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  • A busy time for development work!

    I have an awful lot of development work on my lap right now. And that’s the non-work related stuff!

    First up, my Java book has turned up, so I intend to start learning that. Once learnt, I’ll then be ordering another book this time for how to create Android Apps using my previously learnt Java skills.

    I also still have my Visual Basic book to get through as well (do you think I could do both at the same time or would that get confusing?).

    I’ve recently launched an initial website for a new product named navPOInt – a SatNav POI editor for Audi/VW owners. A video is being produced of it in action, which I will then be embedding on the site. Once the software development for this is complete (which I’m not doing, I should add) I’ll then need to build a complete site, complete with instructions, forums and the usual gubbins.

    I also have planned changes to make to this site and the Copy+ site.

    I’m also still working on my WordPress plugins. My caching function (as used by a number of my plugins) is being completely re-written, I have some ideas for new plugins and I’m in the process of updating a number of the existing ones.

    First up, though, is an update to Simple Social Bookmarks to add Google Buzz, which I’m underwhelmed with. Even the ability to share links on Buzz is being done via a “back door” method as Google hasn’t provided the facility to do it.

    And somewhere in all of that I need to squeeze in some blogs about recommended Android Apps, a review of the most popular Android Twitter Apps and a post of recommended HTC Hero accessories.

  • The iPad – fitting a role that doesn't exist?

    I can see the attraction of a tablet PC (which, no matter how they try and dress it up, is all the iPad is) but all Apple have done is dress theirs up with their funky phone OS and a quality touch screen.

    None-the-less, because of the drum banging and ceremony that goes with an Apple launch, BBC feel the need to allow people to submit their comments. My favourite is this…

    Apple never just produces ‘gadgets’; they engineer solutions that people can see fitting into their lives eventually.

    It’s that last word… eventually. What he’s trying to say is that Apple find solutions to problems that don’t currently exist. Whoever could accuse Apple customers of being vain, purchasing style over price and function?

    Having said that, I quite like this comment…

    You can just hear the money being poured into the Apple bank account as the brainless tech sheep of this generation rush out to by this fantastically overpriced netbook.

    <snigger>  The worst comment award though must go to..

    Finally stupid netbooks will disappear. But if you’re going to carry around a 10-inch so-called pad why not just buy a Macbook with more power, to do work, play DVDs and all that added functionality?

    Yea, those stupid netbooks. Good case against them. Erm. But, yea, if you’re going to carry around a 10-inch computer, why not just buy a much, much bulkier 13-inch Macbook at not far off twice the price of an iPad<snort>?  Stupid consumers eh? And there they are buying 10-inch £200 Netbooks. What are they thinking?

  • WordPress for Android

    WordPress have announced the release of the WordPress for Android App.

    According to WordPress…

    The initial release has focused on giving you the ability to manage your blog while on the go.

    Features include the ability to:

    • Configure and manage multiple blogs
    • Comment moderation including the ability to reply to comments
    • Create and Edit Posts including categories, tags and photos
    • Create and Edit Pages
    • Get notified of new comments in the Android notification bar

    I was using wpToGo, which had a more restricted set of abilities, but this taken over by WordPress and modified to this new plugin. I replaced it last night and, indeed, it is a much better and powerful tool, allowing me to view my posts and create new ones (amongst many other things) in a very easy fashion.

    If you administer a WordPress blog, this is highly recommended.

  • Clearing all data from the Nokia N95

    As I said I would, I’m selling my Nokia N95 to one of the many “we’ll buy your old mobile” sites (the one that would give me the most money!).

    However, first, I had to remove all my personal data from it. There is an option in the settings to reset it to factory settings but that leaves the data behind.

    After some searching I found the answer. So, here’s what to do…

    1. Connect your Nokia to your PC and format the removable drive (FAT32 flavour)
    2. Disconnect and type in the following on the phone – *#7370#
    3. It will prompt you for a lock code. If you’ve not changed this, the default is 12345.
    4. It will now reset and start prompting for country, date and time, etc.

    And it’s done. Bye bye Nokia – you promised so much but ended up a disappointment.

  • What they don’t tell you about Android & the HTC Hero

    What they don’t tell you about Android & the HTC Hero

    Before I bought my Hero, research highlighted a few things that I suspect (and, indeed, looking at forums I know this is the case) many first-time users won’t realise at the time of purchase. What I’m not so sure about is where the dividing line is between T-Mobile, HTC and Android, so some of this information may only be relevant to one of these. Or a combination.

    So, in no order what-so-ever, here’s my list of what you need to know.

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