Robert Parker's Blog
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Set Google Calendar Alerts to Gentle Reminder Mode for Less Intrusive Reminders [Google Calendar]
Mar 10th
If you like calendar reminders but you’d like them a little less in-your-face, you can enable gentle reminders in Google Calendar to replace the reminder pop up. More »
Meltus to release a new app soon: Fully Configurable EQ Settings through Headset
Mar 10th
Meltus, developer of the app Louder Volume Hack, has been busy working hard on a brand new hack which he intends to turn into a new app eventually. For those of you not familiar with Louder Volume Hack (currently at v3.5), it pushes customized audio equalizer and volume settings to the /system partition, which provides a significant boost in volume to both the speaker-phone, headset, and Bluetooth devices, along with a major improvement in the clarity of music playback. The app is completely user-configurable, allowing for you to select either volume-specific hacks (which have the potential to increase distortion slightly, although there are numerous variations) or quality-specific hacks which tunes the Equalizer on the phone to increase the clarity and quality of music playback substantially (When using this setting, Meltus recommends using 320kb/s MP3s or preferably FLAC audio files to enjoy the full spectrum of sound). I’ve been using this app since its infancy, and can say it improves both the volume and quality of system sounds (ringers, notifications, etc) and music playback.
The new app will be quite similar to the hack used in Louder Volume Hack, except taken to the next level, by offering fully-configurable Equalizer settings through the headset, which wasn’t available in Louder Volume Hack, and should make everyone who uses their android device as a Portable Music Player quite happy. Meltus is currently doing testing, and has been hard at work tweaking the various configurations (Rock, Bass, and Treble) to ensure they all produce top quality audio through the headset.
He is currently releasing beta versions of the EQ app, and has released various different configurations for users to test in order to receive feedback to properly tune the equalizer. Feel free to check out his Twitter feed for the latest updates and configurations.
On a similar note, Meltus is also hard at work attempting to get Louder Volume Hack working on Nexus, so look forward to something N1-compatible soon.
Sasmsung Galaxy Spica now live from Rogers.
Mar 10th
Its confirmed Rogers has added the Samsung Galaxy Spica to its Android Line up, the site dosnt say what version of Android its running. Here’s the specs:
It comes boxed with:
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Battery
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Stereo Headset
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Travel Charger
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DataCable
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2GB Micro SD Card
Pricing:
$79.99 CDA – 3Year Contract
$349.99 CDA – 2Year Contract
$399.99 CDA – 1Year Contract
$499.99 CDA Flatout
Source:Rogers
Do you own a Samsung Galaxy? Tell us what you think of it or Rogers in the comments!
Headmagnet Generates Intelligent Flash Cards [Flashcards]
Mar 10th
If you’ve been underwhelmed by the flash card and study aid sites you’ve found online, you’ll definitely want to check out Headmagnet. Headmagnet records what you remember and quizzes you in the most efficient way. More »
Get the Most From Your Point-and-Shoot Camera [Photography]
Mar 10th
Just because you’ve got a relatively inexpensive point-and-shoot camera and not a $1500+ DSLR rig doesn’t mean you can’t take awesome photos. Here’s a look at how you can elevate your regular old point-and-shoot shots to greatness. More »
Completely Erase Storage Drives for Security [Security]
Mar 10th
No matter how you’re getting rid of a computer or external drive, you want all your data removed from it, because identity thieves love laziness. MaximumPC details the best ways to wipe down a hard drive, SSD, or USB drive.
The editors at MaximumPC break down the reasoning, technical details, and best practices for properly erasing everything from every nook and cranny of desktop, laptops, spare drives, and anything else that runs on magnetic disks or solid-state memory. Jason has previously detailed the physical means of erasing media, but MaximumPC’s guide, posted at our sister site Gizmodo, offers a lot of options for those of different technical savvy levels, and, more importantly, leaves the drives intact for future use.
When you’re getting rid of a drive, how do you wipe it clean and prep it for new use? Let us know in the comments.
Rentals.com App Arrives on Android
Mar 10th
Those of you looking to fly the coop this summer once school gets out might want to consider the new Rentals.com app for Android. Designed to help consumers find single-family houses, apartments and condos for rent, the free app uses GPS to search for nearby availabilities. Other features include searching by zip, state and city as well as filtering results by property type, price, amenities, and more. Where available, the application gives users full-color photos, maps, and other property information.
“We provide consumers with immediate access to relevant, localized information as they search for a place to live, and utilizing mobile technology makes the renting process that much easier. Our mobile apps not only give users another medium for gathering information on single-family houses, apartments and condos for rent, but also provide them with the ability to search for listings and contact property owners or managers while on-the-go.”- Jamie Clymer, president of Rentals.com
Download Rentals.com for Android
If you are interested in checking out Rentals.com for Android, you can grab it for free out of the Android Market. If you have Barcode Scanner on your handset, you can simply scan the code to the right!
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Turn a Hoodie into a Laptop Bag [Clever Uses]
Mar 10th
If you like getting the most use out of your possessions as possible, this guide will help you turn a hooded sweatshirt into a laptop bag, baby carrier, and more.
Over at the design site Conceptual Devices, they have a project called Just Undo It that emphasizes the use of common objects in new and versatile ways. Check out the video below to see how they turn a hooded sweatshirt into a laptop bag:
In addition to the laptop bag video they have multiple photo tutorials available at the link below—including one for the laptop bag for those of you at a YouTube-unfriendly location. Check out the full site for guides on how to make a pillow, carry all, laptop bag, baby carrier, and more.
Evernote to be Pre-Installed on Samsung Android Phones
Mar 10th
Evernote, the popular, cross-platform app service that lets users create notes, snap photos, and record audio, will now be pre-installed on selected Android-based Samsung handsets. The first smartphone to see Evernote loaded is the T-mobile’s Behold II, which recently saw a software update.
“We’re incredibly excited to be working closely with Samsung on their line of Android phones. Android represents Evernote’s fastest growing mobile platform. This partnership helps Evernote reach a huge new audience with our promise of perfect memory for everyone,” said Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote.
With Evernote, individuals can create and find notes on their Android handset, PC, or web. Everything that is captured by the service is synchronized and instantly accessible so users can stay connected and organized in ways not possible just a few years ago.
Source: Press release
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Beta Test This! Tether for Android
Mar 10th
Tether, the company who originally produced a Blackberry app allowing users to tether their smart phone data to their computer is now officially in beta! Tether has sent out emails to those previously signed up for their beta this evening. My own notification arrived just a little while ago. If you are not signed up for this beta but would like to particpate, you can find it here. Fill out the information and you’re good to go. Happy tethering!
Source: Tether Website and Android Central
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