Nokia releases update for N950 devices
Via: @GeneralAntilles
Editor: Ryan Abel
... Nokia released a "Beta 2" (build number 34-2) firmware update for the N950 last week. Highlight features include a new Twitter client, removal of the "Developer Edition" branding, Ovi Music client, Angry Birds, AccuWeather client, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an AP Mobile application besides a range of general bugfix improvements. Unfortunately this update doesn't bring GTalk support or a usable web browser. Less savory changes have also come to Aegis making it more restrictive and burdensome for developers and advanced users.
Aegis, Nokia and You
Via: @GeneralAntilles
Editor: Ryan Abel
The Beta 2 release of Harmattan for the N950 brought with it a number of negative changes to Aegis and its functionality, severely limiting the hackability of the base system. Although investigation by Javier S. Pedro reveals there are still ways around Aegis, they're falling more into the category of Black-Hat hacks than intended workarounds of a non-burdensome security framework. Nokia has now greatly reduced the amount of privileges granted to develsh in beta2. Up to the point you now CANNOT even issue a deadly simple dmesg command to _read_ the kernel log. Is this a reaction from Nokia because the above method allowed you to disable Aegis? Is this the first move from Nokia in the cat and mouse game that is going to be played starting now -- the same game Apple likes to play with jailbreakers? I don't know. I would like a clear answer here. Unfortunately talk about an Open Mode dating from the initial announcement of the Harmattan security framework appears to be turning into just that—talk. Hopefully we'll hear good news soon, but without any communication from Nokia on the subject the community is just left to scratch its head and assume the worst.