After receiving the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update a couple of months ago, HTC Droid DNA users are now waiting for the Android 4.4 KitKat update, which is expected to arrive for the handset in March or April this year. Meanwhile developers have managed to put together a ROM for the Droid DNA which brings Android 4.4.2 and Sense 5.5 to the device, ahead of the official release.

The ROM is based on the Android 4.4.2 and Sense 5.5 update released for the HTC One and includes the Linux 3.4.18 kernel. The ROM brings CDMA and GSM device support and is not pre-rooted, but that can be easily rectified after installation. There are three downloads offered, an odexed version, a deodexed version, and a patch to get CDMA up and running.

The DROID DNA was one of the first handsets with a 5 inch, 1080 x 1920 (FHD) resolution display which is expected to be surpassed by the 1440 x 2560 (QHD) screens coming with the next-gen smartphones. If you're interested in the Android 4.4.2 with Sense 5.5 ROM for your DROID DNA, click on the source link below.


source - XDA

The HTC Droid DNA for Verizon is now receiving the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean software update. The new software is being sent out in two parts, which includes Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5. With Sense 5, the Droid DNA will get access to BlinkFeed, with visual updates from your social networks and news feeds. Additionally you will get an updated dialer, calendar, gallery and contacts list to the phone. You will also get Quick Settings for fast settings changes. You will also receive the usual bug fixes and other improvements.

Step one of the update requires you to download and install software version 2.08.605.1 and then doing the same thing with version 3.06.605.4. The update will be coming OTA to DROID DNA owners soon.

The update rollout will begin today, but these updates generally tend to take awhile to arrive on all handsets, so give it some time, your update should arrive eventually.


source - Verizon | Phandroid

A couple of days ago we reported that the HTC Droid DNA was set to receive a major software update. Reports are now suggestive that the update is now live and available to users for download. The update brings several improvements, enhancements and bug fixes to the devices but doesn't add any new features which we should expect when the device eventually receives Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

The update brings the 2.04.605.2 build number and includes improvements to Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, Hotspot connectivity, improved audio quality over headsets and several other improvements.

You can receive the 100MB update on your device OTA (over-the-air) and its best downloaded while connected to Wi-Fi in order to avoid data charges. Also make sure that your device battery is fully charged before you initiate the update. Keep in mind that the updates generally roll out in phases and it maybe a day or so before you receive the notification on your device.

The Droid DNA is the current flagship Android smartphone from HTC, featuring  a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. It remains the company’s top smartphone until HTC unveils their HTC One smartphone which is set to take over as 2013’s new flagship.


source – Droid Life

The HTC Droid DNA on Verizon is about to receive a major software update according to a support page found on the Verizon website. The update promises to bring several new features and improvements while fixing some bugs but doesn't bring Android 4.2 Jelly Bean just yet.

The recently launched Droid DNA features a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. It is one of the top smartphones in the market and we wont have to wait long before we get the newest version of Android.

Still it looks like its going to be a major update including improvements to the hotspot, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity along with enhancements to sound quality through your headset.

Zooming in the stock browser has also been improved along with improvements to the Recent Apps feature. Additionally users will be able to experience a more responsive Contacts app and improved performance in Hulu Plus.


The update has still not been officially published, but the face that the support page is up indicates that we wont have long to wait before we get the update.


source – Verizon

This year has been a good one for smartphones, and we have seen several manufacturers release very powerful and capable devices which quickly become and integral part of our day to day lives. We recently released an article where we described how the Nokia Lumia 920 was our pick for the best smartphone in the market right now, and there should be no surprise that this device stole the top spot in our list of top five smartphones.

We currently live in an era of multicore processors, powerful full HD cameras and very capable mobile operating systems which can replace our day to day PC use. But which devices took the other covenant spots for 2012? We have a list of our top five smartphones for the year? Check them out below and let us know if you agree.

Number 5 – Samsung Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S III has been around for quite some time now and there cant be a list of top phones compiled without mention of this device. The Galaxy S III is the current flagship from Samsung featuring a 4.8 inch Super AMOLED HD touch display, up to 64GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary HD camera for video calls and is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM.

The Galaxy S III is widely available through U.S. carriers including the four major ones. It still remains one of the hottest Android handsets in the market and among the best-selling devices with over 30 million users around the world.

PROS: The Galaxy S III has one of the top cameras on a smartphone and one of the best displays. Its fast and snappy processor makes it fly through apps making it a pleasure to use.

CONS: The Galaxy S III build quality can sometimes feel cheap and plasticy. There are users who complain that the case on the device starts cracking over time



Number 4 – HTC Droid DNA

The HTC Droid DNA is the undoubted champion if we compare specs among our top five. This is reason enough to push it past the Galaxy S III on our list. The Droid DNA features a 5 inch full HD touch display with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM.

We feel this device is just the beginning of full HD smartphones which will grace 2013, and HTC seems to have gotten it right with their design, which is easy to handle and store in your pocket. The Droid DNA is available in the U.S. through Verizon and globally sold as the HTC Butterfly. A variant of the device was first released in Japan and named the HTC J.

PROS: Currently has the best specifications for a smartphone and an impressive build quality.

CONS: Exclusivity to Verizon makes this device availability limited in the U.S., Lacks a microSD card slot for storage expansion





Number 3 – Google Nexus 4 by LG

The Google Nexus 4 is the fourth smartphone in the Nexus Series and the best smartphone from Google to-date. LG has used their Optimus G as a baseline for this device which features a 4.7 inch HD touch display, up to 16GB of internal storage an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and will be powered by a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM.

Its bad and front are made of  scratch resistant Gorilla Glass, which gives the device a rich feel and contributes to its overall value.

The device is available in the U.S. through T-Mobile and an unlocked variant is sold through the Google Play Store. The unlocked version is sold at just $300 for its 8GB variant, making it one of the cheapest smartphones with such generous specifications.

The Nexus 4 runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, which is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. Because this is a Google device the Nexus 4 will always be the first to receive the latest Android updates.

PROS: Great specifications, Pure Google device which will be first to receive Android updates, classy look and feel, wireless charging

CONS: Glass front and back makes it breakable if it falls, camera is good but cannot compete with top competitors, lacks microSD card slot for storage expansion



Number 2 – Apple iPhone 5

Time and time again, the Apple iPhone 5 manages to find its way to the top of almost any smartphone list. The device rarely has the best specifications in the market, but has the advantage of its software being written specifically for its hardware. This makes the iPhone 5 one of the top performers in the smartphone market. The device features a 4-inch Retina touch display, up to 64GB of internal storage, an updated 8 megapixel camera which is capable of 1080p video capture, a secondary 720p HD camera for Facetime video calls and is powered by an Apple A6 dual-core processor.

Apple’s crowing glory is its amazing build quality and top of the line battery life, which propels the newest iPhone to one of the most popular smartphones in the market.

But it’s the unparalleled App Store which keeps this device on top. It has over 700,000 apps as of September 2012 with a list which keeps growing. Apple has provided developers with the tools they need to keep them flocking towards the platform and this results in a strong user-base for iOS devices.

PROS: Best in class design, one of the best smartphone cameras, high quality display, fluid and snappy performance, clean and user friendly UI.

CONS: The body is prone to scratches and dents, lacks microSD storage expansion, proprietary USB connector, same UI since 2007.



Number 1 – Nokia Lumia 920

The Nokia Lumia 920 wins our vote for top smartphone for 2012. The device features a 4.5 inch PureMotion HD+ touch display, up to 32GB of internal storage, an 8 megapixel PureView camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary camera for video calls, Qi based wireless charging and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor.

Its display is super sensitive which allows it to be used even when you are wearing gloves. This is a great convenience and time saver, especially if you live in a cold climate.

This device is built to last and while its bulk maybe a disadvantage to some it is capable of taking on the wear and tare of day to day life with a breeze. Its polycarbonate unibody is resistant to scratches and its buttons and decorations are make of a re-enforced ceramic material which is resistant to scratches.

Its most impressive feature is its PureView Phase 2 camera, which makes use of a floating lens technology for optical image stabilization (OIS). This technology results in amazing low light photos and images and video which is not shaky even if captured when you are walking.

The Lumia 920 runs Windows Phone 8 which is one of the fastest and smoothest mobile operating systems in the market right now. This is coupled with a  generous collection of applications from Nokia which improve the end user experience with the device.

PROS: Possibly the best smartphone camera in the market, designed to last everyday usage, fluid and snappy performance, wireless charging,  super sensitive display, several color choices.

CONS: Heavy and bulky compared to its competition, app selection fewer than competitors, lacks microSD storage



If you have any doubts about are top smartphone for 2012, you can check out five reasons why you should switch to a Nokia Lumia 920, and if that’s not enough we have five more reasons to choose the Nokia Lumia 920.

What do you think of our top five smartphones? Leave us a comment below if you have a different device you would prefer on this top five list or if you think the list should be rearranged.

Two HTC Android heavyweights go head to head in an attempt to compare how they stack up against one another. Check out the following video comparison of the HTC Droid DNA on Verizon and the HTC One X+ on AT&T.



The HTC Droid DNA features a 5 inch full HD touch display with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM.The device is available in the U.S. through Verizon and costs $199 with a two-year contract.

Meanwhile the HTC One X+ features features a 4.7 inch touch display, up to 64GB of internal storage, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary HD camera for video calls, 4G LTE connectivity and is powered by a 1.7 GHz NVidia quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM. The device is available in the U.S. thorough AT&T.

The Galaxy S III features a 4.8 inch Super AMOLED HD display, 8 megapixel intelligent camera in the rear which is capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary front facing camera which is capable of 720p HD video capture, up to 64GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, NFC connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and is powered by a dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM.

Samsung has done a great job with their Galaxy S III, making their device much sort after even several months after its initial release.

Meanwhile the Droid DNA features features a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. It is available in the U.S. through Verizon and costs $200 with a two-year contract.

Considering the Droid DNA is the newest of the two handsets, it maybe the better choice of the two, unless of course you want to wait for the release of the Samsung Galaxy S IV next year.

You can read the detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC Droid DNA on PhoneArena.

The Google Nexus 4 is a great smartphone and one of the hottest in the market right now. However HTC has just released the HTC Droid DNA which features a larger 5 inch 1080p HD display. If you cant decide between the two devices, check out the following video comparison to see how they compare.



The Nexus 4 which  runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean features a 4.7 inch HD touch display, up to 16GB of internal storage an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and will be powered by a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. The device and is available in a 8GB version for $299 and a 16GB version for $350 through the Google Play Store. You can also purchase the Nexus 4 on T-Mobile for $199 with a two-year contract.

Meanwhile the Droid DNA which runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean features features a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. The device is available in the U.S. through Verizon for $299 with a two year contract.

Your choices will be between the larger display on 4G LTE on the Droid DNA verses the Pure Google experience on the Nexus 4. Which do you prefer?

If you want to learn more about these two devices and read a detailed comparison between the HTC Droid DNA and the Google Nexus 4, head over to PhoneArena.

The HTC Droid DNA features a 5 inch Super LCD 3 1080p display , an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a 2020 mAh non-removable battery, Beats audio and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor with 2GB of RAM.

The device runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and adds the HTC Sense 4+ UI to give users a custom experience. The device is available in the U.S. through Verizon on the carrier’s 4G LTE network and costs $199.99 with a two-year contract, which is a reasonable asking price for this flagship device.

If you are interested in purchasing the HTC Droid DNA, check out the following two part video review of the device in action.




source – PhoneDog

The HTC Droid DNA features a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. We recently posted guides on how to root and unlock the bootloader on the Droid DNA. However for those who found those guides a new tool has been released which takes care of most (if not all) of your needs.

This All-in-One toolkit which is available for Windows (with Mac and Linux alternates on their way) allows you to root, install drives, flash custom recoveries and do much more.

The toolkit includes ClockworkMod Recovery and TWRP 2.3.3, but you can also flash other recoveries of your choice.

The toolkit requires your bootloader to be unlocked and if you own the Verizon model, you can do this using this guide courtesy of Justin Case. The guide shows you how to unlock your bootloader on the HTC Dev website, by modifying your device to appear unbranded.

1. Before you get started you will need to enable USB debugging on your device by heading over to Settings > Developer Options.
   -
2. Download the latest version of the All-In-One Toolkit.
   -
3. Install HTC Drivers before you connect your device to your computer.

Now you can take advantage of the many features that the toolkit has to offer. For more information or questions you can head over to the source link below.


source – XDA Developers

The HTC Droid DNA has already received a rooting guide, giving owners a chance to unlock the pure power this high end device has to offer. The handset features a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM.

Previously we shared a guide on how to root your Droid DNA, but it turns out you can no longer unlock the device bootloader through HTCDev.com. It looks like the manufacturer has removed the Droid DNA from the list of support devices by Verizon just before before retail availability.

Luckily the developer community has managed to find a work around using the same tool which was previously supported. So before you get starting on the rooting guide, you can unlock your HTC Droid DNA bootloader using the following guide:

[NOTE] The content of this guide is credited to the original publishers and we do not take any credit for its content. For more information you can follow the source link at the bottom of this guide.

[NOTE] Following this guide will result in modifying the normal operation of your device. We do not recommend doing so as you may void your device warranty

[DISCLAIMER] Improper use of this guide can result in loss of data or device malfunction which cannot be reversed. Do not proceed unless you are fully aware of the consequences and know that you are proceeding at your own risk.

Requirements

• Download backup.ab
• Download DNA_TeamAndIRC.zip
• Download and configure ADB for ICS or greater on your Windows or Linux computer

1. Extract the contents of DNA_TeamAndIRC.zip and place the runme.sh, CIDGen.apk and backup.ab in the same directory where ADB is installed.
   -
2. Launch command prompt (or terminal) and run the following command:
   adb install CIDGen.apk
   -
3. Launch CIDGen on your device, follow the instructions on the screen and verify the existance of CIDBLOCK.img in the root of your Droid DNA SD card / internal memory using the following command:
   adb shell ls -l /sdcard/CIDBLOCK.img
   -
4. If CIDBLOCK.img exists run the following commands in command prompt (or terminal)
   adb push runme.sh /data/local/tmp/
   adb shell chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/runme.sh
   adb shell /data/local/tmp/runme.sh
   If not try step 3 again, verify and continue with step 4
   -
5. Open a second command prompt (or terminal) and restore the modified backup using the following command
   adb restore backup.ab
   The first windows will enter into what seems like an infinite loop and produce several errors. Just leave them as they are for now, as there is no need for alarm.
   -
6. Once the modified backup has been restored to your device, stop the first command prompt by simply closing the window. (This should stop the run.me script).
   -
7. In the second command prompt window which you opened, run the following set of commands
   adb shell rm /data/data/com.htc.usage/files/exploit/*
   adb shell mv /data/DxDrm /data/DxDrm_org
   adb shell mkdir /data/DxDrm
   adb shell ln -s /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 /data/DxDrm/DxSecureDB
   adb reboot adb wait-for-device
   [NOTE] rebooting, disconnection from PC or switching off the device will result in your device being bricked.
   -
8. You will need to run the runme.sh script again, using the following command.
   adb shell /data/local/tmp/runme.sh
   You will see the endless loop once again.
   -
9. Now launch a new command prompt and restore the modified backup once again
   adb restore backup.ab
   -
10. Once it has been restored terminate the runme.sh exploit by closing the previous window and run these commands.
    adb shell mv /data/DxDrm /data/DxDrm_trash
    adb shell dd if=/sdcard/CIDBLOCK.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p5
    adb reboot

That’s it, once your device has rebooted, your Droid DNA carrier information will be changed and you will be able to unlock it once again through HTCDev.com

For more information visit the developer’s (Justin Case) post on Android Police by following the source link.



source – Android Police

The HTC Droid DNA is one of the top smartphones in the market right now. It features a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. With all this power under its hood, there is no surprise that the device has gained the interest of the development community which is hard at work readying a root and custom recovery for the device even before it was released.

If you are one of the few users who have gotten access to this exclusive device and want to get access to all the advantages that rooting has to offer, check out our following step-by-step guide on how to root your HTC Droid DNA.

[NOTE] Rooting the HTC Droid DNA is safe and will not void the warranty of your device

[DISCLAIMER] Improper use of this guide may result in loss of data or device malfunction. Please proceed at your own risk.

Requirements

• Unlock your HTC Droid DNA bootloader. You can do this by heading over to the HTC bootloader unlock page. Unlocking will erase all your device data, so make sure you backup before proceeding.
• Download ClockwordMod Recovery or TWRP Recovery for your device.
• Download the SuperSU and Busybox packages and place them on your SD card
• Download and install ADB through relevant tools or by installing the Android SDK.

1. Rename the downloaded recovery file to recovery.img and place it in the (root of) your computer’s C: drive.
   -
2. Place the SuperSU and BusyBox package in the root of your device’s internal memory.
   -
3. Reboot your device into bootloader mode and connect it you your computer using the USB cable. Wait for Windows to recognize the device and install the relevant drivers.
   -
4. Open command prompt and navigate to C:  (location where you placed the recovery image in step 1) and run the following command to flash the custom recovery
   fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
   -
5. One the recovery has been flashed, reboot to recovery and select
   
   • Install ZIP from SD card,
   • Choose ZIP from SD card (or Internal memory)
   • Flash the SuperSU and Busybox packages which you placed in your device in step 2.
     -
6. Once you have completed flashing, reboot the device

Now you will have full root access to your HTC Droid DNA


source – XDA Developers

The HTC Droid DNA is a smartphone on the Verizon network which features a 5 inch full HD touch display, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. The device is the U.S. variant of the HTC J Butterfly and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The Droid DNA stands out stands out among its competitors with its large 5 inch Super LCD 3 display which has a 1920 x 1080 pixel full HD resolution. What adds to the device’s appeal is its $200 price tag which will require you to sign a two-year contract with Verizon.

With some great hardware and a reasonable asking price we expect the HTC Droid DNA will make it to several holiday shopping lists this season. You can learn more about this device by watching the following video review.



You can read the detailed review of the HTC Droid DNA on PhoneArena.