Adobe Flash on Android
June 24th, 2009
Rogers HTC Dream mini review
June 8th, 2009
Android, Google’s Open Source OS for smart phones has finally come to Canada in the form of the HTC Dream (T-mobile G1 in the USA). Roger’s Android phone features some changes from the default Android 1.5 (Cupcake) OS that makes it unique to Canada, most notably, built in support for ActiveSync, allowing you to get push email from a Microsoft Exchange server.
There are some caveants, the most important being, if you want to use your Rogers HTC Dream with an Exchange Server, it must be running Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 with Service Pack 1 applied. In our testing, we discovered that HTC has formatted their https commands differently than the iPhone, and other ActiveSync devices causing a “Sync Protocol Error” to be displayed on the phone.
Overall, I quite like the device, and I am quite fond of its ability to run an SSH client full screen, and allowing me to use the 5 line qwerty keyboard to control servers and routers that I need access to remotely. Web browsing is also nice and fast thanks to built in HSPA 3.5G support (7.2Mbps download, 2Mbps upload). The built in mail client is very similar in operation to the Apple mail client that comes with the iPod touch, and iPhone. I really like the built in Calendar’s ability to sync with Google Calendar, as well as exchange, showing the events in both calendars in different colors. This allows me to keep my personal calendar separate from my work calendar.
As expected, all of the Google apps really shine on Android, Maps, Talk, Youtube and Mail all work seamlessly with Google, and are activated with the very first setup screen when the phone is started up for the first time.
The Rogers version of the HTC Dream comes with a 2GB micro SD card already installed in the phone.
So far, I’ve only had the phone for 6 days, I’ll be posting a more detailed post on the phone after I’ve had a chance to use it for work for a month.
Post a comment if you have a question that you’d like me to answer.
Translink to Photographers: you are criminals!
March 18th, 2009
A Vancouver photographer (Andrew Ferguson) captured this image on his commute today.
Image Copyright Andrew Ferguson
The ad shows a photographer with an SLR taking a picture of a security camera, with the tagline, “Report the suspicious, not the strange”. You can examine the large image here. This will be a huge waste of police resources dealing with lame complaints about photographers.
We have been hearing about this happening in cities such as New York, and London, but now its happening in our own backyard. Translink may not be aware, but the last time that I checked, Photography is Not a Crime! I hope that this is a mistake, and doesn’t become more common because of the up coming Olympic winter games. Unfortunately, I’m expecting to see more of this, with the police trying to extend their powers using the games as an excuse. Its a slippery slope, and we are just getting started with less than a year to go before the games.
If you want to see the advertisement in person, you can see it at waterfront station. Anybody interested in a Skytrain station photowalk to take pictures of security cameras? Leave a comment, SLR’s only, and you need to wear a hoodie, and carry a camera bag.
Site Updates
March 17th, 2009
Hello everybody. Just wanted to post a quick update that I am working on a new theme for the site, right now, its pretty stock, but watch for some further customizations in the coming weeks.
I was never really happy with the last theme, as I didn’t like reading on a black background, I find the white background for text much more readable.
As always, all feedback is welcome in the comment.
Thanks
YVR Olympic Signage
March 7th, 2009
I had the opportunity to head out to the airport and check out the new LED Olympic rings at the Vancouver Internation Airport last night. I was amazed at just how bright the rings are, and they are running on LED’s so we are not going to be flushing away a lot of money.
I was a little disappointed that the rings were not in colour, as they are capable of changing colours, but since its been running for a few days, its likely less distracting to drivers to leave it in white.
If you’re in Richmond, or near the airport, take a drive around the loop upto the departures, and you’ll get an impressive view of the rings, and they are very very bright.
Do you have an ExpressVu 6000 HD Receiver?
February 8th, 2009
If so, you will be receiving a new 6131 from Bell TV!
Starting on April 1st, Bell TV will be switching their transponders over to use 8PSK signaling, which will allow them to offer more HD channels. The change only affects the older first generation HD recievers, which is a nice gesture on the part of Bell since the early HD adopters paid the way for Bell to expand their HD services.
If you have a model 6000, then you should be recieving a letter from Bell (assuming you havn’t already). Simply call the number in the letter to arrange for the delivery of your new 6131, and the retur of your old 6000.
Stay tuned for updates on new channels once the 8PSK switch starts on April 1st 2009.
New 6141 firmware enables PVR on Bell TV
January 12th, 2009
The day Bell 6141 HD reciever owners have been waiting for is finally here. Last week, Bell TV (ExpressVu) began delivering firmware version 165 to customers. This new firmware, allows customers to connect a USB 2.0 drive to their 6141 receiver and record video!
You now have a HD PVR with nearly unlimited video recording storage, as you can swap drives to allow you more recording time. Please note that once data is recorded onto the drive, you cannot connect the drive to a computer; nor can you connect the drive to a different 6141 receiver. The 6141 can accept a USB drive up to 1 Terabyte in size, giving you a max recording capacity of up to 100 hours of High Def content.
If you have problems getting your USB drive to work, power cycle your 6141 and you should be good to go.
Please feel free to post your experiences in the comments.
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