Maybe the biggest draw to Android is the ability to customize the heck out of your device and make it your own. Custom launchers being the first step for many that want to make their device unlike any other. Apex Launcher, one of the most popular third party launchers, has an early beta build of their launcher with a KitKat twist. XDA Senior Member, denissxl, creator of Apex launcher, has released an early beta of his creation that gives it that KitKat look and feel we’re all drawn to.

Screen shots from the 2013 Nexus 7

There’s still some bugs in this build, as to be expected with an early beta anything, but it looks pretty dam sweet on my 2013 Nexus 7 (still stock 4.3 btw, no OTA for this guy yet) and is running like a charm. Take Apex Launcher’s KitKat version for a spin and be sure to go to the XDA thread and let dennisxl know what a great job he’s doing or any issues you may be having. Be sure to do some reading in the thread before you ask. Your question may have already been asked and answered. Also, never and I mean NEVER leave a low rating for an app in Google Play when testing betas, or ever for that matter. Get in touch with the developer of the app before you hit that 1 star rating. These guys bust their tails for us and a lot of them do it for free.

Speaking of customs launchers. Be sure to stop by our one stop shop here at Android Fan Network for all of the best icon packs for custom launchers (Apex being one of the many supported in the icon packs).

What are you waiting for?  Download the KitKat Apex Launcher apk (remember to check unknown sources in your settings) and get that device of yours looking sweet as candy.

Apex Launcher KitKat version apk

Source: XDA

The post Apex Launcher KitKat apk (early beta). Apex launcher bringing some KitKat style appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Is the Nexus 5 camera a little lacking in your opinion?  Does it seem just a bit flat and dull?  Well, it is a Nexus, so there is a Zip for that.  Developer Jishnu Sir has created a flashable zip file to improve some key areas of the Nexus 5 camera. Here is a list from his post for version 1:

1) Bitrate are as follows:

• Stock 720P@12 Mb/s.
• Stock 1080P@17 Mb/s.
• Modded 720P@20 Mb/s.
• Modded 1080P@26 Mb/s.

2) Audio Bitrate quality :

• Stock = 96000 Kb/s
• Modded = 192000 Kb/s

3) Image Encode Quality :

• Stock = 90.
• Modded = 99.

4) JPEG Encode Quality :

• Stock = 80.
• Modded = 99.

5) Modified hammerhead.camera.so for better sharpness of the pictures. Increased the Sharpeness to 90 from 75.

He is currently up to version 1.2, with or without noise cancellation, so make sure you read his change log. As always, read before doing anything, and have a backup handy just in case. Is this something you would try out? Already tried it? Let us know below in the comments or on our Google+ page. Happy flashing!

Source XDA

The post XDA Dev working on Nexus 5 Camera Improvements appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Vroot pulls binaries from your PC and computer; the thread on XDA has been closed and links removed until it can be sorted out.

Until this method is verified to be working safely and without malware, I would advise everyone not to use this method. This thread and any other are to be closed on sight. Please report them to the moderation team.

Kingo Root takes it a step further and sends your phone’s IMEI number to a server in China triggering the XDA thread to be also be  closed down.

Bumping this thread to clear some things up:

The tool isn’t allowed on the forums right now, we’re still working out some issues with them. Biggest issue being sending sensitive data unencrypted to their servers in China and grabbing the IMEI with no apparent reason. When that is solved the whole issue will be reassessed.

Thread closed. (for now)

If you find other sources for these root methods please be safe and steer clear of them.

Big thanks to androidnews.co.in for the alert.

The post PSA: Kingo Root and Vroot Malicious appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Good news for users rocking the newly launched Motorola Moto X and looking for a way to root it.  Pre-rooted Stock kernels for Moto X on AT&T and Rogers are now available for flashing. You need to get your bootloader unlocked to flash this kernel.

Bootloader of Rogers Moto X can be unlocked through Motorola portal but that option won’t work for AT&T ( AT&T won’t support unlocked bootloaders) and there is no other working exploit yet to unlock the bootloader of AT&T Moto X.

Anyway if you have an unlocked bootloader, Head over to this post on Moto X forums at XDA , download appropriate kernel image for your Moto X and flash it through bootloader.

The post Root for AT&T and Rogers Motorola Moto X appeared first on Android Fan Network.

So you are jealous that the Moto X has Active Display, well you can have that feature without buying the Moto X. All you need is an Android device running Android 4.3. Thanks to xda member niko001 you just need to download the free app from the Play Store and you are on your way.

FEATURES:
* Notifications don’t light up when your phone is in your pocket, purse, or face down to avoid accidental unlocks
* Select which app-notifications you’d like to receive via ActiveNotifications
* “Sleep at night”: Don’t show notifications at night (Premium feature)
* “More privacy”: Hide additional notification details (e.g. SMS text, sender) (Premium feature)
* Automatically switch off screen when dismissing notifications(Premium feature)
HOW-TO:
- Swipe up to see more details about the notification
- Swipe down to unlock the device (respects your unlock-security settings)
- Swipe left or right to dismiss the notification

So if you have an Android device on Android 4.3 give the app a spin and let us know if you like it or not.

Play Store Download link.

Source:-xda

The post Get Moto X Active Display on Your Android 4.3 Device appeared first on Android Fan Network.

XDA contributor, Civato, has uploaded his version of Android version 4.2.2 for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5110).  Here are some notes and descriptions from the developer, Civato, himself.

Note:
This rom is based on the Samsung 4.2.2 for the GT-N5110: JDQ39.N5110XXCMG2.
Take it as it is and don’t complain as this is free.
No requests.

This is a whole different firmware as 4.1.2 so some things I need to figure out to add like 4 way reboot.
Custom kernel (CivZ-StormBorn) will not work on this until Samsung releases new source.

Rom Features
Aroma installer
Stock kernel with init.d support and exFat support
Init.d Tweaks
Root SuperSU 1.41
BusyBox 1.21.0
Deodexed/zipaligned
New installed apps will be zipaligned on every reboot
SytemUI & Settings modded ( kb/s mod , Softkey modded)
12 different battery % mods (Go to settings/display/Battery Style) No reboot needed.
ViperFX support
CSC features unlocked like camera sound
custom bootanimation support
Soft touch key terminal command with miniapps feature
HardwareKey disable with terminal command
For NTFS use Stickmount

If you’re looking to get 4.2.2 on that Galaxy Note 8.0 and don’t have the patience to wait for Samsung, I suggest you take Civato’s 4.2.2 ROM for a spin. Remember to make a back up and do a lot of reading if you’re new to this stuff.

Hit the link to head on over to Civato’s thread on XDA.

The post First Android version 4.2.2 flashable ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is live appeared first on Android Fan Network.

I’m going to be perfectly honest with you. I’ve owned the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 since April (I think the release date) and rooted it the second I got home with the Framaroot one click root app, skipped the past OTA updates and never put a custom recovery on this bad boy, because it is that much of a kick ass device out of the box with Android version 4.1.2.

That is until today when Civato, recognized contributor at XDA, posted he’ll have a flashable zip for the 4.2.2 leak for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0.  Now Civato claims in his OP of his threads that he’s not a developer and only does this Android stuff as a hobby, fun and to share his setup with other users. I beg to differ with you Civato. You’re a hell of a developer!  I’ve been using your work since the Acer A500 and in my opinion you’re more than a contributor. He has quite the body of work over at XDA. Edit- Civato no longer puts that in his OP’s

Anyhoo…  Civato should have a flashable zip for the 4.2.2 leak sometime today that should work nicely for a base for other developers or a stock Android version 4.2.2 ROM experience for crack flashers.  As soon as he posts the ROM, we’ll post the link.

For those of you new to this rooting and flashing game, be sure to read, read and READ some more before you dive in. These are expensive toys we’re tinkering with.

I’m bringing this article to an end to find a way to get a custom recovery on my Precious. Stay tuned for a full review and “how to” for this ROM.

The post First flashable 4.2.2 ROM for the Samsung Glaxy Note 8.0 should be published today on XDA appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Screen shot from a GSM user getting a great data signal

XDA’s Recognized developer JoelZ9614 is at it again!  Keeping an older device (in Android Years) up to date.

If you ask me, which I know you are because I know everything, just ask my wife. The HTC Droid DNA will get the Sense 5 and Android version 4.2.2 update.  When will that be?  Who the hell knows with Verizon (guess I don’t know everything)!?  Them crafty little devils over at XDA won’t let Verizon stand in their way. They rarely do.

I’ve been keeping an eye on this port for the past couple days and this is what I know about it in a nutshell.  For now, this ROM will not work for Verizon (CDMA) users, but reception and data are working for GSM users.  Some GSM users that flashed the ROM have said they have absolutely zero issues with the ROM and claim it to be a daily driver, while others are saying they’re getting the occasional reboot and other minor bugs. If I were on GSM, I’d be all over this ROM! 

Screen shot from a GSM user getting a great data signal

My Droid DNA is currently running XDA Recognized Developer newtorrot’s HTC One rom port with Sense 5 and Android version 4.1.2 (quick glimpse can be found here)  for the past few weeks and I haven’t had a single bug or issue with it yet.  Ports can be daily drivers.

So, if you like tinkering and keeping the latest versions of Android and Sense, I’d head on over to XDA and get your flash on. If tinkering under the hood of your phone isn’t your thing, like I said, Sense 5 and 4.2.2 will make it to your Precious.  The HTC Butterfly (The Droid DNA’s twin brother) has gotten an update, but then again the Butterfly isn’t affiliated with Big Red.

JoelZ9614′s Xda thread with more info.

BTW. I’m not sure if JoelZ9614 is pulling our leg, but he claims to be 16. I was flashing this guys Roms back in the HTC Evo 3D days. That was 2 years ago and if my math is correct…. that would have made him 14 years old cranking out Roms for the 3D.

UPDATE!

Here is JoelZ9614 latest post in his Droid DNA thread –

“here we go =) seems to be no reboots removed perflock and htcpnpmgr thanks to zarboz’s suggestion, also running row io scheduler, now ill work on vzw”

Not sure if that means now “it will” work on Verizon or now “I will” work on Verizon. Keep an eye on this guy’s (or kid’s) thread because he is an absolute maniac when it comes to knowing his way around Android and creating masterpieces.

Thanks for everything JoelZ9614!

The post HTC Droid DNA gets HTC One ROM port with Sense 5 and Android version 4.2.2 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

XDA senior member adyscorpius released MIUI v5 ROM for HTC One. It is based on Cyanogen Mod and you should expect all minor bugs that exist on CM based ROMs exist here too.

Below are bugs listed as of now.

- NFC maybe, not tested!
- Bluetooth (similar to CM)
- Signal strength shown needs to be fixed. RIL is fine otherwise.
- Xposed Installer isn’t compatible with MIUI because they both make changes at the same location. Avoid using it or you might end up with boot loops.

You can download the ROM and find installation instructions ( need to flash G-APPS as well ) here at XDA. Developer is already working hard on fixing the existing bugs as soon as possible.

The post MIUI v5 ROM ported to HTC One appeared first on Android Fan Network.

When HTC launched the HTC One flagship on AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States they also offered up a Developer Edition. Since GSM HTC One hardware is mostly the same, converting your phone from one rom to another can work if done correctly.

The advantage to converting your HTC One over to a Developer Edition is having a carrier bloat free device with official ROM updates directly from HTC instead of waiting for the carrier to update. Even more reason for T-Mobile HTC One owners is that you can finally have a HTC One Developer Edition with AWS radios.

XDA member shadowboy23 wrote a very comprehensive tutorial on how to do this. Follow the source link below if you have a bit of patience and can follow the steps needed to change your device over as well.

Source: XDA

The post Change your HTC One into a Developer Edition appeared first on Android Fan Network.