How to install LineageOS (the successor of CyanogenMod) on OnePlusOne

Since CyanogenMod is not out there anymore I decided to move on to LineageOS - the successor of CyanogenMod. So now my OnePlusOne (aka OPO) is running the latest nightly version of LineageOS. If you ever flashed your phone chances are you'll be using a re-branded OS in no time. However keep in mind you do all modifications AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Flash the latest TWRP

• Download the latest TWRP for OnePlus One
• Attach your phone to your Linux computer
• Shut down your OPO
• Hold down Power + VolumeUp
• Now you are in Fastboot Mode
• As root type in the following commands:
• fastboot devices
• Check if your device is attached and ready
• fastboot oem unlock
• Unlock your device
• fastboot flash recovery twrp-x.x.x-x-bacon.img
• This flashes TWRP on your OPO

Flash LineageOS 14.1 and Gapps

• In your Linux computer:
• Download the latest version LineageOS for OPO
• I chose this one: lineage-14.1-20161230-UNOFFICIAL-bacon.zip 
• Download Gapps
• My options: ARM, 7.1 and Pico
• In your OPO:
• Hold down Power + VolumeDown to enter TWRP
• As soon as OnePlus One log appears release fingers
• Swipe to allow modifications
• Choose Swipe and after that Swipe to Factory Reset
• Go back
• Choose Advanced
• Choose ADB Sideload
• Check Wipe Dalvik Cache
• Check Wipe Cache
• Swipe to Start Sideload
• In your Linux computer:
• Type in the following commands as root:
• adb sideload lineage-14.1-20161230-UNOFFICIAL-bacon.zip 
• Wait until flashed
• In OPO: Choose ADB Sideload again
• In linux: adb sideload open_gapps-arm-7.1-pico-xxx.zip
• Thumbs up, wait and reboot

So, happy ending! One more thing: OnePlusOne supports MultiROM which I've been using before. It seems the latest nightly version of LineageOS doesn't like MultiROM just yet! Or I don't know how make them co-operate ;D.

Android Things - an Iot-platform from Google for Raspberry Pi 3 and other SBCs

Ok, Android Things by Google is available for many SBCs (Single Board Computers) like:

• Intel®Edison
• NXP Pico i.MX6UL
• Raspberry Pi 3

But what is Android Things? Lets see what Google has to say:

• "Android Things lets you build professional, mass-market products on a trusted platform, without previous knowledge of embedded system design."

I'd put it this way:

• "Android Things is an operating system for Raspberry Pi 3 based on Android phone OS. You can write/build IoT-apps/devices by using Android Studio SDK."

Now that we know what Android Things does it's time to write the OS on an SD card and boot up Raspberry Pi 3. Download the image for Raspberry Pi 3 here:

• https://developer.android.com/things/preview/download.html 
• Additional information for Raspberry Pi 3:
• https://developer.android.com/things/hardware/raspberrypi.html
• Off you go! Build your first device: https://developer.android.com/things/training/first-device/index.html

Links:

• The quick and simple guide to Android Things
• Android Things with Raspberry Pi Demo on YouTube 

Loading Android Things OS

Android Things

up and running!

Wie man Pixel Desktop - vertraut aus Raspberry Pi - auf Ihrem PC oder Mac ausführen

Es ist einfach! Laden und schreiben Sie das Bild (.iso) auf einem 2 GB USB-Stick. Starten Sie Ihren PC oder Mac von USB und dort haben Sie es! Live-Modus nur im Moment, habe ich Angst. Bitte folgen Sie den nachstehenden Schritten:

• .iso herunterladen, entweder via torrent network oder direkt: https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/pixel_x86/images/pixel_x86-2016-12-13/
• Schreiben Sie .iso auf einen USB-Stick (mindestens 2 GB). Verwenden Sie Ihre Lieblings-Anwendung oder Befehl dd auf Linux zu tun.
• Ziehen Sie nicht einfach die .iso-Datei in Ihren USB-Stick
• Booten Sie Ihren PC von usb-Stock. In meinem Fall ist es Knopf F12 aber das ändert sich; F1, Del usw. ... Mac? Keine Ahnung, sorry.
• Drücken Sie Esc nach dem Start. Sie haben 5 Sekunden, um das zu tun!
• Wählen Sie "Ausführen mit Persistenz". So können Sie Ihre Arbeit auf USB-Stick speichern. Das nächste Mal starten Sie Pixel Desktop von USB alle Ihre Dateien sind da!

Lassen Sie uns hoffen, dass Pixel Desktop auf der PC-Festplatte eines Tages installiert wird. Inzwischen müssen wir mit Persistent Live-Modus zu bewältigen.

Mein Mini-Laptop ist ab dem Jahr 2008 und hat 1 GB RAM Speicher. Raspberry Pi Foundation verspricht Pixel Desktop läuft auf einem PC mit 512 MB RAM. Wie klingt das? Es muss auf jeden Fall getestet werden!

Also, was ist der Punkt der Ausführung Pixel Desktop auf x86? Sie können fast alle Ihre Lieblings-Apps aus Raspbian vertraut zu genießen! Von nun an müssen Sie nicht verlassen Pixel Desktop, sondern gehen Sie mit es auf jeder Plattform!

PS Getestet zu arbeiten: Schreiben Sie etwas mit LibreOffice Writer. Speichern auf Pixel Desktop. Starten Sie Ihren PC neu. Die Datei ist noch da!

PPS Kein Wifi aber normales Netzwerk über RJ45 funktioniert! Edit: wifi funktioniert!

Pixel Desktop und Acer Aspire One ZG5

How to run Pixel Desktop - familiar from Raspberry Pi - on your PC or Mac

It's easy! Download  and write the image (.iso) on a 2 GB USB stick. Boot your PC or Mac from USB and there you have it! Live mode only at the moment, I'm afraid. Please follow the detailed steps below:

• Download .iso either via torrent network or directly: https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/pixel_x86/images/pixel_x86-2016-12-13/
• Write .iso on a USB stick (at least 2 GB). Use your favourite application or command dd on Linux to do that.
• Do not just drag and drop the .iso file inside your USB stick
• In case you have a PC find out how to boot from USB stick. In my case it's button F12 but that varies; F1, Del etc... Mac? No idea, sorry.
• Press Esc after boot. You have 5 seconds to do that!
• Choose "Run with persistence". That way you can save your work on USB stick. Next time you boot Pixel Desktop from USB all your files are there!

Let's hope Pixel Desktop installs on PC hard drive one day. Meanwhile we have to cope with Persistent Live Mode.

My mini laptop is from year 2008 and has 1 GB of RAM memory. Raspberry Pi foundation promises Pixel Desktop runs on a PC with 512 MB of RAM. How does that sound? It definitely got to be tested!

So what's the point of running Pixel Desktop on x86? You can enjoy almost all of your favourite apps familiar from Raspbian! From now on you don't need to leave Pixel Desktop but go on using it on any platform!

PS Tested to work: Write something with LibreOffice Writer. Save on Pixel Desktop. Reboot your PC. The file is still there!

PPS No wifi but normal network via RJ45 works! Edit: wifi works!

Pixel Desktop on Acer Aspire One ZG5

How to enable M$ Office ribbon in LibreOffice 5.3 (beta)

The latest LibreOffice 5.3 (beta) can be run with a different UI than we are used to. A ribbon, familiar from M$ Office, is hidden inside LibreOffice and is easily enabled. Here's how to do it. Please keep in mind that you do all modifications at your own risk:

• First of all, get rid of older LibreOffice which you might have installed before or has been there as default (in Ubuntu Linux). Open Terminal:
• sudo apt-get remove --purge libreoffice*
• Download LibreOffice 5.3 (beta). Default tar.gz has all the deb-packages needed for an English/US install. No need to install localization packages:
• http://www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-fresh/?type=rpm-x86_64&version=5.3.0&lang=fi
• Extract debs where you like. This can be done by double clicking tar.gz -package, then dragging and dropping debs in a folder.
• In Terminal:
• cd /path/to_folder/where/debs/are
• sudo dpkg -i *.deb
• Now LibreOffice 5.3 (beta) is installed
• Open LibreOffice Writer
• Click Ubuntu-button in upper left corner and type-in libre

Once LibreOffice Writer 5.3 (beta) is up and running:

• Click Tools, Options, LibreOffice Dev, Advanced and check Enable experimental features (may be unstable)
• Next, click View in upper left corner, Toolbar layout, Notebookbar

There you have it!

LibreOffice 5.3 (beta) is available for Windows and macOS as well!

Be sure to check Enable experimental features

You can always go back if ribbon is "not your cup of tea",

the default UI is still there as well

DietPi - a tiny yet versatile Linux for Raspberry Pi

What is DietPi?

It's a tiny Linux distribution for any Raspberry Pi (and other SBCs) full of ready-to-run software. Whether you want to setup a server or wifi hotspot with DietPi chances are DietPi will run those tasks for you. Take a look at the list of all the software available for DietPi!

How to download, extract and write DietPi on an SD card?

Download the image which is delivered as a 7zip-package (~ 90 MB). If you don't have any tool to extract .7z -files, follow these instructions:

• Open Terminal to get to the command line
• Install p7zip-full package:
• sudo apt-get install p7zip-full
• To extract files with extension .7z :
• 7z e DietPi_RPi-armv6-(Jessie).7z
• e stands for extract

Use either a graphical tool or command dd to write the extracted image (~ 550 MB) on an SD card. An example:

• sudo dd if=DietPi_v136_RPi-armv6-(Jessie).img of=/dev/sdd
• Attention! SD card is not always sdd!

Run DietPi on any RaspberryPi

It doesn't matter which RaspberryPi you have. DietPi runs on any Raspi! So get your gear ready and fire up your Raspberry Pi.

Once up and running you want to choose a server or two for your needs. Make sure Raspi is connected to the Internet. Let DietPi download and install automatic updates. Run DietPi-Software via the command line: dietpi-launcher or dietpi-software. Have fun!

Text-based interface for choosing software

How to install CyanogenMod 14.1 on OnePlus One

After some tweaking, trying and failing CyanogenMod 14.1 (aka Android 7.1) is finally running on my OnePlus One (later in text called OPO). If you decide to take the steps below don't forget to backup your phone! Keep in mind you do modifications AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Flash the latest TWRP

• Download the latest TWRP for OnePlus One
• Attach your phone to your Linux computer
• Shut down your OPO
• Hold down Power + VolumeUp
• Now you are in Fastboot Mode
• As root type in the following commands:
• fastboot devices
• Check if your device is attached and ready
• fastboot oem unlock
• Unlock your device
• fastboot flash recovery twrp-x.x.x-x-bacon.img
• This flashes TWRP on your OPO

Flash CyanogenMod 14.1 and Gapps

• In your Linux computer:
• Download the latest version CyanogenMod for OnePlus One
• I chose this one: cm-14.1-20161119-NIGHTLY-bacon.zip
• Download Gapps
• My options: ARM, 7.1 and Pico
• In your OPO:
• Hold down Power + VolumeDown to enter TWRP
• As soon as OnePlus One log appears release fingers
• Swipe to allow modifications
• Choose Swipe and after that Swipe to Factory Reset
• Go back
• Choose Advanced
• Choose ADB Sideload
• Check Wipe Dalvik Cache
• Check Wipe Cache
• Swipe to Start Sideload
• In your Linux computer:
• Type in the following commands as root:
• adb sideload cm-14.1-xxx-NIGHTLY-bacon.zip
• Wait until flashed
• In OPO: Choose ADB Sideload again
• In linux: adb sideload open_gapps-arm-7.1-pico-xxx.zip
• Thumbs up, wait and reboot

To access TWRP hold down

Power + VolumeDown

until you see logo of OPO

Choose Advanced and

ADB Sideload to flash

CyanogernMod and Gapps

Reboot. Thumbs up!

OPO running the latest Android!

Play Store is also there!

So läuft Mu-Editor für micro:bit auf Ubuntu Linux

Mu ist ein Offline-Editor (64-bit) können Sie auf Windows, MacOS und Linux laufen. Mit Mu können Sie Code für micro:bit Embedded-System schreiben, kompilieren Sie den Code und übergeben es an micro:bit.

Ubuntu Linux kann unter anderem Linux-Distributionen laufen Mu. Damit Ihr Ubuntu tun, folgen Sie den Anweisungen unten:

• Laden Sie die neueste Mu hier: http://codewith.mu/
• meine Version ist mu-0.9.12.linux.bin
• eine Datei mit der Erweiterung .bin - das ist alles, was Sie brauchen!
• Die folgenden Befehle screiben:
• cd the_folder_where_mu_was_downloaded
• chmod + x mu-0.9.12.linux.bin
• machen .bin ausführbar
• sudo usermod -a -G dialout Benutzername
• Verwenden Sie Ihren eigenen Benutzernamen anstelle von Benutzername
• Mu laufen:
• ./mu-0.9.12.linux.bin

Wenn Mu läuft Sie können Codierung beginnen! Versuchen Sie den Code unten, klicken Sie dann auf Flash. Stellen Sie sicher, Ihre Micro:bit angeschlossen ist. Genießen!

How to get Mu-editor for micro:bit up and running on Ubuntu Linux

Mu is an offline editor (64-bit only!) you can run on Windows, macOS and Linux. With Mu you can write code for micro:bit embedded system, compile the code and pass it to micro:bit.

Ubuntu Linux can, among other Linux distributions, run Mu. To make your Ubuntu do that follow the instructions below:

• download the latest Mu here: http://codewith.mu/
• my version is mu-0.9.12.linux.bin
• one file with an extension .bin - that's all you need!
• next type in the following commands:
• cd the_folder_where_mu_was_downloaded
• chmod + x mu-0.9.12.linux.bin
• make .bin executable
• sudo usermod -a -G dialout username
• use your own username instead of username
• finally, fire up Mu:
• ./mu-0.9.12.linux.bin

When Mu is up and running you can start coding! Try the code below, then click Flash. Make sure your micro:bit is attached. Enjoy!

The product of the year 2016 IMHO - MaruOS for Nexus 5

My phone is my PC! Needless to say more. Modern smart phones are powerful enough to run not only one operating system but two at the same time. In addition, the second OS's view can be sent to a HDMI-monitor! In my humble opinion the product of the year is by no doubt MaruOS!

Please take a look at my earlier blog post which has to do with MaruOS and it's rivals: http://sakarinkurssit.blogspot.fi/2016/05/smart-phone-as-pc-choose-between-maruos.html

My earlier Products of the year:

• Raspberry Pi (2012)
• Pebble Smart Watch (2013)
• Android 5 (2014)
• Google's cardboard glasses (2015)

A patched Android and Debian Linux running on Nexus 5

Magic Device Tool - flash your Nexus 4 or 5 phone easy way

Ok, whats up?

There is an easy way to flash your Nexus 4 or 5, BQs and Meizus. To do this you need Linux's command line. Take a look at the list of supported devices below.

Why would anyone want to flash a phone?

I have an old Nexus 4 (first released 2012, so it's not THAT old...) which won't receive updates from Google anymore. My Nexus 4 is still in good condition and I want to use it. Magic Device Tool is able to install the following operating systems on Nexus 4; Ubuntu Touch, CyanogenMod 13 (i.e. Android 6), SailfishOS and  Android 5.

How is the trick done?

First off, open your Terminal (as user, not as root) and type in the following commands.

• git clone https://github.com/MariusQuabeck/magic-device-tool.git
• cd magic-device-tool
• chmod +x launcher.sh
• ./launcher.sh

Next, attach you phone to your Linux-computer with USB-cable. Start your phone by keeping down Power- and Volume Down -buttons to take the phone to fastboot mode. Follow the instructions on screen. Your phone is propably not unlocked. Let Magic Device Tool take care of that. Choose the OS you want to install and wait.

Why isn't for example MaruOS available for every device in the list?

MaruOS is available for Nexus 5 only. In the future we may see ports for other phones as well. As you might have noticed phones from Samsung, Sony etc. are missing. If you want to test-drive for example Ubuntu Touch then Nexuses, BQs and Meizus are the ones for you!

Is it worth it?

Absolutely! Magic Device Tool lets you take a deeper look at your phone and it's possibilities. Learn how to do it! It pays off!

Supported devices

• BQ Aquaris E4.5 - krillin
• BQ Aquaris E5 HD - vegetahd
• BQ Aquaris M10 HD - cooler
• BQ Aquaris M10 FHD - frieza
• Meizu MX 4 - arale
• Meizu Pro 5 - turbo
• LG Nexus 4 - mako
• LG Nexus 5 - hammerhead
• Asus Nexus 7 2013 (WiFi) - flo
• Asus Nexus 7 2013 (LTE) - deb
• Asus Nexus 7 2012 (3G) - tilapia
• Asus Nexus 7 2012 (WiFi) - grouper
• Samsung Nexus 10 - manta
• OnePlus One - bacon
• Fairphone 2 - FP2

Homepage of Magic Device Tool: https://github.com/MariusQuabeck/magic-device-tool

Keep in mind you are flashing your phone at your own risk! Do not flash a phone which is needed every day! Purchase another phone for test purposes!

Supported phones

SailfishOS 2.0 on Nexus 4

Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter - share your screen wirelessly in Windows 10

*Finally* there is a wireless connection based on Miracast technology between my Windows 10 laptop and Samsung HD TV. The screen of my laptop can be shared and seen on TV - without any wires.

If your hardware meets these requirements you can try it as well:

• A laptop with certain drivers compatible with Miracast technology (circuits and drivers must be Intel-based? All drivers were pre-installed in my case)
• Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (I purchased one from local flea market)
• An HD TV

So what did I do to make the above combination work? Nothing much.

• First Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter was attached in TV (seems to work out of the box, see pictures below)
• Next the right HDMI source was chosen from remote control
• Finally the laptop was connected with TV by clicking Notification Center in Windows 10 (lower right corner, see picture below), Connect and WiFivideo

Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter

Microsoft Wireless Display

Adapter attached

WiFivideo (texts in Finnish only)

Click Notification center in lower right corner, next Connect

Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter is named as WiFivideo

You may also expand your display if you like

Wireless connection of screens

between Windows 10 and Samsung HDTV

Ubuntu Linux 16.10 is out! Download your flavour of Ubuntu Linux 16.10 now!

Ubuntu Linux 16.10 is out! So why not download your flavour of Ubuntu; Gnome, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu or Mate! The choice is yours!

Take a look at the download links here:

• http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2016/10/download-ubuntu-16-10-flavors 

Flashing an aftermarket ROM gives your phone extra lifetime

What is an aftermarket ROM?

When you purchase an Android phone operating system is there, pre-installed. After year or two new versions of Android are unveiled. You start to think if your phone will receive a new version of Android. Usually one bigger update can be expected.

Since the source code of Android is available for free and can be reached by anyone there are many developer groups offering their own derivative versions of Android. These, so called aftermarket ROMs are invaluable for those not receiving Android updates. Your phone might have many extra years ahead.

For example my Nexus 4, first introduced in November 2012, is no longer supported by Google. That is, Android 6 and 7 never happened to Nexus 4. I'm supposed to stick to Android 5 or try to find an aftermarket ROM based on Android 6 or 7 source code.

Is there an aftermarket ROM for my phone?

Bummer. Not all phones are supported! However if you happen to own a Nexus phone chances are there are several ROMs available. You can start digging CyanogenMod site. See if your phone model is among the supported ones. If you don't like CyanogenMod (supported by Microsoft) move on to OmniROM or XDA-Developers, just to name some. Remember, the older phone the worse chances.

Ok, a ROM found - how do I flash it?

This is a sticky one. First you need to get your PC ready for flashing by installing adb and fastboot. Next, your existing Android needs to be unlocked and debugging has to be enabled. If you are familiar with Windows or Linux setup chances are you'll learn how to flash your phone as well. Take a look at these instructions from Cyanogen Mod; how flash Nexus 4.

Bear in mind mobile devices are somewhat different from PCs. When flashing for the first time a lot of coffee and patience is needed. One more thing: do not flash a phone you need every day. If you fail you are holding a brick in your hand.

Is it worth it?

Ok, flashing takes time, it is dangerous and might make your phone useless. Is it worth it? Absolutely! My Nexus 4 is from year 2012 and is still able to run the latest Android 7 which is not officially available but can be found with the name CyanogenMod 14. One might say my phone's new OS runs slow and lags. This may happen if there is not enough RAM memory available. However Nexus 4 is powerful enough to run the latest Android.

Conclusion

There are new phones like Google Pixel available. Those new devices are very tempting but expensive. If you happen to own a flashable phone why not give it a facelift and flash it. That way your phone will get extra years of living and there is no need to purcase a new phone that often.

Nexus 4 running an unofficial

CyanogenMod 14 (aka Android 7)

Raspbian with Pixel Desktop now available for Raspberry Pi

The latest Raspbian (September 2016) has a new Desktop called Pixel. You can download the image of the OS here: https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/ . Write the image on a microSD card the same way as before.

So, what's new? The graphics is flattened making everything look 2D - not a bad thing. Epiphany web browser is making room for Chromium and uBlock Origin adblocker. Take a look at more detailed list of all the new features here: https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/introducing-pixel/  .

How to make a bootable macOS Sierra setup usb stick

Who needs a bootable setup usb stick with an operating system inside these days? Well, maybe you do :) ! macOS Sierra is the latest OS from Apple. If you own an older Mac and want to run Sierra then a bootable setup usb stick might suit you needs. Read on and remember: you try the following at your own risk!

When preparing macOS Sierra usb stick you can choose between a GUI and CLI (Command Line Interface). It's up to you which one you choose.

First off, open App Store and download macOS Sierra. It's free. When download has completed DON'T run the installer. That would install macOS Sierra on your HD or SSD. It's the usb setup stick we are after. Close the Installer window.

Next, download and run MacDaddy's Install Disk Creator. Find an 8 GB usb stick and place it in your Mac. Click Select the OS X installer. Then navigate to folder /Applications and find Install macOS Sierra.app. Click Create Installer and type in root's password. When done eject the usb stick and place in in your Mac again. Edit: I had to use Disk Tool to erase the data on usb stick (Mac OS Extended (Journaled) -formatted). Ok, that was the GUI part of the story. Let's move on!

CLI is always there. GUIs may come and go. CLI (Command Line Interface) stays (the same!). Now that you already have macOS Sierra downloaded you don't need to do it anymore. Off you go and type in (or Copy/Paste) the command below. Where? Open Terminal. Copy/Paste. Type in root's password. That's it!

One more thing. You need to know the name of your usb stick. In the example below the name is Untitled. And make sure your usb stick is formatted the Mac way (Mac OS Extended (Journaled) -formatted). And eject/place usb stick to make it work.

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app --nointeraction

macOS Sierra is out! And it runs on these Macs!

macOS Sierra is out and available in App Store for free! Check if your Mac is listed below and among supported devices.

• MacBook (Late 2009 and later)
• MacBook Air (2010 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2010 and later)
• Mac mini (2010 and later)
• iMac (Late 2009 and later)
• Mac Pro (2010 and later)

macOS Sierra is out! Get it while it's hot!

A quick test of Bubbl.us mind map app (running on a web browser)

Online mind map app Bubbl.us (at https://bubbl.us) offers three outputs; an HTML outline and JPG/PNG-images. You can see the results below. The first picture is JPG, then PNG and lastly the HTML outline.

SBC (Single Board Computer)

⟩

Arduino Uno (microcontroller)

Raspberry Pi

⟩

www.raspberrypi.org

created with www.bubbl.us

Windows 10 Anniversary Update ISOs available for fresh install - follow these steps

Microsoft Windows 10 is one year old - many happy returns! The Anniversary Update adds new features and repairs many bugs. If you want to make a fresh install here's how to do it:

• First off, download you favourite version of Windows 10 (choose the edition and language). Follow the link below:
• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

• There is no sign of Anniversary Update until you start saving the ISO. Number 1607 hints to Anniversary Update.

Downloading ISO on Ubuntu

• Once you've gotten ISO go on and download the newly updated tool which helps you to run through fresh install (and which I didn't try just yet ;D - you do it at you own risk!):
• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10startfresh 

•  That's it! (edit: on Ubuntu Chrome wouldn't open Microsoft's pages. I had to use Firefox instead.)
• Edit 2: Some say Anniversary Update deletes Linux partitions without warning! In case using multiboot be very cautious!

Pokémon Go officially available in Finland

No more waiting! Get Pokémon Go while it's hot! Available now in Finland (Android and iOS)!

Pokémon Go - how to install it on an Android phone

Pokémon Go is a mobile game which forces player to go outside and take a walk around. In order to catch Pokémons one has to wander miles and miles. Not bad idea at all!

Pokémon Go is available for Android and iOS in the US, New Zealand and Australia (at the moment). However it's possible to install an APK-package on Android. Read on.

Download Pokémon GO APK-package with your Android phone here: http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/niantic-inc/pokemon-go/pokemon-go-0-29-2-release/pokemon-go-0-29-2-android-apk-download/ . If in doubt, wait until Pokémon Go is officially released in your country and grab it via Google's Play Store.

Allow Unknown Sources in Settings -> Security. After that tap the APK-package in order to install it.

That's it! Time to play!

One more thing! You need a proper 4G connection if you want to play Pokémon Go. In addition make sure GPS in on. When all is set, off you go!

Edit: watch out! Backdoored version of Pokémon Go APK-package found! https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/droidjack-uses-side-load-backdoored-pokemon-go-android-app

Smart phone as a PC - choose between MaruOS, Ubuntu Touch and Windows 10 Mobile

Smart phone as a PC?

Nowadays smart phones are powerful enough to act as PCs. Talking of the specs; RAM memory varies between 2-4 GB. ARM processors are able to run many apps at the same time. Screen resolutions are up to HD level.

What alternatives are there around when you want to turn your smart phone into a PC? At least the following three. Read on to find out which suits you best.

MaruOS

MaruOS is in early stage yet mature. Only Nexus 5 smart phone is supported at the moment. When Nexus 5 is attached to a Full HD HDMI-monitor via slimport adapter  a genuine Debian Linux shows up on screen. Not bad! You can run your favourite Linux apps like LibreOffice or Scratch. In fact you can install any app found in the repositories! Phone itself runs a derivative of Android.

If you want to get MaruOS visit their web site to get the invitation. In addition you need to know how to flash your Nexus 5. That's been made easy. There are comprehensive instructions around and even a script which takes care of the flashing. IMHO MaruOS is the best thing to happen to smart phone industry!

Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch has a bit different approach compared to MaruOS. Canonical Ltd is developing a system called Convergence which means you have the same UI (i.e. Unity 8) on your Desktop, tablet and smart phone. In addition all apps are universal and should work on any of the devices.

At the moment you can even order a Ubuntu Touch based phone if you like. If feeling brave get a used Nexus 4 and flash it. it's a inexpensive way to become familiar with Ubuntu Touch and Convergence.

Windows 10 Mobile

Microsoft Continuum is very much like Convergence from Canonical Ltd. You can purchase a bundle with either Lumia 950 or 950 XL smart phone and a special hub which let's you run Microsoft 10 Mobile on an HDMI-screen. Bear in mind you can't run x86-based apps on Continuum. So called Universal apps are supported only. For example Office is not the same you are used on your Desktop but a touch screen version instead. Universal apps can be run on Desktop, tablet and phone - even though using different processor architecture.

Which one suits you?

That's up to you! I tried all three of them and they have their pros and cons. I'm happy it's finally possible to attach phone to a monitor and run familiar apps. MaruOS is my favourite since it lets me run Debian on a big screen. I never thought anyone would make it possible!

Will "phone-as-a-PC" take over?

That's the headache of other people than me! When thinking of Apple... they will never introduce something like Continuum or Convergence. Why not? Because that would eat their own business. Apple wants to sell hardware, not let you stick to one device only.

Let's hope for the best. At the moment I'm very satisfied there are many paltforms to choose from.

Running MaruOS on Nexus5

The latest Raspbian got new features

Raspbian is IMHO the best distribution for Raspberry Pi. The latest version is packaged with some new features. Let's take a look what Raspbian has to offer.

There is a button for Bluetooth in the upper right corner. When clicking it you can pair for example keyboard and mouse. No additional USB Bluetooth dongle is needed if using Raspberry Pi 3.

You can copy microSD cards with an external SD card reader. There is now a handy tool called SD Card Copier available in Raspbian. Look at the picture below.

When programming a proper editor is a must. Geany is there waiting for you and your code. Take a look at the manual if in need.

Bluetooth has an icon of it's own

MicroSD cards can be cloned with
an external card reader

Geany is an editor for programmers

Create a web survey with Excel Online in no time

Would you like to create a web survey form of your own in just minutes and start to collect answers and opinions in an Excel sheet right after that? It's possible with Excel Online. Here's how you do it:

• Open Excel Online.
• Login with your Microsoft account (I guess Hotmail, Live, Outlook.com all do).
• Start a new Workbook.
• Look for Survey. Start a new Survey.
• Type in the first question and it's answers (see picture below). There are different answers types to choose from (for example yes/no etc.)
• After all Q&A click Save and Show at the bottom.
• Edit Survey until ready. If Ok, click Share Survey.
• Click Create a link.
• Click link and Control + C which copies link to Windows Clipboard. You can shorten link if you like. Use services like TinyURL or Goo.gl.
• Send link to your students and keep Excel Online open. You will see your sheet populated online!

Screenshot in Finnish only, sorry.

Type in questions and answers.

Write image for Rasperry Pi on a microSD card with your phone - no PC needed!

With Raspi Imager it's possible to write an image for Raspberry Pi on a microSD card. No PC is needed anymore! Here is a list of what you'll need:

• Android phone
• OTG (OnTheGo) cable
• SD card reader
• Internet access

At the moment Raspi Imager supports Noobs, PINN Lite and BerryBoot only. Make sure to choose the right storage. Do not write on a microSD card inside phone! In addition find out how much free space you have before downloading an entire image (1,1 GB). Happy writing!

No PC needed anymore for this task!

User Interface od Raspi Imager 

is easy to understand

Google Slides - ask presenter a question in real time

Whether you are a presenter of a slide show or in the audience it's possible to interact in real time - with Google Slides!

People with their mobile devices can take part in your presentation as soon as you allow them to interact with you! Look at the screen shots below. All texts are in Finnish but never mind. You'll be in touch with your audience in no time!

Look for the new features in upper right corner

People can ask questions when they

move to an appearing web address

This is how you see the questions on PC

The audience can join

the conversation with

their mobile devices