Google Play Services APK 4.3 Now Available for Download and Installation

Google Play Services has received a new version update, a refreshed build with tweaks and new features for a better experience. The update should be up soon for all devices, but until then you can install the APK file and get the new build sooner than all the other devices yet to be updated.

Google Play Services build number 4.3.23 comes with tweaks, improvements and several bug fixes that will improve the app’s performance. Some of the most important additions are as following: Tag Manager, Google Analytics API, Address API for Google Play Services platform and improved Play Games Services. All changes added with the v4.3 build are detailed at this Android Developers blog page.

Get the Google Play Services v4.3.23 APK file. The downloaded file should not be unzipped, but you need to transfer it to your phone’s internal or external sdcard. Enable the installation of applications (APK’s) from Unknown Sources, this option can be found in Android’s Security Settings menu.

For the installation of this update you will need to use a file explorer, find the APK and launch it. Confirm that you want to install the new version and wait for the process to complete. This shouldn’t take long and in no time your device will run an updated Google Play Services.

If you’re unsure about installing the new Google Play Services 4.3 manually, then you can choose to wait until the update notification is pushed to your Android device.

Install official Kitkat 4.4.2 Build on Galaxy S4

Samsung has recently released Android 4.4.2 Kitkat for the Samsung Galaxy S4. If for some reason you have not managed to get the update over the air, then you may want to manually install the update and we will show you how you can do that here.

Install Kitkat 4.4.2 manually on your phone / © Android Essentials

As always, you have to proceed with caution as Android Essentials doesn’t assume any responsibility for any damage done due to the firmware installation.

Before you get started, please make sure your GS4 is the GT-I9500 version.

After you have made sure of this, you should back up your data and also make sure to charge your phone to at least 80% or have it charging while doing the installation.

Finally, you must enable USB debugging mode and you do this by going to settings and then on to developer options.

Manually Installing Android 4.4.2

1) Download the Firmware package and Odin v.3.07

2) You must then put your GS4 in download mode by holding down the volume down, home and power buttons. When a warning appears, you must press the volume up button.

3) You should then unzip Odin v.3.07. run the .exe file and then run it as an administrator.

4) Using your USB cable, you should connect your Galaxy S4 to your PC. One of the ID:COM fields should turn blue in Odin. If this doesn’t happen then you should reinstall the relevant drivers for your phone.

5) Within the Odin program, you should perform the following operations.

           A) Press PDA and select the file that has .tar.md5 in the file path.

           B) Press Phone and select the file with Modem in the file path.

           C) Press CSC and select the file with CSC in the file path.

           D) Press PIT and select the file with .pit in the file path.

6) Make sure “re-partition” is NOT selected. After this, check auto reboot and F. Reset Time.

7) Press the start button and the installation process should commence. Leave it alone until it is done.

8) Once your Galaxy S4 phone had rebooted, you will be running Android 4.4.2 Kitkat.

Have you used this method to update your phone? How did you find it? Please leave us a comment below and we will get back to you.

5 awesome Android launchers to discover

If you are feeling like you need a new launcher or would like to try another one out for a while to discover a new scope of functions, then check out this list. You might just find the launcher of your dreams.

Please note: These are just a few of the tons of great Android launchers that exist and these might not be the most popular or best ones (yet), considering many are still in beta phase. We have also previously covered the top 10 Android launchers in the past if you are looking for the creme de la creme. You can also check out 5 other alternate Android launchers if the list below doesn't do it for you.

Zeam

Zeam is an Android favorite among many users, especially for those who are a big fan of minimalism and small app sizes (this one is only 388k). Zeam provides a clear overview thanks to the intuitive folder layouts and apps grid with vertical scroll. You can also add shortcuts to the grid and manage wallpapers.

Zeam LauncherINSTALL

Aviate

Aviate is an Android Launcher for which you have to request an invitation. This app, in comparison to Zeam, is a lot more complex: it categorises your apps depending on the time of the day, displaying the apps that it assumes you will need at that specific moment. For example, when you wake up, you’ll be greeted by the weather and schedule apps. On the road to work, it will show you Maps to get you traffic and direction info. I think you get the gist. The launcher heavily alters the look of your home screen by basically auto-adapting it to your lifestyle. The app has been in beta phase for quite some time now.

Aviate BetaINSTALL

Themer

Here is yet another app still in beta phase. You can tell by the name that this launcher focuses in on various themes like futuristic, minimal, beautiful etc. All the icons, widgets and wallpapers will transform to go with the style you have chosen, giving your user interface a unified look. It also comes with a smart categories function that auto-categorizes your apps, while the Zooper widget pro feature will show you all themes at once.

Themer BetaINSTALL

Cover

It seems that many good launchers are still in the beta phase. Cover is like the Glovebox launcherwe recently discovered, but better. It also learns from your smartphone habits and makes it easier to get ahold of the apps you need, when you need them. The difference compared to Themer and Aviate is that it presents apps down the right or left side of your screen over the top of the app you are using at the moment as well as on your lock screen. Also, Cover allows you to set up various ringer volumes and wallpapers depending on the time of day.

Cover Lock Screen (beta)INSTALL

Action Launcher

Action Launcher comes in both a free and paid version, though the free one comes with a huge array of features. First of all, you get a Quickdrawer for all of your apps/widgets and a Quickpage which is a quickly accessible additional home screen which you pull down from the right edge of the screen. Both of these quick functions can be accessed at all times. Then, there is Quicksearch which helps you search not only for apps, but also for contacts and music right from the action bar. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of features, with lots more to be discovered!

Action LauncherINSTALL

What Android Launcher do you use?

CyanogenMod 10 Nightly 20120902 - Major Update of Android 4.1.1 For Samsung Galaxy Mini or Pop S5570

Another major update for Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean for Galaxy Mini or Pop GT-S5570 is now available for download. Thanks to the courtesy of the developers at xda forums, the development of jelly bean based cyanogenmod 10 custom rom for galaxy mini is running at a fast pace. With this update, we've got some major changes such as partially working camera, full OpenGL support and other bug fixes. With all these changes, latest cyanogenmod 10 nightly comes with further improvements on performance and stability. Therefore, it stands as a must-flash update for those who are looking to enjoy latest android software on their galaxy mini or pop gt-s5570 smartphone.


As stated above, Cyanogenmod 10 for galaxy mini has improved a lot since it's original stage of development. With the latest nightly released on 2012/09/02, the camera works fine, however, without the support of video recording. XDA Senior Member, TheWhisp along with rohan007, erikcasand hrk is working hard to resolve this issue, but there's no saying when we can except it be working (if at all). Apart from this, other issues within the rom at this stage are very less and not the major ones. Native WiFi tethering and Native USB tethering are not working for now. However, using third party applications should help you get around this issue. Also, High Quality (HQ) video playback is not working properly. The developer said that it is due to the lack of OpenMax libraries from Qualcomm which was denied to be released by the corporation back few months. So, until the developers come up with some workaround, there's doubt if CM10 will be able to play HQ videos at all. 

Cyanogenmod 10 20120831 for Samsung Galaxy Mini has fixes for various bugs that appeared in previous nightlies. Now, Native USB Mass Storage (UMS) is working just fine, so you don't need to worry about mounting your sdcard to your PC to copy contents to and from your mobile. Also, the developer made many other changes which are listed in the changelog below that I extracted from thedeveloper's thread.

CyanogenMod 10 For Galaxy Mini or Pop S5570

Changelog : CyanogenMod 10 31/08/2012 Nightly

• Fixed Camera Partially - Now you can take pictures with the stock camera app. However, you'll still need to wait for video recording. 
• Fixed Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
• Fixed UMS
• Added sd-ext support (for app2sd).
• Added IPv6 support in the kernel
• Re-enabled triple frame buffer
• Full OpenGL support

[UPDATE] 20120902 

• Fixed the issue with Google Apps. Freed some space in the system partition of the rom, which makes it possible to flash google apps from below without having to remove any other things manually.

That's all with the details of the latest cyanogen mod 10 nightly for samsung galaxy mini s5570 smartphone. By now you've got enough details of this update and probably figured out that it's one of the major update that you shouldn't miss upgrading. So, without further delay follow the step by step instructions below to get latest Android 4.1.1 based Cyanogenmod 10 on your galaxy mini handset.  

Requirements

To flash any custom roms on your galaxy mini or pop gt-s5570, you'll need to have the following things on your handset. If you have them already then, you may directly proceed with flashing instructions. Also, users with another custom rom, may directly proceed with flashing instructions below.

• Android OS 2.3 and/or above : It is required that you have Android 2.3 Gingerbreadfirmware installed on your handset. If you are on Froyo, then please upgrade your operating system to latest gingerbread firmware available for your region using Samsung Kies or Odin Multidownloader.
• Custom Recovery : Install any custom recovery that is available for your handset. It is recommend that you use latest version of custom clockworkmod recovery, but, you can use any other alternatives of your choice.

Flashing Instructions

Disclaimer : Do It At Your Own Risk!

1. Download latest rom zip and other required files from below :
• CyanogenMod 10 (latest) : cm-10-20120902-UNOFFICIAL-tass.zip
• Unofficial Cyanognemod 10 (latest) : cm-10-20120831-UNOFFICIAL-tass.zip
• Google Apps for Jelly Bean (20120815) : gapps-jb-20120815-KonstaKANG.zip
• Official Google Apps for Jelly Bean : gapps-jb-20120802-signed.zip
2. Copy the downloaded files to the (root directory of) your sd-card.
3. Reboot your device to Custom Recovery (Press Home + Power Button).
4. [Optional but, Recommended] Do a Nandroid Backup of your current rom.
5. Now from recovery main menu and select Wipe Data option.
6. Confirm data wipe by selecting Yes.
7. Now flash this latest nightly of Android 4.1.1 jellybean based CM10 custom rom following the steps below in clockworkmod recovery :
• Choose Install Zip From Sd Card option.
• Select Choose Zip From SD Card option.
• Now select cm-10-20120902-UNOFFICIAL-tass.zip downloaded in step 1.
• Confirm the installation and wait till the rom is installed on you handset.
8. Flash Latest Google Apps for Jelly Bean in CWM recovery.  
• Choose Install Zip From Sd Card option.
• Select Choose Zip From SD Card option.
• Now select the gapps-jb-20120815-KonstaKANG.zip file which you downloaded in step 1.
• Confirm the installation and wait till the zip is installed on you handset.
9. Reboot your device from your recovery main menu when done. 

Note : If gapps from above doesn't work, use this one : Gapps-JellyBeans.zip

That's all. You've successfully flashed latest android 4.1.1 update on your Samsung Galaxy Mini Smart phone. If you find out any bugs that are not mentioned above then, please report them at the developer's Github Issues List. Also, If you liked the rom and want to contribute towards the development then you can either contribute to the source code or donate few bucks to the developer on his paypal account.

Top 5 Security Applications For Your Android Smartphone

The latest release of the Android OS is more secure than ever and Google is doing it’s very best to improve the security in its operating system with every new release of android software. However, as the platform is becoming increasingly popular and has even surpassed the market share of iOS, it is becoming more attractive to malware producers and identity thieves. While carefully viewing application permissions and downloading and installing apps from trusted sources only can go a long way toward securing your phone, mobile security applications provide an essential extra level of protection to your mobile devices. These five applications that I'm going to introduce to you today are the best choices currently available for securing your Android smartphone from various virus, malwares and other malicious apps.

1. ESET Mobile Security

ESET's PC security offerings are top notch. Their debut entry into mobile security offers similar performance. In addition to the standard antivirus and antispam capabilities, the mobile application features a comprehensive anti-theft suite as well. ESET's biggest asset is its intuitive and non-intrusive interface. Configuring and using this application could not be simpler. Here are some key features of ESET mobile security app. 

Eset mobile security

• Call, SMS and MMS filtering
• Real-time and on-demand scanning
• SIM card matching
• Application removal prevention
• Remote GPS activation
• Remote data wipe
• Remote password locking
• Comprehensive security audit

Overall ESET mobile security is one of the best security applications available for android smartphone. However, like all other nice things, this app also comes with it's own price of $9.99 for a one year license. But, you can try out the 30-day free trial first to see if it's worth the price or not. You can install the app and/or find detailed information about it on Google Play Store. 

2. Webroot SecureAnywhere Mobile

WebRoot SecureAnywhere Mobile was rated at the top of mobile security apps in a recent study by AV-Test. It features a comprehensive suite of features and functionality with a sleek interface to make configuring and running the application a breeze. A unique feature of this application is the "Device Scream" feature. Using the remote interface, you can make your Android phone play a specified sound file. This is great for theft protection as well as those times when your phone slides between the couch cushions. Other Key Features include:

• Settings auditing
• App permissions analysis
• Remote data wipe
• SIM card matching
• Call, SMS and MMS filtering
• Remote GPS Activation
• Internet browser security
• Remote administration interface
• Real-time and on-demand scanning

Webroot Security and Antivirus also provides you more flexibility by offering a premier version of their free app for more secure protection of your handset with extra features and extra protection. However, the free version also packs essential tools and utilities to keep malwares and other harmful apps away from your handset. Find our more information and install Webroot SecureAnywhere Mobile application from Play Store. 

3. Avast Free Mobile Security

Avast! Free Mobile Security offers comprehensive protection and detection of mobile malwares. While it lacks a few of the advanced features of some of the competitors, it has one of the highest detection rates of any mobile security application available. For those with rooted phones, it also features a sophisticated firewall feature for added protection. Best of all, the application is available for free. Other features include: 

• Call, SMS and MMS filtering
• Real-time and on-demand scanning
• Application privacy notifications
• Phishing filters
• Remote lock
• Remote GPS activation
• Remote data wipe
• Remote siren
• SIM card matching
• Task and applications manager

Avast mobile security is the best of all that you can get for free in the android store. With over 10 million users and 4.7 star rating, this security application stands above all its competitors. Learn more about it and download it from here.

4. F-Secure Mobile Security

F-Secure Mobile Security offers many of the features of its competitors. Frequent updates and advanced algorithms provide superb malware detection with few false positives. For those with children, F-Secure is one of the few mobile security applications to feature parental controls. Blocking websites or phone functions is as simple as selecting from a template and customizing a few settings. Other Key Features include:

• Real-time and on-demand scanning
• Remote GPS activation
• Call, SMS and MMS filtering
• Applications permission analysis
• Affordable monthly licensing
• Automatic updates
• Remote GPS activation
• Remote data wipe
• Phishing filters
• Parental Controls 

F-secure mobile security is one of the best alternative to secure your android smartphone from malicious and harmful softwares, identity thieves, other virus and malwares. However, it seems to be quite behind other competitors. One of the reason for this is that you need to pay a huge $10 to get this app installed on your handset. Also, it doesn't seem to support older (low-range) smartphones, which could be another reason for it lagging behind. Anyway, if you are in seek of a good protection and aren't satisfied with any of the other applications listed here, then do give it a try. You can download and install it from Google's Play Store. 

5. Zoner Antivirus

As one of the newest entries to the field, Zoner is quickly establishing an outstanding reputation. Welcome additions to the Zoner feature set include a convenient home screen widget and support for encrypting Facebook, Twitter, email, MMS and SMS correspondence. Other features include:

• Real-time and on-demand scanning
• Manual or automatic updates
• Parental controls
• Call, SMS and MMS filtering
• Task manager
• Application permissions analysis
• Remote GPS activation
• Remote data wipe
• Phone location tools
• Home screen widget

While Zoner antivirus is a new entry, it seems to be expanding at a great pace. This free and lightweight app, really seems to deliver what it promises and that is the only reason why it has got many positive reviews at the play store. If you are are looking for securing your android device and haven't found something reliable yet (for free) then, you should give Zoner Antivirus a try. You can download and install it from Play Store. 

[Important] Sudden Death (SDS) - Don't use older than Android 4.1.2 or CWM 6.0.3.x

Introduction

Hi All,

I am seeing a lot of Buzz about the Sudden Death issue and recent fixes identified by AndreiLux and implemented into his Kernel here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1691401 so please take a moment to thank him.

Unfortunately as there seems to be some uncertainty about what is or is not covered by the Fix, I have put this thread together to eliviate some of the many off topic questions posed by members in development threads, which is unfair on the developers.

So what do we think know?

Please be aware, this is not related to the Exynos Memory security issue.

The "Sudden Death" issue is caused by firmware on the (16 GB) VTU00M, revision 0xf1 eMMC (Embedded MultiMedia Card or internal memory if you like). Samsungs Kernel Source Code (Update 7) has been identified as the fix. There is still no evidence that the latest sboot bootloader addresses this issue.

Although we are still not quite 100% Certain this will prevent all S3's suffering the SDS (Predisposition to the fault etc), to the best of our knowledge it does. Even if it does not fully fix it, its closer to a fix and safer than older versions, so if its within your means to do so, an update would be advised. Please don't panic. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen and that's that. It will be repaired under warranty. I had to use a Bold 9000 for 7 days whilst mine was repaired 

SDS seems to manifest in 2 distinct ways.

1) Complete eMMC failure. This usually happens over night whilst on charge* - The LED may be lit but the phone will not wake. Subsequent removal of the battery will turn off the LED. You will never get the LED back on. The phone will never turn on again. It needs to go to a service centre and have the motherboard replaced

* Being on Charge is NOT the cause. This is a writing to memory issue and it is more likely to happen when teh device is awake rather than in deep sleep. When the S3 is on charge, it holds a wake lock (so remains awake) throughout the entire charging period, meaning SDS is more likely to occur when on charge This does not mean you should avoid charging your phone. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen

2) Half SDS as it has not-so-affectionately become known. This tends to be more of a boot loop of the Samsung boot splash. the eMMC is partially wiped out. You cannot boot into android or recovery. It fails at the boot screen, but the screen does turn on none-the-less. The only; thing you can do is top boot into Download mode.

One problem Half SDS has is that the information download mode uses to show the status as "Official" appears to be wiped out by the bug, leaving your status as "Custom". This can leave you in a precarious position as this is what Samsung uses to establish warranty validity. You may also see your product field is blank.

Please help me maintain this list by identifying fixes as and when released, Please post the Link and Version number of anything with this fix implemented

How do I check my eMMC?

Using the EMMC check app from play, you can see if your eMMC is the VTU00M 0XF1 (affected chip).

Please note:

1) We only need this app to check the version.

2) Nothing you see in this app will change once you apply a fix. It simply gives you the version. If you expect 0xf1 to change to something else, you are mistaken. Only replacing the motherboard will do that.

What do I need to be "Safe"?

The "Fix" is actually a preventative measure. It cannot revive a "dead" device. It has to be applied before failure.

To be 100% safe, you need:

• A bootloader with fixes**
• A Recovery with a fixed kernel
• A Fixed kernel to run Android

If you are a normal user only using official releases (no custom ROMs, Kernels or recoveries) then we treat you as "Stock" - read on.

Lets get to it... Where is it fixed?

Quote:

Stock: All 4.1.2 official releases (stock) include a Kernel, bootloader and recovery with the Update 7 "Fixes" (or newer) applied. If you have 4.1.2, officially consider yourself "Safe".*** Stock (but rooted): If you rooted a 4.1.2 stock ROM, you will still be safe, however - if you changed to a custom kernel or recovery, you need to look at the below custom sections to ensure your kernel or recovery are listed as safe. The below official kernels were tested, but we no longer need to test. All 4.1.2 (stock) kernels and newer have fixes. XXELKC XXELL1 XXELL4 XXELL5 XXELL6 XXELLA XXELLB XXELLC Fix v1 Please note, you may experience freezes and /or reboots using a Fix v1 ROM (Well actually kernel that is included in this ROM). Essentially any Stock 4.1.2 ROM between: LKC and MA2 Which means: 2012 November revision 12 and 2013 January Revision 2 ...may experience freezes due to the way the fix works. This is annoying but better a freeze than a motherboard replacement. Fix v2 From what appears to be Update 8 sources (MB1 onwards), the fix seems to be much better with far fewer freezes. I haven't included the MR* vodafone ROMS because who knows? They don't follow the standard naming convention. All I can say is MR2 came out when MBx was around (B = February) but is still only fix v1 People who have never rooted need not read any further. Essentially, if you have an official, never rooted 4.1.2 ROM, you're "safe"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:

Custom ROMs which include a ROM specific and dedicated kernel (including fixes): These are custom ROMs that have their own kernel that is not flashable separately. This means it is not packaged with a kernel from the "Custom Kernels" section. If you have the version specified or newer, you are "safe" Any 4.1.2 (or newer) TouchWiz ROM with a repacked, stock kernel - no need to list them all. HydRx-D v2.2.1r1 (TW) CM 10.1 Nightly 20130109 (AOSP) Tamasek's Unofficial CM10.1 v32 (AOSP) ReVolt JB Nightly 20130111 (AOSP)

Quote:

Custom Kernels: These kernels include the update 7 fixes (or newer). If you are rooted with a custom Kernel that is older than (or doesn't match) the versions below, you are not considered "safe" Perseus Alpha31+ (i9300 TW) Boeffla 2.6 Alpha1 (i9300 TW Speedmod K2-5 Test 1 )i9300 TW) Yank555.lu 3.0a (i9300 TW) Siyah 1.8.7 (i9300 TW & AOSP) Devil ALL Versions (i9300 TW & AOSP) Googy-Max ALL versions (i9300 TW & AOSP) Yank555.lu 1.4 (i9300 AOSP)

Quote:

Custom Recoveries: Since the recovery uses a kernel too, to be "safe", the recovery's kernel must also be fixed. PhilZ Touch 4.00-b04 (i9300) Siyah 6.0.1.4 (Siyah Kernel users only) TWRP 2.3.3.1 CWM.img from clockworkmod.com CWM.tar from mskip (6.0.3.2) CF-auto-root (stock recovery supplied with this)

Please be weary of CWM. It can be compiled by anyone which means we cannot guarantee all versions have the latest fixes. Please only download from the links posted above



Obviously, rooted users are probably more familiar with what to do. I don't really want to recommend non-techy people flash official firmwares if they are not comfortable doing it. There will be a fix on its way to you all soon anyway, so the worst that will happen is you are affected and you have to get your phone repaired...


For those who are technical but would prefer to follow an Odin flash guide for official firmware, read the appropriate section here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1671969

Recap

So to recap, if you checked you have VTU00M 0xf1 with EMMC check , you need to ensure:

• If unrooted (never rooted / modded), you are on one of the "Stock" ROMs listed above
• If rooted, you have one of the "Custom Kernels" OR "Custom ROMs including kernel" OR rooted "stock" with original kernel AND one of the "Custom recoveries" from the lists below

**Bootloader note

Download mode uses a bootloader packaged micro-kernel

It will only affect those who use download mode. Personally I am rooted so I don't use it so i'll be sticking with one that doesn't mess with the flash counter, however anyone who does use download mode should consider updating. Those who care more about flash counters and will stay with older bootloaders should avoid flashing anything in download mode

*** Please do not ask if newer builds (either not mentioned here, or newer than 4.1.2) include the fixes.

Samsung have a single repository of kernel source code. They continue to develop this code. When they add a fix, it's there forever in every new kernel built after the fix is added. Every fix is in new kernels automatically. They do not have a list of fixes they must add every time.

The only way a new kernel does not contain a fix is if it is manually (and specifically) removed from the source code. Can you think of any logical reason why they would do that?!