With the recent Facebook for Android update, there is now a constantly running Facebook App in the background (in the active memory not as cached app) for android phones. This service (Facebook Upload Manager) is responsible (called) for when you are uploading any pic from your phone into your Facebook account. I don't like it :)) it takes up to 30mb+ memory when running and it just sits there in the active applications. Killing it doesn't work as it just restarts itself. You can force stop Facebook and the service will be gone but in a few mins (hours) you will find that it is active again.
I don't usually use my phone to upload to Facebook and I just don't like apps starting without my permission (aside from the usual apps hehe). There are two options; You can uninstall the update and live with the old version or if you are rooted you can issue the following command via a Terminal Emulator (pls check USB Debugging is Enabled before executing the command)
pm disable com.facebook.katana/com.facebook.katana.service.UploadManager
The command above will disable the said service. You can still use the Facebook App (check updates/chat etc) but you will not be able to upload any pics from your phone into your Facebook Account.
To enable, just change the command to enable hehehe
One more thing you can use this app (if you are rooted) Autostarts to see and disable any other app that starts during boot-up process on your phone.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Run Scripts @ Boot for Xperia Arc
If you like to tweak your phone like me, chances are you have some scripts you would like to run automatically when booting up. Unfortunately for us (using Xperia Arc) our stock rom
doesn't support /etc/init.d . This directory, if present and supported, is where you should put all your scripts that you want to run at startup.
You could download some apps in the Android Market to run your scripts during bootup. But if you don't want to, there is still a way for us to execute those scripts.
Create this file /system/etc/install-recovery.sh and call all your startup scripts from within. In some roms this script is a nuisance as it prevents the installation of a custom rom. In the Xperia Arc, it doesn't exist and yet is being called by init.rc. Best part is, it doesn't get deleted on startup once created.
Easiest way to create this is via Root Explorer
and just don't forget to setup the permissions (mine is setup as rwxr-xr-x)
I'm using this method to run zeppelinrox's V6 SuperCharger Script :D
doesn't support /etc/init.d . This directory, if present and supported, is where you should put all your scripts that you want to run at startup.
You could download some apps in the Android Market to run your scripts during bootup. But if you don't want to, there is still a way for us to execute those scripts.
Create this file /system/etc/install-recovery.sh and call all your startup scripts from within. In some roms this script is a nuisance as it prevents the installation of a custom rom. In the Xperia Arc, it doesn't exist and yet is being called by init.rc. Best part is, it doesn't get deleted on startup once created.
Easiest way to create this is via Root Explorer
and just don't forget to setup the permissions (mine is setup as rwxr-xr-x)I'm using this method to run zeppelinrox's V6 SuperCharger Script :D
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Free App Of The Day: SwiftKey X
Today's free app is SwiftKey X
List Price :$3.99
Price :$0.00
Description:
SwiftKey X is a next-generation AI keyboard, now with unrivaled prediction and personalization.
SwiftKey X for smartphones builds on TouchType's SwiftKey keyboard to offer cloud personalization, a new prediction engine, and a host of new UI improvements.
Using artificial intelligence breakthroughs, the SwiftKey X keyboard accurately predicts your most likely next word based on what you've already written. It can also scan your sent messages, and learn as you use it to make predictions even more accurately over time. The more you get to know your SwiftKey keyboard, the more it will get to know you.
Intelligent Next-Word Prediction
SwiftKey X Keyboard distinguishes itself from the other Android keyboards because of its incredibly accurate next-word prediction. SwiftKey X has proven in tests that about one-third of next words are predicted accurately without even typing a single letter. It seems crazy to say that it reads your mind, but does it?
How does it do that?
SwiftKey X doesn't actually read your mind. It so accurately predicts your next word using TouchType's Fluency Prediction Engine. It analyzes billions of background texts, user-specific vocabulary, and even how you use language when you send a text message, e-mail, or post on Facebook and Twitter. SwiftKey X supports nine languages, and you may download as many as you would like. It will support the use of three languages simultaneously.
Cloud-based Personalization
SwiftKey X
Fine-tuned typing styles to match the way you use your phone
Personalize your SwiftKey X typing experience with data from Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail, as well as your sent SMS messages. The new cloud personalization brings the typing experience to the next level.
Typing Styles to Suit You
Are you a precise and careful typist, or a rapid and less accurate one? SwiftKey X has fine-tuned typing styles to match the way you use your phone in order to maximize efficiency and make typing messages a breeze.
SwiftKey X dynamically adapts the touch-sensitive area of its keys, based on your actual touchscreen input actions, resulting in predictions that are based not just on the words you tend to use, but also the way you type.
Advanced Error Correction
It's easy to add and remove words from your dynamic language module. SwiftKey X remembers words you use frequently, and you can simply press and hold words you want removed. As SwiftKey X gets to know you, it will even correct your mistakes as accurately as it predicts your next word. Misspelling will become a thing of the past. SwiftKey X will even add those fancy accents in addition to your everyday apostrophe and hyphen.
SwiftKey X will enhance your productivity and eliminate your texting frustration. Start letting your keyboard work for you.
Will This Work on My Tablet?
This version of SwiftKey was designed for smaller screens. If you have a tablet, please consider downloading the SwiftKey X Tablet version, optimized specifically for larger screens. SwiftKey X Tablet is available for download from the Amazon Appstore.
Requires Additional Download (Free)
Touchtype's Fluency Prediction Engine supports nine languages, so upon installation, you will be asked to download the language(s) you use when texting. Swiftkey X supports the use of three languages simultaneously. This is a free download. The English download is approximately 6 MB.
* notes:
1. Image and Description came from Amazon
2. Amazon AppStore for Android is only available for those in the US. To get the app store even if you are not in the US refer to this link Android@MoDaCo
3. After setting up your Amazon account, download the app from within the AppStore app itself (the trick doesn't work if you clicked via the Amazon website).
List Price :$
Price :$0.00
Description:
SwiftKey X is a next-generation AI keyboard, now with unrivaled prediction and personalization.
SwiftKey X for smartphones builds on TouchType's SwiftKey keyboard to offer cloud personalization, a new prediction engine, and a host of new UI improvements.
Using artificial intelligence breakthroughs, the SwiftKey X keyboard accurately predicts your most likely next word based on what you've already written. It can also scan your sent messages, and learn as you use it to make predictions even more accurately over time. The more you get to know your SwiftKey keyboard, the more it will get to know you.
Intelligent Next-Word Prediction
SwiftKey X Keyboard distinguishes itself from the other Android keyboards because of its incredibly accurate next-word prediction. SwiftKey X has proven in tests that about one-third of next words are predicted accurately without even typing a single letter. It seems crazy to say that it reads your mind, but does it?
How does it do that?
SwiftKey X doesn't actually read your mind. It so accurately predicts your next word using TouchType's Fluency Prediction Engine. It analyzes billions of background texts, user-specific vocabulary, and even how you use language when you send a text message, e-mail, or post on Facebook and Twitter. SwiftKey X supports nine languages, and you may download as many as you would like. It will support the use of three languages simultaneously.
Cloud-based Personalization
SwiftKey X
Fine-tuned typing styles to match the way you use your phone
Personalize your SwiftKey X typing experience with data from Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail, as well as your sent SMS messages. The new cloud personalization brings the typing experience to the next level.
Typing Styles to Suit You
Are you a precise and careful typist, or a rapid and less accurate one? SwiftKey X has fine-tuned typing styles to match the way you use your phone in order to maximize efficiency and make typing messages a breeze.
SwiftKey X dynamically adapts the touch-sensitive area of its keys, based on your actual touchscreen input actions, resulting in predictions that are based not just on the words you tend to use, but also the way you type.
Advanced Error Correction
It's easy to add and remove words from your dynamic language module. SwiftKey X remembers words you use frequently, and you can simply press and hold words you want removed. As SwiftKey X gets to know you, it will even correct your mistakes as accurately as it predicts your next word. Misspelling will become a thing of the past. SwiftKey X will even add those fancy accents in addition to your everyday apostrophe and hyphen.
SwiftKey X will enhance your productivity and eliminate your texting frustration. Start letting your keyboard work for you.
Will This Work on My Tablet?
This version of SwiftKey was designed for smaller screens. If you have a tablet, please consider downloading the SwiftKey X Tablet version, optimized specifically for larger screens. SwiftKey X Tablet is available for download from the Amazon Appstore.
Requires Additional Download (Free)
Touchtype's Fluency Prediction Engine supports nine languages, so upon installation, you will be asked to download the language(s) you use when texting. Swiftkey X supports the use of three languages simultaneously. This is a free download. The English download is approximately 6 MB.
* notes:
1. Image and Description came from Amazon
2. Amazon AppStore for Android is only available for those in the US. To get the app store even if you are not in the US refer to this link Android@MoDaCo
3. After setting up your Amazon account, download the app from within the AppStore app itself (the trick doesn't work if you clicked via the Amazon website).
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Free App Of The Day: Sinister Planet
Today's free app is Sinister Planet
List Price :$2.00
Price :$0.00
Description:
Blast your way through wave after wave of relentless alien hordes and destroy increasingly challenging planets in this action-filled app for Android. Beautifully rendered meteors and retro-style graphics transport you back to the heyday of arcade classics in Sinister Planet.
Mission Objective
Your objective is to attack and destroy a series of alien worlds, progressing toward the ultimate challenge: Planet Sinister. To destroy each world you have to attack the surface and take out the power grid protecting the planet's core. To aid you in your quest, you have the opportunity to upgrade your ship's weapon systems by collecting power-ups (in Arcade mode) or amassing gold (in Battle mode).
As you progress through the waves, you will find yourself needing those upgrades as more deadly enemies are introduced. Upgrades available include extra laser pods to double or triple your firepower, ECM attacks (aka Smart Bombs), turrets for 360-degree shooting, and more.
Collect the Gems
To make it through each wave, collect the gems produced as you blast the asteroids out of the sky. Don't worry, the asteroids won't hurt you, but you will face a different challenge--your enemy just loves to grab those gems too. Make sure you reach them first, and shoot them quickly, or they will be transformed into much more dangerous foes.
As a welcome respite from the hard-core destruction, you get the chance to gain bonus points by completing the challenge waves. Aliens will fly in formation around your ship while you attempt to execute a complete wipe-out. It's not easy, but getting the right upgrades will greatly aid your mission. During the challenges your ship gains temporary indestructibility.
* notes:
1. Image and Description came from Amazon
2. Amazon AppStore for Android is only available for those in the US. To get the app store even if you are not in the US refer to this link Android@MoDaCo
3. After setting up your Amazon account, download the app from within the AppStore app itself (the trick doesn't work if you clicked via the Amazon website).
List Price :$
Price :$0.00
Description:
Blast your way through wave after wave of relentless alien hordes and destroy increasingly challenging planets in this action-filled app for Android. Beautifully rendered meteors and retro-style graphics transport you back to the heyday of arcade classics in Sinister Planet.
Mission Objective
Your objective is to attack and destroy a series of alien worlds, progressing toward the ultimate challenge: Planet Sinister. To destroy each world you have to attack the surface and take out the power grid protecting the planet's core. To aid you in your quest, you have the opportunity to upgrade your ship's weapon systems by collecting power-ups (in Arcade mode) or amassing gold (in Battle mode).
As you progress through the waves, you will find yourself needing those upgrades as more deadly enemies are introduced. Upgrades available include extra laser pods to double or triple your firepower, ECM attacks (aka Smart Bombs), turrets for 360-degree shooting, and more.
Collect the Gems
To make it through each wave, collect the gems produced as you blast the asteroids out of the sky. Don't worry, the asteroids won't hurt you, but you will face a different challenge--your enemy just loves to grab those gems too. Make sure you reach them first, and shoot them quickly, or they will be transformed into much more dangerous foes.
As a welcome respite from the hard-core destruction, you get the chance to gain bonus points by completing the challenge waves. Aliens will fly in formation around your ship while you attempt to execute a complete wipe-out. It's not easy, but getting the right upgrades will greatly aid your mission. During the challenges your ship gains temporary indestructibility.
* notes:
1. Image and Description came from Amazon
2. Amazon AppStore for Android is only available for those in the US. To get the app store even if you are not in the US refer to this link Android@MoDaCo
3. After setting up your Amazon account, download the app from within the AppStore app itself (the trick doesn't work if you clicked via the Amazon website).
Sunday, July 3, 2011
DIY Guitar Cable for iPad2/iPhone4 (iRig DIY)
If you have an electric guitar and an iPad/iPhone you've probably heard of these devices:
IK Multimedia AmpliTube iRig
Peavey AmpKit Link Electric Guitar Interface for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
In Singapore, the iRig is available at Davis Guitar Music Centre (Peninsula Shopping Centre) for around SGD $80-85 (sorry forgot the correct amount quoted). The Peavey Ampkit is around SGD $79 but is currently unavailable (from SweeLee and SV Guitars).
And for less than SGD $35 you can assemble your own iRig Guitar Cable to connect to the iPad/iPhone. I'll show you how.
All the items I bought was from Challenger (Singapore) but I will give links to Amazon items that can also be used.
1) The most important part is the main cable. Get a 3.5mm stereo (AV) plug - 3x RCA Plugs (Audio/Video Cable). To be sure that it will work, you should buy those that are made for the iPod Video like these below:
Belkin AV Cable for iPod 4G, 5G
I would like to point out that Not all RCA Video cable are wired the same way. If you have an existing 3.5mm to RCA A/V Cable (from old camcorders etc), by all means try if it works. But if you are going to buy one, just make sure it works with the iPod Video or was designed for the iPod Video.
2) RCA Female to 3.5mm Female adapter
Unfortunately for me this isn't available in Challenger so I bought these instead
Two RCA Plugs to 3.5mm Stereo Jack
RCA to RCA Jack
3) Last, but not the least, the RCA Jack to 1/4 Mono Plug
That's it. Just combine all these cables to look like the image below then rock on \m/ :D
I have tested this to work with the following iPad/iPhone Applications:
TROUBLESHOOTING: NO SOUND!!!
1) Change the RCA plug that goes into the guitar. Normally the Yellow RCA plug should be the one going into the guitar but I have seen others use the Red RCA plug. In fact, I have one other cable that works by using the White RCA plug as input.
2) Set your guitar to max volume and choose a single coil pick-up then plugin the cables into the iPad/iPhone. I'm using an Ibanez GRG170DXL that has two humbuckers and a single coil. If I choose the humbuckers there will be no line-in signal, but once I set it to single coil then re-plugin the cable, line-in signal was detected. After the iPad/iPhone has detected the line-in signal you can switch to the humbuckers.
* Just play with the switch positions on your guitar, re-plugin after every change to check if signal is detected.
3) In GarageBand, make sure the "Monitoring Option" is turned "On" to hear the guitar.
There you have it, your own DIY iRig Guitar Cable hehe
You can further enhance this by introducing an impedance matcher in the cable configuration such as below but I will not dwell on that :D
Shure A85F XLR-Female Lo-Z to Hi-Z 1/4"Male Transformer
IK Multimedia AmpliTube iRig
Peavey AmpKit Link Electric Guitar Interface for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
In Singapore, the iRig is available at Davis Guitar Music Centre (Peninsula Shopping Centre) for around SGD $80-85 (sorry forgot the correct amount quoted). The Peavey Ampkit is around SGD $79 but is currently unavailable (from SweeLee and SV Guitars).
And for less than SGD $35 you can assemble your own iRig Guitar Cable to connect to the iPad/iPhone. I'll show you how.
All the items I bought was from Challenger (Singapore) but I will give links to Amazon items that can also be used.
1) The most important part is the main cable. Get a 3.5mm stereo (AV) plug - 3x RCA Plugs (Audio/Video Cable). To be sure that it will work, you should buy those that are made for the iPod Video like these below:
Belkin AV Cable for iPod 4G, 5G
I would like to point out that Not all RCA Video cable are wired the same way. If you have an existing 3.5mm to RCA A/V Cable (from old camcorders etc), by all means try if it works. But if you are going to buy one, just make sure it works with the iPod Video or was designed for the iPod Video.
2) RCA Female to 3.5mm Female adapter
Unfortunately for me this isn't available in Challenger so I bought these instead
Two RCA Plugs to 3.5mm Stereo Jack
RCA to RCA Jack
3) Last, but not the least, the RCA Jack to 1/4 Mono Plug
That's it. Just combine all these cables to look like the image below then rock on \m/ :D
I have tested this to work with the following iPad/iPhone Applications:
TROUBLESHOOTING: NO SOUND!!!
1) Change the RCA plug that goes into the guitar. Normally the Yellow RCA plug should be the one going into the guitar but I have seen others use the Red RCA plug. In fact, I have one other cable that works by using the White RCA plug as input.
2) Set your guitar to max volume and choose a single coil pick-up then plugin the cables into the iPad/iPhone. I'm using an Ibanez GRG170DXL that has two humbuckers and a single coil. If I choose the humbuckers there will be no line-in signal, but once I set it to single coil then re-plugin the cable, line-in signal was detected. After the iPad/iPhone has detected the line-in signal you can switch to the humbuckers.
* Just play with the switch positions on your guitar, re-plugin after every change to check if signal is detected.
3) In GarageBand, make sure the "Monitoring Option" is turned "On" to hear the guitar.
There you have it, your own DIY iRig Guitar Cable hehe
You can further enhance this by introducing an impedance matcher in the cable configuration such as below but I will not dwell on that :D
Shure A85F XLR-Female Lo-Z to Hi-Z 1/4"Male Transformer
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Free App Of The Day: aTilt 3D Labyrinth
Today's free app is aTilt 3D Labyrinth
List Price :$3.99
Price :$0.00
Description:
Here's a labyrinth maze game with an emphasis on realistic physics, 3D graphics, and a top-notch gaming experience. Tilt your way through more than 250 levels, navigating walls and dodging holes.
Tilt Your Phone
To play aTilt, you hold your phone level with the ground and tilt it to move the ball around the board. If the ball falls into a hole, you'll have to start back at the beginning of the board. To win the game, guide the ball into the black-and-white striped goal. The labyrinth maps aren't static; they sometimes feature moving obstacles. The 3D image shifts subtly as you tilt the phone, which vibrates with your play.
Adjust Your Tilt
The settings menu lets you change tilt sensitivity, tilt calibration, 3D board movement, and other options.
Add Maps
No matter how long you play it, you'll never get bored with aTilt. You can download more than a half-dozen pages of additional maps, including one package specifically designed for kids, through the Get More Maps menu. You can even create your own maps on the aTilt website through a phone ID provided in the game, and share them with fellow users through a download key.
Share Success
Compete for global high scores and achievements through the option of OpenFeint, a leading platform for social gaming. With a free Feint account, your scores will be posted and you can compare notes with other players, earn rewards, and discover new games.
* notes:
1. Image and Description came from Amazon
2. Amazon AppStore for Android is only available for those in the US. To get the app store even if you are not in the US refer to this link Android@MoDaCo
3. After setting up your Amazon account, download the app from within the AppStore app itself (the trick doesn't work if you clicked via the Amazon website).
List Price :$
Price :$0.00
Description:
Here's a labyrinth maze game with an emphasis on realistic physics, 3D graphics, and a top-notch gaming experience. Tilt your way through more than 250 levels, navigating walls and dodging holes.
Tilt Your Phone
To play aTilt, you hold your phone level with the ground and tilt it to move the ball around the board. If the ball falls into a hole, you'll have to start back at the beginning of the board. To win the game, guide the ball into the black-and-white striped goal. The labyrinth maps aren't static; they sometimes feature moving obstacles. The 3D image shifts subtly as you tilt the phone, which vibrates with your play.
Adjust Your Tilt
The settings menu lets you change tilt sensitivity, tilt calibration, 3D board movement, and other options.
Add Maps
No matter how long you play it, you'll never get bored with aTilt. You can download more than a half-dozen pages of additional maps, including one package specifically designed for kids, through the Get More Maps menu. You can even create your own maps on the aTilt website through a phone ID provided in the game, and share them with fellow users through a download key.
Share Success
Compete for global high scores and achievements through the option of OpenFeint, a leading platform for social gaming. With a free Feint account, your scores will be posted and you can compare notes with other players, earn rewards, and discover new games.
* notes:
1. Image and Description came from Amazon
2. Amazon AppStore for Android is only available for those in the US. To get the app store even if you are not in the US refer to this link Android@MoDaCo
3. After setting up your Amazon account, download the app from within the AppStore app itself (the trick doesn't work if you clicked via the Amazon website).
Friday, July 1, 2011
Free App For The Day (iPad/iPhone)
Only now FREE!!
Following smash hits of "Mr." series in US,New "Mr." appears!
Nobody gets left behind to enjoy this hilarious NINJA and KATANA action game! The name is..."Mr.Ninja"!
Slash the aliens in the invaded KARAKURI castle!
*** About "Mr.Ninja" ***
*Extremely simple to play.
Step1...Tap the screen to jump.
Step2...Slash the aliens.
Step3...And slash the aliens. all of them!
That's all!
*This couldn't be better!
-One-touch control.
-Cool design with characteristic color scheme.
-Hilarious NINJA and KATANA action game.
-3 Game Modes are available.
*Game Center enabled!
Tiny Tower lets you build a tiny tower and manage the businesses and bitizens that inhabit it!
★Make money to build new types of floors and attract bitizens to live and work inside.
★Special events and VIP visitors will earn you special perks as you build your tower towards the clouds.
★Customize the look and placement of each floor and the bitizens that live in them, and upgrade your elevator.
★Game Center integration to let you see your friends towers, back up your game and earn awards.
★See what is on your bitizens' minds by peeking at the "BitBook" virtual social network for your tower!
Download the @FreeAppADay Store App and wish for more top rated paid apps like The Line HD to become FREE for a day!
*4.5 out of 5* "...what a game can and should be." - 148apps.com
*4.5 out of 5* "Unique, Fun and Addictive" -Enoda
*International Mobile Gaming Awards most innovative game nominee!
*"The game comes highly recommended for anyone who enjoys interactive games with puzzle elements..." -AppModo
*"Ant Hive Games has reinvented its crazy fun action puzzle game." -DIYgamer
*"An excellent puzzle/action title" -ApplicationIphone.com
"The Line HD is a very engaging very original logic game with an impressive play time (165 levels)" -VIPad.fr
*"This game is amazing, very unique!" "A unique puzzle game featuring attractive graphics and sound along with a ton of levels which keep introducing new types of obstacles." "Recommended!" -TouchArcade Forums
......................
The Line is a new innovative action puzzle game that requires both logic and skill.
In the Line you meet Eddy who is confined to the line from which he was spawned. As his guardian you are tasked with protecting him from the many dangers he will encounter as he makes his way ever forward.
This is done primarily by drawing and erasing lines from his environment to find him safe passage. In addition to fire and ice spells to control his speed, you will also have access to catapults and bumpers to shoot him over and around danger.
Along the way you will encounter 165 logic filled puzzles wrought with a host of hazards, including electrical beams, burning coils, acid droppers, angry slugs, and much more!
FEATURES:
CASUAL MODE
- Ease into the action with 50 casual levels, for quick pick up and play fun.
CLASSIC MODE
- 2 complete worlds, with a total of 115 levels to put your skills to the test.
REFINED CONTROLS
- Manipulate the environment with ease using the highly refined interface.
EASY NAVIGATING
-Using the freeze spell with a 2-finger drag, you can stop and pan around the level to plan for what's ahead.
SCORE BIG
- Post the best score and show the world what you've got.
ACHIEVE GREATNESS
- Over 20 achievements to unlock to keep you thinking outside the box.
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