Inspired Geek

Capture Pictures Using Vol Button, Disable Shutter Sound, Enable Panorama Mode Using Camera ICS App on Samsung Galaxy S2 & Other Android Devices

Jawwad — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:55:44 +0000

Camera ICS is an interesting and very useful application available on Google Play that you can get for free. A paid version named Camera ICS+ is also available that is Ad free but I guess free version should serve the purpose for most people. Apparently this app is basically a direct rip of the AOSP version of the camera app from the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. So it supports all the interesting features that are available in the AOSP Android 4.0.3 flavor. It also means that this is most useful for the devices which don’t have stock ICS camera app such as official Touchwiz flavored firmware available from Samsung for their Android devices. Another benefit is that app not only supports latest Android 4.0 firmware but also the older Honeycomb based tablets as well as Gingerbread Android 2.3 based devices. Although some features may be disabled on the Android 2.3 and 3.0 based devices.

Camera ICS also enables the built-in Panorama mode feature.

I have tested this application on my Samsung Galaxy SII (S2) on a Android 4.0.3 based firmware and application works as advertised. one of the most useful features I found is that it supports to configure the vol +/- buttons to be used as a trigger to capture camera pictures instead of usual touching a button in the camera app interface. This is very convenient in my opinion and is similar to a feature that is available in iOS 5.x released by Apple for the iDevices. Camera ICS also enables the built-in Panorama mode feature that is very simple to use if you are in to this kind of fun stuff. It can also disable the annoying camera shutter sound if desired. During testing I found that interestingly this camera app is slightly faster at taking stills than the stock camera app on my Galaxy SII which is a nice bonus.

Here is a list of features provided by the developer:

- Color effects (mono,sepia,negative,…)
- Silent mode (no shutter sound, might not work on some devices)
- Picture quality setting (low/medium/high/ultra)
- Video bitrate selection (normal/2x)
- Video stabilization on/off (only 4.0)
- 720p face effects (only 4.0)
- Panorama mode and time-lapse video on Honeycomb tablets

I really recommend that you give this app a go as you might find it useful for your Android device particularly as there is nothing to loose (no cost involved!).

Download Camera ICS For Android

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How to Root Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich Firmware on Samsung Galaxy S2 (SII) Using CF-Root

Jawwad — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:15:14 +0000

Android 4.0.3 final build for Samsung Galaxy S2 is now available in many countries and more countries are being added to the update list with the time. If you have already updated your SGSII device to the latest official build of ICS through OTA or you manually updated your device to the latest stock firmware from Samsung using our guide, either way its likely that you would like to now root the firmware. Look no further as we have a very simple method to root you Galaxy SII device on latest Android 4.0.3 firmware using the well known CF-Root pre-rooted kernel release now available for the final officially available build of ICS for our beloved Samsung Galaxy SII.

Note: Rooting, Jailbreaking or customizing your device can be risky, and you may end-up bricking your device! Follow the instructions posted here at your own responsibility as InspiredGeek will not be responsible for any damage to your device.

Rooting your device is very simple using CF-Root. Just get the CF-Root v5.4 LPQ from here. Extract the .tar file and then flash it through the Odin. Done! It will install the SU binaries, busybox as well latest CWM (clockworkmod) recovery on the device. For the novice users I would suggest to follow the guide that we put together here as the procedure is exactly the same but of course you must use the .tar file that extracted from the download link mentioned above.

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Download & Install Official Final Build of Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich For Samsung Galaxy SII (S2) I9100XXLPQ

Jawwad — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 22:53:34 +0000

Samsung finally started to rollout the official final build of Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich for their flagship Samsung Galaxy SII device. For now its available through the OTA updates in some European countries and other countries should follow soon. Note this ICS update for now is only meant to be for the international version of the SGSII but not the local US variants of the device for which no update schedule has been announced yet. If you are using an international version of the Galaxy S2 and still waiting for the Android 4.0.3 update to be available in your device then might want to go ahead and try the firmware that has been posted on the XDA forums ahead of the time.

The build that is available is named I9100XXLPQ and is is stock ICS based Samsung firmware with the usual flavor of TouchWiz on top that we are used on the Gingerbread based stock firmware from Samsung. Firmware weighs in over 300MB in size and you need to flash using the Odin. Here is a simple on how to flash it on your Samsung Galaxy S2. Provided stock firmware includes the latest firmware, kernel and modem from Samsung for SGS2.

Required Downloads

- Download the ODIN file and then extract the .zip file.

- Download I9100XXLPQ [Mirror] and extract the contents/files of Android 4.0.3 ICS I9100XXLPQ to the desktop.

– Correct KIES USB drivers must be installed, so that programs can communicate with the device. Reboot computer after driver installation if required.

- If KIES is running in the background then turn it off as it may interfere with the ODIN.

Procedure – Flash Android 4.0.3 On Samsung Galaxy SII

Please make sure to wipe your device before flashing this firmware to avoid any FCs and other errors. Make a Nandroid backup of your device through the CWM recovery console and then do usual wipes i.e., cache partition, dalvik cache and data format factory reset before proceeding!

Step 1: Make sure that your device is in USB debugging mode: Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging.
Step 2: Reboot your device into download mode. To do so: Turn the device off, then power it on again by pressing and holding Volume-Down + Home + Power simultaneously.

Step 3: Start ODIN.

Step 4: Connect the device to your computer via USB.
Step 5: Wait a few seconds, the ODIN screen will show that a device is now connected
- Make sure that in ODIN nothing is checked, except the "Auto reboot" and "F. Reset Time" checkboxes.
- Press the "PDA" button, and select the the extracted tar file (from extracted Download above that you placed on desktop) to flash the firmware.

- Press "Start".

- ODIN will now flash the above components.

- Device should reboot after flashing the Android 4.0.3 firmware components on your Samsung Galaxy SII device.

Step 6: After the device reboots you will have Ice Cream Sandwich based on Android 4.0.3 & TouchWiz final I9100XXLPQ build on your Samsung Galaxy S2 (SII)!

Note that after flashing first boot might take some time as OS builds the cache and optimizes the different apps code before startup. After that it should be smooth sailing!

[via]

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HTC Flagship Android Device HTC OneX Announced – Tegra 3, 4.7-inch 720p Screen, April 2012 Release Date

Jawwad — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:17:20 +0000

We have long witnessed some juicy rumors about the upcoming HTC flagship device in the Android arena and now is the time to put these rumors to rest as we have hard facts about this highly anticipated device that some consider to be a worthy competitor to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy SIII. As most people in the industry believed HTC just announced the specifications of its soon to be released HTC OneX device. At the heart of this new baby is a recently released Tegra 3 SoC which we discussed about a lot in the past. Tegra 3 is actually a 5-core device – 4+1 where the additional core will be used when device don’t demand heavy duty number crunching power to save energy in those scenarios. Among other major feature include the gigantic 4.7-inch screen with an equally fitting 720p high resolution display based on the IPS technology. Device will support 1GB of RAM as well as integrated 32GB of internal storage (26GB will be available to the users). HTC OneX will come loaded with a 8MP rear-facing camera with HTC ImageChip technology to take clearer snaps even under low-light conditions. In terms of camera device will support simultaneously taking pictures while capturing 1080p videos. LED flash supports 5-levels of automatic brightness controls. Front-facing camera is 1.3 MP shooter supporting 720p video shooting.

HTC OneX will also come with a newer version of the Sense with a much deeper integration of Dropbox. HTC OneX buyers will also get the Dropbox deal with a 25GB of storage capacity for 2 years! Connectivity options include quad-band GSM and quad-band 42Mbps HSPA+. It also seems that device 1800mAh battery cannot be replaced as well as no place to insert additional memory card. But at this point in time we are not completely sure about these last two details.

As for the release date, device should be available globally in April 2012. So just few quick weeks more to wait for this Amazing HTC OneX!

On the performance front it will be interesting to see that how it compares to the already available devices like Samsung Galaxy SII and Galaxy Nexus etc. considering that apparently this packs quite a punch in the performance department in the form of quad-core Tegra 3 based awesomeness. We will update you on the real world performance numbers as soon as we have some real figures.

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Box Offering 50GB of Free Cloud Storage to Users Installing a Free Android App

Jawwad — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:42:13 +0000

Box some time offers really sweet deals. Last year they offered 50GB of free cloud storage space to the iOS users and now this year they are offering the similar deal to the Android users! What Android users have to do to get this 50GB space is to install the updated Box app from the Market and log-in to the application. This deal is valid until March 23, 2012. So if you want to avail this deal hurry-up! 50 GB of storage space that is provided this way to the users is accessible from everywhere – not only Android. Also this package will bump the max file size upload limit to 100 MB.

This promotion ends on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11:59pm PST, so grab your free 50GB on Box by following these steps:

1. Visit the Android Marketplace and download Box for Android
2. Log into your account or register for a new one directly from the app
3. Start sharing and collaborating in the cloud
4. (optional but recommended) Tell the world how you’ll use your 50GB with the hashtag #Box50GB

While it will still not provide the very useful syncing feature that get with Dropbox but its still a lot of online space that can be used for some backup/archival purposes. One of the useful features in the updated Android app is bulk-upload feature as well as adding collaborators to the shared folders. Hers is a detailed list of features of the Box app for the Android:

* Access, create and view content on your Android phone or tablet
* Upload multiple images, videos and files from the SD card
* Save files to your SD card for offline access
* Easily share files and folders with links
* Invite colleagues to shared folders and leave comments on files for them (note that you’ll need to grant permission for the app to access your contacts – we only use this permission to quickly retrieve email addresses when you want to invite collaborators, and we do NOT store any contact information on Box’s servers)
* Find content fast with built-in search
* Save files you edit or create in other Android apps to your Box account
* Add a widget to your home screen to see updates on files by colleagues

You can get the Box for the Android from Market here to avail this deal.

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Install AndyX ROM – Fastest & Most Stable Android 4.0.3 ICS ROM For Samsung Galaxy SII (S2) Many Tweaks Included [Guide]

Jawwad — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:12:52 +0000

Considerable amount of time has passed since Google released the AOSP sources for latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to the masses. Since then we have been waiting and speculating that when Samsung will be releasing the official stock firmware based on Android 4.0.3 ICS for our beloved Samsung Galaxy SII. Although based on the most recent estimates final stock firmware ICS release for the Galaxy S2 is not not far away and its very likely to be released in the March. In the mean time, we covered a lot of ROMs such as MIUI, CM9 and other ROM releases for the SGS2 based on the AOSP. Also we brought you the recent flurry of leaked builds of the beta versions of the stock Samsung Ice Cream Sandwich firmware.

Today we want to introduce a custom ROM for your Samsung Galaxy S2 device named AndyX ROM which is based on the stock ICS firmware leaks that we reported earlier. However, this is NOT just another ROM based on the stock ICS firmware but it has numerous enhancements and features included that makes it worth reporting here at InspiredGeek. Most importantly it proved to be the most stable and smoother ICS build that I have tested so far for the Samsung Galaxy SII. Some of the key features include the inclusion of the pre-rooted CF-root kernel, SuperUser, Busybox, adjustments and enhancements in the ICS framework, removal of the TouchWiz launcher, many AOSP system apps included Contacts, Phone, MMS, Calendar, Calculator, Music, Browser, etc.), many status-bar toggles included, Face-unlock feature and countless other features.

Based on my personal experience this is the most stable and highest performing ROM that I have tested. Also in day-to-day use it proved to be very smooth. If you want a prove I ran some performance benchmarks such as Quadrant which broke the 4000 mark which is impressive considering that Samsung Galaxy SII was running on the stock clock frequency without any overclocking. I also got impressive results in Sun-spider JavaScript and Rightware Browsermark.

You can download the latest AndyX ROM 5.3 and then flash it via the CWM (Clockworkmod) recovery menu. If you used the CF-root method to root your Samsung Galaxy SII that we outlined here it should already have CWM installed that can be accessed by rebooting the device.

Note: Rooting, Jailbreaking or customizing your device can be risky, and you may end-up bricking your device! Follow the instructions posted here at your own responsibility as Inspired Geek will not be responsible for any damage to your device.

Step 1. First make sure your device is rooted.

Step 2. Copy the AndyX ROM 5.3 ROM file to the root of your SDcard.

Step 3. Restart the phone in to recovery mode.

Step 4. Make 3-wipes (wipe data, wipe cache, wipe wipe dalvik cache)

Step 5. Now install the firmware zip file from the SDcard and flash the ROM.

Step 6. Finally reboot the device and enjoy the device to enjoy the AndyX ROM 5.3 on your Samsung Galaxy SII device!

Note that if you are upgrading from an earlier version of the ROM then no need to make three wipes (as mentioned above). It means that in that case this firmware is no-wipe. Please also make sure that you make a Nandroid backup from CWM recovery menu before following the above mentioned procedure. So that if something goes wrong then you will have a way to go back.

[source]

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How to Root AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note By Flashing Pre-Rooted Kernel via Odin [Guide]

Jawwad — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:16:22 +0000

Samsung Galaxy Note is one of the rather interesting devices released by Samsung as it’s a cross between a traditional tablet and a smartphone with a gigantic screen size of 5.3-inch (by smartphone standards). It makes the device much more useful for some people in terms of increased productivity possibilities but at the same time it renders the device un-pocket able. Other impressive features include a powerful 8MP front rear facing camera as well as a 2MP front facing camera. Good news for the US consumers that fancy of this device is that its just going to be released to AT&T. Even better that talented Android developers have already managed to root the device even before the release! Here is a guide on how to root your At&T version of Samsung Galaxy Note SGH-i717. We posted earlier a guide for rooting the international version of this device here.

Note: Rooting, Jailbreaking or customizing your device can be risky, and you may end-up bricking your device! Follow the instructions posted here at your own responsibility as Inspired Geek will not be responsible for any damage to your device.

Required Downloads

- Download the ODIN 1.85 and then extract the .zip file.

- Download Pre-rooted kernel for PDA.

- If you do not have Samsung’s KIES 2.0 installed, download and install it. Correct USB drivers must be installed, so that programs can communicate with the device. Reboot computer after KIES installation.

Procedure: Root Samsung Galaxy Note

Step 1: Make sure that your device is in USB debugging mode: Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging.
Step 2: Reboot your device into download mode. To do so: Turn the device off, then power it on by holding Volume-Down then powering it on simultaneously. Then there will be a screen asking to press Vol-Up to put the device in to Download mode.
Step 3: Start ODIN.

Step 4: Connect the device to your computer using USB.
Step 5: Wait a few seconds, the ODIN screen will show that a device is now connected
- Make sure that in ODIN nothing is checked, except the "Auto reboot" and "F. Reset Time"checkboxes.
- Press the "PDA" button, and select the pre-rooted PDA kernel file that you downloaded above.
- Press "Start". ODIN will now flash the pre-rooted kernel, and the device should reboot afterwards.

Step 6: After the device reboots in the OS then from Android Market search for the SuperUser and install it.

If you follow all the above steps correctly then your AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy Note will be rooted. Please note that the above mentioned procedure will increment the custom flash counter on your device. Which is not a big issue for most users but its believed this it is used by Samsung for the warranty purposes.

For more details on this this rooting procedure, discussions and future updates please follow the XDA thread linked below.

[Source]

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How to Capture Screenshots on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Based Devices [Tip]

Jawwad — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:37:06 +0000

One of the very basic and key features missing in the earlier versions of the Android (i.e., Gingerbread) was the ability to quickly take screenshots and save them. This was a very noticeable omission and users had to resort to install 3rd party tools to get this functionality. And many of these tools required the root privileges on the device for the proper functioning. Fortunately for us Google has removed this limitation in the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich as it allows to take the screenshots using a quick key press combination which not requires any 3rd party tool installation from the Market or root access.

All you have to do to capture a quick screenshot on your Android device with an Ice Cream Sandwich build installed is to press together the Vol-Down + Power button together and magically Android will capture the screenshot of whatever is currently shown on the screen and captured snap will be briefly shown in the middle of the screen for a preview. Picture file will be saved in a folder at the root of the SDcard.

I have personally tested this method on my Samsung Galaxy SII (S2) flashed with a custom Android 4.0.3 based firmware and it works perfectly fine. Although it should work on other Android 4.0 based devices as well. Note that on the currently available stock Android 2.3 Gingerbread firmware’s by Samsung for SGSII a user can capture the screenshot by holding the Home button and Power button together. This Samsung specific method apparently don’t work in the recently leaked ICS builds probably because now ICS has integrated screen-shot capturing functionality.

You might also be interested to have a look at the Samsung Galaxy S II section on our website where we have covered a large collection of tweaks, tips&tricks and rooting and custom ROM installation guides for the Samsung Galaxy S2 (SII).

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Quickly Remove Yellow Triangle & Reset Flash Counter on Samsung Galaxy S2 (SII) [No USB Jig Required]

Jawwad — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:14:36 +0000

Many advanced Android users love to play around and tinker with their device. The best option for these users is to first root the device and then experience the vast possibilities that become available afterwards. One of the annoyances with Samsung Galaxy SII (S2) after you flash a custom kernel or firmware (i.e., for rooting purposes) is that it increases the custom flash counter and a dreaded large warning triangle appears on the screen during the booting process. This custom flash counter is believed to be used for the warranty purposes and not effects the device functionality in any way. But still some users might feel it annoying and would like to remove it. One of the safest ways to remove is through using a USB Jig that can be ordered online. Another way that don’t require a USB Jig to remove the yellow waning triangle was reported here in the past that involved first flashing a stock kernel through Odin and then flashing the ZImage of the CF-Root through the CWM recovery menu. You can follow this procedure in detail posted here. Although this method worked perfectly fine but it is a multi-step process and involves finding the correct stock kernel for your device’s specific firmware. Today, we are are going to cover the quickest and simplest method to remove the yellow warning triangle on your Samsung Galaxy SII (S2) and that is WITHOUT using any USB Jig!

This method that we are going to report is based on a tool developed by the well-known XDA developer Chainfire. Please keep in mind that this tool must be used ONLY on Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 with some ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) Android 4.0 build installed. Also this operation is potentially dangerous and can brick your device! Please also verify that information shown under the “Current Status” is correct in the app before resetting the counter. Despite all the warning I should mention that I have personally tried this tool on my Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 with a custom ICS build installed and it worked perfectly!

Note: Rooting, Jailbreaking or customizing your device can be risky, and you may end-up bricking your device! Follow the instructions posted here at your own responsibility as Inspired Geek will not be responsible for any damage to your device.

Ok after the usual word of caution – All you have to do is to download the TriangleAway-v1.10.apk app and install it. Then launch the application and from within the application reset the custom flash counter. This will also eliminate the yellow warning triangle during boot on your Samsung Galaxy S2 (SII). Note that warning triangle will return in the future if you use the Odin to flash the firmware or kernel. It shouldn’t appear when flashing the firmware’s from the CWM. Also using the Mobile Odin will not increase the flash counter and hence no yellow warning triangle during the boot screen!

[source]

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Official Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich Firmware to be Released For Samsung Galaxy S2 March 1st ?

Jawwad — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:27:13 +0000

Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen a number of leaks for what appears to be an official Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich firmware update in the early builds and beta form for the Samsung Galaxy S2 (SII). Some of these firmware leaks we have covered here including the latest Beta Build I9100XXLPB leak of the ICS for our beloved SGS2. Judging from this latest leaked build of the official Android 4.0.3 firmware it seems that finally official release of this firmware from Samsung is not very far. This is because the latest leaked build seems very stable and most of the features are working perfectly. This estimate about the official ICS build release date for the flagship Samsung Galaxy series device is further strengthened by a recent comment from SlashGear which is reporting that Samsung might actually release the official Android 4.0.3 ICS build for the Samsung Galaxy SII on March 1st based on an interview with the industry insider Eldar Murtazin.

Samsung’s Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade for the Galaxy S II will reportedly drop from March 1st, according to inside Intel from the firm, with the Galaxy Note Android 4.0 update due shortly after.

Interestingly he directly gave a very specific date for the release of this firmware update March 1st rather than any loose timeframe which might come as a surprise for some people. But as mentioned before considering the current swift progress on the official firmware judging from the leaks this claim makes sense. Official Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich Firmware will likely be made available through the Kies software. It should also be noted that here Samsung Galaxy SII firmware update means the international version of the phone. As for the other US variants of the phone Android 4.0.3 firmware update will follow afterwards. From the above excerpt we can see that ICS firmware update for the Galaxy Note will also be released shortly afterwards.

In the mean time if you can’t wait for the official and final release of the stock firmware form Samsung than try the latest leaked build of the Android 4.0.3 for the Samsung Galaxy S2.

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