Wednesday, 4 March 2015

Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Update Released for Bell Canada Users



Bell Mobility has announced that all the Samsung Galaxy S5 owners on their network will receive today the official Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Update. If you’re one of them, then keep a close eye on your smartphone and confirm the upgrade process right as the Lollipop notification appears in order to get all the new firmware files installed successfully.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop comes with tons of visual changes such as the Material Design UI, and the new more bloatware-free TouchWiz. Besides all the visual changes you will also be getting some software improvements that will finally offer all Galaxy S5 users the possibility of running a better Android environment.
Some of the most important new features added by Samsung and Bell through Android 5.0 Lollipop are as following: intelligent notifications ranking, Priority Mode, a much more colorful and vibrant interface due to Material Design environment, lock screen notifications control, new native Battery Power Saving mode, improved Security, Device Sharing, new Quick Settings toggles, better Wi-Fi connectivity, BLE peripheral mode, Android RunTime (ART) fully integrated that has replaced Dalvik, improved Google Now, Settings search support, more languages supported, and multiple other great new things.
Bell is rolling out Android 5.0 Lollipop update via OTA (over-the-air) and through Samsung KIES software for all the Samsung Galaxy S5 users on their network. Note that the new update has the firmware version set to G900W8VLU1BOB3 and it will arrive for all Galaxy S5 devices that are currently running stock Android 4.4.x KitKat. If your device has suffered any modifications to its software, then the official update will not be rolled out for it and you will have to use other methods in order to install official Lollipop firmware on it.
Android 5.0 Lollipop is rolling out for Bell Samsung Galaxy S5 in phases, which means that not all users are going to get the new firmware at the same time. Don’t worry if the Lollipop update notification doesn’t arrive today for your device, it will most probably arrive in the following days. Tell us in comments if you’ve received the new Android 5.0 Lollipop G900W8VLU1BOB3 Update and, if you did, then feel free to let others know how your Bell Galaxy S5 under Lollipop feel is after a few hours of testing.


Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Released for HTC One M8 Verizon Wireless Variant



If you own the Verizon Wireless version of the HTC One M8, you should expect to see a notification about the Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA soon as the carrier has now started seeding the Lollipop update to its customers. Verizon Wireless is the third US carrier to have rolled out the OTA update after Sprint and T-Mobile. The only major US carrier variant of the One M8 still stuck on Android 4.4.4 KitKat now is the AT&T version.
The update is now available via the OTA route, so you will be able to download and install the update on your HTC One M8 without having to connect it to your computer. Before you check for the OTA update, we suggest you connect your One M8 to a Wi-Fi network as you will not be allowed to download the update over cellular network as it is a major update. If an update notification hasn’t show up yet, you can also check for the update manually by going to Settings – About Phone – System Updates – Check for Updates. The full change-log of this new update can be found here.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the HTC One M8 includes a number of changes like a new material design user-interface, 64-bit ABI support, ART runtime for improved performance, new notification panel with quick settings, updated lock screen, redesigned recent apps overview with card and grid view options, Band 4 roaming enabled, enhanced 3-way calling feature, a few other improvements and bug fixes. The most significant improvements included with the Lollipop update have to do with device performance and responsiveness, battery life, and of course the new updated Sense 6.0 UI. The newer Sense 7.0 UI that debuted with the One M9 will only be arriving to One M8 users later this year as part of another Lollipop update, possibly based on Android 5.1 or Android 5.2.
HTC had earlier promised to release the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the One M7 and One M8 flagship smartphones within 90 days of its release from Google. Unfortunately, the company couldn’t keep up its promise as only select HTC One M8 models could be updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop within the promised 90-day timeframe. For the Verizon One M8, the update has arrived well beyond 100 days after Android 5.0’s initial release last year.


Tuesday, 3 March 2015

Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE I9505 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Update Goes Live for Download



The official Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Update firmware files for the International Galaxy S4 LTE I9505 have been spotted at Android-Hilfe.de forums earlier today and, you can download them right away. It means that Samsung has pushed out the new Lollipop firmware files in Germany and we can safely say that more countries will be getting the update in the following weeks.
Android 5.0.2 Lollipop for Galaxy S4 LTE I9505 should bring the Material Design UI, Smart Lock, new TouchWiz features with some bloatware being trimmed down slightly, Device Sharing features like Multiple Users, Guest User support and Screen pinning. Some other major changes should be spotted in the camera software and throughout the entire UI of your phone.
The Galaxy S4 LTE I9505 should be much faster and the TouchWiz has to be smoother than it was on KitKat, as it now uses the better Android Runtime (ART) technology instead of the old Dalvik for running applications. The build date of this Android 5.0.1 Lollipop firmware it seems to be January 29 2015 which means that Samsung is toying with this launch for a while now.
If you’re based in Germany and you own a Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE with I9505 as its model number, then you should keep an eye on your phone’s notification screen as the update might be released really soon. Also, note that this update firmware might also be a leaked version and not a final OTA Update build, which is why only the tech-savvy S4 users should try to flash the new Android 5.0.1 Lollipop firmware using the Odin application.


Monday, 2 March 2015

MWC 2015: Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are Finally Official, Full Specs and Availability Revealed



After months of rumors and speculations, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are finally here. Both smartphones were officially introduced by the South Korean phone maker earlier today during their Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event held in Barcelona.
Even though the rumors and reports that surfaced online over the past few months have already painted an almost complete image of the Galaxy S6, it’s still nice to have some official confirmation. Well, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are exactly how the rumors portrayed them.
The two smartphones are identical when it comes to hardware specifications, the main difference between them being the display. The Galaxy S6 comes with a standard flat 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with Quad HD (1440 x 2560) resolution and an amazing pixel density of 577 ppi. Galaxy S6 Edges’ screen has the same size, same technology, same resolution and pixel density, but it’s curved over both edges of the phone.
It seems that the rumors were true after all and we won’t get an Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S6 this year. Sources in the industry claim that even though Samsung planned to launch a Galaxy S6 variant powered by a 64-bit Snapdragon 810 chip, the South Koreans had to ditch it because of overheating issues.
Both Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are underpinned by the same 64-bit Exynos chipset based on a new 14 nm manufacturing process and using an Octa-core configuration. We are dealing with quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and quad-core 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 processors and a Mali T760 GPU. The smartphones also arrive with 3 GB of DDR4 RAM and they are available with 32, 64 or 128 GB of native storage. Unfortunately, there’s no support for microSD card expansion.
Connectivity-wise, Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge arrive with LTE, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4.1 Low Energy, NFC, microUSB 2.0, and IR blaster. The devices also arrive with a fingerprint sensor which, unlike the one used for the Galaxy S5 and other Samsung smartphone, is touch-based.
The new flagship smartphones run Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, of course, customized with Sammy’s proprietary TouchWiz UI. Samsung’s custom skin has been redesigned to follow the Material Design guidelines, but you will still be able to enjoy the company’s innovative features such as Ultra Power Saving Mode, S Health, Themes, Private Mode, S Finder, and the new Samsung Pay.
The main camera has a 16 MP sensor with optical image stabilization, phase detection autofocus, and 4K video recording support. The user-facing camera has 5 MP resolution and Wide Selfie feature.
Both terminals are 143.4 mm tall and 70.5 mm wide. The Galaxy S6 is only 6.8 mm thin, while S6 Edge is 7.0 mm. Also, the Galaxy S6 weighs in at 138 grams, being 6 grams heavier than S6 Edge.
Samsung promised that Galaxy S6 will become available for purchase in 20 countries as of April 10, while Galaxy S6 Edge will make its market debut sometime in Q2 2015. There are three color options available for both: White Pearl, Black Sapphire, and Gold Platinum, while the Blue Topaz color option is exclusive for the Galaxy S6 and Green Emerald reserved for the Galaxy S6 edge. Unfortunately, Samsung didn’t say anything about the price, but if you read this from the US expect both devices to arrive at Verizon, AT&T, and Sprit at $199 on-contract.


Saturday, 28 February 2015

Sprint Teaser Reveals Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge in All Their Glory Before Announcement



The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge official announcement is now just about two days away. By now we know a lot about the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge but the final design still remains a mystery. US carriers started sending out official teasers recently that gave us a glimpse of the Galaxy S6 Edge’s dual-curved edge display. However, a new Sprint promotional image leaked on Reddit earlier today gives us our clearest look yet at the possible final design of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones.
The image shows off almost the entire front panel of the two upcoming Samsung Galaxy flagship smartphones. While we can’t tell much from the image, both the handsets appear to have rounded corners and a metallic frame on the sides which seems to be quite shiny. We also see the individual volume rocket buttons on the side of the Galaxy S6 Edge, which seems to confirm the ‘iPhone 6’ like design language of the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge. What does remain a mystery is if the back of the two devices will features glass like the recently leaked live pictures or is the two will come a metallic back (metal unibody) as was rumored initially. The homescreen seems to show off the new UI that the two smartphones will include, which doesn’t seem all too different from the Galaxy S5’s UI at first glance.
Sadly, aside from the differences in build materials, the Galaxy S6 still looks largely similar to the Galaxy S5. This is quite disappointing since we’ve been hearing from a long time that the Galaxy S6 will feature an all-new design that will not bear any resemblance to previous Galaxy flagship smartphones. With the codename ‘Project Zero’ we were hopeful that would actually be the case but the leaked image from Sprint promotion does make it seem a little disappointing. In fact, the front of the two new Galaxy S flagships seems to draw heavily from the Galaxy S5 than the Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy A-series and the Galaxy Note 4. We were expecting the Galaxy S6 design to be similar to these new devices but it looks like Samsung hasn’t concentrated much on the overall design on the front but only refined the sides and edges of its upcoming new flagship smartphone along the lines of the Apple iPhone 6 and the Apple iPhone 6 Plus.
Anyway, we don’t need to speculate much for now as everything will be revealed on Sunday when Samsung officially unveils the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones. The two devices are expected to include a 5.1” Quad HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7420 64-bit chipset, 3GB RAM, 32/64/128GB internal storage, 20MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, 5MP front-facing camera, and a lighter version of TouchWiz based on the latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop version.


New Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet Android 4.4 KitKat Update Rolling out at Verizon



The folks at Verizon don’t have too many tablets in their portfolio, but if you grabbed the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet from them you should check the notifications bar for a software update. Big Red announced on their support page that a new Android 4.4 KitKat update for Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet is now being pushed to users.
Since the device was already running Android 4.4, the KitKat-specific goodies such as transparent status and nav bars, white status bar icons, immersive mode, cloud printing, full screen album and movie art in the lock screen, or color emoji support were already available to the users. The new Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet Android 4.4 KitKat update comes to optimize the touch sensitivity, to improve the performance for the users who chose to encrypt the device, and to enhance Talkback support. It also includes minor UI tweaks such as new fonts, icons, and layouts.
The new software update is being pushed to users in phases, so it might not hit your tablet right away. I remind you that when your X2 Tablet becomes eligible to receive the new firmware, you should be able to notice a system update message in the notifications bar. If the system update notification failed to appear, you would also want to check for the update manually under Settings > About device > Software updates > Check now. Still no result? Then it means that you will have to wait a few more days.
The new Android 4.4 KitKat update for Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet has software version 23.0.1.E.0.208. Verizon failed to reveal the size of the update, but we are recommending you to download it using a Wi-Fi network to avoid unwanted data charges.


Thursday, 26 February 2015

Galaxy S5 Mini Lollipop OTA Update to be Released in April



Android 5.0 Lollipop has been already officially released for most of the high end Samsung branded devices out there, which means that from now we should see further OTAs rolled out for the budget friendly and mid range Android powered smartphones. And among these devices we must mention the Galaxy S5 Mini, which will apparently receive the Lollipop treatment starting from April 2015.
Of course, other companies and manufacturers already pushed Lollipop OTA for their mid range handsets (for example Motorola for its Moto E smartphone), so as usual Samsung is somehow left behind. Anyhow, the Android 5.0 updates will be released starting from Q2, as the firmware will then embrace almost all the Samsung branded phones out there.
Now, according to Samsung France the Galaxy S5 Mini will start receiving official Lollipop notifications starting from April. Of course, the exact release date is still unclear as Samsung didn’t mention something to rely on. However, keep in mind that the general time line is set for Q2, so the OTA might be pushed out even in June.
Moreover, as we already know, the Lollipop firmware will be rolled out in phases and gradually, just like any other OTA launch. Thus, your Galaxy S5 Mini might embrace the Android 5.0 flavor sooner, or later – the notification will be displayed automatically on your device, while you can manually check for updates by heading towards “menu – settings – about phone – software version – check for updates”.


Android 5.0 Lollipop Update for HTC One M7 is Now Rolling out in Europe



If you live in Europe and you happen to own a HTC One M7, then we have great news for you. The HTC One M7 Android 5.0 update is now rolling out, complete with HTC Sense 6 tweaks and Lollipop-specific goodies.
The announcement was made on Twitter by Jeff Gordon, Senior Global Online Communications Manager at HTC. Furthermore, Twitter user@rage06 has confirmed the roll out and provided a screenshot of the system update notification. 
Note that the HTC One M7 Android 5.0 Lollipop update has software number 7.19.401.2 and a size of around 805 MB, so don’t forget to connect to a Wi-Fi network while downloading the update.


Of course, the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for HTC One M7 is being rolled out in phases, meaning that some users will have to wait a bit longer until the update hits their devices. If your One M7 is in the first batch of devices updated to Lollipop, you should be able to notice a system update message in the notifications bar. Tap on it, choose ‘Download’, wait until the download is completed, then select ‘Install now’. Your smartphone should reboot and install the new firmware update. You can also check for the update manually under Settings > About phone > Software update > Check now.
The new software update arrives with a slightly tweaked Sense 6 UI that is more suited for Material Design, Android Runtime, multi-user support for phones, better battery statistics, Screen Pinning, Smart Lock, and dynamic status bar, revamped notifications bar and quick settings. HTC’s system update notification highlights the new Lock Screen notifications, Recent apps, and Search function within settings, as the main features of the Lollipop update.


2nd Gen Moto X Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Update Now Available at AT&T



Back in October 2014, Google officially announced Android 5.0 Lollipop. A month later the new update was hitting the first Nexus devices, which were followed shortly after by both the unlocked and Verizon Moto X 2014 variants. Three months later we hear that the 2nd gen Moto X Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update is now being pushed to the AT&T users.
A couple of days ago, Motorola begun the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop soak tests for both Verizon and AT&T Moto X and that the update should be released soon. Now the new firmware is being released for all AT&T customers. And when I say “all” I mean “some” because we are dealing with a staged roll out. You know the drill. When your phone is ready to receive the OTA update, you’ll see a system update notification. In case you haven’t received the notification, perform a manual check under Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check now. Still no update? Then keep on waiting for it. The Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for AT&T Moto X 2014 has software number 22.21.34 and update file is quite big so remember to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Now let’s take a look at the changes brought by the new update. According to AT&T’s changelog you’ll get Material Design, which is the colorful and fluid interface everyone is talking about, New Interruption and Downtime settings, the new card-based Overview space (you may know it as Recent from KitKat), native flashlight, multi-user support, Screen pinning (lock the screen to a specific app), Android Runtime for better in-app performance, and Smart Lock with Trusted Devices or Trusted Places. You will also be able to enjoy enhanced notification handling which include lock screen notifications (you can prioritize them and choose specific privacy settings) and a redesigned notifications bar which as a ‘Dismiss all’ button you can actually reach with one hand. Motorola’s Moto Display, Ambient Display, and Moto Assist also got updated. You’ll find more details in the link above.


LG G3 is Getting Updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop in Canada



The South Korean phone maker has already released the LG G3 Android 5.0 Lollipop in select countries and today they added a new one to the list. The unlocked LG G3 units located in Canada are not getting upgraded with the latest available Android firmware.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop update for LG G3 arrives with a plethora of changes and improvements which are aimed to both improve the UI and the overall system performance. What should you expect from the new update? I’m glad you’ve asked. According to the changelog posted by LG, the new firmware brings a bold and colorful interface, new notification options, improved battery life, security enhancements, and automatic device encryption. Lollipop for LG G3 also arrives with support for multiple device users, a revamped quick settings drop-down menu, better Internet and Bluetooth handling, and Voice activation when screen is off. It’s also worth mentioning that after you install the new update, the obsolete Dalvik will be replaced by Android Runtime and that your phone will have support for lock screen notifications.
Just like any other software update, the LG G3 Android 5.0 Lollipop update is being pushed to users in phases. This means that some of you might have to wait a few more days or even weeks. I remind you that as soon as your G3 is ready to receive the Lollipop OTA update, you should see a system update message in the notifications bar. Tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions. We are also recommending you to perform a manual check under Settings > About Device > Software update > Check now. Also, given the size of the update file, remember to connect to a Wi-Fi network before downloading it.


Wednesday, 25 February 2015

T-Mobile Posts Android 5.0 Lollipop Update Status for HTC One M7, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Edge



Back in October 2014, Google officially announced Android 5.0 Lollipop and as of November 2014, the new software update is being pushed to various devices. As usual, the Nexus smartphones and tablets were first, followed by the Google Play Edition devices, and by Motorola’s flagships. The unlocked models are usually the first in line to receive new software updates, with the carrier-locked variants trailing behind.
The US-based carriers are working around the clock to bring the Lollipop update to their supported devices and many of the said devices already got updated to Android 5.0. In the meantime, the folks at T-Mobile have posted a support page to help customers track the status of the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013), HTC One M7, HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, and Samsung Galaxy S5. Here’s the page if you want to take a peek.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 7 2013 is listed as completed. This means that the software update has been approved to launch and that is now rolling out to users.
The status for the HTC One M7 Android 5.0 Lollipop is labeled as “T-Mobile testing,” meaning that the software update has been released by the OEM to the carrier and that T-Mobile’s engineers are still testing it to see whether it’s ready for prime-time. On the other hand, the HTC One M8 Android 5.0 Lollipop update is labeled as “Completed” since it has already been pushed to users.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop update for both Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge is still under “Manufacturer Development,” as Samsung is still working on the update and hasn’t offered it to T-Mobile for the final tests. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Lollipop update is in the “T-Mobile Testing” phases (which means that the roll out is imminent), while the Galaxy S5 is the only Samsung smartphone carried by T-Mobile that received the Android 5.0 Lollipop update.
I remind you that, just like any software updates, the Android 5.0 Lollipop update will be released by T-Mobile in stages, meaning that not all customers will get it in the same time. Usually, when your device is ready to receive the OTA update, you should see a system update notification popping out. Just tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also perform a manual check on Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check for updates (may vary with device).
As you may already know, you are dealing with a major software update, so expect lots of changes and improvements. The most notable change is the new Material Design philosophy which relies on realistic 3D effects and shadows and vivid colors to improve the user experience system-wide. The update also brings performance boosts, support for 64-bit processors, and ART (Android Runtime) instead of Dalvik.
The Overview menu is now called Recent and it has a card-based interface with document-centric multitasking, so select apps can show more than one card in the Recent menu. The update also brings a redesigned notifications bar and better-organized Quick Settings with new toggles for Flashlight and Screen Cast. You will also be able to easily find specific settings sections, courtesy of the new search bar within the Settings app.
One of the most appreciated features of Android 5.0 Lollipop is the support for Lock Screen notifications. You can even select the priority and privacy level for each app that shows notifications in the lock screen, or even block apps from showing lock screen notifications. You might also like the multi-user accounts for phones and the new Screen Pinning. Lollipop also introduced Smart Lock, a feature that can remove any layer of lock screen security when you are in a Trusted Place or connected to a Trusted Device.
Lollipop also boasts about better battery statistics and the new Battery Saver Mode. It now shows how much time do you have left until the battery is fully charged (when the device is plugged in) or how long it’s left until you have to recharge it again. Battery Saver Mode can be automatically turned on when the battery level reaches 15% or 5%.


Tuesday, 24 February 2015

Verizon LG G3 Gets Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OTA Update



Hello to all Verizon LG G3 owners. We have great news for you guys. The LG G3 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is finally being pushed to users by the folks at Verizon. Even though the carriers haven’t updated their support page yet, many users are reporting that the new software update is hitting their devices.
The new LG G3 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update has software version number VS98523A and, as usual, it’s being rolled out in phases. For what it’s worth, Verizon is the third US-based carrier to push the Lollipop update to their G3 variant, after Sprint and AT&T already rolled out the new software update.
As I was mentioning above, we are dealing with a staged roll out, meaning that some of you would have to wait longer than others. As soon as your LG G3 becomes eligible to receive Android 5.0 Lollipop, you should be able to notice a system update message in the notifications bar. All you need to do is tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions. In case the system update notification failed to appear, you would also want to perform a manual check under Settings > System updates > Check for new system update > Check now.
Since we are dealing with a major system update, expect the update file to weigh in at over 600 MB. We are recommending you to download it using a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid unwanted data charges.
I remind you that Lollipop is the most major update Android has received so far. It arrives with a new design philosophy called Material Design, multi-user support for phones, better battery statistics, ART instead of Dalvik, lock-screen notifications, dynamic status bar, redesigned recent menu, Screen Pinning, Smart Lock, and more.


Thursday, 19 February 2015

Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Update Rolling Out in Germany



The official Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Update has been released in Germany for the Unlocked versions of the Samsung Galaxy S5 devices. Up until now this update was already released by various carrier-locked Galaxy S5 models.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Update comes with a multitude of features and functions that will make the Galaxy S5 works faster and better than it did until now. Also, the TouchWiz bloatware has been somewhat reduced, so you won’t be that annoyed every time you open various menus across your device’s interface. Android 5.0 Lollipop is probably one of the biggest OS updates ever released by Google and now Samsung has pushed it across Germany for all the unlocked versions of the Galaxy S5.
This new firmware update is being released in phases, which means that not all Unlocked Galaxy S5 devices in Germany are going to receive the new firmware update at the same time. When the Android 5.0 Lollipop update is sent for your device you will see a notification popping up, and the only thing that you need to do is to confirm the firmware download process in order to get it flashed on your phone.
Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA Update comes with the following important features and functions: new Material Design UI interface, lockscreen actionable notifications support, new toggles for Quick Settings, better graphics, Multiple Users support, Guest User, Screen Pinning, Android Runtime (ART) fully integrated, no more Dalvik, Recent multi-tasking new screen, native Battery Power Saver, and more that you can discover by yourself after completing the Lollipop installation. Remember that this update is sent only for Galaxy S5 devices running 100% stock Android 4.4.x KitKat OS.


Wednesday, 18 February 2015

T-Mobile Galaxy S5 now Receiving OTA Android 5.0 Lollipop Update



T-Mobile is now offering the OTA Android 5.0 Lollipop update for its Galaxy S5 devices. So, if you own a T-Mobile branded Samsung Galaxy S5, now you can start checking for the Lollipop notification. The firmware should be spotted automatically on your phone – just slide down the notification panel as the OTA should be displayed there.
However, since we are talking about an official release, the T-Mobile Android 5.0 Lollipop OS will be rolled out gradually, or in phases. This means that not all the Galaxy S5 users will receive the OTA at the same time. If the notification isn’t yet displayed on your phone, you can manually search for the same by going to “menu – settings – about phone – software version – check for software updates”.
The firmware is dubbed as UVU1DOB1 and it is coming as a 900 MB package – make sure you enable a Wi-Fi connection during the download and update procedure. The Lollipop update can be applied automatically; downloaded via Samsung KIES or manually installed through Odin (we will bring a proper tutorial so stay close).
Android 5.0 Lollipop for T-Mobile Galaxy S5 comes as a stable and smooth update that brings everything that’s new on the Android platform: material Design-inspired UI, lockscreen notifications, improved performance and battery life along many other features and apps.
Do note that you can receive the OTA update only if your phone is not rooted and only if your device is running on stock Android OS – else, you will have to flash the UVU1DOB1 software manually by using Odin (just download the firmware from SamMobile and flash it on your device through the mentioned program).


Tuesday, 17 February 2015

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is Getting Update to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop in Australia



The folks at Samsung are making efforts to update their flagships to Lollipop. After the update was released in select countries for Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy Note 4, now we hear that the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update for Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is being pushed to the users based in Australia.
Just like any other software update, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is being rolled out in stages, meaning that some users will have to wait a few more days until the update hits their devices. You probably know already that as soon as your Edge becomes eligible to receive the new firmware you should be able to see a system update message in the notification bar. Tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also check for the update manually under Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check for software updates or via KIES after you connect your phone to the PC using the USB data cable.
We are dealing with major software update, so expect the update file to have a size of over 800 MB. Therefore, we are advising you to download the update file using a stable Wi-Fi network.
Of course, if the software update is not made available for your device via KIES or OTA, you also have the option to flash it manually. All you need to do is download the firmware file from Sammobile here, connect your phone to the PC, launch ODIN, then use it to flash the file to your device.
I remind you that Android 5.0 Lollipop is the most major software update Google’s mobile platform has received in a while. The new update arrives with multi-user support for phones, lock screen notifications, Android runtime, Smart Lock, Screen Pinning, Material Design, updated Samsung apps, bug fixes, performance boosts, and more.


Android 5.0 Lollipop Update for LG G3 Arriving at Sprint Today



If you happen to own an LG G3 from Sprint, then we have great news for you. The carrier officially revealed on its website that the LG G3 Android 5.0 Lollipop update is being pushed to the customers now.
As usual, the roll out is being made in phases, meaning that not all users will get it in the same time. You know the drill: when the system update notification appears on your device tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions. No system updates notification? Well, you might want to try a manual check under Settings > System updates > Update LG Software > Check for update.
Even though Sprint doesn’t mention anything about the size of the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for LG G3, expect the update file to be quite large. We are advising you to download the update using a Wi-Fi network in order to avoid unwanted data charges.
As you may already know, the LG G3 Android 5.0 Lollipop update brings major changes and improvements. According to the changelog posted by Sprint, the new software brings Material Design UI with fluid animations, multicolored themes, and 3D views, optimized battery use, support for Android TV, lock screen notifications and customizable options with prioritized notifications for events, reminders, messages and calls, enhanced low vision and color blind in Accessibility, tweaked location menu, upgraded Google Mobile service, and more.
After you update your LG G3 with the new software, you should also be able to notice that many of the LG native apps have been updated, along with LG’s custom skin which has been tweaked to follow the Material Design guidelines. Of course, the changes are more numerous since we are dealing with the biggest update Android has received in a while.


Saturday, 14 February 2015

HTC One M9 Full Spec-Sheet Revealed in New Leak



The HTC One M9 or ‘Hima’ is all set to be announced by the company at its Utopia in Progress event scheduled for March 1 in Barcelona. However, you don’t need to wait until then to find out everything about the device as a new post from renowned leakster upleaks has revealed the full spec-sheet of the One M9 before its official announcement.
Most of what has been revealed in the latest post is not new and had been revealed by upleaks a few weeks back already. However, there are still few new bits of information that have been revealed, along with details on carrier variants and the list of accessories that will be offered with the smartphone.
The One M9 is reported to include a 5.0” 1920 x 1080 resolution Full HD LCD display, exactly similar to the One M8. The chipset powering the smartphone will be Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 810, clocked at 2.0GHz for the Cortex-A57 cores and 1.5GHz for the Cortex-A53 cores. 3GB of RAM is expected to be included, an upgrade over the 2GB RAM on the One M8 from last year. What will not be similar though is the amount of internal storage offered. According to the upleaks post, the One M9 will come with 32GB or 64GB internal storage options. Thankfully the new report confirms that a microSD card slot will be included, so you will be able to expand the memory by up to 128GB.
At the back, the One M9 will include a 20.7MP resolution rear camera with a dual-LED flash like on the One M8. At the front, the One M9 will include a 4MP UltraPixel camera. Earlier upleaks report couldn’t confirm if HTC will go with the 4MP UltraPixel or a 13MP sensor, but the latest report seems to suggest that HTC made up its mind on using the UltraPixel sensor for the front camera on One M9.
The One M9 will include VoLTE, LTE Cat.6 and Carrier Aggregation support, but the Carrier Aggregation feature is said to be dependent on the market and may not be offered on all One M9 variants. It will come with the latest Bluetooth 4.1 version, like every other Snapdragon 810 device. The batter is expected to be 2,840mAh, which doesn’t sound too great and is lower than most recent flagship smartphones. Last but not the least; HTC’s excellent BoomSound stereo speakers will be onboard too.
Along with the spec-sheet, upleaks also has details on the various variants of the One M9. The Hima#UHL variant is likely to be sold in Asia, Europe, Africa, UAE, Russia, Turkey, and Mainland China. The Hima#UL will be headed to the US with AT&T, T-Mobile and a Developer Edition model. In Canada, the smartphone will be offered by Rogers and Telus. Customers in Latin America will also be getting this same model.
The Hima#WHL model will be headed to the Sprint Network in US and also China Telecom. Finally, the Hima#WL model will be the Verizon Wireless variant.
HTC is also expected to offer a wide range of accessories with the One M9. Some of the accessories revealed by upleaks are the HTC DotView 2 case, clear case, stand case, waterproof case with IP68 rating, waterproof headset, HTC BoomBass speaker with Wi-Fi support, and a screen protector.


Samsung Releases First Official Galaxy S6 Teaser Focuses on the Camera



With just around two weeks left for the Galaxy S6 announcement, Samsung has started teasing ‘The Next Galaxy’ already. Samsung Mobile released the first official Galaxy S6 teaser on its Twitter handle today. The 17 second teaser video focuses on the camera of the Galaxy S6, possibly hinting at some great new features and improvements with the camera on Samsung’s next flagship smartphone.
The video teaser only talks about ‘The Next Galaxy’ being inspired by “Great Vision” and “A Unique View”. Clearly, that doesn’t really tell us anything about the Galaxy S6’s camera. However, what the first teaser does point to is that the camera on the Galaxy S6 is likely to be one of its biggest USPs when it goes official next month. Two days back, Samsung had hinted at a capable camera on the Galaxy S6 that will let users take brilliant pictures without having to worry about anything else except pressing the shutter button in a blog post made on the SamsungTomorrow website.
Based on rumors so far, the Galaxy S6 will come with a 20 megapixel camera at the back, likely manufactured by Samsung. It could also include the ISOCELL technology, just like its predecessor. No info is available yet on the sensor size but we expect it to have a slightly larger sensor than the Galaxy S5. More recent renders and image leaks also seem to suggest the Galaxy S6 is likely to include a protruding camera lens at the back, similar to the Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Apart from the increased resolution, the Galaxy S6 camera is also expected to include optical image stabilization for steadier videos and superior low-light imaging prowess. A dual-LED flash is likely as well, a first on a Samsung Galaxy flagship smartphone.