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This is my last semester before I graduate.
So, I decided to add my own Android application to my portfolio.
After a few meeting with my friends, we decide to create a game.
Our rough game's specs (Could be changed).
1. Collect all statistic locally, No statistic/central server.
(Low budget project)
2. 2d turn-base game, have some but not much amimations.
(Imagine a multi-player board game)
3. Multi-player over Bluetooth, WiFi or 3G. No single player.
4. Should playable on most of the 2.1 device
What we know/are learning
1. 3 years experience in mid-level Java programing (J2SE, J2EE)
2. 3 years experience in SQL-base database
3. 3 years experience in HTML, CSS, Javascript and Ajax
3. A year experience in Mid-level of Python, OpenGL
4. A year experience in Design pattern, Project Planing, Application Development
5. Android Application Development with Eclipes, Android SDK, JRE (In progress)
6. Titanium Appcelerator (In progress)
7. WebView, PhoneGap (In progress)
8. Publish into Android Market
Now, what we don't know/are questioning
1. Communication between android device
We decided not to use a statistic/central server. Which mean a device have to communicate to each other directly. We are not sure is it possible or not and how to accomplish that. Also some issues such as handle communication failure.
2. Approch
I'm not sure which language will be suited between C++ and Java (Best gaming experience, less issue, library/add-on support). Also still no clue which approch to go. Standard (SDK + Eclipes + JRE) or Titanium or WebView.
3. Device hardware difference
It will be not cool if this game can run smoothly on one device but laggy/false display on others. Most important question is the screen resolution.
4. Game engine
Still don't know that we need a game engine or not. Which one is suited to our project.
5. Server
We plan to go for commercial version in the future which will have more features such as Matchup, Ranking, Upgrade character and else. By the time, we do need a server right? If we do, do we need more than 1 server to handle global incoming connections?
6. What else should be take a look?
I'm currently spend my time to understaning all above question but advise from you guys would be much help. Correct me if I misunderstanding anything.
Thanks in advance, Sincere.
Still looking for answers
1. You will still need to use a central server, this server would keep track of all active(logged in ) accounts. This server will have the soul purpose of linking players or sending request from one player to another. As the ip address of our phones dynamic i see no way around this. For local games this is obviously a different story.
2. Depends on how gfx intensive your program is, if you are even semi fluent in ogl i would use this. But if not the standard Canvas android offers should be fine for 2d. I like c++, so i use java & c through jni. But if time is an issue(and u dont want headakes) i would just stick to java.
3. Android offers a compatibility mode which adapts software meant for one res to fit on others. I have zero experience in this so i can not elaborate on its effectiveness. if not with ogl it wouldnt be hard to make your program scalable to other resolutions. Tho of course you would have to alot of backend work to make sure it looks good. Wide ranging of devices is a huge plus for android users, huge headake for us devs :S.
4. If you are doing just a 2d board game ish game i dont think an actual game engine is needed...but w/e floats your boat.
5. Go to question 1. hehe.
6. No time, will comment later.
I am probably not as skilled dev as should be commenting in this thread, just fyi lol.
You can check out AndEngine as well, it is a free 2d opengl engine. It has a multiplayer extension based on java sockets but this part is incomplete, you should look out for more info on java.net.* for multiplayer purposes.
Another free opengl engine is Rokon.
Both use opengl es 1.0 and are compatible from android 1.6 onwards. I´m actually starting a 2d project based on AndEngine and have no complaints so far.
Since its not that intensive i woudn´t sugest to go for c++. I heard that not all devices are compatible with the ndk, but it is just hearsay, if some one can confirm this better.
@jug6ernaut
Thanks for your comment. Clarify me a lot.
About the server, do you have any suggestion where should I place/rent a server?
I'm living in south-east asia. I'm worry about lag issue will accur to US and Europe user when they communicate with server in this region. Our infrastructure is 10-20 years behind yours.
@rastanthology
Thanks for your comment. As you suggest, I think we will stick to Java as we planned. Plus, I'll take a look on AndEngine and Rokon.
1.- You don't need a webbased server for gameplay. You can just pair the devices over bluetooth or send the data over wifi (hell, if you wanted to make it really expensive and laggy, you could send the data over sms ). I think, connectivity wise this would be the way to go, not only because people some have data limitations in their phoneplan.
However, sending the gameplay data to a central server and distributing it back to the other player would make data collection and tracking easy, but that would be equally easy (and less data intensive for your data costs on your server) with a robust log you send to your server as you grow the game. Of course, even your peer-to-peer game will have a kind of client/server infrastructure, internally/programmaticaly speaking: maybe both devices run a client and a server, as you'll need classes/threads which send data, receive data and process data. Depending on the speed of the game and send/recieve speeds, you might want to have one of the devices be the one which has absolute say over timings/positions, or you might allow both devices to keep track and have some kind of collaborative conflict resolution
2.- pick the programming language you're best in. If you have to pick up c/c++ whilst you make the game, you're only doubling your frustration Make that be a factor in your choice of framework/engine, too. For a 'simple' game, you might just use pure java and libraries. For the game you're describing, you don't need the speed of c/c++. Nowhere near
3.- that's not a question 2D boardgames have a better chance of scaling well than even a 2d fast moving action game; I'd say that if you don't make it too complex (hundreds of transparent .png's simultaneously moving), most android devices should be able to run a 2 player boardgame without AI. Be sure to use suitable (correctly scaled etc) graphics, maybe even have multiple data sets for diff. devices.
4.- depends Sometimes, learning to use a game engine takes as much time as building those few things you need from scratch or using smaller routines/code/libraries. Design your program, find out what you need and then stack up "how much time will it take to build these classes/systems ourselves, to our exact specs" against "how much time will it take to find an engine which does kinda what we want, learn how to use the systems we want and modify them for what we want (and maybe not end up with exactly what we want)". Sometimes the (learning of the) engine is simple to learn and use, and saves you much time ... sometimes it doesn't
5.- yes. Depends on traffic (amount of connections, size of data). If you only sends logs etc and not realtime (gameplay) communications, you might have enough with one server. If you have many, many users, you might need more, and if the data has to have low latency, you will have to get more geographically situated servers.
6.- don't forget sound. Test your game on people. Prototype first, fast and often and don't be afraid to change the gameplay if what you prototype doesn't seem to be found "fun" by the people test your game
Good luck!
@MacDegger
Thanks so much. You just gave me a lot of Idea. I mean I can see the whole picture more clearly with your answer. Cheers!!
One more thing I want to know. If this game can be play only via BT or WIFI. Will people buy it?
As we plan to sell it in the market in the future. Even the gameplay is fun, nice or whatever. But, the game cant be play unless you have a friend with Android device and this game installed. That's sound not so interesting game anyways (at least for me).
I woudn't like to be pessimist but i don't think so. The best approach would be to release a free version with webview adds and a payed version add-less. From what i heard you might be receiving the same profit from both versions
rastanthology said:
I woudn't like to be pessimist but i don't think so. The best approach would be to release a free version with webview adds and a payed version add-less. From what i heard you might be receiving the same profit from both versions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking about that too.
Free version with adds and less feature.
Paid version without adds and full feature.
Still don't have a clue how google adds works. Pay for each view or something I guess.
XeCeL said:
I'm thinking about that too.
Free version with adds and less feature.
Paid version without adds and full feature.
Still don't have a clue how google adds works. Pay for each view or something I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
given my software is not very ad exploiting(live wallpaper so only shows ads in settings), but in my experience ads pay like crap. 4000+ hits and ive made like 36c. Most if not all coming from clicks on the ads.
jug6ernaut said:
given my software is not very ad exploiting(live wallpaper so only shows ads in settings), but in my experience ads pay like crap. 4000+ hits and ive made like 36c. Most if not all coming from clicks on the ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, 4000+ hits but 36c I would better exclude it
Hi all!
I'm in my final year and we're supposed to do a project which is worth 200 marks overall. Most of us in our field have chosen to develop either android or iphone applications. My group and I have chosen adnroid.
Now, I'm in need of simple ideas for the apps. We have absolutely no idea on how to go about with the process. I've seen lots of people here develop stunning applications here! We're in need of ideas for developing simple apps.. which can be completed in a max of 2-3 months (considering the fact that we don't have any background knowledge on android development/programming. All we know is Java)
I'd initially suggested an automatic mobile credit recharge system, where in the app monitors you prepaid account balance from time to time and recharges the account once the credit falls below a user set value.
Although this seemed interesting at first, it can only be simulated with 2 databases (one for the mobile credit and another for the bank account)
After going through the type of apps here, I really want to develop something much better than this.
I'm open to all ideas, in fact, we don't mind developing an app that is already existing (for instance a profile manager or a data wallet etc) All we want is to have a fully complete app at the end of 2 months.
Please assist.
Thanks!
Secret Santa?
That's something that I thought up over winter break and whipped it up over a few days in the App Inventor. If you guys take your time, you can probably learn Android programming and design/code it in a month or so.
There are some "special" features that I added to make the app more useful but I'll leave that for you to think up.
I'll post back if I come up with anything else. I also need some app ideas, but just for recreational programming.
Thanks! I'm currently checking out appInventer.. I somehow find it hard to come up with ideas which is why I'm trying to find help from here :|
I think the credit recharger is a pretty cool idea, personally. But I understand that you might want something with more "impact"
I think part of the key to this would be figuring out what has not already been done to death. There are so many apps with 5, 6, 7, etc versions of the basically the same thing. I would try to find something to develop with less competition, even if it's more of a niche product. I'm trying to think of the things I've previously thought "I wish I had an app for ____" but I'm drawing a blank right now.
If I think of anything I'll be sure to post it back in here
DrDubzz said:
I think the credit recharger is a pretty cool idea, personally. But I understand that you might want something with more "impact"
I think part of the key to this would be figuring out what has not already been done to death. There are so many apps with 5, 6, 7, etc versions of the basically the same thing. I would try to find something to develop with less competition, even if it's more of a niche product. I'm trying to think of the things I've previously thought "I wish I had an app for ____" but I'm drawing a blank right now.
If I think of anything I'll be sure to post it back in here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I checked out google appInventer tutorials.. theres one which says "no text while driving" -- basically sends back an sms to the sender that ur driving.. It seems interesting so I'm gonna see how best i can use it and pack some more useful stuff along with it.. and see how it all works out.
The reason why I'm giving the auto recharge a back seat is because it can't be implemented in real time.. it can only be simulated in a virtual environment.
You might want to think about doing something that takes advantage of the maps api. It's easy to do but it looks impressive and might help you get high marks.
A great idea?!
Graphics artist here,
Something I just thought of and just started searching for (literally) when I came across your thread, would be: Using the phone as a touch sensitive.. control for editing software, ie photoshop or paint.net. Basically turn the phone into a touchpad control for a computer.
Just an idea!
mirrorhelix said:
Graphics artist here,
Something I just thought of and just started searching for (literally) when I came across your thread, would be: Using the phone as a touch sensitive.. control for editing software, ie photoshop or paint.net. Basically turn the phone into a touchpad control for a computer.
Just an idea!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be great! I'd definitely pay a couple/few dollars for something along these lines if it was user-friendly
Thats a really awesome idea!! Converting the touchscreen into a tablet input for PS or any other photo manipulation software.. But the problem is that I don't know where to begin! :|
This is a college project so the idea isn't to make a unique and sell-able application... it's to demonstrate that you can work as part of a team to make an application from design to completion.
I'd try and think of a fun app (i wouldnt care if it's been done 100 times before) that everyone on your team wants to contribute to. If it's unique, brilliant, if not nevermind you've got some good experience working as a team and making an android app.
I do like the sound of the phone touchpad app, it's been done on iPhone by Logitech but i've not seen something for android. If it helps, http://blog.logitech.com/2010/01/29...-touch-into-a-wireless-trackpad-and-keyboard/ .
There are a ton of them on the market: Gmote, MyRemote, UnifiedRemote, etc.
It might be a good idea to email this developers to get a better picture of what to do.
Problem is that all of those tools rely heavily on WiFi so you'll have to understand networking.
biggler said:
This is a college project so the idea isn't to make a unique and sell-able application... it's to demonstrate that you can work as part of a team to make an application from design to completion.
I'd try and think of a fun app (i wouldnt care if it's been done 100 times before) that everyone on your team wants to contribute to. If it's unique, brilliant, if not nevermind you've got some good experience working as a team and making an android app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo!! Which is exactly what my instructor said. I tried out the tutorials on appInventer.. I was toying with the idea of integrating more features into those itself. Is that a good idea? Although the concept is from Google, would it be ok to build on it? i'm particularly interested in "No texting while driving" and "Broadcast Hub" -- both these apps are awesome! Are there any notable features that I can add to make them better.
How about an app for the quick oil change places. It could show your last service and what was done. Show any upcoming maintenance and when your next oil change is due.
Maybe integrate Google Maps to show locations of service centers. Maybe offer a "e-coupon" if they use the app. Pretend they offer online scheduling and maybe show them "2 customers in bay, one waiting" - Estimated wait time 20 minutes" yada, yada
As an "older" programmer with 2 degrees, it's nice to see your college offering the mobile platform as a programming choice. Hell, all we got to write were COBOL and CICS mainframe applications and some semi-cool C++ projects.
Good Luck and Congratulations on getting your degree!!
What about a bluetooth hack to where u would be able to hack into someones phone and use their service for texting and calling. I heard of something like that when i was on my blackberry and was really into it. But it would be nice to get something like that on my Incredible
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
I think it would be a good idea to make an app that uses an existing web api for a popular website, could be facebook, ebay(do they have an api?) etc etc.
It's a good way to learn a lot of aspects of android development, with a useful product as the outcome.
It doesn't matter if there is already an app for that site, think of a different way of using the site on the mobile, and go from there.
I would like to see a program that reads the weather API and reflects the current weather and location on the wallpaper. This app would require graphics design, code to parse the weather feed, writing to the OS. When I was on Windows Mobile there was a skin for Weather Panel that did this but with Android's live walpaper it could be really cool.
Thanks for the ideas you guys! I really appreciate it. Everything seems interesting.. but the problem is we don't know where to begin or how to go about it.
I did the broadcast hub tutorial present in the app inventer page. It turned out good. Is there any way I can add functionality to this itself?
blueren said:
Thanks for the ideas you guys! I really appreciate it. Everything seems interesting.. but the problem is we don't know where to begin or how to go about it.
I did the broadcast hub tutorial present in the app inventer page. It turned out good. Is there any way I can add functionality to this itself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do all the tutorials and learn the blocks, you can create lots of stuff. There is a app in the market that adds more features to the app inventor, app inventor extender
XDA App
A couple of suggestions:
- A chess PGN editor
- A simple picture/document management app where you take a photo using the camera, add some tags or other info, and save all details in a database. You can also provide search functionality and a viewer to retrieve pictures using the index you've built.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I did some homework on topics and came across this.. A multilingual speech translator.
Talk in a language, it converts the speech to text, translates that text to a target language, and reads the translated text aloud.
Is this feasible? What is the difficulty level?
Also, is it possible to develop a call blocker app? I looked around but wherever I search, I only find fully built apps but not pointers on how to go about creating one by yourself.
Please assist.
Need an apk that signs my update.zip files from titanium blackup.
I don't understand why it hasn't been done. The code to do it is already in java! Search the forums for testsign.jar
I know everything you need to do to get it done but I don't have a development environment at my disposal. Help me out and I'll show you how to convert your jarred up code libraries to run on android!
Please and Thank You.
* edit - this question has been solved by brainmaster! ZipSigner if you find this application helpful please thank him below.
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New application proposal: ZeroNetAccess (ZeNA?)
Concept: an app that can block other apps network access.
Market alternative: DroidWall (root only, low market potential)
Methods: Maybe by modifying the apk manifest and resigning? Im not sure if there is a framework you could subclass for this.
Why: i turned off stats reporting for an app and i saw it writing reports to the web from logcat. Google took our rights away by not letting us do this from the application settings. Its my device and i have to pay the bill not google or the rude ppl who made the app. I will never understand why we were not given the right to administer mobile data access rights.
Potential: highly lucrative. People want to save money nowadays. In that respect voiding phone warranty for root access may not sit well with potential customer.
- Posted via mobile
Avid Droidery said:
New application proposal: ZeroNetAccess (ZeNA?)
Concept: an app that can block other apps network access.
Methods: Maybe by modifying the apk manifest and resigning? Im not sure if there is a framework you could subclass for this.
Why: i turned off stats reporting for an app and i saw it writing reports to the web from logcat. Google took our rights away by not letting us do this from the application settings. Its my device and i have to pay the bill not google or the rude ppl who made the app. I will never understand why we were not given the right to administer mobile data access rights.
Potential: highly lucrative. People want to save money nowadays.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For rooted devices try DroidWall
Application Proposal: Web Page to PDF/HTML Safari Plug-In
Concept: Seriously?
Why: Cant save pages from the browser I safari always reloads the page when you come back to it from other activities (pointless nethog!) whats the friggin cache for anyway? It is better to save an article copy that you could view on the computer later or add to your info library if you write books or do any kinda technical research than it is to save a bookmark that may become 404 not found. Researchers nightmare!
Methods: execute shell command wget on page source. Use regular expression to get media list. Build directory tree. For each media call wget. Done.
Potential: medium. Not many people are so technically inclined.
Usefulness: extremely high, especially with zip/+email caps.. Roundabout source code viewer for nosy/curious folks.
Average potential, stream lehigh usefulness I would sell for a buck 99. Free (1 ad per saved page, no zip email)
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3rdstring said:
For rooted devices try DroidWall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Will do!
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Application proposal: WarBastard
Concept: wardriving app featuring google my maps! Maps are shared globally by locale. Signals can be pinpointed by triangulation through cross reference of mac address, signal strength and previously detected locations in a global locale based database. While we are at, throw in a google navigation intent, and a compass with distance to closest accesible AP! Dont stop there! I wonder where that cell tower is located?
Purpose: to aid weary travellers and cheap bastards to connect with their loved ones and services over open networks. Services could also be used for cellular network signal diagnostics across hundreds of thousands of devices.
Potential: astronomical I would pay 5 bux. Better yet 12 bucks per year. Free (1 ad per download of database, 1 ad per connect to AP. Possibly integrated with APs for increased revenue potential across the board.) The map data can also be used to find good places to set up an advertising AP 4 even more potential earnings.
Anybody wanna pay me to sit around and do this all day? Lol.
SERIOUSLY you are looking at my qualifications. Asking 50k p. yr. to start Project Mgr./Analyst/Sr. Developer. consulting options available. Willing to relocate. Pm for inquiries/proposals.
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Avid Droidery said:
Need an apk that signs my update.zip files from titanium blackup.
I don't understand why it hasn't been done. The code to do it is already in java! Search the forums for testsign.jar
I know everything you need to do to get it done but I don't have a development environment at my disposal. Help me out and I'll show you how to convert your jarred up code libraries to run on android!
Please and Thank You.
- Posted via mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should use the search function: ZipSigner.
It implements in the Titanium Backup and signs it on your wish.
brainmaster said:
You should use the search function
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. I should never have assumed that this wasn't already in the market. Actually I didn't really plan to use this to sign titanium backups. For my purpose however the concept is the same.
* edit Human beings arent the fastest search engine but collectively we are the most accurate information sources on the planet. feel free to quote me on this
I thought that it would be better to ask someone who might know than it would be to search for something that may not exist. If I had access to a computer I would have no questions to post. Only answers! Being that I am stuck on my android for the time being, I appreciate all the help I can get!
Thank you for providing me with another helpful for resource!
* Edit: Dear brainmaster, words cannot express my level of gratitude! I am truly overjoyed by the passing of this shortcoming. Signapktic is exactly what I was looking for and I never would have found this application had it not been for your assistance. The topic of this thread is kick ass apps wanted. Even though this is an application that no longer needs to be developed (because real developers don't reinvent the wheel unless absolutely necessary,) you have met or exceeded the topic issue with flying colors!
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New application proposal: Launchpad Homescreen Widget
Concept: a widget that will pop up an on screen menu (complete with icons) onClick similar to pc desktop start menus. Customizable shortcuts Horizontal or vertical (and scrollable) layouts by preference and Customizable folders.
Why: I would rather have a feature like this than an app drawer any day. This would allow individuals to organize launcher short cuts by task. It would also be great if it were possible to open files in the system such as pdf, video, music or text files with appropriate application. Another great feature would be the ability to launch shell scripts. I have searched the market and nothing like this was found.
Potential: high. will save customer time allow them to become more visually organized and task oriented as well as adding more visual appeal to the home screens. $5.99 I would buy it! Time limited trial only.
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We're giving away a STM32 F0 DISCOVERY development board.
Contest
Enter your idea in this thread
add pictures, links, video or whatever else you can add.
Do anything you can (except create new accounts) to get people to click the thanks button
Contest ends Saturday, 23 June 2012
Winner gets a STM32f0 Discovery board
Rules
Anyone caught creating new accounts will be disqualified. There are automated systems in place for detecting this which alert admins and senior moderators to pay attention to your new account for review.
One post per person. Multiple posts will be deleted. No exceptions
Use of social media (Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube) are encouraged.
TLDR
You have one week. Put your idea in this thread, then get on your favorite social media service to get people to click that thanks button on your post.
I'm going to use it to educate myself.
I'm going to use it to write a High performance micro kernel (i will later fix up for cortex-A8, HD2 ) and for testing the ARMASM code i write, (which i currently test on my only phone, HD2 and it's painful to do so thanks to HTC's SPL, MPU, NAND fatigue and the fact that i need it working the next day).
It has Thumb (2) support so i will try my hand at that too, thumb2 promises quite a lot of code density with somewhat the same performance.
Also I'd be porting the Little Kernel to it, which already has support for cortex-M3
I'll use it to make the word a better place........just joking ......mass destruction awaits if i get that........so don't give it to meh.
Basically because I have no idea how to use a development board, I'm gonna use it to learn how to use one and also learn to code which is something I have been looking into. So yeh....
i will use it to develop a better wireless usb card. i already have one. a arthos 2255. i would like to mod these too together for use with any O.S. my idea would be that you just plug and play. kida like a gui. you plug it in and a window comes up and you can see the progress of it emulating it self into your system O.S and any hardware without internet. might have to put bigger a storage device. but it can be done.. AND I WILL DO IT!
Nerdie stuff
Well im going to mod my phone and learn how to be a android developer
I want to add it to my LEGO collection >
I am joking around ... I love u developers
I'm going to find out what it is.
Unboxing video and then blend it
Sent from my XT910 using Tapatalk 2
What I'll do with it...
I would try and create a WiFi cracker with it by connecting a WiFi midule to it and also try to run the Android OS on it, and finally I would do some home automation on it, DLNA and remote controlling various things.
Please hit thank you!
I really really want this...
I will build full framework that connects your Discovery to internet (home network => public IP, if you have one), runs web server, gathers data from all over the house via NRF24L01-based wireless network (another small ATTiny based modules with humidity, temperature, .. sensors, controlling lights and power etc) and provides them on web page.
I would give it one of the devs for the lg optimus thrill/3d because I'm not a dev but it would probably help development for my device greatly and mabie we could get some good stuff going on this phone
I would use it to play around with android.
*se-nsei. said:
I'm going to find out what it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaaha, I'm in the same boat with you
I would use it to develop a custom AOSP-based image for use as a low-cost media tablet, with IR, DLNA, Remote Control and a TV tuner for the ultimate lounge room accessory.
A Real Car-puter
I would use it, in conjunction with an application board, to build a carputer...not one that allows you to listen to or watch pirated media. One which will automate things such as wipers and headlights. For the wipers, my car has only one intermittent setting so I would like to add in more settings. Maybe also look into rain sensors at some point but not initially. Headlights will be controlled by time (automatically coming on at night)and light sensors to turn on lights during daytime hours when lighting conditions are poor or if I am driving through a tunnel). Also use speed limit information hacked from gps maps to light up my dash gauges with different colours depending on my current speed and the posted speed limit (Red > 5% over speed limit, green for 10% under to 5% over the speed limit blue > 10% under the speed limit and no colour for missing speed limit information.
I know the usage is light for such a board but it leaves room for expansion and the projects I have here seem to be a good starting point for learning with.
Future projects could include controlling things such as ignition, doors and windows, heating etc from my phone and eventually building a customised alarm system. Also, some sort of laser mounted to a servo that will project a line/image onto the road to give following drivers a guide to what distance they should be from you depending on the speed you are travelling.
Good luck to everyone that enters.
First, I would learn how to use it then use it to get the Robitics merit badge(im in scouts) and show other scouts how to do it. I would also integrate it somehow into my science project that will help people(still have some planning to do :/) for school.
Good Luck
I'm going to use it to build a giant robotic Obama
im going to use it for education and i will be using it for my 2 final years of high school making automated systems in my engineering and IT Classes!
Dear XDA community,
First I apologize for the long post, if you want to see only my actual question, just skip the next 2 paragraphs.The stuff before is for context on why your help will be so crucial to us!
Friends and I have started a non-profit organization with the aim of bringing Nooks Touch loaded with literature and DIY books to Kenya (the website is readandprosper.org) The idea is to provide children in their last two years of secondary education with choice and easy access to both Kenyan, pan-African, and US/European literature, as well as replace their textbooks with electronic versions. Currently, up to 5 children share a single textbook (generally in bad shape as well). We also would like to include lots of Do It Yourself books to encourage children to learn useful trades (carpentry, irrigation, mechanical repair, etc).
We have made significant progress in our work, identified the school where we will pilot the project, identified the books we'd like to use (though publishers are giving us a hard time; shocker!) etc. Right now, we are working on the monitoring and evaluation plan and are looking into collecting data about the use of the devices by children and professors. This is where the XDA community's help would be crucial!
Our hope is that there is a way to record what books are being read and also basic information about basic reading patterns, like how many pages are being read in sequence vs. just browsing through the book. Do you guys and gals know any way this can be done via a script/app?
I have a pretty good understanding of Android, having rooted and tested lots of roms on my G2x and having done some basic customization work in the guts so I'm OK with a not super simple and easy solution. It would be really helpful for us to understand use patterns and what books have the most value so we can better tailor our approach!
Thank you so much for any suggestions/help!
Depending on how in-depth you wanted the info, this could get complicated.
You'd need to modify the reader.
You'd have to safeguard against logging as read when somebody holds down a side button continuously.
You can look in the Nook and check the content provider content://media/external/docs and see if a book was ever opened.
If you took occasional snapshots of this you might make some sense of reading.
There's also content://com.bn.nook.reader.providers.lastreadingpointprovider/
It's not what you want, but the easiest data that you can get is if people are using Adobe Digital Editions to borrow from libraries.
You can look in C:\Users\Whoever\My Documents\My Digital Editions and see all the books ever borrowed.
Renate NST said:
Depending on how in-depth you wanted the info, this could get complicated.
You'd need to modify the reader.
You'd have to safeguard against logging as read when somebody holds down a side button continuously.
You can look in the Nook and check the content provider content://media/external/docs and see if a book was ever opened.
If you took occasional snapshots of this you might make some sense of reading.
There's also content://com.bn.nook.reader.providers.lastreadingpointprovider/
It's not what you want, but the easiest data that you can get is if people are using Adobe Digital Editions to borrow from libraries.
You can look in C:\Users\Whoever\My Documents\My Digital Editions and see all the books ever borrowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info Renate!
I think our first interest is in finding out which books are read most often. Number of pages read would be interesting, but as you said, it will be difficult to collect the data without getting a lot of "noise" or some kind of access to the reader's innards.
We are also open to installing a different reader than the Nook standard, like Moon+ or Aldiko (after root of course). Do any of these third party readers provide an API-type access that would enable more extensive data collection? Otherwise we might try to talk to the app makers and see if they might be able to cook up something for us.
The ADE aspect doesn't really work for us, there is no WiFi where the e-readers are going and we will be sideloading all the books.
We'll continue to think about all this. I got one of our refurbished Nook yesterday to play with, and so far I haven't really gone the rooting route just yet, but I think it will be happening pretty soon.
I just wanted to revive this thread on logging how students use their e-readers.
Since my last post, I haven't really been able to find much more information, which is incredible frustrating.
School libraries, public libraries, and so forth are all using or at least beginning to use e-readers and I can't believe that there exist no app or reading software that tracks reading habits or use. I understand there are some privacy issues, but anonymized data would carry incredibly useful information. In our case, we will have multiple kids using each reader, and no log-in so the privacy issues is essentially void. Plus the data will inform what books we should load up on our readers in the future.
Does anybody on XDA have any clue about an app that can collect reading data? I know Moon+ Pro has some reading statistics for example, but do you guys/gals know what data is available?