A couple of weeks ago, Dan Rosenberg announced that he had unlocked the bootloader of the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4, but that he wouldn’t release his method until Verizon’s variant was also out in case they tried to patch it. With Big Red’s version arriving on doorsteps of pre-orderees, Dan had a chance to test his method thanks to a “helpful tester” and came out successful. According to a Tweet sent by Dan this morning, he successfully booted a custom recovery onto the Verizon version of the device and that he is looking forward to a release. 

Should your Galaxy S4 arrive in the coming days, or you decide to pop into a Big Red store to pick one up, be on the lookout for this method. We’ll be sure to pass it along the minute it becomes public, as there is no telling how long it’ll take for Verizon to issue a patch.

Take us away Diddy, “Can’t nobody take my pride, can’t nobody hold me down, ohhhh no, I got to keep on rootin’!”

Via:  @djrbliss

Cheers Mark!

Dan Rosenberg Appears to Have Conquered Verizon’s Galaxy S4 Bootloader, Boots Custom Recovery is a post from: Droid Life

Did you happen to lose root or still have not yet rooted after updating the Galaxy Note 2 on Verizon to build VRAMC3? Developers released an updated rooting method for the device over the weekend, easily working its way around VZW’s OTA patch. Running the program is extremely simple as it is completely automated and just takes a couple of clicks if you are running Windows 7. It is also available for Windows 8, Linux and Mac users, so it should be a fun and easy process. 

You will need Java installed on your computer and a completely stock device. If you are ready to get your root on, head on over to the thread to download the needed file.

Via: XDA

Cheers Lakers1moretime!

Rooting Method Updated for Verizon Galaxy Note 2 After VRAMC3 Update is a post from: Droid Life

The first alpha builds for Paranoid Android that have the new HALO feature baked in have been out for a week now, but one thing they seriously lacked was the ability to handle multiple notifications. Well, it appears the addition of this feature is just about ready for launch and have been previewed in a new video found on YouTube. 

HALO allows users to access any system app notification while inside another app. No more backing out of apps to view notifications and reply to friend’s messages. Everything is handled through HALO. Once this is launched, multiple notifications will be handled with an easy swipe of your finger. Watch the video and then stand up and clap for the developers of PA. This feature looks slick.

All I can say is, I want it right now.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers JetBlue!

Video: Preview of Paranoid Android’s HALO With Multiple Notification Support is a post from: Droid Life

Owners of the unlocked GSM variant of the HTC One (that means it’s not locked to a carrier) can start flashing some CyanogenMod hotness. Official nightly builds are beginning to hit servers on the web, so start prepping that device. CyanogenMod will bring vanilla Android 4.2.2 with a hefty ton of customizations such as navigation bar tweaks, notification bar tweaks, and the list could go on forever. 

If you are sporting an unlocked HTC One, you can download the builds as soon as they hit servers here.

Via: XDA

Cheers Darshan Shah!

CyanongenMod Nightlies Popping Up for HTC One GSM Variant, Oh Sweet Vanilla is a post from: Droid Life

Over the weekend, the first alpha builds of the 3.50 Paranoid Android ROM hit the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7. Starting today, all of you Galaxy Nexus owners can get in on the fun too. What makes Paranoid Android so special is that it features the fancy new Halo feature, something we have been chatting about for the past week. With Halo, you can have a system-wide Chat Head-like feature for your most recent notification. It’s new, sexy, and very cool. 

To download the build, follow the via link to XDA down below. Be on the lookout for a hands-on video with Halo sometime later today.

Via: XDA

Cheers Will, Jeremy, and Mike!

Builds of Paranoid Android 3.50 Now Up for Verizon “toro” Galaxy Nexus is a post from: Droid Life

The HALO feature for Paranoid Android ROM is now available in to owners of the Nexus 4 (mak0). This first build with HALO should be considered an “alpha” or really early build, but will at least give you a chance to play around with what should be considered one of the most groundbreaking ROM features we have seen in some time. 

For those who missed our coverage of HALO, think of it as the ultimate multi-tasking add-on, in that it takes notifications and apps, and allows you to access them via floating icon that can be moved to any location on your screen. In a way, it takes Facebook’s Chat Heads concept and pushes it to the limit.

The video below shows off its power.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ll see builds for the Nexus 7 next, followed by the Galaxy Nexus.

Download Links:  Nexus 4 ROM | Nexus 7 ROM | Google Apps

Update:  Nexus 7 ROM now available.

Via:  +Paranoid Android

Cheers Mitchell!

First Builds of Paranoid Android With Alpha HALO Feature Rolling Out (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

Last night, Wil Wheaton broadcast to the world through Google+ that he was struggling to fully root his HTC One. He was able to unlock the bootloader (likely through HTCDev), but them found the entire process of putting a recovery or rooting it to be quite difficult. He eventually gave up, leaving for the night after five hours of work with some parting words about how much he loves his “GNEX” and despises the UI of the One. So what happened after he ran off to bed? Koush came to the rescue. 

With the release of Wil Wheaton Recovery, anyone (including Wil) can root the AT&T or T-Mobile versions of the HTC One. All you need to do to get the process going is to flash this new Wil Wheaton recovery.img in fastboot, boot into the new recovery, and then reboot to Android from the new Wil Wheaton Recovery, where it will ask you to root the device. Tap “Yes” when prompted, and you will be rooted.

It doesn’t look like Wil is awake yet, so we’ll try to update this post with his much-anticipated response.

Via:  +Koush | +Wil Wheaton

Cheers Matt!

Wil Wheaton Struggles to Root His HTC One – Koush Does It Instead, Names Recovery After Him is a post from: Droid Life

Dan Rosenberg (@djrbliss) posted a teaser photo this morning of his success at cracking the bootloader on the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. The initial reaction by most was, “When will the method be released to the public?!?” After a minimal wait, the answer has been given and is quite obvious if you think about it. Dan is waiting for Verizon to release their version of the Galaxy S4 at the end of May. Why would he do that, you ask? 

For one, there is no guarantee that his method will work on Big Red’s version of the Galaxy S4. But more importantly, if it does, he doesn’t want Verizon and their security personnel to have a chance to patch his exploit before release. If he were to release this phone now, Samsung and Verizon would have plenty of time to work on a patch, then making it even more difficult for users who buy the device to ever unlock it.

Here is the quick Q&A he went through over at XDA this afternoon:

Is that the AT&T-branded Galaxy S4?
Yes. It wouldn’t be very interesting otherwise. 

Does this allow you to run custom kernels and recoveries?
Yes.

When will this be released?
I will not be publishing anything at least until the Verizon-branded Galaxy S4 begins shipping (late May).

Does that mean it will work on the Verizon model?
It is highly likely this will also work on the Verizon model, but since I don’t have one I’m unable to test at this time.

Will bothering me result in an early release?
No.

Is this the result of a leak?
No. I would not associate myself with the publication of confidential materials that are proprietary to these companies, regardless of the fact that I disagree with their policies on device openness. Plus, where’s the fun in that?

What about the bounty?
Feel free to wait until I publish and decide for yourself if it meets your criteria. As always, I prefer any donations go to a reputable charity organization instead of me, but I won’t refuse if you insist on throwing money at my PayPal (http://goo.gl/zBGb0).

Is it safe to install OTA updates?
If you are interested in taking advantage of this release, it is recommended that you avoid installing OTA updates until it is published. Please be aware that refraining from installing updates may prevent you from receiving security and stability fixes for your device, and consider whether this is a risk you are willing to accept.

I can’t help but admit that this whole situation is extremely amusing. The thought of Verizon sitting around for the next month trying to figure out the bootloader unlock method of Dan’s is quite entertaining. Will they patch it before the device is in our hands? We’ll see.

Via:  XDA

Galaxy S4 Bootloader Unlock Not Available Until Verizon’s Version is Released is a post from: Droid Life

Development for the Galaxy S4 is taking off by leaps and bounds now that the device is landing in the hands of developers. And you know it’s going to be a good time when the founder of CyanogenMod, Steve Kondik takes to Google+ to show off Samsung’s newest flagship running a build of his custom firmware. Along with his post, he says, “Definitely not supporting the S4.” Oh, that guy sure has some knee slappers. 

Now that the device is shown running CyanogenMod, at least on this T-Mobile variant , have you decided whether you are picking one up? Unlocks could possibly be coming soon to other carrier versions of the device as we this morning, so development seems to be going swimmingly for this phone. Or was the locked bootloader on some versions even deterring you from buying one?

Via: +Steve Kondik

Cheers Willimus!

Steve “Cyanogen” Kondik Shows Off CM 10.1 Loaded Up on Galaxy S4 is a post from: Droid Life

Two days ago, word of a locked bootloader on Samsung’s new Galaxy S4 spread across this vast internet thanks to Steve “Cyanogen” Kondik. The outrage poured in, as we have come to expect. Carriers hate us. Well, at least that’s how we perceive these direct attempts at keeping us from doing as we please with a product we paid good money for. We’re sure they have sold or lobbied to the FCC or any number of government agencies on the fact that custom software and unlocked bootloaders will blow up their networks and ruin the experience for everyone, something they likely have no proof for. But, that’s where we stand! 

Thankfully, we have security specialists like Dan Rosenberg in the community who are willing to donate their time to righting the cause. You may know Dan from his work with Motorola devices (unlocking bootloaders) and his recent root exploit for almost all of the Galaxy S4 variants. In a Tweet sent out this morning, he appears to be showing proof that he has unlocked or at least hacked the bootloader of the Galaxy S4. We’ve been told that this method of his will work on “all locked versions” of the device.

No word yet on if Dan plans to release a tool to unlock these devices or if he’s just showing off. If his past work is anything to go on, I’d say we may see something before long.

Via:  @djrbliss

Dan Rosenberg Appears to Have Hacked the Bootloader on the Galaxy S4 is a post from: Droid Life

Details are still scarce as to what exactly is going on, but there are plenty of teasers on Google+ and YouTube taking place, showing proof of concept for a new “multi-window” feature that is to be baked into the Paranoid Android ROM. Please allow me to try and explain. Imagine a Chat Heads-like function for every application on your device. That is what they are working on. 

From what they have said on their G+ page, this will be a marriage (that’s what we’re calling it) between multi-windows and Chat Heads, allowing users to access apps/messages while they are doing anything else on their device. For example, if you are playing a game that takes up your full screen, then get a message on Gtalk, a window will pop up allowing you full control over Gtalk while still inside your game. This functionality will work for any app on your phone. Facebook, Skype, uploading photos to Dropbox, or anything else you might need to do on your phone.

If this sounds exciting to you (it certainly should), you can expect alpha builds to start popping up for Nexus devices within the next couple of days according to the video’s uploader on YouTube. In the mean time, below is a video showing off the initial concept, but how it actually works and looks will be different according to the uploader. Once builds go up, we will link you to them.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: +Paranoid Android

Cheers Chris and everyone else who sent this in!

Paranoid Android to Introduce New Multi-Windowing Chat Head-like Feature in Upcoming Alpha Build is a post from: Droid Life

According to Steve “Cyanogen” Kondik, the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a locked bootloader. Samsung has typically been pretty open to the developer community over the years outside of their devices on Verizon, so this comes as a bit of a surprise. However, times appear to be changing for the worse with carriers if AT&T is jumping on board to authenticate “recovery and boot images before executing them” on their flagship phones. More often than not as of late, we have seen carrier-tied devices come with an extra layer of protection to keep ROM flashers and tinkerers from actually owning their devices.

It’s anyone’s guess as to why they’d take this approach, but if you ask them they’ll likely throw out some garbage about someone with a rooted device, running custom software potentially ruining the network experience for others.

Here is what Steve had to say on Google+ this evening:

Yep, it’s confirmed. The AT&T S4 authenticates the recovery and boot images before executing them.

I can’t see what AT&T has to possibly gain from this. GSM and LTE aren’t magical, tethering is controllable on the server side, and theft-of-services is not possible from the application processor side (or even from the modem side as far as I know). The same device is available on every carrier, so it’s not an exclusivity issue either. The modem processor has always been locked, and the casual user doesn’t want to mess with that part anyway. Samsung has always been developer-friendly, so I am guessing their hand was forced.

The only outcome I see here is stacks of bricked devices being sent back for warranty replacement due to the ease of causing a permanent boot failure, especially since the device is trivially rootable.

The arms race continues. News flash: MILLIONS of people run custom firmware (and I have the STATS to prove it). This is just a stupid move that will cost you customers and money.

I would not recommend buying this device on AT&T if you want to run CyanogenMod or another custom ROM, or if you are a developer and need to work with or debug the lower layers.

The big takeaway here is his recommendation to not buy this device on AT&T. In fact, the only way to get carriers to stop this nonsense, is to speak with your wallet. If your carrier in particular is going to prevent you from using devices to the fullest, then don’t buy them and leave, otherwise this isn’t going to stop. You are starting to have other options, thanks to companies like HTC who released developer and unlocked editions of the One that work beautifully with AT&T’s LTE network, yet do not come with any of the drawbacks you would see should they be tied to the carrier.

And we have no confirmation on this, but I’d be willing to bet that the Verizon version of this phone will see the same fate. Both the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 on Big Red were locked down from the beginning before being unlocked by developers, so keep that in mind as we approach the currently penciled in May 30 launch.

Here’s to hoping that developers have some luck with Samsung’s newest phone.

Via:  +Steve Kondik

AT&T Galaxy S4 has a Locked Bootloader. is a post from: Droid Life

From the same man that unlocked Motorola’s bootloaders, instructions are now up for Galaxy S4 owners to gain root access using the same method. If you have a U.S. S4 variant, powered by a Snapdragon processor, then this exploit should work just fine for you. 

The process couldn’t be any easier, requiring users to simply download a zip file and then pressing a couple of buttons. If you were looking for root on that new Galaxy S4 of yours, this is the way to go.

Instructions:

1. Extract the entire contents of the zip file.
2. If you are using Windows, ensure you have installed the latest Samsung USB drivers available for your phone.
3. Ensure USB Debugging mode is enabled on your device.
4. Connect your device to your PC via USB.
5. If you are using Windows, navigate to the extracted directory and execute “run.bat”. If you are using Linux or OS X, navigate to the extracted directory in a terminal and execute “./run.sh”.
6. Approve the ADB connection from your PC on your device.

Download: http://vulnfactory.org/public/motochopper.zip

If you have any questions or issues, head on over to the XDA thread for your troubleshooting needs.

Via: XDA

Root Exploit Published for Samsung Galaxy S4 Devices Powered By Snapdragon Chips is a post from: Droid Life

I will admit, it is nice to start talking about custom ROMs for Motorola devices again. After a breakthrough on the unlocking of Moto bootloaders, developers have been hard at work to bring their ROMs to a new line of devices. Today, we are featuring RageHD for the DROID RAZR HD on Verizon, developed by BigDaddyHicks and his team. 

This ROM looks to bring a smoother experience to users, with a de-bloated (thank goodness) and zipaligned system, you will be flying though apps. PIE controls have been added for an extra-classy way to control your device, Goo Manager has been installed for easy updates, plus battery tweaks were performed to increase your device’s daily lifespan.

To top it off, there is already a theme available for the ROM called Metallic Blue which is shown above. Pretty snazzy looking.

Features:

• Deodexed
• Debloated
• Zipaligned
• Pre-Rooted
• Adb Insecured
• Adrenaline V3 Boost (Thanks to ImbaWind)
• Loopy Smoothness (Scrolling Smoothness Tweak)
• Full Init.d Support
• PIE Controls (LMT Launcher)
• DSP Manager
• Goo Manager Updates
• Amazing Battery Saving Tweaks
• Tons Of Awesome build.prop Tweaks

To download and install, you will need your bootloader unlocked and a custom recovery installed. If you need to do that still, look here on this post. If you are already unlocked and ready to rock, follow the via link below.

Via: DROIDRZR

Cheers MichaelFranz!

Custom ROM Friday: RageHD for the Motorola DROID RAZR HD is a post from: Droid Life

If your Android device is rooted, but you don’t have time or the energy it takes to flash a custom ROM, then check out SoftKeyZ. With this application, it allows the easy changing of navigation buttons, without the need of a custom ROM. No more middleman! 

The app costs $2 on Google Play, while coming full with a large set of different buttons to choose from. There are text buttons, the buttons found on the HTC First, and also different colors for each one. It’s fancy, so go check it out.

Play Link ($1.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cheers Open1Your1Eyes0!

SoftKeyZ Allows Rooted Users to Easily Change Their Navigation Buttons is a post from: Droid Life