teeemoy.com » Gadgets

Smart Phone Pamphlet Design

Tim — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:43:21 +0000

Ilshat Garipov, a Russian designer, comes up with an idea for a smart phone, and it is both elegant and functional. When I first saw the phone, I almost pissed my pants. Currently, I’m using a Nokia X2-01 because I fucked up my iPhone, and I got it for free with a 2 year contract with Sun Cellular. Ever since, I’ve been window shopping for an Android phone. From the Galaxy S-II to the Quad core LG Optimus, my mouth has watered for these modern smart phones. Unfortunately, my budget just won’t allow me to buy a phone that costs more than $300. So I just settled.

After seeing this pamphlet design from Mojorno, my heart rate went up a bit.

The Booklet unfolds like a pamphlet with each side representing a commonly used application or function. Manufacturers can cut it to any size and once it’s worn out, just recycle it. Don’t worry about private information because everything is served from a cloud. Power is supplied by, SURPRISE, the sun thanks to energy absorbing nanoparticles.

- Yanko Design

The booklet phone is solar powered as well. I remember the first time I’ve been to a fireworks show, that “WOW” feeling and chills that ran down my spine, it’s happening all over again. Now for the bad news. There are no plans for this design to hit the mainstream because nanoparticle technology is still on the drawing board. My kids will probably be the generation who will enjoy this technology. Lucky bastards.

[View with PicLens]

Unboxing My Canon EOS 60D

Tim — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:49:29 +0000

I finally took the plunge and gotten myself my second body. I bought a Canon 60D DSLR body only package. I have enough lenses already so I didn’t get a kit package.

The box itself isn’t anything special. It’s the usual Canon camera box. The Canon T1i DSLR I purchased last year had a better looking box than this one.

When you open the box, the first thing you get to see are the manuals and CDs which are placed in two separate plasic bags. The manuals in one bag are: The Canon EOS 60D User Guide, The quick start guide, and the usual Canon Catalog featuring all their products. The other plastic bag contains: The Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, and the Canon EOS Digital – Sofware Instruction Manual.

After taking out those plastic bags, you are now able to open the box completely. This is where the goodies are.

Here are the contents:
Canon EOS 60D DSLR
1 LP-E6 Battery
1 LC-E6E Battery Charger
1 PC USB Cable
1 Media USB Cable (RCA)
1 Canon EOS Camera Strap

I took different shots of different angles of the camera. At this point, I notice a lot of similarities between this camera and the Canon EOS 7D.

Feel is about the same, despite the 7D’s magnesium alloy body. The rubber feels durable. Dials are almost in the same place as the Canon 500D except for the main dial at the back which is present in the 50D except for the 9 axis directional buttons, which feel plasticky by the way.

The top dial is a bit different. You’ll have to press the small button at the top to change modes, which I personally feel isn’t necessary. And of course, the most distinguishable physical feature with this camera and older EOS models is the swivel screen which rotates 180 degrees.

I haven’t played around with the camera’s interface that much yet, but basically, it’s about the same as the Canon 7D. However, I did conduct a noise test. I did it at a very, very dimly lit hotel room. Here are the settings:
Av Mode, f/8, -1/3EV at different ISO settings.

[View with PicLens]

From what I notice, noise starts to become significantly visible at ISO 1600 and up. This is way better than my 500D where noise is already irritating at ISO 800.

At this point, this is all the testing I’ve done with the camera. If you want a full in depth review, I suggest going to [dpreview]. Overall, I’m happy with what I got, and I’m hoping my photography would only improve from here on out.

You can support me by buying yourself a Canon EOS 60D from [Amazon]. Thanks.

How to Update Your Android Mid v7 aPad Firmware to Modroid v7 2.2 Froyo

Tim — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:08:50 +0000

This article is a guide to updating your Mid v7 Android Tablet (aPad) to Modroid v7. The Modroid v7 Firmware is based on the Eken 1.5.1 firmware which is also based on the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system. Whether you’re experiencing wifi issues, non-responsiveness, or you just want to update, the Modroid v7 firmware is perfect. For this tutorial, it won’t matter what version or firmware you currently have because this firmware will replace any existing firmware installed on your device. Here goes:

Download the firmware files from this link: http://filefactory.com/file/cde317a/n/Modroid-v7.zip
After downloading the zip file, extract it to a convenient directory.
Format your microSD card to FAT32 by inserting it into a card reader and plugging it into a USB port on your computer.
NOTE: The Readme file that came with the modroid v7 zip file warns that you should use a 1, 2, or 4GB card because larger cards may not work.
Place all of the files you extracted from the zip file to the SD card. Do not place it into any directory. Put it directly on the card.
Run changer.bat from the sd card and select the number of the device you have then insert the microSD card into your aPad.
Turn on your aPad. Flashing will begin automatically.

After flashing, you will be instructed to remove the SD card and after you do that, a reboot will follow. Loading Modroid for the first time may take up to 5 minutes so just relax. If it takes more than that, reinsert your microSD card to your computer and run changer.bat again and pick another number.

In my case, I chose “1″ because I’m using the green LED aPad but it didn’t take it. So I tried “2″ and for some reason, it booted successfully so that may just be case for you as well.

After you’re able to boot into Modroid, follow the rest of the instructions from the readme file which I’ve posted below.

Before you get all excited and start playing around you need to do this to get a “fully” working android market. Connect to wifi/ethernet to get online then do the following.

Open the Market and let it fully load. Then press the home button.
Go to Settings \ Applications \ Manage \ Running
Press “Market”
Press “Clear cache” (do not clear data)
Press “Force stop”
Return to “Settings \ Applications \ Manage \ Running”
Press “Google Services Framework”
Press “Clear Data”
Press “Force Stop”
Press home button.
Restart Google Market. It should give an error message (this is good)
Reboot

Special Thanks to [wicknix] from the [SlateDroid] forums for all his hard work and by putting this firmware up.

How To Update Your Zenithink ZT-180 from Android 2.1 to 2.2

Tim — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:28:47 +0000

For some people, paying $600 for an iPad is out of the question. I happen to be one of those people. I did a lot of research and testing when I got my hands on this Zenithink ZT-180 epad, apad thing. There are different variants to this device. Mine happens to be the 1GHz ARM Processor, 256MB ram, 2GB nand version. This is my basis for the tutorial. If you have a different device, make sure you get the files specific to your unit.

Checking the version.

Turn on your tablet, tap on Settings > About Device.
Scroll down to the bottom. Take a look at the Android Version. If it says android_2.2, you’re done. Otherwise, read on.
Take a look at the Build number. It will display a long line of characters.

As of writing, mine says: zt180-eng AOSP OPENMASTER eng.root.20110603.120935. My firmware version is the 0603 version. This means that this firmware version was released on 06/03/2011. The newer the version, the better.

When I first got the device, what it first said was 20100826, which means it was the 0826 firmware which was pretty old. If you googled this tutorial, you probably have the same version as I did. At this point, the tablet doesn’t respond well to finger presses, so I suggest you use a stylus to navigate through the tablet menus. Let’s move on.

OTB Flashing.

OTB is the small USB port on the side of your device right below the power input. In this step, we’re updating your firmware version from 0826 to 0117.

NOTE: This is still going to be Android 2.1.

To be be able to flash your device, you’ll need to install the USB Burn Tool. You can get it from here: [link]
Also you’ll need download this: [link]. These are the firmware files you’ll need.
Extract the rar to a convenient location on your PC.
Now, follow the instructions on this video but using the files you just downloaded: [link]

Here’s what you need to remember about the USB Burn Tool settings:

uboot-spl should have the path to ZT_Bx.spl
uboot-img should have the path to ZT_Bx.boot
linux-kernel should have the path to zImage
linux-sys should have the path to system.pack.img
linux-udat should have the path to userdata.pack.img

NOTE: Make sure DEVICE10 is green before you start flashing.

After flashing, your tablet will be running a newer version of Android 2.1. You’re currently running the 0117 firmware. We’re halfway there.

Getting to 2.2.

At this point, you’ll want to get hold of the 0324 firmware. This is where we will be upgrading from 0117 to 0324 firmware. This is the first step getting to Android 2.2. For some people, this update will be enough.

NOTE: I’m not sure if you’re able to update directly from 0826 to 0324 because I’ve never tried it. Please leave a comment below if it is at all possible so I can shorten this tutorial.

Let’s go on.

Download the files from here: [link]
Using the USB Burn Tool again, go to settings and match the paths to the appropriate files. However, this time, you’ll notice that there isn’t a ZT_Bx.boot file. That’s ok, uncheck the box. We don’t need it.
Click on Start. After the flashing process, we are now on the 0324 firmware and you are finally on Android 2.2.

If you’re content, you can actually stop here. I did for a while.

Getting the 0603 update.

This is the latest update as of writing. It has a few new enhancements to the User Interface (by taking advantage of the VTL Launcher) and fixes to make the tablet more responsive. The steps below are upgrading from the 0324 to 0603 firmware. This is what I’m currently using as of writing.

Access this page on the slatedroid forums: [link] and download the necessary files for your device.
Create a new folder on the root of your MicroSD card named ‘zt-update’. Put all of the files you just downloaded into that folder.
Turn off your tablet. Make sure the SD card is inserted into the tablet.
Press the left button (or the volume up button) on the tablet while turning it on. A prompt will appear asking you to start the update. Press on the back (or the square) key and the flashing begins.

Once you’re done, check the version. You should be on the same 0603 firmware as I am. Sometimes, it’ll say 20110601, it doesn’t matter, it’s the same thing.

Be sure to check this page from time to time for updates: [link].

Conclusion.

I realize it’s such a hassle to perform updates on this thing, and support is somewhat questionable. Hey, you paid less than $200 for the thing! You get what you paid for. If you don’t like it, get a Galaxy Tab or an iPad. The tedious steps above will definitely make the tablet worth what you paid for and maybe a bit more. If you were able to finish this whole tutorial, enjoy your device. I’m sure you’ve learned something new today.

Gallery.

Here are some screen shots of my ZT-180 after flashing.

I would like to extend my thanks to:

Links that I used to flash my device and make this tutorial:

Yaniv Berg’s DSLR

Tim — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:47:16 +0000

It definitely looks like what you think it is. Yup! It’s a penis DSLR. Yaniv Berg’s concept is instead of holding the camera to your eyes, the user points it to frame a subject at stomach level. For guys, it will look like you have a big hard on protruding out of your tummy. This is definitely a camera I want. However, there’s no pricing or availability. It’s just a design. Cool design though.

Source: [Yanko Design]

Unboxing My Canon T1i(500D)

Tim — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:19:21 +0000

A while back, I ordered a Canon T1i from the states through my boss. It was mailed using a balikbayan box. In the meantime, I was using my Dad’s Nikon D90 to do my photography work. What I ordered was a bundle. The bundle came with a kit lens and a zoom lens. It cost me a total of $917 with tax. Now that same [bundle] costs $1099 without tax. So I guess I was lucky when I ordered it. July 21, 2010 was the day it arrived. I picked up my T1i all the way from across town. When I got home, I snapped pictures with it using my dad’s Nikon D90. My first impression was that the T1i was light and it was way smaller than the D90. The LCD screen was the same size as the D90, 3 inches. What was inside the box were the following:

Canon T1i body
Canon EOS Digital Strap
18-55mm EF-S IS f/4-5.6 Kit Lens
Instruction Manual
Quick Start Guide
Software CD and Software Tutorial CD
Warranty Forms
Battery Charger and Battery Pack

In a separate box was the zoom lens that came with the kit. It was the 55-250mm EF-S IS f/4-5.6 Zoom. It also came with its own manual, which I never read by the way. When I started using the camera, It felt like a stranger. Until now, I’m still struggling but I’m starting to get used to it. A few more weeks, I think I’ll be able to get the hang of this thing. In the mean time, until I am satisfied with the pictures I take with it, here are the unboxing pictures:

[View with PicLens]

iPhone 4 Unlocked

Tim — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:24:15 +0000

It’s about damn time. The people responsible for the Android port for the iPhone of the iPhone Dev Team have now been able to unlock the iPhone 4. Apple will probably now be releasing a firmware update to undo the damage. Then iPhone Dev Team will come around, and unlock the phone again. The cycle goes on.

When will Apple learn that people hate AT&T’s service and the rest of their partners? When will they realize that the way to go is to sell units independent of carrier plans? They should do what Nokia did, sell phones and still partner up with carriers. If the half wits at Apple did this, I’m pretty sure they’ll put those hackers out of business and sell more phones than they already do. They’ll probably put Android out of business as well. Tsk tsk. Nevertheless, the iPhone 4 is unlocked and the guide can be found [here].

Motorola Droid X Review

Tim — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:00:56 +0000

One of the better phones that was released was the Motorola Droid X. You can get it for $150 from Verizon with a 2-year contract. Now, does it stack up to the iPhone 4, or any other Smart phone out there? You be the judge.

…the Droid X becomes a much less magical phone than the Droid was. It’s good, and it’s a pretty enjoyable execution of Android 2.1, but it’s not a must-have phone — especially in light of the Droid Incredible and the upcoming Droid 2. From a hardware perspective, this phone is pretty much a bang-on execution of what a high-end mobile powerhouse should be, but Motorola clearly still has work to do in order to play in the same software league as HTC does with Sense. If it can get there — or heck, if it can just offer this phone with stock Froyo — you’ve got perhaps the best Android phone ever made.

Full Review: From [Engadget]

Bike That Folds When Parked

Tim — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:22:14 +0000

There are a lot of advantages if you ride a bike in busy city streets. First, you can skate through traffic. Stop lights aren’t an issue. You don’t need a drivers license. You don’t have to worry about gas. You get a full cardio workout. The only disadvantage is parking. A lot of bikes are stolen around the world everyday from New York to Paris, only because it’s so easy to steal. Now, a De Montfort University graduate creates a foldable bike. You can fold the damn thing to a pole so it will never get stolen. Check it out.

Thanks [DailyMail]

Point and Shoot Comparison

Tim — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:00:09 +0000

Here’s a quick comparison between the Sony NEX-5, NEX-3, Panasonic GF1, and the Olympus E-PL1. These are the best point and shoot cameras out on the market these days. Why? they all have interchangeable lenses. Why is that good? Because different photographic compositions may require different types of lenses. You may ask yourself, why not just get a DSLR? My answer here would be, yes. Get a DSLR, and if you’re a serious photographer, you may also need a back up camera in case your DSLR falls off a bridge. As for me, I don’t want to keep bringing around a bulky Canon 5D Mark II all the time. So if I don’t want to miss a single moment, I’d be best off picking up one of these point and shoot cameras to carry around in my pocket. Personally, I think I’m inclined to go for the Sony NEX-5. It’s well built and compact. It also looks like a DSLR met a cameraphone and made a baby. Anyway, check out the comparison to know which is the best compact digital point and shoot camera for you.

Quick Comparison of Sony NEX-5 vs NEX-3 vs Panasonic GF1 vs Olympus E-PL1 - Click to Enlarge

[Source]

A Dish Washer I’d Kill For

Tim — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:29:44 +0000

Not only does it look good as a centerpiece for your kitchen, it also automatically washes and stores your dishes. However, it was designed mainly for the yuppie couple without kids. It can only do a couple of dishes and glasses at a time. To me, it still looks like one hell of a kitchen accessory and I want one so bad. Bad news for me though, this is still being developed by Bosch in collaboration with [Robert Lange], an urban designer, and won’t be released any time soon. I have my fingers crossed though. In the meantime, check out the pictures.

[View with PicLens]

[Source]

How To Get An Unlocked iPhone 4 and a MicroSIM

Tim — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:32:35 +0000

Before I begin, I’d like to say first of all, it’s not that easy. You’ll need someone from a particular region of the world to pull this off and you’ll need better motor skills than a middle aged person hopped up on caffeine. Here goes.

Buy an unlocked iPhone from the UK Apple Store for £499 (16GB) or £599 (32GB).
Get the damn thing shipped to wherever you are.
Cut your regular SIM card to microSIM size using a pair of scissors.
Put the sim into the phone and you’re good to go.

[Source]

Ideal Home Office for Small Spaces

Tim — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:27:52 +0000

I’ve been working at home for quite a while now. It’s been great. However, I’ve got to be honest, from time to time, I just wish I could see the world a bit. Sometimes, I work from coffee shops and restaurants just to experience a change of scenery. The only flaw when I move out of my home office is that I sometimes leave important stuff behind. Now, I come across this mobile office. At first glance, I said, “Wow.” Then after browsing the pictures, I realized that this can’t work for me. How the hell am I going to fit this in my car? But then again, the design is just captivating even though it just isn’t practical. However, if you live in a limited space and you decide at certain times of day to make a home office in your living room, I think this will be perfect for you.

Thanks [DVICE.com]

[View with PicLens]

Solar Strap for DSLRs

Tim — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:53:26 +0000

Here’s something I’d like to wrap around my neck. With my Canon T1i on the way, I’m pretty sure battery life is going to be an issue here. Hence, this gadget. It’s a camera strap that charges your battery while it hangs around your neck. It’s equipped with a thin solar panel and a DC plug. Simple, yet brilliant. I’m pretty sure I’ll be needing something like this come next month. The only issue here is that it isn’t commercial yet, and there’s no word of pricing and availability. I just hope I see it in stores real soon.

Thanks to [Akihabara News]

Companies I’m Keeping Tabs On

Tim — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:50:02 +0000

Microsoft
The Xbox 360 S is out. Here’s a review and as early as now, here‘s a case of the RRoD. It’s got a sleeker design and it comes in glossy black. They didn’t make much of a design change on the controller. Instead of the standard black body and gray analog sticks and D-pad, the new controller is all black. It has built in Wireless N and the usual HDMI input and USB ports. There’s also a plug for the Kinect, which is the final name of Project Natal. The Xbox 360 S is priced at $299.99. Kinect pricing is TBA.

Nintendo
It’s official. Nintendo is calling it the Nintendo 3DS. Unlike other 3D devices, the 3DS doesn’t require you to wear any ridiculous glasses. It utilized a 200 MHz DMP Pica200 IP core to display the 3D graphics. Pricing is expected to be between $150 and $200. The release date is still a bit sketchy. Expected ship date is the first quarter of 2011. More here.

Apple
The new iPhone 4 is to be released on June 24 according to Steve Jobs on WWDC 2010. The phone will have the following: New look, new processor, new display, and a new camera. Details are here. Colors available will be black and white. Pricing will be $199 for $16GB and $299 for 32GB. Of course, this only applies if you sign up for two years with AT&T. Also the new iPhone OS dubbed iOS 4 has been released. It was expected within the day and apparently, on the same day, it has already been unlocked. I won’t be updating to IOS 4 any time soon because I’m still using an iPhone 2G and Steve Jobs doesn’t like me. I’m looking to get a new phone and I’m open to suggestions.