WWE ‘12 | Gameplay Q&A

For those unaware I am a huge WWE fanboy & in saying that I am just as big of fan of the Smackdown Vs Raw series on the PS2, in fact many of my readers know this from my guide for SVR11 (http://fhl09.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/svr11-guide/) that I found to be quite popular among gamers (and I can reveal now WILL be making it’s return for WWE ‘12 & WILL be a “Bigger, Badder, Better” guide).

So moving on to the topic at hand, Smackdown VS Raw is no more as many WWE Games fans likely know already, it is now simply WWE ‘12 & as Cory said countless times it isn’t just a name change but rather a whole redesign of a game.

Now more to the point, the WWE Games development team, mainly Cory Ledesma & the community relations team mainly @THQTank & Marcus “The Hammer” Stephenson have been very active in the community, in fact more so than previous years & they have provided, WE (the WWE Games Universe, no WE is not a typo, every WWE fan will get it I’m sure) with a weekly Q&A on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/WWEGames).

I wanted to take the chance to now answer the questions YOU asked along with answers provided in the videos, now understand it won’t be word for word as seen in video but enough of an answer to give you the answer that you require.

You are more than welcome to ask questions further via the comments below this article here & I may know the answer to them thus I will reply to your comment with an answer.

Contents

1. Updates

2. WWE 12 Developers Answer To The Community #1 – AWESOME!

3. WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #2

4. WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #3

5. WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #4

6. WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #5

7. WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #6

8. WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #7

9. Bonus Questions

10. Stay Up To Date

Updates

September 10th 2011
WWE 12 Developers Answer To The Community #1 – AWESOME!
(http://youtu.be/dpFqEMe6Qo8)

Question: Will there be better environment interactions with the stage & will there be more different weapons?
Answer: This year that has been put on hold to focus on Core Gameplay, things like AI, Reversals, Downtime. So unfortunately this year there won’t be anything new with the stage or with weapons. In future games you can expect to see some improvements with the stage area.

Question: Are the different directional grapples similar to Here Comes The Pain & like we see in Smackdown VS Raw 2011 going to be in WWE ‘12?
Answer: Directional Grapples are still going to be in WWE ‘12, that hasn’t changed at all.

Question: Can we defend titles this year whenever we want to?
Answer: Unfortunately that cannot be answered as yet, however feedback has been heard & is being taken seriously & the universe has has significant improvements this year.

Question: Are Comeback Moments available for every WWE superstar?
Answer: No, Comeback Moments are more an ability so they are tied to certain superstars, there are about 10-12 that will have Comeback Moments, once the game is in the final tuning stages they will reveal who has them, what they are & maybe even show videos of what those comeback moments are.

Question: Will there be more cut scenes in universe mode this year?
Answer: Universe Mode is something that can’t really be discussed, there are massive improvements to Universe Mode so of course you can expect new cut scenes.

Question: Will there be Side-trons & Curve-trons to go along with the Mini-trons?
Answer: We are working to obtain assets to them via the WWE, as long as we get those we will put them in the game.
Updated Answer: Mini-trons, Side-trons, Curve-trons, banner movies are all in during entrances (https://twitter.com/#!/RealCoryLedesma/status/93019220463460352).

Question: What is that meter we see in videos represent?
Answer: It is like the stamina meter as seen in the last games, it’s there to prevent spam running & to give you an advantage with limb targeting, so once you start wearing down the legs you will notice the one with the sore legs won’t have as much adrenaline as you. So it’s called an adrenaline bar, once that bar has been ran down (by running) you won’t fall (like in past games) but you will just start walking & if you get Irish whipped unlike past games where you would fall you would still run regardless of if you have adrenaline or not & of course if you don’t like that meter you can turn it off.

WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #2
(http://youtu.be/J-npbwCNrD4)

Question: What is your favorite thing about WWE ‘12 Cory Ledesma?
Answer: Cory says (and I quote); I am really excited about the roster, ‘cause I think it’s one of the strongest rosters we’ve ever had. We are planning on having DLC (Downloadable Content) & have a lot of surprises tied to that. Gameplay is also another favorite thing of Corys, along with Universe Mode, Road To Wrestlemania & it goes on forever.

Question: Did all the struggle submission moves make the transition to the new breaking point system?
Answer: Cory believes all the moves are in there, however said not to quote him on that, there are however a lot of new moves in there, around 6-8 new breaking point submission moves.

Question: Will divas be able to compete in 6 person matches this year?
Answer: Unfortunately divas will not be able to fight in 6 person matches, this is due to females having much higher polygons than the regular models, because the long hair & curves, this is why it is not supported at this stage, it’s not impossible but it will require a little more work so it won’t be in this years game.

Question: THQ Tank kept sending out surveys asking fans opinions on Smackdown Vs RAW 2011 & what we would like changed, improved or added in future titles, is there anything you can speak about in regards to those surveys?
Answer: Yes everything in those surveys was taken on board for WWE ‘12 & for the things that we couldn’t cater to we keep those for the future.

Question: In the final version will we be able to climb on the announce tables?
Answer: As of now it’s not in the game, we are trying to get in in but are facing challenges with it, if it doesn’t make it it we apologize & will put it on the list for future.

Question: Will there be create a finisher modes such as create a submission?
Answer: Unfortunately at this stage we can’t go into details but will be announcing that in august around SummerSlam.

Question: Can you still throw a guy into the barricade or slam him into the ring post?
Answer: We removed some of the user controlled moves & just add back the regular controls for those, so instead of the 10 punch in the corner doing the up & down with the stick we wanted to make that simple button presses, the animations are still there just different controls & some animations are missing.

Question: Will there be special guest ref exhibition match?
Answer: This year will be a year we you don’t see to many new match types due to the focus being on Core Gameplay, but it is on top the wish list so when we do start adding new matches be it this year or next year that will be one of the ones we endeavor to add first.

WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #3
(http://youtu.be/8TOf7O1n6oc)

Question: When creating an entrance & importing a song as his/her theme song, it would amplify to the point you couldn’t hear the crowd or announcer, please tell me this has been fixed?
Answer: It’s in our radar, Cory hasn’t personally seen if it has been fixed but he knows it has been reported so hopefully that fix will make it in this years game.

Question: I know you guys said you could end a move by someone interfering in it, does that mean if someone is doing a suplex can edge come in & do a spear on the person delivering the move?
Answer: If you mean linking one move into another, we don’t have that working for WWE ‘12 but that is something we are excited about introducing, it’s so complex that you have to have all the animations sync up together & look good, we want to do it so it looks good thus making it look right, so this year you can break up animations & in future games we hope to see moves linking.

Question: Is the way you get out of a steel cage different & is the door still gone from Hell In A Cell?
Answer: We have made enhancements to the steel cage match, it’s still the same approach to getting out of the cage, pretty much the same mini-game, maybe a minor facelift to it, we have recaptured the climbing moments & also added reversals for when your climbing, so say when your climbing if someone reaches up & tries to grab you, you can reverse it rather than having it where you get pulled down. In regards to the Hell In A Cell the door hasn’t been added but we have made sure breaking out the Cell walls is an easier experience.

Question: Is there a larger move set in the game?
Answer: If you mean larger moves available then I can say we did capture some new moves, if you mean the amount of moves each superstar can do, it’s like last year but what we added was the limb targeting moves which does open up a couple new moves you can do (something like 4-5moves).

Question: Are you able to select another victory scene?
Answer: Unfortunately it was on the list but we ran out of time, but rest assured it is on our list to get in there.

Question: Do the superstars feel different from one another, like does a small man feel different to fighting than a big man?
Answer: We have added a few more attributes that help differentiate the characters, now we have attributes for grapple damage Vs strike damage, strike defense, grapple defense, also with the weight classes we have certain things like how fast you can grapple, so big guys have a slower reach whereas the smaller guys have a much quicker reach.

Question: Please let me know if the easy pin has been fixed?
Answer: Yes it has that was an unfortunate bug in last years game, that was one of the first things we made sure we fixed.

Question: Can you hold the pin button of top rope moves this year?
Answer: Unfortunately it was another thing where we ran out of time, however there are a few new pin combinations to other grapple moves.

WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #4
(http://youtu.be/cBFN9zzNo6c)

Question: We know there is a revamp to the stamina, but what about when you are thrown into a turnbuckle, can you explain the revamp to stamina?
Answer: This year we have called it adrenaline, we wanted to reduce the spamming of running, the more adrenaline you have the longer you can run, the smaller guys will have more adrenaline & will run longer whereas the bigger guys will have less adrenaline & thus meaning they can run for shorter periods. We have also added a new feature where if you target someone’s legs that will impact there adrenaline & they won’t be able to run as much. Also a bug that we have fixed is where if you were out of what we are calling adrenaline now & you got Irish whipped you would fall down, this is no longer the case & if you are Irish whipped you will run, also fixed was when you ran out of adrenaline & you went to run you would fall, this is no longer the case, now if you are out of adrenaline & you try to run you will walk.

Question: I am still confused on the break up moves, say I am John Cena & I am picking up Alberto Del Rio in a suplex, how do you break that up?
Answer: If you get a guy in a suplex a third guy can come in & strike & it will turn into a break animation, you can’t do a grapple move & transition into a 3 person grapple, however if you do a grapple that will also interrupt the animation as well. We have tuned it so the break animation is only open for a short time, so if someone is doing a suplex & it’s almost at the point where the guy is hitting the mat, that cannot be broken up. Furthermore you can also break Tag Team moves.

Question: Are there anymore mini games in WWE ‘12 aside from breaking point?
Answer: Yes, there are comeback moments mini games where you have to hit a random face button that appears on screen. There are also tweaks to the Royal Rumble mini games, this year the button mashing is gone & have been replaced with ones that are more timing based or guessing based.

Question: There is a limb targeting system so say if you target the arm, will they hold there arm & make it easier for Alberto Del Rio to perform his cross arm breaker?
Answer: Yes that is exactly right, the more damage you do the more the superstar will sell that, the most damaged part will be the part they hold, so if you wear down the arm you will have the advantage when you hit the cross arm breaker & go into the breaking point mini game.

Question: Has the referee AI improved?
Answer: It’s improved a little bit, we tried to make sure he stays as far away of the action as possible.

WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #5
(http://youtu.be/3jLXLGEOtvY)

Question: Is the match play much more life like, so does it start out fast & slow as the match progresses?
Answer: Yes, at the start of the match as you do moves you will notice you opponent will pop right back up, then as you do damage your opponent will start staying down longer & selling the move.

Question: How can you cash in your Money In The Bank briefcase this year?
Answer: I don’t think anything is different on how you cash in your Money In The Bank in universe mode, last year we had it & this year it’s back again, you will be prompted to cash it in, we also set up some cool things where the guy who is cashing it in has the advantage over the guy who just finished a match & the one who just finished a match will have some damage.

Question: Can you explain the new blood tech this year?
Answer: Basically now we have free flowing blood where it will start on the face & drip onto the chest, it’s dynamic & not the same pattern that you tend to see every time in past games, with created superstars due to them taking more memory the blood won’t be as good as default superstars on the roster. Blood is defaulted to off so if you would like it just remember to switch it on under options.

Question: Can you explain what you did to make the difficultly levels even more challenging this year?
Answer: We have worked on the aggression level of the AI, in the past the AI would stand around & not know what his next move should be, so he will come right at you & attack. Another thing we worked on is the AI is now able to recognize states now, it’s able to intelligently think what it should be doing, what’s it’s next step, what it’s next attack should be, it also can remember moves it’s preformed as well as moves it’s opponent has preformed.

Question: Can you give some insight into some improvements your doing with move sets & how you are aligning them with superstars?
Answer: Our researchers are spending time studying the wrestlers, ensuring we are cataloging all the moves a superstar is doing, for some of the guys who haven’t been in WWE that long we have gone back to their past matches with other companies to get what moves they are doing.

WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #6
(http://youtu.be/0ORQ8eUOu9w)

Question: Have you added anymore reversal animations this year & what have you done to ensure the reversals are less predictable?
Answer: Yes we did add some new reversal animations, I can’t go into detail as they are tied to roster characters moves, we created a bunch of reversal animations for certain moves where we wanted to have a cool reversal for that move, normally for superstars signature moves. In regards to predictable reversals we have fined tuned the window in which you can reverse so before the point of contact we have a small window in which it accepts the button input for the reversals.

Question: Can you give an example of a submission move that you cannot crawl to the ropes on VS one that you can?
Answer: Moves like the surfboard stretch you can’t crawl to the ropes & moves like the Boston crab you can crawl to the game, so basically moves that make sense that you can crawl to the rope allow you to do that & the ones where wasn’t possible looking at the animation, it’s not possible in the game.

Question: Can you perform springboards?
Answer: We have added the ability to perform springboards while running towards the ropes.

Question: What exactly are the differences in difficultly levels, what did you do?
Answer: We talked a little about reversal windows being smaller so it’s harder to reverse, with the AI their ability to match the window is greater in the higher difficultly levels so you can’t easily pull of moves, but it’s more the aggression levels of the AI on the higher difficultly levels, so they are quicker & smarter, .

Question: Has the running apron attack been fixed for WWE ‘12, Can you now do moves running on the apron like in Smackdown Vs Raw 2010?
Answer: Yes!

Question: Were you able to Mo-Cap the moves for lower card superstars VS main eventers?
Answer: Yes, we Mo-Cap moves for everyone on the roster, we try not to do more moves for the main eventers against the lower card guys, we like to keep it equal with our Mo-Cap, but some of the main eventers there is more footage of them, they have a bigger rapture of moves that their doing so naturally you may need to Mo-Cap more for them.

Question: What are your thoughts on Move-Set DLC, Are there chances for that in WWE ‘12?
Answer: Yea, we really want to try make it happen, to be honest we haven’t go all our ducks in a row yet for this to happen but we are really pushing hard for this to be a big part of our later DLC drops, It hasn’t been 100% confirmed but the dev team is working really hard to possibly offer that!

WWE 12 | Gameplay Q&A #7
(http://youtu.be/V94yRYPtOus)

Question: Do referees switch up in the game, so say if one referee gets knocked out will another come in to take their place?
Answer: Unfortunately not, it is only one referee this year & if he happens to get incapacitated (knocked out) the match will be a free for all until he revives himself!

Question: When you do a move with a weapon on a limb such as the legs, will it be a struggle for them to walk/use the legs?
Answer: Yes, that is the purpose of the limb targeting feature added this year in WWE ‘12, to get a certain effect or gain an advantage over your opponent, so regardless if you are using a weapon or the limb targeting moves themselves once you get the leg into a critical state the superstar will walk a lot slower & running will become impaired meaning sometimes when they try run they may collapse to the ground!

Question: In matches such as the fatal 4 way & triple threat will partners recognize each other & work together to eliminate others?
Answer: This is an A.I related question & this year the A.I has been improved to react as the question asks, developers are working towards that!

Question: Will there ever be a solution to characters repositioning themselves?
Answer: Sure, we made improvements to that this year such as eliminating a lot of the morphing you see when you hit say John Cena’s 5 knuckle shuffle, this year Cena will now perform the 5 knuckle shuffle from where his opponent lies!

Question: Can we do a finisher from a ladder to a table outside of the ring, last year when you tired to do that you stayed in the ring?
Answer: WOW That was a bug, you should haven been able to do that last year so assuming the bug is fixed this year you should be able to do that, Bryan Williams will get back to THQ Tank with an update & once I have that information I will also update this question!

Question: Can you use Smackdown Vs RAW 2011 controls in WWE ‘12?
Answer: Unfortunately no you cannot, sorry to those who may find that disappointing. We were going to do it but the cost to do so was staggering cause it effects a lot as far as the A.I.

Question: What separates WWE ‘12 from the Smackdown Vs RAW series?
Answer: The game play is more refined, there is more strategy involved, the attributes mean more this year, they are more apparent in matches, like the Big Show will feel & behave like the Big Show, Zack Ryder will feel & behave like Zack Ryder (Woo Woo Woo).

Bonus Questions
(Mainly obtained from the official WWE ‘12 forums & comments below)

Question: Is Randy Orton beard in the game?
Answer: Yes & his clean shaven look is an alt attire (http://twitter.com/#!/stephensonmc/status/83655216418926594).

Question: This year did you make championship belts larger & more realistic?
Answer: Yes, it has been confirmed: http://twitter.com/#!/RealCoryLedesma/status/82940733753004032.

Question: In Universe Mode can you defend your title at anytime?
Answer: Short Answer, Yes.
(http://youtu.be/V94yRYPtOus?t=4m39s)

Stay Up To Date

Site Updates
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FHL09
RSS: http://fhl09.wordpress.com/feed/ 

WWE ‘12 Updates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/WWEgames
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wwegames
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WWEGames
Forums: http://community.smackdownvsraw.com/forums/wwe-12

Status Update: AbsolutelyAndroid.com

OK many of my friends, fans & followers have wondered why I am working so hard on this site & pretty much abandoned fhl09.wordpress.com’s love-child AbsolutelyAndroid.com

This is where AbsolutelyAndroid was born & I won’t forget AbsolutelyAndroid & the success it has brought as well as the friends I have gained & the advice me & other Android supporters have shared.

Time & Money have been put into AbsolutelyAndroid.com & it has paid off (one happy reader means a lot, it so happened AbsolutelyAndroid.com was drawing in 1000′s of happy readers).

It was all worth it but in saying that there comes a time when you can’t do like you once could & that is the case with me, I think it will be unfair of me to talk Android & manage a team of Android Enthusiasts when my Android is lost in the ever regions of history & my passion because of that has folded.

I only just upgraded to a Samsung Galaxy S2 & I feel I am back on the Android wagon however a slip back as the “competition” becomes to fierce & news I post is dated because my source isn’t as good as say the source for AndroidPolice.com (Love the site, Respect the owner!).

Add to that “my team”  either not feeling it or at the least not feeling my management skills (which to be honest rapidly declined when the Co-Founder left & work kicked in).

That leaves me with the only option to sell up (or change…)

So I thought I would come back to my roots, fhl09.wordpress.com

Where it is open season for posts, not just a single topic but a bunch of different topics, from Android to Gaming to down right Random posts.

So I am putting more work in FHL09.wordpress.com & hoping to make it into something like AbsolutelyAndroid.com only not just solely based on one topic.

I want to shape it, make it look good & feel good then go on to try getting it made custom, sort of like my good friend Michael Lipson is doing with http://www.michael-lipson.com/.

So with regret I tell my friends I am no longer putting any further money into AbsolutelyAndroid & I am looking at a few options to see AbsolutelyAndroid.com remains intact & grows once more.

Which Superstars, Divas & Legends do you think will be in WWE ‘12? (Poll)

After the un-expected amount of views on yesterdays article (http://fhl09.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/wwe-12-gameplay-qa/) its safe to say I have a few WWE Games fans following my site so I thought I would do up another WWE ‘12 related post, this one is less reading & more interactive, call it a reward for making yesterdays article as highly viewed as it was.

Its simple, I have 3 polls below, one with names of Superstars, one with names of Divas & one with names of Legends (and past Superstars/Divas).

Here is where you get to interact, I want you to pick all the Superstars, Divas & Legends YOU think are going to be in WWE ‘12.

Don’t rely on forums & things of that nature, just go with your mind & heart on who you think is going to be in WWE ‘12 then after roster reveal return back to this article & see if the votes match with the reveal of the roster.

Keep in mind you can choose as many Superstars, Divas & Legends as you want but you can only vote once per poll, once you pick who you think will be & WWE ‘12 & click vote you will not be able to add or change your choices.

Feel free to also return back daily to see how many votes your favorite superstar, diva or legend has received & share this article with friends using the options below to ensure the results of the poll are as widely targeted at possible.

Please Note: I may of missed a few legends & for that I apologize, however to keep the polls balanced I won’t be adding anymore names but I would love to see your comments of who you would expect in WWE ‘12 if they are not listed in the poll, who knows the WWE Games Development Team or WWE Games Community Manager maybe watching these polls closely & may also be reading your comments below to get an idea for future games.

Superstars

 

Divas

 

Legends+

 
The names of the Superstars & Divas were obtained from WWE.com & the Legends+ names were ones off the top of my head & found on the official WWE ‘12 forums (http://community.smackdownvsraw.com/forums/wwe-12)

April Fools Day Pranks

With April Fools Day (April 1st) during near I wanted to share some simple but also great pranks with all my readers, that way you won’t be the fool & instead will be fooling.

I won’t be placing pranks that are gonna cost a lot like buying a car like your mate has & swapping it with his & getting a sledge-hammer & going at it like a crazed dog.

I will share the simple & most classic pranks that I have used along with possible outcomes to make you ready, if you use one of these pranks listed please leave a comment & tell me how it went along with your outcome & if possible get on camera & place on YouTube (that makes pranks 10x more funnier for you, not so much the one being pranked).

Also feel free to share your pranks in the comments below.

Prank: Jump out of a closet & scare the person (this is the most basic & works most of the time.)
Possible Outcomes: You can be punched/slapped by the one you are scaring or have items thrown at you (its best not to do this if the one you are scaring has a hot coffee or dry ice in their hands…).

Prank: Place clear cellophane over the toilet bowl but under the seat.
Possible Outcomes: Cleaning piss off the floor or it could likely be you cleaning up something worse…

Prank: Write up (or for best effect print off) an “Out Of Order” sign & place it on a public restroom.
Possible Outcomes: Pissed off people, stay out of sight if you are recording it on camera.

Prank: If your on a football team, when it comes to the team shower be as fast as you can at having your shower & then proceed to grab the clothes & towels of your teammates & put them outside.
Possible Outcomes: You get in trouble with the coach & even risk getting kicked off the team (even more so likely if you happen to steal the coaches clothing while they’re showering also).

Prank: When your victim is away from his computer, go into the setting and decrease the pointer speed of the mouse to the slowest possible speed. To do this, just go to start, settings, control panel, double-click mouse & the click pointer options & move the slider below “select a pointer speed” all the way to slow & click apply. Your friend will think their computer is “lagging” & likely get mad & restart.
Possible Outcomes: Having to try fix it (as above but move the slider towards fast).

Prank: Place your friends number along with an item of great interest (so such as if you were to do it on AbsolutelyAndroid.com you may choose to say a Nexus One) & put a cheap price (but not so cheap that its clear it’s a joke, just cheap enough to gain interest, like say for a nexus one – $35USD) & place this on a popular site or on a noticeboard in a mall.
Possible Outcomes: Possible death if your friend finds out it was you who place the advert.

Prank: (Works best if your friend is job seeking). Call your friend when you know he won’t answer & disguise your voice & leave a voicemail & make it seem like you are a keen employer & when it comes to the part where you say “you can contact me or call me on…” leave the number of your local escort agency or a number from the personals in the local paper.
Possible Outcomes: Laughter, This will most likely be really funny even for the one getting pranked.

Prank: Tell your mate that a girl/guy he/she really likes said to you to tell your mate that they’re interested in them & they want to met your mate privately at…name a local place. Once you have done that get to that place & go where you can’t be seen & watch as your mate turns up to find no one there.
Possible Outcomes: A most likely, pissed off friend.

Prank: Attach a leash to the rear bumper of your victim’s car & when he is ready to go be sure you go with him. As he drives, other cars driving behind him will think he forgot about his pet that he tied to the bumper.
Possible Outcomes: Your friend getting dirty looks & possible horn toots.

Prank: Leave a fake note on someone’s car windshield that reads, “Sorry about the damage i caused to your vehicle. Call me & I will be more than happy to pay for the repair” Be sure not to leave a phone number…of course there is no real damage. But the victim doesn’t know this so they will look all over for a dent or scratch or something.
Possible Outcomes: Nothing as long as you act like you know nothing if your watching (which you should be, if you have a camera & are recording try not getting seen).

Reader’s Pranks

***Reserved for your practical jokes***

Remember to add your prank ideas in the comments & if I like them I will place them in this article for others to see, keep checking back for possibly more pranks.

Made In New Zealand: Cute Treasures Commercial

This ad is played on New Zealand television & features a local baby by the name of Rakei Johnson.

Can’t see the video, view it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwNtRWhuz-0

The advert is part of Treasures new quality time campaigns to celebrate the importance of spending quality time with babies & was obtained thanks to SCAeveryday – http://www.youtube.com/user/SCAeveryday

View the original video here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFOqftoolRk

Special Thanks: http://www.sca.com & also http://www.treasures.co.nz.

Please Note: I do not own nor did I make this video. This video is property of SCA & Treasures.

Spotlight Site: AbsolutelyAndroid.com

So in a new section here on Troy’s Space, I am going to do a weekly feature introducing you to small sites that I have come across that I feel deserve a little coverage.

It will be one site a week & to be a Spotlight Site is like winning an award.

Why is it like winning an award you maybe asking, well Spotlight Sites are sites I feel are worth looking at, are well designed & contain other small characteristics & basically trigger me to want to write-up a small post to tell you about the site.

So without further a-do this weeks Spotlight Site is: http://www.absolutelyandroid.com

http://www.absolutelyandroid.com is a very informative Android website, It is well set out, has very good content & has a great team behind it.

So if you have some free time & love & support Android, head on over to http://www.absolutelyandroid.com today & see the range of great Android based content & stay locked onto my site for my weekly spotlight site.

Happy Browsing!

Amazon Launches It's Own Android AppStore

Good news for Android users as competition is hotting up with Amazon`s announcement & opening of their online app store.

The story was first broken by accident after a journalist discovered the app store by entering the correct URL (http://www.amazon.com/appstore) before Amazon intended to launch, days later the full site was revealed & opened to the public, though only the US customers can download at present before the service is rolled out world-wide.

This is the third app marketplace, following Google`s own Market and AppBrain. Publicity for the launch has been widespread and positive, with the limited time offer of Angry Birds: Rio for free bringing a lot of attention to the Amazon app store for this coup in winning such a sought after title.

The new app store brings several advantages over other versions for users, the most obvious of which is lower prices for a number of apps, hinting at the possibility of a price war similar to that, that Amazon engaged in with the sale of e-books to try to dominate the market. Additional markets should also help increase the number of copies of apps that sell, increasing revenues for app authors & so encouraging the creation of a greater range of apps & pushing the professionalism & complexity of the top apps as more money is in the market to compete for.

Being on Amazon is a big deal for Android because of the huge audience of the website combined with its recommendation engine. If someone had bought a phone, tablet or a specific accessory then they will have apps recommended to them among other items, greatly increasing the exposure of potential customers to paid apps who may not have known enough to look for them before. The second advantage is also a big one & new to Android – Amazon vet all the apps before allowing them on to their store. This should avoid a repeat of the Droidcam Malware problem of a month ago, making the app store a safer environment for users who are increasingly using their phones for sensitive information transfer such as online payments. It also helps to protect app authors from having other people crack their apps and upload them as their own work, taking income from the creator.

A twist to Amazon`s Appstore launch is that Apple have filed a lawsuit against Amazon saying that Apple had registered “App Store” for their own marketplace. The story becomes more complicated as Apple have not yet been granted a trademark on the term, the application is still pending after filing in 2008 yet Apple state it has been granted to them already by the US Patent and Trademark Office. This is why both Google and Microsoft now do not use the term “Appstore” or “App store” with both using “marketplace” instead. Microsoft have already filed proceedings of their own against Apple trying to prevent them taking out a trademark on the term on the basis that the words are far too common and have a long history of earlier use. People have talked of “killer-apps” since the early days of Silicon Valley but Apple argue it`s a new use for the term as it implies small, portable and uncomplicated applications suitable for mobile & Android phone use.

Top Ten Signs You Bought A Bad Computer

10. Lower corner of screen has the words “Etch-a-sketch” on it.

9. It’s celebrity spokesman is that “Hey Vern!” guy.

8. In order to start it, you need some jumper cables and a friend’s car.

7. It’s slogan is “Pentium: redefining mathematics”.

6. The “quick reference” manual is 120 pages long.

5. Whenever you turn it on, all the dogs in your neighborhood start howling.

4. The screen often displays the message, “Ain’t it break time yet?”

3. The manual has only one sentence: “Good Luck!”

2. The only chip inside is a Dorito.

1. You’ve decided that your computer is an excellent addition to your fabulous paperweight collection.

Source: 20000 Jokes For Android

New Market Officially Live?!?

Market Home Apps My Apps

While doing one of my many stops to the Android Market recently, I noticed that in New Zealand on BiffMod 2.1 the new market seems to be live & looks good, this is not a hands on as Android&Me done a pretty good job of covering that here – http://androidandme.com/2010/12/news/hands-on-the-new-android-market/, this is merely a update to let those know who haven’t noticed the update yet or that have been waiting to inform you that the market is now live & if it isn’t yet no doubt it soon will be, please let us know if it is live for you via the comment section below & big thanks to Google for what I can only call a nice early little Christmas present.

Poll: What Do You Want MOST For Christmas?

So Christmas is coming & I was thinking of what I wanted most & then I thought I wonder what my readers want most this Christmas so I am doing this quick poll.

Sure your most wanted gift may not be there, there is WAY to many things in the world to list them all hence the “other”

You can however only choose one item, it is a what do you want MOST poll so hence the one choice per person.

So without delaying it any longer you can find the poll below, place your vote, leave your comments below with reasons for your choice & then please help spread the word & lets find out what is the most wanted gift this year.

Voting Closes: 24.12.2010

Remember to keep checking back for results & spread the word using the options below.

By the way…Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to those who show interest in my small personal site

Smackdown VS Raw 2011 – Ultimate Guide!

Before you read this note that this was made from a PS2 gamer’s perspective, however I have it under good authority that these things are alike on every platform.

Contents
(Click on a section to go directly to it)

1. Entrance Pre-Sets

2. Move-Sets
3. Unlock-ables

4. Challenges

5. Cheats

Entrance Pre-Sets

Single Entrances

Legend 01 – Hulk Hogan
Legend 02 – Million Dollar Man
Legend 03 – Mr. Perfect
Legend 04 – Dusty Rhodes
Legend 05 – Junkyard Dog
Legend 06 – Bob Orton
Legend 07 – Eddie Guerrero
Legend 08 – Mick Foley
Legend 09 – Ric Flair
Legend 10 – Vader
Legend 11 – Doink (Face)

Superstar 01 – Kurt Angle
Superstar 02 – Booker T
Superstar 03 – King Booker
Superstar 04 – Sabu
Superstar 05 – Sandman
Superstar 06 – Test (ECW Version)
Superstar 07 – Kenny Dykstra
Superstar 08 – Bobby Lashley
Superstar 09 – Gregory Helms
Superstar 10 – Kevin Thorn
Superstar 11 – Balls Mahoney
Superstar 12 – Lance Cade
Superstar 13 – Trevor Murdoch
Superstar 14 – Big Daddy V
Superstar 15 – Snitsky
Superstar 16 – Paul London
Superstar 17 – Chuck Palumbo
Superstar 18 – Tazz
Superstar 19 – Hardcore Holly
Superstar 20 – Generic
Superstar 21 – Chris Jericho (Face)
Superstar 22 – Randy Orton (Orton Pose)
Superstar 23 – Shane McMahon
Superstar 24 – Curt Hawkins
Superstar 25 – Zack Ryder (Edgehead)
Superstar 26 – Charlie Haas
Superstar 27 – Super Crazy
Superstar 28 – Batista (Face/Pyro)
Superstar 29 – The Boogeyman
Superstar 30 – Jimmy Wang Yang
Superstar 31 – Jeff Hardy
Superstar 32 – JBL
Superstar 33 – Umaga
Superstar 34 – Thee Brian Kendrick
Superstar 35 – The Great Khali
Superstar 36 – Jesse
Superstar 37 – Boxer
Superstar 38 – VIP (Talking on Cell Phone)
Superstar 39 – Ladies Man (Rick Rudish)
Superstar 40 – Clumsy
Superstar 41 – Zombie

Diva 01 – Maria (old)
Diva 02 – Maria
Diva 03 – Torrie Wilson
Diva 04 – Ashley
Diva 05 – Victoria
Diva 06 – Candice
Diva 07 – Jillian
Diva 08 – Trish Stratus
Diva 09 – Vampire Diva (Ariel)
Diva 10 – Gymnastics Diva

Championship Entrances

Superstars 1 – 41 – As Above
Superstar 42 – Slow climbing over top rope
Superstar 43 – Raising belt over head, Rolls under bottom rope
Superstar 44 – Raising 1 handed over head, fast walk, goes through middle rope
Superstar 45 – Running out holding belt in hand
Divas 1 – 10 – As Above
Diva 11 – Holding belt over head then rubbing over chest

Tag Team Entrances
(User help needed, please post a comment below the article to confirm an entry or tip me on one, credit will be given where credit is due)

Tag 01 – Standard Clean Tag Team (Face)
Tag 02 – Standard Dirty Tag Team (Heel)
Tag 03 – ???
Tag 04 – ???
Tag 05 – Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
Tag 06 – Shane McMahon & Mr. McMahon
Tag 07 – Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Tag 08 – Paul London & Thee Brian Kendrick
Tag 09 – Umaga & Armando Alejandro Estrada (Thanks Nintendo_Mania)
Tag 10 – John Cena & Tony (Military Entrance)
Tag 11 – Matt & Jeff (The Hardy Boys)
Tag 12 – Thee Brian Kendrick & Ezekiel Jackson (Thanks Nintendo_Mania)
Tag 13 – Jesse & Festus
Tag 14 – Carlito & Primo (The Colons)
Tag 15 – The Bella Twins

Tag Legend 01 – Legion Of Doom
Tag Legend 02 – Million Dollar Man & André The Giant?
Tag Legend 03 – Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty (The Rockers)?
Tag Legend 04 – Bush Wackers

Mixed Tag 01 – Melina & John Morrison
Mixed Tag 02 – Edge & Lita
Mixed Tag 03 – Test & Stacy Keibler
Mixed Tag 04 – Arrogant Couple
Mixed Tag 05 – Charlie Haas & Miss Jackie
Mixed Tag 06 – Generic Couple

Trio Entrances

Trio 01 – MNM
Trio 02 – Spirit Squad
Trio 03 – nWo
Trio 04 – Generic Trio

Move-Sets

1. The Hurricane/Gregory Helms
2. Charlie Haas
3. Jamie Noble
4. Shane McMahon
5. Paul London
6. Thee Brian Kendrick
7. Lance Cade
8. Trevor Murdoch
9. Big Daddy V/ Viscera
10. Elijah Burke/ D’angelo Dinero
11. The Boogeyman
12. Hardcore Holly
13. Val Venis
14. Kung Fu Naki
15. JBL
16. Carlito
17. Umaga
18. The Great Khali
19. Mr. Kennedy/ Mr. Anderson
20. Trish Stratus
21. Brock Lesnar
22. Goldberg
23. Kurt Angle
24. Booker T
25. Jeff Hardy
26. Samoa Joe
27. AJ Styles
28. Ric Flair
29. Eddie Guerrero
30. Roddy Piper

Unlock-ables

Arenas

Druid Arena: Successfully complete all five RTWMs.

Backlash: Win once at Backlash with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Bragging Rights: Win once at Bragging Rights with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Breaking Point: Win once at Breaking Point with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

ECW: Win once at SummerSlam with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Extreme Rules: Win once at Extreme Rules with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Hell In A Cell: Win once at Hell In A Cell with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Judgment Day: Win once at Royal Rumble with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Night Of Champions: Win once at Night of Champions with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Survivor Series: Win once at Survivor Series with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

The Bash: Win once at The Bash with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

TLC: Win once at TLC with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Tribute To The Troops: Win once at WrestleMania XXVI with any Superstar (WWE Universe, select match, not custom).

Superstars/Divas/Legends

Brie Bella: To do this I found you couldn’t unlock anything else at the PPV you choose to complete this task on & that includes arena unlocks so be warned: Win one Women’s Championship with any Diva on PPV (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Brie Bella after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle her.

Druid: Successfully complete all five RTWMs.

Ezekiel Jackson: Win five 1-on-1 matches on “WWE Superstars” with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Ezekiel Jackson after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Finlay: Win one “SmackDown” 1-on-1 match with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Finlay after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Gail Kim: Win one Divas-only match with any Diva (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Gail Kim after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle her.

Goldust: Win ten “Raw” 1-on-1 matches with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Goldust after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Jake “The Snake” Roberts: In the “Vs. Undertaker RTWM”, do not take heavy damage to any limbs in Week 9 against Jake Roberts.

Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka: In the “Vs. Undertaker RTWM”, win in under 3 minutes during the Week 10 Match Of The Week.

Mickie James: Win five Divas-only 1-on-1 matches with any Diva (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Mickie James after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle her.

Mike Knox: Win five “SmackDown” 1-on-1 matches with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Mike Knox after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Nikki Bella: Win one Diva’s Championship with any Diva on PPV (WWE Universe, 1-on-1 matches). Then, defeat Nikki Bella after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle her.

Paul Bearer (Manager): In “Vs. Undertaker RTWM”, defeat Paul Bearer backstage in under 90 seconds during Week 12.

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat: In Jericho’s RTWM, win the WrestleMania Challenge against Ricky Steamboat after completing all previous Challenge matches.

Rob Van Dam: Successfully complete Rey Mysterio’s RTWM with Rey set to “Good”.

Shelton Benjamin: Win ten “SmackDown” 1-on-1 matches with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Shelton Benjamin after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Stone Cold Steve Austin: In Christian’s RTWM, win the WrestleMania Challenge against Stone Cold after completing all previous Challenge matches.

Terry Funk: In Rey Mysterio’s RTWM, win the WrestleMania Challenge against Terry Funk after completing all previous Challenge matches.

The Rock: In “Vs. Undertaker RTWM”, win the WrestleMania Challenge against The Rock after completing all previous Challenge matches.

Vince McMahon: In John Cena’s RTWM, win the WrestleMania Challenge against Vince McMahon, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre after completing all previous Challenge matches.

Vladimir Kozlov: Win one “Raw” 1-on-1 match with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Vladimir Kozlov after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

William Regal: Win ten “WWE Superstars” 1-on-1 match with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat William Regal after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Yoshi Tatsu: Win five “Raw” 1-on-1 matches with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Yoshi Tatsu after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Zack Ryder: Win one “WWE Superstars” 1-on-1 match with any Superstar (WWE Universe). Then, defeat Zack Ryder after Vince McMahon says you have to wrestle him.

Costumes

Batista (Civilian): In Jericho’s RTWM, win against Kofi, Henry, and Batista in Week 8.

Chris Jericho (Civilian): In Jericho’s RTWM, talk to Stephanie McMahon in the GM’s office, then win Week 1′s Match Of The Week, while executing at least one finisher and not taking heavy damage.

Christian (Civilian): In Christian’s RTWM, defeat Tyson Kidd or William Regal in a Royal Rumble side story match.

Cody Rhodes (Alternate Attire): In Christian’s RTWM, Try not to take to much damage during the Week 9 match between Christian & Edge vs The Legacy. (Thanks Eugin for this unlockable)

Christian (Conquistador): Initiate the Week 4 Challenge in Rey Mysterio’s RTWM.

Edge (Civilian): In Christian’s RTWM, defeat Big Show in a locker room area during the “Elimination Chamber”.

Jack Swagger (Civilian): In Rey Mysterio’s RTWM, partner with Jack Swagger during Week 3, and win the Match Of The Week as Jack Swagger.

John Cena (Entrance/Civilian): In Cena’s RTWM, win the Week 8 Challenge against Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.

Masked Kane Attire: Collect all the souls from the “Vs. Undertaker RTWM” & when the match comes around, Win against Masked Kane. (Thanks Ambar for correcting me here)

MVP (Civilian): In Cena’s RTWM, win both the Week 5 and Week 7 Tag Team Challenge Match against R-Truth and Mike Knox.

Randy Orton (Ref attire): In Cena’s RTWM, defeat Randy Orton in the WrestleMania Match Of The Week during the Lost Week 9 timeline.

Randy Orton (Suit): In Cena’s RTWM, defeat Randy Orton in the WrestleMania Match Of The Week during the Won Week 9 timeline.

Randy Orton (T-Shirt): In Cena’s RTWM, defeat Randy Orton in under 3 minutes during the Week 12 “I Quit” match in the Lost Week 9 timeline.

Rey Mysterio (Civilian): In Rey Mysterio’s RTWM, eliminate Evan Bourne in the Royal Rumble and win the Royal Rumble.

Rey Mysterio (Evil) and Entrance Scene: Successfully complete Rey Mysterio’s RTWM with Rey set to “Evil”.

Ted DiBiase (T-Shirt): In Cena’s RTWM, defeat Ted DiBiase to win the Week 11 Tag Team Challenge against Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes.

Todo Americano: In Rey Mysterio’s RTWM, do a finisher on Todo Americano while playing as Evan Bourne in Week 12.

Triple H (Civilian): In Jericho’s RTWM, escape to the parking lot without losing to Triple H in Week 6.

Vince McMahon (Suit): In Jericho’s RTWM, win the WWE Championship against Triple H at WrestleMania XXVI.

Other

Time Machine: Play Road To WrestleMania with Christian. Talk to Edge in the south locker room at the Elimination Chamber PPV about the Time Machine. Then, go to the GM Office, and talk to Vince McMahon. You will find out the Time Machine is broken into three pieces (they will appear as three green dots on the map). Look for the Edge and Christian action figures. They are between the bookshelf and the TV. Once you leave, you will get a phone call from Edge. The “Flux Capacitor” is in the Green Room. The “Phone Booth” is in the parking lot. Go to Edge with all three parts to get the Time Machine, which allows any Superstar to travel to any point in time on the Road To WrestleMania.

ECW Brand and ECW Championship Belt: Defend your belt in WWE Universe against another wrestler.

ECW Create Modes Content: Hold ten matches in Exhibition mode.

Edge/Christian Custom Entrance (as seen in his RTWM): In Christian’s RTWM, between Weeks 10 and 12, cash in the Money In The Bank against Edge and win.

Challenges
Successfully complete the indicated task to unlock the corresponding challenge for the listed wrestler.

Chris Jericho

    Week 1 (Singles Match): The Miz
    Week 5 (SuperStars): Santino (talk to Santino at Royal Rumble to set this up)
    Week 7 (Parking Lot): Cena
    Week 8 (Diva Match): Maryse vs. Beth
    Week 11 (Singles Match): Santino vs. Big Show (talk to Santino in the hall to setup your interference)
    WrestleMania (Singles Match): Find Steamboat in the Green Room.

Christian

    Week 4: After the Peep Show, before talking to Tiffany, go to the top locker room on the map, and talk to Regal.
    Week 5: Find Kane, and get challenged to an Inferno Match.
    Week 8: Find CM Punk in the hallways, and talk to him.
    Week 9: Find Jericho in the trainer’s room.
    Week 11: Find Legacy backstage. Fight them 2-on-1 at Superstars.
    WrestleMania: Check the Green Room to challenge Stone Cold.

John Cena

    Week 4 (Backstage Brawl): Confront Sheamus in the middle locker room.
    Week 5 (Tag Match on SD): Fight Truth & Consequences (talk to MVP to set this up).
    Week 7 (Tag Match on SD): Truth & Consequences for the titles (unlocks civilian MVP).
    Week 8 (Backstage Brawl): Legacy (unlocks civilian Cena and entrance).
    Week 11 (Tag Team): Santino vs. Legacy
    WrestleMania (Singles Match): Vince in the Green Room

Rey Mysterio

    Week 3 (Submission Match): Jericho
    Week 4 (6 Man Tag): Los Conquistadors
    Week 6 (Singles Match): R Truth
    Week 9 (Singles Match): Bourne vs. Orton (talk to Orton in top locker room at Elim Chamber to set this up)
    Week 10 (Cage): Hurricane (talk to him in the lower locker room to set this up before teaming up with RVD)
    WrestleMania (Extreme Rules): Terry Funk (find him in the Green Room)

Vs. Undertaker

    Week 2 (Backstage Brawl): Randy Orton
    Week 3 (Backstage Brawl): Kozlov
    Royal Rumble (Backstage Brawl): Ziggler
    Week 9 (Tables Match): Big Show
    Week 12 (Backstage Brawl): Batista
    WrestleMania (Last Man Standing): The Rock

Cheats
At the main menu, select “My WWE”, “Options”, then “Cheat Codes”. Enter one of the following codes to unlock the corresponding bonus:

Tribute To The Troops arena: Enter “8thannualtribute” as a code to unlock the Tribute To The Troops arena.

John Cena Street Fight gear: Enter “SLURPEE” as a code to unlock the John Cena Street Fight gear and John Cena “Never Give Up” t-shirt for your avatar.

Randy Orton alternate attire: Enter “apexpredator” as a code to unlock the Randy Orton alternate attire.

Cruiserweight, Hardcore, and Million Dollar Championship belt: Enter “historicalbelts“ as a code to unlock all the locked titles.

If you feel something is missing from this guide, please leave a comment below & tell me & I will see what I can do about adding it, help make this the TRUE Ultimate Guide!

Also if this guide helps you in someway, please leave a comment & just say thanks to show this is being noticed & if you want to take it a step further you can add what you loved most about this guide in the comment & share it with your friends or vote it up etc. using the sharing features below.

Main Source (Where I obtained SOME Single Entrances, Move-Sets, Unlock-ables & Cheats): http://www.cheatcc.com/psx2/wwesmackdownvsraw2011cheatscodes.html

10MB RAM Hack For CyanogenMOD (Version 4.2.15.1 & below + Info On The 10MB RAM Hack For 5.0.x Builds)

Contents

  1.  

  2.  

  3.  

  4.  

  5.  

  6.  

  7.  

  8.  

  9.  

Disclaimer

Before I begin like all posts & guides I do if you don’t follow instructions & wreck your android I will not be held responsible.

I am not forcing you to do this remember, I’m merely providing the guide & images, you need to provide the knowledge. With that said please don’t blame me if you mess up your device.

With all things to do with hacking & root you have to remember do this at your own risk.

THIS ONLY WORKS FOR THE VERSION OF CYANOGEN STATED & ONLY FOR THE G1 & WORKED ON SAPPHIRE 32B WHEN TESTED (No Hero).

You will have to do this every time you update your Cyanogen ROM.

To remove the hack just wipe everything using Amon_RA Recovery & reflash the ROM.

What This Hack Does/Info On The 10MB RAM Hack For 5.0.x & Above

The “10MB Hack” (as dubbed by all who use it) has been said to speed up your device & make it achieve processes a lot faster. This is done by taking a partition of your GPU (Graphics processing unit) & transferring it to your RAM,  in saying that, this hack is not recommended for people who do a lot of 3D gaming on their phones as most 3D games tend to either crash or go slow after the hack is applied (due to the partition subsidized for the extra RAM).

Please Note (READ THIS IF YOUR WONDERING WHEN A 10MB RAM HACK IS COMING TO THE CYANOGENMOD 5.0.x SERIES!!): It was recently announced by PerShoot & Cyanogen that the 10MB Hack will no longer work on the 5.0.x & above series of CyanogenMOD Builds due to hw3d needing the memory on the new Éclair version of Cyanogen’s ROM so only the builds from 4.2.15.1 will be able to use the 10MB RAM Hack.

Guide Change-Log

November 03 2010

June 14th 2010

  • Clarified the status of the 10MB RAM Hack for CyanogenMOD 5.0.x & above: Discontinued (see above)!!
  • Added Change-Log (This addition is now funny as it will be the last article about the 10MB Hack).
  • Added A little color (Sexy, No, thanks go to http://www.twitter.com/FHL09 for doing this).
  • Added quick links in post – to use just click the name of the section you wish to go to out of the contents at the start of this article (we recommend that you read the whole article if this is the first time your using the 10MB RAM Hack & thanks once again go to http://www.twitter.com/FHL09 for helping out with this).
  • Small fixes, code clean ups & grammar fixes (Thanks to supporters pointing out the issues).

You will need

Boot Images

(Download the one that matches the version of Cyanogen your using before proceeding)

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.15.1 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.15 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.14.1 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.13 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.12.2 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.11.1 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.10.1 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.9.1 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.9 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.8.1 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.8 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.7.1 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.6 – Click Here

Boot Image for Cyanogen 4.2.5 – Click Here

Written Guide

(Thanks to Troy aka Androlute on Twitter – Follow him: http://www.twitter.com/Androlute)

Your phone needs to be rooted!! then put this onto the root of your sdcard (so that it is on the SDCard but not in any folders)

  1. Open Better Terminal (haven’t got Better Terminal? – Download here)
  2. Type the following (the # is added automatically so ignore that & also the stuff in brackets are actions don’t type them, do them)

#su(press enter) (click Always Allow if screen shows up)

3.  For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 5.0.7 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot507.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.15.1 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot42151.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.15 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot42151.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.14.1 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot42141.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.13 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot4213.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.12.2 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot42122.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.11.1 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot42111.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.10.1 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot42101.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.9.1 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot4291.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.9 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot429.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.8.1 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot4281.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.8 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot428.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.7.1 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot4271.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.6 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot426.img(press enter)

For those who downloaded the boot image for Cyanogen 4.2.5 type

#flash_image(space)boot(space)/sdcard/boot425.img(press enter)

4.  Lastly type

reboot (press enter)

5.  Now wait for your device to load & you should be all set!

To check to see if your ram hack worked you should notice an increase in speed but to see if its installed enter the following command inside Better Terminal

su(press enter) cat(space)/proc/meminfo(press enter)

If you followed the instructions given above you should notice the RAM (displayed as MemTotal) will now be around 107076kb.

Congratulations: You have just given your G1 or Sapphire a little extra boost!

Credits

All thanks go to Daproy over at XDA for hacking this from Cyanogen’s kernel, PerShoot for providing some of the hacks at XDA, & Troy for making the guide even simpler & good-looking.

Beginner’s Guide To Bluetooth File Transfer

Here is the all updated and now (hopefully) an even easier guide for those who may not know exactly how to use Bluetooth File Transfer

Before I start let me warn you guys that some features of Bluetooth File Transfer require root permissions so you may have to have root access to enable certain functions.

Allow me to explain quickly before getting into the guide – Root access will allow you to receive from any device (meaning your friend can connect to you and send you content) given you have root access and are running a ROM such as Cyanogen, Dwang, SuperE, OpenÉclair, ChromeDroid or any other ROM.

Without Root you can connect to any device and download/upload files and only devices like yours that are also using Bluetooth File Transfer can connect to you (such as G1 to G1) otherwise devices can’t connect to you

Please Note: Ensure the device is Bluetooth compatible and set to discoverable (refer to phone user manual of your friends device or contact their device provider with your friends device make and model for more info).

Furthermore some phones such as HTC Hero, Galaxy and Behold II may not be able to use this if they have software lower than 2.0 (Éclair) as the Bluetooth drivers are broken on those lower software levels.

Links

Developers Website: http://www.medieval.it/blueftp-android/menu-id-68.html

Support Forums: http://www.medieval.it/support/forum.html

Android Market (For users viewing this on an Android): http://market.android.com/search?q=pname:it.medieval.blueftp

AppBrain (For users viewing this on a PC): http://www.appbrain.com/app/bluetooth-file-transfer/it.medieval.blueftp

Direct Download: http://www.medieval.it/sw/BlueFTP.apk

QR Codes

Developers Website

Medieval

Support Forums

Support Forums

Android Market (For users viewing this on an Android)

Android Market

Direct Download

Direct Download

Guide Updates

November 3rd 2010

  • Fixed Spelling & Grammar.
  • Removed Dead-links.

October 24th 2010

  • Fixed Italic Code causing entire article to be in Italic.
  • Changed Links from AA AppStore to AppBrain.
  • More massive code clean up.
  • Spelling & Grammar Fixes.

July 28th 2010

April 30th 2010

  • Added information about the Widget
  • Added quick links in post (Thanks Artem & Gary) to use just click the name of the section you wish to go to out of the contents below these updates
  • Added QR Codes
  • Added Updates Section
  • Updated link from AndroLib to our very own AppStore
  • Small fixes, code clean ups & grammar fixes (Thanks to supporters pointing out the issues)
  • Changed contact email to help@medieval.it

March 16th 2010

  • HUGE update to make it easier to understand
  • Added Contents
  • Sorted by sections
  • Explained search feature
  • Added Links
  • Much more that I can’t quite remember

January 27th 2010

  • Guide created


Contents

  1. Start Up – An Introduction to Bluetooth File Transfer.
  2. Settings - Explanations of all the settings.
  3. Search - Information on how to use the search function.
  4. Widget – Information about the widget
  5. Sending - Information on how to send files between devices.
  6. Receiving - Information on receiving files between devices.
  7. F.A.Q’s – Frequently Asked Questions.
  8. Guide Complete - End of the guide.

1. Start Up

Allow me to start with taking you through the start-up procedure of Bluetooth File Transfer

You will find once opening Bluetooth File Transfer you may get around two pop-ups (this may be different depending on your use of Bluetooth File Transfer and your Bluetooth settings).

These pop-ups are

  • Permissions to enable Bluetooth (if not already enabled)
  • Application change log (shows once per update) If you want to send or receive files via Bluetooth you will need to click OK on enable Bluetooth or click cancel if you only want to use Bluetooth File Transfer as a stand-alone file manager.



Once you clicked that it will display a message saying enabling Bluetooth layer wait for this message to disappear.



The change log may then show, once you have read that click the button below the writing (as medieval update it now and then it may not look exactly like the screenshot below).



Once Bluetooth is enabled and you have read the change log you will get one of two screens depending on if you have root access or not.

If you don’t have root permissions you will get the following message


image


If you have root permissions you won’t get that message above instead you will get two of these (depending on the ROM you are using it may not look exactly like the screenshot below)




These are call Su Permissions and will enable you to send and receive files and as I said above you will get a few of these.

I recommend clicking (or marking the tick) always allow to prevent having to do it on every start-up (don’t worry always allowing Bluetooth File Transfer root access won’t harm your device it will just save you enabling root access upon each start).

You have now completed the Start-Up process.

2. Settings

Now I suggest doing the settings for Bluetooth File Transfer don’t worry I will explain to you what the settings mean.

To access settings press menu and click more and select settings you will then see something like the following screenshot

Object Push Profile (OPP for short) is the settings for receiving files here is what the ones above mean.

  • Enabled: Ticking this will enable Bluetooth on your device (should it not already be enabled) and it means it’s all set and ready to receive files.
  • Start At Boot: Ticking this means if you turn off your device when you switch it on again
  • Stop When Close: Ticking this means when you close Bluetooth File Transfer it will shut off receiving of files.
  • Show Notifications: Ticking this will display messages inside your notification bar to let you know when a file is received.
  • Show Messages: Ticking this will display “flying” messages (PopUps on your screen) to let you know when a file is received.

See next screenshot for more

  • Alert On Receive: This will display directly on the screen to let you know when a file is received.
  • Destination Folder: This is where you define where you want the received files to be saved to.
  • Concurrent Connections: This is where you choose how many devices can send you stuff at the same time (max 7)

I will discuss the rest after the next screenshot

File Transfer Profile (FTP for short) is the settings for sending files here is what the ones above mean.

  • Enabled: Ticking this will enable Bluetooth on your device (should it not already be enabled) and it means it’s all set and ready to send files.
  • Start at boot: Ticking this means if you turn off your device when you switch it on again the sending function of Bluetooth File Transfer will start automatically.
  • Stop when close: Ticking this means when you close Bluetooth File Transfer it will shut off sending of files.
  • Show notifications: Ticking this will display messages inside your notification bar to let you know when a file is sent.
  • Show messages: Ticking this will display “flying” messages (PopUps on your screen) to let you know when a file is sent.

See next screenshot for more

  • Alert on receive: Ticking this will mean it will display an alert on the screen to let you know when a file is received.
  • Alert on send: Ticking this will mean it will display an alert on the screen to let you know when a file is sent.
  • Shared folder: This is where you define where you want the files you wish to share to come from.
  • Concurrent connections: This is where you choose how many devices you can send stuff to at the same time (max 7)

You have now completed the Set-Up process.

3. Search

The search function which will allow you to search your device for files or a device your connected to inside blueFTP

To access press menu then press find files and a pop up like below will appear

Here is the layout

Text Box: Use this to type in the name of the file you are after (it is case-insensitive, so WINTER or winter or WINter is exactly the same).

Search TIPs

Searching Absolutely Android will find all files containing the words Absolutely OR Android (so a file such as “Absolutely-Android-2009.jpg” will match, along with “BigAndroidBBQ.3gp”, “Absolutely Everybody.mp3″ and “Around the BBQ – taken using my Android.avi” and so on).

To narrow it down further you can put a + Between Absolutely Android and it will only return files with the words Absolutely AND Android both in one file name (so a file such as “Absolutely Awesome (Android Nexus).mpg” matches, along with “Absolutely cold night – see the snow (picture taken using my Android).jpg” and “Absolutely Awesome.mp3″, “Android Bluetooth File Transfer Guide.avi” or “Absolutely-air.apk” won’t show in the results).

Also putting a - between Absolutely Android will only return files with the file name Absolutely AND NOT Android (so a file such as “Absolutely Awesome Party.avi” matches, along with “Absolutely awesome site walkthrough.avi”, “Absolutely awesome Bluetooth File Transfer guide.mp4″ and “Absolutely Everybody.3gp”, but “Absolutely Android Guide.avi” or “The Android Nexus One.jpg” won’t return in the results).

You can also combine these to shorten down results even more;

- “summer + travel – 2008 – 2007” will search all files which name has the word ‘summer‘ **AND** the word ‘travel‘ **BUT DOESN’T CONTAIN** the words (or in this case digits) ‘2008‘ and ‘2007‘.

- “fall summer winter + travel” means search all files which name has the word ‘fall‘ **OR** the word ‘summer‘ **OR** the word ‘winter‘ **AND** the word ‘travel‘.

- also the short form like “-picture” is allowed and will search all files which name **DOESN’T CONTAIN** the word ‘picture‘.


  • File Type: Use this if your after a certain file type (such as ticking just audio and clicking OK will find all audio files of the text input in the text box)



  • Size Greater Than: Use the slider bar to choose how large the certain file you’re looking for is (such as say you’re looking for a song that’s over 1000KBs so you will slide the bar to 1000KBs and press OK)



  • Size Lower Than: Use the slider bar to choose how small the certain file you’re looking for is (such as say you’re looking for a song that’s under 1000KBs so you will slide the bar to 1000KBs and press OK)



  • Date Newer Than: Use the date boxes to choose a date of to find certain item (for example you’re looking for a picture you know you got after the 1st of Jan 2010 so you put that in the boxes and it will search for all files from that date forward)



  • Date Older Than: Use the date boxes to choose a date to find a certain item (for example you’re looking for a picture you know you got before the 1st of Jan 2010 so you put that in the boxes and it will search for all files from that date forward)

4. Widget

I will now go though quickly & explain the functions of the widget found in versions 2.70 & above

So first here is what the Widget looks like

It has four symbols which I will now explain to you one at a time, the first symbol (with the orange light underneath) is to active Bluetooth on your device (see screenshot below)

All you do is tap the Bluetooth Icon & it will turn orange (which means it is processing your request) & then blue once it is enabled (see screenshot below)

This is what you want to see on the Widget before sending & receiving items if one of the lights below the icon is not blue click it & enable it, this should result in a clean file transfer & file push (receive)

The second icon after the Bluetooth enable icon is to make your device visible & the next one seen in the screenshot below is to enable FTP (File Transfer)

This allows you to transfer files between devices so if you want to send make sure the light below the open folder icon is blue.

The last icon is the OPP (Object Push) which allows others with Bluetooth capable devices to connect with you & send you items.

If you want to receive an item from another device the lighting blot must have a blue light underneath it in order for the other device to find, connect & send you the item.

5. Sending

I will start by showing you what the contact sending looks like

All you do here is mark the contacts you wish to send and the following screen will show

This is where you either choose the device you want to send to or search for a new device (more info below).

I’m now going to explain how to send files by Bluetooth, this method works for any files you wish to send but before proceeding please make sure the device you’re sending to meets the following expectations

  • The device you’re sending too can handle the item you’re sending meaning don’t send a theme made for a Sony Ericsson to a Nokia
  • The device you’re sending the item to has enough free memory meaning if you’re sending a 21.7kb picture the device you’re sending it too needs to have at least 21.7kb in memory.

Now once your gone through the checks above find the folder with the file/s you wish to send and click the box/es of the file/s you wish to send so it will look like this

Once you have selected the files press menu on your device and you will now get a screen that looks like this

Select more, then select Send via Bluetooth (it will display how many items you wish to send for example 6 items)

Now you should get a device selection screen which looks a little like this

It will automatically search for new devices in your area (normally only effective as far as an average sized bedroom so make sure the user is close when trying to connect).

If you can’t find your friends device make sure they have a Bluetooth capable device and that their Bluetooth is enabled on their device.

Please Note: Some devices need to be set to discoverable in order to be found so if that is the case please set the device you’re sending too, to discoverable also before sending an item (refer to phone user manual of your friends device or contact their device provider with your friends device make & model for more info).

If you want to try finding the device your after upon going through the steps above then you can press menu and click search to re-search should the automated search not return any results, so once you click menu you should get something that looks like the following

Remember to click search and it will re-search for devices in your area.

Once you have located the device your after on your Android device long click it


You will get three options in a Pop-up box like this


This is what each option means

  • Connect: Clicking this will connect you to the device you want to send the item to (if this is the first time sending to the device in question please use create pairing below).
  • Add Bookmark: Clicking this will add the device you’re sending to, to your bookmarks (recommended if you plan on sending more items to the same device later).
  • Create Pairing: This is the first step to take if the device you’re sending to is one you haven’t previously sent to.

If you choose connect or add bookmark please ignore the following and see further below.

If you choose create pairing you will get a Pop-up that looks like the one seen below in the screenshot


Now you enter the password to which the other device your connected to will have to input (it can be any password you want I use 0000 as its easy to remember for the other user).

Once you have the password click OK.

Tell your friend using the other device you’re sending to the password and they should get a pop-up asking to input password.

This is where they enter the password you choose.

Once they done that you will get the following message on-screen


This is alerting you that the pairing has been successful and you are ready to send.

Now before sending (or if you selected add bookmark from above) if you think you will send the friend your currently sending items to some more items at a later date I recommend adding the user as a bookmark by long clicking on your friend’s phone on your device.

It should come up like this


Select add bookmark and this will save the device for future sharing.

For those who choose connect when I mentioned it in the above options start here

You may now connect to the device by long clicking your friends device on your screen until the following appears


Select Connect and this should now show something like the following screenshot


Wait till this completes and it should automatically start sending the files you marked above and the screen will look something like this


Wait for that to compete and if sending multiple files the screen above will display each file one at a time not all at once so wait for a message saying sending complete or something along those lines.

Congratulations you have now passed steps to sending files via Bluetooth File Transfer.

6. Receiving

So you want to receive a file from a friend?

Firstly make sure your device can handle the file your friend is sending you.

  • Ensure you have enough free space on your device.
  • Ensure the file is compatible with your device E.g a MP3 track and not a theme for a Sony Ericsson (it will not work on your device).
  • Ensure they have a Bluetooth capable device and that there Bluetooth is enabled on their device (refer to phone user manual of your friends device or contact their device provider with your friend’s device make and model for more info).

Method One (Rooted Device)

This method is for those who have root or your friends device is the same as your device and your friend has Bluetooth File Transfer installed, (If you don’t have root and the device your friend is using doesn’t have Bluetooth File Transfer installed & isn’t the same as your device refer to method 2 below).

Unless already paired before with the device you want to receive a file from and you have root or the device you want to receive from is the same as your device and is using Bluetooth File Transfer your screen should look something like the following


Those who got that message must now enter a password that your friend will also need to know so they can input the exact same password you used

Once they have input the correct password you will get the following Pop-Up


This means you have received the file.

Method Two (Unrooted Device)

This method is for those who don’t have root & their friends device is not the same as your device or if you’re having issues with method one.

First step is open Bluetooth File Transfer and make sure both your Bluetooth and your friends Bluetooth is on and your friends device is set to discoverable.

Next using your device click remote inside Bluetooth File Transfer if you do it right you will see something like the following


Now use search and find the device you wish to grab the item/s from by finding the device on screen or clicking search so your screen should now look like this


Once located choose the device you want by clicking it once then the following will appear


Now find the file/s you wish to send and mark the boxes of the files you want so it looks like the following


Press menu and select Download


Now you will get the following pop-up


Wait for this to fully complete (by fully complete i mean you may get more than one of these but just wait)

Once completed press menu then click more


now select Disconnect


Press OK and you will disconnect from the device you got the files from


This is all you need to do to receive a file.

7. F.A.Q’s

Q. Why doesn’t it work on my Android phone? (Hero / Galaxy / Spica / GW620)

A. Unfortunately, some Android smart-phones still can’t use Bluetooth functionality to transfer files. It happens mainly with Android 1.5 (Cupcake) and Android 1.6 (Donut). Please refer to medieval’s compatibility table and check if your mobile phone is currently supported or not by their application.

NOTE – starting from Android 2.0 (or above), the Bluetooth layer will work correctly, even with the unsupported phones!!!

Q. Why can’t I receive files with Android 1.5 (Cupcake) or 1.6 (Donut)?

A. If your phone is Rooted, in other words you have gained root permissions with a hack and subsequently you have installed a customized firmware like CyanogenMod or ChromeDroid, then you can receive files from any device (by accepting a “SU”, aka SuperUser, dialog request).

Otherwise, without root permissions, you can receive files only from another “Bluetooth File Transfer (for Android)” software; so in this case only Android-to-Android transfers are supported. However, even without root, if you are able to connect to your target device (laptop, mobile phone, printer, car kit, and so on…) using our software, then you can download the files you want.

DOWNLOAD = receive files, UPLOAD = send files

Q. There’s a way to block the “300 seconds” discoverable request?

A. When the “300 seconds” discoverable dialog appear, just press [NO] button and it will not prompt you again, the next time.

Q. Why the Bluetooth communication sometimes becomes slow?

A. Almost all mobile phones enter into power saving state, or into stand-by state if you prefer this term, after a period of inactivity. When this happens, some mobile phones also put its Bluetooth chip in low-consumption state, making active transfers extremely slow and troublesome. Therefore, when you experience this problem, just recover both mobile phones (sender and receiver) from the power saving/stand-by state.

Q. Can I send music, videos and photos with this program?

A. Sure! First of all you have to find the files you would like to send via Bluetooth, by using our powerful search engine: open main menu and click over the “Find files” button. Insert all the search parameters you want and then press “Find” button. When the research is completed, put a check beside the files you want to send, then open main menu, press “More” button and finally click over the “Send via Bluetooth (## items)” button. Now just select the target device and the transfer starts … that’s all!

Q. Why can’t I print any photo with my PoGo printer?

A. To fix this problem you have to install and launch the FxCamera application, now go to “Config” menu of Polandroid and then choose Film Type – Rectangle (3:2). After doing this, you will be able to Bluetooth shot pictures to your PoGo printer.

Q. Can I receive files without ROOT permissions?

A. Sure, if you are able to connect to your target device (laptop, mobile phone, printer, car kit, and so on…) using our software, then you can download the files you want.

DOWNLOAD = receive files

Q. Why can’t I connect to my BlackBerry device?

A. Unfortunately, BlackBerry devices don’t support Bluetooth receiving service natively, so you can’t receive files via Bluetooth unless you install a third-party application.

NOTE – Currently, we don’t have such application for BlackBerry!

Q. Does anyone know why when I turn on my Bluetooth, the app closes automatically…But if I turn off, I can get access to everything in the app like search file or go settings?

A. If the program crashes, then follow these steps:

1) Turn OFF Bluetooth on your phone then start the program;

2) When BlueFTP requests to turn on Bluetooth, just press CANCEL

button, to maintain the Bluetooth in OFF state;

3) Open menu, press “Settings…” and then uncheck all the check boxes

labeled as “Enabled”, to disable the file receiving services

that cause crash, then press BACK key;

4) Now turn ON Bluetooth on your phone, either by using Android

settings or by clicking over “Turn on Bluetooth” button in “Remote

files” page (right-side) of BlueFTP – wait a bit;

5) You can now use the program.

Q. Why can’t I find this application on the market?

A. If your on 1.5/1.6 this application may not be available to you due to issues Medieval are having with the Android market, you can find out all the information here – http://www.medieval.it/google-is-censoring-bluetooth-on-android-the-proof/menu-id-66.html & if your using 1.5/1.6 & you can’t see the application on the market you can always download it directly from here – http://www.medieval.it/sw/BlueFTP.apk but please check out that article over at Medieval if you haven’t already.

Q. Can I see what’s been worked on for upcoming releases or check to see if an issue I am having is being fixed?

A. Yes you can & you can do that by going here – http://bugs.medieval.it/my_view_page.php.

Q. What if the issue I am having isn’t listed there?

A. If it’s not listed there you can contact the support team by emailing admin@medieval.it, leaving comments on the market with 1 star ratings saying something is broken may not get seen as the market comments are not checked on a daily basis & Medieval gets tons of market comments everyday so they may miss it so please use the email if you have issues & if possible have a logcat available to attach to the email to help Medieval fix the issues faster & easier.

Q. I have a general question on how to use this application that you haven’t answered?

A. I may have missed a question but please feel free to leave comments below with your questions & I will try my best to help but remember don’t tell me about the bugs as I don’t have the power to fix them & only contact via email will help you with bugs such as trouble connecting to a PC & application forcecloses on a certain feature such as accessing options but I am open to all questions about this guide & the application in general.

8. Guide Completed

This concludes the beginner’s guide to Bluetooth File Transfer.

Please give the developers a break and read this fully before e-mailing them with issues as it may not be Bluetooth File Transfer’s fault.

Should you have an issue that hasn’t been covered in this guide please email admin@medieval.it

Furthermore if this guide helps you please leave us a nice comment below we love reading all the great comments and it shows all our time hasn’t been wasted.

Device Review: Experiencing an Xperia X10

So recently Neil from @TelecomNZ (http://www.telecom.co.nz) supplied us with a device for reviewing & I am not going to drag on how this review has come to be, so without keeping you waiting any longer its time for my huge first review of a headset (on Absolutely Android that is).

Hardware

So let me start of with the good, The hardware overall in the Xperia is rather impressive, you have a large 480 x 854 pixels sized screen, that has a Scratch-resistant surface & Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate, GPRS, Bluetooth, WVGA @30fps video, a snappy Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon 1 GHz processor.

It also comes with a Standard battery, Li-Po 1500 mAh (BST-41) which, with non stop use (music playing, playing games, browsing) lasted me a good 7-10hours without a charge.

The best part of the hardware is the 8.1 MP camera with it’s autofocus & LED flash, however, rather than say it takes great pictures, allow me to show you.

Camera Video
This is what it looks like when you are in the Camera/Video capture modes (Camera is the screen on the left, Video is the one on the right.)

Ducks
Like these ducks, I am Quackers about the camera on the Xperia X10, Look at the one closest to the camera, striking a pose for the Xperia!

Fountain

Statue

DSC_0027

DSC_0002
Above: Four more pictures taken with the Sony Ericsson, Xperia X10
Below: Let me show you exactly how sweet the camera is, with a short, 1:10 video, taken using the Xperia X10 (For those outside New Zealand, I apologize in advance if you can’t understand what I am saying, I have a Kiwi accent, which maybe hard to understand for some of our USA/Canadian readers).

So that pretty much covers the good things I have found about the hardware on the Xperia X10.

Now the fact that this is on 1.6 is a major disappointment, as I can see it performing well on 2.1 or 2.2, however that is in no way the worst set-back for me, there is also the UI.

I’m referring to the TimeScape UI, I am not really fan of those manufacturer UI’s & Timescape UI is no exception, I find it extremely bloated, & where as it doesn’t seem to slow down the device, it looks, & feels rather awful, here is some screens of the TimeScape/MediaScape UI, you be the judge.

Lockscreen 2 Home Screen Messaging.png Messaging (Menu Open).png Mediascape - Music (Browse By Artist) Mediascape - Music (Browse My Albums) Mediascape - Music (Browse My Track) Mediascape - Music (Main Screen) Mediascape - Music (Playing Now) Mediascape - Videos (Browser) Mediascape - Photos (Main Screen) Mediascape - Photos (Camera Roll) Calendar CalculatorPicture Viewing Video Viewing

Still on the topic of hardware, I want to get onto the worst thing in my views & that is the sound quality, I’m use to Sony Ericsson producing devices with great sound & they failed in certain aspects with this device

The main issue for me is the speaker being on the side & for some reason that causes music to not sound as great as I think it could (this is a confirmed flaw when I ran the same track, on my HTC Magic, on speaker, with the same set-ups as the Xperia & my Magic sounded better on speaker, & produced a much clearer sound, I must say using the headphones (provided with TelecomNZ’s Xperia X10 package) fixes this for me though, but it is still a con for me overall as I like playing my music to mates on my speaker.

Software

So, aside the bloat-ware that comes with many devices, the software on this the PERFECT device for those new to Android.

I mean Sony Ericsson/Telecom (not sure who exactly) but they have included software on the device that makes it so much easier to grasp how to use the device, with guides, videos & more it makes it really simple to work out how to use the device & to be honest with you, it even taught me 1 or 2 new tricks that I can take with me to my magic & its easy to understand the guides & videos, I mean just take a look at the screens.

Detailed User-Guide

News On The X10 A Maasively Impressive Array Of Video Guides

There are a massive collection of videos & guides & I can promise it will teach you all you need to know about the Xperia X10.

Now for the rest of the software, I have kind of gone on to much so lets do this quickly.

Next, I will show a nice package of pre-installed apps that make a great addition to the device, IF you have multiple email accounts;

Moxier Overload Information On Moxier

Moxier Mail (with Exchange ActiveSync) is a great program for those with other email addresses, outside G-Mail such as Yahoo.

Aside for Moxier Mail, the two TelecomNZ icons seen on the screen are just linked to open in browser & more ideal as a bookmark rather than a extra icon in your app drawer.

The widget for Absolutely Android sadly doesn’t come pre-installed & it is merely for show/branding the screen-shot.

As for the rest of the software on the device, well first we have this;

Mediascape - Album Art Downloader

It sounds great that it can track down all the missing album art, however, sadly, when I tried to use it, it failed to sync & I just gave up as it wasn’t clear on how to fix it, but I see this as a great piece of software for the neat freak music buffs (like myself), if others can get it going.

Next we have, back up & restore software pre-installed;

Backup & Restore

The browser is pretty much the same as you see on any (1.6) Android devices, aside from hints of that TimeScape appearing in places (see header bar, below the date).

View Inside Browser

So that pretty much covers software, lets quickly move on.

Performance

The Xperia X10 performs well, with its Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon 1 GHz processor & quite honestly I can’t say anything bad about it.

Call Quality

Call Screen Dialer (In Call)

I did a test call with my good friend (and manager here) Gary & I truly believe the call quality was of a good standard & a head-set is strongly recommended (with all devices, not just the Xperia) to ensure you get the best sound quality possible.

Battery Life

As stated above, with its Li-Po 1500 mAh (BST-41) battery fully charged, & non stop use (music playing, playing games, browsing), the overall battery life lasted me a good 7-10hours without a charge.

Pros

  • Great 8.1 MP Camera & Video
  • Easy to use & easy to follow guides
  • Good battery life
  • Very responsive/snappy, works fast
  • Beautiful screen with a great display & response to touch
  • Some great preinstalled applications including the user guide.

Cons

  • Running 1.6
  • Timescape UI
  • Poor speaker positioning (on the side) & sound quality (however, improved with head-set use)
  • Standard Lock-Screen is, well strange is the only way to describe it

Rating

AndroidLove AndroidLove AndroidLove

3/5

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is a good looking device, has a great camera & detailed guides, making it the perfect first time Android phone for those yet to jump into the world of Android.
With some set-backs that ruin the rating, I have to say this is a device that could be easily running 2.1 or 2.2 & have minor work done to ensure it is the best, so with that I will have to rate the Sony Xperia X10 from TelecomNZ a 3/5.

Where To Buy
(This is more for New Zealand Consumers)

The TelecomNZ website has stated, the Xperia can only be purchased in store, however you can see some great info on the Xperia & the price before hand by going to the TelecomNZ website: http://store.telecom.co.nz/mobile/prepaid/sony-ericsson-x10a

Closing Statement

Thanks for reading my first device review on the site & I look forward to hearing what you have to say on my review or the Xperia X10 yourself so please leave a comment below.

Thanks once again to Neil & the team @TelecomNZ for providing us with the Xperia to review & I recommend to all those who have been thinking of jumping to Android, the Xperia X10 is the phone for you.

Disclaimer: The Android logos used above in ratings are property of Androlute.com & Jairomeo & must not be used outside Androlute.com &/or sites under Jairomeo’s management unless consent is given by Troy & Jairomeo collectively.

Quick Tips: Developers Edition

Android MarketSo I wanted to share some tips with Developers of Applications & I am mainly targeting the ones new to the Android scene here with this article but I am sure even the most skilled developers can relate to these tips.

Now I am not a developer, I am a supporter who has seen many reviews on applications some here on AA & those small (& sometimes harsh) market comments on the official market so I have picked up a thing or two from that so lets get some Quick Tips out there for developers shall we.

The big tip I have is with advertising, most users hate advertising, so much so they uninstall a application just for that reason alone, even if the application is the greatest application ever (I see it as a way for a developer to generate a little money for their hard work & to bring better features to their application, but that’s just me).

Take ChompSMS for example, the developer added ads to generate some cash for the time & effort they put into that application & when they added the ads the normal 5 star ratings it was getting dropped down to a chain of 1 star reviews with comments like “Ads” “Not Updating” & “Ads, Uninstalling” (see harsh) but here is tips to reduce that type of “backlash” in reviews.

  • Add Ads from the get go – Don’t add Ads on a application that you put on the market Adfree for even one release, if you want ads add them before releasing on the market.
  • So what if your application is on the market already & you want to add ads? Well its simple just add them but put that you added ads in the market description (many like honesty) & make a Adfree version & put it on the market for $0.99c so those who love the application can use it Adfree all while showing you support.
  • Last resort for those who can’t sell apps on the market (such as the case with the developers of ChompSMS) is use PayPal (http://www.paypal.com) & get donations with the donator getting a copy of your application Adfree including all updates, it can be a long process but if you care about your application enough it is worth it.

So that covers ads the number one supporter killer on the market now lets deal with “tags” or “keywords” in descriptions, I recommend using keywords or tags as it gives your application more exposure to users when they search on the market so lets get some quick tips here.

  • Add tags or keywords in the description but ensure they are relevant & match your application not just to get noticed as it will get your application noticed but when users install & see you used tags/keywords that have no relevance to your application chances are they will let others know via the comments along with a 1 star rating.

Let me give you a good example of bad use of tags/keywords using a made up application here:

Title: Animals Soundboard (For Children)

Description: A application targeted at children containing 37 High quality Animal sounds, Nice graphics (just click the animal to hear its sound), Many different animals to choose from & more coming just make a suggestion via email or comments below.

lion, porn, dog, cat, zoo, sex, farm, child, baby, girl

Version 1.1  1.55MB

Notice there are relevant tags/keywords there such as “lion”, “dog”, “cat” & “zoo” as well as “farm”, “child”, “baby” & “girl” which maybe pushing it for relevance but I admit have some relevance being animals found on a farm along with a well known fact that most children, babies & girls love animals, but then you have the “glory” tags which are easily spotted here & those are “sex” & “porn”.

Now lets be honest sex & porn are great ways to get your application noticed (its a great way to get a lot of things noticed, come on you know its wrong but you know I am right) but to have those tags placed along aside “child” & “baby” is very, very wrong indeed (it may even give sick minded people the wrong idea) & lets be honest what are the odds of a Animal Soundboard (For Children) having sex & porn? If it does its clearly not a child’s application.

Right back on track with tips (although I never really went of the subject).

  • Try to blend in tags with the description rather then singling out words at the bottom (they get lonely otherwise) for example say I made a application for SMS sending & receiving this would be my description (bold words = tags).

Title: MindcentSMS (lame cover for Handcent I know)

Description: MindcentSMS offers a cool new way to send & receive messages & is much like Handcent SMS & ChompSMS with a few unique differences such as the feature that not only speaks your SMS using TTS (Text to Speech) but can sing them to you also in a array of voices such as Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, Ke$ha (or Kesha!?!) & even Eminem (Rap) along with our unique mind reading feature which accurately reads your mind & places what your thinking into a SMS message as text so you will never have to speak or type again but the option is still there if needed, PLUS MMS support is now included in versions 1985462653 & up.

Update: Added Ads (Adfree version also now available now for $0.99) & added MMS support, Fixed major bug (turns out a bloody centipede got into the code, it’s a long story).

Version 1985462653  100237.25MB

That is how I would set it out, of course your description wouldn’t be exactly like mine as my SMS application is one in a million.

My next lot of tips comes from both my knowledge & personal background

  • Use a change log – I think its all well & good you update often (twice a day even) but please include a change log in your description so we can see why you are updating (even if you only update once a month include a change log). Its all well & good to think its fun for users to try finding new features but chances are we will miss something & it maybe of great use to us so stating it in the description on the market will help users understand the changes & if they don’t like the changes they know not to update just yet, A short change log like mine above is great & include a full detailed one in the application if you know how, users like to see what’s changed or what’s new.

Right my last tip for Developers to ensure you keep supporters happy & get the credit you deserve is…

  • Update often but try not to update to often.

By this I mean add new features to keep the users interested (& maybe score a few new supporters) but don’t update just to get your application to appear in the “Just In” section on the Android Market as doing that may get bad reviews via comments like “What’s Changed??” + 1star & if there is a massive bug then update fast until its fixed but include a change log for each update to state what you did that changed from your last release (15mins ago) if there is a few “bugs” of low priority leave it for the time being until you get more reports or until you add a few new features & focus on bringing out a update with a “massive fix” or “major update” rather than 100 annoying updates in the space of a day.

Right so developers I hope I help you all here, please leave a comment if I have helped you in some way & to show it has been worth all the research & all this writing here as I love showing my support for developers as much as I can as does many other Android supporters.

With that I wish all developers luck with their application development as well as hope that with this information their application succeeds in the market & becomes the best it can possible be & furthermore I hope that you find Android to be even easier then you may of originally thought with the information above to aide you.

Image taken from the official Android Market.