Shhhh… Secret Codes for Your Android Device!

There’s a little secret among smart phone developers. Often times in order to keep open areas of the phones data, memory or access, the programmers must leave open these little access codes to gain entry into otherwise blocked off “doors”. These little shortcuts and, codes, as they are known by allow any developer on many platforms access to new menus, and other diagnostics that most device owners have no idea exist.

Since the coding and programs for most phones are different, even from generation to generation, not all of these codes will work, but try them out and impress your friends or show off that you look like you can hack into your phone. I’m sure it will impress somebody. Here’s a list of a few codes, but beware, some of these can reverse other blocks, and make your phone act very differently and sometimes even damage components of the internal system. Just be careful, but have fun. They are all designed to be entered from the numeric entry keypad in the phone.

*#06# – IMEI number

*#0*# – Enter the service menu on newer phones like Galaxy S III

*#*#4636#*#* – Phone information, usage statistics and battery

*#*#34971539#*#* – Detailed camera information

*#*#273282*255*663282*#*#* – Immediate backup of all media files

*#*#197328640#*#* – Enable test mode for service

*#*#232339#*#* – Wireless LAN tests

*#*#0842#*#* – Backlight/vibration test

*#*#2664#*#* – Test the touchscreen

*#*#1111#*#* – FTA software version (1234 in the same code will give PDA and firmware version)

*#12580*369# – Software and hardware info

*#9090# – Diagnostic configuration

*#872564# – USB logging control

*#9900# – System dump mode

*#301279# – HSDPA/HSUPA Control Menu

*#7465625# – View phone lock status

*#*#7780#*#* – Reset the /data partition to factory state

*2767*3855# – Format device to factory state (will delete everything on phone)

##7764726 – Hidden service menu for Motorola Droid

More of these secret codes can be found on the internet, and probably ones designed specifically for your device. Have a quick search and show off your hacking skills to your unknowing friends!

Temple Run 2 For Android Finally Arrives!

A week ago Temple Run 2 was released into the Apple App store. This marked one of the fastest and most hyped app games releases of all time. The original Temple Run was synonymous with mobile gaming. It was one of the fastest growing and most popular games apps that the world has seen. It was loved by children, adults and everyone in between.

The sequel to this game has been long awaited and the hype surrounding it has been building fever with every day, every rumor, and every leak. With the new game the premise is the same, run! The new and exciting features in this game include more obstacles, newer ways to travel through the maps, more power ups, and of course better graphics.

It’s great when games of this magnitude are published cross platform within a close time period. It allows the entire mobile gaming world to share the excitement at the same time and not have one OS jealous over the other or create a divide.

Temple Run 2 will not disappoint. It has the same hectic pace, the same heart racing adventure, and the same addictive gameplay of the first installment just with more features and a better overall experience. Everything that made Temple Run great is still in Temple Run 2.

Downloading this game will be one of the best decisions of your day, that is, if you don’t need to get anything done. This addicting game will take up most of your free time and most likely take over some of your needed time as well. Who can’t resist trying to escape and getting those tokens? After all, the graphics and new features make it even more personal of an adventure for your character to navigate through.

There’s no telling how big Temple Run 2 will get, but if the first is any indicator this will soon be the most talked about and most downloaded game app of the year.

Source:  Temple Run 2 for Android

 

[Image Credit: Google Play Store]

Windows RT: The OS That Couldn’t Keep Up

Windows is a massive company. Their multifaceted approach to technology has won them numerous places in the homes of many people. From Xbox to PCs and Windows 8 the wide variety of it all has been impressive. Windows RT has fallen to the wayside.

Windows RT is not even really known. Chances are you’ve heard of Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8, but probably haven’t heard anything of RT before. It’s not surprising. For such a large portion of their market involving this operating system, it’s shocking that it has almost no publicity. When you look into the performance it’s not surprising why.

Windows RT is the operating system equivalent to the untalented sibling. Windows 8 is the child who always did exceedingly well in school, received all of the praise, and got all of the awards. Windows RT is the other sibling who tried so hard to be like Windows 8 but never really got anywhere. The opening screen, layout and overall appearance of RT is almost identical to Windows 8. The biggest misstep in the operating system is the compatibility. This may come as a shock since it is so hard to believe Windows would do this, but Windows RT CANNOT run apps and programs made for Windows 8. The code source is similar but different enough to make them incompatible.

Microsoft is the only large company to support this kind of system where two operating systems for one kind of device (tablets) are supported at the same time. It is crazy, nonsensical, and is surely creating a massive headache for consumers who purchase RT in hopes of running their favorite Windows 8 apps.

This ploy started out as a way to get people a cheaper entry into the Windows tablet market, but in the end I see this ending up as a nightmare that may have received initial consumers of the product, but will end up having much more displeased and unhappy recipients of the ARM Windows RT operating system.

Although at this point it seems like Microsoft has been quietly sticking to their guns, and will do nothing to rectify this egregious misstep of technology, only time will tell. Until then, skip the Windows RT based devices and spend a little but more on a much more complete and compatible Windows 8 device.

The Latest Samsung Galaxy S4 Image Leak

The technology world has been a buzz in the past couple of days with the apparent discovery of a new image of the elusive Galaxy S4. The Galaxy S line is always on the forefront of the news and is the only hype equivalent of the iPhone, other than well, the iPhone. The rumor mill has been on full blast for the last few months in anticipation of the yearly announcement of the newest S4 device.

As people are always on the edge of their seats waiting for the initial release of specs and photos, it is odd enough that this newest image was found on a public image sharing website, Picasa, and was titled, “Galaxy S IV GT-I9500 Product Image”. That blatantly enough spells out how this was not only hidden in plain sight, but right under our noses for the public to stumble across.

GalaxyS4-Leak-04-580-75

Whether it was a mistake or a clever viral marketing scheme by Samsung is unclear. The only thing that is obvious is that this version has a slimmer edge, more symmetrical sides, and a larger home button. The layout is, as usual, very iPhone-esque, but has the traditional larger screen and larger body.

All that is for sure is that this device will be released sometime this year. No one knows for sure, but something interesting to note is that the last time a leaked photograph of the last device, the S3 was published, the date on the home screen May 3rd, was the exact date that the device was announced to the public officially. This latest photo has the date of April 22nd which could be a clue to the release date. Only time will tell, but this newest release will keep us busy until the next clue we get.

Jelly Bean update now pushing out to international Samsung Galaxy S II

Samsung Galaxy S II widely considered to be one of the most popular Android smartphone. The good news for Galaxy S II users? Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 is making its way to Galaxy S II across the world. The Latest Update brought new features & UI experience, TouchWiz Nature UX as seen on the Galaxy S3 & Note 2, Smart Stay, Direct Call, improved camera features, Cloud services, Lock screen customization as well as home screen modes widgets.

The Latest Jelly Bean 4.1.2 firmware is being released as an OTA and will be available through official KIES updating software.
We’ve noticed that, the current Android update does not wipe/re-portion the internal SD card. Have you received or not?

Create Amazing Live Wallpapers for Android with Ditalix!

One of the most impressive features of customization have been the wallpapers for Android devices. There is a great new app in the marketplace for the most intensive and impressive customization of these wallpapers that I have ever seen. It’s called Ditalix by the Fahrbot. There are many other wallpaper app manipulation apps, but this one is far and away the best one I’ve ever used. It has an incredibly high amount of customization features and has more effects than probably most of the other apps combined.

You can create anything from a standard color scheme moving around to intricate wisps of contrasting swirls. Whatever theme, whatever color, whatever emotion you want to have as your live wallpaper you can make it with this app, no problem. The interface is easy to use and easy to learn. It has great touch and button push menus and the selection has been smooth and effortless.

 Some of the customization menus include:

  •  Shape
  • Glow Style
  • Glow Strength
  • Background Image
  • Canvas Brightness
  • Background Intensity
  • Shape Brightness
  • Shape Transparency
  • Initial Depth Of Shapes
  • Maximum Depth For Disintegration
  • Animation
  • Animation Speed
  • Interaction Mode
  • Randomization Of Effects

This just goes to show how extensive you can get with this app. The Ditalix is available for free with the simple version where squares are the only tool for movement and layout, but the possibilities are still endless with the free version. The paid version is for those who want anything and everything from the tool, and have the time and skill to create much more extravagant pieces.

No matter who you are or what you hope to create, this app is a very fun and impressive application for creating your own live wallpapers. Ditalix has done it once again. Get this app today and start creating your own custom wallpapers for everyone you know to be impressed and show off your creative vibe.

Source:  Ditalix  for Android

[Image Credit: Google Play Store]