Earlier last month a new bug was found in iOS 6.1.1 that saw people being able to hack their way into an iPhone 5, even though they had a passcode set up. We had assumed that iOS 6.1.2 would rectify this issue but looks as though we will need to wait until 6.1.3 is released instead.

You may wonder why we are bringing this problem up again; well it seems as though the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is suffering from a similar bug, although not as bad. The security flaw is on models running Android 4.1.2 and if you look at the video below you get to see how serious this problem can be.

The homescreen can be accessed while locked for a split second, but you will see that is all it takes to get into an app that has direct dial access, which will allow you to call someone. It’s clear to see that this is not as much of an issue as the one affecting the iPhone 5, but it is still a worrying security vulnerability.

It’s not just calls that a hacker would be able to make becasue it’s also reported that these unscrupulous individuals could also gain access to other areas of your phone that can be launched directly with an app. As yet Samsung has not commented on this problem, but if it is widespread then surely they will need to rush an update pretty soon?

We are sure that there will be plenty of people who say that this is the sort of thing that can happen when you are dealing with Android, which is not as secure as iOS. However, as we said above the iPhone 5 has a similar problem, which as you know has yet to be resolved, although I have been unable to replicate this myself.

It seems strange that the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update is yet to become available for all Samsung Galaxy Note 2 owners just yet, although we can tell you that those of you who live in Canada have finally started to receive the update via Over the Air or KIERS.

SamMoble reports that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.1.2 update is now available for download on Canada Bell, OPEN, Rogers, SaskTel and Telus. Samsung had made the promise last Sunday that they would deliver the update within the week, so nice that they stuck to it. While there are only four carriers in Canada taking this up, more will offer the update in due course.

While there are still a huge number of Android devices awaiting the Jelly Bean update (well those that can handle it) knowing that one in eight Android devices are running Android 4.1.2 is proof at just how popular the OS has become. However, 2.3 Gingerbread is still the most widely used.

The next Android update is to be Key Lime Pie and while we are uncertain as to how long it would be before current handsets like the Note 2 and the Galaxy S3 will be able to receive the update, we do know that the Google (Motorola) X Phone will be one of, if not the first to take advantage of it.

There have been suggestions that the Galaxy S4 could also be released running the next version of Android, but if rumors of an April release are true, then we’re uncertain if Key Lime will be ready in time.

There are several advantages about sticking with Android handsets, the first is there being plenty of choice, and the second is that they never stay at their full price because they can often be included in certain retailer sales. We say this because the Galaxy Note 2 is currently half the normal price, but this has lead to some misguided speculation about an early Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release because of this price cut.

Whenever there is a price cut on such a device there is always going to be speculation that retailers are making way for stock of an updated version of the device. However, this cannot be the case because the Note 2 isn’t that old and one would presume that the successor will not be released until the fourth quarter of 2013.

If you wish to sign up for a new two-year contract then Amazon will sell you the Note 2 for $149.99, but if you are looking to upgrade then you’ll have to part with $189.99 instead, which is still pretty impressive.

We’re pretty sure that many consumers still have a while to go until they are eligible for an upgrade and wonder how long this deal will run for. The problem is we just don’t know, so you’ll just have to hope that this is a long-term deal – although we highly doubt it.

Has this offer tempted you or will you wait to see what Samsung has to offer when they announce the Galaxy S4, which is said to be announced in the next month or so and could come with a larger screen – ideal if you feel the screen is too small on the S3 and too large on the Note 2?

When Samsung released their Galaxy Note 2 last year we were promised pretty impressive battery life, as the company understands just how important of a factor it is. However, some users have now started to complain about the N7100XXDLL7 software update because it seems as though this has been creating battery life problems for some.

In a recent test it does show that the Galaxy Note 2 battery does drain much quicker since this update, so just shows that it is not just Apple who gets their updates wrong. However, they would rather this than the alternative, which saw their handset with the dreaded ”Sudden Death” issue. This is not a major update, but we do expect an update to Android to follow shortly, which could resolve this issue.

To give you an idea just how bad of a problem this is before the update the battery would usually last 7.6 hours of screen work on the Galaxy Note 2, following the update this has now been reduced to 6.5 – 7 hours. On a normal day to day basis users would often report that their Note 2 would last around 36 hours, now it’s just 24 hours or thereabouts.

Some users have been saying that they will hold out on this minor update and wait for 4.2.1 or 4.2.2, which should rectify the issues of 4.1.2. However, there seems to be another issue associated with this recent update as well, the Message app disappearing from the shortcut on the homescreen. One user has even said that they hate the new slim clock, but that’s just down to personal taste. Installing this update is very important if you wish to resolve the previous issues, so for now maybe you should consider extending your battery life with this solution.

At the start of the year we reported that Samsung could possibly release a couple of new colors for the Galaxy Note 2 because at that time it was mere speculation. However, this rumor has now become a reality because there are now 3 new Samsung Galaxy Note 2 color options, which are available as of today. These new colors are amber brown, hotrod red, and finally ruby wine.

For now these new color options are only available for the Korean market, but if these new colors prove popular then it is more than likely to be offered up in the US, UK and other countries. Having more choice is certainly one way to increase sales, and yet another sign that iPhone users are hard done by with their limited choice of two color options, black and white, unless you wish to pay Colorware an extortionate amount of money for the privilege.

The three new colors for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will apply to the front and rear and also the S-pen as well, which you can see in the image above thanks to Samsung. You have to hand it to that company because they look as though they are using the looks of a young lady to help promote these new hues.

The Galaxy Note 2 range was noted by some to have a cheap finish and some consumers may say that these new colors makes the smartphone look even cheaper, but we’re not one of them. Samsung are on top of their game right now and know that in order to keep their devices popular then they need to innovate, but also give consumers a choice in those products as well.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is loved by the majority of owners and this phablet has proven to be the most successful to date, although it is not without problems. Even after all the love that is shared when people talk about the Galaxy Note 2, there are a few issues that need fixing either with software improvements, new storage models, or when Samsung launch the Galaxy Note 3 this year. Hearing about the possibility of new Galaxy Note 2 colors a few days ago only made some people dream about other changes, which included bigger storage sizes for a better user experience.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 apps on an SD card – this is a problem we touched on a couple of months ago, and we highlighted a few issues our readers had when they wanted to use a 64GB SD card and apps. The Galaxy Note 2 comes with 16GB of memory in the UK/US, although this is even less after actual formatting, but some people felt that the microSD card would solve any issues considering it supports up to 64GB of storage expansion.

The reality is that you can use this extra storage for a number of things, but not to move apps to the SD card and run them from there. You can read about the SD card desires in more detail here, which includes PR readers pointing out this is a limitation of Jelly Bean and the real answer would come with bigger storage models of the Galaxy Note 2.

There had been an app called “Apps2SD” that helped people with putting apps on SD cards, although a few users point out that this software is “no longer native to Android“, which is due to running “MTP instead of UMS“.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 demanded in 32GB and 64GB – this forum started a few weeks ago on Verizon’s website, and has recent posts from just a few days ago as well. The messages here and those that we’ve received clearly show a demand for the Galaxy Note 2 in 32GB, 64GB, or bigger memory sizes.

Samsung’s advertising has pointed to 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions of the Galaxy Note 2. The problem is they’ve not become available in the United States, and it now seems that Samsung are focusing on the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4.

Some people have been holding out from purchasing the Galaxy Note 2 in the hope of a bigger storage size. At the time of writing we’ve only heard about 32GB and 64GB models being sold in South Korea.

Do you expect Samsung to sell a 32GB/64GB Galaxy Note 2 in the US, or will this bigger storage size arrive with the Galaxy Note 3? In our opinion it seems a little late now, and a better solution for existing owners would be gained from Android solutions for running apps on SD cards. If you’re planning on upgrading to the Galaxy Note 3, then you can almost definitely count on much bigger storage sizes and less problems next generation.

Our order of priority for different smartphone features and specs will vary from the person next to us, although we’ve seen a number of people complain about the timing of new Samsung Galaxy Note 2 colors this week. Today we’re hearing that two new colors are coming to the Galaxy Note 2, Ruby Wine and Amber Brown, which were revealed in a magazine thanks to this Japanese website. The link has been translated into English to help our readers understand it better, although details are very thin with no release date being hinted.

This isn’t official confirmation from Samsung, but considering their past practice for releasing new colors for extremely popular devices, it looks very likely. The new red and brown Samsung Galaxy Note 2 looks to be targeted at South Korea initially.

It is worth pointing out that there is a brown Galaxy Note 2 available in Japan already. If the new colors do arrive in Korea it doesn’t mean they will definitely come to the US and UK as well, although if there are plans then CES 2013 seems like a good time to reveal them, which takes place this month.

Priority for new Samsung Galaxy Note 2 colors – we’ve already heard a few reactions to these new colors and it seems like they’re not welcomed by most users. Some people feel that Samsung need to focus on “32Gb and 64Gb models“, and others feel that a smartphone is chosen for what it does and how well it performs. Do you place the color of a smartphone high up on the list of priorities when looking for a new phone?

Personally the more colors the better for users, but we can understand the need for other storage sizes that users might find a lot more important than a new color. If you’ve been holding off buying the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, is there a feature missing or are you waiting for news on the Galaxy Note 3?

We have spoke in the past about the possibilities of extending battery life via an external pack should you require it, and now we have a treat in store for Galaxy Note 2 owners who are really looking to boost the already impressive battery life even more. As most of you will be aware, the Note 2 already ships with a 3100mAh which is sufficient for the average consumer needs, but now word has spread that the opportunity to double that battery life is available, courtesy of Mugen and their upcoming 6400mAh beast of a battery.

Battery life on the Galaxy Note 2 hasn’t even been a cause of concern for consumers as far as we’ve seen it, but just to be safe for those that need it, this 6400mAh battery is going to give you all the extra power you need – albeit with the consequence of a little added bulk.

Mugen claims that the extra power will offer a 2.06 increase compared to the 3100mAh battery that ships with the Galaxy Note 2, but for that you’ll have to put up with a battery door case that attaches to the back of your device. It is available in two colors depending on if you own the Titanium Grey Note 2 or the Marble White version.

This unrivaled battery boost comes at a price as well, as Mugen will be charging $98.95 for each one – so not exactly cheap. If you’re interested in picking one up, you can pre-order right now on their website here and orders will be shipped on December 21 according to their website, so expect delivery just in time for Christmas.

Do you have a necessity to get one of these monster packs, or are you happy with the 3100mAh battery life that the Galaxy Note 2 already offers out of the box? A 6400mAh battery is impressive regardless though, so we have a feeling that a lot of these are going to be snapped up soon ready for delivery on or around December 21.

As most of you know, the highly sought after Verizon Galaxy Note 2 had been up for pre-order for weeks already. During this time, Verizon has still not committed to an official release date, instead allowing customers to order the device under the assumption that it will be at least available before the end of November.

The good news, is that there are already reports of Galaxy Note 2 shipping notices that have been sent to early pre-order customers, informing them that their device will be reaching them before the end of the week. Thursday has been touted as the magical day that first in line customers will receive their Note 2, but again – we see no official statement from Verizon confirming this, or any movement on the Galaxy Note 2 product page on Verizon’s website.

If you head over to the AndroidForums though, you’ll see that one customer in particular has already received his Galaxy Note 2 shipping notification and is expected to get his device on Thursday at 7pm after initially ordering the device from Verizon on November 17.

Have you had the same luck and already received an email confirming your imminent delivery? If the devices really are due to reach customers on Thursday, it seems a little strange that we haven’t had any word on Verizon on when they will finally start selling the device in retail stores.

If you have had a notification already, you should be able to use a tracking number to see where your Note 2 is specifically and find out what time the device will reach you. Some communication from Verizon would have been nice regardless – let us know where you stand at the moment if you have ordered a Galaxy Note 2 online.

Are you looking forward to having a device with its own unique Verizon branded home button?

The challenge to see which smartphone is generally faster is always a popular trend, and it’s now becoming more important to consumers than ever when examining the key details such as browsing speed, app loading speed, boot up times and various benchmarks prior to purchasing.

If you are still stuck on an older device and haven’t picked up either the Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3 or iPhone 5, these videos that we have for you should give you a general indication on which device performs faster, in a variety of different tests. The iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3 are two of the fiercest smartphone rivals we’ve ever seen and neither Samsung or Apple are going to want to be second best in any of the specific tests that you’re about to see.

Unfortunately for Samsung though, it does appear that the iPhone 5 performs better than the Galaxy S3 in a series of multiple tests on this occasion seen in the video. The iPhone 5 loads up the majority of apps faster than the Galaxy S3, while it also outperforms the Galaxy S3 significantly with a higher benchmark score as well when using the BrowserMark service.

Having said that, the Galaxy S3 isn’t too far behind and the general consumer is unlikely to care about the odd second in difference between the two systems. For those who enjoy the finer detail though, the video tells you all you need to know and the iPhone 5 does win out on a number of occasions.

That is the Galaxy S3 though, as the Galaxy Note 2 is a different beast altogether. In another set of videos, you’ll see how Samsung’s new Note device is a much better competitor than the Galaxy S3 and you’ll see this time that the Galaxy Note 2 actually comes out on top ahead of the iPhone 5 with some blistering speed tests and and benchmark review scores.

We’ve included two sets of videos for both sets of comparisons, giving you the opinion of two different reviewers – just in case you disagree with the first. If you are looking to pick up the fastest device around at the moment, the Galaxy Note 2 may be your best bet. Watch the speed tests below and let us know from your own experience which devices you think are faster, and if you agree with the conclusions in the videos or not.