Apple releases iOS 7 patch for Apple Store vulnerability, but dont download the 7.0.4 patch yet if you intend to jail break your iPhone

Apple on Thursday released the fix for all sorts of bugs it was facing on its iOS 7 version.  The version number is called 7.0.4 and build number "build 11B554a." is now available for all iOS 7 devices viz. iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

The fix is important because Apple claims to have finally fixed a very critical security flaw which let anybody make a purchase from the online Apple Store without a valid password.  The security bulletin released by Apple gave following comments

Vulnerability assigned as CVE-2013-5193 

 "A signed-in user may be able to complete a transaction without providing a password when prompted. This issue was addressed by additional enforcement of purchase authorization."

The above released patch restores the necessary authentication check and will allow app store transactions only if anybody has a valid Password henceforth.  The update also addressed an issue that would cause FaceTime calls to fail sometimes.

You are requested to update your iOS 7 devices immediately as per Apple's suggestion.  The easiest method to install the 7.0.4 update is to can download and install it through iTunes. You can also try OTA by going to your device Settings and selecting General > Software Update.

However a word of warning for those who intend to jailbreak their iOS 7 devices.  In his tweet, posted Nov 14, master iOS Jail Breaker @MuscleNerd advised via Twitter that those waiting for the official Evasion iOS 7 jailbreak  to avoid the 7.0.4 patch

Those at 7.x waiting for JB, maybe treat 7.0.4 as exercise in restraint. Won’t affect JB if you slip up, but test your ability to avoid it!
— MuscleNerd (@MuscleNerd) November 14, 2013

He also Tweeted that those applying the iOS 7.0.4 patch may have a iOS device which cannot be jailbroken i.e. the process may be irreversible

…but for those enjoying the 6.x JB, avoid 7.0.4 . There’s no going back (always worth saying that for sake of JB newbies)
— MuscleNerd (@MuscleNerd) November 14, 2013 

However another jail breaker has Tweeted that the iOS 7.0.4 is a safe update.

According to jailbreak guru @MuscleNerd, iOS 7.0.4 should be a safe update! pic.twitter.com/RUTlDmYBnb
— iPadJailbreak.com (@iPadJailbroken) November 16, 2013

As of now it is not confirmed by the leaders of the iOS Jail Breaking Community whether the patch is safe or not.  As such it would be prudent to avoid the iOS 7.0.4 patch, if you intend to jailbreak your iPhone.

Samsung updates its Samsung Galaxy S 3 (GT-i9300) directly to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean skipping Android 4.2. Ireland and Switzerland users to get it first

Remember the old flagship from Samsung stable, the Samsung Galaxy III.  The Samsung guys were testing Android 4.2 in lab for up gradation purpose but with the speed at which Google is moving with the updates, they have decided to skip Android 4.2 and give a direct Android 4.3 boost to the Samsung Galaxy S 3.

As you all know Google has released both Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Android 4.4 KIT KAT within period of just one month.  This has taken the entire smart phone manufacturing world by surprise as the Android 4.4 KIT KAT can run on anything that has 512MB RAM running on it.  Also with the launch of the Android 4.4 KIT KAT all smart phone users are gunning for it.  This increases the pressure on makers like Samsung and they have responded by first updating Samsung Galaxy S 4 and now by releasing an update for Samsung Galaxy S 3.  Though the release is only available at present in Ireland and Switzerland (Swisscom).

The latest update brings a lot of changes in the Samsung Galaxy S 3 as the basic UI has been completely changed.  It will now be much similar to the Samsung Galaxy S 4 and Samsung Galaxy Note 3. For starters the settings App has been completely overhauled with a new tabbed interface.    Other than that the following improvements and features will be available to your Samsung Galaxy S 3. 

• - Support for Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch integration
• - TRIM Support  which will make the S 3 much faster
• - ANT+ Support
• - Core UI elements updated to the ones on the Galaxy S4 
• - New Samsung Keyboard
• - GPU drivers have been updated (Higher GPU benchmark scores)
• - New Lockscreen: Multiple Widgets, improved ripple effect than Android 4.1.2, ability to change clock size and set a personal message
• - New Screen modes (From S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo
• - Daydream
• - Driving mode
• - Actionable notifications
• - Move-to-SD-card feature
• - New Camera mode : Sound and Shot
• - New Additions in Notification Centre
• - Completely revamped Settings UI (Tabbed interface very similar to the Galaxy S4)
• - Implementation of Voice controls (Another S 4 feature which lets you control various parts of the phone using voice commands)
• - New Samsung Apps: Calculator, Clock, Contacts, Gallery, Music
• - Full screen Samsung apps
• - New S-Voice (Another import from Galaxy S4)

To update your Galaxy S III to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, connect your device to your computer and use Samsung KIES or simply use Samsung’s OTA service.  For checking and installing the updates Over the Air (OTA), go to Settings > More > About Device > Software update > Update.

The details about the update build are as follows :

Model: GT-I9300

Country: Ireland (Vodafone) Switzerland (Swisscom)

Version: Android 4.3

Changelist: 1902166

Build date: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 03:29:22 +0000

Product Code: VDI

PDA: I9300XXUGMJ9

CSC: I9300VFGGMJ5

MODEM: I9300BUUGMJ3

The only thing that now differentiates between the S 4 and S 3 is the Samsung Knox feature, other than the name and certain specs.  Samsung has decided not to implement Samsung Knox on Samsung Galaxy S 3. 

List of Android smart phones to get Android 4.4 KIT KAT by the end of this Year

Now that Google has released its latest version of Android 4.4 KIT KAT, everybody owning a Android smart phone want a piece of action of the latest OS.  Though the Android 4.4 KIT KAT is said to work on any smart phone Android 2.3 Ginger Bread and above running on 512MB RAM due to its less resource driven structure, it may a little while for all Android smart phones running on 512MB RAM to feature a official version of Android 4.4 KIT KAT.

Image courtesy knowyourmobile.com

However some of the major manufacturers have already announced that they will be releasing the updates of Android 4.4 KIT KAT for their smart phones.  If you see your device in list be assured that the latest version will reach your smart phone much before than anybody else.  If you dont see it, please dont loose heart your manufacturer may come up with a update at a later time or there is always the custom ROM available for installation.

Google Nexus 

Since the Google Nexus 5 is the first phone to be released with Android 4.4 KIT KAT, rest assured all the other Nexus devices will soon have the latest version on board.  It doesnt matter who has manufactured the Nexus but following will be the first ones to receive the VIP treatment.

• Nexus 4
• Nexus 7 2012
• Nexus 7 2013
• Nexus 10

Next in the line for the Android 4.4 KIT KAT update is HTC.  HTC as we all know is rather a lazy company when it comes to updates. But let us hope it keeps its KIT KAT promise to get all the below mentioned devices updated in 90 days

• HTC One (all models including HTC One Mini)
• HTC One Google Play Edition

The next company is Google own Motorola.  This company should be off the blocks right after the Nexus updates.

• Moto X
• Droid Ultra
• Droid Maxx
• Droid Mini
• Razr HD Developer Edition

As always Samsung is the last one to announce any updates.  It has only said that its Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition will get the Android 4.4 KIT KAT update within 2 to 3 weeks.  But rest assured the following smart phones will get KIT KAT by the end of this year :

Galaxy S4, 

Note 3, 

Note 10.1 2014 

Galaxy S3 and the Note 2 might get the update too as they are build with solid specs which can support Android 4.4 KIT KAT quite easily. 

The only company left out is Sony.  It has release a Tweet saying that it is excited about Android 4.3 and Android 4.4 and will be giving out news about the updates only next week.  But rest assured folks knowing Sony, I bet it will be first of the blocks to offer update to all its smart phones having 512MB RAM and higher.  But typically first of the blocks will be its flagship models Sony Xperia Z, Z1, Ultra and Mini

re. #Android @KitKat, we’re excited – next week our news on: 4.3, 4.4; products & more... #SonyXperia
— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) November 1, 2013

Indian manufactures have kept mum as of now but Micromax, Xolo, Intex, Karbonn and other manufacturers should also update their flagship models by the start of 2014.

Sony rolls out Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update for Sony Xperia L, brings new homescreen, revamped camera App and much more

Sony today announced a rollout of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update for its Sony Xperia L smart phones.  This was announced by Sony on its blog.  The new operating system will bring many changes to the Xperia L which previously used to run on Android 4.1.  Among the most important of the changes is the fully refurbished homescreen you will get if you own the Xperia L.  

Rolling from now: JB 4.2 for #XperiaL - custom ops, small apps, latest Sony's media apps & improved camera functions http://t.co/av6HHmT5F8
— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) October 29, 2013

The new homescreen will give you a better UI experience with the widgets, Apps and shortcuts.  It will have 7 desktop panes and widgets will auto resize.  The Android 4.2 update will also make the Application tray much faster and easy to sort by just pressing and holding the App to move or add it to your home screen.  You can also create a folder within the tray by dropping it.  

Sony has also updated the Sony Media Apps. Now you can integrate Playmemories with album application and Music Unlimited integration in the walkman application.

Added camera functionalities such as Burst mode that ensures you never will miss a perfect shot again.

To get the update OTA update, go to Settings > About phone > Software updates > System updates.  To check the current version of your Sony Xperia L you can go to Settings > About phone > Build number / version.

The details about the release are as follows :

Android version: Google Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Latest available software: 15.3.A.0.26
Release started: 2013-10-29

I will suggest all Sony Xperia L users to update it using their Wi-Fi to avoid any hassles.

HTC One X users in India get Android 4.2.2 update, get Sense 5 UI, BlinkFeed, new keyboard, battery status indicator and much more

A very good news from a very lazy company when it comes to OS updates.  Just days after the HTC Corporation made Android 4.2.2 available for HTC Butterfly devices,  HTC today confirmed that it was unrolling the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for HTC One X in India.  

The update will bring the following changes to your HTC One X if you own one.  

• Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5
• HTC BlinkFeed
• New lock screen style: widget
• Show battery level in status bar
• Add sleep mode option in Power settings Notofications
• Quick settings
• AE/AF lock feature: lock exposure/focus at viewfinder screen
• Video Highlights
• Music player with visualization and lyrics
• New HTC keyboard

The update will be made available to you Over-the-Air (OTA) but you could update this one over Wi-Fi as this is a hefty update. Go to Settings > About > Software Updates > Check now. Do remember to check that box for "Update over Wi-Fi only" to help conserve your data usage.”

HTC Butterfly users in India get Android 4.2.2 update, get Sense 5 UI, BlinkFeed, new keyboard, battery status indicator and much more

HTC Butterfly which was launched last year in December and became available for Indians in March 2013 has at last got the Android 4.2.2 update for India.  HTC had been rolling out the pan US and Europe updates since last month and yesterday it announced the update being available for India.  

'Upgrade to the BlinkFeed on your HTC Butterfly! Android 4.2.2 is out now. Announcements for other handsets to come soon.'
— HTC India (@HTC_IN) September 19, 2013

The update will bring the following changes to your HTC Butterfly if you own one.  

• Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5
• HTC BlinkFeed
• New lock screen style: widget
• Show battery level in status bar
• Add sleep mode option in Power settings Notofications
• Quick settings
• AE/AF lock feature: lock exposure/focus at viewfinder screen
• Video Highlights
• Music player with visualization and lyrics
• New HTC keyboard

The update will be made available to you Over-the-Air (OTA) but you could do well to head over to the Settings > About Phone > Software Update in your HTC Butterfly and check out the new feel and new BlinkFeed in your hands

Samsung Galaxy S IV to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean alongwith Samsung Galaxy S III

If you recall my post listing the devices that will get official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update from their respective manufactures, I had listed the probable date of availability of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for Samsung Galaxy S IV, Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note 2.  Well Samsung seems to have read my post and is releasing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update in month of October 2013.

Samsung disclosed the same at the IFA 2013 unpacked event where it said that  official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update  will be available for Galaxy S3 and S4 by mid-October to users all over the world.  The update will be issued in a phased manner with users in the US and Europe to be first lucky ones.  China, India and others will be next in the list.

Also worth noting is that the updated Samsung Galaxy S IV will be compatible with the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch.

You can read the List of devices which are going to get the official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update here

Google and Hershey take to new ways to advertise their products Android 4.4 KitKat and KitKat Candy respectively

You must be aware about it now, Google has named its new Android operating system 4.4 as KitKat in a obvious financial arrangement with Hershey and Nestle.  There is a virtual wave of information regarding the Androrid 4.4 KitKat, Hershey and Nestle available on the net. 

But do take a look at how Google and Hershey are promoting their respective products in a unique way.

KitKat.com the official site of KitKat has opened a webpage in style of a old age thumb flick or flip book which when flicked or flipped gives a series of pictures that vary gradually from one page to the next, so that when the pages are turned rapidly, the pictures appear to be animated.  Only with KitKat.com you have to keep your down arrow cursor pressed to enjoy the fun.

Google has also opened android.com/kitkat with similar down scrollable animation.  Both of them had said that there was no money involved in the deal but by the look of things both of them are surely working together in promoting their own KitKat.  

Have a break Have a KitKat

Google names its latest operating system for mobiles 'KitKat' Android 4.4.KitKat sounds yummy

In what is a breaking news Google today announced the launch of Android 4.4 and as always named it after a desert.   'KitKat' is the name that Google Android 4.4 is going to be known by and rumour has it that Google may have tied up with Nestle the makers of Kit Kat brand for chocolate bars for additional revenue generation. but Google has declined reports of any money changing hands.  

Sadly this also marks the end of Key Lime Pie.  It seems the Pie has become to lemony for Google's taste.  Key Lime Pie will just be what it was a 'rumour' from Google that never was to be.  Just a few days earlier Android had released the update for Jelly Bean version 4.3 and at that time no one in their sane mind would have thought that Key Lime Pie would be a rumour

Google executive Sundar Pichai confirmed the name via a post to the company's official Google+ page.  Kit Kat is a Hershey brand in the U.S., but a Nestle product worldwide and this news is sure to bring in windfall profits for both Nestle and Hershey. 

The new operating system KitKat also has its own hashtag #AndroidKitKat and it also confirms another thing, Sundar Pichai is destined for bigger things at Google.

You can also read about the unique online advert campaign Google and Hershey are undertaking to promote their respective KitKats here.