Verizon is not unlocking the Galaxy S III bootloader after all

In yet another twist involving Verizon’s version of the Samsung Galaxy S III, contrary to our earlier report, Verizon will not provide a software update to unlock the encrypted bootloader. Several users obtained information from Verizon and Samsung customer service reps indicating the Galaxy S III would be unlocked “soon.” The misunderstanding appears to stem from information regarding an update from Verizon to unlock GSM roaming on the S III, not an update to unlock the bootloader.
For now, users interested in a Verizon Galaxy S III are back to looking at the Developer Edition to be made available through Samsung if they want to avoid the locked bootloader. The other option is to wait to see whether the bootloader bounty produces any results.

Source: TalkAndroid

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Pair of root methods developed for Sony Xperia S

Owners of Sony’s Xperia S phones may be interested in a couple root methods that have been developed for the handsets. The methods get around the locked bootloader of the Xperia S.
Over on the XDA Developer forums, member Sharaz22 has developed a “long” method to root the Xperia S. The method uses several batch files and then users complete some operations on Flashtool. To wrap up the install, Superuser from the Google Play store needs to be installed. Building on the work of Sharaz22 and others, XDA forum member hk2006 has developed a “short” version that is more of a one-click solution that basically wraps the long method into a single batch file.
The two methods do have some issues, including the lack of a custom recovery. With the “short” method, some users are reporting the batch file needs to be run more than once and some users with ICS have reported a factory reset may be required to address some lag issues.
If interested, check out the source links for all the directions and links to files needed.

Source: TalkAndroid

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Three UK Website Officially Listed the Sony Ericsson Xperia P Smartphone

So you live in the UK and have been itching to get your hands on a lovely new smartphone? Great you’re in luck because Three UK has listed the Sony Xperia P smartphone on its website today. This means interested customers can pick up the Gingerbread-powered device which gives you a 1GHz dual-core processor, 8MP camera with Exmor R sensor and 4-inch screen for free on a £27 per month, two-year contract plan. Of course there is the option of purchasing the phone outright with a Pay As You Go plan for £289.99. Options include the All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts or the All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and all-you-can-eat data for a 30-day period.
I’m sure you’re all itching for additional details, so you can find the expanded info found in the presser once you hit the break.

The Sony Xperia P is now available online at www.three.co.uk and from 17th July in all Three stores.

The sleek, aluminium-finished smartphone features a 4” reality display with WhiteMagic™ technology to deliver the most colourful viewing experience, even in bright sunlight. The phone also features a 1GHz dual-core processor for super-fast performance.
Helping people take the perfect picture, the Sony Xperia P features an 8 megapixel HD camera with Exmor R™ sensor and unique Fast Capture technology allowing the phone to go from sleep mode to ‘snap mode’ in just one second. The Sony Xperia™ P also makes it simple to share photos, music and videos on TVs, laptops or Sony PlayStations® using an HDMI cable or wirelessly by DLNA.
Sylvia Chind, Head of Devices at Three said, “The Sony Xperia P is an affordable and stylish smartphone, ideally suited for quick-fingered photographers. Running on Android, people can make the most of this great device by personalising their experience with countless photography apps like Instagram, downloadable through Google Play.”
The Sony Xperia P is available from £27 a month with no upfront cost on the Ultimate Internet 500 plan. Both the Essential Internet and Ultimate Internet plans offer a fear-free mobile internet experience, with a guarantee of no surprise out-of-bundle data charges.
The phone is also available on Pay As You Go for £289.99. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and all-you-can-eat data for a 30-day period.
Key features:
    Sleek, aluminium design
    4” Reality Display with WhiteMagic™ technology
    1GHz dual-core processor
    8 megapixel HD camera with Exmor R™ sensor and fast capture
    16GB internal storage and 50GB online storage with Box
    Easy HDMI and DLNA connectivity to share content on any screen
    NFC compatible”

Source: TalkAndroid

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Here’s another hilarious Siri vs Google Voice Search video

There has been so many videos lately that pit Siri against Google’s new Voice Search from Jelly Bean. Google seems to win the majority of them and this video is no different, but it’s pretty funny as well. Annie Gaus from App Judgement decided to test them both out with actual questions that she Googled in the last week. Let’s just say Siri didn’t fair to well, and this video will definitely give you a nice chuckle to start off your Monday.

Source: TalkAndroid

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XBMC Is Alive And Kicking, Gives An Idea Of How It Looks When Running On A Nexus Q

Remember how we told you about how XBMC was on its way a few days ago? Well it’s already here— albeit in an early form. CyanogenMod developer Jason Parker used his skills to develop a working port of the app for the Nexus Q and other Android-based set-top boxes, as well as most smartphones. From what we can tell, the interface looks like its centered around arrow keys

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