Category Archives: android

How to update an old android phone

Posted on April 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

So you have an old android phone you would like to modernize the OS on it.  Well you may beable to CyanogenMod on it (variant of Android).  It is relatively easy to do if you phone is supported on its … Continue reading →

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Need to test your app for low bandwidth, FB has an answer

Posted on April 1, 2015 by robertwilkie

It seems in Facebooks quest to get its apps under control, they built an opensource project that you can toss onto a gateway system to modify the bandwidth the test device can have access too.  It looks pretty neat. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/03/24/facebook_network_simulator/

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How to add a hotspot shortcut to android homescreen

Posted on March 24, 2015 by robertwilkie

I am doing this myself right now.  I hate constantly going thru menu’s to set this up.  This looks much easier to do. http://www.howtogeek.com/211317/how-to-add-a-hotspot-shortcut-to-the-android-home-screen/

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App Roadie, to help make shipping cheaper

Posted on March 11, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting app that pairs drivers with folks that need to ship stuff.  Basically it helps pair a driver that is going that way anyways with someone that needs stuff shipped.  Reminds me of a TV show that was like this. … Continue reading →

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How to use Android and Bluetooth

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

The author wrote a nice set of series on how to talk to other devices over bluetooth on android.  Well for programming that is. http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/03/11/android-e-bluetooth-1/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/03/18/android-e-bluetooth-2/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/04/28/android-e-bluetooth-3/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/05/02/android-e-bluetooth-4/ http://www.lucadentella.it/en/2014/05/04/android-e-bluetooth-5/

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Opensource app to find spy cell towers

Posted on January 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting project that can tell if your phone is connected to a spy cell tower (or fake tower).  It looks like its in “alpha” development state right now.  But who knows what it will look like 6 months from now. … Continue reading →

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New to debugging on Android, use the ADBHelper

Posted on January 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

I have used ADB in the past, but did not know there is now a nice helper utility to configure it now. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/new-adb-make-process-simple-easy/

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Convert your old phone into a gaming system

Posted on January 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting article about converting an old android phone or tablet into a gaming system.  It requires your phone to support USB OTG (On The Go).  What is that?  Basically it means your phone can act as a USB host (like … Continue reading →

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5 apps to clean up your phone

Posted on January 7, 2015 by robertwilkie

Clean Master and Startup Manager sound interesting.  I will give them both a try myself (since they are…well freeish).  Did not know CCLeaner also made an android clean app.  Looks like CCLeaner can also purge data too. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-apps-really-clean-android-device-arent-placebos/

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Another bluetooth garage door opener, but good for Apple

Posted on January 6, 2015 by robertwilkie

Basically uses a bluetooth module instead of a headset to get the job done.  Nice project overall.  If you want you can get a pre-made one from btmate.com http://hackaday.com/2015/01/02/a-bluetooth-garage-door-take-three/

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