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An inside look at how to use Xnth v1.08. Commentary by Ben Skewes.

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An inside look at how to use Xnth v1.08. Commentary by Ben Skewes.

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An inside look at how to use Xnth v1.08. Commentary by Ben Skewes.

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Google I/O 2010 – A beginner’s guide to Android Android 101 Reto Meier This session will introduce some of the basic concepts involved in Android development. Starting with an overview of the SDK APIs available to developers, we will work through some simple code examples that explore some of the more common user features including using sensors, maps, and geolocation. For all I/O 2010 sessions, please go to code.google.com

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If you own a cell phone, it’s likely that you’ve heard of the Google Android. No, Android is not a giant robot constructed by the technology giant Google to take over the world. At least, it isn’t a giant robot. Google’s Android is a cell phone operating system that seeks to bring open source development to mobile devices.

All cell phones, whether they are smart phones or older cell phone models; have an operating system. An operating system connects users to the phone’s applications and features without having to input code or give the phone commands. Most operating systems, until now, operated under a closed source environment. This type of development means that the code required to develop applications is available only to the company that manufactures the phone. Not so anymore. With the Android operating system, the code that allows application development is available to anyone, yes, even you and me. Along with this code, numerous applications to aid in development are also available.

What does Android, and open source, mean to me?

While having an open source cell phone may not immediately sound appealing, after all cell phones have worked great for years without open source, there are some distinct advantages to it. Firstly, with an open source environment, the sheer number of applications will increase, giving users greater choice when choosing which applications to download, not to mention that many of the choices are free. Secondly, applications should be available much sooner due to the ease of their creation. Third, and most importantly, open source application allows for the potential decrease of cell phone cost.

When cell phone companies charge for a phone, they also have to include in the cost the potential expenditure for research and development of all the programs that are included with the phone, as well as any futures upgrades that need to be made. With an open source phone, users are free to choose whatever applications they wish, and the charges for those applications are occurred only when the user chooses to pay for them. In this way, the cost of cell phones should reflect only the cost of the hardware. As a small bonus, open source development allows for further application-phone integration. Developers are free to take advantage of all of a phone’s features, such as access to notification bars and other applications embedded in the phone.

What can Android do?

Potentially, the Android system offers limitless possibilities when it comes to functionality. If someone can dream up an application, it can be made. Amidst a sea of applications available, a few are standing out and serve to show off Android’s power. The Weather Channel app allows users to check the weather in any city, not to mention 10-day forecasts and animated climate maps. Another handy app is Open Table. Unlike some traditional restaurant apps, Open Table does more than just allow you to check out reviews and menus. Open Table allows users to view available seating and make reservations without ever calling the restaurant. Not always necessary, a phone call still works, but definitely the first step towards exciting possibilities.

What can’t Android do?

There have been some limitations that have been found when using the Android system, including complaints that Google is handling customer service poorly, but through updates and new software, these limitations are usually addressed. Some users have complained that phones running the Android system carry lower call quality than those without, and despite all of Android’s features, a cell phone is still a phone. However, these problems seem to be a minority among heaps of praise for Google’s mobile operating system, and there is no doubt about the amount of effort going into making sure that Android is here to stay.

 

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If you are planning to buy an MP3 or MP4 player, you should take into account its memory capacity, supported formats, accessories and battery. Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Samsung, Philips and several other brands are available. Need help choosing the right product? This guide can assist you in picking the best player suited to your needs.

What are MP3 and MP4 players?

MP3 and MP4 players are digital devices that let you take your music and videos with you, wherever you go. You can transfer files from your computer to the player and enjoy them anywhere using headphones or portable speakers and the built-in screen. Use MP3 players to play music and MP4 players to view photos and play videos. These players are convenient to own and easy to use. They provide entertainment for hours on end.

What are the different types of MP3 and MP4 players available for sale?

You can buy various types of MP3 players like flash memory players and hard disk drive players. You have a large selection of MP4 players to choose from as well, including basic models, MP4 players with digital cameras, HDD media players, DivX MP4 players and TV MP4 players.

How many songs and images can a player store?

The number of songs you can store on a player depends upon the memory space available. The memory capacity of an MP3 player ranges from 256 MB to 160 GB. MP4 players have a much higher memory capacity with ranges of 20 GB to 100 GB and above. A 1 GB player can store more than 350 songs and 300 images. Since MP4 players playback video, they have more memory, as videos consume much more space. MP4 players use hard disks for better storage capacity. If you have to store hours of video, opt for an MP4 player with 20 GB of storage, as a minimum. Memory card slots allow you to expand the memory space available in MP3 and MP4 players, so check for them before making your final selection.

What formats do these players support?

Before buying an MP3 or an MP4 player, make sure that it plays the formats you want. An MP3 player supports other formats like AAC (the default format used by iPods), WMA (Microsofts technology), and Atrac (Sonys audio compression technology). MP4 players can play more file formats than MP3 players. The basic MP4 player can support MP4, MP2, MP1, DivX, AVI and WMV video files. They also support audio formats like MP3, WMA and Ogg Vorbis.

What features do MP4 and MP3 players have?

MP4 players come with built-in screens and recording features. Theses players usually include an MP4 conversion software and instructions on how to best encode video content. High-end MP4 players can record audio directly to the memory from an in-built FM radio tuner, line-input or microphone. For added convenience, some players feature an in-built microphone. You can also record TV shows directly from your television and output your saved data to your TV.

Many MP3 players feature backlit screens for better viewing, radios and Wi-Fi capabilities. Wi-Fi enabled MP3 and MP4 players let you download songs and videos from the Internet. Most current models support high-speed USB 2.0 transfer and a few models support FireWire.

Which player is best for you?

If you will use your player only for short durations, then choose a small, compact and lightweight one. Looking for a player to store your entire music collection? Go for players with 30 GB of memory or more. If you intend to use your player on long trips, select among models with lengthy playback times. If you are looking for an MP3 player for sports or working out, you will need an ultra-compact player like the iPod Shuffle or a small flash memory player that clips onto your clothes. Get a compact flash-based player with a pair of noise-canceling headphones if you travel by bus or train.

What accessories are available for MP3 and MP4 players?

There are many accessories available for MP3 and MP4 players. Here is a look at some in detail.

Headphones:

Most Portable Audio or MP3 and MP4 players come with earphones. If you listen to music at work, clip on or wrap around headphones might be more comfortable. Noise-cancellation headphones provide clear sound when your travel. Buy a headphone splitter to share music with a friend.

External Speakers and Docking Stations:

There is a wide range of external speakers available for MP3 and MP4 players. Most of these speakers include docking stations that will recharge your player.

Travel Speakers:

Carry travel speakers with you when you picnic or hit the beach with your friends and family. These speakers use rechargeable batteries.

FM Transmitters:

FM transmitters allow you to transmit songs stored on your player through any radio.

Batteries:

Almost all MP3 and MP4 music devices use a rechargeable battery. You can recharge a player by connecting it to your computer.

AC Adapters:

Many MP3 and MP4 players come with a standard AC adapter to quickly recharge your music device.

Cases and Skins:

Protect your music player from scratches with cases and skins. They come in many different designs and colors, so choose your favorites to personalize your player.

Cradles:

Cradles hold MP3/MP4 players in your vehicle while you drive.

Armbands:

Strap your music player on your arm with an armband. Get one if you plan on exercising with your player often.

Cassette Adapters:

Cassette adapters allow you to play MP3 songs from your portable music player in your vehicles cassette deck.

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iPod Basics and Purchasing Guide

So, you are looking to purchase an iPod? Please take the time to read this brief article which will at best help you get the most out of your new iPod, and at the least, help you avoid mistakes and misconceptions. This article is written out of my personal experience with iPods.

1. What is an iPod?

An iPod is a MP4 player, not a MP3 player. Basically, the MP4 format is a proprietary format only recognized by Apple products, such as iPods and QuickTime™. In order for music to play on an iPod, it must be in MP4 format. Apple’s music download site, iTunes™, offers music only in the MP4 format. The iTunes™ software which comes with an iPod will convert MP3 music files to MP4 format, so they will play on your iPod. An iPod will not play MP3 files, neither will Windows Media Player play MP4 files. Both the Nano and Video iPod will store and display photos, but a video iPod is needed to play video files.

2. What is iTunes?

® Apple hosts the world’s largest music download site called iTunes™. As of March 2006, over 1 billion files have been downloaded for use in iPods. Pretty amazing. This site offers music files for 99 cents each, and you need not download an entire album, but can select only the music files you want and download it into your computer. The iTunes™ software in your computer is the vehicle by which files are loaded into the iPod. Simply place your iPod into its dock (which is attached via USB to your computer), start iTunes™ and your iPod is updated automatically with new music, playlists, Podcasts and so forth. I have tried other music download sites and have not found any which I like as well as iTunes™, even though they may offer music cheaper than iTunes™. A basic search will locate alternative music download sites.

There are a variety of other files available on iTunes™ called Podcasts. These are audio or video files which include news broadcasts, informational programs, comedy programs and many others. The great majority of Podcasts are free, and others are not.

3. What You Get

iPods come with the following:

iPod with battery

Earphones (called “earbuds”)

A generic pouch for the earbuds

A docking station (to transfer files and charge the iPod)

iTunes™ software CD

Instruction manual

That is all.

4. What You will Need

Every iPod user will need a case, and we strongly recommend a screen protector.

Both the iPod Nano and 5th generation (5G) Video iPod are susceptible to scratching, and the black units seem to show scratches worse than the white ones. This is true of both the iPod housing AND the screen. Nothing is worse than having your iPod blemished with unsightly scratches, especially when it is easily avoidable by using a case and screen protector. Having your unprotected iPod floating around inside your purse or in your pocket will absolutely cause your iPod to quickly accumulate scratches both on the housing and on the screen. Be warned! This is not really a defect, but just the way it is.

5. Using iPods in your Car

Most people quickly realize that it would be great to be able to have their iPod play music through their car stereo. No longer would they have to mess with CDs or tapes. How many CDs would you have to carry to have your entire music library with you in the car? You can take it all in the palm of your hand with an iPod. So, how does one play music through their car stereo? There are several options.

First, there are cables available for most car stereos which plug into the iPod and the other end of the cable plugs into a port on the back of the stereo. Removal of the stereo is usually required to accomplish this task. Also, the wire used to connect your iPod is exposed. It does, however, sound great! Some car stereos have a line input on the faceplate. In this case, all one needs to do is use an adaptive cable from the headphone jack of the iPod to the input on the stereo. In both of these scenarios, the iPod will run on its internal battery unless a car charger is used as well.

Second, (and by far the most popular) method, is to use an FM transmitter to transmit a signal from your iPod to your FM radio and play it as if it were a radio station. There are a variety of FM transmitters from several manufacturers. We recommend using a unit which is a dock and not a plug into the iPod port. The plug-in units consume power from the iPod battery and seem to produce a weak signal resulting in poor audio quality. A docking unit (such as the Griffin RoadTrip™) holds your iPod in place, charges the iPod and produces a strong signal. The RoadTrip™ also features a removable FM module which allows it to plug into your computer. You can therefore listen to FM radio through your computer without having to install software.

6. Using iPods at Home

iPods can easily play through your home stereo. One can simply use an adaptive cable which plugs into the headphone jack of the iPod and into the stereo input of your stereo. In this setup, the iPod is operating on battery power unless the iPod is also plugged into a charger.

Docking your iPod is the preferred method, and there are a variety of docking solutions available. The iPod docks into a base which charges the iPod, and an output jack on the base connects the iPod to your stereo via a cable. Some units offer remote controls for your iPod and others do not, but often these remotes are weak and have very limited range and field of reception. We have found that some television or stereo programmable remote control units can be programmed to work with certain iPod docking systems, while others work partially or not at all. It is worth trying if you have a programmable remote.

Some docking units also have a video output for use with the 5G Video iPod, which allows one to watch videos or photos stored in the iPod on a television. We have found that the picture quality is poor on large screen televisions, but ok on a smaller screen. Using a dock with S-video output will provide a far superior picture than units using an RCA connector. As of now, iPods do not support high definition.

There are speaker systems which contain their own amplifier and operate as a stand-alone unit with an iPod. These are not all created equal. Our testing has found that a high price does not always equal high quality. We have found $150 systems which in our opinion sound significantly superior to $400 units. It is best to listen to the various systems before making your selection; or if buying online, follow the recommendations of the seller IF they have tested the systems and can provide you with recommendations based on testing results.

There are alarm clock radios (such as iHome™) which allow you to go to sleep listening to your iPod and wake up to it as well. We have tested the iHome™ and others, and found iHome™ to be our unit of choice.

7. Loading Movies into Your 5G Video iPod

When the Video iPod first came out, I gave it a high ranking on the “Dumb-O-Meter.” Who wants to watch a movie on a 2.5 inch screen? However, after having used one, I have recanted my original opinion. It is now my iPod of choice. Unfortunately, iTunes™ and other MP4 download sites usually have little to offer in the way of legal movies which are formatted to play on an iPod. ITunes™ does have some short films, music videos and television shows, but not much else.

An easy solution for this is to convert your own DVDs into a format that the iPod can play. This can be accomplished by means of a software product called a DVD to iPod converter, such as Cucusoft, Lenogo and others. It is a simple process. Put a DVD in your computer, start the converter program and let it convert the movie to iPod format. Then, move the converted file into your iTunes™ video list. The next time you dock your iPod to your computer, it will load into your iPod. Some converter programs will also convert AVI, MPEG, MPG, WMV and other computer video formats for use on an iPod. This can allow you to convert your family videos and view them on your ipod. IPod movies are great for entertaining children on the road, for the business traveler stranded at an airport or for long airplane trips.

DVD converters we recommend are available here.

8. iPods and your PC

The music files for your iPod are stored in two places: in your PC in the iTunes™ program, and in your iPod. If your PC crashes and you loose your hard drive or have to reformat, you will loose EVERYTHING contained in your iTunes™ folder, including all of the songs you have purchased from iTunes™. Furthermore, iTunes™ does not offer the means to re-download songs you have purchased for free. You will have to buy them again. Neither does the iPod come with a means to load files into a computer. Fortunately, there are software programs which allow you to copy the contents of your iPod into a PC or from one iPod to another. These programs are usually titled “iPod to PC”, or something similar. If your computer crashes, you will kick yourself for not having this program to restore your music files back into your computer.

IPod to PC programs we recommend are available here.

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In the box

Together with your iPod classic, you have

earphones

a USB 2.0 cable

a dock adaptor

What you also need

To use your iPod classic, you must have a computer.

Mac

A Mac requires

a USB 2.0 port

Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later

iTunes 8.0 or later

PC

A PC requires

a USB 2.0 port

Windows Vista or Windows XP (Home or Professional) with Service Pack 3 or later

iTunes 8.0 or later

Features

Your iPod classic has

a hold switch and headphones port on the top edge

a dock connector on the bottom edge

a two and a half inch colour LCD screen

a Click Wheel beneath the screen with the following buttons:

- menu - next/fast forward (??I) - play/pause (?II) - previous/rewind (I??)

a centre button

To find a menu item, move your thumb or finger around the Click Wheel

To select an item, press the centre button

To see the previous menu, press Menu

To switch on the backlight. Press any button or scroll the Click Wheel.

To view main menu. Press and hold Menu.

To adjust the volume. Use the Click Wheel.

To search for a song. Select Music on the main menu.

To search for a video. Select Videos on the main menu.

To play a song/video. Choose the song or video; press either the centre button or play/pause (?II). Please note: you cannot play songs or videos when you’ve connected the iPod classic to your computer.

To pause. Press play/pause (?II) or remove the headphones from your iPod classic.

To rewind or fast forward a song or video. Press and hold previous/rewind (I??), or next/fast forward (??I).

To play the previous song/podcast/audiobook chapter. Press previous/rewind twice (I??).

To listen to all songs in random order. Select Shuffle Songs on the main menu.

To skip to a certain part of a song or video. If you’re in the Now Playing screen, press the centre button. The scrubber bar appears with a diamond icon that indicates the current position in the song or video. Move the icon forward or backward with the Click Wheel.

To make a Genius playlist. Select or play a song; press and hold the centre button until a menu appears on the screen; select Start Genius; press centre button. Please note: Start Genius appears only when you have appropriate songs to create a Genius playlist.

To add a song to your On-The-Go playlist. Select or play a song; press and hold the centre button until a menu appears on the screen; select Add to On-The-Go; press the centre button.

To disable your iPod classic controls to prevent anything happening if you accidentally touch them. Move the hold switch to the HOLD position.

To reset your iPod classic if it doesn’t respond. Move the hold switch to HOLD and back again; press the centre and menu buttons at the same time and hold for around six seconds until the Apple logo comes on the screen.

Press and hold the centre button until a menu appears on the screen.

Go to the main menu and select Settings>About. Press the centre button until the serial number appears. The number is also on the back of your iPod classic.

Choose Search from the Music menu

Create a search word by using the Click Wheel to run through the alphabet, and the centre button to select each letter. Press the next/fast forward button (??I) for a space; press the previous/rewind button (I??) to delete a letter. Your iPod classic starts the search when you select the first letter

To see the results, press Menu

Select Cover Flow from the Music menu

Scroll through the album artwork with the Click Wheel, or use the next/fast forward (??I) and previous/rewind (I??) buttons

Choose an album

Press the centre button

Scroll through the available songs with the Click Wheel and select one

Press the centre button

Put the Dock Connector/USB cable into a USB 2.0 port on your computer

Plug the other end into your iPod classic’s dock connection

“Connected”

“Synchronising”

Click on the iTunes Eject button (?) or

for Mac users, drag the desktop iPod classic icon to Trash or

for PC users, eject iPod classic in My Computer, or select the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray and choose iPod classic

pull the cable from the bottom

buy items from the online iTunes store

import items from your CDs, DVDs or computer hard drive

Place a CD in your computer

Open iTunes

Select Import CD

When you’ve finished, eject the CD by selecting Eject ?

select your CD’s first song

choose File>Get Info

select Info

type in the name of the song

choose Next

when you’ve finished, select OK

Drag the appropriate folder to the iTunes heading marked Library, or

Select File>Add to Library and choose the appropriate folder

Select a song

Select File>Get Info

Select Artwork

Select Add

Go to the file containing the artwork

Select Choose

By using the slider, adjust the size of the artwork

Select Next to include artwork for another song or album

Select OK when you’ve finished

choosing a song on iTunes

selecting File>Get Info

selecting Lyrics

putting the lyrics in the text box

selecting Next to enter the lyrics for another song

clicking OK when you’ve finished

Select Add (+) or File>New Playlist

Enter a playlist name

Select Music in Library

Drag a song to the playlist

Select File>New Smart Playlist

Set up your rules

on iTunes, select the Genius button (located at the bottom of the iTunes window)

follow the instructions

connect the iPod classic to your computer and sync it

select one of your songs on iTunes

click the Genius button

set a maximum number of songs for the Genius playlist by selecting a number from the pop-up menu

select Save Playlist

select iPod classic in the source list of iTunes

choose Summary

in Options, choose “Manually manage music and video”

select Apply

select Music (or an alternative item in the iTunes source list)

drag the song or other item to the list’s iPod classic icon

select iPod classic in the source list

on your iPod classic, choose the song or other item

press Delete or Backspace on your computer keyboard

select iPod classic in the source list

choose Add (+) or File>New Playlist

type in a name for the playlist

choose the items you want in your playlist, and drag them to it

choose iPod classic in the iTunes source list

choose Movies

select “Sync movies”

select the videos you want to transfer to your iPod classic

choose Apply

connecting it to your computer (the computer must be on and not in sleep or standby mode – except for some Macs) or by

using an Apple USB Power Adaptor

To manually delete a song or other item from your iPod classic

This deletes the song or other item from your iPod classic, but retains it in your iTunes library.

To manually create a new playlist on your iPod classic

When you manage songs and videos manually, always eject your iPod classic from iTunes before disconnection.

To load videos on your iPod classic

You can add films and TV shows to your iPod classic in a similar fashion to the way you add songs (see above).

Your iPod classic syncs all videos automatically. To sync only selected videos

Select Help>iTunes Help for further details about iTunes and its features.

Charging

Your iPod classic has a built-in battery. When you charge the battery for the first time, leave it for around four hours or until the screen’s battery icon shows a full charge.

When your iPod classic’s battery runs down, it takes about two hours to reach an 80% charge, and four hours to reach a full charge.

Methods of charging

Charge your iPod classic by

Please note: (i) your computer’s USB port must be USB 2.0 (ii) the iPod classic will not sync with your computer when a “Charging, Please Wait” or “Connect to Power” message appears on the classic’s screen

A battery icon on your iPod classic screen indicates the amount of charge you have left.

Sync your Genius playlist to the iPod classic in the same way as ordinary playlists.

To load music on your iPod classic

Your iPod classic automatically syncs songs, playlists, audiobooks, videos, films, TV episodes, and podcasts in your iTunes library when you connect it to your computer. If you’ve deleted or added items to your iTunes library since you last connected the iPod classic, iTunes automatically updates the classic’s contents.

When you first connect the iPod classic to your computer, a message asks if you want automatic syncing. Please note that if you don’t want this, you can add items to your iPod classic manually.

To manage your iPod classic manually

Managing your iPod classic content manually allows you to delete and add songs and videos as you choose.

To set iTunes for manual management

To manually add a song or other item to your iPod classic

To add lyrics

View lyrics while a song is playing by

To make playlists

With iTunes, you can make your own playlists.

Smart Playlists

You can also set up a feature known as Smart Playlists. Smart Playlists update automatically when you place songs on iTunes that match your Smart Playlist rules.

Genius

Genius automatically creates playlists of songs that go well together. To activate Genius

To set up an iTunes Genius playlist

To add music already on your computer to your iTunes library

iTunes must be able to support the song file format.

Other features

When you put music in your iTunes library, you can include the album artwork and arrange for the lyrics to come up on your iPod classic screen. You can also make playlists, and set up features such as Smart Playlist and Genius.

To add album artwork

Any music you buy from the iTunes Store comes with the album artwork. Your iPod classic automatically displays this.

If you’ve imported music from a CD, and you have the album artwork on your computer, you can add it to iTunes.

iTunes uses the Internet to try to find the names of the songs on your CDs. If the names are not available on the Internet

To disconnect your iPod classic:

iTunes

iTunes is the software that enables you to buy, arrange and transfer music, videos, TV episodes, audiobooks, podcasts, and games. When you connect the iPod classic to your computer, iTunes automatically appears.

Main features

To place digital media in your iTunes library, you can

To place your audio CDs in iTunes

Other control options Your iPod classic serial number

If your iPod classic doesn’t respond to any controls, push the hold switch to the HOLD position and back again. Then, for approximately six seconds, press the Menu and centre buttons at the same time. The Apple logo will appear on your iPod classic screen.

Searching The search function

Use the search function for songs; album titles; artists’ names; playlists; podcasts; and audiobooks. You cannot use the search function for videos; notes; lyrics; contacts; or calendars.

Browsing with Cover Flow

Cover Flow displays album artwork on your iPod classic screen. The artwork appears according to the alphabetical name of the artist or group, and provides a visual method of browsing.

Connections Connecting the iPod classic to your computer

Connect the iPod classic to your computer to transfer music, videos, audiobooks, podcasts, photos, and files. The connection charges your battery at the same time.

Disconnecting

Never disconnect the iPod classic from your computer if one of the following messages is on the iPod classic’s screen:

When you see such a message, eject your iPod classic before disconnecting it.

The iPod classic controls Switching on

To switch on your iPod classic, press the Click Wheel or the centre button. The main menu then appears.

Switching off

To switch off your iPod classic, press and hold play/pause (?II).

Basic navigation

To navigate the menus of your iPod classic, use the Click wheel and the centre button.

Common control functions

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