Top 10 Technology in Manila (that I appreciate)

I am a person living in Manila, and these are technologies that I truly appreciate everyday in my life:
(These are 10 things that came from the top of my head)

Technology (definition from DICTIONARY.COM) - The specific methods, materials, and devices used to solve practical problems.

1. Aircon/ Electric Fan - with all the summer and non-summer heat here in the Philippines, it would be truly HELL without these

2. Smart Phone - this is my alarm clock, reminder, note, calculator, music, connection to my friends/family, ebook, research device, handy-dandy everything for everyday

3. Stop Lights (especially those with countdown timers) - without these, I wonder what level of hell would Manila traffic will be in, as if it is not in HELL already right now :)

4. Elevators - yes these are basic stuff, but I use these elevators especially in getting to the 27th or 30th or 50th floor of a building (in work, in mall, or in condomeniums)

5. CCTVs - don't see the point of this? They are very useful especially in places (168, restaurants, malls) wherein lots of stealing (of cellphones, wallets) occur; also useful in capturing crimes that occur on roads of the Metro

6. MRT, LRT1, LRT2 - yeah, the lines are very long and the commute is very unaccomodating, but whatever, they take you to places faster than buses or jeepneys

7. Airplanes - they take us to places around the world, we are exposed to new things, what's not to appreciate there?

8. Online Government Systems (like DFA online renewal of passports) - they make our lives more convenient; They lessen our waiting time, and that is one big help for us

9. Online Services (like online Food Ordering of Jollibee or McDo) - no longer do we need to get that phone and dial, we just order online, how convenient is that?

10. Online Stores/Shops (like Ebay.com, Sulit.com) - you a guy? or maybe a girl? not having the time to shop, or time to look for that something? Just type it online and boom, it's there! How easy :)

Got any other stuff you appreciate? Type them below. :)

Rooting / Flashing SONY Xperia Go to Android 4.4 KitKat with CM 11 Custom ROM (Review / Experience)

Hi guys, this is a simple guide, with review, on how to ROOT and FLASH custom ROMs on SONY Xperia Go.

(CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK, DO NOT BLAME ME IF YOU BRICK YOUR PHONE)

Disclaimer:

Remember that all processes like rooting, flashing and manual updating are custom methods. They have no concern with Google of mobile manufacturer. Follow every step carefully to avoid any mishap. Owner of site will not be held responsible in case of any mishap. Do it at your own risk. Rooting and flashing custom ROMs will also void warranty. 

Some background on this Xperia Go:

1. This is my friend's Sony Xperia Go (with the latest JB 4.1.2).

2. The phone has been one of the worst phones that modern Android phones could produce.

3. The phone ALWAYS lags/delays, especially on the start/middle of calls.

4. My friend has tried rooting and flashing the phone, but was unsuccessful in completing all steps.

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I personally used these guides:

> XDA developers Root Xperia Go(http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-u/go-development/how-to-root-xperia-t2336242)

> Hayder Ameen from TechGlen.com Flashing KitKat requirements (http://techglen.com/2013/12/02/update-xperia-go-android-4-4-kitkat-cm-11-custom-rom/)

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STEPS: 

1. Root your Sony Xperia Go (follow steps here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-u/go-development/how-to-root-xperia-t2336242)

     - Use DooMLoRD's file for Sony Xperia Go from instructions given

     - Follow instructions from XDA carefully and precisely

2. Make sure your phone is properly ROOTED (if your phone is not properly rooted, you have to check and repeat the steps provided)

     - In you phone, check if you have SUPERUSER installed

3. Get all the pre-requisites needed for your phone to be flashed (make sure you fulfill all steps, especially the backup part)

     - List of items needed (http://techglen.com/2013/12/02/update-xperia-go-android-4-4-kitkat-cm-11-custom-rom/)

     - You can fulfill the Steps 1 up to 8 easily

     - When it comes to UNLOCKING BOOTLOADER, that's where the hassle comes in

4. Unlock your Bootloader (this is needed in order for you to flash a new custom ROM)

     - You have no choice but to unlock bootloader in the Sony website itself

     - Link (http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/)

     - Make sure you read everything 

     - Steps 1-11 is basically easy, but make sure you read the instructions thoroughly

     - For steps 12-13, you might find it difficult to accomplish because the phone immediately goes to CHARGE mode after a few seconds of plugging it to your PC (check next step for alternative)

5. For steps 12-13, I recommend using FlashTool instead for Installing the Drivers needed

     - Download link (http://www.flashtool.net/download.php)

     - This tool will help your phone maintain the FastBoot mode instead of going to charge state

     - Download and install this software (download is a little slow)

     - Guide/instructions on using the FlashTool (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-u/issues/guide-beginners-how-to-unlock-t1971363)

     

6. Finish steps 15-16 from Sony (http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions) --same link in step 4

     - If the cmd function won't run in the TOOLS folder, try checking and running it in the PLATFORM-TOOLS folder instead

Running CMD from Platform-Tools

Unlocking Bootloader using CMD

7. Get the Required Downloads as Instructed in TechGlen.com

     - Download CM 11 ROM for Xperia Go and GApps for Android 4.4 KitKat

8. Make sure you have done all of these steps below:

     a. Done setting up Fastboot on PC

     b. Installed all Sony Xperia Go Drivers

     c. Unlocked bootloader of device

     d. Battery is above 50%

     e. Downloaded all the files needed

9.  Copy both the downloaded CM 11 ROM and GApps to phone's memory or sd card

10. Flash BOOT.IMG (Open FlashTool software and connect the phone in Fastboot mode) 

     a. Click Flash device in FlashTool

     b. Choose FastBoot mode

     c. Click Select Kernel to Flash

     d. Choose Boot.img extracted in earlier steps

     e. Results in logs will be something similar to this

11. If you have successfully flashed the BOOT.IMG, you may now go to CWM mode

     a. In FlashTool, click the REBOOT DEVICE INTO SYSTEM

     b. While phone is restarting, and while the FXP logo is being displayed, press the VOLUME UP button many times until phone enters the CWM mode

12. In CWM mode, choose INSTALL ZIP FROM SD CARD

     a. Select the CM ROM zip and install it

     b. Now choose to install the GApps the same way

     c. After installation, perform FACTORY RESET in CWM mode

     d. Then WIPE CACHE PARTITION

     e. Then WIPE DALVIK CACHE in advanced tab

13. Reboot the Device in the CWM main menu and YOU ARE DONE!!!

14. For ALL the functions/modifications/guide/help on this custom ROM, check it out below:

(http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-u/go-development/rom-unofficial-cyanogenmod-11-0-t2627231)

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ADDITIONAL (NOTES/REVIEW on the ROOTING and FLASHING the SONY)

1. It is quite a hassle to do this for the Sony, as compared to Samsung devices.

2. I suggest you DO NOT try this if you are not familiar with rooting and flashing basics.

3. If you are scared of bricking/destroying your phone, ask for assistance or read more stuff in the forum.

4. It took me 2-3 days to finish rooting my friend's phone and flashing it with the CM 4.4 from Cyanogenmod. This 2-3 days include the research and all from other forums and blogs online, and also the downloads needed to complete all these tasks.

5. In the end, patience is the key to doing this.

6. Congratulations if you have accomplished all steps above successfully!

Reviews on the Cyanogenmod 4.4 KitKat ROM to follow.

Also:
COMMENTS and SUGGESTIONS ARE HIGHLY WELCOMED!

New Technology... NEED it or NOT?

It's just, more or less, a week after the release of the Galaxy S3, and soon enough Apple will release their long-awaited phone (that people thought was supposed to be released last year), the iPhone 5, and sure enough, people would march the markets and get themselves (and their family and friends and their friends of friends) these new phones.

Well... HOORAAY for Samsung and Apple! But is it a HOORAAY for the consumers? HOORAAY for us?

Well I have a question for us consumers, the everyday users of these.

Do we really need these very new, very beautiful and very powerful technology?

How do we answer this question? First and foremost, let us compare the specs of one of these new phones (I would be using the S3) and to the previous one (S2) in the Samsung Galaxy series.

Here are the summary of the specifications that should be taken note of from the Galaxy S3 (taken from GSMARENA - GALAXY s2 and GSMARENA - GALAXY s3-- check the links for the full and more specific specs):

Factors	Galaxy S2	Galaxy S3
Display	480 x 800 pixels, 4.3 inches (~217 ppi pixel density)	720 x 1280 pixels, 4.8 inches (~306 ppi pixel density)
Memory	16GB/32GB storage, 1 GB RAM extendable to 32GB(microSD)	16/32/64 GB storage, 1 GB RAM extendable to 64 GB(microSD)
Data	GPRS, Bluetooth, WLAN capabilities and USB to PC connection	GPRS, Bluetooth, WLAN capabilities and USB to PC connection
Camera	Primary(8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash) and Secondary(2 MP) Camera, Video(1080p@30fps)	Primary(8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash) and Secondary(1.9 MP) Camera, Video(1080p@30fps)
Features	OS:Android OS, v2.3.4 (Gingerbread) upgradable to v4.x CPU:Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 GPU:Mali-400MP	OS:Android OS, v4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) CPU:Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 GPU:Mali-400MP
Battery	Standard battery, Li-Ion 1650 mAh	Standard battery, Li-Ion 2100 mAh

So here's basically the comparison between the S2 and the S3, S3 has a faster processor, wider screen, and upgraded operating systems, but the big question here still is if 

DO WE NEED THESE IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES?

To answer this question, let us think of the everyday tasks we use our cellphones/gadgets for.

In my case, I use my phone(btw, I'm using a Samsung Galaxy S2), aside from the calling and texting, emailing, Internet usage, gaming, socializing (twitter, facebook, etc), ebook (comics & books) reading, note-taking, listening to music(online and offline), picture/video taking and picture/video editing, drawing and voice recording.

So, with ONLY these daily tasks I do with my phone, why would I need a new phone (new technology/new device) with a faster processor and a wider screen? I find the current phone already sufficient for the current tasks that I do. My applications run smoothly on this phone, I am able to do all the things I want and need to do. 

So who are those who need to purchase these new phones? On the top of my mind:

1. one would be programmers who do different types of testing and programming on phones, 

2. two would be gamers who are planning to play graphics-intense and memory-intensive games that run slow in their present phones, 

3. three would be working people who do their work on their phone, faster processing MIGHT help them finish their work faster as well (HOPEFULLY -- depending on how and what they use), and 

4. lastly, people who are addicted to watching high definition videos(mainly movies) in their phones.

Practically speaking, in upgrading devices/technology/cellphones or other things, a the consumer, you and me, should consider these factors whether or not we really need to purchase these things. 

a.k.a. 

BE PRACTICAL

With this, if you are an average user of cell phones and your cellular phone already contains all the functions you need, I wouldn't recommend you purchasing immediately these new and upcoming phones (until you find the reason or the need to purchase them). 

If you aren't the average user of phones, then by all means, go ahead and make that purchase!

Proper Attitude Towards New Technology

IN THIS PRESENT AGE AND TIME, FACING NEW, UNFAMILIAR TECHNOLOGY IS INEVITABLE. 

Whether you're a student just starting college using the book renting systems of the library to check out books, a marketeer using the inventory system of your company to check out the specs of a product, or simply a parent wanting to use the  Internet for checking and sending emails, every one of us are directly or indirectly faced with technology every single day.

With this in mind, here are some tips on how new technology should be faced:

1. Be OPEN-MINDED!

Even if you are unable to use the technology properly (at first), continue using it, and you would eventually learn it. NOBODY used it properly the first time.

2. Be CREATIVE!

Explore the wonders of technology. Think of all the possibilities where you will be able to use it to your advantage. Remember, the utilization of the technology would reflect from your mind's creativity.

3. Be LEARNED!

Sometimes, it is not enough for you to just "explore" the technology. Sometimes, you should do some reading and learn from the experts themselves. Reading a book or a magazine or simply "googling"(going to GOOGLE.com and type your search in the search bar) would be a great help already.

4. Be BRAVE!

Last but not the least, have the guts to take risks in exploring technology. You would never know when you might be able to discover something new that no one else has discovered yet.

Equip yourself with this type of attitude and face the world of technology without fear!

P.S. NO ONE IS TOO OLD IN LEARNING NEW THINGS. 

Learn the Technology

All through out my 4 years in college and 2 years in IT jobs, experience has only taught me a few things regarding technology, to never fully depend on it, and to make sure to optimize the use of the technology you have.

Technology, like any other resource, can fail you anytime, which is there should be backup plans for any possible failure that may happen.

Not utilizing fully a resource will only waste your time and money. Things that may be done easily and quickly might possibly take more time and money to finish.

So, help yourself, learn the technology, 
don't just simply use it, be able to understand it to the fullest!