Preinstalled EngineerMode app on OnePlus phones gives root access without unlocking the bootloader
Rooting Android phones is fairly common these days, and it opens up the possibility of doing things that would not otherwise be an option. But if you are rooting your phone, you want it to be you who is in charge of the process. If you have a OnePlus phone, you may be interested -- and a little disturbed -- to learn that the company is preinstalling an app that acts as a backdoor to root access.
The app is called EngineerMode and it is preinstalled on the OnePlus 3, 3T and 5. It is possible to exploit the app to gain root access to a device -- all it takes is a simple command and a password that can be determined fairly easily. On one hand this is a worrying discovery; on the other, it opens up a way to root OnePlus phones without unlocking the bootloader.
Google clamps down on apps that misuse accessibility API -- and it could affect your favorite apps
Google is launching a crackdown on apps that misuse Accessibility Services, threatening to remove them from the Play Store. The API was created specifically to help users with various disabilities, but developers have latched onto it as a way of increasing the functionality of their apps.
The likes of Tasker, LastPass and Universal Copy are among the titles that make use of the Accessibility Services API, and they have been warned to either explain why they are using the API, stop using the API, or unpublish their app.
Samsung announces Exynos 9810 flagship processor likely to power Galaxy S9
Samsung does not reveal much information about a new flagship smartphone before launch day, but the homebrew processor that powers it is introduced in advance. So, it did not come as a surprise to see the Exynos 9 Series 8895 making its official debut ahead of the Galaxy S8.
Things appear to be no different this time around. The Galaxy S9 is months away, yet Samsung just announced the Exynos 9 Series 9810 flagship processor that is likely to underpin it.
iPhone X is unresponsive in the cold and has a green line screen problem
Just days after the launch of the iPhone X, problems are starting to emerge with Apple's latest handset. Users are reporting various issues with the screen including the fact that it becomes unresponsive in cold conditions.
On top of this, other iPhone X users have found that the screen suffers with a green line appearing at the side of the display. These reports are in addition to Apple's own warnings of the OLED-centric screen burn-in problems, and in spite of the fact that the iPhone X has been found to have the best display of any smartphone.
Leaked: Here is the OnePlus 5T
As is often the case -- whether planned or not -- details of upcoming handsets frequently leak out. Things are no different with OnePlus phones; in fact, it's one of the leakiest companies out there. With the launch of the OnePlus 5T in just a few days, it should come as little surprise that leaks mean we now know just about everything there is to know about the smartphone.
Not exactly a million miles removed from the OnePlus 5, the 5T's full specs have been leaked, complete with photographs and a detailed reviewers' guide. The major news is that the phone will be running Android 7.1.1 Nougat (nope, no sign of Oreo yet), and has very small bezels thanks to the disappearance of the front home button (it's now on the reverse).
FBI can't access data on Texas shooter's encrypted phone
With echoes of the San Bernardino shooting from a couple of years ago, the FBI has revealed that it is unable to break the encryption on the phone belonging to Devin Patrick Kelley, the gunman who killed 26 people in Texas at the weekend.
The agency has not said what make or model of phone they are not able to access, and this is information that will not be revealed -- and for very good reason, says the FBI. Despite the agency's desire for secrecy, there is strong speculation that the device is an iPhone.
The iPhone X has the best display of any smartphone
DisplayMate -- the display calibration and benchmarking firm -- has put the iPhone X through its paces and has come to the conclusion that it has the best smartphone display ever. This is an accolade that DisplayMate handed to the Samsung Galaxy S8 back in April, and with the iPhone X display having been supplied by Samsung, the new award is perhaps not a surprise.
While there have been some minor concerns about Apple's switch to an OLED panel, the move has definitely paid off. Apple is praised for the careful calibration it has put into the iPhone X's screen, causing DisplayMate to say: "the iPhone X is the most innovative and high performance smartphone display that we have ever tested."
OnePlus 5T launches in Brooklyn on November 16 -- and you can be there
Just a few days ago it was confirmed that the upcoming OnePlus 5T will have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Rumors and leaks have already given a hint of the specs and a release date, but there has been very little official news from OnePlus. Until now.
The phone maker has announced that the OnePlus 5T will be unveiled next week at an event in Brooklyn, New York. The event -- dubbed "A New View" -- will take place at 11:00AM EST (4:00PM GMT / 5:00PM CET) on November 16 and can also be viewed online. In a couple of days, tickets will go on sale, giving fans the chance to attend the launch event and walk away with a OnePlus swag bag filled with goodies.
Something you gotta know about iPhone X
I consider myself lucky, although some commenters (you know who you are) will disagree, by successfully ordering from Verizon Wireless the iPhone X for delivery on launch day—November 3rd. A FedEx driver brought the anticipated package to my door yesterday afternoon. I hauled down to Apple Store to purchase AppleCare+ before my grubby paws caressed the steel rims (vroom) and generous glass (screen measures 5.8 inches diagonally).
Replacing iPhone 7 Plus, which features and benefits greatly satisfy, is a bit extravagant. But I wanted the X to review and for its smaller size but larger display—understanding caveats: Home button's removal changes fundamental interaction and means adapting habits (oh my aching muscle memory).
Broadcom may buy Qualcomm for $100 billion
Broadcom could be on the verge of carrying out the biggest technology acquisition in history. The chipmaker is said to be planning a $100 billion bid for smartphone chip supplier Qualcomm. It is possible that the bid could be even higher.
While the deal has not been officially announced, people familiar with the matter say the offer could be just days away. If Broadcom does go ahead with the purchase of Qualcomm, it would create a $200 billion company.
The OnePlus 5T definitely has a headphone jack
While there have -- as ever -- been endless rumors about the next handset from OnePlus, there has been very little concrete news from the company about the OnePlus 5T. Today that changes.
OnePlus has made numerous allusions to the successor to the OnePlus 5 -- including tweeting pictures of five cups of tea -- but now chief executive Pete Lau has officially spoken about the upcoming handset. He confirms that there is definitely a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Oh my! The Razer Phone is one beautiful Android smartphone
About nine months ago, Razer bought smartphone-maker Nextbit. To be honest, at the time, I thought it was a terrible idea. It felt like Razer was getting involved in too many projects, losing its focus as a gaming peripheral and accessory maker. Not to mention, Nextbit seemed like a poor acquisition, since its design philosophy was cute, colorful, and whimsical, whereas Razer is all about being dark.
Today we finally see the fruit of this marriage, and oh my -- it looks amazing. The "Razer Phone," as it is called, is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and is packing a monstrous 8GB of RAM. It will undoubtedly handle all apps and games you throw at it without breaking a sweat. It even has dual rear 12MP cameras and a huge 4,000 mAh battery with Quick Charge 4+. So, yeah, the specs are great, but that is only part of the story. It is also jaw-droppingly gorgeous! I guess the Nextbit purchase was smart after all...
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL get two-year worldwide warranty upgrade
Early adopters have discovered a number of problems with the display of the Pixel 2 XL, which could make the flagship a tough sell in its segment. To make sure that that does not happen, Google has decided to upgrade the warranty.
Google is moving the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL to a two-year worldwide warranty, which is designed to "give users peace of mind," knowing that it will address any issues that may arise during that period. Google, however, says that it is done despite the quality of Pixel 2 XL's display being in line with that of similar devices.
LG G6, G6+, Q6 and X charge available through Amazon Prime Exclusive Phones
Amazon Prime Exclusive Phones is a pretty interesting proposition, giving consumers the option to get a new smartphone at a lower price in exchange for ads and offers. The number of supported devices is not that high though, but Amazon is constantly adding more and more to the list.
And today it is the LG G6 and G6+ flagships as well as the Q6 and X charge that join the program. All are available through Amazon Prime Exclusive Phones in their unlocked version, so that they can be used on different carriers.
BlackBerry: Forget about smartphones, software is our future
BlackBerry CEO John Chen has once again emphasized that the company has left behind its smartphone days and is now firmly set in its way to become one of the world’s top software firms.
Speaking at the company’s BlackBerry Security Summit event in London today, Chen said that although he was proud of the past, it was now time for a new focus.
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