Root Galaxy S II On Android 4.0.3 ICS With CF-Root [How-To Tutorial]

News of an imminent Ice Cream Sandwich release for the Samsung Galaxy S II has been lingering for the past couple of weeks now, but it would appear those in desperate wait to install Android 4.0.x on their S II have had their prayers answered by Google.

Of course, no sooner does it break, does one of the talented developers acquire the root. Much like the iOS jailbreak community, which saw a jailbreak for iOS 5.1 just hours after Apple announced the release, Android developer Faryaab has created the method, based on Chainfire‘s popular CF-Roottool.

As per usual, the scoop comes courtesy of the guys over at XDA Developers – a popular hunt of Android enthusiasts, and we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide for those looking to root their newly ‘Ice Cream Sandwiched’ Samsung Galaxy S II!

DISCLAIMER: As usual, Redmond Pie will not be held responsible for any loss of data, nor if your device gets damaged in the following of this guide. Proceed at your own risk.

Since the CF-Root tool doesn’t come with a custom recovery like ClockworkMod Recovery, you’ll need to flash it yourself. Please check out our how to flash ClockworkMod Recovery tutorial for more information.

Step 1: Download the required kernel for your Samsung Galaxy S II:

• CF-Root XXLPQ

Extract the .zip file.

Step 2: If your device is connected to your computer, please disconnect it.

Step 3: Download and launch ODIN v1.85 [XDA Thread]

Step 4: Click on PDA and select the CF-Root-xxx-vX.X.tar which will be located in the file you extracted in Step 1.

Step 5: Switch off your Galaxy S II, and once it is completely shut down, press and hold Volume Down + Power to place the device into download mode.

Step 6: Once in download mode, connect your Galaxy S II to your computer.

Step 7: Make sure you have not checked the Re-Partition option.

Step 8: Click on START and wait for your device to reboot.

If everything has gone as it should have, your Galaxy S II will now be rooted on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich.

If you have any queries, check out the official thread over on XDA.

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Install Android 4.2.2 On Galaxy S3 GT-i9300 (CM 10.1) [How-To Tutorial]

CyanogenMod 10.1 nightly builds based upon the very latest Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean can now be installed on your Galaxy S III (GT-i9300). If you own this particular model, and wish to check out the latest nightlies, please check out our step-by-step tutorial after the break.

One of Android’s biggest assets is its ability to be modified extensively, and with CyanogenMod being one of the most popular aftermarket firmware ROMs around, many dev-orientated folks like to check out the nightly builds released in between main versions. If you just so happen to be one of those individuals, please check out the detailed tutorial below.

DISCLAIMER: Before we get started, please note that Redmond Pie will not be held responsible for issues that may aries with your device as a result of following this tutorial. Proceed at your own risk.

Additionally, since these nightly builds seldom run perfectly, we only advise installing on a spare Galaxy S III, as opposed to your daily driver. Again, we’ve warned you, this ROM might not serve as your daily driver, let’s begin!

Step 1: First off, you will need to root your Galaxy S III, and then flash ClockworkMod Recovery to it.

Step 2: Download the latest nightly of CM10.1 from the CM Downloads page, as well as GApps for CM10.1, which you can grab by doing a simple search on your favorite search engine. Once downloaded, drop them into the both into the /sdcard directory of your handset.

Step 3: Next, you will need to shut down your Galaxy S III before booting into ClockworkMod Recovery. If you’re unsure of how to do this, you just need to remember to hold Volume Up + Home + Power simultaneously.

Step 4: Take a Nandroid backup.

Step 5: Next, you’ll want to navigate to install zip from sdcard > choose zip from sdcard and then select your CM101.zip file. It’s best to rename the CM 10.1 zip you downloaded in Step 2 toCM101.zip so that you can locate it easily.

Step 6: Apply the same process as in step 5, but for GApps.

Step 7: From within the ClockworkMod main menu, select wipe data / factory reset, and once the process is complete, opt to reboot system now from the main menu.

Provided  everything has gone as it should, your device will boot into the nightly build of CyanogenMod 10.1 (based on Android 4.2.2) you downloaded earlier on.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Coming To Cricket On June 7

If you’re buying a Galaxy S4, then you’re almost spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding which carrier you wish to sign up with, because all four of the big names in the United States are offering the device. But that’s not the case if you want the handset prepaid — at least not yet.

Next month, however, you’ll be able to purchase the Galaxy S4 on Cricket from $55 down.

The contract-free carrier today announced that it will be carrying Samsung’s latest flagship from June 7, and customers will pay just $55 upfront to start their installment plan, which will then cost as little as $45 per month.

This is a great alternative for would-be Galaxy S4 owners who do not want a two-year contract but cannot or do not want to pay the handset’s full $600 price tag in one go. However, you’ll need to live in one of Cricket’s LTE coverage areas to pick up the device.

Those areas include Las Vegas, Tucson, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Laredo, Corpus Christi, and the Brownsville-McAllen-Harlingen market, Texas.

“The Galaxy S4 redefines the smartphone and we are very proud to offer our customers the highest level of wireless technology on the market,” said Matt Stoiber, senior vice president of devices for Cricket. “Cricket’s three smartphone rate plans start as low as $45 per month1 and give customers value-packed choices for the plan that’s right for them with unlimited music included.”

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