedly owes Apple for design patent infringement.
Schiller went on to claim that Samsung's infringing products made customers "question our design skills in a way they never used to." These comments came on the fourth day of trial, following the decision in March removing over $450 million from the damages that originally totaled over $1.5 billion.
Responding to Samsung criticisms stating that even Apple adapted in the face of competition in the tablet market, Schiller said, "We were not trying to respond to competition… We were simply trying to make our product better."

Apple's "New" iPhone 5c Illusion

While most of the tech press seems to have been awed by Apple’s colorful "new" iPhone 5c, I’m not biting. It's definitely not cheap, it's made of plastic, and it's hardly new. But of course, this was all obfuscated by Apple’s usual dog and pony show.
I trust that most of you have already caught a ton of the news, previews, early reviews, and analysis concerning the new iPhones. So I’ll spare you the ad nauseam re-hash of the facts, and cut straight to the chase: this is an editorial opinion piece about Apple's “new” iPhone 5c.

It Sure Ain’t Cheap

While I’m not one to readily buy into rumors or the predictions of "analysts", the fact that Apple’s new base model iPhone 5c is about $50 more than even some of the highest estimates floated during the pre-launch hysteria, is pretty surprising. Then again, Apple never promised an entry-level iPhone, so we can't blame the company for that letdown. Instead, the speculators got it wrong again. What did we really expect? After all, Apple doesn't compete in the entry-level of...well, anything.

Regardless of what the forecasters led us to believe, the iPhone 5c is, nevertheless, one of the most lackluster reveals in Apple's history. To see just how absurd this “new” product truly is, you need recall last year's iPhone 5, and have a little background on Apple’s previous iPhone launches.

Past iPhone Lineups

Before last Tuesday, Apple only introduced one new model per year. When a fresh iPhone came out, the previous year's version dropped in price to become a mid-range offering. Meanwhile, the iPhone from two years ago fell another $100 to become the low-end model.

You can’t entirely fault Apple for this strategy because, at least from a capitalization standpoint, it's actually pretty brilliant. The company gets to concentrate on just one new smartphone each year. Early adopters pay a premium for the latest technology while it’s still new. By the time the next one comes out, the company has maximized its margins, paying for a lot of that R&D and manufacturing, and can continue utilizing its production line.

Incidentally, this is also why Apple products hold their value for so long. The previous two models aren’t technically old phones; they’re the current, lower-end models. Well, that’s the way it worked previous to last Tuesday, anyhow.

The New Order Of Things

Unfortunately for those who wanted to pick up last year’s iPhone 5 at a $100 discount this holiday season, Apple has altered the deal. This year, the company broke from tradition by introducing two “new” phones.

Root Galaxy S4 (Snapdragon 600/Exynos 5) on Android 4.3 without Warranty Void.

Samsung had upgraded both Exynos 5 octa-core and Snapdragon 600 quad-core (LTE) variants of Galaxy S4 bearing model numbers GT-I9500 and GT-I9505 respectively to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in November last year. Along with other notable features, the update brought with it Samsung Knox security feature.

Samsung

Guide to root Galaxy S4 I9500/I9505 on Android 4.3 without Knox warranty void.

XDA senior member, k1mu has now shared a root exploit, which works on a number of Android powered devices. It also supports the Galaxy S4 and does not void warranty but set the custom flags. Besides, the root exploit package installs su, SuperSU and other necessary support files to enable the root.

"This rooting process should work with a wide range of Android devices, particularly those running Linux Kernel before 3.5.5 (which most Android 4.3 ROMs use.) It's known to work for may GS4 variants and is harmless if it fails to work (no "Warranty Void" flags get set.), notes the developer. Head over to the development thread to learn more about the root release.

Galaxy S4 users who wish to root their devices using root exploit, may follow our step-by-step guide.


IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Users are advised to ensure their devices meet following set of requirements.


Pre-requisites.

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy S4 to connect the Android device with the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on phone to connect it with computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> About phone. Tap on Build Number several times until a message appears saying 'You are now a Developer.' Now enable USB Debugging Mode by navigating to Settings>> Developer Options.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP then backup data using the same.
 
4) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery while the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Galaxy S4 should have charge above 80% battery charge.

5) The Root Exploit package works only with Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 and GT-I9505. As applying this to any other variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings>> About device>> Model number.


How to root Galaxy S4 I9500/I9505 on Android 4.3 without tripping Knox

Step-1: Download Root Exploit for Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500/I9505
Download link: saferoot.zip 

Step-2: Extract the Root Exploit package using WinRAR/7-zip/WinZip or any other extracting tool

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy S4 to computer using USB cable

Step-4: On the computer, navigate to the extracted directory and double click install.bat file. A command prompt window will appear, which will detect your device and automatically run the scripts

Step-5: Follow the on-screen instructions. When the process is completed, the phone will reboot automatically
Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500/I9505 running Android 4.3 should now be rooted successfully. You may now install any app that requires root permission. Also, verify the root status of the phone by downloading Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Note: This procedure will not set the Knox warranty void flag. It will set the Custom flag, which is nothing g to worry about.

 

Apple engineer says OS X and iOS will not merge

For quite some time now, there have been whispers and even some indications, like the increased integration between iOS and Mac OS X, that the two would merge into a single operating system at some point down the line. However, if you ask one Apple engineer, that event is simply not on Apple’s calender.
Who better to common on, and pour cold water all over, the notion of OS X and iOS being melded into a single piece of software than Craig Federighi, who is Cupertino’s lead on software engineering. Here’s what he had to say when he spoke with Macworld:
“The reason OS X has a different interface than iOS isn’t because one came after the other or because this one’s old and this one’s new.”
But what about the fact that there has been some integration between iOS and OS X? For instance, with OS X Mavericks, which was released this past October, if you search for directions on your Mac or MacBook, you can actually forward them directly to your iPad or iPhone from the OS X Maps app. Federighi acknowledged that integrating the two will continue, but only where appropriate.

“You don’t want to say the Mac became less good at being a Mac because someone tried to turn it into iOS,” Federighi said. “So you’ll see them be the same where that makes sense, and you’ll see them be different in those things that are critical to their essence.”

LG G3 release date tipped for as early as May

Does it make sense for LG to launch the sequel to the LG G2 less than a full year after the flagship was announced? Probably not, but crazier things have happened in the mobile industry. Buzz out of Korea says LG could be targeting a May release (or at least announcement) for the LG G3, the name likely to be associated with the G2 successor.

Specifically, a date of May 17th is on the docket. Should we mark our calendars? History says not to hedge bets on rumored smartphone release dates so far in advance. Too much could happen between now and then to cause a shift in expected plans. That is, of course, assuming the report holds some shred of truth.

We agree it seems strange to launch a followup to the G2 in such close proximity to the the initial model’s release, but LG has the incentive to get a jump on the Samsung Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S5 looks to be the phone that the G3 will target as a direct competitor, and Samsung’s major smartphone announcement has typically occurred during the late spring/early summer (and looks to follow that pattern again this year).  If LG simply teases the phone or offers a full announcement while delaying actual commercial availability an additional month or two, it might be enough to steal some of Samsung’s thunder.

The report also reiterates specs that have previously been associated with the LG G3, including a 5.5-inch QHD display (2560 x 1440), LG Odin octa-core CPU, and 16MP camera. While these specs, like the release date, remain unconfirmed, they seem within the ballpark of reality. Still, take the whole thing with a but of skepticism.