Sunday, December 19, 2010

Notes Zenithink ZT-180 ePad Android

Notes Zenithink EPad Android

These notes are about the Zenithink ZT-180 256MB (version 1). However, users of other models may find some similarities and hence useful notes here.


Ports on Zenithink and their functions
   Top side
T-F - slot for memory card, also known as MicroSD
Power On/Off - button for switching on / off
USB to RJ45 - microUSB connector to a LAN connector (supplied with Zenithink)
Software Menu - for selecting different software
   Bottom side
Speakers
   Right side
DC - to connect to power suppl for charging
OTG - USB On the Go - a specification for USB allowing the device to be a slave USB.
USB - to connect USB devices
Headphone -
Reset -
Mic -


Change Settings
Settings -> Sound and Display -> Display Settings -> Screen Timeout


Checking Information of ePad
- Version:  Settings app -> About MID -> Firmware, Kernel, Build, etc
- MAC Address: Settings app -> About MID -> Status -> Wi-Fi Mac address



Some interesting APPS for the Android
Applications
Adobe Reader
Amazon Kindle
Amazon MP3
Bible Reader KJV
Bible Reader Olive Tree
Dolphin Browser
Ebay
FT Mobile
Google Books
Google Maps
Google Market
Google SkyMap
Nagivation
Notepad
Office Suite
PDF Viewer
Places
Twitter
YouTube

Utilities
Advanced Task Killer Free
DevTools
Latitude
ROM Gripper
Sound Recorder
Spare Parts
Superuser
Wifi Advanced Configuration Editor

Educational

Algebra Tutor
Arity
Coloring Finding Nemo
Coloring Disney Princess


Dora Memory Game
Dora Explorer Puzzle 
Hello Kitty Puzzle
Math Workout
Princess Memory Game



Fun and Games

Angry Birds
Ataroid Lite
Checkers Free
Chess
Chuck Norris
Hangman Classic
Mole Mole Mole
Piano
Pinball
Reversi
Robo Defense
Smart Tac Toe
SpiderMan


How to Flash Zenithink ZT-180 or install the latest firmware

There are many ways to flash or upgrade Android on the Zenithink. There are many sites with a few good ones on how to do this. But I decide to write these notes because none of the sites have complete and detailed instructions. There always seem to be a step missing. So these notes will be detailed but for a very specific case only.

For Zenithink users on Adroid 2.1 who wants to upgrade to Android 2.2.
To be speficic, these notes apply for Android 2.1 10(1030) to Android 2.2 11(0326)
This upgrade path MUST use USB install method (using 32bit Windows PC).
The SDcard install method CANNOT be used at this stage yet.

Part A: Installing Android USB drivers
1. This step is necessary so that the Zenithink can be connected via USB to a 32 bit PC to use the BurnTool.
2. Download the BurnTool package which contains the USB driver from.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/aa6i53txsocplvm
The link to BurnTool 7.41 can be found from
http://www.slatedroid.com/wiki/index.php?title=Wiki:ZT-180_FAQ#Click_Here_to_view_all_available_ROMs_for_the_ZT-180
The BurnTool 7.41 is for ROM 1104 or later. It is for 32 bit system.
3. Unpack the BurnTool RAR file which contain the following into a folder called BurnTool7.41:

 android_usb_windows.zip

 secbulk.rar
 burn.ini

 burntool.exe
 Readme.txt
 ZT_Bx.boot
 ZT_Bx.spl

4. Make a new folder anywhere called adroid_usb.
- Unpack the contents of BurnTool7.41/android_usb_windows.zip into adroid_usb folder.
- Unpack the contents of BurnTool7.41/secbulk.rar into adroid_usb folder.
5. connect USB cable to PC, the other end is a free miniUSB.

- shutdown ZT-180
- connect mini usb end to otg on ZT-180
- put power cord in (tablet still turned off)
- hold down menu button and press power and hold both for 10 seconds and let go.
- the PC should find hardware.
6. If Zenithink is connected to PC for the first time, when PC asked to install drivers, choose the folder you created above called adroid_usb. Important, the system will automatically install TWO sets of drivers.
The first set of USB drives is for the USB SecBoard Tools, the second set is for the Android USB.
The  adroid_usb folder should contain these files for the USB driver to install properly:
 androidusb.sys
 android_usb.inf
 LICENSE-2.0.txt
 secbulk.inf
 secbulk.sys
 WdfCoInstaller01005.dll


Part B: Configuring BurnTool 7.41 and Flashing with 110326ROM
This technique will be a clean install meaning it will destroy everything in the old Android 2.1 system and replace with the Android 2.2 110326.
0. Download Android 2.2 package build 110326, meaning 2011, March 26 from
http://www.zenithink.com/UploadFile/epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326.rar
Alternatively, 1. http://www.zenithink.com/Enews_92.html click on the link:

The file should be:
epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326.rar



Unpack this file into folder epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326

The folder should contain:

 boot.logo
 epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326.txt
 system.pack.img
 userdata.pack.img
 zImage
 zImage_1024x576
 zImage_1024x600
 ZT_Bx.spl


1. After the USB drivers are installed, run BurtTool.exe from the BurnTool7.41 folder.
2 On the BurnTool display, the Status square next to Device 10 should become green when the Zenithink USB connection is recognized. If not connected yet, then switch off Zenithink, connect the USB to miniUSB (OTG port). Hold the Menu button and press Power and hold for 10 seconds. The Device 10 square in BurnTool should turn green.
3. Click on the Settings menu item. Enter the password as "zenithink"
4. Setup the following files in the settings dialog:

- uboot-spl =  epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326\ZT_Bx.spl
- uboot-img = BurnTool7.41\ZT_Bx.boot
- linux-kernel = epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326\zImage 
- linux-sys = epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326\system.pack.img
- linux-udat = epad_256M_nand_old_android_2.2_0326\userdata.pack.img
- in the Memory options, click scrub
- click Save
5. Check that the Zenithink is connected to the Power cable and the BurnTool device10 status is green.
6. Press Start to Flash. 
7. When flashing is completed, remove the mini USB cable from the Zenithink. Press the Menu button.
8. Three setup options may be presented. Choose the option on top first then, the others.
9. Switch of the Zenithink after setup is complete. Then Restart.




From another site:

Shutdown the Pad.
Then Press The Button on the Right site in front of the pad (there is only one?) and the Power Button at the Same Time.
Then the device will be flashable and the light will be blue i think.
Then you Put the USB-Cable in, install the driver which is also in the package.
Now you can open burntool.
Device10 should be green.
Now jo goto Settings, and set uboot, kernel,sys-dat, udat
uboot: u-boot.img
linux-kernel:zImage_cui
linux-sys:system.img
linux-udat:userdata.img

Press the FIRST button from the left site to confirm the settings
Now press Start and the device should be starting to flash....
However sometimes the board hangs after flashing and will not start directly dont worry. If everything doesnt help, do a reset.



Links to other Android related stuff


What are the first steps in developing a custom firmware?http://www.slatedroid.com/apad-firmware-development/7091-what-first-steps-developing-custom-firmware.html[How To] Unpack and Repack for Custom Firmwares for Rockchip RK2808/RK2808ahttp://www.androidtablets.net/forum/android-tablet-hacking/439-how-unpack-repack-custom-firmwares-rockchip-rk2808-rk2808a.html[How To] Unpack and Repack for Custom Firmwares for Rockchip RK2808/RK2808ahttp://www.androidtablets.net/forum/android-tablet-hacking/439-how-unpack-repack-custom-firmwares-rockchip-rk2808-rk2808a.htmlHow to Flash Apad IRobot Android Tablet,How to Use Apad Firmware?http://www.thefreelibrary.com/How+to+Flash+Apad+IRobot+Android+Tablet,How+to+Use+Apad+Firmware%3F-a01074128370Read this First, Rooting, YouTube, Firmwarehttp://www.slatedroid.com/orphan-m70003/6979-read-first-firmware-youtube-market-touchscreen-etc.htmlApad buying sites:
How to Update apad/moonse/irobot firmware
Various ROMs and instructions
How to side load apps if market wont work
about the Flytouch X220 Infotm


Zenithink ZT-180



About Installing Android on Windows Phone

How To Install Google Android On A Windows Mobile Phone

How To Install Android 2.1 On Windows Mobile Phones


review on Zenithink Android


Developing for Android


Google App Inventor is a RAD tool developed by Google Labs to build Android application in a very simple and easy way
http://www.codeproject.com/Article.aspx?tag=198374986188234309
 




Android Apps
Top 25 Android apps: The best of the best
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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Notes Samsung Wave

Few tips on the Samsung Wave, especially information which are not well documented

A few "How do I do it?" answers, and technical specs
http://mobilereviews.o2.co.uk/devices/device.jsp?deviceId=661&tab=5#q5387
http://thetechjournal.com/electronics/mobile/samsung-s8500-wave-review.xhtml

Links to Samsung, Apps, etc
http://www.samsungapps.com - for Manual and Samsung Kies software
http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/mobile-phone/mobile-phone/smartphone/GT-S8500BAAXSA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=
http://www.samsungmobile.com
http://www.samsungwaveforum.com/samsung-wave-updates/all-firmwares-s8500xx***-download/   - list of firmwares
http://www.samsungwaveforum.com/samsung-wave-updates/flash-tutorial-samsung-s8500/msg3719/#msg3719 - how to flash / upgrade firmware on Samsung Wave
http://www.all-samsungphones.com/latest-official-firmware-update-for-samsung-wave-s8500.html/

Java Apps Repository:
These sites have Java Applications for Smart Phones. Since Samsung Wave have Java compatibility, some Java apps should be able to run, but not all of them. You should check the compatibility of each app that you want to download.
- www.getjar.com

Screen Capture the Samsung Wave
- Press the Menu and Lock Keys simultaneously
- The images will be stored in My Files -> Images

End Applications with Task Manager
- Click and hold on the physical diamond shaped middle Menu button at the bottom.
- Touch the red minus sign on-screen to close the application you choose.

Lock screen settings
- Settings -> General -> Touch - Touch Panel

Silent Mode
- Keypad -> tap and hold # key to mute/unmute

Check how much data has been used
- this refers to the packet data, which is usually the data charge by your service provider.
- go to Menu -> Settings -> Connectivity -> Packet Data Counter


Switch off data packet, data allowance


Browser Open
- Internet icon is missing from some Samsung Wave models.
- To open the browser either
i) Menu -> Vibe Home
ii) Menu -> Smart Search -> Internet

Remove Homescreen
- Touch the Widget icon on the top left.
- When in widget editing mode, rotate phone to landscape
- Then it allows you to remove screens which have no widgets

Edit or Remove Widgets
- Touch the Widget icon on the top left.
- Touch and hold on the widget to be moved or removed, until a yellow border appears
- To remove, drag the widget down.
- To move, drag the widget anywhere on the screen


 Contacts Management
There are three (4) places where contacts can be stored: PHONE, SIM, SDCARD, PC
PHONE: This is the memory of the actual phone device. It can sometimes be called DEVICE
SIM: This is the SIM card used by most mobile devices, and is needed by the telephone network to enable the phone to make calls. It can typically store a limited amount of contact phone numbers and SMS / text messages.
SDCARD: This is the additional memory card that can be added to the phone. It can sometimes be called MEMORY.
PC: Store the contacts in a PC, by using the KIES software to transfer the contacts.

Both the SIM and SDCARD can be physically removed from the phone device.
On SIM, contacts can only store names and ONE phone number.
On PHONE, contacts can be stored with many attributes, eg names, multiple phone numbers, email, address, etc. This can be exported as *.vcf or Vcard.

Here are the menu items available for managing Contacts:
- Touch the Contact button at the bottom of the screen.
- When the list of contacts is displayed, touch the image with 3 dots at the bottom middle  "..." of the screen. The options presented are: i) Delete  ii) My profile iii) Copy Contacts iv) Get friends v) Settings
- Touch on "Copy Contacts".
The options presented are: i) Phone to SIM  ii) SIM to Phone
- Go back one level and touch "Settings".
The options presented are: i) Memory in use ii) Order of Display Name iii) Own Numbers iv) Service Numbers.
- Touch "Memory in use".
- Select "View Contacts on" from these options "All", "Phone", "SIM".
This determines if contacts from either phone or SIM or both are displayed.
- KIES. The Samsung Kies software installed on a PC, allows additional options in managing contacts.

Strategies to Backup Contacts:
1. Copy all contacts from PHONE to SIM. The sequence is:
Contacts - ... - Copy Contacts - PHONE to SIM - Select All - Copy
2. Copy all contacts from SIM to PHONE. The sequence is:
Contacts - ... - Copy Contacts -  SIM to PHONE - Select All - Copy
The following strategies involve using Samsung Kies software. Run the Kies on PC. Connect the phone via USB and press Connect within Kies.
3. Copy all contacts from PHONE only to PC in Kies' SPB / CSV / VCF formats. The sequence is:
In Kies, under Connected Device, highlight the phone model (eg GT S8500) - Import/Export tab - Export to PC - Contacts - Export - Choose file to save as Kies' contacts (*.spb), CSV or vCard (*.vcf) format.
4. Sync contacts from PHONE only with Outlook. The sequence is:
In Kies, under Connected Device, highlight the phone model (eg GT S8500) - Sync tab -  Personal Information - Sync Contacts with Outlook (or Google or Yahoo or Windows Contacts) - Apply to both device and Outlook - Outlook Data files to contact -  click Sync
5. Save Contacts from PHONE to PC. The sequence is:
In Kies, under Connected Device - Contacts - Mobile Phone tab - Select contacts to save - Save To PC - Save ALL or Selected contacts - Choose file to save as Kies' contacts (*.spb), CSV or vCard (*.vcf) format.
6. Save Contacts from SIM to PC. The sequence is:
In Kies, under Connected Device - Contacts - SIM tab - Select contacts to save - Save To PC - Save ALL or Selected contacts - Choose file to save as Kies' contacts (*.spb), CSV or vCard (*.vcf) format.


Messages / SMS Management
There is KIES functionality to transfer SMS messages out of the phone.
Here is one way to save or archive SMS/TXT messages from the phone. This method involve saving each message separately as *vmg file in a memory card.
The sequence is:
on the phone - Messages - ... - Backup Text Messages - PHONE to MEMORY.
After this process, all the messages will be saved on the top level directory of the Memory Card.


How to Use Samsung Wave S8500 as Modem for other PC or other Devices to connect to the Internet:
This require that the Samsung Wave has data access through a telecommunications carrier.
This techniques uses Packet Data.
Basically, if you can access the Internet through your Samsung Wave without wifi connection, then you are likely to be using packet data.

Here are the steps to setup the Samsung Wave to enable other devices to have internet access.
Go to Settings - Connectivity - Use Packet Data - turn this on.
Go to Settings - Connectivity - Mobile AP - turn this on.
Still on the Mobile AP screen, go to Settings:
- Name: name of wifi network
- Password: password for network
- Hide my Device: Uncheck
- Tethering:   Check
Now the Samsung Wave is acting like a wireless modem. Other PC or Devices need only to rescan for wifi networks and connect to the name of the wifi network of the Samsung Wave.





Interesting Apps
Here is a list of apps I found interesting on the Samsung Wave. The ones listed without URL links mean they can be found on the Samsung Apps website. 
   Educational
Teach Numbers - good for teaching children
Write Hangul - learn Korean writing
Let's Learn Korean
   References
Badapedia - seems like a cut down version of Wikipedia
Dictionary.com
   Utilities
EvMemo Fit - Memo that sits on top of phone as widget.
Power Calculator - has Scientific, Computer and Statistics modes
MultiNote - can make notes in text, image, audio, video formats
Scientific Calculator
ToolBox - Battery, Spirit Level, Metal Detector
Type N Walk - allow you to type SMS while using the phone camera to show what is in front of the screen.
Mirror - to look at yourself on the phone
Unit Converter
    Bibles
KJV Complete Mobile Bible by Cellbook. 
from the phone: m.getjar.com, go to Quick Download and type the code 19028.
website: http://www.getjar.com/mobile/19028/kjv-complete-mobile-bible-by-cellbook-for-samsung-gt-s8500-wave/
Go Bible - http://gobible.jolon.org/ - King James Version
Olive Tree - http://www.olivetree.com/ - in general, has very good bible reader application but its Java version DOES NOT seem to work well with the Samsung Wave.



Ebook Readers
I've tried quite a few eBook Readers and here are the ones to get and NOT to get.
    Native Wave / Bada
LacViet Reader - Do Not Get - Big app, about 14MB. Installed OK. When opening and EPUB format ebook, the program simply crashed.
    Java Apps - requires MIDP 2.0
Anyview - Do Not Get - Installed OK but cannot get it to work.
ReadManiac - Do Not Get - Cannot seem to run when opening the program.
Albite Reader - Excellent - Seems to work quite well and small size.

 Folder Structure

from Kies View:
- Contacts
- Music
- Photos
- Videos
- Podcast

from Windows Explorer View:
- Graphics
- Images
- Music
- Others - your own files
- Playlists
- Sounds
    - Alert tones
    - Music
    - Ringtones
- Themes
- Videos



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Thursday, December 09, 2010

Cool Web Games

This post is not too technical but where else can I put the links to these cool games. Feel free to put comments if you know of more cool games. The games in this list are Web Games that you can play on your browser. The current list are:

- Ninja Saga: http://www.ninjasaga.com/index.php
- Pet Society: http://www.petsociety.com/
- CityVille: http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=291549705119&v=app_7146470109
- Clock Blocks: http://80dgames.com/clockblocks/
- Sleep is Death: http://sleepisdeath.net/
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