Recent commits to AOSP will, once implemented, prevent write access to /system

We've heard talks of future Android versions not being too friendly to root users, but so far, workarounds have been found. The changes seen in AOSP could be avoided with an update to root apps. But the latest changes to AOSP that have been spotted could be a lot more drastic, if implemented.

The newest commits aim to improve security in Android, but at the cost of freedom when rooting. These commits will effectively block all write access to /system when in Android, meaning even root apps won't be able to access the partition. Modifying files in /system has long been a staple in UI customization, so this would be a significant change to those who love to root stock ROMs.

Luckily, it's not all bad. /system can still be modified from recovery, so many of these root apps can be updated to reboot your device and perform these changes via scripts. However, some apps will simply have to be redone. Also, custom kernels will bring this functionality back, so Android won't be any less friendly to the developer community. Only stock ROMs will be affected.

The issue is that many recoveries don't support this function, so users will have to be running a fairly new recovery. Considering how rarely people actually update the recovery, this may cause issues for users. While it's not hard to update the recovery, many users will end up blaming root app developers.

We know a lot of people love to root the stock ROM and use that, but with these changes, that will no longer be possible. However, a quick flash of a kernel through recovery will alleviate all these problems. It's one extra step, but it isn't a very difficult one. Unless of course you have a device that doesn't allow custom kernels.

While this news isn't really all that bad, this might just be the beginning. Google is obviously on a quest to make Android as secure as possible, which is great, but we hope that it won't make things too tough for root users. Google, you need to remember us phone modders and make sure we can still do what we want with Android devices.

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Image of Samsung Galaxy Mega 7.0 leaks, showing off the tablet-sized phone

The Samsung Galaxy Mega series of devices isn't exactly targeted at the general user here in the States, but it's meant to be a line of devices that can offer the size of a flagship device, or even bigger, for a low price. Can't afford both a tablet and a smartphone? A Galaxy Mega may be a great option for you.

But the mid range lineup might be getting a new addition, and it has reached a new level of huge. Overtaking the existing Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 is the leaked Galaxy Mega 7.0, which features a 7.0-inch display (obviously). This is a new level of large for Samsung, as putting a tablet-sized display into a smartphone is pretty extreme (though not unheard of previously).

This device will feature a 720p resolution, a quad core Snapdragon 400 processor, 1.5GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage. This is by no means a powerhouse, but it will mean a fairly low price for the target market. Sadly, a price, release date, or availability for different countries aren't available. We'll just have to wait to hear more info. What do you think of this tablet-sized smartphone?

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Motorola releases source code for Moto E, updates RAZR M/HD code to KitKat

If you've picked up a Moto E for the purpose of modifying it, today is your lucky day. Motorola has released the full source code for the device, allowing developers to start building their own kernels. This means you'll soon see new advancements in the modification scene, assuming enough developers have the Moto E. But at that price, it's hard to resist.

Motorola has also updated the source code for both the Motorola RAZR HD and the RAZR M. The source code is now for Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the version the devices are running. Good news for everyone, and it's good to see Motorola supporting these devices.

If you're interested in modifying your Moto E, head to GitHub in the source links to download the source code. Also, make sure you take advantage of Motorola's official bootloader unlock method to get started. How many of you have purchased a Moto E, and do you plan on modifying it?

Source: Motorola, GitHub

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Apps of the Week: Hurricane, Bridge Constructor Medieval, Origami Live Wallpaper and more!

It's the last edition of Apps of the Week for the month of May, and we've pulled together a great list of apps from the folks here at Android Central to get the month ending on a good note. Just as we do every week, this list is comprised of apps that we've all been using whether they're new, old or maybe just recently updated. What really matters is that we're using the apps, and want to give a personal recommendation for them.

Read along with us this week and see the apps that we've been using — you may just find an app or two that work for you as well.

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Moto E kernel source code shared by Motorola

Like spending your free time tinkering with gadgets and kernel source code? Then you're going to be pretty happy to learn that Motorola has just posted the kernel source for the Moto E and updated the code for the RAZR M and RAZR HD.

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[New App] NVIDIA Posts An App For The FaceWorks Tegra K1 Demo, Despite A Complete Lack OF K1 Hardware

Look into the eyes of Ira. He can see into your vey being. His hypnotic gaze is scouring your soul, peeling away layers of intellect until only chaos and madness remains. He's like the most terrifying of Lovecraftian horrors, except he's bald and has a five o'clock shadow.

If you've watched any of NVIDIA's trade show keynotes in the last few years, you probably recognize Ira from the company's FaceWorks technical demo.

Done With This Post? You Might Also Like These:

• Xiaomi Kicks Out The First Tegra K1-Powered Tablet, It's Basically An iPad Mini Running Android


• The EVGA Tegra Note 7 Is Now Available From Newegg For $199


• Xiaomi Announces Affordable Android-Powered 49" 4K Smart TV, The Mi TV 2


• NVIDIA SHIELD's New Release Date Is Wednesday, July 31st, Pre-Order Units Shipping Out The Same Day [Update]

[New App] NVIDIA Posts An App For The FaceWorks Tegra K1 Demo, Despite A Complete Lack OF K1 Hardware was wri tten by the awesome team at Android Police.

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