Highlighting great applications and services for the Maemo platform
I was just browsing Facebook and ran across this little issue … There is no way to install Flash directly on a mobile device as a browser plugin! Looks like I will have to wait it out for an update to the OS, but since we just got one this week, it may be a while …
Technorati Tags: Maemo diablo N810 Flash Facebook
File this under experimental but very cool … There’s a great thread on ITT which describes how to install Android on your tablet. So far it’s pretty simple and straight forward. I had to reboot to get Android to actually launch, but otherwise it’s all there … at least what’s available. Much more to try and will see about installing some apps soon as well.
This is such a simple tip I can’t believe I did not discover it sooner, but thanks to reader Mobiledivide, I’ve learned how you can very easily enable graphics in the Modest mail client. This should work for Diablo as well as pre-Diablo installs of Modest.
Via the Maemo Extras repository, download an application called gconf-editor, which will let you control all kinds of interest settings for various apps. I imagine you might be able to do some damage if you are not too careful, but for this purpose, all should be fine.
Once installed, fire it up and navigate to Apps / Modest. You should see something that looks like this:
I’ve already checked the fetch external images option which is what you need to check in order to get HTML mail fully enabled. That’s it. Enjoy!
Technorati Tags: modest, diablo, chinook, maemo, html, images email
I just caught this video which highlights some UX ideas around the potential for Firefox Mobile and I really like what I’m seeing! It’s a near-future version of Fennec which you can run today on the tablet. While I’m not sure how this would work on a non-touch device, that’s not really something we tableteer’s have to worry about. Note there’s no Chrome and how optimized the experience is around enabling actions on the page and in the key interaction areas like the location bar.
Firefox Mobile Concept Video from Aza Raskin on Vimeo.
Technorati Tags:
Internet Tablet, Maemo, mobile, N-Series, N800, N810, Frefox, Fennec, Mozilla
Tonight I learned from Gerry Moth and Matt Stevens that Google Reader has been updated for the iPhone … which of course means it works great on the S60 Platform as well as the Nokia Tablets running the MicroB (mozilla) browser. I tried this tonigh on the N82 using the S60 webkit browser but as soon as I saw it in action I knew I wanted to use the tablet instead.
I shot this quick video on the N82 in my kitchen so I apologize for the out of focus text. I think the point is still quite clear … this is a great way for anyone to enjoy Google Reader on the go!
I’m definitely switching from the standard /m site which only offers a single item at a time. This is MUCH more efficient and works well even over EDGE.
Technorati Tags: google reader, iphone, rss, mobile, nokia, nseries, n82, n800, n810
I have not had a chance to try this, but I am very excited at the prospect of what is offered within the Internet Communications Software Update 2. If you’ve been looking to enhance the presence and messaging options within the default system this looks to be just what the doctor ordered. After installation, you should be able to add any IM account through the main system account options (in Control Panel) which will then work from the presence control.
One caveat of note — you will need to activate “red pill” mode to install. This is not a deal breaker, but you should tread lightly once activated if you fall into the more novice end of things.
Added and updated features
Telepathy-hazeNow you can use nearly all of the great IM services supported by pidgin (formerly known as gaim) open-source application – all from the comfort for your native IM/Voip client in your N8×0 device.
To see the list of services/protocols supported by pidgin, visit: http://www.pidgin.im/. Please note that not all protocols are enabled for now, but they can be added later on.
To use it, simply create your IM account in the device normally and the wizard will let you select the type of service you want (you will see more services listed there).
Telepathy-salut
Be connected to your neighbourhood instantly. This is a link-local instant messaging that requires no external service or server. Your buddy list (roster) will automatically consist of everyone present in the local network. Extremely useful for on-the-spot social networking in parties or conferences
.
Oh, and it is zero configuration IM. You only set your full name for others to see. To use it, simply create an account using the wizard in and select ‘link-local (xmpp)’ as the service.
Chat log viewer
If you have wished you could see your past chat messages for reference or simply to recall some important information, worry no more. With IMLogViewer application (installed in ‘Extra’ application menu), you will be able to see all your past chat messages exchanged with your friends.
SIP ProfilesThere are now some pre-configured SIP profiles for some major providers. This would ease configuring SIP accounts in the device. They are:
- Ekiga.net
- FreeWorldDialup
- Sipphone.com (same as used by gizmo)
Note:You can also create profiles yourself by adding a profile description file (.profile) to the directory /usr/share/osso-rtcom/ (See existing profiles for an example).
I’ll get this installed tonight. If you install and have issues or positive reports to share, please do so in the comments.
Technorati Tags: IM, Presence, SIP, Profile, Nokia, N-Series, N800, N810, Telepathy-haze, Telepathy-salut, maemo
I know a lot of people love blocking ads and now there’s an effective way to handle this on your Nokia Tablet. Adblock Plus has been developed from the full Firefox version to work on the tablet. I’ve yet to try this on my own system, but here are a few shots of what to expect…
Before:
After:
I’d recommend reading the installation and usage instructions as there are a few differences in what’s possible on the tablet from within Firefox.
Technorati Tags: maemo, microb, mozilla, extensions, adblockplus, n810, n800, OS2008
Zerojay and Texrat from the Internet Tablet Talk forums and (more recently) Jaiku got to talking and decided it would be great to offer services specifically to the tablet community. And so Jablet was born…
While clearly in very early beta, Jablet’s focus is on the use of Jabber which is built into the Tablet OS. While out of the box, you only have direct access to Google Talk (unless you use jabber today), they are working to make it very simple to get the rest of your IM accounts also flowing.
There’s a nice piece on the Jablet forums which walks you through setting up an account. I used the web form and then used a cross-platform and free jabber client called Psi to show the available transports (other services enabled on the server). It was just a matter of choosing my IM services and adding my login info to get AIM, MSN, Yahoo and Gtalk added. Gtalk is actually redundant when you run on the tablet, but it lets me keep tabs on Jaiku as well as my main IM stuff via Pidgin on when I am using a PC which I do not have admin privileges. Once this is configured a quick shot into the tablet’s accounts control panel and you can add your new Jablet account to be up in running. The whole process took me about 5 minutes.
Once your account is configured on the tablet, you’ll be connected to the Jablet server with access to your IM accounts from within the Tablet’s chat client. This is a really excellent addition for me as it’s one less application to install (Pidgin) and I can see and set presence from one application. I also have full access to all my IM contacts from across services within the contacts application! System notifications work seamlessly with all services through jabber which is very cool!
The Jablet guys are very interested in giving back to the community and want to develop services which let people enhance their Tablet experience. I’m in complete support of this and think it’s a fantastic idea! Well done! Even in this early stage it’s absolutely worth getting your IM services connected.
Technorati Tags:
IM, Internet Tablet, Maemo, N-Series, N800, N810, Nokia, Presence, Jabber, Jablet, 770
Well – which are you?
When the 770 came out it closed connections when you slid it back in the case which was a nice feature since it automatically switched into a more power efficient mode. When the N800 arrived and now with the N810, we have the opportunity to leave our tablets on at all times.
Clearly this takes a toll on battery life over the course of a day, but in my usage it seems well worth it. I actually have had both my N800 and N810 set to auto-connect to both WiFi and cellular connections so when I walk out the door, my tablet switches over to my phone as the wifi drops.
This system worked incredibly well with the N73 as my phone since the battery in that phone was hard to kill even with a full day of tethering. The N95 has a considerably less powerful battery — even the newer N95-3 which I’ve been using for a month or so. I find I’ve got power in the car as well as a Proporta Mobile Power system that lets me recharge or maintain charge on the phone while the tablet enjoys a very long day of use. If needed I can top off the tablet with the Proporta of course as well.
Last night on the Podcast, I discovered I was the only one of the three of us keeping my tablet in always on mode. I’m curious how others use their devices… since the tablet is predominantly positioned as a second device (phone being the first) I would think most users are using it as aggressively as I am, though this is clearly a personal thing.
I tested the On Demand method today and found that while it saved a bit of battery life on both devices, I prefer to be able to look down and see live updates to my mail and rss feeds. The tablet is a direct extension of how I use the internet and just like my laptop it’s always connected and powered on.
What works for you?
Update – Reggie posted a poll on Internet Tablet Talk – feel free to vote and share your opinion!
Mozilla based browser for maemo is out and ready to download! Though it’s only available for IT 2007v4 on the N800…
I encountered an immediate error on Gmail – Internal Error. Application ‘Web’ Closed. Google Reader seems to work better and load a bit more quickly… There’s a nice new RSS icon and preview feature for pages with feeds… always a handy thing! Aside from .wml support via a new plugin, there’s not much new on the extension front as we already received the gift of Flash 9 with the Firmware update.
I’ll probably stick with the Mozilla engine for a while and see how it goes. There’s a preference menu option which lets you switch the Web app between Opera and Mozilla which is nice – wonder whether there’s a contractual deal with Opera that keeps them in or perhaps the Mozilla code is not baked enough to be a full replacement just yet. This is on Garage currently… not on the more official Downloads site.
Technorati Tags:
Internet Tablet, Maemo, N-Series, Browser, Mozilla, Opera