How-To: Set up a home file server using FreeNAS
Ask Engadget: What’s the best budget NAS? Kingston Wi-Drive for iOS hits stores today, lets you create your own portable music server for $130 Tilera sees sense in the server wars, puts just 36 cores in its newest processor In today’s digital world we’ve all got data, and lots of it
How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)
Now that Google Music has finally clawed its way out of the realm of beta-ware, anybody in the US can sign up to play without an invitation. Of course, that leaves many folks out of the equation, so we thought it a good time to point out at least one other route to let you get involved in the service, no matter where you live. See, the rub seems to be that Google checks your IP address on your first attempt to log in, and accept its terms of use — only the first time, and yeah, you’re definitely going to be ignoring that doc by following this guide.
So, in essence all we need to do is find a way to gently tiptoe past that gatekeeper and we’re home free. Keep in mind that while you can upload your music, buying new tracks isn’t going to happen until it rolls out in your neck of the woods in a more official way — but hey, most of a good thing is still a good thing. There are various means to get this done, and we’ve found a pretty straightforward route, and if you’re up to it click on through to the guide.
Continue reading How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)
How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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CircuitBee lets you share schematics, like Scribd for soldering aficionados
Instructables is great, don’t get us wrong, but if you’re just looking for a sweet new Arduino project or a super-charged Atari Punk Console, wading through the piles of Lego swords and wreath-making tips can be frustrating. Enter CircuitBee, a document sharing site dedicated to one thing, and one thing only — schematics. It’s kind of like Scribd but, instead of being loaded with court documents and shoddy how-to books, it features user-uploaded circuit diagrams to get you started on your next soldering and etching project. The selection at the site is rather sparse at the moment, but since it’s only in alpha we’ll cut it some slack. Check out the site at the source link, and don’t be surprised if a few submissions from your favorite Engadget writers start popping up.
CircuitBee lets you share schematics, like Scribd for soldering aficionados originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Laser tripwire does Hollywood-style security on the cheap, precious jewels not included
Sure, you could opt for a laser tripwire that puts intruders on blast via Twitter, but there’s something to be said for the simplicity of the latest security system to come from Instructables user EngineeringShock. You’ve seen this setup before: a group of mirrors are strategically positioned to bounce a laser beam across an open space, ensuring that even the most nimble of invaders — excepting MacGyver, perhaps — will set sirens blaring. Consisting of a programmable keypad, a laser and detector, a series of six carefully aligned mirrors, and an LED-equipped siren, the system does Hollywood-style security on a budget — the siren being the most expensive element at $20. If you’re looking to lock your stuff down like they do in the movies, follow the source link for full instructions, or check out the video demo after the break.
Laser tripwire does Hollywood-style security on the cheap, precious jewels not included originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Cube made of 512 LEDs does 3D with calculus, not glasses (video)
No goofy active shutter glasses, no headache-inducing parallax barrier screens, no optical trickery here. This is a pure 3D display — unfortunately done at a resolution of just 8 x 8 x 8. It’s a hand-built LED cube created by Nick Schulze, powered by Arduino, and driven largely by Matlab. Yes, Matlab, an application you probably deleted less than three minutes after signing off on your calculus final. We can’t help you find that installation disc again, but we can encourage you to enjoy the video of this 3D matrix of blinkenlights after the break, and you can get the full details on how to build your own at the other end of that source link.
Continue reading Cube made of 512 LEDs does 3D with calculus, not glasses (video)
Cube made of 512 LEDs does 3D with calculus, not glasses (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sideload apps on your AT&T phones using Linux [How-To]
As Android gets more popular and mainstream, new users are coming out of the woodwork! I’m very happy to say that a portion of those users are running Linux on their desktops, and they’re hungry to learn the things we try to teach all you Windows users. Since we have more than a few Linux-using Advisers and senior members in the forums, this is something we’re more than happy to do. And we’re going to start with something that’s pretty important to me — sideloading apps on phones that have been altered.
It’s not hard, it’s all done through the terminal using commands you can cut and paste, and the setup from start to finish is laid out pretty clearly. Check it out in the forums, and be on the lookout for more Linux tips and tricks from Android Central. And if you’re not a Linux user, but need to get your sideload on, check out the Sideload Wonder Machine for Windows.
Sideload apps on your AT&T phones using Linux [How-To] posted originally by Android Central
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Get Android for Christmas? Here’s how to get started with your new phone
So you just unwrapped our first Android phone, eh? Welcome to the world of smartphones. Whether you’re upgrading from a feature phone, or switching to the greatest smartphone platform around, we know things can be a little overwhelming at first. But we’re here to help. Welcome, and here are a few links to help get you started!
- The Android Dictionary: You’ll likely want to check back here often. It’s a list of commonly used terms in the Android community.
- Find your phone: There are dozens of Android phones available today. Use our device guide to find news and information specific to yours.
- Apps, apps and more apps: Now that you have your phone, you’re going to need some apps. We review apps on a regular basis, and you can find them here.
- Tips and tricks: Your phone is full of cool features — some obvious, some not. We’ve got a plethora of tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years.
- Rooting: What is rooting? Should you root, and how do you do it? We’ve got your complete guide to rooting your phone.
- Accessories: Now that you’ve got your phone, you should check out a case, or a spare battery or headset. And the Android Central Store has everything you could possibly need.
- Community forums: The best source of Android help and information comes from you folks, the readers. And we’ve got the best Android Forums around. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — you’ll be amazed and how everyone’s eager to help
So congrats on your new phone, and welcome to the Android family! We’re glad to have you!
Get Android for Christmas? Here's how to get started with your new phone posted originally by Android Central
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Galaxy Tab root (and others) just a few clicks away with z4root root
So you have your new shiny Galaxy Tab, and you want to root it. I like the way you think. The good news is that the days of SDK’s, cryptic shell commands, and crazy Windows USB drivers are over. An app from the Market (z4root — links after the break) will root your Tab, as well as other Galaxy S phones and other NAND unlocked devices with just a button press.
- Download and install Z4Root from the Market
- Enable USB debugging (menu>settings>applications>development)
- Run the app, and press the "root" button
Your Tab will restart, and you’re rooted. Unrooting is just as easy, just run z4root and "unroot." Of course a lot of the goodies available for other devices just haven’t been made for the Tab just yet, but they’re coming. Hit the jump for download links and a list of other phones this will work on. [XDA Developers via Pocketables]
Galaxy Tab root (and others) just a few clicks away with z4root root posted originally by Android Central
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Motorola Backflip to Android 2.1 upgrade instructions, release notes
Motorola has sent out the test version of the 2.1 update for the Backflip to a limited group of people. If you’re not one of them, no worries — the download is out there for the taking — or at least until it’s taken down. Here’s what to do:
- Charge your phone fully. This could take up to 40 minutes according to AT&T, but our tipster says about 15 minutes.
- Grab the file right here.
- Copy it to the root of your SD card (not inside another folder), and make sure it stays named "Blur_Version.3.0.1390.MB300.ATT.en.US.zip." Sometimes Windows likes to add to the file type extension, so double check.
- Tap the menu key > Settings > About Phone > System Updates and look for the update. Your Backflip should find it, install it, and reboot.
When you restart (this process may take a while!) you should be running Android 2.1. Our friend also says that you may experience apps force closing, this can be fixed by uninstalling, then reinstalling. Good Luck! Thanks anonymous friends!
Update: Actually, it looks like Moto’s ready to go with this update as soon as testing’s over. You can find the entire Backflip Eclair update page here, and the release notes here. (pdf)
Posted originally at Android Central
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How To: Update your preferred roaming list (PRL) on your CDMA device
Is your phone not holding calls where it previously had a strong signal? If you have a CDMA device like those found on Sprint and Verizon, you may need to update your Preferred Roaming List (PRL).
The PRL is a list that allows your phone to roam off of towers that are not part of your native network, such as a sprint phone connecting to a former Alltel tower if none of its own are available. Because roaming agreements are constantly changing and new towers are added all the time, it’s important to keep this list up to date.
For most CDMA carriers (including Verizon), you can update your PRL by dialing *228 and selecting the appropriate option. For example, on a Verizon phone you dial *228 and then select option 2 and listen to the horrible programming music while your phone downloads the latest PRL.
For Sprint, there are two options. The first is to contact Sprint Customer Service and get your account approved for an update and then dial *2 and follow the instructions. If you have an Android device, you can also check your PRL by tapping Home > Menu > Settings > System updates > Update PRL. (Thanks milominderbinder)
With Verizon prepping its LTE launch and Sprint lighting up new WIMAX markets, both carriers are spending a lot of time and resources ensuring their current 3G networks are optimized. This means a lot of adjustments to which towers cover a specific location, as well as the addition of new towers to handle additional traffic. Because of this, it’s a good idea to update your PRL at least once a month so your phone will always have access to the best coverage available in your area. [Via Android Central Forums]
Posted originally at Android Central
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