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I need to develop an app to scan a bar code for event tickets.
Which phone/camera or version of Android would be the fastest at this? Which version should I develop for?
Thank you
On my tests of a G1 camera and a Nexus one, they are equally fast. The fastest way is to use http://code.google.com/p/zxing/
Just call the application (barcode scanner, need to be installed) from yours via an intent. There is a way to make sure that the barcode scanner app is installed, and if not, just prompt the user to install it.
About the version, here you can check how many devices are running a certain version:
http://developer.android.com/resources/dashboard/platform-versions.html
For a barcode scanner app you could aim for 1.5 to get maximum compatibility.
Hey what is a good app to use so I can print pictures and webpages from my phone to a printer?
Printershare works well. You basically long click the url, select share-> printer share and you can send it to a wifi printer.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
One of the things that all android applications (and the system itself) lacks, is the ability to print. As mentioned, there are some weird HACKS that you can do to make this functionality a reality (hackishly), but what would be REALLY cool would be native network printer support. There is NO reason why this hardware can't handle CUPS.
Note that you CAN install CUPS on the phone and it WILL work, which would give you the ability to print from the terminal... and this is relatively easy... but due to application limitations, you wouldn't be able to print from any android applications that I am aware of.... the actual functionality on the application side would NOT even be difficult.
Thought I'd revive this thread rather than create a new one...
Has anyone tried one of the new HP printers with "eprint"?
or Google Cloud Printing?
or some other way to print from your phone?
What I need is a way to print mainly emails, and some documents.
The Fingerprint Scanner SDK (originally posted at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1202577) for Android has been released by Authentec. Currently there is only one device(Motorola Atrix) with a fingerprint scanner, but if you release your application with support for the fingerprint scanner (once you get the hang of it it is really not hard to use at all) then users of phones with fingerprint scanners will most likely be happier with your application.
Google has stated that Google Wallet will use fingerprints to unlock the payment system, so clearly more capable devices are on the way (source: http://www.qrcodepress.com/google-unveils-safety-measure-for-their-upcoming-mobile-wallet/853399/). Including fingerprint scanner capability in your application will also future-proof it as AuthenTec will have the same framework in place in other phones that will use their fingerprint scanner (Authentec is a leader in biometric security systems for lots of devices).
MotoDEV Article Guide:
http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/library/writing-fingerprint-enabled-apps
Read and Download the (simple) SDK at their site:
http://developers.authentec.com/
Example of SDK Usage (pulled from the SDK)At the time of this writing, it is my understanding that before you release the application you need to have them review it to meet their security specifications... They don't want you using this fingerprint scanner library and making their work look bad. It's a fair deal to me. I'm not sure if this is how they want it though - maybe that is just for Advanced SDK or maybe I'm just wrong (taken from their site) It appears right now that there is a mismatch between the developers and the makers of the authentec site... apparently there is no requirement for using the fingerprint scanner, so develop away!
I have an Atrix and the fingerprint scanner is amazing, once you use it you will never go back to patterns or pins. As such this guide was written by a user of the Atrix - future devices might not use the exact methodology but it should be nearly identical.
I have the Advanced SDK but I have not used any of the advanced functions yet. After using the code (And getting it to finally work) I have found some things that are not documented or are documented incorrectly in the SDK docs and I have come here to post items that will save you great time. If you find others I hope to hear about them so I can add it to the list - I'll even credit you (maybe with a post number so you can score some thanks points!)
The swipe fingerprint screen won't show up - but I'm getting a result (mine was always 14)
AM2 (Authentec fingerprint framework - there are a lot of unsubscribed terms in the documentation so just go with me here) requires Internet Permission (perhaps to verify the key for the advanced SDK, it might not be done locally - without a key advanced SDK functions will not load). If you don't, all uses of the tsm.jar will not work. Not listed at all in documentation
AM2ClientLibraryLoaded() doesn't work with the code they provide!?
You must Instantiate Authentec.AM2ClientLibraryLoaded() - SDK Docs shows as static but it is not used in the example program they give.
It goes into verification but does not show anything and locks up the fingerprint sensor.
Do not change the 'screen' in the examples of sScreen... I thought that was the title of the window that would appear, but apparently those strings are built into it... it would work better as static fields passed as integers. For values look at the next answer.
What can I use for sScreen (viaGfxScreen(string))?
The documentation says nothing of this but these are different types of verification screens. There is fingerprint scanning only and then there is the unlock style one where you also get the PIN. I'm guessing a modifed version of this is how the lock screen works.
"lap-verify" is fingerprint and PIN
"get-app-secret" is fingerprint only - hit and miss right now... will update when I get it perfected
Why does it lock up?
Only 1 app at a time can access the fingerprint scanner. Motoblur seems to access it occasionally and I think that's why it died on the Atrix's Froyo 1.8.3. It seems mostly fixed but as you develop you will most likely lock it up as you debug. Having a wrong sScreen variable will kill your FP scanner. If it locks in your app you will lose the ability to unlock the device with the FP scanner.
Use DDMS to kill com.authentec.TrueSuiteMobile and the lock will work again. This might work on 1.8.3 but I'm not sure it works that way. If the application exits with the home button, it seems to also lock it up. I'm looking into a way to avoid this..
I can't register my application, it's failing with code 6 - (System Error)
I encountered this one myself when using my Api key for com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk - I changed it to com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk.testing and it no longer worked. They did tell me this in the email that it is only for one package - so make sure you choose wisely, or bribe the people giving out the API keys to give you another one. I wish it was more specific (API_KEY_NOT_AUTHENTIC or something)
I'm still having problems. What can I do?
You can use these tags for debugging in logcat:
AMJNI (AuthenTec Mobile - permissions - server)
TrueMobileSuite (some gfx log info - swipe fingerprint screen)
AndroidRuntime (will tell you crash related things, as debugging for errors will produce too much to read at once)
Any other things would be greatly appreciated for all of use Developers so speak up if you have something I don't have listed and I'll add it.
If you want to use the encrypted storage provided by the framework you'll need to apply for the Advanced SDK. You have to give them a description of your app, and it has to be security related (obviously that's the whole point of the fingerprint scanner and they don't want you to abuse it).
If you like the guide, and you are on MotoDev, I wouldn't mind a kudos in the contest http://community.developer.motorola...print-Enabled-Apps-quot-article-in/td-p/17206
RESERVED
Reserved for OP at a later date
Pictures of my use right now (more later)
Spoke to OP, moved to main Android development, as this would be of more interest to the development community in general, as I'm sure other phones will be using fingerprint scanning (and this sdk) in the near future.
Originally posted in the source thread:
heilpern said:
I tried to post in the linked thread, but as I'm a new XDA poster the system wouldn't allow me to.
The INTERNET permission is required, however there aren't any connections made off of the device. The system uses sockets internally and INET sockets are used rather than UNIX sockets.
> Why does it lock up?
> Only 1 app at a time can access the fingerprint scanner.
This should not cause the system to lock up; it should cause your app to delay briefly and either continue with your request or return to you with an error. If you can duplicate some other result reliably, please share details.
> If someone also can upload and create an eclipse project it would be must easier to import and view their source code they post. I tried but eventually gave up cause of so many problems.
The eclipse projects for these examples are very simple -- with the exception of the .project you have everything you need in the example directories. Worst case is you can create a new Android project and replace its manifest, sources and resources with those provided by the examples. Then point the build path at your tsm.jar and you'll be ready to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant was that if an app is asking for the fingerprint reader (not the app entirely, but actively asking for the FP reader scan), and motorola does something in the background with the FP scanner (on atrix), it can lock it up. This was heavily apparent on Atrix 1.8.3 but in the new update it seems to have been mostly fixed.
Errors: If you bring up the window with anything but lap-verify or get-app-secret, the window will lock up (and i think fingerprint reader will lock up as well - if you return to the lockscreen you'll see it never finishes initializing it) I can attempt to reproduce this error but I want to finish some development I am doing now.
heilpern said:
com.authentec.TrueSuiteMobile drives the UI, directly or indirectly depending on exactly what's going on (indirectly in the case of the lock screen, for example). If this package is killed it will restart with the next fingerprint operation however it will disrupt any currently active verification attempt (causing the requesting app to receive an error -- probably the USER_CANCELED error).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never really kill it except if it locks up. Haven't tested what it returns (perhaps null)
heilpern said:
Here's something you can do to experiment if you're using StoreCredential -- swipe one of your existing fingers (the index fingers) and you'll store data to that particular finger. Swipe a different finger (multiple times as prompted) and eventually (after three swipes if all goes well) you'll be asked which finger you just enrolled (and your credential will be stored to that finger). This new finger can be used for subsequent Store Credential requests (without the automatic training session) and to release data stored with Get Secret... but only the index fingers can be used to unlock the Atrix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, in the original thread I had that image posted... It's in the framework but it never was used... I'm not sure if it was there for this purpose or was just cancelled at the end because it was incredibly confusing... I don't get why you would need all those credentials. It's not like your phone will get passed around that much. You swipe new fingers just like you would if you were registering a finger, then you choose the finger... but the accuracy of the 'pick a finger' one is pretty bad.
Would love to see a test apk where we can try this out...
Nothing available right now?
My application works with the FP scanner... its not done yet though.
These are the included APK's that are the code samples they use:
Download tsm-apk-pack.zip from Host-A
Will it support HTC Desire HD? It won't right?
The fingerprint scanner is a hardware device, just like a laptop fingerprint reader. Its not touchscreen, unfortunately.
Trolling from my ATRIX 4G on probably the crappiest main US carrier
Mgamerz said:
I can't register my application, it's failing with code 6 - (System Error)
I encountered this one myself when using my Api key for com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk - I changed it to com.mgamerzproductions.gibbertalk.testing and it no longer worked. They did tell me this in the email that it is only for one package - so make sure you choose wisely, or bribe the people giving out the API keys to give you another one. I wish it was more specific (API_KEY_NOT_AUTHENTIC or something)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that a more telling error code would be a better option. Error 6 is eAM_STATUS_ACCESS_ERROR but that value can be returned for other problems as well.
Note that if a generic API key is needed, TSM-0E08085A-1210171A-001A7465-632E7473 can be used if you name your package com.authentec.tsmgetsecret. You cannot post that package to the Market however if you want a means of creating a test APK with a neutral package name that package/key combination will work.
Has AuthenTec claimed that package name on the market...?
they probably should or someone might take that package...
Mgamerz said:
Has AuthenTec claimed that package name on the market...?
they probably should or someone might take that package...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's already claimed in an unpublished but uploaded entry.
Hi . question: is it possible to use fingerprint senzor as wake up function? My button is very very hard to push, this function would be great....
I've been using the Google Cloud Print app on my Nexus 10 since it came out. I went to print one of my notes from Google Keep today by long pressing and then accessing the share menu. However, Google Cloud Print was no longer listed. So I looked in my app drawer and noticed it was missing. I then went to the play store to reinstall in, however it was already installed! The strange part is when I click on it, there is no option to open it or uninstall it like there usually is. I figured this probably got messed up when the Kitkat update came out. But I looked on my wife's Moto X which is also on 4.4, and hers can still access the Google Cloud Print app from the share menu of Google Keep (and it still appears in her app drawer). Her phone is just Android 4.4, while my Nexus 10 is 4.4.2, so I'm not sure if they changed it between 4.4 and 4.4.2. Since I only had regular 4.4 on my tablet for about a week, I don't recall if the Google Cloud Print app worked when I was on regular 4.4 or not. I'm guessing Google may have disabled it thinking that app developers would all start using the new print capability of Kitkat. But not even a 1st party app like Keep supports it yet! Does anyone else have this issue? Or at least a work around so I can print from Keep?
I'm using Google Print, but I don't have an app, it's in Settings, towards the bottom. I've had no problems.
Edit to add that I dont use the Keep app, so cant help you there. I mostly print from Gmail.
sttovo said:
I'm using Google Print, but I don't have an app, it's in Settings, towards the bottom. I've had no problems.
Edit to add that I dont use the Keep app, so cant help you there. I mostly print from Gmail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sttovo. I do have it in Settings under the Printing section as well. But it seems that only shows up in apps that have the new Print capability. The nice thing with the old Good Cloud Print app was that you could access it from the share menu in apps. Once more developers add the Print capability to their apps, this shouldn't be an issue any more. But in the mean time I don't know that there is a solution for apps that don't have a Print option but do have a Share option.
jimmyn89 said:
Thanks Steve. I do have it in Settings under the Printing section as well. But it seems that only shows up in apps that have the new Print capability. The nice thing with the old Good Cloud Print app was that you could access it from the share menu in apps. Once more developers add the Print capability to their apps, this shouldn't be an issue any more. But in the mean time I don't know that there is a solution for apps that don't have a Print option but do have a Share option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK - I understand now. The native Google Print integration for 4.4 is for certain apps, like Gmail, Chrome and Google Drive.
I use Printershare Mobile Print (not free) to do what you stated. I don't know if it integrates with every app, but it did have a share-to option. I haven't used it about 6 months, so make sure you read up on it if you decide to buy. Sorry I wasn't of any help.
sttovo said:
OK - I understand now. The native Google Print integration for 4.4 is for certain apps, like Gmail, Chrome and Google Drive.
I use Printershare Mobile Print (not free) to do what you stated. I don't know if it integrates with every app, but it did have a share-to option. I haven't used it about 6 months, so make sure you read up on it if you decide to buy. Sorry I wasn't of any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sttovo, I will check that out. Prior to the Official Google Cloud Print app, there was one by a 3rd party app that I used (also called cloud print). I may try that one again or try the HP e-Print app.
Any local network only alternatives to Android printing?
I get that the cloud is the way of the future and there's a huge convenience factor (no drivers, print from anywhere, etc...) but I just prefer not to hand sensitive docs out to a cloud service just to get them printed. Is there a way to remove the "Cloud" from printing with Android? I have never been able to print from Android because I'd really like to keep my printing local and not send sensitive documents to the cloud.
If my printer has no gateway configured and I'm able to disable my Nexus 10 wi-fi and print a document, I'd be on cloud 9 (ok, bad pun intended)
janderia said:
I get that the cloud is the way of the future and there's a huge convenience factor (no drivers, print from anywhere, etc...) but I just prefer not to hand sensitive docs out to a cloud service just to get them printed. Is there a way to remove the "Cloud" from printing with Android? I have never been able to print from Android because I'd really like to keep my printing local and not send sensitive documents to the cloud.
If my printer has no gateway configured and I'm able to disable my Nexus 10 wi-fi and print a document, I'd be on cloud 9 (ok, bad pun intended)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at my post, 2 before yours, is that not what you need? I know it's not free, but it doesn't involve the cloud at all.
jimmyn89 said:
Thanks sttovo, I will check that out. Prior to the Official Google Cloud Print app, there was one by a 3rd party app that I used (also called cloud print). I may try that one again or try the HP e-Print app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cloud print and cloud print pro (registered version) that is a frontend by Paulo Fernandez for Google cloud print. It works with any app that has a share button and can print from drop box, Google drive and sky drive or even straight from the clipboard Or Google calander. I love this app. I noticed Google added the cloud print to a few of their apps this time around, but still prefer this app (along WITH google cloud print) since it has many more setting you can change . you can also still print from almost any app/screen on the n10 (can't with Google print alone, yet)
I absolutely think this is where Google print should be heading, but it is already in this app!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pauloslf.cloudprint
sttovo said:
Look at my post, 2 before yours, is that not what you need? I know it's not free, but it doesn't involve the cloud at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like Printer Share might be a solution for me! I'm going to try their free app and see how it works. Thanks, sttovo!!
As the topic states, I would like to setup my finger print to be able to use it with my banking app. I currently do not have it set up. I prefer using the face unlock to get into my phone as it's pretty much instantaneous. If I setup my finger print in the phone, will it then require me to use my finger print to unlock the phone, or will I be able to continue using the face scanner?
Thanks.
Yeah you can use both at the same time. It'll use whichever one can authenticate faster