Hasta La Gadget!

IF you’re a Galaxy S III user, then we hope you heard about the Exynos 4 security hole that was discovered a few weeks back. While this flaw allows users to root their device with a single click, it also could potentially let malicious apps take full control of those devices, as it grants access to all of the phone’s physical memory. So, there was a plus side, but the negatives to this security issue far outweighed that little perk.

Obviously, we can’t have a slew of Galaxy S III users roaming around out there with very vulnerable devices, so Samsung got to work on a fix for the issue shortly after finding out about it. Today the company has started delivering a software update that kills the problem, SamMobile reports, though at the moment it seems this update is only available to consumers in the United Kingdom. We imagine this update will follow for other regions shortly, so in the meantime, keep an eye on the apps you download if you’re living outside of the UK (but you should be doing that anyway).

Of course, there are plenty of other devices out there that are using an Exynos processor and are still at risk, so we’ll be waiting for updates to those devices for at least a little while longer. The software update being pushed out today also apparently fixes the sudden death issue we heard about back at the end of December. This issue sees the mainboard failing entirely, which means the phone is more or less dead after that happens, so it’s good that Samsung was able to get a fix out so quickly.

Keep in mind that Samsung hasn’t confirmed whether or not the sudden death issue is being fixed with this patch, but we know that the Exynos kernel issue is going the way of the Dodo, at least as far as the Galaxy S III is concerned. Other than these two major fixes, there are also a handful of minor patches as well. Galaxy S III living in the UK can nab the update now from Samsung Kies or check for the OTA update from their phone to initiate the download.

[via Android Community]

Samsung fixes Exynos security hole in latest Galaxy S III software update is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of December 24th, 2012

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile

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So you’re the very definition of generosity and plan to put a Wii U under the tree for that special someone. Nintendo just provided a helpful tip to keep the kindness going beyond Christmas morning, if it’s not too late: update that Wii U’s firmware before you wrap the box. Unless the recipients are wired up with Google Fiber, they’ll likely face a long wait as that 5GB patch arrives. The process will spoil the unboxing experience, to be sure — but so does realizing that it’s another two hours before anyone can use the eShop and Netflix. Trust us, they’ll thank you for it later.

Filed under: Gaming, Nintendo

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Via: Pocket-lint

Source: Nintendo of America (Twitter)

ASUS started rolling out the Android Jelly Bean update for its Padfone 2 handset, which was announced back in Ocotober. The update reached a small number of users last month, but is now finally available for all Padfone 2 users starting today. The update will take users to Android version 4.1, and is hitting users in waves.

Initial reports are showing the update hitting users in Japan, Hong Kong, and other locations. In addition, ASUS published the update files for the WWE and HK version, so those users can grab it manually. This comes after users in those regions already received the update, but we’re hearing that this one brings some small updates that the previous one lacked.

The update to 4.1 offers several improvements and changes. Both the Padfone’s audio quality and its USB Internet sharing have been improved so that there’s better audio and less chances of disconnecting. GPS has been optimized to function better. The camera received some enhancements, including better focus and features that improve photo quality.

ASUS Studio has been added for image editing, and video streaming playback has been optimized for more smooth videos. The WWE update is for users running firmware versions 9.8.8.40 and 9.8.8.5. The latest update takes the firmware to version 10.4.5.36. If you’re not seeing the notification to update yet, you can try manually checking for the upgrade under Settings.

[via Android Community]

ASUS Padfone 2 Jelly Bean update rolls out is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Windows Phone 7.8 (build 8858.12560) was leaked on Navifirm last night, making the upgrade available to Lumia 510, Lumia 800, and Lumia 900 users. This gives users quite a jump on the eventual official update, which isn’t slated to begin rolling out until “early 2013,” according to Microsoft. The update brings with it an ensemble of new features.

So far, those who have flashed their devices are reporting all the features we expected and hoped for, including resizable Live Tiles, a new boot screen, additional Accent colors, new Xbox, Office, and Store icons, Bluetooth sharing, two dozen lock screen backgrounds, and the ability to make Google your default search engine in Internet Explorer. 

On November 28, Microsoft made this statement regarding the 7.8 upgrade. “We know you’re eager to get the Windows Phone 7.8 update, and we want you to know that we’re working closely with our hardware and carrier partners to get it tested, approved, and rolled out to as many devices as possible in early 2013. As we work to quickly get this in the hands of our loyal users, we’re also striving to deliver a high-quality release and ensure a smooth transition for our widely expanded services.”

Users who have taken the plunge so far are stating good things, with few experiencing any issues or unexpected happenings. If you’re planning to upgrade your Lumia 510, 800, or 900 to Windows Phone 7.8, make sure you backup your data first. After you’re finished updating, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

[via My Nokia Blog]

Windows Phone 7.8 leaked for Lumia 510, 800, and 900 is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.