Android developer Koush has been working on a touch enabled version of his popular ClockworkMod Recovery for quite some time now. He posted a teaser video on Friday, January 27,  and already there’s a beta version available to download for the Galaxy Nexus and GSM Nexus S.

Announced on Google+, both versions (Verizon CDMA, international [...]]]>

Android developer Koush has been working on a touch enabled version of his popular ClockworkMod Recovery for quite some time now. He posted a teaser video on Friday, January 27,  and already there’s a beta version available to download for the Galaxy Nexus and GSM Nexus S.

Announced on Google+, both versions (Verizon CDMA, international GSM) of the Galaxy Nexus are supported in the beta, but only the GSM Nexus S is. Not much information was made available on the beta, but so far reports seem good. There’s over 50 comments on the original Google+ post with download links, many of which are users confirming everything works well.

If you’re comfortable with Fastboot and understand the risks involved with flashing a recovery still in beta, head on over to Google+ to download Koush’s touch-based ClockworkMod Recovery now. To get an idea of how the recovery will work, check out the video below. If you decide to install the recovery, let us know how it works in the comments below.

Back in late December, Android Developer Andrew Neal revealed some of the new features coming to the CyanogenMod 9 music app that had control freaks everywhere dying for a taste. While the default music app in Android 4.0 isn’t terrible, it does lack much in the way of customization and control. Andrew Neal’s new [...]]]>

Back in late December, Android Developer Andrew Neal revealed some of the new features coming to the CyanogenMod 9 music app that had control freaks everywhere dying for a taste. While the default music app in Android 4.0 isn’t terrible, it does lack much in the way of customization and control. Andrew Neal’s new CyanogenMod music app aims to fix that. Finally, last night, Neal took to his site Seeing Pixels and released an early 1.0 build of the music app for Android 4.0 devices.

At first glance, the CyanogenMod 9 music app (it just appears as Music with a blue icon on your Android device) isn’t all that different from the default music player. The default theme is slightly varied from what comes stock with Ice Cream Sandwich, but you might not even notice if you weren’t looking. The total overhaul comes from the setting menu.

There’s a ton of options and setting under the customization menu option, but that’s only the beginning. There’s some in-depth audio options including a full equalizer with bass boost, shake and flip gesture support and a theme chooser. The music theme template for the app was also released yesterday, along with a Google Music theme. The default theme that comes with the app looks much more native on Android 4.0 than Google Music, but options are what this app is all about.

As much as I like the CyanogenMod 9 music app, I need Google Music. All my music is on Google Music now. And the CyanogenMod 9 music app lacks Google Music support. Because of this, it could never become my go-to music app for Android. I will keep it installed for anything local, but that won’t be much.

To try out the new music app for CyanogenMod 9, head on over to Seeing Pixels now. Be sure to let us know how you like it.

Just yesterday, when we told you the developers behind CyanogenMod were thinking about releasing a root-only app store for Android, we mentioned that CyanogenMod has a unique user install base of around one million. Last night, that number became official.

Announced by Steve Kondik on Google+, this is a huge milestone for Android [...]]]>

Just yesterday, when we told you the developers behind CyanogenMod were thinking about releasing a root-only app store for Android, we mentioned that CyanogenMod has a unique user install base of around one million. Last night, that number became official.

Announced by Steve Kondik on Google+, this is a huge milestone for Android modding and the community behind it. CyanogenMod officially has over one million unique user installs. According to the CyanogenMod stats page, over 200,000 users have installed CyanogenMod 7.1 alone. The next closest is CM 7.1RC, with only 48,000. And as for the single most popular device? That would be the HTC Desire with nearly 81,000 installs.

Considering 700,000 Android devices are activated daily, and 200 million total devices have been activated so far, one million unique installs may not seem astronomical. But when you think of it in terms of 1 out of every 200 Android users on the planet uses CyanogenMod, that’s impressive to say the least. And those numbers don’t say anything about the passion, voice and devotion behind the Android modding community.

For more information on CyanogenMod, visit CyanogenMod.com.

If you’re on the hunt for root only apps, or looking for something that was taken down from the Android Market due to carrier or company complaints, you’re pretty much on your own. You could always check forums and other file sharing sites, but wouldn’t it be nice if there was some sort of go-to [...]]]>

If you’re on the hunt for root only apps, or looking for something that was taken down from the Android Market due to carrier or company complaints, you’re pretty much on your own. You could always check forums and other file sharing sites, but wouldn’t it be nice if there was some sort of go-to root only app store for modded Android devices? The folks behind CyanogenMod think so, and there might just be one on the way.

Koushik Dutta, CyanogenMod team member and the developer behind apps like ROM Manager, has taken to Google+ to ask if members of the Android community would be interested in a CyanogenMod App Store.

I've been bouncing this idea around for a while now, and it seems like an even better idea now, given my recent brush with this problem: we need an App Store for root apps. We also need an app store for apps that are getting shut down for no good reason, other than carrier, or some random corporation doesn't like it.Koushik DuttaCyanogenMod

Essentially, we’re looking at Cydia for Android. A standardized app store that specializes in root only and banned apps, that would be available to use in any ROM.

Dutta has already talked with Amazon about bundling it with their app store, but they aren’t interested in participating at this time. So CyanogenMod may tackle the task alone.

Personally, I’m all for this. Not only would it be much easier to find tweaks and mods for rooted Android devices, but it would help keep the Android community’s most active user base funded. A portion of the profits from app sales out of the CyanogenMod App Store would go to funding the development behind the ROM, as their unique user install base has grown past one million and become rather costly to maintain.

To voice your opinion, and help get the word out, check out the original post on Google+.

When the Kindle Fire was announced, one of the biggest hypes about it was the addition of Amazon’s Silk Browser. This browser was said to improve loading speeds substantially, but it was exclusive to the Kindle Fire. Android users, not being a fan of limitations, got a break when the fine gentlemen at [...]]]>

When the Kindle Fire was announced, one of the biggest hypes about it was the addition of Amazon’s Silk Browser. This browser was said to improve loading speeds substantially, but it was exclusive to the Kindle Fire. Android users, not being a fan of limitations, got a break when the fine gentlemen at XDA Developers managed to get this browser up and running on rooted devices.

Whether you like this browser or not is mostly a personal preference. The vast majority of reviews and reports prove that this browser is by no means faster than the others. Despite Amazon’s claims, the cloud-based caching in this browser brings more lag, slowing the experience down by 1-3 seconds. You could make it a bit faster by turning off accelerated page loading, though (ironic, right?). The Silk Browser does reduce bandwidth consumption, though, which may very well be a huge advantage for tiered data plan users.

In a nutshell, one simply has to install the given files in the System folder. The instructions are not too complicated, and you should be able to get the Silk Browser running in a few minutes. For full instructions, head over to the XDA website.

As expected, it does not work with all devices/ROMs. It does work on CM7 for the Kindle Fire, though. Many users are reporting issues, as well as a bad experience in smaller phone screens (it was designed for tablets).

If you are feeling adventurous and want to give it a try, let us know how it goes. Have you already given it a try? Would you rather stick with your current (and most likely faster) browser? Which is your favorite browser, and why?

The default music player in Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, leaves much to be desired in the way of customization. There are options to change some of the settings for Google Music and playback, but that’s about as far as customizations go. The fine folks behind CyanogenMod are looking to change that, for rooted and [...]]]>

The default music player in Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, leaves much to be desired in the way of customization. There are options to change some of the settings for Google Music and playback, but that’s about as far as customizations go. The fine folks behind CyanogenMod are looking to change that, for rooted and non-rooted users alike.

Android Developer Andrew Neal recently sat down with The Verge and spilled some details on CyanogenMod 9’s upcoming music application. Among the normal options found throughout the default Android music app, CM9’s music app will feature fully customizable notification area playback options, shake controls, the ability to search the Android Market, options for setting music as ringtones and gesture recognition.

In keeping with the spirit of CyanogenMod ROMs, the music app will eventually come equipped with a full theme engine, allowing users to take total control of their music playback experience.

Fortunately for non-rooted users, the CyanogenMod 9 music app will be made available as a stand-alone download in the Android Market.

Progress on the rest of CyanogenMod 9 is coming along quite nicely. Every day, more and more devices land ports and early alphas of the ROM. The Droid X and Droid 2 Global are just two devices to see their own version of CM9 come out in the last week. Surely, we can expect to see many more devices gain compatibility soon.

While hackers and modders from all over the world are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for CyanogenMod 9 to make a mass release appearance, anyone lucky enough to own an Android 4.0.3 device can get a taste of the ROM now. Trebuchet Launcher, the launcher that will come preloaded in CyanogenMod 9, [...]]]>

While hackers and modders from all over the world are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for CyanogenMod 9 to make a mass release appearance, anyone lucky enough to own an Android 4.0.3 device can get a taste of the ROM now. Trebuchet Launcher, the launcher that will come preloaded in CyanogenMod 9, is available for download in early alpha form.

There are two requirements for running Trebuchet Launcher, you must be on Android 4.0.3, and you must be rooted. If you happen to own a device that fits that criteria, like a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus S, then you can download Trebuchet and see what the standard launcher for CM9 will come with. TreBuchet is modeled to look just like the stock Android 4 launcher, but comes with a slew of customization features not found in vanilla Android.

• Custom number of Homescreens
• Enable/Disable Persistent Search Bar
• Separated Apps/Widgets in Drawer
• Resize Any Widget
• Show and Fade Scrolling Indicator in Homescreen and Drawer
• Enable/Disable Auto-Rotate
• Drawer Apps Sorting (Title, Install Date)

Personally, I’m really looking forward to app drawer sorting and disabling the persistant Google search bar. Since I have a Nexus S, I still use the search button, making the persistant search bar pointless. And who couldn’t use a little more organization in their app drawer?

As time goes on, more and more features will find their way into Trebuchet Launcher. Infinite scrolling and screen transition animations are just two among many slated to make an appearance eventually.

For more information on Trebuchet Launcher, and to download the alpha, visit XDA now.

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There is no doubt that most users are shied away from messing with the guts of their devices. Not only does this usually void your warranty, but there is also a danger of bricking your device (if things aren’t done correctly). One-click methods are the way to go for all “non-techy” users out there, or [...]]]>

There is no doubt that most users are shied away from messing with the guts of their devices. Not only does this usually void your warranty, but there is also a danger of bricking your device (if things aren’t done correctly). One-click methods are the way to go for all “non-techy” users out there, or those who prefer simpler methods. The guys at XDA Developers know this, where an awesome tool has recently been released for HTC users.

The HTC Super Tool works much like other recent options out there (like Revolutionary.io). It is a Windows program that does all the work for you when rooting and unlocking a bootloader.

This third-party tool has surpassed even HTC’s bootloader unlocking tool, which is limited to a few devices. Devices for which this tool has been reported working for include the Evo Design 4G, Evo 4G, Evo 3D, Evo Shift, G2, MT3Gs, MT4G, MT4Gs, Inspire, Sensation, Incredible, Wildfire S, and the Amaze 4G.

As you can see, the list is not bad at all. This pretty much covers the whole EVO family, most of the myTouch family, and many of the popular HTC devices out there. If your smartphone is not on the list, there is still a chance that it might work, but hasn’t been tested yet. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you could give it a try and let the developer know how it goes.

Please remember that tampering with your device’s software is not supported by HTC or your carrier. If you choose to do so, no one takes any responsibility, but you. Your warranty may be void after using HTC Super Tool, and there might be a chance of your device’s functionality being affected.

Now the disclaimer is out of the way. If you have been considering rooting your HTC device, but do not like those complicated guides, this might be your best bet. Go ahead and try it if you are up to it, and let us know how things went. You can download it straight from XDA Developer’s site.

To all HTC users – do you think this is the best or easiest way to root your HTC device? If not, what option do you think is best?

It’s been said many times before that Nexus series devices are the bee’s knees, thanks to just how fast they receive updates and the latest features directly from Google. But for some buyers, they could care less what software updates Google provides for their device; it’s all about the Android community. Nexus phones are notoriously [...]]]>

It’s been said many times before that Nexus series devices are the bee’s knees, thanks to just how fast they receive updates and the latest features directly from Google. But for some buyers, they could care less what software updates Google provides for their device; it’s all about the Android community. Nexus phones are notoriously easy to hack. The Galaxy Nexus is no exception. And now, thanks to Google, the Galaxy Nexus will also be incredibly easy to restore.

Announced today on the Android Building Google Groups page, a complete factory image for the Galaxy Nexus has been released that includes the bootloader, baseband and the rest of the system. You can unarchive the package once downloaded and get a look at everything included individually, but there’s really no need. A handy “flash-all” script has been added that, when used, flashes everything you need to get your phone back to its factory state.

With all the ROMs being released and the experimenting being done, today’s factory image release will certainly be helpful. Jean-Baptiste M. “JBQ” Queru, Software Engineer for the Android Open-Source Project, said “hopefully this’ll be useful to people flashing custom AOSP builds, as it provides a clean supported way to return to factory state.” Indeed it will.

To download the factory image, and for details on the release, visit the Android Building Google Groups page.

There are two things Android could not live without – development and the Android Market (among other things). There are those few manufacturers that chose not to get approved by Google, and their devices end up being released without the Android Market (or Google Apps, in general). Once developers get in the game, though, [...]]]>

There are two things Android could not live without – development and the Android Market (among other things). There are those few manufacturers that chose not to get approved by Google, and their devices end up being released without the Android Market (or Google Apps, in general). Once developers get in the game, though, more than one can believe starts becoming possible.

For example, it is now possible to install the Android Market on most of these Google unapproved devices. So far, the Android Market on these builds has only worked via the Market application on the device itself, though.

For Google certified smartphones/tablets, it is possible to install apps directly from the web. Simply head to the Android Market website, select the app, click install, select your device, and boom. Next thing you know, your device already has the app in there. While we can get the Market to work on our non-Google Android devices, installing from the web has been impossible, until recently.

Reports have been attesting to the fact that the Android Market website is now supporting un-certified products that get the Android Market hacked in. Such are mostly tablets, and include the Kindle Fire, the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, older Archos tablets, etc. As you can see in the image to the left, the list of devices displayed includes 3 unofficial devices, even including the HP Touchpad.

This process seems to cause a small (but not massive) issue, though. Reports also claim that when using the Android Market app on one of these devices, there is a problem with the apps that were installed via the website. Apparently, the Android Market app can detect which apps were installed with the app itself, and upon trying to update the ones that were not, the process fails. Nothing that a re-install can’t fix, though.

If you feel like this process would be convenient to one of your hacked devices, go right on and try it out. Don’t forget to sound off in the comments to let us know how this is working for you. We would love to see if many of our readers are able to do this.