Welcome aboard Nest Protect

I have always been an admirer of new technology, especially with that of start ups out there such as Pebble, Nano Leaf, and even including Nest Labs. When Nest Labs first came out with their Nest thermostat, it was very interesting to see how it functioned, however the price point of $249 CDN in my books was not worth the cause. However after seeing more demonstrations of it, I think that investing in a Nest Lab product by itself is an investment.

The iPad Air Has Arrived!

Well I am sure most of you will be probably upgrading from your older generations of the iPad, and some will be purchasing their very own first iPad. Like you all, I have made the plunge and have upgraded from the iPad 2 16GB WiFi which I have had for 2 years now I believe or if I am not mistaken. 

Finally We Can Find Our Android Phones

We are all aware of the Find my iPhone feature and the app on iOS devices, and Android users were dying for Google to come out with their own feature but just couldn't wait, so we had to rely on other services such as Cerberus which you have to pay for a subscription if I am not mistaken unless you are one of those lucky people who got a deal when they were having free subscriptions or Android Lost which I believe is completely free. 

Manually Updating Your Nexus 4 to Android 4.3

Good Evening Folks,

Yes I know it has been a long time but we are all excited to have seen the Nexus 7 version 2, Android 4.3 and Google's latest device - the Chrome Cast which were featured today on Google's Breakfast live stream at 12 PM EST. 

Now many of you are patiently waiting for the OTA for 4.3 to hit on your Nexus 4 devices provided that you are on stock Android 4.2.2 (i.e. boot loader, kernel, radio, recovery, etc) or you are not such as with root, non stock files, etc. 

Ubuntu Preview Build On My Galaxy Nexus - First Impressions

The wait is finally over! Canonical has finally released their preview builds for the Nexus devices excluding the Nexus One and Nexus S of course.

I thought I'd get my hands on this and try it out on my Galaxy Nexus first. Still debating whether or not I should try it out on my Nexus 4 and 7.

That being said, I gave it a whirl and here are my impressions, some pics and a quick overview.

Common Nexi Devices Guides

We all may have more than one Nexi device from the get go, or perhaps just one only, but hey its all the same procedures for the majority of them right? 

In this thread or post rather, I will be showing you video demonstrations as well as written guides on how to perform certain methods on your Nexi devices.

Seidio Surface Case + Kickstand For The Nexus 4

I finally got this case in the mail today. Yay. Ordered it on Feb 6th and was here in 9 days. 

Pros: 

1) Great quality/durability
2) Comes with a nice kickstand for viewing movies on your desk. The kickstand is magnetic so no issues about it ever sticking out when not in use. 
3) The finish of the red color is nice and looks great on the case
4) The ports are easily accessible based on the cut outs on the case and does not interfere at all

Nexus 4 Android Development Guides

I will first start off by having a dedicated post for all Nexus 4 related custom development or rather any software related topics, issues, guides, etc. I will update it on a regular basis again when I have the chance.

So here I go.

PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS TO YOUR DEVICE. PLEASE DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK

Android Customization/Development Guides:


ENABLING LTE ON YOUR NEXUS 4:

If you are on 4.2.2, please download the Radio/Baseband for 4.2.1 in order to get the following working. Otherwise if you are on the 4.2.2 Radio/Baseband it will not work.

You can find the link to the 4.2.1 Radio Baseband Here

This is What Android Should Have Been

Us computer savvy people know what Ubuntu is. For those who don't know, Ubuntu is a computer operating system (OS) that is derived from the Linux environment. Like Android OS, its solely free and open sourced.

Now the good news is that, wait for it... Ubuntu is in the works of making their very own smart phones in the coming year. So basically, as early as Q4 2013 or Q1 2014, you can expect to see smart phones running the Ubuntu operating system at a store/shelf near you.

AOKP Rebirth for Nexus Devices

That's right! AOKP (Android Open Kang Project) has done it again. This time they are starting over or rather focusing on Android Jelly Bean 4.2 by officially releasing Build 1 for the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus and Nexus 7 devices.

Installing A Custom Kernel on A Nexus Device

We all know that it is great to have an Android phone that is rooted, with a custom recovery and a custom ROM, especially with that of Nexi devices as the Android developmental scene is huge. However, have we ever shown appreciation for having a custom kernel included in our phones? Perhaps we have, and perhaps we have not.

Today, you will find three methods of how to install a custom Kernel on a Nexi device, particularly with that of a Nexus 4. The custom kernel I will be installing on my Nexus 4 device is no other than Mr. Franco's kernel. I am sure some of us may or may not have heard of Mr. Franco or his kernels, but all I can say is that he works for Google at Mountain View, CA.

Its Great To Be Back Here Again!

Good Afternoon Folks,

I know that it has been a while since I have last been on here, but due to various personal reasons, I could not dedicate the time. Going forward I shall now do so. 

That being said, this blog is converging into an Android Development Blog, particularly the Nexi devices: Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. Maybe we can include the Nexus S in here as well. 

So once again my further apologies. 

iPhone 4S Mini Review/Review

So it has been 4 days since the iPhone 4S has been launched by Apple at various carriers/retailers and the Apple Store. Have you got your iPhone 4S yet?

Motorola Mobility New Gadgets Revealed

After the conference led by Mr. Sanjay Jha, two devices have been announced by Motorola Mobility. The first being Motoactv and the last being the Droid RAZR.

Motoactv

So what are these devices and what do they do? Well according to Mr. Jha, the Motoactv is Motorola's very first music and fitness device combined together, sort of what you see in an iPod Nano with the benefit (depending on who you ask of course) of it running on Android. Yup there's some more Android love again! The Motoactv boasts a 600Mhz processor, running Android (version is yet to be known) and weighs at 35grams, has a built in Heart-rate monitor, Capacitive screen, can store up to 4,000 songs and has a built in FM radio.

Rogers Releases the HTC Jetstream LTE Tablet

So we all know that Bell and Rogers have both come out with LTE in their respective markets, mainly focusing on populous areas such as cities and its partial suburbs. For those of you who may not know, LTE means Long Term Evolution, basically instead of getting the "4G" speeds between 14.4Mbps to 42Mpbs, LTE is even faster, but comes with a price - an expensive data plan.

You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream

Yes, you heard me correct. No not the ice cream you get from the grocery stores, or the ice cream truck that comes through a neighbourhood, and have kids running towards it, selecting their favourite flavour of ice cream.

What I am talking about is Google's upcoming Operating System - Android 4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich. To top it off, Samsung is also releasing their device - the Galaxy Nexus formerly known as the Nexus Prime.

Emp's Thoughts - iOS Set Up vs Android Set Up

For all of you fan boys out there for iOS or Android, no this is not to bash either platform, but rather to discuss what I think about the two platforms in terms of starting it up/setting it up for use the first time.

Now we all have experienced the joys of opening up our new iPhone or Android devices, eager to set it up and to be able to use it.

iPhone 4S vs Samsung Galaxy S II Start Up time

Just comparing the two in terms of start up times.

Note: I think the iPhone 4S took longer because it hasn't been activated yet, but I did boot it up before hand and set up the language/region and WiFi. So theoretically it was the 2nd boot up. I'll upload that when I get a chance. Still need to get a micro sim and then a micro sim adapter for me to proceed further with the review heh.

iPhone 4S Un Boxing

The wait is finally here for you iOS/iPhone fans. Fortunately I got my hands on a 16GB factory unlocked iPhone 4S from the Apple Store for free. I shall not say how ;)\

Needless to say I've uploaded some pics and a video of me unboxing the iPhone 4S.

Blackberry Bold 9900/Code Name "Dakota" Hands On!

Hello fellow readers. Please excuse me it has been ages since I last posted an article on here. I know you all must have been missing my reviews of tech, apps, etc.

Just to keep you all up to date, I've acquired a Samsung Galaxy S II for a while now. Love the phone and such. Can't wait for the HTC Sensation (July 4th) to be released. Shall post a review of that if I can figure out the technical issues I'm experiencing when filming my reviews with my DSLR. Did so for the SGS II.