Author: Tarandeep Kaur

A new ROM on xda developers has surfaced that lets you attain root by flashing a pre rooted firmware. It is based on official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 source N920CXXU1AOGE and is compiled with Google ARM Toolchain GCC 4.9. It roots the system automatically and installs busybox as well. Of course this voids the warranty as it bumps knox counter to ‘1’. It also lets you overclock underclock Galaxy Note 5 as it install a custom kernel that lets you do it. It works only on the SM-N920 variant of Galaxy Note 5.

* SELinux PERMISSIVE  (for Titanium Backup and other apps to work correctly)
* adb insecure
* init.d script support (drop in script & set permissions to 755 or 777 and reboot)
* Possible Screen Mirroring / AllShare Cast fix
* Secure storage = false (should prevent WIFI settings & passwords wiping on flash)
* Synapse app support for many kernel configurations 

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Rooted Firmware: The Features

Reduced logging
exFAT FS support
NTFS R/W support with app
CIFS support (not tested)
Frandom
mount partitions NOATIME and NODIRATIME by default
Entropy tweaks
CLEANCACHE & ZCACHE
Microsoft X-BOX gamepad controller in-built module
Much more – check source commits & Synapse

Galaxy Note 5 Kernel features lets you underclock overclock it

A57 CPU
CPU temperature
A57 big Cores Frequency Scaling
live frequency
MAX: 2400 MHz (stock 2100 MHz is default)
MIN: 500 MHz (stock 800 MHz is default)
HPM voltage control
A57 big Cores voltage control
CPU governors
interactive (default)
on-demand
conservative
userspace
performance
CPU governor tunables

A53 CPU
A53 LITTLE Cores Frequency Scaling
live frequency
MAX: 1500 MHz (stock/default)
MIN: 200 MHz (stock 400 MHz is default)
HPM voltage control
A53 LITTLE Cores voltage control
CPU governors
interactive (default)
on-demand
conservative
userspace
performance
CPU governor tunables

HMP
Up thresholds
Down thresholds

GPU
GPU stats
Current clock freq
Live Frequency Utilization (load)
Time in state
GPU power policy control
coarse_demand (default)
demand
always_on
GPU frequency scaling
Max freq control (stock 772 MHz is default)
Min freq control (stock 266 MHz is default)
GPU Governor
Default
Interactive (default)
Static
Booster (more graphic and benchmark performance)
GPU Interactive Governor tunables
highspeed clock
highspeed load
highspeed delay
HPM voltage control margin
GPU voltage control

BUS
Memory Bus HPM voltage control
Memory Bus voltage control
Internal Bus voltage control
ISP (Image Signal Processor) voltage control

IO
I/O Schedulers

DEADLINE
CFQ (default)
NOOP
Storage read-ahead (256 KB)
General IO tuneable
Add random
IO stats
Rotational
No merges
RQ Affinity
I/O scheduler tunables

MEMORY
Memory state
Total
Free
Low Memory Killer Profiles
Low
Medium
Custom (recommend)
Default (default)
Aggressive
Exterminate
Low Memory Killer minfree tuning (OOM LMK)
Kernel SamePage Merging (KSM)
KSM stats
Pages to scan
Deferred timer
Virtual Memory
Dirty Background Ratio
Dirty Ratio
Drop caches (Clear VFS cache after boot)
Laptop Mode
Swapiness

ADVANCED
Entropy (max 4096)
Gentle Fair Sleepers control (disabled)
Arch Power control (enabled)
randomize_va_space control

AUDIO
(Sound Control by AndreiLux)
Jack media volume control
L/R channel volume
mono mixer
Speaker volume control
Earpiece volume
Main Equalizer
Advanced Stereo Equalizer

NETWORK
TCP congestion control
All available enabled.
Default = westwood+
Screen mirror/allshare cast fix control (enabled)
Clean WIFI Lease
TCP/IP network security
3G DNS speed & security tweak
Google
OpenDNS
Comodo, Level3
Norton_DNS
Smart_Viper

SECURITY
KNOX control
NO_ACTION (default)
Disabled
Enabled
SELinux
Live status

BATTERY
Battery info
Battery SCALING calibration (fuel gauge reset)

FS (File System)
Display FS Type
FS Controls
remount System r/w r/o
remount RootFS r/w r/o
Scrolling cache control
Optimise Databases (SQLite3)
Wipe options
cache reboot
dalvik-cache reboot
cache & dalvik-cache reboot
Clean up
clipboard cache
/data/tombstones
/data/anr logs
/data/dropbox logs
lost+found

BACKUP & RESTORE
Name – Restore – Delete – Backup
profiles
kernel image

LOGS
LogCat
dmesg
last_kmsg

REBOOT
Reboot device
Recovery Mode
Download Mode
Power Off
Clear Synapse Data & Reboot
Restart Synapse

Rooted firmware: Installation instructions

Uninstall any CPU control apps, tweaks and init.d scripts etc.
Recommend: Disable or remove KNOX (you can disable with Synapse once kernel is flashed)
Install Synapse app from Google Play.
Device Settings:
Enable Developer Options > OEM UNLOCK
If flashing from previous SkyHigh kernel > Device settings > Applications > Synapse > Force Stop > clear data
If not installed > Install SuperSU from Google Play: Boot into Download Mode & connect to PC and Flash SkyHigh kernel with Odin 3.10.6 in [AP].
After boot:
a) wait at least 120 secs to stabilize
b) Open Synapse
c) Tap "Understood"
d) Tap the "" to apply new defaults
IMPORTANT: Synapse > FS > [Wipe Cache & Dalvik-Cache Reboot] !! (maybe help with reboot issue during call)

Download links:

• SM-N920-C-L – [Odin] SkyHigh Kernel v1.1
• SM-N920-T – [Odin] SkyHigh Kernel TMO v1.1

Zgpax S79 is a smartwatch that also packs a SIM card slot allowing one to use it as standalone phone. So with it, if you do not pair it with your phone, you can use it as a phone that can make and receive calls, send and receive messages and so on. It has built in microphone that talk into the smartwatch to talk to other recipient.

Zgpax S79 Review: The Specifications

You get a 1.54 inch display packing 240 x 240 pixel resolution that shows crystal clear text and high definition pictures. When paired with an android or iPhone, it syncs your phone book, call log, messages and music from your phone, allowing one to access them over Bluetooth. So no need to take the phone out of your pocket to access those. You can purchase Zgpax S79 from gearbest.com for $27.54.

The Zgpax S79 has a built in camera that lets you freely take pictures and even record videos. That said, if you are serious about photography, consider using the remote camera function on the Zgpax S79 to remotely use the smartphone’s camera. It works with 850/900/1800/1900MHz networks.

Zgpax S79 Review: Other Functions

Some excellent other functions are Sound recorder, alarm, calendar and calculator. The casing is made of stainless steel and its band is manufactured using high quality rubber that is super comfortable to wear. Voice recording function also present that records super high quality voice.

Other great functions include pedometer and sedentary reminder that lets you develop better health habits. Pedometer on the S79 lets you monitor the steps and count the distance. Sedentary reminder monitors your sleep and also tells you when to take rest.

Last great function is the anti lost feature that alerts you when your phone is not in its range. This way you will never leave phone behind.

Oukitel A28 is an affordable smartwatch that packs a lot of power and functions. Powered by the MediaTek MTK2502 processor, it operates over Bluetooth 4.0 giving stronger compatibility with Galaxy Note android phones and iPhone devices. It doubles as heart rate monitor and actually packs the same sensor that is being used in much-more expensive Apple Watch. This allows you to check your heart rate on the move.

Since Oukitel A28 is a smartwatch, it syncs SMS, contacts, call log including missed and dialed calls from your phone to the watch. All this is done over Bluetooth, so no need to install any additional software or wires. You can buy Oukitel A28 from gearbest.com for just $56.

The Oukitel A28 doubles as Pedometer / Sleep monitoring / Sedentary reminder, allowing you to efficiently monitor sleep and reminds you to take rest if you are over working. It has a camera onboard but if you wish to take higher quality pictures, consider using the remote camera function which lets you control your phone’s camera to take pictures. These pictures can be stored on onboard storage or micro SD a k a TF card slot.

In similar fashion, you can use its remote music function, which streams music stored on your phone to Oukitel A28. Another excellent feature is ability to fetch notifications so you are always informed of your new emails, facebook, twitter, skype, wechat notifications.

The display on the Oukitel A28 is really amazing. It features IPS technology that looks great from all angles. Measuring 1.54 inches, it has 240 x 240 pixel resolution and it looks stunning in person. The band material is made of genuine leather and case material is manufactured using stainless steel. There are two colors to choose from – brown and black with brown being my favorite.

Battery life is stellar on it – higher than what you find on typical smartwatches. I was able to get 3 days of moderate use. Of course your mileage may vary depending on your usage. Consider switching it off at night to prevent battery drain during night.

Trekstor unveiled a hybrid laptop SurfTab Duo W2, which boasts Intel Core M, 11.6 “screen and Windows 10. The Trekstor SurfTab duo W2 is not just another cheap windows tablet since it is priced between 600 – 700 euro (2,530 zlotys). This is chiefly because Trekstor SurfTab duo W2 specifications are great and can do job of a mainstream laptop.

Trekstor SurfTab duo W2 specifications include Intel Core M-5Y10 dual core processor clocked at 800 Mhz – 2 GHz, 4MB cache, Integrated Intel HD Graphics 5300 (clocked at 100 – 800 MHz), 4GB DDR3L 1600 MHz RAM and 64GB of SSD storage expandable via micro SD card reader.

You get two USB ports, one on the tablet and another on its dock, HDMI, micro USB port, dual-band wireless module working in a standard ac, Bluetooth 4.0, a 5 megapixel main camera and 2MP front camera for video calling, GPS receiver and 11.6 inch WUXGA display with IPS technology for wide viewing angles and high contrast – all enclosed in a metal housing.

One of the weaknesses of any mini PC is lack of enough USB ports and the new DS152 is keen on rectifying this problem. DS152 features five USB ports  – it has two on left side, two on right and one on the back. It features a slim line design which otherwise has typical mini PC specifications.

DS152 specifications include Intel Atom Z3735F quad core 64 bit processor, 2 gigabytes of memory, 16 / 32 GB of eMMC flash storage, WiFi b / g / n and Bluetooth 4.0. Coming to connectivity, you get USB ports, one micro USB, micro SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI port and a 10/100 RJ45 connector. It runs Windows operating system.

Interestingly, the DS152 Mini PC also features a 800 mAh internal battery which should provide at least one hour of runtime when not being on AC adapter. You can buy the 16GB version for 130 dollars.

Zeblaze Crystal is a very elegant looking smartwatch that works with both iOS and android devices including Samsung galaxy note series. It is manufactured using bi-color injection molding technology that gives it a very unique look. The moment you hold the Zeblaze Crystal, you will adore its 3D single curved glass that gives it a wide viewing angle. The entire casing is made of stainless steel and has IP65 waterproof rating which means you can take it into rain and it would not get damaged.

Zeblaze Crystal is powered by a very powerful Mediatek MTK2502 processor that is backed by 128 megabytes of memory and 64MB of flash storage where it stores all of your data. It works in conjunction of your smartphone over Bluetooth 4.0 radio and is capable of fetching your phone’s call log, phone book, messages, email and call + message reminder function. You also get notifications right on the vibrant 1.54 inch display of Zeblaze Crystal without taking the phone out of your pocket. The screen that packs 240 x 240 pixel resolution, displays clear and crisp text.

The Zeblaze Crystal has remote camera function too where you can control your smartphone’s camera from a distance. It also has anti lost feature that alerts you whenever your phone goes out of its range. This ensures that you will never leave your smartphone behind. It also comes with various other useful functions like pedometer, sleep monitor and sedentary reminder that help you keep health in tip-top shape. It is offered in two colors, white and black, both of which are being offered for $64.99 at gearbest.com.

Zeblaze Crystal comes with a removable 280 mAh battery. The manufacture claims that you will be able to get 72 hours of use from it. The dial size measures 4.2 x 4.9 x 1.1 cm / 1.65 x 1.93 x 0.43 inches and weighs just 82 grams.

Cube i10 is an android tablet that is also capable of running Windows operating system and by windows OS, we mean real x86 version not the cripple RT variant. Cube i10 packs some pretty amazing specifications including a quad core Intel Atom Z3735 processor that is backed by 2 gigabytes of memory, 32GB of flash storage and a 10.6 inch display that packs 1366 x 768 HD resolution. The screen features IPS technology that ensures wide viewing angles from all sides.

The Cube i10 is a quad core machine and can handle most of your daily computer activities with ease. Graphics on this android tablet are excellent too and you will be able to play any game from play store without any drop in frames. The processor is not only powerful but is power-frugal too, consuming very little power. All this when paired with a fairly large 6600 mAh battery ensures excellent battery life. Cube claims up to 6 hours of real world use. It is possible to output the Cube i10’s display to a bigger one like HDTV or computer monitor using an HDMI output cable. You can use this setup for playing games and watching movies. You can bag it for cheap from gearbest.com thanks to the wonderful ongoing offer on the website.

As said earlier, the Cube i10 is capable of running both android and windows on the same machine. This ensures that you will never have a compatibility problem. You can buy Cube i10 for $127.99. All these features makes it an excellent alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Note series tablet that retails for much higher price. There are two camera on the Cube i10 – the one on the back packs 2MP shooter while, the front one captures VGA quality pictures. It measures 28.1 x 17.6 x 0.9 cm / 11.04 x 6.92 x 0.35 inches and weighs 580 grams.

In this ongoing offer, you can get the wonderful XIAOMI MI4I for $223. It usually retails for 573 dollars, so you will be saving a lot of money. Specifications include Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 64bit Octa Core 1.7GHz procesosr, 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM, FHD IPS OGS Screen and 5.0MP + 13.0MP Cameras.

Many smartwatches are on sale as well. For instance, Zeblaze Rover that is powered by MediaTek MTK2501 processor can now be bought for $38 (original price is $57).

Same goes for Zeblaze Crystal Bluetooth watch. This premium smartwatch usually costs $82 but can be bought for $64. So make sure to check out these offers at gearbest.com

LG G Pad 2 was launched at the IFA 2015 and we have its full specifications. It features 10.1 inch display which is bigger than the first generation that had 8 inch screen. LG G Pad 2 specifications include a 10.1-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (224 ppi) and uses Lollipop Android 5.1.1 operating system. Inside, we find a Snapdragon 800 processor along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage which as usual, can be extended by micro SD cards. All this is powered by a battery of 7400 mAh capacity.

Continue reading “LG G Pad 2 specifications, features 10 inch display”

Finger Security is an app for Galaxy Note 5 allowing users to protect the apps installed on their device using fingerprint scanner. The app protects apps and games of your choice using the fingerprint reader of your Note 5.

This app is great for those who do not want others to access apps like Gallery, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Messages etc. Whenever you or someone else open the app protected by Finger Security, they will have to scan their finger over the scanner.

• Download link