Motorola Mobility Chief Executive Dennis Woodside Poses With The New Moto G Mobile Phone
IN PHOTO. Motorola Mobility Chief Executive Dennis Woodside poses with the new Moto G mobile phone during its worldwide presentation in Sao Paulo November 13, 2013. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Motorola has commented on reports that a security hole in some of their handsets allows users with custom launchers to access a hidden root system menu. Moto G, Moto X and Moto E units with custom launchers like Apex and Nova gain access to a Qualcomm menu that lets users change system settings they otherwise can only modify by rooting the phone. The Moto X+1 has also been spotted on the FCC database suggesting imminent release.

In the statement Motorola sent to Android Pit, they commented that the menu "is a tool built on existing devices for testing. So it was not programmed to be easily accessed by the user." They added that changing these settings requires advanced knowledge, and that they recommend that users retain the default settings to ensure normal phone operation.

How to Access the Hidden Menu

Advanced users who want to access the hidden menu will need to have a custom launcher installed to activate the hidden menu. As mentioned above, Nova and Apex launchers are two examples of programs that unlock this Qualcomm menu.

Once the custom launcher is installed, users must bring up the launcher actions window by long-pressing the home screen according to Whasapp Android. From there, users can easily select Shortcuts, then Activities. A list of activities will be displayed, including com.qualcomm.qualcommsettings. Selecting this will bring up the Qualcomm Settings menu.

Qualcomm Menu Features

Motorola does not consider the security loophole to be a major issue, but the hidden menu does let users change settings that may affect the phone's performance. Some of these features include enabling / disabling sensors, controlling data limits, enabling USB Mass Storage, and controlling other features native to the devices affected.

The bypass to the root security system is only available on Motorola devices. Devices from other manufacturers, like the Nexus 5, have been tested for the same security vulnerability, but they have not produced the hidden menu that the Motorola units mentioned above have. No word has been released yet on what Motorola will be doing about this security breach in their future updates and units.

Business Insider also reports that Motorola may be getting closer to announcing another flaghsip, the Moto X+1. According to the report, a new Motorola filing has been spotted on the FCC database. The device is unnamed but reports says it could be the Moto X+1 to be announced sometime this September.

Disclaimer: Providers of the updates or guide cannot be held responsible for what happens to the device following instructions. Users can try the guide at their own risk.