Create Your Own Packages with Android Flashable Zip Creator
February 3, 2014 By: eagleeyetom
Imagine that you’re flashing the latest nightly of your favorite ROM. If you are performing a fresh install by wiping all of your data, this also means that you have to flash all of your modified system apps, user apps, modules, and so on. And if you’re doing this on a regular basis, all the wasted time really starts to add up. So what do you do? Do you manually install these apps again, or do you add them to your favorite ROM? One of the better solutions is to use Aroma Installer by XDA Recognized Developer amarullz. However, you normally need some experience to configure it properly.
A few days ago, we talked about a Windows-only tool to create flashable ZIP files. Now, it’s time to present yet another tool that can be used on every OS with Java installed. With Android Flashable Zip by XDA Senior Members Nikhil and RajatPatel, you can easily add apps, boot animations, ringtones, and much more to a flashable ZIP. And since the tool uses Aroma installer, you can pick and choose which apps you want installed when applying the ZIP.
Aside from requiring Java to be installed on your PC, tool currently only supports a few devices—namely the Samsung Galaxy R (i9103), Samsung Galaxy Nexus (maguro), LG Optimus 4X HD(p880), and Samsung Galaxy Note II (N7100). That said, the supported device list will surely increase in time. And even if your device is unsupported, you can always give it a try and report your findings in the thread. Just be prepared in the event that something does go wrong.
If you want to easily create AROMA-based flashable ZIPs, head over to the development thread and give Android Flashable Zip Creator a shot.
Backup Your EFS Partition with Easy to Use App
January 14, 2014 By: eagleeyetom
If you own a Samsung device, you have undoubtedly heard of the EFS partition. If you haven’t, let me explain. EFS is a partition where quite a bit of important radio data is stored. Without this data, you won’t be able to use your phone correctly. It’s extremely important to keep a local copy of your EFS partition, and we’ve already presented a Windows utility and application to backup the EFS partition on Samsung devices.
The two aforementioned utilities are not the only tools available to backup your EFS partition. Rather, XDA Senior Member ricky310711 created another application that gives users the option to backup or restore the EFS partition, as well as reboot your phone in four different modes.
With the appropriately titled Samsung Tool, you can hot-reboot your device, go to recovery, or enter mode. The application stores a copy of the EFS backup in the /data/media/SamsungToolfolder. But in future releases, we might see external SD card support. Samsung Tool works with many Samsung devices, but only Samsung Galaxy S II, Galaxy S III, Galaxy S 4, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy Note 10.1 are officially supported.
Hopefully, you won’t ever have to restore your EFS partition. However, it’s never a bad idea to make a backup copy. To learn more, make your way to the application thread and give this a shot.
Android 4.3 Rollout Begins for AT&T Galaxy Note II
December 17, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
We first saw official Android 4.3 appear on the international Galaxy Note II LTE N7105 back in the middle of November. Ever since then, it’s gradually been making its way over to other variants of the device such as the Sprint, T-Mobile, and finally the Verizon units. Now, the update has begun rolling out to the AT&T variant of the Galaxy Note II, and it’s about time.
The update in the form of a 696 MB OTA update to I317UCUBMK6 from the previous I317UCAMH3 build. It brings various new additions such as improvements to Multi-Window, a better camera app, “easy mode,” Galaxy Gear compatibility, and Samsung KNOX.
Key additions in the latest update, as reported by Samsung:
Software update includes:
- Android 4.3 OS upgrade
- Samsung Galaxy Gear compatibility
- Premium Suite Features
- PEN.UP
- Group Play 2.5
- Multi-Window (Note 3 Version)
- Camera – Shot & Sound
- Group Messaging
- Samsung Link (Preload)
- New Easy Mode
- Samsung Apps
- Knox
The update is rolling out to devices gradually, and it appears to not yet be available through Kies. However, we’ll update this post as soon as the OTA is mirrored.
Have you updated your AT&T Galaxy Note II to 4.3? If so, what are your experiences? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to visit XDA Senior Member wilsonhuang‘s threaddetailing his experiences with the update.
[Source: Samsung | Via AndroidPolice]
Verizon Wireless Samsung Galaxy Note ll Gets Android 4.3
December 12, 2013 By: wildstang83
We have seen a few modern Samsung devices receive firmware updates recently. Looking back to November, we brought news that the Samsung Galaxy Note II N7105 was in the process of receiving the Android 4.3 update. The Samsung Galaxy Note ll (i605) from Verizon Wireless is certain not to be left out in this recent batch of Android 4.3 updates.
The update for the Samsung Galaxy Note ll i605 brings the device up from the previous version (Android 4.1.2 – VRAMC3) to version Android 4.3 - VRUEMJ9. Along with bumping up the Android version, a few new features and bug fixes have been included. One notable feature is easy access to Blocking mode, which Samsung had previously hidden from the settings menu.
Verizon has not yet officially begun pushing the update to all i605 owners, but they do appear to be conducting a splash test. It was through this splash test XDA Senior Member kwhodson received the update and was able to capture it. He pulled the files from his device and provided them to XDA Recognized Contributor beanstown106, who then converted the update into a flashable ROM.
While the ROM can be flashed normally, the update does include new firmware that must be flashed through Odin in order to insure that WiFi works. Head on over to the development thread for more info and to check out the ROM.
T-Mobile Galaxy Note II Receives Android 4.3, Grab it Now!
December 10, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
To a certain extent, the T-Mobile Galaxy Note II has been living in the shadows of its peers. After all, the first time we saw Android 4.3 appear for the international model was nearly two months ago in the form of a leaked firmware update. Then about a month later, we saw the international model receive its official Android 4.3 update. That was also right around the same time that the Sprint variant received its update. And let’s not forget that the HTC One and Moto X have already received their official Android 4.4 updates—though that should be the case for the Note II by April.
Now, XDA Forum Member fatesealer has let us know that the update has begun rolling out to T-Mobile-branded Galaxy Note II devices. While not quite everyone has received the OTA just yet, it can be manually installed through Samsung Kies. And for those who’d rather install it manually, XDA Senior Member deeznutz1977 has mirrored the update, and Senior Member kozmo21 has extracted and posted the modem and kernel files as well.
Justifying the rather large 614 MB update, it seems to bring decent number of changes. As stated by Senior Member Asquared:
Pros:1. Webpages are loading a lot faster now; not sure if due to cache, quicker LTE, or what.
2. Applications also appear to be loading a bit faster.
3. I like the slightly different presentation of the Notification Bar at the top of the page.
4. Under my Task Manager, there’s a new option in the toolbar called “Clear default / Launch by default” which apparently let’s you designate and control which default apps to use when performing certain actions (eg. when making a phone call, you can establish the standard Phone app to do so, versus, say, Skype; or the standard Internet browser versus Chrome).Cons:1. According to my Task Manager app, SOMETHING or things are now taking up a bigger chunk of my onboard System Storage. System storage usage went from around 2.5 to 3GB to 7.10GB (out of 16.00GB). When I checked with File Manager, I noticed under /storage a new folder called “emulated”, with two subfolders called “/storage/emulated/0″ and “/storage/emulated/legacy” that appear to be some type of backups of my previous Android environment.
2. Android 4.3 appears to be taking about 250MB more RAM space on my Note II, as compared to the previous version
Have you updated your Note II to 4.3 yet? If so, let us know what you think in the comments below!
[Thanks to XDA Senior Member hasbrobot for the screenshot!]
Android 4.3 Pushed to Sprint Galaxy Note II, Update Captured
November 23, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
A few days ago, we covered the release of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for the international Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE N7105. We immediately began to wonder when 4.3 update would make its way to some of the more popular carrier-branded variants.
Now, it appears as if that time is here, as Sprint has begun the Android 4.3 rollout for the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note II. As this appears to be a staged rollout, not everyone will see the update when checking manually. However, XDA Senior Member npesa92 was gracious enough to pull the update from his /cache folder and upload it for everyone to enjoy.
The update comes in at version LP900VPUBMK4, and it is in the form of an incremental update from the previous LP900VPUBMC2 build. And as you may gather from the build version, this will only work on the Sprint-branded Galaxy Note II (SPH-L900). And naturally, you must be on stock firmware and recovery to flash this.
To get in on the update action a bit early, head over to the original thread.
[Many thanks to XDA Senior Moderator kennyglass123 for the tip. Image courtesy of XDA Senior Member dallastx.]
Leaked Samsung Memo Points to January KitKat Release for Galaxy S 4 and Note 3, S III and Note II by April
November 22, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
When Google released Android 4.4 KitKat 23 days ago, we all knew that it would be quite some time before most users would have the chance to play with the OS on their own devices. Sure, the Google Nexus 5 launched with the OS, but what about those with older phones? Thankfully, the update news has been gradually coming through, with most manufacturers giving timetables as to when the the updates will come. Then there’s Motorola, which has gone above and beyond by actually starting the rollouts on certain variants of the Moto X.
Unfortunately, Samsung has yet to officially state when their Galaxy line up will receive the KitKat goods. Moreover, they haven’t even said which devices will receive updates. But now thanks to a leaked internal memo, it looks like the updates are at least in the works. Naturally, the company’s new flagships (the Galaxy S 4 and the Note 3) will receive the updates first. This leaked memo states an anticipated January 2014 date. Next up are the Galaxy S III andNote II, which should receive the goods between March and April.
While the update won’t be here in time for the Holiday season, at least we now know that it’s (probably) coming relatively soon. Are you pleased with Samsung’s update schedule, or are you disappointed that the updates are lagging far behind Good Guy Moto? Let us know in the comments below!
[Source: ITechAddict | via PocketNow]
Galaxy Note II N7105 Receives Official Android 4.3, Update Pulled for S III and AT&T S 4
November 19, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
Samsung has had a relatively good track record as of late for providing (relatively) timely Android firmware updates. Most relatively recent flagship-level Samsung devices have already received official updates to the final version of Jelly Bean (Android 4.3), and this is no small feat considering the level of customization in their TouchWiz UI.
New to the 4.3 party, the the iconic Galaxy Note II LTE N7105 now has an official Android 4.3 update of its own. And for those keeping track, this comes a few weeks after the leaked 4.3 XXUEMJ5 build for the N7100, which has now since been superseded by the XXUEMK4 update. Originally intended for Nordic countries, this new build for the N7105 comes in at version XXUEMK5. While it is available via OTA and Kies, you can also install the update manually.
However, not all is well in Samsung 4.3 land. Namely, the official updates for the internationalGalaxy S III I9300 and AT&T variant of the Galaxy S 4 I337 are being temporarily suspended. Those who care to rewind a few weeks will remember the official 4.3 build for the S III is the same firmware that was previously leaked almost three weeks ago.
The causes for the update pull on the S III include wake up lag, random freezing, battery drain, Bluetooth audio issues, stuttering music playback, freezes, poor multitasking, and WiFi issues. Basically, what can go wrong, has gone wrong. On the other hand, there is no official word as to why the update was pulled on the AT&T variant of the S 4, but we can only assume that the device is facing similar issues.
If you’re an S III owner who has already installed the update, what have your experiences been like so far? Let us know in the comments below.
Galaxy Note II MultiTool Brings Plethora of Tweaking Options
October 29, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
If you’ve ever longed for a multipurpose toolkit that does it all on theSamsung Galaxy Note II, a new offering from XDA Recognized Contributor dr.ketan may be exactly what you’re after. OK, so the toolkit won’t do everything, but it should be enough to get most new users started and well on their journey towards device customization.
The toolkit comes in the form of an AROMA installer package. As you would expect, you run the toolkit by “flashing” it from your custom recovery as you would flash any other update. Once in the utility, there is a menu of 17 functions, with over 300 possible choices available.
Currently, the toolkit allows you to root the device, install busybox, backup and restore your EFS partition, change your recovery/kernel/modem, backup and restore system apps and framework, remove bloatware, bypass lock screen security, clean your device, and more. And within each general category, there are various selections to make. For example, when choosing to flash a recovery, a selection of different recovery options are available. The same goes for kernels, and so on.
There are versions for both the N7100 and N7105, so be sure to pick the right one for your model. To get started, head over to the appropriate thread for your device below:
[Many thanks to reader David Yountz for the humorously creative tip!]
Android 4.3 (XXUEMJ5) Firmware Leaks for the Galaxy Note II
October 27, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
We recently brought you news that the Android 4.3 (XXUEMJ5) update was rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy S 4. We knew that it wouldn’t be long before the update love was spread to Samsung’s older devices. While it’s not yet here in official capacity, it is available in leaked form for the Galaxy Note II.
XDA Recognized Developer Faryaab has posted the leak to our forums, courtesy of Sammobile, along with simple instructions on how to get it up and running on your device. The build is intended for the international Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100), and it brings many new features that were previously seen on the Galaxy S 4 and Galaxy Note 3, such as Samsung Wallet. As expected, this release brings Knox to the previously Knox-free device.
Keep in mind that there may be various bugs and instabilities due to the fact that this is pre-release software. However, installing this will not increase your binary counter, so those worried about future warranty support shouldn’t worry too hard.
Head over to the firmware thread to get in on the leaked action.
AOSP Lock Screen on Certain TouchWiz Devices with Xposed
October 26, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
It’s no secret that Samsung has seen incredible success with its Galaxy line of Android phones. In fact, the company’s profitability makes up such a large slice of the Android pie, that the Android ecosystem is quickly turning into the Samsung ecosystem. While much of Samsung’s success is due to their heavy marketing presence, the rest is down to the various innovations found in their products and how they cater well towards their users. That said, not everything is perfect for every user with Samsung’s offerings. And to the many who prefer vanilla Android, TouchWiz is a drawback rather than an asset.
Sure, you can wipe your default firmware and install a custom, AOSP-based ROM on your device. In fact, that’s what a good number of us do when installing source-built ROMs such as Paranoid Android, Omni, and PACRom. However, we don’t always want to leave behind the value-added OEM software. Instead, we can get back the look and feel of stock Android, while keeping the default ROM and OEM apps alive.
XDA Senior Member MohammadAG has created a simple modification that allows you to get back the AOSP lock screen on your TouchWiz device. While this mod was originally developed for the Samsung Galaxy Note II, it should also work on the Galaxy S II and Galaxy S III.
Since this is an Xposed module, you will need to have XDA Recognized Developer rovo89‘s Xposed Framework (thread) installed. After that, you simply activate the module, reboot, and enjoy your AOSP lock screen.
Make your way over to the module thread to get started.
Customize S Pen and Camera Sounds on the Note II and 3
October 18, 2013 By: TK
The Samsung Galaxy Note line of devices has given us many reasons to want a stylus on our phones. While you can customize the functions of the S Pen on the Note 3, the sound that the device makes when you take the pen out is not customizable from the system settings. The same goes for the Camera app.
XDA Recognized Contributor kevinrocksman brings us an easy way to modify the Note II and Note 3′s S Pen and Camera sounds to our hearts’ content. Before starting, you must be rooted and have a custom recovery installed.
The modification comes in the form of an AROMA-based recovery-flashable zip, in which the sounds are included. Due to the use of AROMA installer, installation is easy, and the installer walks you through the selection of sounds selection. And if you decide the modification isn’t for you, it even allows you to go back to the stock sounds.
Galaxy Note 3 Features on the Galaxy Note II
October 15, 2013 By: Will Verduzco
Even with its successor already in the wild, the aging Samsung Galaxy Note II is still a fantastic phone. The powerhouse features a large, high-resolution display, plenty of RAM and internal memory, and a processor that is still quite speedy. That said, the newly releasedGalaxy Note 3 improves upon the original Note and Note II in practically every way. However, not everyone will notice or appreciate the increase in CPU speed, RAM, and resolution. Rather, many would prefer to simply have some of the Note 3 software features on the Note II.
This is now possible, thanks to XDA Senior Members titooo7, ravijiani, slink_59, and Arsaw (as well as a team of others listed in the thread’s OP). Using the leaked 4.3 ROM (MI6) as a base, titooo7 managed to get many of the new Note 3 features on the older Note II.
So what works? Quite a bit. Some of the major features are Air Command, the Gallery app, the launcher app, S Note, Sketchbook, S Planner, and more. Titooo7 believes that more work must be done to remove unnecessary files. Despite these concerns, this mod (now in its third revision) seems quite functional.
Make your way over to the modification thread to get started.
[Thanks to pakure for the tip!]
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