Category: Mobile

Posts about mobile devices and smartphones

Is Android not enough for you?

Lukas Rox Mobile, Software , , ,
Is Android not enough for you?

If so, and you have a HTC Desire HD, you are lucky. XDA-Developers member called bergfex has published a native Ubuntu build for Desire HD. The following features have already been implemented:

  • touchscreen (works like a touch pad in a notebook)
  • two finger scrolling
  • WIFI
  • dragging windows
  • ADB
  • incoming calls
  • SMS text messages

Some features are not yet fully supported: sound, hardware keys, USB host, and Firefox web browser. Original thread with instructions on how to boot Ubuntu on Desire HD is linked here.

Android 2.2 and 2.3 on legacy phones: HTC Tattoo

Lukas Rox Mobile, Software , , , , ,
Android 2.2 and 2.3 on legacy phones: HTC Tattoo
ROM nFinityGB v1.03 - 2.3.4 on HTC Tattoo
ROM nFinityGB v1.03 - 2.3.4 on HTC Tattoo

Most modern handsets offer Android 2.3 nowadays, but what about older phones? Most legacy devices are stuck to Android 1.6 or even 1.5, because their manufacturers abandoned them, concentrating on new models. HTC has promised its customers, that HTC Tattoo (also known as HTC Click) was going to get update from 1.6 to 2.1 at some point. Unfortunately, Eclair was newer released for this terminal. The last stock ROM for this device is 1.67.405.70, which is based on Android 1.6 and HTC Sense for QVGA.

Fear not, you still have a chance to install more recent Android version on your phone. Some third party developers (namely a guy known as cn.fyodor) took matters into their own hands, and released a custom ROM, which runs Froyo on HTC Tattoo. Most known issues have now been removed and the last stable version is available for download from this link (xda-developers).

Another nice build for HTC Tattoo is the newest nFinityGB 1.03 running on Android Gingerbread 2.3.4. This build is available on xda-developers.com.

To make sure GPS is working, leave it on in the old ROM, otherwise it might not work after flashing 2.3.

WARNING: To install custom ROMs you need to root your Tattoo first and then install ClockworkMod.

Android 3.1 SDK now available. Motorola XOOM receives 3.1 update.

Lukas Rox Mobile, Software ,
Android 3.1 SDK now available. Motorola XOOM receives 3.1 update.

Android 3.1 HomeAndroid has recently been split into two branches: mobile and tablet. Android for mobile is the one we have known for some time now, whereas the  Honeycomb 3.0 version is the recent spin off. Users don’t like it and neither does Google: Ice Cream Sandwich will be an unified system for both phons and tablets. But before that…

Android 3.1

Google has just published the SDK for Android 3.1. Additionally, Motorola XOOM 3G users can already update their slate to use this new version of Android.

What’s changed?

  • UI is now more intuitive and more efficient to use. Animations are optimized for faster and smoother transitions.
  • Users can connect a broad range of USB input devices (keyboards, mice, game controllers) and digital cameras. It is possible for developers to create third party drivers for other USB devices.
  • Better multitasking and instant access to the Recent Apps list, which is now expandable. Users can now select from a list of recent apps vertically to see thumbnail images all of the tasks in background, then touch an image to jump back into that program.
  • Efficient Home screen planning. Users can now resize their Home screen widgets using drag bars delivered by the OS. Users can expand widgets both horizontally and/or vertically to include more content, where supported by each widget.
  • Android 3.1 adds additional Wi-Fi features. A new high-performance Wi-Fi lock lets programs keep high-performance Wi-Fi connections even when the device screen is dimmed. Internet radio is one of many possible uses for this feature.
  • Proxy – it is now possible to configure a separate proxy server for each access-point. Web browser will use proxy when connecting to web sites or downloading files.

New Expansion for Galaxy on Fire II

Lukas Rox Games, Mobile , , , , , ,
New Expansion for Galaxy on Fire II

Yesterday Galaxy on Fire II, an iOS game for iPhone and iPad (which I have reviewed here), has received a paid add-on named “Valkyrie“. Another new feature is ability to obtain a player owned station, where it is possible to store multiple ships (before this, player could only own one starship at a time).

The new Valkyrie add-on costs 3,99 EUR (paid as in-app purchase) and brings a new storyline centered around Valkyrie station in Herjaza system. That is of course not all, which the expansion has to offer:

  • New ships
  • Loma, the black market system
  • Guided missiles
  • Scatterguns (AoE guns)
  • Automatic turrets
  • New blueprints
  • Opponent signatures
  • Time extenders
  • Weapon modifiers (similar to weapon upgrades in EVE)
  • New booster
  • New tractor beam
  • Emergency system
  • New thermo weapon
  • Mines

The amount of new content makes this game even closer to the single player EVE-like experience. By the way, dear CCP, when do you release EVE Online for iPad?! (or EVE offline, it could just be a game in EVE universe – money waiting to be made here)

Player owned station can be either bought in-game for 30 million credits and 50 tons of Buskat, or as an in-app purchase for a mere 0,79 EUR. The station is located in Shima system.

EDIT: I found a bug. If you don’t buy the add-on, every time you undock, a character named Cornelious will contact you to offer a mission, which is not available until after you bought the expansion.

iPad 2 – first impressions

Lukas Rox Hardware, Mobile , , ,
iPad 2 – first impressions

Yesterday iPad 2 was officially introduced in Europe, including Poland. Unfortunately, polish introduction should rather be called Warsaw introduction, because there were some supply problems in other cities. Also the supply of the new Apple slate was quite limited and not everyone was able to get their hands on the long-awaited device.

The first impression is quite good: the tablet looks solid, even though it is thinner than its predecessor. The 3G model which I bought has a black plastic area near the top, which houses the HSDPA modem and the built in GPS. The back is made from aluminum, so it feels more durable than the plastic iPhone 3G/3Gs (and reminds of the original iPhone).

Also you don’t need a USIM card inserted right away to activate the 3G iPad – all one needs is a computer with iTunes.

Pros:

  • All games i have run very smoothly (Galaxy On Fire 2,
  • GLBenchmark results 5 to 8 times better than original iPad
  • lighter than the original iPad
  • two cameras for taking photos, videos and chatting
  • can record smooth HD-ready (720p) videos
  • can provide HDMI (1080p for still images and 720p for movies) and VGA output

There are also some cons:

  • backlight bleeding in dark lighting conditions is very visible
  • the oleophobic coating does not make much difference – after an hour the screen is just as dirty as any touch capable device
  • the oleophobic coating makes rapid finger movement difficult, so gamers might need some getting used to
  • the SIM tack is hard to remove
  • there are some minor bugs in iOS (already running on 4.3.1) — for example when resetting Cellular Network Data usage you get -465794987610350000000000 bytes instead of 0 bytes.
  • low quality front camera in low lighting conditions
  • can only use micro SIM

Unopened box of iPad 2

Unpacked iPad 2

iPad 2 in Poland: even more prices

Lukas Rox Hardware, Mobile , , , ,
iPad 2 in Poland: even more prices

The post below is obsolete now that iPad 3 has been announced. Please see the new post for the most accurate prices of iPad 2.

Today more shops have revealed their prices of iPad 2. Currently the best option is Media Markt and Saturn – prices are lower than original iPad when it was first introduced.

iPad 2 will officially be available in Poland and the rest of Europe at 5 PM today.

mac-store.pl iShock.pl Media Markt
Saturn		 iSpot
WiFi 16GB 2259 PLN 2374,99 PLN 2049 PLN 2049 PLN
WiFi 32GB 2659 PLN 2779 PLN 2469 PLN 2469 PLN
WiFi 64GB 3099 PLN 3185 PLN 2899 PLN 2899 PLN
WiFi+3G 16GB 2659 PLN 2779 PLN 2549 PLN 2549 PLN
WiFi+3G 32GB 3099 PLN 3185 PLN 2979 PLN 2979 PLN
WiFi+3G 64GB 3499 PLN 3584,99 PLN 3399 PLN 3399 PLN

Smart Cover prices revealed

Lukas Rox Hardware, Mobile , , ,
Smart Cover prices revealed

iPad 2 is said to be incomplete without this good looking gadget. They come in various colors and either polyurethane or leather finish. Prices comparison:

Apple Store (US) iShock.pl
Polyurethane $ 39.00 (111,50 PLN) 179 PLN
Leather $ 69.00 (196,65 PLN) 279 PLN

As you can see, even if you add 23% VAT to the prices on the left, Smart Covers ARE overpriced in Poland. Are they really worth their price? I don’t think so, because with Smart Cover your iPad will not be protected (besides the screen). You can buy a leather case for iPad for about the same price (or even cheaper), which protects entire device, and not only the screen. Granted, it’s not possible to use such case as a stand, but is it really necessary to have one? Read more

Android 2.2 running on x86 netbooks

Lukas Rox Mobile, Software , , , , , ,
Android 2.2 running on x86 netbooks

NEW: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich running on x86 PC/netbook: check this post

The Android x86 project has recently built Froyo images for most popular netbooks (and of course a generic image for other computers).  This means you can easily run Android on your ultra mobile computers the same you would on a mobile phone.

Supported netbooks:

  • ASUS laptops/tablets
  • ASUS EEE PC
  • Dell Inspiron Mini Duo
  • Viewsonic Viewpad 10

Read more

iPad 2 in Poland: price ranges

Lukas Rox Hardware, Mobile , , ,
iPad 2 in Poland: price ranges

The post below is obsolete now that iPad 3 has been announced. Please see the new post for the most accurate prices of new iPad & old iPad 2.

iPad 2 is still one week away, but some shops have already revealed its price. Official Apple retailer (iSpot) refuses to speculate about the price (but it is possible to sign up and reserve one). Id say that’s quite typical for Apple. Read more