Droid 2: Barnacle Wifi Tether for Rooted Android Cellular Phones

There is a huge difference between the applications available for the iPhone in Apple's App Store, versus Android's Market.  The Android "MARKET" appears to be a universal destination for downloading most available applications for the droid, whereas applications available through Apple's "App Store" appear to be filtered through criteria as defined by Apple.  By "jailbreaking" your iPhone, you are able to access a variety of applications that may not have met the standards which are set forth in Apple's "App Store".

Most applications available for the Android platform appear to be available through Google's "Market", however, you'll find many references for applications requiring "root access".  Rooting your Android is very similar to jail-breaking your iPhone, as it allows certain permissions which were initially banned (banned for a variety of reasons).

A word of caution!  Jail-breaking or rooting your phone may present some serious consequences, and you could find your mobile device malfunctioning in ways never expected.

Regardless, there are programs available in Google's "Market" which are only functional on "rooted" phones.  BARNACLE is an application that tethers your internet via wifi.  In plain English, this means, that you can connect to your phone (while using Barnacle) as you would if you were connecting to a wireless router.

Long story short, Barnacle is a free application and it works.  You simply load the program, adjust your settings (such as a password to access the wifi network which Barnacle will host from your phone), and access from other electronic devices!  It works like a charm!

There's a similar application called PDAnet, however, it tether's through bluetooth & USB versus Wifi.  For many individuals, PDAnet will work just fine.  The exception is the iPAD, since, the iPAD is not designed to receive internet connections via a USB connection or bluetooth.  PDAnet is a great option if you wish not to root your phone, and if you are tethering to a desktop, laptop, or another device which can receive a data connection via USB or bluetooth.

In theory, if you have a rooted Android phone with Barnacle, it could be of extreme value (for example) if your internet service at home failed and you had one (or many) computers that are compatible with wireless internet.

With that being said, Barnacle (or the process of rooting your phone) may not be compliant with the service contracts and/or warranties as set forth by your phone's manufacturer or your cellular provider's service plans.

In my opinion, I think Barnacle is an awesome program.

Rooting your Droid 2 on MAC or PC, EASY!

Many thanks to darkonion @ xdadevelopers for his instructions at:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782556

I've been waiting for an easy method to root my Verizon Wireless Motorola Droid 2.  This enables many applications, such as, "Barnacle" which enables you to wifi tether your device!

Excellent post.  Just read and follow directions.

"USE YOUR HANDWRITING" by Gee Whiz Stuff: Application for the iPhone & iPad is AWESOME for taking notes!

Today, a friend turned me on to an awesome application for the iPad & iPhone called "Use Your Handwriting" (UYW for short).

While I'm used to typing on an actual keyboard, or typewriter - I always found typing on a "touch screen" to be discouraging.  This discouragement stems from my quick typing ability (on physical keyboards), and I feel that it takes too much effort and time to write on a touch-screen.  There have been many times when I wanted to jot down a quick note on my phone, and found myself preferring the use of a napkin and a pen.  I'm always trying to remember telephone numbers, directions, movies that have been suggested to me, as well as performing artists people recommend I witness.

"USE YOUR HANDWRITING" is an application that interfaces with the touch screen of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.  You simply hand-write with your finger-tip:

After you hit the "done" button, what you have hand-written is transferred to the first line of a "virtual notepad".  

After it's transferred to the first line, you can continue to write your entries.  Every time you hit the "done" button, it transfers your "writings" to the next line on the "virtual notepad".

I think this is a simple yet brilliant concept for an application that helps integrate technology into our lives, in a fashion which is extremely efficient and useable.

There is a free edition, as well as a paid edition.  The free edition is fully functional, and the paid edition which is called "Use Your Handwriting Gold".

After I use the free edition, I'll be purchasing the gold edition - and will be writing another review about the additional features that are offered by the upgrade.

Awesome product!  *****

"Index Card" for iPad: The best productivity tool for tracking multiple projects.

Screen Shot

I originally purchased the iPad for the purpose of utilizing it as a portfolio for my photography (www.photostudiosonline.com) and graphic design.  If I were contending with paper portfolios, I would need a separate book for each project.  I later realized that my iPad could almost become my electronic briefcase (which, a camera would be nice to capture documents).  I've had the iPad for approximately a month, and I have been searching for ways to integrate the device into my life.  When I purchase a new "smart device" I am always hesitant to spend money on applications that I may never use.  With my iPhone, I'm not concerned about spending money on applications because they typically only cost $1 or $2 and the device is always in my pocket (as are the applications!).

To date, my favorite iPad application is "Index Card" by DenVog.  Imagine keeping multiple index card boxes for different topics, projects, and subjects.  While index cards are awesome, having multiple boxes would be preferred for organizing & separating your content, however, it would become cumbersome as it would require a plethora of storage space in your living and/or work area.  To make matters worse, multiple index-card boxes aren't exactly portable!

"Index Card" by DenVog provides the organizational freedom of multiple index card files, while maintaining the portability of an iPad.

Here's a brief description of it's useable features:

1. Multiple batches of index card files are listed as "projects", so you only see the "project" that you have selected.
2. Different colors can be used for individual index card entries, which I find useful for prioritizing, and critical for "flagging" entries as I would within email.
3. The iPad's screen displays all of your index cards for the "project" that you have open on your choice of:

• A cork-board or solid black background
• List-style view, which is useful for multiple entries.

Additionally, for those who have "DropBox" accounts, Index Card Version 1.2 (release Sept. 24, 2010) also allows you to export your projects to your DropBox folder.

Truly an awesome application!

Samsung Syncmaster B2230 Tilt Adjustment

I've always had a liking for Samsung products, especially televisions.  I like the way their screens look, I never have issues with their functionality nor design, and their price is always priced modestly compared to comparable products.

Yesterday, a Samsung Suncmaster B2230 was purchased for $149 to replace a generic monitor that went up in smoke.

After assembling the monitor, we realized that the viewing angle was very uncomfortable.  After inspecting the monitor assembly, it didn't appear to have a tilt adjustment, despite the specification's indications.

Apparently, this is confusing many people, as it is mentioned in product reviews.

Here's the reality:  The monitor does tilt, it's just built very stiff and sturdy.  Hold onto the base of the monitor (the part that stands on your desk), and tilt the monitor to your preferred position!  If you use your other hand to hold the top of the monitor, it won't feel as stiff since you'll have better leverage.

This probably confused people because, while assembling the monitor, it looks as though it's built not to tilt.  Wrong! It is.

Awesome monitor, great price.

ZumoCast for iPad & iPhone: A FREE service to play your media library & access files which are stored on your computer while away from home.

From time to time, I'll stumble upon applications that I wish I had known about as soon as they hit the market.  ZumoCast, is one of these!

ZumoCast is a FREE application/service that allows you to access documents from your computer while using your iPhone or iPad from a distance, just so long as you have an internet connection.

This is largely for accessing your music & video library, however, it will also allow you to view documents of other types (pdf files, etc..).

This is not only convenient, however, it also saves space on your mobile device.  

Setup is extremely easy.  First, you download the application to your iPhone or iPad.  Then, you create an account by entering your email address and your desired password.  Finally, you download the software onto your desktop (or laptop) computer as well. 

Once those steps are completed and you are "signed in" to both programs, you open the application and select the file you wish to view (or listen to).  

That simple!

The application is FREE.

Iphone Operating System OS 4.1 Released, Check for updates!

It's out .. Iphone OS 4.1!  For all of you MAC users at home, there's also an updated iTUNES with a new logo, and a few other minor changes.

If you sync your iPhone and haven't updated yet, you may have to select "Check for Updates" - otherwise iTunes may not realize there is an update until 9/15/10 (or said iTunes, on my computer).

Sorry, iPad, no magical OS4 released for you yet!