Feb 06

Track, Lock, Backup and Wipe your Android with WaveSecure

Android, Gadgets, Google Nexus One, Technology No Comments »

android_wavesecure_ws_android_availableWavesecure is a service that allows you to backup your data, track your phone, track who’s using the phone, lock the phone and wipe all the data remotely. And to top it off the service works well and is currently free for a lifetime membership for Android users who sign up before March 31.

WaveSecure is an award-winning mobile security service that lets users protect their phones, data and privacy in the event of theft. With WaveSecure, you’ll never have to worry about losing phones again.

  • Track down your phone’s location and who is using it
  • Lock down your phone remotely, make it worthless to the thief
  • Backup all your data, automatically and securely
  • Wipe out your data remotely, protect your privacy

Available now from the marketplace.

android_wavesecure_screen

android_wavesecure_web_1

android_wavesecure_web_2

Feb 03

Adding MultiTouch to the Google Nexus One includes 3G radio enhancements

Android, Gadgets, Google Nexus One, Technology No Comments »

Google has announced a Nexus One Software Update to be rolled out to all handsets over the next week, if you can’t wait follow the instructions below.

New Software Update for Nexus One phones


Starting today, Nexus One users will begin to receive an over-the-air software update on their phones. This update provides some great new features, and fixes a few problems that some users might have experienced, including:

Google Goggles: this mobile application will now be available directly on your device by launching it from your All Apps menu. Just use your Nexus One camera to start searching the web

Google Maps: the Maps application with be updated to a new version, Google Maps 3.4, which will include:

  • Starred items synchronized with maps.google.com – access your favorite places from your phone or computer
  • Search suggestions from your personal maps.google.com history – makes it easy to search for places you’ve searched for before
  • Night mode in Google Maps Navigation – automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving
Pinch-to-zoom functionality: devices will now include a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone’s Browser, Gallery and Maps applications

3G connectivity: we will provide a general fix to help improve 3G connectivity on some Nexus One phones


In order to access the update, you will receive a message on your phone’s notification bar. Just download the update, wait for it to install, and you should be all set. This update will be rolled out gradually to phones – and most users might not receive the notification until the end of the week. We hope you enjoy these new features and look forward to your feedback.

Performing the Upgrade

  1. Make sure the battery is charged.
  2. Download the update from here.
  3. Mount the SD card on your PC.
  4. Rename the file to update.zip and copy to the root directory of the SD card as shown.nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch
  5. Turn the phone off.
  6. Boot into the boot loader by turning the phone on by holding down the volume down button and pressing the power  button for a few seconds before releasing both.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_boot_loader_1
  7. Use the volume up and down buttons to select recovery and press the power button.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_boot_loader_2
  8. The phone enters recovery mode.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_recovery_mode
  9. Hold the volume up button and press the power button and release both to enable the system recovery menu.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_system_recovery_mode_1
  10. Use the trackball to select “apply sdcard:update.zip” and press the trackball down to select.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_system_recovery_mode_2
  11. The update will start applying the status can be seen on the screen.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_loading_1
  12. When the update is compelte it will ask you to “reboot via menu” and using the trackball press down to select “reboot system now”.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_loading_2
  13. The radio will now be written before the reboots occur.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_loading_3
  14. The system will reboot twice, don’t touch anything just wait for it to completed.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_finished
  15. The normal startup screen will soon appear and the phone will soon be back to normal but with multitouch enabled and other enhancements.
    nexus_one_firmware_upgrade_multitouch_startup
Feb 02

Unveiling the Google Nexus One

Android, Gadgets, Google Nexus One, Technology No Comments »

As expected it comes in a somewhat large box, 25.4cm x 20.32cm x 15.24cm (10″x8″x6″) and plenty of room inside for quite a few Nexus Ones.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_01

Plenty of paper packing to stop the Nexus from moving around

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_02

Another layer of paper around the Nexus.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_03

The freed Nexus One in comparison to it’s box.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_04

Nexus One details.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_05

Nexus One is wrapped in plastic.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_07

Comes with a neat little case.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_08

Accessories, charger, headphones, usb (micro) cable and cards on how to use it.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_09

Nexus One battery Specifications – 3.7VDC, 1400mAh and 5.18Whr.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_10

Micro SD and SIM card can be access by removing the battery.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_11

Camera and flash located at the top of the phone on the rear.

nexus_one_unveiling_the_google_nexus_one_12

Jan 26

Osram Decostar 51 Energy Saver Halogen Dichroic Reflector Lamps GU5,3

Lighting, Technology No Comments »

osram_decostar_51_es_35w_50w_halogen_energy_saver_47865The Osram IRC range of lamps were released a few years ago but have been both hard to get in Australia and expensive. I’ve been paying around AUD$13 for each lamp and having to buy online as other than the electrical wholesalers they’re not stocked by retailers who instead tend to stock the no name 20-30% energy saving lamps for around AUD$10-15. At these prices it’s hard to justify replacing them all when you work out potential energy savings.

Recently I found some Osram Energy Savers at Bunnings which look identical to the current ones I’ve been purchasing except the part number is slightly different and they come in retail packaging. Bunnings only stock the one type that I could see which is the 50w equivalent with 35w power usage. The surprise for me was the pricing AUD$5.49!

The details for the one that I’ve been purchasing is

Decostar 51 ES 35W 12V 48865 ES WFL GU5,3 36° (5000 hours life)

The new one in blister pack at Bunnings is

Decostar 51 ES 35W 12V 47865 ES EFL GU5,3 36° (4000 hours life)

Other than the packaging the only omission I can see is there is no mention of IRC technology on the blister pack, but there isn’t as much information on IRC when you look at Osram website so it could be possible they’re removing mention of that to make this more marketable (ie to people who only want to save power and don’t care about IRC technology).

Osram don’t mention the 47865 lamp on their website either. The specs for it should be the same or similar to 48865.

35W, 12V, 36 degrees, 2200 lumens.

Perhaps the 47865 doesn’t use IRC technology and as such has a shorter life span? When I get time I’ll do a test to see if I can see any difference in the output or temperatures. Photos of both packages are listed, note that the blister pack is of the 25w/35w but other than that it’s identical to the 35w/50w.

osram_decostar_51_es_35w_50w_halogen_energy_saver_48865

Jan 22

Setting up Data and MMS on your Android using Crazy Johns Vodafone network

Android, Gadgets, Google Nexus One, Technology 5 Comments »

To avoid the problems with Optus and Virgin mobile deliberately blocking access to Google paid apps a move to Vodafone was called for however Vodafone don’t have any cheap plans that include a decent amount of data, the only choice for cheap plans is a 200mb add on pack otherwise you need to start looking at the $69 plan which includes 1GB of data. Crazy John’s which is fully owned by Vodafone and uses the Vodafone network however have a $15 a month 1GB addon and this can be used on all plans (plans start as low as $19).

Vodafone Internet and MMS settings however don’t work, use the follow settings to get started.

When you’re finished the APN screen should have three enteries.

Crazy NET (button should be selected with a green circle)
purtona.net

Crazy WAP (button should not be selected)
purtona.wap

Crazy MMS (no button)
purtona.wap

Name: Crazy NET
APN: purtona.net
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
APN type: default
Name: Crazy WAP
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
APN type: <not set> (don’t touch this field)
Name: Crazy MMS
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
Server: purtona.wap
MMSC: http://purtona.mms.mmssend
MMS proxy: 010.202.002.020
MMS port: 8080
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
APN type: mms

Name: Crazy NET
APN: purtona.net
Proxy: <Not Set>
Port: <Not Set>
Username: <Not Set>
Password: <Not Set>
Server: <Not Set>
MMSC: <Not Set>
MMS Proxy: <Not Set>
MMS Port: <Not Set>
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
Authentication Type: <Not Set>
APN type: default, supl

Name: Crazy WAP
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
Username: <Not Set>
Password: <Not Set>
Server: <Not Set>
MMSC: <Not Set>
MMS proxy: <Not Set>
MMS port: <Not Set>
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
Authentication Type: <Not Set>
APN type: <not set>
Name: Crazy MMS
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
Username: <Not Set>
Password: <Not Set>
Server: purtona.wap
MMSC: http://purtona.mms/mmssend
MMS proxy: 010.202.002.020
MMS port: 8080
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
Authentication Type: <Not Set>
APN type: mms
Jan 19

Importing a Google Nexus phone to Australia (and other countries)

Android, Gadgets, Google Nexus One, Online Shopping, Technology 5 Comments »

google_nexus_oneGoogle released it’s first phone the Nexus One phone on January 5 for sale via it’s webstore however with the restriction that only four countries could purchase it (USA, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK). Google won’t confirm when Australia will be able to purchase but it’s likely to be later this year and revolves around a deal with Vodafone.

There are a number of ways to purchase the phone if you’re in one of the many countries that are not able to purchase and whilst I will specifically deal with importing this into Australia the same process applies. Of course you can purchase from ebay and other similar places however expect to pay a significant premium over the USD$529 price from Google.

Step 1 – Find a US based proxy so you can place your order, Google restrict ordering via both IP address and delivery address. Free proxies are often used by fraudsters so may see your order cancelled, your Google account suspended and create delays. I used a proxy called xroxy, the premium proxy offers a three day trial and if you cancel in this time you are not charged anything. Total outlay $0.

Step 2 – Find a company that will forward the package to you. I used a company called MyUS based in Florida which meant I had to pay sales tax (see details below) and their reshipping cost was higher than a few other companies but they did come recommended. A few problems arose, one was it took time to authenticate my card so my phone was delayed by a day, customer service was both good and bad in my experience and of course the cost issue. Total cost to sign up is USD$10. Another option (and there are some very satisfied customers now) is ComGateWay who charge no signup fee and their shipping price is a little cheaper plus no sales tax in their state. See my Package Forwarding Companies page for more details.

Step 3 – Using the US based proxy above navigate to the webstore and purchase the phone using the package forwarding companies address and their phone. Two lines of engraving are available for free but this can delay the shipment and affect resale value depending on what you put there. Shipped cost in the USA is USD$529.

Step 4 – Wait for the confirmation from your Package Reshipping company and dispatch the parcel.

Step 5 – Enjoy the phone!

Cost

The total cost of the order came to  USD$642.90 / AUD $692.66 and this comprises.

  • Package Forwarding membership fee USD$10.00
  • Shipping Cost via DHL  USD$69.52
  • Google Nexus One USD$529.00
  • Sales Tax (Florida where the Package Forwarding company is) USD$34.38

Timeline

All times listed expect for those in the shipping tables are Brisbane times.

Wednesday 13/01/2010

  • 21:15 – Nexus One ordered

Shipping from Google to MyUS vis Fedex

Brisbane TimeLocal TimeActivityLocation
Jan 13, 2010 7:47 AMShipment information sent to FedEx
Jan 14, 2010 7:01 AMJan 13, 2010 4:01 PMPicked upINDIANAPOLIS, IN
Jan 13, 2010 8:53 PMLeft FedEx origin facilityINDIANAPOLIS, IN
Jan 13, 2010 10:58 PMDeparted FedEx locationINDIANAPOLIS, IN
Jan 13, 2010 11:02 PMArrived at FedEx locationMEMPHIS, TN
Jan 14, 2010 2:48 AMDeparted FedEx locationMEMPHIS, TN
Jan 14, 2010 5:24 AMAt dest sort facilityTAMPA, FL
Jan 14, 2010 8:16 AMAt local FedEx facilityBRADENTON, FL
Jan 14, 2010 8:22 AMOn FedEx vehicle for deliveryBRADENTON, FL
Jan 15, 2010 12:05 PMJan 14, 2010 9:05 AM
Delivered
BRADENTON, FL

Friday 14/01/2010

00:05 – Nexus One Delivered to MyUS

03:55 – MyUS acknowledge delivery and send confirmation email

Saturday 16/01/2010

08:41 – MyUS sends shipment notifications

11:14 – DHL pickup

Shipping from MyUS via DHL

Brisbane TimeLocal TimeActivityLocation
16/1/2010 11:14 am15/1/2010 6:14 pmShipment picked up Tampa - East, FL
15/1/2010 7:42 pmDeparting origin. Tampa - East, FL
15/1/2010 8:26 pmProcessed at DHL Location. Tampa - East, FL
15/1/2010 8:26 pmDepart Facility Tampa - East, FL
16/1/2010 3:17 amTransit through DHL facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
16/1/2010 4:50 amProcessed at DHL Location. Cincinnati Hub, OH
16/1/2010 6:03 amDepart Facility Cincinnati Hub, OH
16/1/2010 6:45 amTransit through DHL facility Los Angeles Gateway, CA
16/1/2010 1:05 pmProcessed at DHL Location. Los Angeles Gateway, CA
16/1/2010 1:05 pmDepart Facility Los Angeles Gateway, CA
18/1/2010 11:35 am18/1/2010 11:35 amTransit through DHL facility Brisbane, Australia
18/1/2010 11:35 am18/1/2010 11:35 amClearance processing complete Brisbane, Australia
18/1/2010 09:32 am18/1/2010 09:32 amAwaiting collection by recipient as requestedBrisbane, Australia
18/1/2010 11:02 am18/1/2010 11:02 amDelivered - Signed for by : MATTBrisbane - Australia

Monday 18/01/2010

11:35 (GMT +10) – DHL clears customers for delivery Tuesday (pickup not available that afternoon…)

Tuesday 19/01/2010

Damn it, DHL just updated the status to “awaiting customer pickup” despite this never being arranged. Off to the airport for pickup I guess.

11:02 Collection time!

nexus_one_pickup_at_dhl

Next: Unveiling the Google Nexus One

Further information can be found in the Whirlpool “Getting Nexus One (Google Phone) in Aus” thread.

Nov 08

Useful Network Tools

Networking, Technology No Comments »

Full Suite of Tools

DomainTools

4DNStools

DNStools

DNSgoodies

DNSRight

Reverse IP Lookup

YouGetSignal

Website Valuation

Websiteoutlook

Nov 05

VMware vSphere ESX Virtual Machine Locked Process Problem

VMware, Virtualisation No Comments »

Whilst renaming a server the error message “Another task is already in progress” appeared.

Checking Tasks & Events shows an operation timed out earlier in the morning when creating a snapshot of the server for a backup.

vmware_vsphere_esx_server_another_task_is_already_in_progress_1

Powering off the server was also met with the same error as was the resetting the server. Migration was the only task that could be performed successfully.

vmware_vsphere_esx_server_another_task_is_already_in_progress_2

The problem appears to be around there being insufficient bandwidth/resources to handle the request.

vmware_vsphere_esx_server_another_task_is_already_in_progress_4The solution is to ssh to the physical ESX server that the virtual machine resides on and restart the “mgmt-vmware” service as the user root.

service mgmt-vmware stop
Stopping VMware ESX Management services:
 VMware ESX Host Agent Watchdog[  OK  ]
 VMware ESX Host Agent[  OK  ]

Wait 30 seconds and start the service

service mgmt-vmware start
Starting VMware ESX Management services:
 VMware ESX Host Agent (background)[  OK  ]
 Availability report startup (background)[  OK  ]

The ESX server and any virtual machines hosted on it will disconnect from the Virtual Infrastructure/vSphere Client and can be reconnected by right clicking on the ESX server and choosing “reconnect”.

When it reconnects attempt the tasks that were failing earlier and they should now as intended (I had to power the server on because I had initiated a shutdown earlier via the operating system, the server will stay running without any interruption throughout this process).

vmware_vsphere_esx_server_another_task_is_already_in_progress_3

This problem occurs on the following versions

  • vSphere ESX 4.0
  • EXS 3.5
Tagged with: • •
Nov 01

vSphere 4

Virtualisation No Comments »
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