We've all been there—a phone that was snappy and stable becomes dramatically less so after the OEM releases a slapdash update. Italian authorities have investigated Samsung and Apple for the way they develop and deploy updates to older phones. As a result, Samsung has to pay a €5 million fine, and Apple's is double that.
Read More[Update: Note Edge too] Verizon updates the 3-year old Galaxy Note 4 with the Blueborne security patch
Credit where credit is due. Verizon and Samsung are doing a good job of keeping relatively older devices updated with security patches. After upgrading the Galaxy S5 (2014) to the August security patch, they're now releasing an update to the Note 4 (also 2014) with the latest security patches that brings it to software version MMB29M.N910VVRS2CQE1.
Although Verizon's update page doesn't specifically state they're the September security patches, and we don't have a Note 4 on Verizon to verify, odds are that's what we're talking about.
Read MorePSA: Refurbished AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 4 batteries recalled for potential overheating issues
Oh, look: another Samsung battery recall. Though not as widespread as the Note7 debacle, this one is still important to pay attention to. If you received a refurbished AT&T Galaxy Note 4 (like for an insurance replacement) between December 2016 and April 2017, listen up.
Read MoreTWRP now available for China Note7 models, Huawei Ascend Y550, and more
TWRP is by far the most popular custom recovery as of late. Flashing ROMs, backing up your device, managing files in a pinch - TWRP makes it all easy. The custom recovery has extended its reach to six more devices, three of which are from Samsung.
Samsung devices now supported include the Galaxy Note 4 Duos (International), Galaxy Note 7 (China Qualcomm), and Galaxy S7 edge (China Qualcomm). There is also a sprinkling of other devices now supported, such as the Huawei Ascend Y550, Archos 55 Diamond Selfie, and LeEco Le Max 2.
While I haven't heard of the latter two devices, I'm sure many are excited for the extended Note7 support.
Read MoreThe Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge on AT&T finally get Marshmallow
Nearly a year after Android 6.0 Marshmallow first debuted on the Nexus 5X and 6P, the AT&T models of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge are finally receiving an OTA for 6.0.1. Samsung has never been reputable for fast updates, and neither has AT&T. This incredibly late update is what happens when you mash the two together.
Read More[Deal Alert] Refurbished (non-explosive) Galaxy Notes for sale on Woot today only
Okay, so there's a small chance the Galaxy Note 7 might explode. That's a bummer, but older note phones probably won't do that. It just so happens a lot of them are on salve via Woot today. These are all refurbished phones, and a few of them might have some cosmetic damage, but they're cheap.
Read MoreT-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge get Marshmallow updates
Marshmallow is making its way to Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge owners in the US. If you're on T-Mobile, you're next on the list. The Un-carrier is now sending out OTA updates to people on its network.
Read More[Deal Alert] eBay Has A Refurbished Verizon Galaxy Note 4 For Just $205 With Free US Shipping
The Galaxy Note 4 is a little less than two years old now, but Samsung stuffs the Note series so full of high-end technology that it isn't really fair to call it "old." In fact, the Verizon version just got updated to Android Marshmallow earlier this week. The blogging gods must be smiling upon us, because they've offered a serendipitous eBay deal: the same phone, refurbished, for just $204.95. That's approximately five hundred dollars - five and two zeroes - off the original retail price.
The Best Of AP
Verizon's On A Roll - Galaxy Note 4 Gets Its Marshmallow Update As Well
It's not often that we have cause to praise Verizon for, well, anything, but credit goes where credit is due. In the last month the carrier has upgraded its branded versions of the LG G Pad X 8.3, DROID Maxx 2, Galaxy S5, and Galaxy Tab S2 to Marshmallow. Never mind that they've come more than half a year after Android 6.0 AOSP code became available, we're just happy to see the updates at all (especially for those oft-neglected tablets). The latest device to get a version bump is the faux-leather-clad Galaxy Note 4.
Read MoreVerizon Galaxy Note 4 Bootloader Unlocked Courtesy Of Beaups
Owners of the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 have been stuck with a non-unlockable bootloader since the device came out more than a year ago, but that's changing thanks to noted modder Beaups. With a few ADB commands, you can unlock the bootloader and open up a whole world of modding possibilities. Of course, you might also break everything. So, proceed at your own risk.
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