This morning, Google announced the availability of Google Wallet for new Android devices. The newly approved devices are Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 2, along with the HTC One on Sprint. US Cellular also got some love, as their Galaxy S4 is also now compatible with the mobile wallet service. 

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. 

Looks like a mystery update is being sent out from Verizon to owners of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The new build number is I605VRAMC3, but without Verizon posting an updated PDF with the changes, it’s hard to tell what’s new. If you spot something right off the bat, let us know.

Update:  The support PDF has updated and it’s massive. The big change is that the Galaxy Note 2 is now running Android 4.1.2, but you’ll see that a nice list of apps have been updated to support Multi Window on the device. The update also includes support for Isis Mobile Wallet,  fixes alarm clock issues, and added notification panel editing menu in Display Settings. Check below for the full details.

The update is 246MB in size. 

Welcome to Custom ROM Friday. Today, we are featuring CleanROM for the Galaxy Note 2 from developer scrosler. There is only so many ways to describe a custom ROM, so who better to sum up their work than the developer themselves? Here is the basic idea behind the ROM - “CleanROM is targeted to the towards the user that wants a stock ROM experience with the ability to choose the features and functions they want, demand performance and expect stability!” 

Our coverage of the HTC One continues on with a comparison of the device to many of the popular phones on the market today. Unfortunately, since the Samsung Galaxy S4 is not yet available, we had to go with the Galaxy S3, Note 2, Nexus 4, RAZR MAXX HD, and ol’ reliable, Galaxy Nexus. In this clip, you’ll see size comparisons, my thoughts on the different build materials, overall feel, and having to deal with carrying around a metal phone after years of plastic in my pocket. 

Facebook Home is official and launching April to the Google Play store. Device compatibility is limited for now, as Facebook has worked to make the experience as polished as can be. The first run of devices includes the HTC One and One X. From Samsung we’ll see compatibility for the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy Note 2. Other devices will come down the road.

Tablet support is also coming, but not for a few of months. 

Rooting is becoming less of a necessity for Android phones and more of a luxury for those who want to tinker a little bit more. For those Galaxy Note 2 users out there looking to get their feet wet with unlocking their device, a new one-click method has been published that will get you started with no fuss. 

According to a Samsung insider, the OEM is currently making plans to upgrade certain devices to the upcoming Android 5.0 operating system. From what was reported, it looks like the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 can expect to see it, as well as the Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Tab 10.1, and Galaxy Note 8.0. Android 5.0, which is rumored to be named Key Lime Pie, should be unveiled at this year’s Google I/O event in May.