Tech Vision

Home Automation Raspberry pi : Apple HomeKit & Siri

2016-04-18T02:44:00.005-07:00

Recently, I found following 2 fantastic tutorials for Home Automation Raspberry pi : Apple HomeKit & Siri.

http://adityatannu.com/blog/post/2015/12/13/ESP8266-based-HomeKit-accessories.html

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/make-diy-siri-controlled-wi-fi-light/

Both the tutorials are awesome and I have extended to control TV, Digicom, etc
It was fun and very to control using Siri.

Full credit to Aditya & James for very nice and easy to follow tutorial.

HTC Desire HD - Root and Install Custom ROM

2013-01-15T01:55:00.000-08:00

This tutorial is on how to root and install custom ROM on HTC DHD.

WARNING : Do it at your own risk!

Basically, grab a copy of Advanced Ace Hack Kit, make sure you read all the instruction and your phone meet the requirements.

Let's prepare your phone for root :

Plugin your phone to your computer's USB
Make sure the mode is set to Charge only.
Turn on USB debugging: Menu -> Settings ->Applications -> Development -> Check USB Debugging
Check your SD card is good and not corrupted.

Let's root :

Download the AAHK and make sure you read all the instructions very carefully.
Read effen-manual.html which is located in the root folder).
Run (as Administrator) hack-ace.cmd
Enter passkey located at /tools/txt/CAJUN.TXT
Change the flash method to hbootPD98IMG
Choose 1 and enter
Now wait and watch as fun begins... :)

If you are using Android 2.3.5 on your DHD then you need to perform about steps two times. First to downgrade to 2.3.3 and than real root.

Now it's time to download and install custom ROM.

After the rooting is complete, you should now have a fully working rooted Android phone. Next it's time to install a custom ROM. This is easy.

Download ROM Manager from Play Store. Open the app and choose Flash ClockworkMod Recovery the first thing you do.

There are many cool ROMs available for HTC DHD. Download your favorite and rename as update.zip.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1539423 is one of the best and worth trying...

In ROM Manager, choose Install ROM from SD Card, tap update. It is always good idea to Backup Existing ROM, Wipe Data and Cache, Wipe Dalvik Cache and proceed.

Raspberry Pi - Setup Windows NAS storage using SAMBA server

2012-09-06T11:15:00.003-07:00

Easy steps to Setup Windows NAS storage using SAMBA server on Raspberry Pi

Connect pi using putty or other similar tool
Now lets make sure system is up to date using

sudo apt-get update

Connect your external HDD to Raspberry Pi. Execute following command and look for

pi@raspbmc:~$ sudo fdisk -l
Disk /dev/mmcblk0: 3965 MB, 3965190144 bytes
4 heads, 16 sectors/track, 121008 cylinders, total 7744512 sectors
...........................................................
...........................................................
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x00186eb3
Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sda1 63 1953520064 976760001 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)

Let's create following directory

sudo mkdir /mnt/hdd_tb

Edit following file and add last line

sudo vi /etc/fstab
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
devpts /dev/pts devpts defaults 0 0
/dev/mmcblk0p1 /boot vfat defaults 0 0
/dev/mmcblk0p2 none swap sw 0 0
/dev/mmcblk0p3 / ext4 defaults,noatime 0 0
/dev/sda1 /mnt/hdd_tb vfat defaults 0 0

Mount the HDD

sudo mount -a

List the hdd contents

ls /mnt/hdd_tb

Now install SAMBA

sudo apt-get install samba
sudo apt-get install samba-common-bin

Edit smb.conf based on your need using following command. There are many tutorials available online.

sudo vi /etc/samba/smb.conf
[usb]
comment = USB Share
path = /mnt/hdd_tb
read only = No
create mask = 0777
directory mask = 0777
guest only = Yesguest ok = Yes

Start SAMBA service

sudo service samba restart

Access the files using

\\<IP ADDREES>\usb

XBMC as DLNA/UPnP Digital Media renderer (DMR)

2012-07-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

XBMC can be easily configured as DLNA/UPnP Digital Media renderer (DMR).

Digital Media Renderer (DMR): These devices play content received from a digital media controller (DMC), which will find content from a digital media server (DMS).

Examples :
DMR : PC / laptop with XBMC running
DMC : Your smart phone - Android and iphone has many applications so it can be used as DMC
DMS : NAS or PC/Laptop with DLNA server running. There are many free DLNA servers are available like serviio, PS3 media server, Twonly, etc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Fl1JO3Elg

Configuration:
Start XBMC --> Settings --> Network --> Allow Control of XBMC via UPnP
That's it - you're done. Open DMC app on your smart phone and enjoy....

Raspberry Pi alternatives

2012-06-24T10:17:00.002-07:00

Raspberry Pi has created endless focus and possibilities for small, inexpensive computers, Fortunately, it's not alone in the marketplace. Here are few alternatives that offer power as well as comfort to your wallet.

BeagleBoard

It is from Texas Instruments and provides a highly flexible development platform. However, at $150 and lot more expensive than the $35 Raspberry Pi B.

VIA APC

Taiwanese VIA Technologies announced it will begin selling its Android-based APC system in July 2012 at price around $49, However, extra cash buys you more USB slots, RAM and many other goodies. You can register on their website to get latest information on release date and price.

Intel NUC

Although it's also why above $35 Raspberry Pi's price range at $100, Intel's Next Unit of Computing packs on some beefy hardware with ability to mighty Windows. It is not yet available and expected release in the latter half of 2012.

MK802

At price tag of $74, the MK802 is Android-based mini system. It is very compact and looks amazing. Unfortunately like the Raspberry Pi, the MK802 is currently out of stock :(

Windows DLNA player / renderer / client

2012-05-17T03:52:00.002-07:00

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a non-profit organization established by Sony in mid 2003. It is responsible for defining interoperability guidelines to enable sharing of digital media between consumer devices such as computers, printers, cameras, cell phones, and other multimedia devices.

There are many DLNA servers available in market both in paid and freeware segments. However, there are very few DLNA player/renderer/client (DMR) which can be remotely managed by your smart phone. So if your PC/laptop is hooked up with speakers then from your mobile phone (as remote) you can play any music/video/photos.

XBMC - How to configure & YouTube
Twonky Media Manager : Video & Audio
Foobar2000 supports via the Foo_UPnP plugin: only Audio - Freeware
Samsung All Share : Video & Audio - Freeware

Ubuntu share internet via ethernet

2012-04-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I tried setting up the laptop computer in my home to share its wireless Internet connection via Ethernet to my Playstation 3.
Let me explain : I'm using wifi on my laptop and connected to VPN to login into specific region. I also want my Playstation 3 to connect to VPN to access few region specific content.

You may have your old computer which doesn't support wifi and you want to hook up into your home network.

Step 1: Open and Edit Network Connections

Step 2: Go to IPv4 Settings - Method : Shared to other computers

Step 2: Go to IPv6 Settings - Method : Ignore

That's it : Now connect both the devices using ethernet cable and you're done!

Screenshot or Region Capture in Ubuntu (Snagit)

2012-04-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Snagit is really nice software for windows which lets you capture sections of a screen, entire webpages or your full screen view. If you’re running Ubuntu then unfortunately Snagit is not available for you. However, there is an alternative of Snagit called "GIMP"

Open Gimp and go to File>Aquire>Screenshot

From this screen you can take a screenshot, capture a region or capture a selected window. Moreover, what is very helpful is the ability to set a delay in seconds.

How to block website in Windows/Linux (Ubuntu)

2012-03-25T03:47:00.003-07:00

Windows

To access the hosts file in Windows you can use the following command in the Run Line to open notepad and the file.
notepad c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

Add the line as shown in the below image. You may add one line for each website you'd like to block.

That's it! - Very simple :)

Linux (Ubuntu)
In Ubuntu and most Linux distributions - one can edit the hosts file directly in the terminal. Host file is in the root of the drive. In order to edit the file you will need to open it as root which is why we use sudo here. You can use any editor to edit this file.

Add the line as shown in the below image. You may add one line for each website you'd like to block.

That's it! - Very simple :)

WIFI Hotspot in Ubuntu 11.10

2012-03-15T13:55:00.004-07:00

WIFI hotspot enables your device to acts like an access point where other devices with wirless connectivity can join the particular network and enjoying the surfing.
Ubuntu 11.10 has easy way to turn your computer into WIFI hotspot.

Let's get started.

Go to the network setting>> Wireless. You will see the following screen in your Computer.
Click on Use as Hotspot. That's it. Default SSID name “UBUNTU”.

You can change it go to configure as per your need.

To create your own connection name change your feild in
1. To Enable security in your Hotspot click on
2 as show in above diagram. To change your SSID change your feild in
3. To cloned your MAC address of your device give Mac address in feild

Don't forget to configure wireless security by selecting different security mode and password.

PS3 : Jailbreak 4.11

2012-02-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

Jailbreak PS3 4.11 is a file manager that will lets you to play homebrew PS3 games and as well for game backup into the system hard drive without the need of having the CD/DVD. Jailbreak ps3 4.11 will bypass the security check using a exploit which occurs with USB devices that allows the execution of certain codes breaking the barrier.

Pros of Jailbreaking

Backup your Games
Save a lot of Money
Run Homebrew Apps and Games

Cons of Jailbreaking

Void your Warranty
No Access Play Station Network (PSN)
No Online Multiplayer Access
Forced to stay on Older Firmware for Unknown Period or forever

Turn Windows 7 into a Wi-Fi hotspot

2011-07-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wanted to turn your laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot, a new feature in Windows 7 which allows you to tether your phone or other wireless device to your laptop.

Open up the Run command with Administrative permissions and run: Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> Command Prompt --> Right click and click 'Run as Administrator' (type following command)
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=HotspotName key=YourPassword

Set the network adapter with: (type following command)
netsh wlan start hostednetwork

After running the command, "Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter" must appear in your network and sharing settings.
Enable "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection" under your Sharing tab, under properties.
Now you are good to connect your phone or other wireless device to your laptop and share internet.

Alternatively, you may use following software to turn Windows 7 into a Wi-Fi hotspot

Connectify

Maryfi

Android Phone Vibrator

2010-08-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Having a cool or an embarrassing ringtone go off at the important business / personal meeting.
'Phone Vibrator' application puts phone into Vibrate/Silent (Configurable from prefs.) during the meetings.
This application has built in widget which helps you to switch between the ringer mode Silent/Vibrate/Normal using single tap.

TO ENABLE Single tap widget to change ringer mode (Silent/Vibrate/Normal) - Long tap on home screen and select 'Phone Vibrator'.

Download : market://search?q=pname:com.jss.android.vibrator

Android Best RSS / Google News reader

2010-07-17T01:19:00.000-07:00

There are many RSS / Google News reader application available on the Android market but I found 'Latest News - RSS Reader' one of the best.

Key Features :
- It let's you subscribe news feeds from 51 countries and 7 categories.
- Application automatically notifies user when new update is available.
- RSS reader
- Highly customizable 'Preferences' to configure application base on your need.

Download : market://search?q=pname:com.jss.android.latestnews

How to install Voice / Speech recognition / search on your Android mobile

2010-06-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

Voice recognition has been introduced since Android 1.5 (Cupcake). It is one of the more impressive features compare to other devices with Android.
You can do...
- Speech to text
- Search by voice on web or Google Navigation

At times typing on the phone is troublesome and now you have an option to use the speech-to-text feature instead. And shockingly, it's quite accurate in most cases.

However for some reasons, Voice recognition / Search application is not available into the market for all the regions like in Europe it is not available in most of the countries.

So, here is the easy way to install voice search on your mobile. Download following app and install on your mobile and you are good to go...

Download : http://www.mediafire.com/file/hiyndzwwnwd/VoiceSearch.apk

Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OAZz4fHM38

Free Download Youtube video/audio

2010-04-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

DVDVideoSoft Free Studio combines more than 20 video and audio conversion utilities into a single interface. The program includes conversion tools to download and convert YouTube videos for portable devices (PSP, iPod, iPhone etc.), convert video soundtracks to MP3 format, video to Flash format, 3gp conversion and much more. It also includes several burning and ripping applications to create CDs and DVDs and extract music from AudioCDs as well as some simple video editing tools.

http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/

DVDVideoSoft is a developer of free multimedia software for video and audio processing, was founded at the end of 2006. Today DVDVideoSoft is more than just an Internet resource dedicated to multimedia software; it offers more then 20 free applications. It the most comprehensive source for safe, trusted, and spyware-free downloads on the Web.

Samsung Galaxy Spica - GT-I5700

2010-03-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Samsung Galaxy i7500 was the first Android powered smartphone that was launched at June. But in just few months the company has come out another Android device from the same lineup – The Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica. The new comer actually is the close relative to Galaxy i7500 but have improved like offers a better 800MHz processor and multemedia capabilities, making it become a more powerful device. So let’s have a look at few key features...

Android Platform : Bringing a whole new look and ease-of-use to the mobile, the Android operating system revolutionizes the smart phone experience. Able to work seamlessly with PCs, Android also opens up a whole range of possibilities with the Android Market so you can do virtually anything with your mobile. Preloaded with popular internet applications, the mobile does everything you want it to & from web surfing with Google search to instant messaging, email and You Tube access.

Discover the ultimate day out : By simply pointing the new Samsung Galaxy Portal phone in any direction, its visual search engine will show you the exact location of loads of exciting places, from new bars and clubs to cash machines and taxis. All in partnership with Barclays, lastminute.com, Nestoria, Layar, thetraineline.com, hotels.com and more.

Speed : At first touch, you will feel what a difference this 800MHz processor makes in unleashing its invisible power at superlative speeds. Whether you're uploading data, transferring files or streaming videos on the web, you'll zip through applications with extra speed. Quicker response time during games means you can play even faster. Enjoy effortless syncs and instant updates to your email and contacts so you're always connected. The Android platform also utilizes the accelerated CPU to its utmost so all applications and other tasks run trouble-free.

Longer Usability : With so many great features on this mobile, you'll want to enjoy your mobile for longer ? and the Galaxy's more powerful battery helps you do just that! The larger capacity battery, means more mobile time for you. Get more out of your mobile between battery recharges.

Official page : http://www.samsungmobile.co.uk/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-portal

http://www.youtube.com/techvision011

Run Windows application (.exe) on Ubuntu

2010-03-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

It is very easy to run/execute Windows application (.exe) on Ubuntu using 'Wine Windows Program Loader'.

Here are the steps:

1) Open Ubuntu Software Center. Go to Application --> Ubuntu Software Center
2) Search for 'Wine'
3) Download and Install.
4) Now, right click on the exe, which you'd like to execute and select 'Open with Wine....'
5) That's it, your application will launch soon...

http://www.youtube.com/techvision011

Smart ways to make cheap international call (not free)

2010-03-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

There are many VOIP service providers ...
Here is one of the such provider with best calling options..

There are 3 ways to call...
Using traditional PC dialer :
You need high speed internet connection.
It is easy to use and has features like address book, call history, etc

Phone to Phone :

Enter your number and the destination number and press 'CALL NOW'
You will receive call back from ACTION VOIP and connects you to destination number.
However, you will be charged for both calls.

From your Mobile / landline :
Add your mobile / landline number to ACTION VOIP personal details and call the local access number (local rates will apply) and dial the destination number.

http://www.youtube.com/techvision011

VOIP over Mobile - Cheap international call from Mobile using Mobile VOIP

2010-01-23T01:36:00.000-08:00

Mobile Voice over IP (Mobile VOIP) is catching up very fast and causing a stir for Mobile Operators.

Today, Mobile VOIP uses wi-fi, 2G/3G data channel but with 4G which is end to end IP, all that will soon change and mobile operators will see huge drop in their voice volume.

Gartner Research says "Mobile VOIP poses a huge and direct challenge to the $690+ billion global mobile voice market."

Making costly international call from your mobile will soon become thing of past.

Let's see the few best options for Mobile VOIP.

SKYPE : One of the very popular application. However it doesn't mean the best as currently it only supports wi-fi and not 3G data channel.

VOPIUM : It works with both wi-fi and 3G and it is compatible with Java, symbian, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, iPhone, Android, etc devices.

FRING : This app allows you to import contracts from Skype, Twitter, google talk, etc with IM support. Unlike VOPIUM this app uses only wi-fi.

TRUPHONE : This is one of the most compatible app and works all most every where. It has built-in support of IM and let's you call MSN, AIM, Yahoo, Google talk, etc.

JAJAH : This application works very differently. First you need to mobile.jajah.com from your mobile and dial in the number. Now is the trick. JAJAH will call you back and connects you with your dialed number.

NIMBUZZ : It allows you to call using your cellular network, skype a/c or phone.

All these apps are simple and easy to use and cut down cost on your international calls.

My recommendations : Truphone and VOPIUM.

http://www.youtube.com/techvision011

Google Wave Invitation

2010-01-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

About Google Wave

Google Wave is an online tool for real-time communication and collaboration. A wave can be both a conversation and a document where people can discuss and work together using richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more.

Google has started free invitation for a limited preview.
Sing up today...
https://services.google.com/fb/forms/wavesignup/
Visit http://wave.google.com/help/wave/about.html to learn more about Google wave.

Sony Cyber-shot® Digital Camera DSC H20/B

2010-01-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Zoom in on the 10.1-megapixel DSC-H20 Cyber-shot® digital camera and get the best shot. With its impressive Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® wide-angle lens with a 10x optical zoom, it's easy to capture the moment with impeccable detail. A 3.0" Clear Photo LCD™ makes reviewing your shots a breeze and the ingenious iAuto mode takes the guesswork out of choosing the best camera settings when you're not sure which one to pick. There's also built-in technology like Optical SteadyShot® image stabilization that reduces blur and Smile Shutter™ mode that automatically captures a smile as it happens. Feel like recording HD video? The H20 captures crisp, 720p video that can be viewed on your HDTV. There's even an anti-blink function to help everyone look their best and in-camera photo retouching tools.

Features list:
10.1 Megapixel Super HAD™ CCD Image Sensor:
Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens with 10x Optical Zoom:
3.0" Clear Photo LCD™ display (230k pixels):
BIONZ™ image processor:
Intelligent Auto Mode:
HD Movie:
Intelligent Scene Recognition:
Face Detection technology:
Anti-blink Function:
Selected Face Memory:
Anti-blink Function:
Smile Shutter™ Technology:
Double Anti-blur Solution:
Red-eye Reduction:
Optical SteadyShot™ Image Stabilization:
High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200):
Dynamic Range Optimizer Standard and Plus:
Convenient Photo Modes:
Intelligent Auto Focus:
Burst Mode:
16:9 High Resolution Mode:
Simplified Buttons:
Easy Image Management:
In-Camera Retouching Tools:
HDTV Compatibility:
PHOTOMUSIC feature:
PhotoTV HD:
Wide Zoom display:
In-Camera Retouching Tools:

source : http://www.sonystyle.com

Ubuntu from USB Memory stick / Flash drive

2010-01-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

It is easy to install Ubuntu on your USB Memory stick and run from your USB.

Method 1

1) Download Ubuntu for this website: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download. You can alternatively order free CD but it will take few weeks. For more detail visit http://techvision011.blogspot.com/2009/12/linux-ubuntu-installtion-free-live-cd.html
2) Download USB-Installer-for-Ubuntu-Rescue-Remix-v0.2.exe from http://www.pendrivelinux.com/install-ubuntu-rescue-remix-to-a-flash-drive/
3) Run and follow the instructions..
4) Restart your system and boot using USB flash drive.

Source :
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/create-a-ubuntu-9-10-live-usb-in-windows/

Method 2

1. Format your USB Stick/Flash Card using FAT
2. You can download Ubuntu for this website: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download. You can alternatively order free CD but it will take few weeks. For more detail visit http://techvision011.blogspot.com/2009/12/linux-ubuntu-installtion-free-live-cd.html
3. Have you download a OS or create a ISO! Now download http://www.mediafire.com/file/bzdyxufn2yz/Unetbootin.rar and run Unetbootin.exe
4. You select 'Diskimage'
5. Select ISO file
6. Select you USB Drive Letter
7. Press Start!
8. Reboot you PC and go to your BIOS! Go to Boot and select : Removable or USB Mode
9. Ubuntu is running :)

http://www.youtube.com/techvision011

How To Install Free McBoot, Ulaunch Using Swap Magic Method

2009-12-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

Simple steps to install Free McBoot

This is tutorial shows how to install by the Swap Magic method.
There are other methods of installing FMCB as well.

Here are some links to the programs you will need.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BLUBPGTC

I found a good guide for Free McBoot.
http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/

FMCB is not compatible with SCPH-9000x series. In this case you need to put ulaunch,elf into root and than keep you Swap Magic CD always into your PS2. This way you do not need to install any thing on your Memory card and boot using SwapMagic CD and Thumbdrive.

If you have any questions feel free to leave comments and I will get back to you.

If you don't want to follow the video then download following link and extract to your USB stick and you are good to go...
http://www.mediafire.com/file/djdd3mni5mj/SWAPMAGIC.rar
OR
http://www.mediafire.com/?djdd3mni5mj

http://techvision011.blogspot.com/

Ubuntu installtion - Free Live CD / DVD

2009-12-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is an operating system built by a worldwide team of expert developers. It contains all the applications you need: a web browser, office suite, media apps, instant messaging and much more. Ubuntu is an open-source alternative to Windows and Office.

New Ubuntu can be run directly from CD / DVD or USB flash drive without any installation or changing your system settings. However, performance is bit slow because it runs from CD/DVD drive. You can use for a while and then decide whether it is suitable for your requirements and you wanna install on your system for faster and better performance and stability.

What is Live CD ?

Live CD is pre-installed Ubuntu OS, which will be run from CD drive and do not required to install on local system.

How to get Live CD ?

You can download the Ubuntu ISO file free from http://www.ubuntu.com/GetUbuntu/download and burn using any software.

Alternatively, you can order the free CD from https://shipit.ubuntu.com/ This might take few weeks so if you have high speed internet connection then just download and burn.

How to install / run ?

Put the Ubuntu CD into the CD/DVD-drive and reboot the computer and make sure that boot device is selected as your CD/DVD-drive. You should see a menu with "Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer" at the top.

Select the language of your choice.

To begin with use the first option so this will not change any of your system settings and run the OS from CD/DVD drive.

Try for some time and see if the new OS is suitable for your all requirements. Normally, it will automatically installed drivers for your Graphics, Sound, Wi-fi, Ethernet, etc and you should be able to use the OS just like new Windows.

P.S : When you shutdown your PC, at this point anything you saved to the desktop or Documents folders and such will vanish - only things you saved into folders on the hard-drive will remain.

Once you decided to install the OS then simply restart the system and select the "Install Ubuntu" option.

You may want to edit your partition before installing Ubuntu on your HDD.

Source : https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD - visit for more detail and how to create custom Ubuntu CD/DVD/

http://www.youtube.com/user/techvision011