Confirmed: US Cellular Launching the Moto G on February 10th

Yesterday we heard that US Cellular might be launching the Moto G on their network on February 10th. Today that was confirmed by US Cellular. The Moto G is launching on Monday, February 10th for $99. Similar to the pricing that Verizon is offering for their prepaid Moto G. Remember that this is a no-contract device, so you’re paying full price for it. But also remember that it does not have LTE, and on US Cellular you’re stuck with just 3G (since it’s a CDMA network there’s no HSPA+ speeds like you have on T-Mobile and AT&T).
US Cellular is telling us that customers will be able to pair the Moto G with any of their no-contract plans which include a $50 and $65 plan. There’s also the $50 “limited time” promotional plan which brings along unlimited talk, text and data with data speeds being slowed down after 500MB. So there’s no overage charges, and it’s essentially the same as T-Mobile’s $50 plans. Although since you’re on a Moto G, you won’t really be getting high speed data anyways.
The regular $50 plan on US Cellular  brings you 1GB of data and the $65 plan has 2GB of data. Both are some pretty great deals, especially paired with a $99 off-contract device. Speaking of that device, the Moto G features a 4.5-inch 720p display, Android 4.4.2 KitKat, 2070mAh battery, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 5MP camera on the back, a VGA front-facing shooter and 3G connectivity.  For $99, it’s hard to find a device that’s better spec-wise, than the Moto G. Most of the devices in that price range are pretty bad. As Motorola showed us when they announced their Moto G back in November.
That makes US Cellular the third carrier to officially carry the Moto G. Verizon prepaid, Boost Mobile and now US Cellular. The Moto G is available from their website as well for T-Mobile and AT&T and the rest of the world if you’re interested.

Galaxy S4 I9505 Gets Android 4.4.2 XXUFNA5 KitKat via Omega ROM [How to Install]

Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 users can now enjoy the latest KitKat custom ROM based on the recently leaked firmware, Android 4.4.2 XXUFNA5, thanks to XDA developer team behind the release of Omega ROM v21.1. The new Omega ROM is reportedly quite stable and brings several bug-fixes as well as feature enhancements over its previous release (v19.0).
Some of the noteworthy features ported into this ROM are listed below:

• Based on leaked firmware XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 (Date: 14/01/2014)
• Kernel Stock
• Busybox
• Improved Aroma Installer
• Call-Recording
• 4-way reboot menu
• OmegaDroid
• Xposed Framework Installer
• Android Camera 4.4.2 with Photsphere
• Android Keyboard 4.4.2
• Dolphin Browser with Flash Player support
• Dolphin Browser Jet Pack
• Samsung Print Service Plugin
• Includes all mods from previous Omega KitKat 4.4.2 release
• ROM is deodexed, rooted and zipaligned
• ROM is no Full Wipe.

Interested Galaxy S4 I9505 users can go ahead and install this ROM on their phones by following our step-by-step guide provided below. Hexquisite reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.
Pre-requisites

• The Omega ROM v21.1 and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 model only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
• Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
• Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 USB drivers).
• Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE: Tap the phone’s Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
• Make sure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
• Ensure the device is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery (v6.0.4.5 or above) installed. If you are installing the CWM recovery for the first time, check out the video tutorial below, courtesy of The Android Soul:

• If the device is stuck at booting or experiencing boot loop issues, perform Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.
• Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before you start working on it.

Downloads Required

• XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 Omega ROM
• Google Apps
• CWM Recovery 6.0.4.6 (Philz touch) (install via Odin v3.0.9)
• TWRP Recovery 2.6.3.1

Steps to Install Android 4.4.2 XXUFNA5 KitKat on Galaxy S4 I9505 with Omega ROM
Step-1: Download XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 Omega ROM for Galaxy S4 I9505 to computer
Step-2: Download Google Apps package,
Step-3: Download Bootloader and Modem file (using links below) and flash it via Odin:

• BL_I9505XXUFNA5_373648_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_C ERT.tar.md5
• CP_I9505XXUFNA5_373648_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_C ERT.tar.md5

NOTE:To flash the bootloader and modem files, Power off the phone and boot it into download mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a warning message appears on screen. Then tap Volume Up button to progress into Download mode. Skip steps 3 and 4, if correct bootloader and modem is already installed.
Step-4: Connect the Galaxy S4 I9505 to computer via USB cable and wait until Odin recognizes the device. Then add the two files using Bootloader (BL) and phone (CP) buttons in Odin. Then click Start button to begin flashing. Once both the files are flashed, reboot the phone and proceed to next step.
Step-5: Without extracting, copy the downloaded firmware zip and Google Apps zip files to the root folder of phone’s SD card.
The Android 4.4.2 Omega ROM can be installed on the Galaxy S4 I9505 using either CWM or TWRP recovery. Follow any method based on the recovery mode installed on your device.
How to Install XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 Omega ROM via ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery

• Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
• Now press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together until the Samsung logo appears on screen and the device boots into Recovery mode. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.
• Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress) and choose Yes on next screen to confirm the action. Then perform Wipe Cache Partition and once again hit Yes to confirm.
• Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage> Format / data and click Yes on next screen to confirm.
• From the main menu of CWM recovery, go to Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.
• Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the Omega ROM firmware file which you copied earlier to your phone’s SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the ROM installation.
• Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps as well.
• Once Google Apps is also installed, select “+++++Go Back+++++”and reboot the device by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S4 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S4 I9505 is now running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat via Omega ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.
NOTE: If the device gets stuck at boot loop (while rebooting), then just do a factory reset from recovery mode to fix the issue.

How to Install XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 Omega ROM via TWRP Recovery

• Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
• Now press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together, until the device boots into Recovery mode. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.
• Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). To do so, tap on Wipe and scroll down to the bottom of the screen and do a Swipe on “Swipe to factory reset” option.
• Now perform a System format by selecting Wipe > Advanced Wipe and then tap on System option. Scroll to the bottom of screen and do a swipe on “Swipe to Wipe” option.
• Tap on install and navigate to the Omega ROM zip file you copied earlier to your phone’s SD card. Scroll to the bottom of screen and do a swipe on Swipe to confirm flash option to begin installing the firmware.
• Repeat the previous step to flash Google apps as well.
• Once Google Apps is also installed, select reboot and then tap on System to reboot your device. Your Galaxy S4 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S4 I9505 is now running on XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat via Omega ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.
NOTE: If the device gets stuck at boot loop (while rebooting), then just do a factory reset from recovery mode to fix the issue.
[Source: XDA]
 

Sochi Olympics 2014: Google Joins Gay Rights Campaign With Rainbow Flag Doodle

On the opening day of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Google has taken a major stance against Russia's anti-gay laws by creating a Google Doodle which features the colours of the rainbow flag.
The Doodle appears on all of Google's homepages and features the red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple colours of the instantly recognisable rainbow flag which is a symbol of gay pride.
Google has also added a pointed quote from the Olympic Charter just below the Doodle, which reads:
"The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."
Anti-LGBT discrimination
Chad Griffin from the Human Rights Campaign congratulated Google on its stance:

''Google has once again proven itself to be a true corporate leader for equality. Alongside Olympic sponsors like AT&T, Google has made a clear and unequivocal statement that Russia's anti-LGBT discrimination is indefensible.
"Now it's time for each and every remaining Olympic sponsor to follow their lead. The clock is ticking, and the world is watching," Griffin added.
Rebranding
Google Doodle follows the decision of UK broadcaster Channel 4 to rebrand its logo from Friday, also featuring the colours of the rainbow flag.
Channel 4, which has the rights to the Paralympic Winter Games, will also debut a 90-second ad at 7pm on Friday as live coverage of the opening ceremony begins on BBC. The 'Gay Mountain' ad will play across all Channel 4 related channels (E4, More 4 and catch-up station 4Seven).
The ad, which pokes fun at Russian's laws, features a 'bear' cabaret act and uses the tagline "Good luck to everyone out in Sochi."
Warning
In the run up to the Olympics Russian politicians warned athletes and spectators against promoting gay rights during the games.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said it was forbidden by the Olympic Charter and Russian law to spread propaganda during a sporting event.
Last July President Vladimir Putin signed a law which outlaws pro-gay "propaganda" that could be accessible to minors, but it is seen by campaigners as a way for Russian authorities to stamp out any public expression of support for gay rights.
This week gay rights activists have been holding protests in 19 cities around the world and asking official sponsors such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Samsung and Visa to speak against Russia's new laws on homosexuality.

Evasi0n7 1.0.5 Released: How to Jailbreak iOS 7.0.5 Untethered on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

The Evad3rs have just updated the evasi0n7 untethered jailbreak to v1.0.5, which supports jailbreaking iOS 7.0.5 on iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models.

 

iOS 7.0.5 was released just a week ago for select models of iPhone 5s and 5c for resolving provisioning issues with Chinese networks. The update brought a handful of bug-fixes and improvements as part of the maintenance release from Apple.
iOS 7.0.5 also brought support for UK, Europe and Asia-pacific models that are compatible with Chinese networks. Those who have already upgraded their device to the latest iOS firmware (v7.0.5), can now jailbreak the same with evasi0n7 1.0.5, using this guide.
Supported Devices
Evasi0n7 1.0.5 is supported on the following iOS devices:

• iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4
• iPad Air, iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2
• Retina iPad mini, iPad mini
• iPod touch 5G

NOTE: This jailbreak is meant for users who have recently upgraded to iOS 7.0.5. But those who have already jailbroken their device on iOS 7.0.4, need not install this jailbreak.
Pre-requisites

• Back up your important data on iDevice (iPhone, iPad or iPod) using iCloud or iTunes backup service.
• Update iTunes to the latest version (download here)
• Download evasi0n7 1.0.5 jailbreak (Mac from here and Windows from here)
• This jailbreak works only with devices that are mentioned in compatibility list. Do not attempt installing this jailbreak on unsupported models as it may hard brick the device. Go to Settings > General > About and check the device model number before you proceed.

Here is the step-by-step guide to jailbreak iOS 7.0.5 untethered on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
How to Jailbreak iOS 7.0.5 Untethered with Evasi0n7 1.0.5 on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
Step 1:Download the evasi0n7 1.0.5 jailbreak tool for Mac OS X and Windows
Step 2:Extract the downloaded files to your desktop and open the evasi0n folder.
For Windows users: Right click on evasi0n.exe file and choose Run as administrator. Enable User Access Control by choosing Yes on pop-up screen.
For Mac users: Double-click the evasi0n7 app to run it.
Step 3:Disable the device passcode if it exists. To disable your passcode lock, go to Settings > General > Passcode Lock > and choose Turn Passcode Off.
Step 4:Connect your iDevice to computer and wait until evasi0n detects it.
Step 5:A message should appear on the tool saying that it has detected your device, and the Jailbreak button should become active or clickable.
Step 6:Click the jailbreak button to begin the process, and then wait until the process completes.
Step 7:Finally, you will be prompted to unlock your device and then tap the evasi0n7 icon on your device’s Home screen. This will complete the process.
Step 8: Once the jailbreak process is done, you will be redirected to device Lock screen. Now just Slide to unlock your device and the Cydia icon should appear on your Home screen’s second page.
NOTE: The entire procedure should finish in five minutes and the device will reboot a few times during the process. If the device gets stuck at some point, just restart the program or reboot the device (hold Power and Home), and repeat the tutorial from scratch.

Google Appoints Susan Wojcicki as YouTube Head

Internet giant Google has named Susan Wojcicki, a senior vice president for advertising and commerce, as the head of its video streaming division, YouTube.
The appointment of Wojcicki, the most senior woman at Google, is in line with the company’s goal to generate more ad revenues from its video service.
Salar Kamangar, who was leading YouTube since co-founder Chad Hurley left the company in 2010, is expected to take another role within Google.
“Salar and the whole YouTube team have built something amazing. YouTube is a billion-person global community curating videos for every possibility. Anyone uploading their creative content can reach the whole world and even make money. Like Salar, Susan has a healthy disregard for the impossible and is excited about improving YouTube in ways that people will love,” Google CEO Larry Page said in a statement.
Wojcicki joined Google in 1999 as the 16^th employee and served as the search engine’s first marketing executive. Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin initially ran the company out of her garage in Menlo Park, California.
At Google, Wojcicki has overseen product management of AdSense, Google Book Search and Google Video as well as the syndication of the company’s products.
The new appointment gives her chance to run an independent business at Google. She has been sharing her job with Sridhar Ramaswamy, also a senior vice president for advertising and commerce.
Ramaswamy will run the ad business for Google going forward.
Overhauling YouTube
While Google has never given out the financials of YouTube, tech research firm eMarketer estimated the site’s ad revenue at $5.6bn (£3.4bn, €4.1bn) for 2013.
YouTube attracts more than a billion visitors per month, with more than 40% of traffic coming from smartphones and tablets.
Analysts had criticised that Google for not effectively promoting its ads business on YouTube despite its popularity.
The latest move is a sign that Google is focusing more on advertising at YouTube. Wojcicki is expected to implement the strategies used in Google’s incredibly profitable advertising. She had also developed successful new ad types for shopping and mobile.
In 2006, she pushed hard for Google’s $1.65bn risky acquisition of YouTube, and is known for her affection for the service