Dead Trigger on Android getting Christmas update

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.madfingergames.deadtrigger&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd

Hit the link to get Dead Trigger on Android just in time for the Holidays. Its a free game on the Google Play Store but does make use of in app purchases. It is well worth it to most people though as this is one of the most popular games on Android and has been for some time now. A new Christmas themed update with Santa zombies and new weapons has just been released so I highly recommend picking this one up. It is good for hours of entertainment and is updated often especially with holiday themes such as Christmas and Halloween. Check it out and leave a comment to let everyone know what weapons your using to massacre zombies this Christmas. HO,HO,HO!

iFixit Pro Toolkit

http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/Pro-Tech-Toolkit/IF145-072-1

Talk about an awesome Christmas present for the tech enthusiast on your Holiday shopping list, this Pro Toolkit from iFixit should help them dismantle brand new hardware well into the new year. It is only $60 and includes 70 tools. It has a 54 bit driver kit, 2 plastic opening tools, anti static wrist strap, tweezers, a small suction cup, spudgers, a 6 inch metal ruler, and a beautiful clothe case. There are multiple expansion packs for it as well to further upgrade your self repair arsenal. iFixit is a website dedicated to helping do it yourself enthusiasts repair they're own products. I also highly recommend the thirsty bag, which is a liquid absorption bag in case you drop your gadget into water. The site includes detailed guides on how to repair pretty much any type of electronic item you can come up with from laptops, to tablets and phones this site will give you the know how to repair your own stuff from now on. No more shipping out your laptop every time you want to upgrade your RAM. Just click the link and visit the website to learn more and leave a comment to let me know what devices your planning to fix yourself.

Exploit in Samsung Exynos kernel

http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-exynos-kernel-exploit-what-you-need-know

Here is the link to the article on Android Central. I suggest you read it if you have a Samsung device especially if it is one of the devices listed in the article such as my Sprint Galaxy SII or Epic 4G Touch. There are a number of devices affected by this exploit but if you are careful with what you download you don't have anything to worry about. I am rooted and unlocked but running a stock ROM and stock recovery right now on my Epic 4G Touch. I'm using the FK23 Jellybean 4.1 build that is rumored to be the OTA on this device. I don't download pirated apps or anything else so I'm not worried about it. I use Lookout anti - virus protection on all my Android devices which also helps. If you are a power user and root your devices plus flash custom ROM's and Recoveries there is always a risk of getting malware. Unlocking the bootloader makes it much easier for apps to gain access to system dumps, ect. and infect your device or send information from your device elsewhere. Read up on the subject, including this article. Knowledge is power.

Nexus 7 sharing apps on multiple accounts

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/share-apps-across-multiple-users-on-the-nexus-7/


 Having the ability to finally have more than one user account on our Android devices has been a long time coming and much needed feature. Now there is a way to share applications just like on a Windows PC or most other Operating Systems. XDA forum member jeepguy04 has made it possible. So hit the link and check it out. Your tablet needs to be running the latest version of Jellybean 4.2.x to enable user accounts but other than that your good to go. Just follow the instructions in the thread and enjoy!

Fallen out of love with your old gadgetry?

Cue music: You've lost that loving feeling... Oh, that loving feeling... You've lost that loving feeling and it's gone, gone, gone, gone. So your shiny, new gadget isn't so shiny and new anymore and you don't have the cash to get the latest shiny, new hotness. No problem. I've got you covered. Just check out the blog and leave any concerns you have with your device whether it's lag or broken or whatever and I'll help you out with a solution to your problems. I'm your friendly neighborhood tech blogger and I can point you in the direction of the latest hot ROM for your device and show you step by step how to install it on your phone or tablet so that it has the latest Operating System with all the new features just like the latest superphone your lusting after. Or if its scratched up we can find a new case for it. Maybe one of the cases over on XDA developers for instance? There are so many options to pick from when choosing a case now or you can order replacement parts and get do it yourself manuals on how to fix your device on Ifixit.com along with the tools to do your own dirty work. If that doesn't work there are products that will get scratches out and shine up that metal or plastic body to have it look like new in no time. All you have to do is ASK! So what say you fellow nerds? Hit me up anytime day or night and let me know what you need. I'm here for YOU. And if none of this floats your boat then I'll point you in the right direction as to where to buy the newest gadgets so that you can quit complaining. Either way, leave comments and just let me know.

Franco kernel for Nexus 4

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2002782

Francisco Franco is one of the top kernel developers over on XDA developers forums and this is his latest offering to the Nexus family of products, the Nexus 4 kernel. Currently it is on version r14. It is compatible with Cyanogenmod ROM's as well as AOSP ROM's and can be flashed through a custom recovery of your choosing or through fastboot. Franco's kernels are some of the most stable I have ever tried and offer excellent battery life as well as getting rid of unneeded junk and boosting performance at the same time. No CPU over clocks here but with this kernel you don't need it anyways. Hit the link and get to flashing!

NFC Mod to poll while screen is off

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2026439

Hit the link in the description to head over to XDA developers for a cool new modification for the Nexus 4, if you have been able to successfully purchase one of these phones, and let everyone know how it works. The NFCSerivce.java has been modified to poll for NFC tags even while the screen is off. So if you use NFC and tags in various places but are tired of having to turn your screen on every time you want to use it this mod may be your ticket. It is a simple apk. file and all that is changed are some file permissions and locations so your not risking anything to check it out. The Nexus devices by design are pretty much unbreakable as far as software goes. You can always drop the thing and shatter it but hacking and modding it won't do any permanent damage as long as you stay away from the bootloader. So, check it out and report back. I'm curious to know how this affects battery life on the Nexus 4 so leave comments and let us all know if this is a worth while fix or not.

Samsung Galaxy SIII vs. Iphone 5

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-beats-iphone-5-as-best-gadget-of-2012-50009954/

The smartphone wars are raging and this year it's the Galaxy SIII by Samsung against the Iphone 5. Read this article and make your choice. Android or IOS? Samsung vs. Apple. I for one am going with the Galaxy SIII all day as phone of the year but the latest Iphone is beautiful and looks much cleaner and more sophisticated than the big piece of plastic that is the SIII. CNET is going with Samsung but make up your own minds and leave comments to let me know which phone is your pick for smartphone of the year. Don't forget to vote in my Android phone of the year poll as well while your at it!

Connecticut School Massacre

I'm a long time off and on Connecticut resident and I just wanted to say something about the shooting in Newtown, CT. I know Newtown and the area and it is mostly a peaceful, quiet community. You have drug addicts and what not but so does every other fucking town in Connecticut these days. 27 people lost they're lives today and 20 of those were innocent children. I really just want to send my prayers to all the families who lost loved ones in this horrible tragedy. There is nothing anyone can say that will make this alright for the families, especially those who lost children. Just offering my condolences is all. Too bad they couldn't have caught the kid that did this. People who murder children get to live out they're own personal Hell everyday in prison in this state. It is a shame he couldn't have experienced that everyday for the rest of his life. He is a coward and died a coward's death. Hopefully, if there is any justice in this world, he is burning in the deepest, darkest part of hell right this second.

Increase Video Bitrate on Nexus 4

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/increase-video-bitrate-on-the-nexus-4/

Anyone with a Nexus 4 having issues with sound quality while recording videos? Excessive noise seems to be the problem for most of us with this great device while recording videos but now there is a hack to fix it. XDA recognized contributor mohit 1234 has devised a solution by increasing the bitrate from 12 to 20 mbps. This should help fix the noise problem as well as give you better videos so hit the link and read on to learn what steps you need to take to implement this fix. Hint: it involves using a root file explorer make some edits. Easy peasy, japaneasy.

HTC Evo 4G LTE Jellybean update link

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/evo-4g-lte-owners-get-your-official-jb-update-now/

Here is the link for the Jellybean 4.1 update for the HTC Evo 4G LTE on Sprint. If you haven't already done so go download it and flash it to vastly improve the functionality of your device. Android Jellybean brings such new features as Google Now and everything else that comes with it. Hit the link to the thread on XDA developers and get busy!

Holliday Gifts to Avoid

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/holiday_gifts_avoid777#slide-10

The article is over on Maximum PC which is one of the most respected tech publications around. Hit the link to view the article and check some of these items off your shopping list, or not, depending on how much stock you put in the article. Some of the choices will surprise you. They certainly surprised the hell out of me. Listed are Google's Nexus 4, yup, as well as Windows 8 and Microsoft's Surface RT tablet. Not too many real shockers except the Nexus 4 but still a list worth reviewing if your planning on buying loved ones tech goodies for Christmas this year.

Samsung Galaxy Camera on Verizon with LTE support

http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-camera-lte-now-available-verizon

Hit the link to check out the latest release of Samsung's Galaxy camera this time sporting LTE on Verizon's nationwide network. An HSPA+ version was initially released on AT&T but met luke warm receptions from consumers so far. This device sports a 16 megapixel camera with 23mm lens wand optical zoom of 21x. It is powered by Samsung's in - house Exynos quad core processor and comes with 1gb of RAM while running Android Jellybean 4.1. Verizon's version comes in at a whopping $550 which is $50 more expensive than the version from AT&T. Leave comments and let us know if anyone out there plans on picking one up for a Christmas gift or even grabbing one for themselves. The concept is interesting and it looks to be a decent camera but does that justify such a hefty price tag? Chime in!

Major Google+ update coming today

Be on the lookout for a major Google+ update from the Google Play Store scheduled for today at some point bringing the app to version 3.3 that brings 18 new features. These supposedly include integration of photosphere camera technology from Jellybean 4.2 as well as communities and Google Now. The web version is also scheduled to get a major overhaul today as well also adding all the same features that will be included in the app and more so be on the lookout for this major update. Google+ is improving more and more and as it gets more integrated with Android and the features Jellybean supports the social service attracts a greater number of users away from sites like Facebook and Twitter. I am a believer and have been loving what Google is doing with Google+. If anyone has any tips or suggestions feel free to share them in the comments below.

My upcoming book: Flashaholic, Installing Custom Firmware for Dummies

So, I'm writing a book about flashing ROM's and kernels's and modem's, ect. I am a flashaholic and must have the latest firmware on all my devices at all times. Anytime a new custom ROM is released that looks interesting I test it out by flashing it through a custom recovery which in Android are mainly Clockworkmod recovery and Team Win Recovery Project which I also go into full detail about in my book. Different modems to get better signal strength for things such as WiFi and data and different kernels for CPU performance or undervolting to save battery life are all things I write about in this upcoming book. I am just interested to see how many if ANYONE is interested in reading such a book. Samsung uses a different partitioning system than most other manufacturer's and in order to update your firmware you normally must use either Odin or mobile Odin or even Heimdall which is another software developed for installing custom firmware on Samsung devices. The reasons for installing a custom firmware vary greatly from improving performance to the general aesthetics of the device and it's look and feel inside the operating system. I touch on many of these topics and more while also providing links and descriptions of one click install tools and methods along with root tool kits for various devices like Wugfresh's Nexus root toolkit which I currently use for all my custom firmware flashing needs on the Nexus 7 and Nexus 4. Leave a comment if anyone is interested in reading such a book and maybe gaining some knowledge on how to become a flashaholic yourself.

Yotaphone video

Sorry, here is the video from YouTube on the Yotaphone. Check it out. I meant to put it in the post before this one but messed up the embed. I apologize for any inconvenience so without further ado here it is.

The YotaPhone with dual screens

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ErWL-9q86kc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
http://www.androidcentral.com/yotaphone-and-its-e-ink-display-gets-shown-video-first-time

This phone has two screens. The front HD screen and a back E - ink screen. This is a pretty cool concept. The phone runs Android 4.2 Jellybean and it's final name had yet to be determined. Hit the link and watch the video and leave a comment to let everyone know what you think of this interesting device.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City now on Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rockstargames.gtavc&feature=apps_topselling_paid#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLG51bGwsImNvbS5yb2Nrc3RhcmdhbWVzLmd0YXZjIl0.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City the ten year anniversary addition is now available on the Google Play Store for the price of $5. What a deal! No, I'm not being sarcastic. The mobile gaming genre has come a long way and this game looks to be amazing both graphically and in the entertainment department. Check out the trailer and hit the link to pick this one up ASAP. If you had the original on PS2 or if you've played Grand Theft Auto III on Android or IOS then this is for you. How many people are going to get this for their next mobile game to beat? I know I am. Leave comments and let me know how you like it so I know what to expect.

Facebook finally releases native app for Android

http://www.androidcentral.com/facebook-finally-releases-its-native-android-app

Finally, Facebook has released a native app for Android and Chrome. The new app written in native code should greatly improve load times and resume times as well as adding more functionality and bug fixes. This is a must have upgrade if you are an Android user and like using the Facebook application rather than using your browser which is what the Android Facebook app basically was until now. So hit the link or go get it for free on the Google Play Store and leave a comment to let everyone know what you think about the new Facebook app for Android.

Sprint phone giveaway contest on Android Police

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/12/13/android-police-holiday-giveaway-2-win-one-of-twenty-yes-20-awesome-android-phones-from-sprint/

Check it out, a great contest from the folks at Android Police. Win 20 different Sprint phones just by following the contest rules. You know, leave a comment, tweet the link, like them on Facebook, ect.
Get moving, Sprint might not have the best network around right now but they still have some of the finest phones money can buy and when they're free it is tough to beat.

HTC Evo 4G LTE Jellybean update FINALLY!

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/evo-4g-lte-owners-get-your-official-jb-update-now/

Here it is, the link to the thread over on XDA to finally update your device to Jellybean. Thanks Sprint. Another timely update as usual. Head on over to XDA developers and pick up the download and flash it yourself otherwise you will have to wait for the OTA update and only God, and Sprint, know how long that will take. Good luck and congratulations on finally getting into the Jellybean club. The update offers vast improvements such as Google Now and all the other bells and whistles that Android 4.1.x and 4.2.x bring with it. If you don't know how to manually update your device I'm sure tutorials will also be posted. If not hit me up and leave a comment and I'll help you out.

Nvidia drivers

http://www.geforce.com/  Hit this link to get the latest drivers from Nvidia. Gotta keep those drivers up to date on that graphics card or cards in you want to get the best possible performance and fps on the newest titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

How to survive prison tip of the day

If your about to be sentenced to a prison term and you are currently employed the best advice I can give you is to tell your boss what is happening. Be honest. That way when you get out at least there is the possibility of a job waiting for you and in today's economy that isn't an easy thing to come by especially if you have a decent job. Otherwise you will have a hard time even getting such medial work as flipping burgers at McDonald's. So if you have a job tell them your going away for awhile and that you would really like to continue when you get out. This advice of course is for those of you about to serve shorter prison sentences. If your going in for a decade or twenty years then this advice goes right out the window and all I can say is God be with you.

Franco's kernel and Trinity kernel on XDA

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1823671

Speaking of kernel development over on XDA developers I would like to mention a specific thread and kernel by Francisco Franco an XDA recognized developer. His kernel offers vast improvements over stock and is available through the link in the thread or through either his free or paid apps on the Google Play Store called Franco kernel updater. Check out the paid version it is well worth the couple bucks and will do all the hard work for you if your device is supported and unlocked with root and a custom recovery such as CWM or TWRP. Devices supported currently include the Nexus 4 and 7 as well as Galaxy Nexus and the Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note, HTC One X, as well as others.There are versions of the kernel for Android 4.1 and 4.2 depending on which ROM you are running whether stock or custom. Performance optimizations include tweaked ramdisk, boosted IO speed, an undervolt interface, an interface to change cpu and gpu frequencies, though it does NOT support over clocking of the cpu. Like it says in the description in the thread, "it just works," so head over to the link and check it out. I have run it on my Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 with great success and had much improved battery life using this kernel compared to the stock one. Another great kernel for your device is the Trinity kernel by Morfic. Hit the link to view this thread on XDA as well. This is for all those looking for over clocking capabilities that Franco's kernel does not support.  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1788759

Good News for Android kernel developers

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/linux-kernel-3-7-stable-released-with-arm-support/

So as anyone who has ever flashed an early version of a ROM for an ARM based System on a chip can tell you there are usually a fair share of bugs and things not working. This is mostly because of issues porting the kernel but with the latest release of the Linux kernel version 3.7 those problems should start to get worked out. The initial list of supported ARM architecture is currently limited at best but as support grows so will development and we will continue to see new improved ROM's running stable kernels that will give us better functionality and overall improvement to our devices. Good news in the land of Android so hit the link and read the article especially for all you developers out there. We need more strong development in the Android community to further grow and improve an already booming after market firmware selection across the entire platform. That way all of us with older devices won't be left out in the cold waiting for our device manufacturer to send the latest Android firmware release as an over the air update that will never come. We now have more options for more devices so we can dive into the forums and flash the custom firmware of our choosing giving us, as consumers, further control over our products. Hey, if you put up your hard earned cash for something you want to be able to get the most out of it and not be limited by software constraints right? Hell YES! So hit the link in the description and check out the latest news and leave a comment below letting everyone know how much better your day is now!

Android governors explained

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2005306


Here is a link over to a thread on XDA developers explaining the use of governors on your Android device be it a tablet or smartphone. The thread is in the HTC Evo 4G section but most of these governors can be found on any number of devices with custom kernels that implement these useful features. The list is pretty extensive and includes such favorites of mine as the Hyper governor and SmartAss V2 governor. Check it out and leave a comment to let me know what governor your currently using on which kernel! For example I'm running Yoda's kernel on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 using the Hyper governor listed in the link. It has greatly improved the performance of the tablet going from sluggish out of the box to speedy and responsive. I use Task's ICS "the beginning," ROM, which currently isn't being worked on but is still a great ROM none the less. This set up has made my device go from being almost unusable to snappy and very responsive and I highly recommend checking out this article if anyone else out there suffers from lag on they're Android device. If anyone had any questions or needs questions answered leave a comment and I'll post a video tutorial or just explain it in further detail.

Google not looking to develop apps for Windows 8

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/google_rules_out_windows_8_and_windows_phone_8_apps_now877

This story on Maximum PC explains that Google, in it's infinite wisdom, has decided not to jump on the Windows 8 bandwagon. At least not until it builds a stronger customer base and starts selling more units. The Microsoft Surface RT and Windows phone 8 handsets like the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8x series haven't exactly been flying off the shelves. Poor reviews by consumers and tech bloggers alike have panned Windows 8 for being too difficult to use and too much of a departure from the Windows most people are comfortable with. That being said, I have been using Windows 8 on my non - touch screen laptop for about a month or so now and I like it for the most part. If I could just cut out the "Metro," part of the OS with the tiles and all the pretty colors I would be a happy camper. It is faster, easier to use, and overall a better operating system than Windows 7 was. I loved Windows 7 but Windows 8 blows it's doors off in terms of speed, security, boot time, and just about everything else you can think of. Microsoft is predicting huge numbers for it's latest Windows release claiming 40 million licenses already sold but they're OEM's aren't as optimistic. Lets just face it. Windows 8 is going to take time and strong hardware to move units and so far that hasn't happened. The Surface RT tablet is a piece of junk. There, I said it. It is crap. Hopefully the Surface Pro will be much better but we will have to wait and see. The price point is also completely off target. Microsoft should have tried to under cut Apple and Google but instead are directly trying to compete with them and doing it with products that are simply not as good. So, Google isn't in any hurry to start developing mobile applications specifically for Windows phone 8 and RT, ect. Who blames them? After all this isn't IOS we're talking about here. Anyone out there running Windows 8 on your computer, RT on your tablet, or Windows phone 8 on your, um, phone? How do you like it? Leave a comment and let us all know what you think of Microsoft's latest release. 

Samsung Chromebook 3G

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-XE303C12-H01US-Chromebook-3G-11-6-Inch/dp/B009M2YNWI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355415029&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+chromebook+3g
The latest in the series of Google Chrome Browser based laptops that run on the Chromium OS, the Samsung Chromebook comes in either a WiFi only variant or the 3G enabled model listed here on Amazon. These 11.6 inch notebooks are very hard to find and are currently sold out on the Google Play Store as well as Amazon and most other retailers. The WiFi only device sells for $250 and the 3G for around $320 and with a matte 720p HD screen and new internals these things have been selling like hotcakes. Unlike last years model from Samsung that ran an Intel chipset this device is sporting Samsung's in - house 1.7ghz Exynos 5 dual core processor that can also be found in the new Nexus 10 tablet from Google. It also has 2gb's of RAM and 16gb's of flash storage making it extremely fast. Along with the speedy storage and processor you get 1 USB 2.0 port and 1 USB 3.0 port. 2 years of Verizon WWAN 3G coverage are included in the price but only gets you about 100MB per month so if you are looking to use this as your primary travel laptop you may want to look into purchasing a better data plan but for a backup when their isn't any WiFi you can't beat the the price on this bad boy. I'm looking to get one for myself as well as for my daughter for a fist computer. The Chromebook weights only 2.4 pounds and is less than an inch thick making it perfect for a first laptop for children. It is mostly made of durable plastic and can stand up to some abuse so if your looking for a Christmas gift for your kids this might be something you want to pick up if you can actually find one anywhere. Sound off in the comments, who is looking or has already purchased one of these sleek laptops? Likes and dislikes?

Modern Combat 4 live on Play Store

The latest installation in the Modern Combat series is up for purchase on the Google Play Store now for a whopping $7. The previous iterations of the game have been not only easy to play and fluid but offered on - line multi - player modes as well which really adds to the quality and value of the game itself. Even though these are basically Android rip offs of the Modern Warfare series for your smartphone or tablet the developers do an amazing job making it difficult to believe these games can be run on such devices. The future looks bright for mobile gaming thanks to studios like EA and Gameloft and titles like the Modern Warfare series so go check it out and drop seven big ones to start playing this shooter now. Anyone interested in the newest version of the Modern Warfare Series? Leave comments if your going to pony up the cash for this bad boy, I know I am.

Surviving Prison Tip of the Day

Everybody in prison or jail is a tough guy. Remember that shit and it could save your life one day if you ever have to do a real bid and find yourself looking at 15 years or better. Now it is almost better to get indicted and go to Federal Court than to stay in State Court trying to cop a plea agreement with some young gun prosecutor trying to make a name for him or herself. And forget about the Judges. They either like you or hate you right off the rip and that determines the entire case and how much time your looking at. If you happen to know most of the prosecutors or judges than you are one step ahead of the rest my friend but this is not an easy ask to accomplish. Walking a fine line between the criminal world and the civilian world is not something many people can accomplish though most wish they could despite what they tell you about how Gangsta there are and all that bullshit. That shit means NOTHING! NOTHING. And most of these so called tough guys aren't really gonna do shit if you step to them anyways. Maybe get in a little game of grab ass with some pushing and shoving and what not but that's about it. Even if you do get hit by someone as long as you hit back I bet the next Mother Fucker thinks twice before talking shit to you or trying to steal your shit or whatever the offense may have been. That's the trick, no matter who fucks with you, don't be afraid to fight. It doesn't matter if you lose or win just the fact that you fight. And if you lose you can always find a weapon to hit that fucker with the next time you see him. Prison has what they call profiles now so if you get in  a fight with another inmate or even a cop you get a profile against that person, meaning you can't be in the same facility as them, EVER. Even if you have family that works in the DOC you will get a profile so that you can't be in the same facility as that family member. These rules are really vaguely enforced at best unless you try to kill a mother fucker or someone tries to kill your ass. Then they will take that shit seriously. Anyways, tip of the day is don't be scared of anyone just cause they are bigger than you or tougher than you. A good kick to the balls and an elbow or knee to the face levels the playing field pretty fucking fast.

Subscribe to Maximum PC Magazine Today

As a proud subscriber to Maximum PC magazine I can recommend this to anyone from enthusiast to developer. This magazine has more helpful tips and hints than any other PC magazine out there. From building your own rig to Windows hints and tips, this is the one stop place to gain knowledge of the PC and technology industry. Lots of great articles on Android as well. Apple is included by not highly recommended so if your looking for news and info on Apple products you might want to check out another publication.

Maximum PC's whats new in Android Guide to Jellybean 4.2

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/android_guide_version_420

CyanogenMod Jellybean

Nexus 4 LTE in US Markets?

http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/10/nexus-4-lte-select-us-cities/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Check out this link to an Engadget article stating that band 4 LTE is possible to access on your shiny new Nexus 4 if your on AT&T and live in certain markets. What are you waiting for!

Camera on the Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Here is a sample of the camera on the Samsung Epic 4G Touch or Galaxy SII on Sprint. The camera is 8 megapixels and has basic software editing features. It also supports zoom and has a number of filters that can be applied if your looking to spiff up your images.

Swiftkey Android Keyboard app

Swiftkey is the best Android keyboard application handsdown. Checi out the link to go to Google Play Store and buy the app today. It is about $4 but it is the best money you will ever spend on an Android application. Your productivity will increase and your fingers will thank you. Swiftkey gives the most accurate predictions I have ever had the pleasure of using. With the release of Android 4.2 and the new Swype like keyboard it makes paying for a keyboard application more painful for most. The stock keyboard is a very good one and for those who prefer the Swype style it is hard to beat. For everyone else there is Swiftkey. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchtype.swiftkey&feature=apps_topselling_paid#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLG51bGwsImNvbS50b3VjaHR5cGUuc3dpZnRrZXkiXQ..

How to install leaked FK23 Jellybean on Epic 4G Touch

Here is another great tutorial on how to install the latest Jellybean leak for the Samsung Epic 4G Touch on Sprint. This build has tons of optimizations and everything seems to be in working order. The Touchwiz interface is also updated and adds many useful features that any Samsung Galaxy 3 owner will attest for. So what are you waiting for check out the video tutorial and install the leaked build now! I'm running it on my phone and so far the difference is night and day compared to running ICS ROM's whether custom or stock. Leave a comment below to let me know how you like the latest build for this phone.

How to root the Nexus 10 tablet

I was going to make a video on how to root the Nexus 10 tablet but qbking77 on YouTube does a much better tutorial job than I ever could so if you are lucky enough to own one of these amazing devices check out this video on how to get it rooted.

Jar of Beans Android Emulator

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/jar-of-beans-updated-now-with-root-busybox-and-more/

Jar of Beans is an Android Emulator that will run on most anything including Windows and is pretty feature packed if you want to check it out over on XDA developers. The emulator comes with full working root and SuperUser installed along with a working version of Busybox. Google Play Store is also included as well as other Google apps such as Gmail, ect. MX player and x86 codec are supported for video playback. The emulator also includes an experimental feature called libhoudini that will allow for ARM application compatibility. Drivers are included in the 7zip file so just extract it and your good to go. This is a fairly new emulator but I have been using it for a few days now and am very impressed with the functionality as well as the fluid user interface. I highly suggest you check it out whether your into Android development or not.

Windows 8 review preview.

So I have been using Windows 8 Pro for about two weeks now and have had time to really dive deeply into the new OS from Windows. What I have found may surprise most people but Windows 8 is actually a better operating system than previous iterations. Windows 7 users will feel right at home with Windows 8. All the new version of Windows is really is Windows 7 with the RT touch interface on top of it. It is a faster, sleeker, and more secure OS. The only problems I have had with it are program compatibility issues and driver problems but these are fixable with some work. The worst part about Windows 8 is the horrible Windows RT or formerly known as Metro interface. I understand why Windows had to go this route but it is still cumbersome and clumsy on a laptop or desktop. I will be writing a full review and posting it shortly for everyone to read and comment on. 

XDA developers Nexus 4 case for pre - order

http://www.cruzerlite.com/community/xda-developers/pre-order-xda-developers-nexus-4-case

Pre - order your XDA developers Nexus 4 case today. It isn't shipping for another 4 to 6 weeks but look at it. It is awesome so go get one. NOW! I am pre - ordering one myself today. Also available are XDA cases for the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Note 2 as well as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus so if you own one of these fine phones and want to support XDA developers website go order a new case to protect your investment. These cases are made by Cruzerlite and are extremely durable and well crafted. Hit the link and check them out today. Leave a comment if your ordering one for yourself or someone you love for Christmas.

Which Samsung phone to buy? Poll

I am taking a poll to determine what readers think of the current top of the line devices from Samsung. The Galaxy SIII and the Galaxy Note 2. Which is better and why? Leave comments in the post below and we will see who the champ of the Galaxy universe turns out to be. Get out and VOTE people!

Prison Tip of the Day.

Today I'm going to talk about proper protocol when approaching guards or any type of corrections official. First of all make sure you always bring another inmate with you when speaking with a prison officer even if you know them personally from the real world. It is fine to have friends on the inside that do favors for you just make sure you have someone else with a good reputation that can back up your claims. If other inmates think you are a snitch and see that you are getting special treatment it doesn't matter how many friends you have that are guards you are going to get beat down or worse. Just make sure someone else can vouch for you and don't talk to anyone considered "Police," alone unless it is the only way. Sometimes you will be called into a counselor's office or to see a Captain or higher ranking officer and there is no other way but to have a private meeting. Just watch what you say and don't EVER, EVER, EVER rat on ANYONE for ANYTHING. Not to get payback or for any other reason. While you are in prison you must behave like it and follow the rules. You can always stab someone or hit them with something hard but snitching is one of the only NO, NO's. It is unacceptable and will get you hurt so don't do it. Handle your business like a man even if that means you end up in the hospital with some minor injuries. Most people don't get stabbed in prison anymore. No one wants another charge and court case over something stupid. If you have any problems they will be resolved with fists if anything. The only inmates that still shank each other are those that have no reason not to. Lifers that are never going home or doing so much time that if they ever do get out they will be so old it won't matter anyways. So don't stab anyone either tough guy.

Kindle Free Time Unlimited service from Amazon

http://www.androidcentral.com/amazon-introduces-kindle-freetime-unlimited

Check out the link to an article on Android Central. Amazon is introducing a new service for Kindle device owners especially Kindle Fire owners geared toward kids. The service charges a flat rate of $2.99 a month per child or $6.99 per family for Amazon Prime members or $4.99 and $9.99 for non members. Paying for the new service will get you and your family access to as much content as you wish targeted towards 3 to 8 year old children. It also allows parents to check up on everything their children are doing on the tablet by providing a way to monitor everything that has been viewed and downloaded. Parental controls are also deeply integrated into Kindle Fire devices and Amazon services so if you have kids and a Kindle of some kind this might be worth a check. My 7 year old has her own Kindle Fire and an Amazon Prime membership and I am strongly considering using this new option to keep her entertained. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Happy Holidays!

So, its that time of year again. Time for giving and receiving. Time for Family and friends. Time to celebrate with loved ones. Its Christmas time! So what to get your special someone or someone's for Christmas this year? Perhaps the Android or Apple or Windows device they have been hinting at since it was released? Options for consumers looking to purchase electronics, especially mobile electronics, have never been better. Quality is going up and price is coming down. First off you will need to decide what your in the market for and then consider your options. A new phone, tablet, or laptop are all very different products that vary greatly in price. After you have decided on what your in the market for next you should choose which type of device suits the person you are shopping for. Do they want an Apple Iphone or Ipad? A new Android tablet or an Ultrabook from one of Window's OEM's? The sheer number of selections once you have an idea of what product and brand you are looking for can be overwhelming to say the least. I suggest you do your homework before buying an expensive electronics item. With Apple products is fairly simple. Android not so much and if a new Windows 8 PC is what your after then I wish you the best of luck. Either way do some research and try to test the product before you buy it. Don't listen to salesmen or women trying to sell you something you don't need. If you are prepared then it will narrow things down a bit and make selecting a new product easier for everyone involved. Good luck and happy shopping!

Below is a list of products I personally recommend.
1. Iphone and Ipad
2. Macbook Air
3. Android Nexus 4,7, and 10
4. Google Chromebooks from Samsung and Acer
5. Acer Asprire S7 ultrabook
6. Asus Zenbook ultrabook
7. HTC Droid DNA on Verizon Wireless
8. Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note 2
9. LG Optimus G smartphone
10. Microsoft Windows Surface PRO tablet (not for sale yet)

Prison tip of the day.

Get off your lazy ass and start working out! With all the carbohydrates you will be forced to eat on the jail menu your gonna get fat unless you work off some of those calories. Even if you have money and order your food off of commissary your diet is still probably going to be mostly soup and rice based. Get in shape and get into a routine. These simple tips not only will help you fill the hours but benefit you for when you are released from prison. Best advice I can give so take it for what its worth people.

FK23 Jellybean OTA for Epic 4G Touch on Sprint.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2021640

Here is the link to the newly leaked FK23 Jellybean build for the Samsung Epic 4G Touch. This is Android 4.1.2 and will probably be the official OTA. This also marks a turning point for owners of this device because in all likely hood this will be the last release for this phone. If you want anything higher than Jellybean 4.1 your gonna have to turn to the custom ROM community. Sorry. There are a number of threads over on XDA developers with links to rooted versions of this ROM, odexed and deodexed as well. So head over to the forums and check it out. Download the files and use Odin on your computer to flash the new Jellybean goodness once your phone is in download mode. After that your device will reboot and there you have it. Jellybean on the Epic 4G Touch! If anyone needs detailed instructions on flashing this ROM check out the forums on XDA or go to YouTube and watch QBKing's video on how to install this ROM. If all else fails leave a comment and I'll get back to you and hook you up with the know how to get the job done. Peace.

Prison tip of the day.

Ok all my convicted felons or soon to be convicted felons out their. Here is my prison survival tip of the day. It may seem trivial compared to allot of other stuff but prison is cold. Really fucking cold. Especially when your locked up in a maximum security prison. The air is on constantly to keep the temperature low in order to kill germs and eliminate sickness. It is a commonly practiced method but the fact remains that whether it is summer or winter the inside of a prison is always freezing cold. Get yourself some thermal underwear off of commissary or if you are really planning ahead make sure you wear a couple of grey sweatsuits to court on the day of your sentencing under your clothes. The guards and prison officials have to let you bring them in as long as they don't have any pockets or identifiable labels showing. Usually grey, white, or black is acceptable but if I were you I would go with grey because it is a sure thing. There you go. If you want to stay warm during your incarceration plan ahead and when all else fails order what you need off of the commissary or get someone on the outside to send you some clothes in a care package if they are allowed at the time. Care packages usually consist of three pairs of white underwear, t-shirts, and five pairs of white socks. Along with two pairs of thermal tops and bottoms in grey and two sweatsuits in grey as well. Sometimes two towels in white are also permitted but care packages come and go in the state prison system. Sometimes they are allowed and sometimes not so check with your local DOC before getting your family to attempt to find grey sweatsuits with no pockets or labels. Believe me it is not as easy as you would think. Good luck inmates!