Google’s Nexus 4 sold out around the world very quickly this week, and while there was talk of very limited supply, apparently some key people managed to get their hands on it. That’s right: the Nexus 4 has already been rooted, courtesy of HQRaja from XDA Developers .
For those who don’t know, Android rooting is the process of gaining access to the Google operating system’s subsystem. The point is usually to overcome limitations put in place by carriers and hardware manufacturers, allowing the user to alter or replace system applications and settings, run apps that require administrator-level permissions, and even completely replace the device’s operating system.
The root method for the Nexus 4 is fairly straightforward; if you have rooted an Android device before, you’ll find this an easy guide to follow. If, however, you don’t know or understand the risks of rooting your device, please don’t do it. You’re going to have to follow through and there is always a risk of bricking your device, rendering it useless.
There are now two methods you can follow, both outlined on the thread over at XDA Developers . We recommend reading over each of them and deciding which is best for you before getting started.
In addition to XDA, you can find the original method from HQRaja over on Addictive Tips . In short, all you have to do is unlock the bootloader, flash the insecure boot image provided, enable Android Debugging, plug the device into a computer via USB, and finally use ADB to push BusyBox and Chainfires SuperSU to it.
Again, this is not for everyone. Most people will not see any reason to root a device that comes with a stock version of the latest and greatest Android release, especially given that this will likely void your warranty. If, however, you want to start messing around with custom ROMs, want to make backups, and are looking to overclock your device, this is for you.
See also – Google reveals the Nexus 4: 8GB for $299, 16GB for $349 available November 13 and This script lets you root any Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or Android 4.1 Jelly Bean device
Nintendo will be closing six Wii channels and the WiiConnect24 service in Japan on June 28
The original Wii is more than six years old, so it should come as no surprise that Nintendo is keen to start closing some of its most basic Internet services.
A notice to customers published on the video game giant’s website reveals that six channels available from the Wii menu will be shuttered as of June 28 in Japan.
The affected services are the Weather Channel, Digicam Print Channel, Mii Contest Channel, News Channel, Everyone’s Nintendo Channel and Channel “vote with everyone”.
WiiConnect24 , which allows players to stay connected to the Internet even when the console is on standby, will also be closed. The feature is currently used to receive messages from other Wii consoles, Miis, emails, updated channel and game content, as well as timely reminders for system updates.
It is unclear at this point whether Nintendo plans to stop supporting these services in other regions, however. Presumably, the services will also cease to be available from the Wii app available on the new Nintendo Wii U console.
The company said it was “sorry to everyone” that wanted to continue using the channels, and thanked Nintendo Wii owners for their understanding.
The closure of various Wii channels can be upsetting, but not unexpected. Nintendo needs to focus on its latest generation of hardware, the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Wii U, and would be naive to focus all of its attention on existing platforms.
The Wii U has a had rocky start and part of the problem is undoubtedly app support. Streaming services such as Netflix and LoveFilm have made the jump, but aside from Google Street View , players have been offered very little to download and explore.
Compared with the wide range of apps on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, that’s a big problem for anyone that is considering the system as a secondary streaming or set-top box. Nintendo TVii, a second-screen app for the tablet controller, is yet to be released internationally, for instance.
The Nintendo Wii was a huge success and cutting support for the system might irritate die-hard consumers in the short-term. If it encourages greater adoption of its new platforms, however, that’s no bad move for Nintendo.
Image via FREDERIC J. BROWN /Getty Images
Google sends out emails saying the Nexus 4 will be available again in the US today at noon PST
Ever since it sold out on launch day , a return to stock for Google’s Nexus 4 has been hotly anticipated. Now it appears that potential customers in the US will have a chance to buy the Android handset at noon PST (3pm EST) today.
Reports (brought to our attention by The Verge ) on Twitter and the Android Central Forums detail an email informing recipients that the Nexus 4 will be back in stock on Google Play today.
There’s no word yet as to when users in other countries will be able to order the device again.
Despite being met with good reviews and high demand, the LG-made Nexus 4 has been the subject of criticism – not only because until today Google had gone two weeks without any word on when it would return to stock, but also because beyond the Google Play store, retail prices have been significantly higher .
The 3G-enabled 32GB Nexus 7 tablet was launched on the same day as the Nexus 4 and also sold out, although it began to return to availability in some markets including the UK, at the weekend.