Turn your RaspberryPi 3 into a Bluetooth Beacon

You can do it!

Raspberry Pi 3 has built-in Wifi and Bluetooth. With a few lines of commands anyone can turn Raspi 3 into a beacon which broadcasts URL of one's choice via Bluetooth. It's not that tricky at all! Read on!

Eddystone by Google

There are different techniques what comes to beacons. You can choose at least between Apple and Google. What we are going to try is called Eddystone brought by Google. And hey, even Apple's devices (with Chrome installed) are able to hear these kind of beacons.

Raspi 3 has it all ready for you

With Raspberry Pi 3 built-in Bluetooth 4 LE (Low Energy) and Raspbian Linux your beacon will be up and running in no time! So go and get you gear and burn OS on a microSD-card. Next, the actual setup of a beacon.

Setting up a beacon

Type in the following commands using Terminal app.

Become superuser:

sudo su

Enable Bluetooth in Raspberry Pi 3:

hciconfig hci0 up

Let Bluetooth advertise and make it not-connectable:

hciconfig hci0 leadv 3

Set up an advertisement which Raspi3 will broadcast (in my case the URL is http://www.edupoli.fi):

hcitool -i hci0 cmd 0x08 0x0008 18 02 01 06 03 03 aa fe 10 16 aa fe 10 00 00 65 64 75 70 6f 6c 69 2e 66 69 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

Don't copy the code above but visit Eddystone URL command calculator and create advertisement of your own.

That's it! Your beacon is now up and running! Next: how to receive the URL which Raspi 3 is broadcasting?

Physical Web

Android:

Make sure Bluetooth and Location are on. Find them in Settings. Download Physical Web app from Play Store and install it: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=physical_web.org.physicalweb&hl=en . Launch Physical Web app and let it search for beacons.

iPhone/iPad:

Please visit the following URL and follow the instructions in video to turn Physical Web on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxPcPXSE_O0

If you can't reach your beacon read through these instructions how to setup your phone/tablet: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6239299?hl=en

Download Physical Web app

from Play Store

Fire up the app and let it

look for beacons

There you have it!

iPhone 4S can hear a beacon

in the neighbourhood

Testing ChromiumOS 0.5 for RaspberryPi 2

A new version of ChromiumOS for RaspberryPi 2 is available. The number of this version is 0.5. Download link is here: http://www.chromiumosforsbc.org/download/ . RaspberryPi 3 version is coming later.

I decided to give new version a go. In my opinion ChromiumOS 0.5 for RaspberryPi 2 is very fast and stable. Of course one has to remember RaspberryPi only has 1 GB of RAM. When running two browser windows ~ 0.65 GB of RAM is in use. However ChromiumOS's only app is Chromium browser! Once it's up and running all memory is given to browser!

There are things to bear in mind:

• Are you using a FullHD (1920*1080) monitor with an HDMI-port? Try another monitor in case no picture show up.
• Did you write the image on microSD card properly? Learn how to use dd command in Linux. Not sure which app to use in Windows or Mac.
• And last but not least! Happened to me! Remove all apps from your Chrome/Chromium browser. I had tons of apps installed aside Chrome. Also get rid of extensions you don't need.
• Apps remove: find magnifier (lower left corner) and click it, right click on top of an app and remove
• Extensions remove: button with three stripes (upper right corner), extensions, garbage bin

I must admit I've tested ChromiumOS for RaspberryPi 2 only two hours now. So far so good! It does what it promises: quick boot, stable browser only OS, ready to shoot at any moment - something we expect when using a Chromebook - now happening on RaspberryPi 2!

Want to give Unity 8 a try on Ubuntu 16.04? It's easy!

Today April 21st 2016 Canonical Ltd released Ubuntu 16.04 LTS - a version with 5 year support time! Read my earlier post to download your copy of the  latest Ubuntu.

Ok, once Ubuntu 16.04 is up and running it's possible to try Unity 8 which is still in try-out phase. As a matter of fact Unity 8 runs on Ubuntu 14.0.4 as well. Ok, give me that Unity 8! Try this (AT YOUR OWN RISK!):

Install Unity8:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install unity8-desktop-session-mir

Log out. In login select a little Ubuntu logo, then Unity8-Mir and type in your password. What's supposed to happen after setup of Unity 8? Well, be happy that your PC and Ubuntu still work! Remember, it's still a try-out!

How does it look like? Watch out! After the traditional Desktop one might get confused. It's... different. Let's hope they (Canonical Ltd) will go all the way to the end and we will see Unity 8 in action in the next Ubuntu 16.10!

Tap that Ubuntu logo

Choose Unity8-Mir

Choose Phablet

There is not that much ready just yet

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS has arrived! Download here!

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS stands for Long Term Support which means there is five year support time available. So get your copy of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS while it's hot:

• http://releases.ubuntu.com/16.04/

or via torrent:

• http://releases.ubuntu.com/16.04/ubuntu-16.04-desktop-amd64.iso.torrent
• http://releases.ubuntu.com/16.04/ubuntu-16.04-desktop-i386.iso.torrent

Downloading Ubuntu 16.04 64- and 32-bit versions

via torrent network with Transmission app

Updating Microsoft Lumia 640 phone from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows 10 Mobile

Windows 10 Mobile knocking on door

There is a major update available for Microsoft Lumia 640 phone; Windows 10 Mobile. Here's how to update your phone:

• Open Store and find an app called Windows Update Advisor. Install it.
• Run Windows Update Advisor. It examines your phone and tells you if Windows 10 Mobile is available or not.
• Open Settings and find Update. Let phone download Windows 10 Mobile. This phase can take long time. Coffee break.

Is there coming back?

After setup Windows 10 Mobile is there staring at you. What if you want to downgrade? Is it possible? Microsoft says it is - with help from Windows Recovery Tool. Install it on Windows, attach your phone and follow instructions on screen.

As a matter of fact I did try Windows Recovery Tool. It did what it promised. I was able to go back from Windows 10 Mobile to Windows Phone 8.1. Downgrading took about 15-20 minutes.

Worth updating?

Well, Microsoft has told they are not focusing on mobile devices and operating systems during 2016. However updating to Windows 10 Mobile let's you see how the new operating system looks like. On the other hand Windows Phone 8.1 is more mature than a brand new platform. If in doubt stay with Windows Phone 8.1 and update later.

In Finnish only, sorry.

It says Windows 10

Mobile is available.

Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS almost here - support lasts five years!

Ubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS means you will get five year support period! Think about that!

What will the world look like 2021? Will those legacy PCs update to Windows 10 or will Linux Desktop finally take over? Is my family just a bunch of holograms? Are EVs (Electric Vehicles) and solar panels everyday life? All that remains to see.

However there one thing for sure; Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (long Term Support) will be there until year 2021. And guess what? It's time to get your gear ready! Ubuntu Linux 16.04 will arrive in the end of April 2016. In case feeling curious choose your flavour of Ubuntu already today and let the good times roll!

• Lubuntu 16.04 Daily 
• Xubuntu 160.4 Daily
• Ubuntu 16.04 Daily

Testing MaruOS - turning Nexus 5 into a PC

Inviation

There was an invitation of beta test of MaruOS for Nexus 5 in mailbox. Unfortunately I had no Nexus 5 phone which is the only device supported at the moment. Off I went and purchased one in the neigbourhood.

Download link of MaruOS took me to a web page with two different install packages. One with install script and an other one with manual install (images only). Flashing Nexus phones is familiar to me. However I wanted to give install script a go.

Flashing Nexus 5

It took only ~ 10 minutes to flash MaruOS on Nexus 5. The instructions in Ubuntu Linux terminal window were clear. There was no chance to fail. The phone was first rooted, next developer mode was accepted twice. Finally MaruOS was ready to run. At the moment MaruOS is the only OS in my Nexus 5. I'm planning to install TWRP and MultiROM which make it possible to multi-boot many operating systems in one phone.

What's it like? 

MaruOS is like any other custom Android ROM out there. You can see the difference compared to other ROMs if you happen to own a Slimport adapter. With a full-HD monitor, a HDMI cable and a Slimport adapter Nexus 5 turns into a fullblown Linux Desktop PC (Debian). Yes, you can run all your favourite Linux apps using your phone! Your Nexus 5 phone is your PC!

How is full screen mode turned on? When HDMI cable and Slimport adapter are attached there is a note on the screen of Nexus 5. After that simply use remote control of your TV and choose the right source (i.e. HDMI). I don't know if MaruOS supports hotplugging. Maybe you don't have to first turn phone off, attach wires and then turn phone on again? I haven't tried that just yet!

Tips

Make sure Nexus 5 is attached to power supply. When running Debian on big screen battery might drain in no time. There is no sound available at the moment. It's ok since MaruOS in in early stage (version 0.22).

My hardware and expenses:

Nexus 5 (used, 120 €)
Microsoft bluetooth keyboard and mouse (used, 30 €)
Deltaco Slimport adapter (outlet, 12 €)
HDMI cable (3 €)
Samsung 55" fullHD TV (new, been around for a year)

Bluetooth Microsoft keyboard and mouse paired

sudo su, then apt-get update

apt-get install hardinfo - it's a Debian Linux!

After some tweaking åäö characters appeared!

My Nexus 5 is also my PC!

Samsung 55" fullHD TV as monitor

Bash (beta) for Windows 10 Insider is here!

Linux command line on Windows 10?

Windows 10 Insiders in the fast ring have a chance to try Bash (beta) which is delivered with build 14316. Bash is familiar from Linux, "Bourne again shell". When typing in commands in Linux, bash is there. From now on Windows 10 also has if not all at least some of Linux commands to offer.

How to install Bash on Windows 10?

Keep in mind only Windows Insiders are accepted to try Bash at the moment. However, during summer 2016 a huge Windows 10 update called Anniversary will bring Bash to every Windows 10 user.

Troubleshooting: My 32-bit Windows 10 Insider Home didn't receive Bash but 64-bit Pro did. I will edit this paragraph as soon as there is more information available.

WARNING: YOU ARE INSTALLING THIS BETA SOFTWARE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Off you go:

1) Choose Developer mode and reboot.

2) If you are not yet an Insider then become one, Choose fast ring (blue line at the bottom). Reboot.

3) Find Windows Features and choose Subsystem for Linux (beta). Wait.

4) Open Windows Command Line tool and type in bash. Answer Y. Again, wait.

Ok, Bash installed, then what?

Open another Windows Command Line Tool window and type in bash. Next, try: lsb_release -a

If there was Bash on Windows what difference would it make?

Microsoft is adding Linux command line on Windows 10. Insiders will see it during spring 2016 and the rest of us during summer 2016.

With Linux command line called Bash it's possible to type in those familiar Linux commands and run CLI (= Command Line Interface) apps. In addition, you can reach your Windows files by mounting NTFS partitions.

So far there has been two solutions around if you wanted to run Linux on top of Windows; virtual machine (Virtualbox, VMware) or Cygwin. However, Microsoft's approach is somewhat different and Linux command line is tied closer to Windows 10.

The company which is co-operating with Microsoft is London based Canonical Ltd - the one behind Ubuntu Linux.

For us ordinary users bringing Linux command line on Linux might not sound very attractive. Why should I use it? There is already a command line similar to Microsoft DOS inside Windows and is hardly ever used. Microsoft is aiming at developers which benefit from tools they are used to work with. The rest of us - what difference does it make?

By adding Bash Microsoft promises anyone familiar with commands like apt-get can install and run Linux apps on Windows 10. However, X Window System is a no-go. An app which needs GUI is not on supported. This is why Bash on Windows 10 will benefit only developers.

Ubuntu Linux CLI

iOS, Android and Windows 10 Mobile merging

A new mobile OS consisting of iOS, Android and Windows 10 Mobile called iAndWind will soon be released. "There is no idea to compete against each other", says the representative of the project. "We have to be ready to face the competition from such players as Jolla (Sailfish OS) and Canonical (Ubuntu Touch)".

At the moment there is not that much information available. However, take a look at this link for more!

Apple event on Monday 3/21

Apple will unveil new products on Monday 3/21 at 7 PM Finnish time. At least a new 4" iPhone will become available. What else? That remains to be seen.

Will Android N challenge Microsoft Continuum?

What if your phone were your PC? It's possible even today! All you need to is to purchase the latest Microsoft phone, attach it to a monitor via a special hub and start to use Windows 10. Microsoft calls it Continuum.

Ok, there are alternatives. Canonical has their Convergence with the same idea as Microsoft. My Nexus 4 phone has Ubuntu Linux (brought by Canonical) inside. With bluetooth keyboard/mouse paired with phone and a full HD HDMI -monitor Nexus 4 turns into a PC in a minute! Take a look at the pictures below and my earlier blogpost. The only downside at he moment is there are not that many phones which are able to run Ubuntu Touch.

But are there any really big rivals showing up? There is evidence Google might be interested in adding support for an external monitor and windowed applications in Android. This is good news. The only thing is who wants to run Android on full HD screen? Well, maybe we'll see something like RemixOSforPC which combines Android and ChromeOS. Take alook at the picture below.

Windowed apps on Ubuntu Touch

Bluetooth keyboard and mouse paired

with Ubuntu Touch and Nexus 4

The whole set!

RemixOSforPC combining Android and ChromeOS

It's time to shout it out loud - my Nexus 4 phone running Ubuntu Touch is my PC!

Ok, folks. I think, it's time to celebrate. My Nexus 4 is finally running Ubuntu Touch on a full HD screen via Slimport adapter. In addition apps are windowed like in an operating system running on a PC. It's time to shout it out loud: My Nexus 4 is my PC!

Ok, there are still many features missing; I have no bluetooth mouse, there are no X.org apps (easily) available just yet, special characters of my bluetooth keyboard (i.e. åäö) are not showing. However, those downsides are not taking me down today!

How did all that install go? You can read part of how things went in my earlier blogpost: http://sakarinkurssit.blogspot.fi/2016/02/ubuntu-convergence-turn-your-nexus-4.html

At the moment I'm too exhausted (and happy on the other hand) to write all that happened today but promise to come back! Stay tuned!

Apps are windowed when using bluetooth keyboard and/or mouse

It's a genuine Ubuntu! I guess it's Ubuntu Touch, though

So lucky I found an inexpensive Slimport adapter!

No CyanogenMod 14 (i.e. Android N) for Nexus 4? My plan B is SailfishOS!

Google Nexus 4 phone didn't officially receive Android 6 update some time ago. However CyanogenMod 13 filled that gap.

I was living happily ever after until yesterday. Google released Android N preview version. Naturally only the latest Google Nexus phones are among the supported ones.

Now I'm thinking if Nexus 4 ever gets CyanogenMod 14. Well, it's too early to say. It might or might not happen. We'll see.

In case no CyanogenMod 14 show up I can live with that. However I have plan B. Nexus 4 is one of those very versatile phones which can run multiple operating systems. In addition, there is even a chance to build a multi-boot menu with MultiROM tool. I've had four operating systems installed at the same time; Firefox OS, Android 5, CyanogenMod 12 and Ubuntu Touch.

So, what is my plan B? SailfishOS - a Finnish OS! I haven't tested it yet. It might be a bit tricky to install but it's certainly worth trying. SailfishOS is even able to to run Android apps so why not give it a go!

Nexus 4 running Ubuntu Touch

Testing Microsoft Office Mix - making PowerPoint interactive

Microsoft Office Mix is an add-on for PowerPoint. With Mix you can add polls and quizzes to your slideshow. I absolutely love this feature. Downside is your slideshow won't work offline but has to be uploaded to Microsoft server.

I prepared a show with three slides. Please try it and you'll get to know how Office Mix works. If you want to try Office Mix yourself you need Office 2013 or Office365 installed on your PC. In addition Microsoft account is needed. You can download Office Mix add-on for PowerPoint here: https://mix.office.com/en-us/Home

Hint: Click lower right corner of the slideshow to enter full screen mode.

Your next Android phone could be your first Linux Desktop

Linux Desktop is not that popular among PC users. Windows and OS X from Apple rule. Linux share of all Desktops is ~ 1 % only.

There is evidence things can change. Lets pick up four cases:

1. MaruOS is an Android derivative which runs Android in phone and Debian Linux Desktop via slimport on any HDMI screen. You can answer calls while editing your documents with LibreOffice Writer. MaruOS is in testing phase at the moment.
2. Ubuntu Convergence turns your phone into a PC. For the time being when using phone as a Desktop you can't make calls. I'd like to run Convergence in my Nexus 4. Read how far I got last week when testing Ubuntu Convergence.
3. Intel has developed a prototype which can act as phone and a Debian Linux Desktop at the same time. Read more: http://www.valuewalk.com/2016/02/intel-android-phone-linux-desktop/
4. Windows Continuum. You can pick up the latest phone from Microsoft and turn Windows phone into a Windows 10 Desktop right away! Older phones like Lumias don't have support for Continuum. You need the latest hardware and software from Microsoft.

This goes to show the future of PC will IMHO look different. PC will still live but will also take a different shape and approach. As a consumer you need to know how to flash your phone. i.e. install a modified version of Android. A lot to learn!

If you look at the numbered list above you can see Linux is mentioned three times out of four. Android and Ubuntu are based on Linux. And what's best Debian Linux is also there! So your next Android phone could be your first Linux Desktop.

Ubuntu Convergence

Stick to Raspbian for now if you own Raspberry Pi 3 and want to utilise built-in wifi and bluetooth

Raspbian is the best choice for a brand new Raspberry Pi 3 SBC (Single Board Computer). How come? Those built-in new features wifi and bluetooth are supported out-of-the-box in Raspbian.

What if you want to run other Linux like Ubuntu? As far as I know Raspi 3 built-in wifi and bluetooth are not fully supported just yet. However, Ubuntu 16.04 is not that far from final release (end of April 2016). By then at least Ubuntu will be offering drivers for new Raspi 3. Other distributions follow.

Raspberry Pi 3 has built-in wifi and bluetooth

Inexpensive SBCs are slowly but surely moving towards 64-bit world

SBCs (Single Board Computers) are a branch of PCs. At the moment these little computers are a kind of "new apps" like Microsoft puts it. IoT industry is hot and SBCs are the basis of that scene. No wonder SBCs sell millions.

So far, Raspberry Pi and Odroid C1 have been running in 32-bit mode. This is changing rapidly. Raspberry Pi 3 was introduced in the beginning of March 2016. It has 64-bit ARM-based processor onboard. You can still purchase Raspi 3 for 35 $. What a bargain! In addition, a rival Odroid C2 is also out! Five bucks more expensive Odroid C2 has 2 GB of RAM and 64-bit processor.

Why is 64-bit ARM so important? There is one well-known barrier; 4 GB of RAM which is maximum for 32-bit systems. But isn't there only 1 GB RAM in Raspi? True. However, things change. One day you might be running a laptop like NexDeck with Raspberry Pi 3 attached. You'll be needing all the power 64-bit ARM has to offer. With 2 GB or more RAM Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 can replace your existing PC.

But will that new hardware take us to the 64-bit world? No. Software is still 32-bit. I takes some time before we can download different ISO-images for older and the latest Raspi computers. Meanwhile the one and only Raspbian image there is takes care of all the hardware generations of Raspi computers. I like that. What comes to Odroid, I only own C1 which is 32-bit. However Odroid C2 will sooner or later run 64-bit Linux. No doubt about it.

Raspberry Pi 3

Raspberry Pi 3 - do you really need a 2,5 A power supply?

Short answer is: not necessarily.

RaspberryPi.org puts it this way: "We’re recommending a 2.5A adapter if you want to connect power-hungry USB devices to the Raspberry Pi".

I decided a power supply with 5 V and 2.0 A has to do since that's the most powerful power I own. Only keyboard and mouse are attached. And yes, no need to find wifi dongle anymore!

Raspi 3 booted and is running Raspbian at the moment. I think power supply with 5 V and 2,0 A is enough for now.

Raspi 3 has built-in wifi!

Raspberry Pi 3 arrived - thank you Webhallen

Wow! That was quick! It only took two days for Webhallen to deliver Raspberry Pi 3 single board computer!

There is good...

• No need to find USB wifi dongles anymore - wifi is built-in!
• In addition, Bluetooth is on board as well.

...and bad:

• 2,5 A power is required. I don't have one at the moment :/ .

Stay tuned for more. Raspi 3 arrived only an hour ago...

Thank you Webhallen for a quick (two days) delivery!