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Another IFA, another Galaxy Note -- that's how it goes, ever since Samsung launched its first version of the phablet two years ago in Berlin. The company's latest S-Pen-wielding handset is upon us, with a bevy of hardware and software updates as expected. Does this year's device bring some game-changing tweaks, or is the Note 3 more of an incremental refresh of its predecessor? Jump past the break for a full spec-by-spec comparison of the two super-phones.%Gallery-slideshow79385%
Filed under: Cellphones, Samsung
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Most US models of the Samsung Galaxy Note II have already been updated with Multi-Window -- a split-screen feature that allows users to view two apps at once -- but AT&T is the last of the four national powers that hasn't pushed the feature out to its customers. That will change tomorrow, as AT&T has confirmed to us in an email that it will roll out the new build over the air at some point during the day. We're happy that users won't have to rely on Samsung's proprietary Kies desktop software to update their devices, but minor downloads like this are typically facilitated OTA. There's no word on if the ROM will be pushed out in phases to minimalize the impact on AT&T's servers, but don't be terribly worried if you don't get notified right away. Continue below to read the carrier's official statement on the matter.
Continue reading AT&T to update Samsung Galaxy Note II with Multi-Window tomorrow
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Samsung, AT&T
It may have taken longer than we would have liked, but Samsung has finally confirmed that it's aware of the Exynos security exploit discovered this weekend. The smartphone maker hasn't issued a timeline for plugging the hole, but it is indeed on the case, stating "Samsung is aware of the potential security issue related to the Exynos processor and plans to provide a software update to address it as quickly as possible." Project Voodoo's François Simond (Supercurio) released his own root-free fix just hours after the vulnerability was discovered on Sunday, so you're welcome to use that simple solution in the meantime (at the source link below). You can also head over to Android Central for the full statement from Samsung.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Project Voodoo, Android Central
We saw the productivity-increasing feature make its way to Sprint's Galaxy Note II not too long ago, and it looks like it will soon show up on T-Mobile's model as well. According to a support document on the Magenta carrier's website, Samsung's Multi-Window trait is due to hit the 5.5-inch, S-Pen-toting device on December 19th, via an upcoming software update. The aforementioned T-Mobile page doesn't list any other major changes (save for some fixes to issues with Exchange and Gmail), but the addition of the Multi-Window feature alone could certainly make it worthwhile for owners of most everyone's favorite phablet.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Via: Android Central, TmoNews
Source: T-Mobile Support
Amid the XDA community's ongoing quest to root every Android handset it comes across, one forum user appears to have found a serious exploit that affects certain Exynos devices. While fiddling with his Galaxy S III, XDA user Alephzain discovered a way to obtain root without flashing with Odin. The Samsung kernel apparently allows read / write access to all physical memory on the device, including the kernel itself. This makes for an easy root, Alephzain writes, but leaves devices open to attack -- allowing Kernel code injections and RAM dumps from malware-laden apps from the Google Play store.
It isn't the only avenue for attack on an Android handset, but it is an exceedingly easy attack. Luckily, a community fostered fix seems pretty simple too -- XDA user RyanZA has already created a patch to modify write permissions on affected devices -- though Galaxy S III users are reporting that the fix cripples the phone's camera app. So far, Alephzain has confirmed that the Galaxy S II, III, Note II and the Meizu MX are at risk, but notes that the exploit might work on any device running a Exynos 4210 or 4412 processor. Samsung has not yet made a comment about the vulnerability, but forum members say that the issue has been reported. As for the exploit's lasting implications? Head on over to the XDA forums to join the discussion.
Update: François Simond (aka Supercurio) wastes no time plugging holes, and has already released a root-free fix for the vulnerability. Simond's solution is wrapped up in a simple APK, and requires no root, no flashing and no special know-how. It can be enabled or disabled manually, too -- allowing Galaxy S III users to regain full use of their front-facing camera, which as previously stated, is disrupted by the fix. Best of all, it's free -- skip on over to Project Voodoo at the source to get protected.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Mobile
Via: The Next Web
Source: XDA-Developers (1), (2), Project Voodoo
It was only a matter of time before we'd see this one, right? As has been the case with many, many other gadgets, Samsung's Galaxy Note II is the latest one to join the "Keepin' it Real Fake" revolution. Formally dubbed Star S7180, this phablet clone, as you can imagine, doesn't come even close to matching the genuine Note II's mighty spec sheet, with this 5.5-inch KIRF device said to be only boasting a dual-core MT6577 CPU with 1GB RAM, 4GB of internal storage and an 8-megapixel cam on the back -- but, hey, at least there's some Jelly Bean to go with that. According to GizChina, you'll have to shell out about $150 for the Star S7180, which, all in all, isn't too bad a deal -- that's if you don't mind taking the faux route, of course. At any rate, you'll find additional eye candy after the break, and, judging by the looks, it may just be Mr. Blurrycam's best work yet.
Continue reading Galaxy Note II KIRF edition makes a quick appearance, shows no remorse
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Via: MobileGeeks
Source: GizChina
Everyone loves a software update right? Even better when it's an official one. So, Galaxy Note II owners will be pleased as punch to know that Android 4.1.2 is now finding its way to the international variant (GT-N7100) of the handset. You might not think a 0.0.1 refresh will be all that snazzy, but word is that there's actually a reasonable amount of newness going on. This includes the elements we'd expect from 4.1.2, but also some Samsung-specific bits, such as the ability to disable Multi-View, new items in the notification toggles, a customizable notification panel, a new ink effect on the lock screen, and Swype-style typing (without even waiting for 4.2). It's possible you might not see the update right away, but might not hurt to have Kies on hand all the same.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung
Source: Sammobile
Despite the fact that Verizon's version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II -- complete with its ugly logo-laden home button -- is already starting to ship out to pre-orderers, the carrier and manufacturer continued to keep quiet about their official launch plans. We've finally received word from a Samsung spokesperson that the 5.5-inch smartphone-tablet hybrid is destined to make its way into Big Red stores beginning tomorrow for $300 with a two-year contract. If you've been exercising a heap of patience in waiting for this gigantophone, you'd best free up some time on your calendar first thing tomorrow. We have the official statement waiting for you after the break.
Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Note II confirmed to reach Verizon stores tomorrow
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Samsung, Verizon