WP7 Root Tools 0.9 is here, with an SDK in tow

WP7 Root Tools 0.9

Windows Phone hacker Heathcliff74 is announcing the firsthand availability WP7 Root Tools 0.nine today. 'Root Tools is a suite of tools for Windows Phone that nosotros've been following since inception and already features a full blown registry registry editor, file system browser, and certificate injection capabilities. But the new version comes jammed pack full of additional new and exciting features that will no doubt re-energize the homebrew community. I'1000 talking about features such as:

True and unfettered root admission
Amend performance
Increased device support
A new policy editor
A new software evolution kit

The more heady news hither, however, is the shiny new SDK (0.i) in tow, offering homebrew developers a set of APIs that tap into the same root-level features that the tool relies on. An application wishing to wield such power, however, must first seek permission from the user. That is, the users mustexplicity mark a detail app as "trusted". Grumble all you want, this gate is in place for obvious and serious security and privacy reasons. You don't want all those individual photos on Twitter, right?

With no shortage of gullible install-everything telephone users out in that location (see Android) policing root-required homebrew applications, Heathcliff74 admits, "volition be tough." At this phase, we'll have to rely on the attentive homebrew development customs to go on sniffing out crapware. In the future, however, a more centralized model complete with app certification may exist in guild.

All that serious stuff bated, Heathcliff74 was kind enough to allow me play with the SDK prior to release and let me tell you lot: it's piece of cake to use and full of crawly. Working with Delphi addict [ed -- *snicker*] David Gilded (@GoldenTao), of MetroTwit fame, we decided to retry the implementation of my grandiose hackathon idea -- to create a complete backup the phone, including Market apps. And succeed we did.

Complete Backup for Windows Phone

Screenshots of the upcomingConsummate Backup app.

While the app isn'tquite prepare yet -- nosotros still demand to push button up some networking lawmaking, resolve app guids to names, create a restoration app, etc. -- it will support the complete backup (and eventual restore) of Windows Phone application data to the PC via native sockets. And better still, information technology'll be completely open-source and bachelor on GitHub.

So at this signal, you're probably thinking: "Where do I get this spoonful of delicious?" Simple. Head over to Heathcliff74's new home on the Net, where he volition blog nigh and host theWP7 Root Tools XAP. But be warned: The software drills deep into the phone. I can't recommend plenty that y'all use Zune to backup your deviceprior to install. Oh, and you need to have a device that's "Interop Unlocked" (or flashed with a custom hacked ROM). Sorry.

It'southward here

The AT&T version of Surface Duo is now getting Android 11

After a very long expect, the original Surface Duo is now eligible to receive its over-the-air Os update to Android 11. Here is what is new and stock-still with the biggest update yet for Microsoft'southward first dual-screen Android device.