Tuesday, March 11, 2014

How to Root the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7100) |

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on phone to connect it with computer and use Android SDK with it. [Head over to Settings>> Developer Options] 

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod/TWRP already installed, backup data using the recovery.

4) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery while the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Note 2 should have charge above 80% battery charge.

5) The phone should be factory unlocked and not locked to any particular carrier.

6) The device will lose manufacturer's warranty once it is rooted. 

7) The CF-Auto-Root files work only on Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100. As applying these on any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Galaxy Note 2 by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number. 

Steps to root Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Step-1: Download CF-Auto-Root file for Galaxy Note 2 to computer

File name: CF-Auto-Root-t03g-t03gxx-gtn7100.zip 


Step-2: Extract the downloaded root zip using Winzip/7zip/winrar or any other extracting tool to get CF-Auto-Root-t03g-t03gxx-gtn7100.tar.md5 file 

Step-3: Download Odin3_v3.07. Extract Odin zip to get Odin3 v3.07.exe file

Step-4: Turn off Galaxy Note 2

Step-5: Place the phone into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until the construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on the phone's screen. Then press the Volume Up button to continue to enter Download Mode

Step-6: Run Odin3 v3.07.exe as Administrator 

Step-7: Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable while it is in Download Mode. Wait for some time until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully, an Added message will appear under Odin message box. Additionally, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn blue with the COM port number indicating successful connection

Note: If the Added message does not appear then try another USB port, try the one located at the back side of the computer. In case Odin still fails to recognise the device then reinstall USB driver. 

Step-8: In Odin, click the PDA button and select CF-Auto-Root-t03g-t03gxx-gtn7100.tar.md5 which was extracted earlier 

Step-9: Verify Auto-Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected in Odin

Step-10: Finally click the Start button in Odin. The installation process should begin now and take few minutes to complete

Step-11: After the installation process is completed, the phone will restart and soon a PASS message with green background in the extreme left box at the very top of Odin. Unplug the USB cable from the phone to disconnect it from computer

As the Galaxy Note 2 boots up, it should be rooted successfully on Android 4.3 firmware. You may install any app that requires root permission. To verify the root status of the device download Root Checker app from Google Play Store. 

Note:

Sometimes the device does not boot into Recovery Mode and root the device. If this happens then perform the entire procedure again. If it still does not install root, ensure Auto Reboot checkbox in Odin is not checked. Then after flashing the root package, pull out the battery and boot the phone into Recovery mode by selecting Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together. This will start the install process




Unable to Get Root Access While Being Rooted?

If you have KNOX on your Galaxy device and you have rooted it, you’ll see a verification message that pops up every time SuperSU is called for action by some apps on your device. The message runs like this:
“SuperSU tried to access system in your device without authorization. This action was blocked.”
OR
“An application attempted to access system on your device without authorization.”
OR
“Unauthorized access to a secured area has been blocked.”
You can get rid of this annoying thing easily by disabling Knox service and its agent apps. Remember, once KNOX is aware of SuperUser on your phone, it’ll block its functioning and you might not be able to use any root app. In case you are unable to get root access (after rooting your device) because KNOX prevents SuperSU in doing so, do this:
1.    Download the latest SuperSU zip package: UPDATE-SuperSU-vx.xx.zip
2.    Extract the zip and open the folder.

3.    Go the folder named “common” and copy the Superuser.apk to your phone.
4.    Install the APK manually (do not forget to tick Unknown Sources option under Security settings of your device).
5.    Now launch the SuperSU app on your phone and it will ask you whether or not you want to disable KNOX.
6.    Select OK. It will then tell you that KNOX has been successfully disabled.

You should now be able to enjoy root access on your Samsung Galaxy device. If you want to remove KNOX from the device, use the method given below.

List of Galaxy Devices that Feature KNOX:

Our tutorial on removing/ disabling/ uninstalling KNOX might be used to get rid of KNOX on all Samsung devices with Android 4.2 or above. The following Galaxy phones and tablets support Samsung KNOX:
·         Galaxy Note 3 (LTE, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Rogers, Bell and other variants)
·         Galaxy Mega 6.3
·         Galaxy S4 (all variants)
·         Galaxy S4 Mini
·         Galaxy S3 (all variants)
·         Galaxy Note 2 (all variants)
·         Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition
·         Galaxy Round

Removing/Uninstalling KNOX Without Root:

Samsung KNOX can be removed from a Galaxy device without root access. Just follow the steps given below:
1.    Open the app drawer on your phone or tablet device.
2.    Then tap on Samsung> Samsung KNOX.
3.    When you enter the KNOX Homescreen, tap the Menu button

4.    From the available options, select KNOX Settings.
5.    Then select touch About KNOX> Uninstall.
6.    While uninstalling KNOX, you’ll be asked if you want to backup your KNOX data.
7.    To back up your KNOX data, select Backup now, else touch OK button. Make your choice.
8.    Now enter your KNOX password and then select Continue> Next.

9.    All backed up data that does not include your email and app data will be save as Zip to My Files> All> Knox.
10.  KNOX will then be uninstalled from your Samsung Galaxy device.
Done and enjoy! Now your phone or tablet is KNOX-free.

Disable KNOX Security Using Terminal Emulator

1.    This method requires root access on your device.
2.    Download and install the Terminal Emulator app on your phone or tablet.


Developer: Jack Palevich
Price: Free 
3.    Launch the app on your device and grant it root permission when prompted.
4.    When you see the command box, type the following command:
su pm disable com.sec.knox.seandroid
5.    Doing this will disable Samsung Knox on your device

Alternative Method To Disable KNOX:

Download and install an app that is capable of freezing system apps on Android devices. Titanium Backup is a good option. This method requires root access too.



Uninstalling KNOX Apps on Rooted Devices:

1.    Download and install System App Remover app from the Google Play Store.


Developer: Jumobile
Price: Free 
2.    Open it and do not forget to allow root permission to this app when you are asked to do so.
3.    Find all KNOX agent and all associated apps by typing “knox” in the search box (see below):

4.    Then check/select the boxes before these apps and tap the Uninstall button.
All the KNOX apps will be uninstalled. You should now get rid of it. Enjoy!   Open Titanium Backup when it is installed, grant SuperUser permission to it when prompted and freeze the following apps:
·         com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation
·         com.sec.knox.eventsmanager
·         KLMS Agent
·         KNOX
·         KNOX Notification Manager
·         KNOX Store

Removing Samsung KNOX Using Root Explorer:

If you have root privileges over your Samsung Galaxy S3/S /Note 2/Note 3, there is yet another method using which you can get rid of this irritating KNOX thing.
1.    Install either Root Explorer or Root Browser app on your device: 


Developer: Speed Software
Price: Free 



Developer: JRummy Apps Inc.
Price: Free 
2.    Now open Root Explorer/Browser and navigate to system/app directory.
3.    Tap on the Search icon and type “knox”.
4.    Doing this will give you a list of KNOX and its related apps.
5.            Mark all item by checking the box and then tap on the Delete icon.


6.    Select Yes when you are asked if you want to delete the selected apps.
Having deleted these apps, there will still be some KNOX apps left on your phone. Let’s now eliminate them too. Go back to the  system/app folder and find the following apps:
·         Container Agent.apk
·         Container Agent.odex
·         KLMSAgent.apk
·         KLMSAgent.odex
If you do not find KLMSAgent app in system/app directory, look for it in system/priv-app folder. Either mark these items together and delete them or find and remove them one by one.

Disabling KNOX Notifications:

Method 1:

If you just want to disable Knox notifications on your Samsung Galaxy device, there is a good app available at the Google Play Store that requires root access and makes the job pretty easier:


Here ends our easy-to-follow tips tip on turning all Samsung Knox services off on Samsung Galaxy devices. If you have a question or problem related to the topic, you can share with us via comments. Also, do not forget to give us your feedback on how it  worked for. Cheers!

Method 2:

If you keep getting the annoying KNOX notification on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, there is another way you can disable it very easily. This method requires root access on your device and uses the well-knownXposed Framework and its module named Wanam Xposed. Here is how you can do it.
1.    Download the latest Xposed Installer and Wanam Xposed Module on your device: Download Here
2.    After activating the module, launch the Wanam Xposed app from the app drawer.
3.    Scroll down to Security Hacks option and tap it.
4.    Then check the Disable KNOX notifications option.

5.    Exit the app and reboot your Galaxy device.

6.    Done!

Friday, January 10, 2014

How to install Custom Firmware on my PSP?

When custom firmware is on your PSP you can use emulators, homebrew applications and even backup your games to the memory stick. This allows you to easily carry around more than one game, and helps to save your PSP's battery as it does not need to power the UMD drive when playing games. You can also convert your old PS1 games and play them your PSP. All PS1 games are supported, not just games on the PSN. You can also add new features to your PSP via kernel mode background plugins, for example the ability to take screenshots in games.

Something to note is that you can only permanently install this firmware on a PSP 1000 or a PSP 2000 that is not an 88 v3 version. However its very easy to re load the custom firmware on a 88V3 PSP 2000, PSP 3000, PSP Go or E1000. I will cover finding out your PSP version later in this guide, all you need to know for now is that if you own a PSP you can follow this guide and get homebrew applications running on your PSP.

If the firmware is permanently installed it means your PSP will boot directly in to the custom firmware when powered on, if not it means you will have to enable it again by launching a simple app. This however only needs doing from a cold boot, if you leave the PSP in standby like most people do (you probably do this without realizing) then you will not need to enable it.


1. Updating your PSP to 6.60:

To begin Download the Official PSP 6.60 firmware and update your PSP.

To update the PSP simply extract the PSP folder from the 6.60 update RAR file and move it to your PSP's memory stick.

As you can see below the PSP\GAME\UPDATE folder contains the EBOOT.PBP update.



Now on your PSP go to Game > Memory stick then launch the 6.60 update, follow the instructions to install the update:


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2. Installing the custom firmware:


Now Download the PSP 6.60 PRO-C2 custom firmware, inside this RAR file you will find 3x folders that you need:



  • PROUPDATE
  • FastRecovery
  • CIPL_Flasher


Copy the PROUPDATE to the PSP > Game folder on the memory card:



Regardless of your PSP model you can safely run the PROUPDATE application:


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After running the update press "X" and the custom firmware will install, all been well your PSP will now be running custom firmware until you power it off.

That's it, it's a simple as that your PSP is now running custom firmware and can take advantage of all the additional abilities of a hacked PSP, however read on for information on how to permanently flash the custom firmware if supported by your PSP, or how to enable the custom firmware again if you power your PSP off.


3. Can i permanently flash the custom firmware to my PSP?

Now your PSP can run unsigned code we will find out if you can permanently flash the custom firmware to your PSP.

Download PSP Ident

Unzip and copy the program to your PSP > Game folder like you did with the custom firmware installer, then load PSP Ident up on your PSP:


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You will be presented with lots of information about your PSP, the screenshot below is from my PSP 1000:


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We can see that my PSP is a 1.2 the 1 been a PSP 1000 and it has a 79 V3 motherboard, which is capable of having custom firmware permanently flashed to it.

Remember you can only permanently install this firmware on a PSP 1000 or a PSP 2000 that is not an 88 v3 version.


4. If you can permanently flash custom firmware read on, if not go to 5.

Copy the CIPL_Flasher from the Pro C2 firmware you downloaded to the PSP > Game folder on the memory card, then run the application from your PSP to make the custom firmware permanent.


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You can now power your PSP off and still have custom firmware when you power it on again, that's is your PSP is permanently hacked. The only thing that will remove this is by upgrading to a newer official firmware, which at the time of writing does not exist. As its been over 2 years since the last official PSP update was released its unlikely any more system updates will be released by Sony.

5. If you can not permanently flash custom firmware:

For PSP's that can not permanently install custom firmware copy the FastRecovery folders to the PSP\Game folder memory card. If you ever power your PSP off simply run this application again to enable custom firmware. The custom firmware will stick until you totally power your PSP off. As mentioned earlier when you normally press the power button the PSP will sleep, to totally power the PSP off you need to hold the power button down for 5 seconds.


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6. End result:


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I have personally tested and made this firmware permanent on my PSP 1000 and a friends PSP 2000 (Non 88v3). If you are unsure about anything just use the PROUPDATE and enjoy custom firmware. If you ever power your PSP off fully just use the fast recovery program, there is little risk to your PSP doing this.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 and Apple iPad Air side by side

The Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 addresses this with the S Pen stylus and a number of productivity apps linked to it, while Apple keeps pushing ease-of-use and unmatched user experience as the biggest advantage.
Here's how these two tablets stack up against each other.

Apple iPad Air over Galaxy Note 10.1 2014

  • Much lighter - 469g over 7.9mm, 540g
  • Thinner 7.5mm over 7.9mm
  • Aluminum body
  • CDMA connectivity
  • ARMv8-based 64-bit processor
  • Cheaper base price

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 over iPad Air

  • S Pen stylus
  • Sharper screen - 299ppi over 264ppi
  • 3GB RAM over 1GB
  • Expandable storage
  • Cat. 4 LTE support (150Mbps downlink) over Cat. 3 (100Mbps)
  • Wi-Fi 802.11ac
  • 8MP main camera with LED flash over 5MP and no LED
  • 1080p video capture @ 60fps over 1080p @ 30fps
  • 1080p-capable front-facing camera over 720p
  • Standard microUSB port
  • Samsung KNOX enterprise security
  • IR blaster for remote control functions
Simple spec by spec comparisons like this don't usually tell the whole story - this article would've been much shorter if they did. Instead, we'll be looking at the two contenders from a use-case point of view - which one is best for a specific task.
Obviously, we'll need to start with the basics like how good the hardware is, will the battery last you the full work day and so on. And things will only get more focused after that. Which tablet is best for multimedia consumption? What about gaming? Which one will give you the most in terms of productivity? Are the cameras just decorations or actually usable?
iPad Air vs. Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 iPad Air vs. Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 iPad Air vs. Galaxy Note 10.1 2014
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 and Apple iPad Air side by side
We've already dealt with these things to a degree. The S Pen on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 fills the void left by the lack of a mouse - yes, tablets are all about touch but computer mice have long provided us with accuracy and additional control options that fingers just don't have.
Apple killed the stylus in the first place and is not about to bring it back. Instead, Cupertino offers a first-rate experience within its own ecosystem. Office suite, maps, cloud, even music creation, all Apple made. Samsung on the other hand outsources much of that to Google, Polaris Office, Dropbox and so on.