Android SmartPhone + Watch AGENDA

LG Class Updated To Android Marshmallow  July 13, 2016

The update for LG Class has arrived for devices outside Korea, via OTA. 

The latest update of Android Marshmallow ( version 6.0) should bring to the device better system optimization as a whole. 

Coming along with the update, many LG native apps are also updated. This is most welcomed.

Remember to go to the Play Store to update Google Play Services immediately after the OS update completion, to ensure that Google Apps run properly under the new OS. As this is a major system update. 

Brief operations after the update to Marshmallow has been good. No bug. Of course, need to try out various Android v6.0 features under the LG customization. 

Update process in pictures, as follows.

Is The Pebble App/OS V3.12 Update for Original Pebble Good Enough? May 12, 2016

Those who own the Original (Classic) Pebble smart watch should finally receive the more advanced OS update comes with Timeline and some new features.

The update instruction can be found on the web:

More importantly is how’s the update fair?
Here’s the brief opinion.

~ before executing the update, make sure to factory reset the device as well as plug in to the power source to put the device on charging mode.
~ first round of new OS update may not work out smoothly, some apps may forced close. If encounters such problems, reinstall the updated OS again.
~ in the process, you may have to shut down and restart the Pebble a few times in order to make things work, really.
~ but once the updated OS “settled in”, everything works fine! That’s to my surprise.
~ as the new OS UI is different from the old one, you need a while to familiarize with it.
~ the Notification works much better than the older version and the  Timeline feature is highly productive stuff.
~ now one can explore more Pebble apps on this updated OS. Especially health tracking apps.
~ the battery charging of Pebble seems to be faster by 30% or so. Probably due to the updated firmware.

All in all, don’t wait; quickly go for the update!

HTC One (M7) upgrade to Marshmallow 6.0.1 March 6, 2016

This brief review is about the upgrade of HTC One M7 (international model) to the latest Marshmallow Android 6.0.1 rom.

The rom zip file can be found and downloaded from the above website. http://androidcustomrom1.blogspot.sg/2016/02/how-to-update-htc-one-m7-to-android-601.html?m=1

The latest 6.0.1 Gapps zip file can be downloaded from the Web as well.

Of course your device would have been rooted prior.

Full wipe is required using a compatible custom Recovey (TWRP/CWM). Remember to backup your device’s system and data.

How it goes?

The ResurrectionRemix rom ( android 6.0.1) for the HTC One M7 is very stable upon installation.
The only issue is that the custom stock camera will FC on photo-taking.
Simple solution:  just download any camera app from the Play Store to replace it.
All other apps function well and smoothly.

CyanogenMod (CM) THEMES from the Play Store are compatible on this rom. You can change them as you wish, like the Xiaomi themes for varieties of UI.

This rom also incorporates many built-in performance tweaks for the device. Including various settings for CPU, GPU, Governers, I/O etc.

Enjoy it.

The Watch by Ken SATO ~ R.X.W. Poseidon GMT February 15, 2016

One of the high quality Wristwatches that’s value for money.

As the Poseidon is only limited to 100 pieces and sold out years ago in Japan, one could only source it from the used market. Depending on the condition, some could fetch up to USD1,600 or more, especially samples that come with Open Glass case back.

Vintage Mercedes Benz Hand-winding Wristwatches December 23, 2015

There are many cheap versions of MB automatic watches made in the Chinese grey market. But those are of no collecting value.

On the contrary, the Collectable ones are those made in Germany, especially those with hand-winding mechanical movements. Such as the above in picture.

The following is another genuine Mercedes Benz watch with hand-winding alarm movement (circa 1990s). So far, it seems that this is the only version comes with Alarm movement.

Upgrade Galaxy S3 LTE To Galaxy Note 5 edition December 15, 2015

This is the latest final version of Galaxy Note 4 Elite Lite rom ( version 14.0) incorporated the Note 5 edition. It is meant for the upgrade of Galaxy S3 LTE to the latest Samsung operating system.

The custom rom can be easily obtained (downloaded) from the web. Just key in “N4 Elite Lite v14.0 for Galaxy S3 LTE” and you will find it for downloading.

Things you must do before you start to install the new rom,
1. Root your phone. And install latest CWM custom recovery.
2. Backup your current stock or custom rom and data first.
3. Go for “full wipe” (ie. Factory & data re-set) and then install the new  rom.
4. Follow the Aroma Installer instructions closely in the installation process.
5. Once done, reboot system and enjoy the upgrade.

* After installed the Galaxy Note 4 (Note 5 edition), if you do experience any lag or system error windows, just reboot your phone into the CWM recovery, do the Factory & data re-set again, also wipe cache, then reboot system.
With that, the OS should function properly without problem.

Below are images of the rom installation,

After-note:

In brief test, all connectivity, apps, launcher UI and media including camera and video (and suite of Note 4/5) are functioning well, as the change-log promised.
No lag whatsoever.
While installing the rom, carefully select various options/add-ons in the Aroma Installer ( installing tool).

In conclusion, after the upgrade, your phone (Galaxy S3) will function with Galaxy Note 4 (with Note 5 edition) features/apps as well as themes and UI, except the hardware does not support Samsung’s S-pen.

Highly recommended.

How To Upgrade Galaxy S3 To Galaxy S5 November 29, 2015

The following procedure allows user to perform upgrading of their Galaxy S3 (i9305 LTE) to Galaxy S5 via the custom rom by developer.

Prerequisites:  
1.  Your device must be ROOTED.
2.  Install CWM custom recovery.
3.  Back up your S3 stock rom.

Follow the following procedure properly and flash the Galaxy S5 Elite Rom onto your device.

Go to the Link to download the rom zip file and read more detailed information and “how to”.
LINK

http://techbeasts.com/2014/09/22/how-to-update-galaxy-siii-i9305-to-s5-elite-lite-rom/

After Upgrade ( to Galaxy S5 Elite rom)

Quadrant Standard benchmark above – 11722

Antutu benchmark as above.

User comments:

1. The new rom delivers what it promises, it comes with Galaxy S5 apps, theme, UI and functions.

2. Lots of very useful tweaks (system controls) are included in the custom rom.

3. Overall device performance improved by >50%.

4. All the key network facilities (wifi, NFC, data, etc.) run properly without hiccup.

5. Camera and video functions are great.

6. Useful features: Multi-window and Small Screen operation (one-hand operation).

This S5 rom raises the Galaxy S3 to the next level, really.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow Arrived On Nexus 7 (2013) November 7, 2015

For Asia region, the Marshmallow version of Android arrived on Nov 6 to the Nexus 7 (2013) version.
The build number is MRA58V.

Time taken for the download and update:  40 minutes.
First impression:  no bug. Very smooth app operations.
After effect:  make you love your Nexus 7 even more!
Should you install this version? No brainer.

Any other things? Still trying to learn more about Marshmallow…
Is fun anyway.

Android Theme : H2OS October 1, 2015

Here’s the example of installing the H2OS theme on compatible CM12.1 rom.

The device is Sony XPERIA S.

Summary:
This theme is quite a pleasant surprise as it works very well with CyanogenMod CM12.1 (Android 5.1.1) rom.

The result is a fluid UI overlay on top of the Sony old horse.

Android Now: Lollipop For Sony XPERIA S September 30, 2015

Question:  Is the two-chore processor Sony XPERIA S still good enough to consume the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop?

The answer is Yes, of course!

Summary of action taken:

Rom ~ CyanogenMod CM12 version with theme engine.
Android version ~ 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Recovery ~ latest TWRP for XPERIA S (Nosomi).
CPU up-clock limit  ~ 2.05GHz !
UI ~ CyanogenMod themes available from Play Store.

* Suggestion:
The camera software come with the rom isn’t good enough.
Do try out the Lenovo Super Camera apk download. It’s very good and fast.

After-Notes:
I have used the rom for a week or so, so far it is very usable and smooth enough for daily use of many apps, of course not meant for heavy 3D gaming. (Only dual-core and 1GB r Ram).

No bloatware as compared with XPERIA stock rom.
UI themes for CM12 are nice with material design philosophy.
I am going to keep this XPERIA S much longer then I initially thought.