The wait is over for The Droid Demos’ guide for how to root the Galaxy Nexus. Its simple, its straight forward, and it will help guide you down the yellow brick road of rooting. Enjoy!

A big thanks to WugFresh and his initial thread for rooting the Galaxy Nexus, off which I created this guide and anyone else that has helped make this happen.

I try to make my guides simple and straightforward so that the average user can root their device. I show every detail and walk you through the process. This guide is a complete video walkthrough on how to root the Samsung Galaxy Nexus with edits based on the issues that some may run into with previous guides. Without further ado, let’s get started!

REQUIRED DOWNLOADS

Just download, do not install or run anything yet.

• GnexRootToolkit.v1.3 – [Mirror]

Instructions

This process will erase all the data on your phone. This includes apps, downloads, pictures, and anything else on the internal storage. If you want to keep any of that, be sure to back them up. The easiest way to do this is by connecting the phone to your computer and using drag and drop to move everything to a folder on your computer. Make sure to do this before starting.

Initial Setup

1. Download the GnexRootToolkit.v1.3 – [Mirror]
2. Right click on the Toolkit exe file and select Run as Administrator.
3. If it asks you if you want to run it, click Run.
4. If it requests permissions to run, click yes.
5. When the program opens, select which version of the Nexus you have: CDMA or GSM.

Install and Configure Drivers

1. Click the “Drivers” button to initiate the configuration.
2. The program will remind you to have your phone unplugged. Make sure yours is unplugged and then click OK.
3. The program will initiate the driver install and then open up a terminal window. This will explain how to check to make sure there are no old drivers installed.
4. Click any key to open up a new window. Look for 04e8 and 18d1 under the VendorID. If they show up anywhere, right click on them and select “Uninstall selected devices.” You can select more than one at once.”
5. Once complete, you can close that window and go back to the terminal window. Click any key to continue.
6. It will now run a script to configure the drivers for adb access. Click any key to continue. Click any key to continue again at the next screen
7. Enable USB Debugging on your phone. Go to Settings>Developer Options and check USB Debugging.
8. You can now plug in your phone to the computer.
9. Wait about 20 seconds and then in the terminal window on your computer, click any key to continue.
10. It will then ask if you see your device listed (it will show a bunch of letters and numbers). If you type 1 and click Enter and move to the next step. If you don’t, click 2 and Enter. It will remind you of what you need to do for the phone to connect. Make sure that these things are done and type 1 and hit Enter. Confirm that your phone now shows up and hit 1 and Enter
11. It will now reboot your phone to the bootloader and check for fastboot access. If you see your phone listed (a bunch of letters and numbers) type 1 and hit Enter and move to the next step. If not, type 2 and hit Enter. It will explain how to manually install the drivers. You will have to open Device Manager (Start Button > Type “device manager” and select if from the list. You will see “Android 1.0″ or something similar listed towards the bottom under a “USB devices” header. Right click on Android 1.0 and click “Update driver software.” Click “Browse my computer for software” and direct it to the drivers (C:\\Wugs_GnexRootToolkit\data\drivers) and click next and let it install the drivers. Once complete go back to the terminal window and hit any key to continue. Confirm that you see your device listed and type 1 and hit Enter.
12. Your drivers are now all setup. It will reboot your device. You can click any key to close the window.

Unlock the Phone

1. If your drivers are configured, go ahead and click the “Unlock” button in the program.
2. Another reminder, all of the data on your phone will be wiped. If you want anything, be sure to back it up to your computer before doing anything else.
3. Enable USB Debugging on your phone. Go to Settings>Developer Options and check USB Debugging.
4. Make sure that your phone is plugged in to the computer.
5. Hit any key to continue
6. It will then ask if you see your device listed (it will show a bunch of letters and numbers). If you type 1 and click Enter and move to the next step. If you don’t, click 2 and Enter. It will remind you of what you need to do for the phone to connect. Make sure that these things are done and type 1 and hit Enter. Confirm that your phone now shows up and hit 1 and Enter
7. It will now reboot your phone to the bootloader and check for fastboot access. If you see your phone listed (a bunch of letters and numbers) type 1 and hit Enter and move to the next step. If you don’t see it, you most likely did not install your drivers. You will need to select 2 and follow the instructions.
8. You will now see a screen that says “Unlock bootloader?” on your phone’s screen. Hit the Volume Up button to highlight “Yes” and press the power button on your phone to select it.
9. After a few seconds, it will start to reboot. When the program says to do so, click any key to continue. Your phone will boot up after a few minutes.

Root the Phone

1. On your phone, you can skip through the setup process or go through to get to the homescreen.
2. In the Toolkit program on your computer, click the “Root” button.
3. Enable USB Debugging on your phone. Go to Settings>Developer Options and check USB Debugging.
4. Make sure that your phone is plugged in to the computer.
5. Click any key to continue
6. It will then ask if you see your device listed (it will show a bunch of letters and numbers). If you type 1 and click Enter and move to the next step. If you don’t, click 2 and Enter. It will remind you of what you need to do for the phone to connect. Make sure that these things are done and type 1 and hit Enter. Confirm that your phone now shows up and hit 1 and Enter
7. It will push the root file to your phone, reboot to the bootloader, and check for fastboot access. If you see your phone listed (a bunch of letters and numbers) type 1 and hit Enter and move to the next step. If you don’t see it, you most likely did not install your drivers. You will need to select 2 and follow the instructions.
8. It will send the recovery file to your phone. Click any key to continue when it prompts.
9. It will now give instructions to boot into recovery and flash the root file. On your phone, click the Volume Up button until your phone displays “Recovery mode” and hit the power button to select it.
10. Once it reboots to recovery, use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Install zip from sdcard” and hit the power button to select it.
11. Hit the power button to select “Choose zip from sdcard”
12. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “su.zip” and hit the power button to select it.
13. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Yes – install sup.zip” and hit the power button to select it.
14. It should flash the zip file and then say “Install from sdcard complete. You can now use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Go back” and hit the power button to select it.
15. Hit the power button to select “Reboot system now”
16. Your phone will reboot. Keep it plugged in. Once it reboots, confirm that USB Debugging is turned on by going to Settings>Developer Options and make sure USB Debugging is checked.
17. In the terminal window on the computer, hit any key to continue.
18. It will say that it will run a script to make the recovery permanent. Press any key to launch the script.
19. Once it is complete, hit Enter.
20. It will then remind you to install ROM Manager to re-flash recovery for you. Hit any key to exit.

Install ROM Manager and Re-Flash Recovery

1. On your phone, open up the Market. Sign in if you need to.
2. Search for ROM Manager and install it
3. Open ROM Manager and click “Flash ClockworkMod Recovery.” Select your device (CDMA or GSM) and it will flash the recovery. Click Allow on superuser if it prompts you.

You’re now rooted!

How to Root the Samsung Galaxy Nexus [Video Walkthrough] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Android Apps Series

When I posted about what I believed to be the best Android weather app last week, I was prompted by the stream of posts from probably every single Android website (the lack of originality is, unfortunately, unsurprising) about the release of 1Weather, the weather app from OneLouder Apps, the makers of Friendcaster, Tweetcaster, and BaconReader. Word across the Android-osphere was (again, unoriginally) that this was the most gorgeous weather app on the Market and therefore the best weather app on the Market. While I can’t disagree with the design aspect, I decided to tell you guys about the weather app that I felt was the best.

Following that post, I got tweets and comments about 1Weather. Sigh. What’s a guy to do? So here it is. My obligatory review of 1Weather. I’ll agree, it’s a great app. The elegance lives up to the rest of the OneLouder Apps family. Is it the best weather app? What’s the best app for any category? It’s a matter of preference. But no, its not my choice for the best. It’s still worth your eyes and your download though. Check out the full review below and let me know if you agree or not. Enjoy!

Pros:

• It really is a great looking app
• Important information is displayed in an easy to view way

Cons:

• Information is not as extensive as other apps
• The radar on this app, frankly, sucks

1Weather App Demo

Download Links

[1Weather Market Download] | []

What do you think is the best weather app?

Let us know in the comments!

1Weather – The Android Weather App with STYLE is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Through all of the various videos that I’ve come out with, you have been able to see how I’ve had my phone themed, styled, and set up over the past few years. Many of you have asked what theme I have installed (more often than not its my own custom theme work) and “how [I] got my phone to look like that.” I’ve never really elaborated much on how to add a theme to Android besides my tutorial on how to make Android look like iPhone (though its about outdated and there are much better methods to do a better job), so I thought it was about time that I did so. The thing I like about the way I theme is that anyone can do it. You don’t have to know the makeup of an Android ROM to add a little bit of flare to your device using this method. With just a few apps and a little bit of searching around, you can come up with a unique theme for yourself to add a little spark to the other wise bland interface.

Apps

There are five main apps that I use in my current theme, but to get your desired effect, there are tons of apps in the market that can give you some nice looking widgets. They are as follows:

ADW Launcher:

This great home replacement will allow you to change icons and completely customize your Android home screen. I use the Pro version (ADW Launcher EX), but the free version will get the job done.

Wallpaper Wizardrii:

I use this app to set my wallpaper. It allows you to remove scrolling as well as change specifically how the image is cropped, giving you more control over how your wallpaper will be displayed.

Beautiful Widgets:

Beautiful Widgets has been around for ages, and for good reason. It’s tried and true widget displays your clock and weather in a few different sizes, but its claim to fame is its skin library, which contains tons of user submitted designs for the clock and weather icons that you can install, giving the ability for a new look with every theme.

SwitchPro Widget:

I’ve used this widget for ages. It gives you quick access to all your important settings toggles but also lets you customize how the widget looks, from the style and transparency to the color of indicators.

Bonus

Minimalistic Text:

I’m not using this on my current theme, buts such a favorite of mine and others that I couldn’t leave it out. Its got a laundry list of information that it can display and has complete control over exactly how and where all text is displayed. The amount you can do with this widget is incredibler.

How to Make Your Theme

I’m going to keep this simple for the written guide, so be sure to watch the video below for exactly how to do everything.

Get Your Custom Launcher

1. Install ADW Launcher
2. Customize the settings to have your homescreen display how you want it to (change how the dock looks or number of rows and columns)

Set a Wallpaper

1. Install Wallpaper Wizardrii
2. Hold your home screen and select to change your wallpaper using Wallpaper Wizardrii
3. Choose your picture, click set, and chose your cropping and scrolling options

Change Your Icons

1. Download the icons that you want and put them on your phones SD card.
2. Add an icon to your homescreen
3. Hold the icon until a menu pops up, select Edit, and click on the icon.
4. Select where your icons are and choose the icon you want to use

Add Your Widgets

1. Find the widgets you would like to use in the market, such as Beautiful Widgets and SwitchPro
2. Customize the look and feel of the widgets (such as changing the colors and adding a clock and weather skin for Beautiful Widgets

How to Theme Android Walkthrough

What are your favorite ways to add a theme to Android?

Let us know in the comments!

How to Theme Android for Dummies is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Android Apps Series

Its not that often that we get a great app built for multiple platforms. And its not that often that we get an app built WELL for multiple platforms. What? You mean I can sync this app across them all, too? Quit messin!

For the longest time, Google Tasks was my go to choice for managing to do lists. It didn’t have very many features – in fact, about all it had was lists and items – but it got the job done and I could access it from anywhere and that’s what really mattered. I got frustrated with its lack of app support and feature list, though, and set off to find the best task manager for android. Fast forward to today and I think I’ve settled on the app to take that title (for now). Wunderlist’s feature list isn’t the longest in the world of task managers and to do apps, but it has important ones and presents it in an easy to use interface that won’t have you spending more time making lists than completing tasks.

If you’ve been looking for a good app to help you with this, Wunderlist is worth a try. Check out my review below and let me know if you think it’s the best to do app for Android. Be sure to mention your favorite task manager and I’ll be sure to try it out!

Pros:

• Feature filled without being too complex
• Well designed, especially for an Android app
• Apps across all platforms with cloud syncing

Cons:

• Some may feel it needs MORE features
• I’d like to see sublists, or the ability to put lists into “projects”

Wunderlist App Demo

Download Links

[Wunderlist Market Download] | [Wunderlist AppBrain Download]

What do you think is the best task manager or to do app for android?

Let us know in the comments!

Wunderlist – Top Task Manager for ALL Platforms is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Android Apps Series

It seems that the leading app for best file manager for Android gets replaced every year or two. Back when Android first launched, Astro was the go to file manager. Slowly, ES File Explorer became one of the most popular file mangers (though the Astro folk stayed faithful). Now, slowly but surely, File Expert has pushed its way to the top by bucking the trend of ugly file managers. “We will not stand for a poorly designed file manager!” said the guys at Geek Software, or so legend states. So here we are with a File Manger that’s not only clean, simple, and easy to use, but that might just be the most feature rich file manager app on Android today.

From cloud access to multiple services, FTP and SFTP access and sharing options, an easy to navigate file interface, app backup services, theming, and much, much more, File Expert has become my go to app for everything files (I swear I’m not trying to see how many times I can use the word “file). Check out the review below for the full scoop on this great app.

Pros:

• Simple and elegant interface
• Ability to browse by file type as well as by directory
• More sharing and file access services than you can shake a stick at
• Easy to use app backup

Cons:

• Really, I can’t think of anything. Maybe app backup features at the level of Titanium Backup?

File Expert App Demo

Download Links

[File Expert Market Download] | [File Expert AppBrain Download]

What do you think is the best file manager for android?

Let us know in the comments!

File Expert – Best File Manager for Android is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Android Apps Series

I’ve been on the lookout for new weather apps for quite a while. Why? Because I haven’t found that I really, truly love. That might have changed with Weather Underground, which I feel could very well become the best weather app for android.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice the great design of the app. It screams high quality, which is something we don’t often see on Android, especially without looking too iPhone-ish. Weather Underground gets it done nicely with a clean and simple interface that makes it easy to get to the things you’d want to see most. Watch my review below and let me know if you feel the same.

Pros:

• Great interface
• Simple layout that shows you the most relevant data
• Key features to track weather for your towns
• Considered to be one of the most accurate weather services

Cons:

• No widget (though it does offer a temperature notification bar)
• Not very many settings, though I haven’t found a case where I really need any additional settings

Weather Underground App Demo

Download Links

[Weather Underground Market Download] | [Weather Underground AppBrain Download]

What do you think is the best weather app?

Let us know in the comments!

Weather Underground – Best Weather App? is a post from: The Droid Demos

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I’m surprised this one slipped by me, but I’m glad its still working. It looks like Verizon does in fact still have an unlimited data plan in its system that you can get on your phone, albeit with a little work. When you add the $29.99 (on sale right now for $25.80) 4G Mobile Hotspot feature to your plan, it will add unlimited data as well. Here’s the kicker. Remove the mobile hotspot feature and you’ll be left with unlimited data, regardless of what plan you had before. I had Verizon’s 4GB plan for $29.99 on my Galaxy Nexus. After geting the mobile hotspot feature added (and then immediately removed), I’m left with the same $29.99 for what is now unlimited data.

It looks like this has been in the public eye for about 3 weeks now, but its starting to gain more steam, so get it while you can. There’s no telling when Verizon will close off this loophole, or even remove it from those who’ve added it. It’s worth a shot, though.

In order to get it enabled, you’ll need to follow the instructions below. Some are reporting that they’ve been able to get this on their 3G phones as well (but for 2GB data). It may take you a few tries, but I was able to get it in one shot.

1. Dial *611 from your Verizon phone.
2. Wait for computer CSR to go through the main menu. You will need the last 4 of the account holder’s SSN.
3. Hit option 4.
4. When it asks you what you would like to do today say “Add a feature.”
5. If you have a 3G device (which includes all iPhones): Say you would like to add the $20 2GB 3G Mobile Hotspot FEATURE to your phone
6. If you have a 4G device: Say you would like to add the $30 Mobile Hotspot feature (do not mention unlimited).
7. Your data plan will now be the $29.99 unlimited data plan, and you’ll have either the 2GB (if 3G) or unlimited Mobile Hotspot feature on top of that.
8. Log into My Verizon and remove the Mobile Hotspot FEATURE from your account. You must be an account owner to do this. Click My Verizon and then in the “I want to…” section, click More actions. Scroll down to the 4G Mobile Hotspot feature and remove it. Follow the prompts it gives you.
9. If they say they can’t add that feature to your plan, or that you must bundle your data + mobile hotspot service together as a single data plan, tell them thank you, hang up, and repeat the steps above.

[via slickdeals]

How to Enable Unlimited Data on Your Verizon Smartphone is a post from: The Droid Demos

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If you think I’m going flash happy with the EVO 3D lately, you’d be right. Congrats. But you’re the winner, because I have another ROM review for you. Today’s ROM comes to you from smokin1337, but it might as well come from every dev for the EVO 3D. Sick Sense vX, brings tweaks and improvements from at least 5 different ROMs that I’ve counted so far.

It all comes together in what might be one of the best ROMs for the EVO 3D. The number of performance tweaks built in and ready for your control have this thing screaming. The speed is amazing and battery life is great, something that hasn’t received the attention it deserves on the EVO 3D yet. Check out the review below and let me know if you think this is one of the best EVO 3D ROMs.

Why Should I Install This ROM?

• More tweaks than you can shake a stick at
• Advantages of a number of great ROMs
• All bloat removed and only key apps added
• Extensive controls over performance tweaks so you can set it how YOU want it

Check out the video for the full scoop on this great EVO 3D ROM. Downloads and full details below.

And if you haven’t yet, we’ve got you covered on how to root the EVO 3D.

Download Links

More info on Sick Sense and Download Links

Thanks to smokin1337 for this great ROM!

EVO 3D ROMs – Sick Sense vX [ROM Review] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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One of the most talked about things around the current and upcoming HTC phones is the new Sense 3.5 which brings a slightly altered design and more functionality. Various devs have worked on porting the new interface to the different HTC phones. While some work better than others, WTSB Hydro runs amazingly well. In fact, it’s one of the smoothest running ROMs that I’ve used so far on the EVO 3D.

There are a few things missing, such as 4G and 3D functionality, so if those are things you use daily and feel you need, you may need to pass this one up. But if you think you can get by without it (and I have), this is a GREAT ROM. It’s fast, it’s sleek, and it’s a great base to build your personal daily driver out of. If nothing else, try it out so you can see what’s new with Sense 3.5 and decide for yourself if WTSP Hydro is one of the best EVO 3D ROMs.

Why Should I Install This ROM?

• Try out the new Sense 3.5
• Great base ROM to personalize
• Quite fast
• Pretty full featured for Sense 3.5, but still missing 4G and 3D

Check out the video for the full scoop on this great EVO 3D ROM. Downloads and full details below.

And if you haven’t yet, we’ve got you covered on how to root the EVO 3D.

Download Links

More info on WTSB Hydro and Download Links

Thanks to Sac23 & Wes342 for this great ROM!

EVO 3D ROMs – WTSB Hydro V2.1 [ROM Review] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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In case you’ve been under a rock, Google’s latest update to Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, is on it’s way next week. Luckily, we’ve got enough leaks to sink a ship. Thanks to various sources, we’ve got them all right here for you in one convenient little pack. So, get your install finger ready and download all of the Ice Cream Sandwich files that we have so far. Inside, you’ll find the ICS boot animation, new apps for Google Music, Google+, and the Android Market, along with ringtones and wallpapers, and widgets, oh my!. Only thing left is the phone.

Installation Notes

For the boot animation, just install the zip from recovery and you should be good to go. This has been reported to work on Motorola phones, GS2, EVO 4G, and the Nexus One so far. Let us know if you get it working on anything else (or if you have problems).

For the Google Music apk, make sure to uninstall the current Google Music app on your phone before installing. Once installed, make sure syncing is set up by going to Settings > Accounts & Sync. If syncing isn’t working, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications > and “Clear data.”

A big thanks to Droid Life for instructions on installing the new Market 3.2.0.

1. Download the file from above (Phonesky.apk) to your SD card.
2. In Root Explorer, find the file you just downloaded and copy it.
3. Move into /system/app and hit the R/W button to mount – then paste the file.
4. Find Vending.apk and rename it to something like Vending.apk1.
5. Long press on Phonesky.apk and rename it to Vending.apk.
6. Afterwards, long press on it again and choose “Permissions.”
7. Change the permissions to this:

8. Press “OK”, reboot and enjoy the new market.

Download

Here’s the download link again: Ice Cream Sandwich Files

Thanks to AndroidPolice and P3Droid of My Droid World.

The Ice Cream Sandwich Files [Downloads] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Today I’ve got one of the more popular ROMs available for the EVO 3D. Like myn’s Warm team, Team XRON has been pushing their ROM on a little of different devices. With a stock feel, great included apps, and outstanding performance, XRON shooter, as it has been called on the EVO 3D, has become one of the best EVO 3D ROMs available.

Following the trend of a lot of devs lately, XRON releases nightlies for their ROM, so you can stay up to date on the latest updates and fixes to the ROM. Check out our review below for the full scoop on this great ROM.

Why Should I Install This ROM?

• Stock feel for those that like it.
• Careful visual additions. Nothing over the top.
• TONS of great included apps.
• Outstanding performance. One of the faster ROMs.

Check out the video for the full scoop on this great EVO 3D ROM. Downloads and full details below.

And if you haven’t yet, we’ve got you covered on how to root the EVO 3D.

Download Links

More info on XRON Shooter and Download Links

Thanks to MisFit, TMartin, Leoisright, Chubbzlou, Kratos, and Vin, Wujiku, and TheMaha for development on this ROM!

EVO 3D ROMs – XRON Shooter [ROM Review] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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If you’ve owned another HTC phone, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of this ROM before. It’s made a splash on a ton of plethora of phones, and not just on Sprint. Built originally by Myn and now with the help of a few other devs, Warm ROM is one of the most beautifully enhanced ROMs I’ve seen on any phone. Sense ads some nice refinement to AOSP Android. Myn’s Warm ROM takes it to another level. It’s just pure beauty.

I first used this ROM back on the EVO, and if you did too, you’ll feel right at home. For the most part, this ROM has the exact same look and feel with a few other goodies. And it runs really well. If you haven’t tried it yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. Myn and his team have done an outstanding job and I’d easily place this ROM in my top 5 best EVO 3D ROMs.

Why Should I Install This ROM?

• Best designed ROM?
• Extensive themeing for a beautiful ROM
• Lots of performance improvements
• Goodies everywhere

Check out the video for the full scoop on this great EVO 3D ROM. Downloads and full details below.

And if you haven’t yet, we’ve got you covered on how to root the EVO 3D.

Download Links

More info on Warm TwoPointThree and Download Links

Thanks to DJZager, incubus26JC, Joelz9614, SteelH and myn for development on this ROM!

EVO 3D ROMs – Warm TwoPointThree [ROM Review] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Android Apps Series

As I’m sure all of you know, the travel search area is a very populated market. However, a few unique companies have sprouted up in recent years. We’ve gone from the traditional ones like Orbitz and Expedia to Priceline’s unique “Name your own price” functionality to the feature rich but simple to use Kayak. Although not new, Hipmunk, which was founded in 2005, has grown a great amount through funding and further development. Its interface makes it easy to see all flight results and sort by price, time, and “agony,” which takes into account multiple factors.

Today, Hipmunk released its Android app, bringing all this functionality into a convenient package for our Android phones. It’s clean, it’s simple, it’s informative, and it gets the job done. Check out the demo below for a full walkthrough of the app.

Pros:

• Extremely easy to use travel search
• Filter search results by price, departure, arrival, and “agony”
• Clean and simple interface

Cons:

• Doesn’t yet include Hipmunk’s hotel search, but I’m sure that will be coming soon

Hipmunk App Demo

Download Links

[Hipmunk Market Download] | [Hipmunk AppBrain Download]

Have you tried Hipmunk? What do you think is the best travel search app?

Let us know in the comments!

Hipmunk for Android Brings Easy Travel Search is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Verizon has big things going on right now with the arrival of the Motorola Droid Bionic coming to tomorrow and with positioning themselves in the various Radio Shack locations around the U.S. in hopes of a successful launch of “Big Red” products come September 15th and thanks to a helpful tipster we now know what devices that Radio Shack will have available at launch and we must say, this is pretty exciting.

Devices are shipping to stores this week and next week to give themselves plenty of inventory for a successful launch. What devices are going to be available you ask? Check them out below.

Six 4G LTE Smartphones:

• Motorola Droid Bionic
• Samsung Droid Charge
• HTC Thunderbolt
• LG Revolution
• Pantech Breakout
• Samsung Stratosphere

Six 3G Smartphones:

• HTC Incredible 2
• Motorola Droid X2
• Motorola Droid 3
• Sony Ericson Xperia Play
• LG Enlighten
• Blackberry Curve 3
  • (TBD) Samsung Illusion

Three Basic Phones:

• LG Cosmos
• Pantech Hotshot
• LG Octane

One 4G MiFi Mobile Broadband:

• Samsung SCH-LC 11
• Novatel 4510L (Nov)

Apple:

• iPhone 16GB
• iPhone 32GB

Four Prepaid Devices at Launch:

• LG VN 150 Revere
• ZTE Salute
• Pantech Caper
• Samsung Intensity 2
  • 2 additional devices arriving in Q4

Tablets:

• Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
• Apple iPad 2

The tipster notes that the above device list is subject to change as expected, but a few notable devices on the list are the Samsung Stratosphere that looks like Sprint’s Epic 4G with a little LTE love and the Samsung Illusion which the tipster notes as a non-LTE device that looks similar to the Samsung Nexus S. We do not think that the Illusion is the Nexus PRIME, but we’re eager to see more of it nonetheless.

With the number one carrier in customer satisfaction and the number one wireless retailer in customer satisfaction, we’re excited to see a company like Radio Shack position themselves as a leading retailer in wireless. If you want to be treated like family and get the most out of your buying experience, be sure and hit up your local Radio Shack as it’s where I get all my handsets.

RadioShack set to carry 18 postpaid Verizon handsets [Exclusive] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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With the kickoff of College Football arriving this past weekend many of us are finding ways to keep up with our teams and conferences if we’re not able to catch the games live. As many of you know there are plenty of respectable applications in the Android Market that bring the scores to us and we’re going to highlight a couple of them here as well as give you guys the opportunity to provide feedback on which apps you guys use the most to get the latest information for college football on Android.

As many of you know, ESPN’s ScoreCenter application it a one stop shop for all major sports that provides you with choosing your team to provide team specific information while still allowing you to continue to keep up with score and stats from around the league and also other sports scores from the NFL, MLB, NBA etc… ScoreCenter also allows you to drop a widget to your homescreen to keep up with the scores a little easier. Check out the app description below.

ESPN ScoreCenter delivers live scores from hundreds of leagues around the world. ESPN ScoreCenter brings you scores, news, and standings from hundreds of sports leagues around the world.
Never miss another goal, pitch, basket, try, touchdown or wicket. Whether you follow the NFL or the Premier League, the Ashes or MLB, MMA or Formula One, ScoreCenter offers the most comprehensive global sports coverage available on your Android device.

Another notable application worth mentioning is College Football Scoreboard, which is limited to only College Football teams from the major conferences, that brings you the latest scores and schedules as well as the latest news regarding your favorite schools. Check out the app description below.

College Football Scoreboard gives you up to the minute college football scores, schedules and all the latest news stories, for the following conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Conf USA, MWC, P10 and SEC- plus Top 25 schools.

Looking to get on the rival action? School rivals is what keeps the College Football tradition alive as we’ve seen with the Alabama Crimson Tide meeting the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl and with the Civil War when Oregon meets Oregon St. Rival Junkie NCAA Football Edition brings a voting feature which allows you to vote up your team against its rival also brings scores and TV schedules and also provides the point spread for you who care to throw down on a particular game. Check out the app description below.

Rival Junkie NCAA Football Edition is the ultimate application for College Football fans. Rival Junkie gives you full schedule access, point spreads, and TV times for every Division I team. With a few finger flicks you can peer into any conference and see who is playing and when. Want to show off your College Football prowess? Pick the winners for the week and see if you can land a top spot on our leader board. Show your team spirit by voting on your favorite team or against your hated rival. You can vote two times per hour. Good luck. Feedback is always appreciated.

Now that we’ve covered a few “must have” College Football apps for Android currently available in the Android Market, which app do you use and why? Leave your suggestions in the comments below and also let us know your predictions for the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.

College Football is here! How are you keeping up with the scores? is a post from: The Droid Demos

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We all know that tablets are rapidly becoming the new thing in tech and with the number of various sizes floating around the market today, we ask you “Which is the best tablet size for you?”

While everyone out there has their own preference in what’s “ideal” for them, Apple’s iPad (Yeah, I just cringed while typing that) pretty much set the standard for tablet size and we’ve seen many Android powered variants to give the consumer a few more options when it comes to these pricey investments, starting with the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab, which was a little premature given that the Android OS wasn’t optimized for the larger display.

We’ve seen HTC’s tablet contribution with their 7-inch variants, the HTC Flyer and the HTC EVO View 4G. They recently dropped a 10.1-inch form-factor exclusive to AT&T with their Sense skinned Honeycomb tablet the HTC JetStream.

Samsung has really embraced the tablet concept since their first gen Galaxy Tab, pushing their sleek design with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 8.9 and their newly announced 7-inch design. If you’ve been following IFA2011 you might have noticed their latest addition to the Galaxy Series, the Samsung Galaxy Note, which integrates a tablet-sized display with that of a smartphone bringing together voice calls and tablet features. The Samsung Galaxy Note shown at IFA2011 is only rocking Android 2.3, but we’re eager to see where this concept leads down the road.

Acer recently dropped the world’s first 7-inch tablet rocking Android 3.2 with their Iconia A100, a sleek tablet that only makes the decision harder when it comes to choosing a tablet that rocks the right specs at the right size.

With the release of Android’s tablet friendly OS version 3.0+ Honeycomb and the upcoming release of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich we are seeing a rapid increase of various sized tablets from the heavy hitting OEMs and the question still remains, “Which is the best tablet size for you?” So, we’re reaching out to you all to find which tablet size is the one for you.

Be sure and let us know in the comments below which tablet size you find ideal and why.

What is the best tablet size for you? is a post from: The Droid Demos

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You asked for it and we brought it. A review of ViperROM for the EVO 3D, thought by some to currently be the best ROM for the HTC EVO 3d. Obviously, only you can make that decision, but I’ll tell you this. I’ve tried every ROM that’s been released for the EVO 3D and this is easily my favorite of the bunch. All the tweaks I could want have been implemented, it looks great, but most of all, it works. No lag. No freezing. Nothing. It just works. And when it comes to a great ROM, that’s what you want to see.

Why Should I Install This ROM?

• The fastest EVO 3D ROM?
• High attention to detail. Nothing was overlooked in this ROM.
• Essential additions and ommissions.
• Built in overclocking abilities
• Quick script functions to remove more bloat

Check out the video for the full scoop on this great EVO 3D ROM. Downloads and full details below.

And if you haven’t yet, we’ve got you covered on how to root the EVO 3D.

Download Links

More info on ViperROM and Download Links

Thanks to -viperboy- and Vinchenzop for development on this ROM!

Full ROM Details

Update 8/6 – RC1.3

FINALLY fixed 5MB MMS (sorry about that!)
More Quick Settings
Segoe font
Added viperControl script – Please read 2nd post!
Panoramic camera
EPST from EVO 4G
Wifi scan interval set to 90 seconds
CRT on/off animation
Green overscroll glow
GPU Acceleration
64MB dalvik heap
Unlimited tabs in browser
Added rotating Netflix
Updated init.d script (no longer need the .zip in 3rd post)
Custom tweaked build.prop
Chainfire3D drivers and plug-ins (plug-ins located on /sdcard – still need to install app from the Market [didn't ask for permission to include in RC1.3 in time] info HERE)
Download RC1.3 from HERE – Mirror HERE – MD5: c52d4208fba45e00e0af98b65fa80d6a
Sweet viperROM Gingerbread theme by Vinchenzop HERE – Screenshots in 3rd post! – Flash AFTER the ROM boots!
Stock kernel HERE (if you flashed another one, ROM comes with stock)
viperControl v1.1 HERE

Update 8/4 – RC1.2.1

Removed Equalizer and added in DSP Manager in it’s place
Download RC1.2.1 from HERE

I forgot to edit the build.prop (once again…) and it will still show RC1.2. Don’t worry about it.

Update 8/1 – RC1.2

5mb MMS limit
Ads blocked
Unlocked hotspot
4-in-1 reboot
init script for zipalign and overclock (daemon won’t run if SetCPU and similar apps are installed)
Updated CPU script to support custom kernel frequencies
Custom bootanimation and turn off animation – Thanks to mental26!
Memory tweaks
Over 20mb of bloat removed (put apps in /sdcard/viperROM_removed)
—– Removed: Adobe Reader, Amazon MP3, Blockbuster, HTC Reader, Green Hornet, FM Radio, JETCET Print, Sprint Radio, Sprint TV, Sprint Nav, 3D Games, Polaris Office, Protips, Qik, Sound Recorder, Spiderman, Sprint Mobile Wallet, HTC Transfer
Latest HTC App updates
Add latest Facebook app
Add latest Twitter app
Add latest drocap2 app
Add latest Flashlight App
Add latest Equalizer App
Add latest gTalk with video App
Add latest Maps
Add latest GMail
Download link REMOVED! Please download RC1.2.1.
If you downloaded viperROM RC1.2 before 1:30PM EST 8/1, the build.prop is wrong and still shows RC1.1. If you want to change it, just change it through Root Explorer or extract this file, delete the old /system/build.prop, copy in the new one, and reboot. If you downloaded it after 1:30PM EST 8/1, it is changed in the ROM.

Update 7/30 – RC1.1

Added Wireless Tether – Please read 2nd post!
Added Titanium Backup
Added Terminal Emulator
Added Market 3.0.27
Included OC Daemon from Team Unity ROM – Please read 2nd post!
Wrote a custom script for OC Daemon – Please read 2nd post!
Optimized weather animations to save space
updater-script enhancements

Update 7/29 – RC1

Initial release
Rooted with Busybox
Zipaligned
pngopt
Deodexed
init.d support

EVO 3D ROMs – ViperROM RC 1.3 [ROM Review] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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What!? Another one!? That’s right. The Droid Demos is bringing another rooting tutorial to you. And it’s not the last either. We’ll be bringing a lot more tutorials for a lot more devices in the future. Today we’re teaching you how to root the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, one of the best Android tablets. Don’t be afraid, as this root is extremely easy and you’ll be done in no time.

A big thanks to RoboBear, tphillips, Lorddeff07, and anyone else that has helped make this happen.

I try to make my guides simple and straightforward so that the average user can root their device. I show every detail and walk you through the process. This guide is a complete video walkthrough on how to root the Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi with edits based on the issues that some may run into with previous guides. Without further ado, let’s get started!

REQUIRED DOWNLOADS

Just download, do not install or run anything yet.

• Root.zip with all needed files

Instructions

This method is done on Windows. I recommend this way as its the easiest. If you don’t have Windows, borrow from a friend.

Downloading Files and Installing Drivers

1. Download the root.zip I have linked.
2. Extract the zip file by right clicking and selecting “Extract All,” or by using an extracting program of your choice.
3. Open the folder and double click the driver file labeled “GT-p7510_USB_Driver_v1_3_2360_0-Escape.exe”
4. Install the driver. Its pretty much just Next, Next, Install, and Exit when its done.

Connecting the Device

1. Turn on USB Debugging by going to Settings>Applications>Development and checking USB debugging. Click Okay to confirm
2. Power off the device by holding the power button and selecting Power off
3. Put the device into Downloading mode
1. Hold the Vol Down button (the left Volume button) and then hold the Power button as well.
2. Keep holding until you see two icons. First you’ll see the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 logo and then the icons will show up. Let go.
3. Press the Vol Up button (the right Volume button) to select Downloading mode.
4. Connect the device to your computer with the USB cable.

Flashing a Custom Recovery

1. Go into the same root folder as before.
2. Double click the root application named “Odin3_v1.85.exe”
3. Select PDA
4. Double click the clockworkmod recovery file labeled “recovery-cwm_4.0.0.4-sam-tab-10.1.tar.md5″ to select it.
5. Click Start
6. Once it is complete, you can close the program

Completing the Root

1. Disconnect your USB cable
2. On your device, turn off USB Debugging by going to Settings>Applications>Development and unchecking USB debugging
3. Plug your USB cable back in
4. On your computer, go to the same root folder as before and transfer the zip file labeled “Samsung_Galaxy_Tab_10.1_root.zip” to your device. Don’t put it inside any folder.
5. Confirm that it was transferred by clicking inside the device folder
6. Power off the device by holding the power button and selecting Power off
7. Put the device into Recovery mode
1. Hold the Vol Down button (the left Volume button) and then hold the Power button as well.
2. Keep holding until you see two icons. First you’ll see the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 logo and then the icons will show up. Let go.
3. Press the Vol Down button (the left Volume button) to highlight the left icon.
4. Press the Vol Up button (the right Volume button) to select Recovery mode.
8. You should see that you are in ClockworkMod Recovery. If not, start over
9. Use the volume buttons to highlight “Install zip from SD card” and hit the Power button to select it.
10. Use the volume buttons to highlight “Choose zip from SD card” and hit the Power button to select it.
11. Use the volume buttons to highlight “Samsung_Galaxy_Tab_10.1_root.zip” and hit the Power button to select it.
12. Use the volume buttons to highlight “Yes – Install…” and hit the Power button to select it.
13. When it finishes, the last line should say “Install from sdcard complete.”
14. Use the volume buttons to highlight “*****Go Back*****” and hit the Power button to select it.
15. Hit the Power button to select “reboot system now”
16. Your device will reboot

You’re now rooted!

How to Root the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 [Video Walkthrough] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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The Droid Demos ROM Series is back and this time we’re tapping into the best ROMs for the HTC EVO 3D. Not long ago, we got full root for the EVO 3D and ROMs started to show up in waves. CursedDragon just surfaced as a modified version of one of the best ROMs available so far, SupraROM. The main difference you’re going to see with this one is a well optimized and quick ROM wiped pretty clean of Sense. You’ll still have some elements in a few places, but they’re welcome areas (notifications, messages, etc.), but overall its got a great AOSP feel.

CursedDragon is a great place to start if you’re looking to migrate towards an AOSP ROM. You’ll be able to get a taste without sacrificing all of Sense. Is it one of the best EVO 3D ROMs? Check it out and let us know what you think.

Why Should I Install This ROM?

• Optimized, smooth, and fast
• AOSP Style ROM
• No bloatware
• One of the fastest EVO 3D ROMs

Check out the video for the full scoop on this great EVO 3D ROM. Downloads and full details below.

And if you haven’t yet, we’ve got you covered on how to root the EVO 3D.

Download Links

More info on CursedDragon and Download Links

Thanks to rtbluver and empiire for development on this ROM!

Full ROM Details

- Deodexed
- Zipaligned
- Brand new Gmail icon!
- Brand new Market black
- AOSP status bar
- All AOSP icons
- Wifi scan is 90 for more bettery life
- Almost all bloatware is gone!
- GPS fix for quicker locks
- 1MB text message sizes now allowed( working on increasing)
- Type ##775# to adjust PRL
- Added SpareParts+ app
- Tons of space! 195mb
- Hotspot hack
- 3d homescreen(settings/display)
- Green overscroll(should i change to blue?
- Notifications in the left side of the status bar are all grey! GINGERBREAD!
- Lots of tweaks to the build.prop
- UI should be quicker
- Rosie is now transparent
- 5-1 reboot(hot reboot is broken)
- HTC Camera with Panorama
- gTalk with video
- Quick Boot app added
- AOSP 3D gallery addon
- Battery life improvements
- WiFi hotspot should work, some are still getting errors, hmmm?
- Senseless, even more memory!
- Sense 3.0 lockring (Lockrings do work!)
- Screen Capture Added!
- ROM is now only 191mb!
- Dalvik Heap is now 48mb instead of 64mb, it was just to much
- ADW, Gingerbread Launcher, and Gignerbread for 3d launchers added
- Orange hilights(MIUI look) Overscroll etc.
- Themed GenieWidget
- MIUI music for more MIUI look
- CRT ANIMATIONS MIUI
- Astro instead of file manager!
- Tethering now works fully!
- Modded system ui to show edge/3g
- RCMix OC 2GHZ Stable Kernel for battery life and performance!
- Build.Prop Tweaked even more(quality Screen)

EVO 3D ROMs – CursedDragon RC 2.3.4 [ROM Review] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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Andy’s Threads – A new way to fashionably rep your favorite OS [Android Shirts] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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The wait is over for The Droid Demos’ guide for how to root the HTC EVO 3D. Its simple, its straight forward, and it will help guide you down the yellow brick road of rooting. Enjoy!

A big thanks to Bentenrai and his initial thread for rooting the EVO 3D, off which I created this guide, eugene373 for the temp root solution, Team Win, UnrEVOked and AlphaRev, and anyone else that has helped make this happen.

REQUIRED DOWNLOADS

Just download, do not install or run anything yet.

• Temp Root File – RW EVO 3D

• Android SDK – This guide uses the r12 Windows Installer
• HTC Driver Pack
• Revolutionary Exploit – Select OS and download. Leave the page open. Do not run yet.
• TWRP Recovery – Download PG86IMG.zip version or just click this direct link.
• Superuser file

Instructions

This guide starts by temp rooting the phone so that we can back up our apps and all their data. If you don’t want to do this, you can skip to the Full Root Section.

Temp Root to Backup Apps

1. Keep your phone unplugged and restart it

2. Make sure that HTC Sync is not installed on your computer
   1. Click the Start button in Windows

   2. Type uninstall a program in the search box and hit Enter
   3. Make sure HTC Sync does not show up in the list. If it does, uninstall it

3. Download the HTC Driver Pack and the Temp Root File
4. Double click and install the HTCDriver3.0.0.007.exe you just downloaded
5. Unzip the RW_EVO_3D file by right clicking and selecting Extract All
6. On your phone, go to Menu>Settings>Applications>Development and make sure USB debugging is CHECKED
7. On your computer, open the RW_EVO_3D folder that you just extracted and run the Run_ME_Fr3vo_ROOT batch file by double clicking.
8. Plug in your phone when you see “waiting for device” in the command prompt. It will then initiate the temporary root.
9. On your phone, download Titanium Backup from the Android Market and open it.
10. Hit the Menu button on your phone and select Batch.
11. Under the Backup section, click “RUN” for Backup all user apps

Full Root Section

This is the full root section for those that don’t care about backing up their apps.

Clear Traces of Past Temp Root

1. Clear all traces of the temporary root
   1. On your phone, go to Menu>Settings>SD & phone storage

   2. Select Factory data reset
   3. Click Reset Phone
   4. Click Erase Everything and your phone will reboot and do the factory reset

2. When the phone restarts, unlock the phone and skip through the whole setup wizard
3. Go to Menu>Settings>Applications>Development and make USB Debugging is CHECKED
4. Go to the Dialer(Phone) and dial ##3282#
5. Select View Mode
6. Select Data Profile
7. Write down the email under “User Name” (this may get erased in the root process. If we write this down, we can just put it back in after root if the Profile Update fails)

Install Android SDK

1. On your computer download the Android SDK for your OS (this guide will work with Windows and Linux). This guide uses the r12 Windows Installer.

2. Run the exe file that you just downloaded by double clicking on it and install the Android SDK. I change the install location to C:/android-sdk
   • If you don’t have Java installed, click the link it gives you, download JDK Java SE 6 and select your OS (I’m on Windows 64bit). Run the file and install Java. Once complete, just hit Back on the Android SDK installer and then Next.

Install Drivers and Prepare for Root

1. Make sure your phone is NOT connected to the computer.

2. Make sure that HTC Sync is not installed on your computer (if you didn’t do the temp root section)
   1. Click the Start button in Windows

   2. Type uninstall a program in the search box and hit Enter
   3. Make sure HTC Sync does not show up in the list. If it does, uninstall it

3. Download the HTC Driver Pack (if you didn’t do the temp root section) and install the HTCDriver3.0.0.007.exe you just downloaded.
4. Plug in your phone to the computer. If it asks where to install drivers from, just select Install Automatically.
5. Download the Revolutionary Exploit by selecting your OS (I’m using Windows).
6. Leave the page open as we will use it later
7. Right click the revolutionary file you just downloaded by right clicking and selecting Extract All.
8. Download the TWRP Recovery – Download PG86IMG.zip version or just click this direct link.
9. Go to the this PG86IMG-twrp-shooter zip file that you just downloaded and rename it “PG86IMG” with NO .zip at the end. Your computer knows its a zip file.
10. Put your phone into disk drive mode by dragging down the notification bar, click Charge Only and change it to Disk Drive mode.
11. On your computer, transfer the PG86IMG zip file to the phone. Don’t put it inside any folder, just drag it on the the Removable Disk that is your phone and wait for it to transfer.

Apply S-Off and Flash Recovery

1. Go to the revolutionary exploit folder that you extracted and run the “revolutionary” application file that is inside by double clicking.

2. It will give you your serial number. If it doesn’t this can be found under your battery on your phone or on the box your phone came in. Open up the revolutionary.io page that we left open (after downloading the exploit) and put this serial number into the Serial Number section.
3. Select your operating system, device, and HBOOT version (also shown in the command prompt from the revolutionary exploit that we are running).
4. Click Generate Key and type the key it gives you into the open command prompt and hit enter. Let it the exploit run. It may reboot a few times.
5. It will ask if you want to install ClockworkMod recovery. I select n for No, but you can say yes. It may crash. If it does. Just skip it. We will install a recovery now anyways.
6. Your phone should now be in Fastboot and say S-Off at the top. Use the Volume Down button to go down to Power Down. Click the power button on your phone to select it.
7. Take off the back of the phone and take out the battery for 10 seconds.
8. Put the battery back in, put the back on, HOLD the Volume Down button and then press and HOLD the Power Button at the same time and it will boot into HBOOT .
9. It will ask if you want to start update (of the PG86IMG.zip that we put on the phone). Press Volume Up for yes.

Install Superuser Permissions

1. When it is done, we need to delete the file. So press the Power Button to reboot the phone and let it start up. PLUG IN your phone while its booting up.

2. Your phone will go through Hands Free Activation. Let it do this and then press OK.
3. Let it do the PRL Update and press OK.
4. Cancel the firmware update or just wait for it to fail.
5. Drag down the notification bar and put your phone into disk drive mode. If it doesn’t show up, unplug your phone and plug it back in.
6. On your computer, delete the PG86IMG.zip from your phone.
7. Download this Superuser file and transfer it to the phone to the same location as the deleted PG86IMG (i.e. not inside any folder, just directly on the phone).
8. Power off the phone(hold the Power Button and select Power Off)
9. Wait for it to completely turn off. Once off hold down the Volume Down button and the Power Button to boot into HBOOT. If it doesn’t boot into HBOOT, take out the battery, put it back in, and try again.
10. Use the Volume Down button to go down to Recovery and select it by pressing the Power Button
11. Once in recovery, select Install Zip (by pressing the power button)
12. Select Choose Zip to Flash (by pressing the power button)
13. Use the Volume Down button to go down to the superuser zip file that we put on the phone and select it by pressing the Power Button.
14. It will install quickly. Use the Volume Down button to go down to Reboot and select it with the Power Button
15. You are now complete rooted with S-Off and a custom recovery. Once booted, you can login to Google, download Titanium Backup, and Restore your apps by opening TB, hitting Menu>Batch and selecting Restore all apps with data

You’re now rooted!

FAQs

• I can’t make calls or send text messages (Error 16): ~Thanks bk718~
1. Make a phone call to anyone/any number and stay on the phone.
2. It will automatically connect you to a particular sprint department that handles this issue. It should take just a couple minutes and they will fix the error.
• Updating my profile fails:
  1. Download “MSL Reader” from the market and run it to get your MSL, a 6 digit number
  2. Go to the Dialer(Phone) and dial ##3282#
  3. Select Edit Mode
  4. Select Data Profile
  5. If it already shows your User Name, press Menu>Restore
  6. Input under “User Name” the email address that you wrote done before rooting.
  7. Press Menu>Commit Modifications

How to Root the HTC EVO 3D [Video Walkthrough] is a post from: The Droid Demos

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The skies are getting Cloudy, but is there a chance of rain? is a post from: The Droid Demos

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There is no denying that carriers and manufacturers (at least the U.S.) are pushing “4G” down our throats. Today it seems like every phone is having the “4G” moniker placed on it, even if it’s not true 4G. Some companies seem to think 4G is all about speed (I’m looking at you T-Mobile and AT&T) while others are basing it on the next generation of technology, like going from 3G to 4G.

So there in lies the question, do you even need 4G… or to be more specific, do you need a phone that has 4G right now? The answer to that question is sort of layered, because it depends on a few things, mainly things like; where do you live, what is your budget, does the phone you want even have 4G and are the speeds that much better?

You have to be careful when getting pulled in by the whole “It has 4G” marketing thing because honestly, many of them don’t. Mainly, T-Mobile and AT&T’s HSPA+ network is what causes this discrepancy. Their HSPA+ network, while delivering faster speeds than typical 3G, it still is not true 4G or LTE (Long Term Evolution) or even WiMax. If you listen carefully to how they market their phones, they always say with “4G speeds” and will sell you “X” 4G (insert whatever name you want for the X). Verizon’s LTE is much like Sprint’s 4G WiMax (not in terms of download speeds) in terms of coverage. These two companies are pushing their “4G” service in bigger cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Miami and so on. So if you live in an area that isn’t on their radar, odds are pretty good you don’t have 4G. Even T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network isn’t everywhere, despite the fact they are adding more and more areas to their list.

Again, there is no doubt 4G is going to be the future in few years but in all honesty it’s not going to be everywhere for at least another 1/1/2 to 2 years. AT&T isn’t even going to light up their 4G LTE network until sometime mid-next year. Which means you can buy whatever phone you want right now and when your upgrade is available, you’ll be able to pick up a 4G device with better service than you can right now, without missing much of anything in between.

The problem right now with buying a 4G device is that you are going to pay more for the phone AND more for the service, even if you can’t utilize it. There are some positives to buying a 4G device, like faster downloading and device with a longer shelf life. But there are also some minus’, in fact, there are more minus’ than positives. Right now, 4G devices drain battery’s faster than a Hummer burns gasoline. Causing you have to have a charger at work, in the car and at home and if at all possible, a spare battery if you are away from those for more than 4 hours. There is also this problem, you’ve purchased this “fast” phone and yet you can barely get a 4G signal to experience all that it has to offer. On top of that, if you are with Verizon and their new LTE service and you happen to get a somewhat decent signal of 4G, you could get stomped with outages that last for hours with no response from Verizon (which just happened again today as I write this editorial). That’s the problem with a new network for those early adopters, they get to experience all the growing pains and bugs that need to be ironed out.
There are some phones like the HTC EVO 4G and the Nexus S 4G, both allow you to turn off the 4G radio, saving you some battery, but you are still paying for that service whether you use it or not. 4G LTE phones like the HTC Thunderbolt don’t let you turn it off, so it is constantly looking for that 4G signal, thus draining that battery all the while.

I know some of you are like me and what to “future proof” your purchase so your phone is relevant in the next year or so, since we are getting stuck in these contracts for 2 years with a phone that will be dated in 4-5 months. So before you decide you NEED 4G, do a little research, first, see if there is 4G service is in your area, if not, call your service provider and see if and when they plan to deploy their next generation technology in your area. Next, see what phone you’d really like to buy, you may find a phone that is nice looking but lacks 4G, BUT it may have a better camera or specs and will last you till that 2 year contract is up or at least long enough till you get 4G in your area. Then you can sell that phone on eBay and make money and turn around and buy a new 4G phone.

In the end, 4G, while nice and fast, isn’t always faster and better for all people in all areas. Depending on your reception, sometimes 3G will download faster than 4G. It’s all about the quality of the reception. It’s sort of like that old saying, “the grass isn’t always greener…” You might rush in and buy a 4G device only to realize it is going to cost you more, you might get horrible reception and your battery will only last you a half a day. All I’m saying is don’t buy a phone simply because it has 4G, look at everything about the phone and the 4G reception in your area.

If you do your research and ever have questions feel free to ask for help, we can help you here on TheDroidDemos or you can contact me directly at mike@techhog.com, or on twitter @TheTechHog.

Is the grass always greener on the 4G side of the fence? is a post from: The Droid Demos

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The Barnes and Noble Nook Color, the Android Sleeper Cell? is a post from: The Droid Demos

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