How to know if your battery is on it's way out on cell phones!

Batteries won’t last!

I know this all to well.   With all my phones from the Lg Optimus F3 to my Kyocera Risa.  Every phone I have had, I get to know when the battery should just be replaced.   I will talk about my experiences and hopefully it will help you when it comes time to replace that battery.

Nothing I say should constitute you going out and buying a battery but it will at least help you know if you might need to.   It however is up to you when and if you get a replacement battery.

Shorter charge cycles!

This one is the first sign the battery, which has circuits that close off to prevent the battery from fully charging.  These circuits help keep the battery from exploding or leaking and causing serious damage to you or the phone.  It can show itself in several ways.   You might find that you have to charge your phone up more frequently or that it says you have a full battery one hour ago and now it is down to half or almost empty.   

Phone gets warm to touch while charging!

It isn’t uncommon that from time to time when your charging your phone the phone may get slightly warm due to the charging of the batteries but it gets warmer than usual.   This is caused by the phone trying to force charge the battery to charge a cell that looks to be almost dead and it is trying to keep it alive.

Bulges on cell battery!

It isn’t always the case but if you examine your battery of your phone.   I saw this with my HTC inspire 4g Phone, where the battery was getting a slight bulge and shorter charge and discharge cycles were happening.  

Cell Phone Apps

Although I will remind you that even getting a new battery might not be cause of your phone not keeping charge.   Some android phones use more battery life due to apps or other such widgets that are constantly be used on the phone.   These tend to help reduce the life of your battery and it will not help if you battery isn’t dead or on it’s way out.  You may find it helps for the small time but you will be back at where you left off.   Before you consider buying a new battery, consider looking into which apps you might not need and remove them.   This will greatly increase your battery life and your experiences.

Got a Story you want to tell people, just leave a comment and tell me your experiences in this subject matter!

Unable to read SIM Card on the HTC Inspire 4G!

Reading the SIM card!

I’ve had one reader who says they are having an issue with the SIM card not being able to be read on the HTC Inspire 4G phone.   Some of the things that I have foundto be case are how people insert the card into the Inspire but we are going to give out a quick tip that will help keep that sim from sliding out ever so slightly.   This workd for me and while I do not use the phone anymore.

Best Hack ever!

This is some what a really good way to keep that sim from loosening the connection to the phone.  I found on SIM card that you can make them thicker. 

Use thin tap on the back of the SIM card.   Basically, you keep putting tape on the back until it is snug.   Usually on need to it once or twice but no more than that.   You can not put tape on the side with all the metal but only on the plastic.  It has to be tape that is really smooth so if you use use ruff tape it might not work as well. 

This will help those who have been problem. It might solve your problem but it also might not, it just varies from device to device!

Reception Issues with AT&T, Maybe it time for change!

Speeds on AT&T!

I've had plenty of time playing around with AT&T and their so called 4G.   I've once talked about Data Speeds and broadband Modems.  So I thought it was high time, we talk about understanding your coverage area.  Even though you have a smart phone, in essence it is just a modem because you are basically using it for Data.   I'm not saying that buying a Cell Phone Antenna sticker [Affiliate Link] will not work, it just varies because of personal opinion on them.   Some say it will work others claim it is just foolishly wasting money.   I tend to think if you paying a dollar to try it out, it at least is a good try!

Why Do I get poor Reception or Signal?

 This is almost a really common question because everyone at some point as a really bad signal strength and thus some blame it on their cell phone, others on their service provider.   I'm here to explain to you that it is more than likely more than one reason why your not getting the signal you are wanting and I am going to go into detail about that.   Even if you were standing right next to an cell tower, you might still not get any signal! Some of the more common reasons are:

• Cell Phone Antenna -- Depending on where the manufacturer put the antenna, you may always have problems but it isn't always the culprit.   
• Other devices -- you may not know this but your TV is putting out interferences and even you Microwave could be causing problem with your signal getting to your phone.   
• Location of Cell Tower -- Even if you next to a cell tower that might not be in your network and thus you may not be connecting to that tower.  Depending on which provider you are using will depend on which tower you will user.  
• Walls -- If you are in an open park, you will have problems with signal strength due to the thickness of walls and how radio waves have a hard time getting through them.  Another reason why you might have low signal strength.

As you can see there are many factors to why you might not be getting a very good signal where you are.  I am not saying that you can't blame it on your phone or provider.   This is just so you might figure out ways to increase you signal strength.

Straight Talk With T-mobile!

I've decided to have a little try on the T-mobile network using the Straight Talk Sim card.  I'm going to be ordering the SIM to use with the HTC Inspire to see if that works any better.  I think this will be very educational for me to find out some of the APN Modifications that I will have to do to my phone and thus will teach me a lot about T-mobile in the process! In the coming weeks, I will have a step by step guide on which APN'S seem to work best for me and hopefully it will help you out in the same process.   Thank you for all your support and using my Amazon Affiliate Link, every time you use it to buy from Amazon really helps keep my blog up and running.  

Paul Sylvester

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Finding the Android ROM for the Inspire 4G!

No Rom is ever Perfect!

I'm not saying that you will find a ROM that is ever going to be perfect.   It is however going to make your job a lot more hassle free!  I say that with the aticapation that some of the readers, one of them is Todd Lacy, told me about a ROM that I Must try.   So I downloaded that one one and it will be list a few of the ROMS that I've tried for my HTC inspire.  I will have a fun time with these ROM in the hopes that in the next few weeks, I can buy me another HTC Phone [Affiliate Link], I believe HTC is the best company right now and I want to stick with the company.

ROM's That I recommend!

This won't be a really big list unless someone wants to comment but here are the ones that I thought might be really nice to try and I downloaded and will try in the next few days.   I am going to report back on each one of these and tell you what I think of each and everyone of them in a blog post detailing the problems I had and if there was a solution.   Once I do a ROM, and explore them.   You will get as much information as I can come up with to assist your decision on which ROM is for you!

• Cyangen MOD -- I used this MOD for a few weeks and it hasn't been bad but It could be better!  It had so many bugs with the HTC Inspire that I thought it was time to look somewhere else.   Some of the bugs that I think it had was Signal Strength.   I simply don't know so I decided to try other MOD's!
• ClearDroid -- This is looking promising but I won't hold my breathe.   As I install it, it made me feel really good.   It came up with the HTC Logo as if it was an official ROM from HTC.  Everything that I have done with this little ROM as been promising because it even install all the HTC Apps that you would normally see!  So give a week or two to check this one out and I'll let you know!
• ATT Sense 3 ROM (Thanks to Todd Lacy) -- Haven't done anything to this one yet but it was a 300 meg download and thus I will do this last.  I haven't done anything else but to download this one.  I will look at this one in a few weeks after I give Cleardroid a chance!

Those are the three that I've found so far and would love to hear which ones you recommend for your HTC Inspire 4G Phone that works with Straight Talk.   Other than those three, I've not tried anything else or will try anything else unless you request it.   So be sure to Contact me and tell me which ones you want me to try with my HTC Inspire and I'll be certain to look into them for you and tell you what I think!

Paul Sylvester

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My Plans for my Next Phone!

Water logged Phone, Needs Replace!

After many long months with the HTC inspire 4G, I've pretty much decided that is probably time to get a new phone.  I've had many great success with the phone and I like it very much, so I'm not about to leave the HTC phone maker [Affiliate Link].  I've had many times of finding that right phone, and I've even shared how I do find phones.  It just means I not going to buy a new phone, because buying a new phone is way to expensive for my taste.  I however know what I'm interested in and I'll be sharing them with you.   I'm more interested in what people think of these phones and if they how they work than anything else but I will also be sharing how to use them with Straight Talk over, once I buy one of these phones.

• HTC Droid Incredible Music WiFi GPS PDA Phone Verizon [Affiliate Link] -- Looks to be a more sturdier than the Inspire and probably even more easily to put one of the Other O/s on like Jelly Bean or Ice Cream Sandwich!
• HTC EVO 4G Bluetooth Camera WiFi GPS PDA Phone Sprint [Affiliate Link] -- Great little Phone but it is still a lot newer and more money out of pocket but still looks to be a very sturdy phone.   It works on Sprint Network so It should be good to use with Straight Talk.
• HTC Desire Bluetooth WiFi Music PDA Phone US Cellular [Affiliate Link] -- A newer version of the Inspire so it is a step up from the Inspire but not a very big step in my opinion and thus I am unsure as to how long it will last!
• HTC ThunderBolt High-End Android 4G LTE Phone Verizon [Affiliate Link] -- A lot higher in expenses than most used phones but it could very well be used on AT&T when they roll out in my Area.  Until then I would still be able to use this on their network but without the speed of LTE

As you can see I'm really thinking about this and how I can best make my choice.   I am open to the possibilities of getting a phone in the next few weeks and you can help me decide which one you want me to work with in reguards to unlocking it for Straight Talk.  Just leave a comment and tell me what you think and which ones you like yourself.  

Paul Sylvester

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HTC Inspire is not wet ware, but I fixed mine!

Tuff little Phone!

When I first got this used HTC inspire Phone, I didn't expect to be so durable.  I even showed you how to unlock your HTC Inspire and make it work it Straight Talk!  Recent past have talked about some of my other favorite durable technology, like the MX Anywhere Mouse [Affiliate Link].   The mouse is very durable just like this phone,  I've been using this mouse for over 2 years and still think this is very useful!  

So why bring up the mouse, well I used to have a post about water damage on the mouse and how to fix it.  It went out the window when I upgraded to Squarespace I believe.  Oh well, it was a great post about how to fix your mouse in case it got wet.  

My Cell Phone got dunked in liquid!

I won't say how, but I will say most people will say that it now longer will work and I think even the cell companies like to use that lie to get you to buy a new cell phone when this happens.  Anyway, I don't know who came up with the idea of getting electronics wet means it is ruined.   I also know about the side effects of rust and moisture but most of the time you can fix that with a little sun and letting it dry.   If moisture got in the electronic it can get itself out! That at least is what I think and what I have seen it do in the past.  

Some Points to Consider!

• Don't expect it to work right after you think it is dry.   It might take a little longer than usual for it to be dry enough to work.
• If your 10$ keyboard needs clean, just drop it in water and then let it dry.   You'd be surpised how cleaner it is afterwards.  Just remember to disconnect it from power supply and give it plenty of time to dry off approximately a day or two should do!  
• If your Cell phone or Keyboard gets wet, remove batteries or power it down quickly to prevent any electrical arching which could result in damage to the electrical equipment.  
• If you can keep the battery door open to let it dry!
• If you think it is ruined, then you can't do any more damage by trying to dry it off and use it again!

I don't recommend this for anything else.   If you happen to get your laptop wet then you have problems.  I am talking about a keyboard for the desktop and only a desktop.  

After I'd dried off my cell phone, it started to work again.   If it didn't at least I had a way to go buy a cheap HTC Cell phone and thus saving me money.  If you need a used cell phone, I suggest checking Cellular Country [Affiliate Link], they guarantee that it will work on delivery or your money back!  That's where I'm going to buy my next cell phone from when it is time!

Paul Sylvester

My Amazon Link

The Story of my failing battery and why it happens!

It's been a while!

Having had my HTC Inspire for over a few months, it was a brand new inspire.   It was actually a used one from my sister. So I got what I wanted to get an actually android working on the Straight Talk Network and all life is good!  Until recently, I've started to notice a few things with my phone that I wanted to share with everyone else in case you've had the same problem I had!  If you've not had this problem before you might have it later on! 

Phone just Shuts off while unplugged!

As you know this might not be the only time it shuts off but it will be a good indication that something is wrong with the battery!  There is a great explanation on how batteries work over at HowStuffWorks, I won't go into detail about this but I will explain some of what is happening.   The rest after all should fall in place when you read the article!  Over the past 2 months or so, I've had the phone just randomly shut down but it didn't start doing it like it did yesterday and today.  

Why Does it Shut down!

Basically the cell phone thinks it has more power than what the battery pack is telling it.  You see batteries that are stored in this fashion or even used can only be charged and discharged to a certain extent and thus once you hit that no power threshold in that cell batter then it can't be charged due to fact that you might just blow up the cell.   While on the subject, what is a battery cell?  A battery cell is typically more than one battery but can also be one battery.   It is used in either parallel or sequential series, you can find out more about that by reading that article also.   This is all fascinating but what does this have to do with the battery?  You're probably asking yourself this question.

Each battery cell has a circuit where you once it hits the charge limit it just shuts the that cell down and you can no longer access it or use it.   So when your cell phone thinks it has a full and you loose power quickly then that is basically the reason.   The battery knows how much it can send to your phone but your phone is only learning this over time.   It is definetly a process that just is crazy.  

How does this help me?

It basically is a good indication that your battery is get old in age and needs to be replaced.  If it happens to you at least once a few weeks it is probably a good idea to replace the battery.   Now I must comment, sometimes it isn't the battery but the software.  I thought so, and I put my old Froyo OEM version of Android back on my phone and it still did it.  So if you don't want to have to send off for that battery and pay extra to over night it, it is probably a good idea to have one who two batteries ready once you start seeing symptoms like this.   I sure learned my lesson for next time this happens.

Paul Sylvester

My Amazon Link

Getting you Picture Messages and Multimedia Messages to work on Straight Talk AT&T!

The Need to Update your APN!

I've found an updated APN that can be used to give you access to Multimedia Text message, in essence picture messages for some of you who are on the Straight Talk AT&T Network!  This APN setting will only work for any that have #89014 on their sim.  If you don't then you might try looking elsewhere or maybe consider contacting me, and I'll do the hard work and find the right APN for your situation!  This also will only work if you have an Unlocked Phone [Affiliate Link]!

Before you do this though, It is time to do a APN Backup of your settings.   You wouldn't want to have to look for those APN Settings that are working all over again.   This might work for you but then again it might not.  It seems to work for me and Another reader on our HTC Inspire 4G Unlocked Cell phones [Amazon Affiliate Link].   So I'm not entirely certain that it will work 100%.

Delete all existing APNS and enter these APNS!

Name: HOME

APN: att.mvno Leave everything else alone

EXCEPT the bottom selection that says:

APN type: default,supl

Then save, next choose to add another APN

Name: MMS

APN: att.mvno

MMSC: http://mmsc.cingular.com

MMS proxy: proxy.mvno.tracfone.com

MMS port: 80

APN type: mms 

THEN SAVE You will see that only one APN has the option to be chosen, that is ok, Just choose the one that is able to be chosen. Now go back to Homescreen and then reboot your phone.  If this doesn't work you can always restore you APN's and no harm no fowl.   I just know that some of you are wanting to recieve the Pictures messages on Straight Talk AT&T.   I encourage you to contact me if you need help finding the APN for your Straight Talk Phone.  Please remember to support my blog, because it is only with your help I can keep this site running.  

Paul Sylvester

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My FAQ's About Straight Talk!

Sim card's aren't always easy!

Let's face it, nothing in life is ever going to be easy and this is no exception in my book.   I've had my Straight Talk sim and I've posted about it on my blog.   I've been asked a few different questions about the Sim Cards from Straight Talk and I've figured a good little post about this would help people out.  Some of these questions will be repeats, please skip the ones you have already read!

Do I have to unlock my phone to use Straight Talk?

The Short answer is NOT necessarily. You'll probably have to need to unlock your cell phone later on but if you have a T-Mobile phone and use Straight Talk T-Mobile Sim, you shouldn't need to unlock it.   Just because I did it with my HTC Inspire AT&T 4g Phone, Doesn't mean you will need to unlock your phone.  I did it just to be on the safe side, this was my first HTC phone after all and of course because I could.  As long as you buy the right  SIM for your phone from Straight Talk, you really shouldn't have much problems with the SIM.   

Will the HTC Inspire have "Jelly Bean"/"Ice Cream Sandwich"?

The Short answer is NO!  The HTC Inspire is basically end of life cycle and won't be updated.  It is be replaced with the HTC Desire and others like that but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't have those Operating Systems on your Phone!  You can get past that if you really want to use that operating System.  You basically have to Unlock your Inspire and Root it all at the same time.   

Can I tether with my HTC Inspire and Can I use 4g Speeds?

Short Answer is YES!  Long answer is if your want to tether your Straight Talk phone you will most likely need to unlock it and root it.  Although if your are planning to use the 4g network you will need to make sure you area has it.  You can do that from AT&T, T-Mobile, Or sprint website depending on which card you use and if they have the capability for 4g.  Remember if your are downloading heavy and other such stuff they might call you, so you just need to remember not to use to much of their so called Bandwidth.  

Also, If you have great signal strength then you will have better speeds but if you don't have the signal strength the you will have slower speeds.   Just keep that in mind when you are traveling and tethering.

Why do I See the Word HOME on my screen?

Short answer is "It's basically your local network, where you live!".   Although some people also have ROAMING and I get that whenever I go to a different city.   It isn't going to charge me any more or any less, it is just their.  If you are worried about it, just remember that this is for the network to identify with more than you.   Straight Talk and other MVNO's like to keep cost down so they don't have to pay higher fee.   This is one way they do that, by telling you are either HOME or Roaming.   It really is an ingenious idea because most people will unconsciously stay closer to home!

Why am I not getting any signal from Straight Talk?

This is something that I've had to deal with on the HTC Inspire.   I've not had a good signal strength while using the Inspire on Straight talk thru AT&T network I should add.  I've troubleshooter this and found out that it was the way I was holding my phone.   I did occasional have to take the SIM card out and reboot and replace the SIM to get my network back.   I don't know if it is just a loose connection or if the phone just forgets that it has a SIM card.  This also could just be a problem with Ice Cream Sandwich version that I'm using.   You'll have to figure out your own little way to hold you phone and get signal.   I've found having a bluetooth earpiece [Affiliate Link] to work really well in my situation!

These are a few of the questions I get when I'm out and about and thought I'd make a post about it and hopefully help someone who might need that little nudge in the right direction.   I'll post another one if I get more questions.  Have a Good day!

Paul Sylvester

Why Security is necessary on an Android device!

Security Is Everything!

Although, I'm don't consider myself a security expert.   I have been reading blog posts about what people do and it just makes my skin crawl.  Most of  the time, anybody has an opinion on Android Devices [Affiliate Link] and I'm sure I'm not the only who has an opinion but I am sure it isn't going to necessarily be in line with others who use an Android device!

Security in your backyard!

I'm going to tell you that Androids aren't immune, far from it.  I know better than most that if we start to use the mentality like Apple Did then we are doomed from the very beginning! So why all the fuss? You might be asking.   I've heard about a few app's that makes me a little worried and a little concerned.  I'm here to talk about them and give you enough information so you can decide for yourself.

Opera Mini -- Not for me.   This little app isn't bad but it does remind me a lot like Silk browser for the Kindle Fire.  Although the Kindle Fire browser will allow me to disable the feature.   You will be sending all your information whether it is encrypted or not to Norway.  They are basically doing a man in the middle ssl encryption and thus your information is going to be able to be viewed in Norway.

Opera Mini isn't for me but I am not going to say that it is all bad.   You have to consider what you are going to use your browser for.   If you intent to do banking with your Android device than you are risking a lot.  I'm sure Opera Mini has some great intentions but it still bothers me that my information isn't secured.

Android Pit -- I've looked into this one and it is another one that has good intentions but you have to install from Unknown Sources and then the problem with possible malware.   Although it isn't really likely, it does make me worry more about malware.  If I allow this one, then I'm becoming more like a Windows User and thus I don't want to risk having my Android Phone taken over.

Security is my #1

When I am looking to install a Rom or install something that is rooted, I am always cautious about those types of thing but I am not going to do anything to overly extreme.  I've even started my own Computer Repair Business in hopes to earn a little extra money the next few weeks and help feed my family in Evansville, Indiana!  If you know anyone who wants their computer fixed that live in Evansville, Indiana let them know about my services.   If I find a problem that can't be found, I will post it on my Computer Repair blog in the same process! 

Paul Sylvester

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How I plan to get ready for the CyanogenMod CM10 (Android 4.1 Jelly Bean version)

What is Jelly Bean?

Jelly Bean is the next major update to Android O/S(Operating System) and is due out some time July 2012, and that is just rumor and speculation but it seems to be spot on.   If you haven't played with Ice Cream Sandwich, it is about time to consider going out and buying a new phone.  Check to see if you can upgrade you plan [Affiliate Link] to the newest Operating System, Ice Cream Sandwich!  If it can you should consider doing that in the next few weeks!

Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

With the recent activities about Jelly Bean, I came across a post about CyanogenMod going to start working on the newest release Android 4.1.   I have been thinking to myself, it would be nice to have it on my HTC Inspire that I just got done putting Android 4.0 otherwise know as Ice Cream Sandwich.   I must admit, this is quite fascinating when it comes to how I would need to do this.   Although if your running ICS then you shouldn't have any major problems installing Jelly Bean!   That is at least what I've heard.  

Backing Up!

Don't let it be said, that I never have told you to back up your stuff.  I've already talk about some of the Cloud service backups but that is different from just backing up your device.  Now here are a few good App's that you should always install to back up your important data off your device.

• App Backup & Restore -- Huge time saver for me.  If you have several apps that you must have at all times, this will back them up onto your SD card or Micro SD card for you to restore later.  I can't say much more than this.   It won't back up your contacts but I've got somethin for that also!
• SMS Backup & Restore -- Another Great little app for when you want to backup your text messages.  This is one of those that I keep on my phone.   You never know when you need that text message.
• Backup Contacts -- Great little App that lets you backup you contacts and upload it to Gdrive.  The only thing is that you have to have Gdrive installed to upload it to your Google Drive in the Cloud!  You can't do an automatic backing up of contacts but that isn't really a need for me.  I don't build contacts every day but I do it once a month or once a week depending on the need of backing up my contacts!
• Titanium Backup -- This little app does all that and more but the only caveat is that you have to buy it for $6.58 to have to be able to have cloud support, and you need to have Root Access so this can be a downfall to some of you.  That is why I gave you some other options that are free to use to backup all you important programs!

With These apps, I can get my HTC Inspire ready to upgrade to Jelly Bean version that is coming in the next few weeks from what CyanogenMod is predicting.  Although there isn't an exact date just yet.  When I find out I'll post it as soon as I can.  This is will be a major update to my system.  I've heard from others that the Jelly Bean O/S is really responsive and I hope the mod will be also be as responsive.  Are you ready for Jelly Bean? or do you need to upgrade you Phone first? [Affiliate Link]

Paul Sylvester

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Summer Time is great for Learning games for Kids on Android!

Me and My Two wonderful Kids!

It's Hot Outside!

This summer has been nothing but a scorcher for me and my kids.  Every day its just so hot, but there isn't much we can do.  I'm in between jobs again, I really hate that.  So if you know anything about kids, they are constantly wanting to jump around and do something.

"I'm bored!', said Timothy.  Slouching about.

"Can I play with your iphone?", ask Timothy!

Although I really get upset when he ask that question because I don't have any Apple Products,  I really have no reason to have an Apple product.  I really don't trust Apple and their strict ways, so I tend to keep away.  I on the other had have an Android HTC Inspire that I unlocked.

Having to worry about my school work is one thing but having to come up with things for my two kids to do while I'm studying or even keep them busy is a whole other task.   

No one said this would be easy!

Having been a parent for several years, I am quit good at finding games that they won't learn something or other with.  I'm constantly asking myself this question "How can I get them to think outside the box?".  I'm sure as a parent this is something we all deal with from time to time.  It is something that we are constantly trying to evolve, after all we just don't want them to play mindless games all summer.  It is my hope that they keep developing their math, their english, and their spelling skills for when they go to Junior High and also High School.  

Educational Games to Play on Android!

I'd figure I'd give you a way to have your kids learn while playing type of situation.  I know nothing we do will prevent them from not playing games but at least we can try to encourage them to play the right games.  I won't say this is ever going to be easy because, kids will always be kids and they will have their own attitudes and personality.  We can at least try to keep them from becoming a vegetable in the summer time.

My List of Education Games to play:

• Sprinkle -- Although this doesn't have any actually match or spelling, it does however use a lot of physics and thus is good clean game that they can play because it does sometimes make you think out side of the box per say.
• Spelling Sea Word Game -- The more you play this the better your spelling will become.  I've seen my daughter improve in spelling and they do have levels that are acceptable for anyone who is a beginner to an expert.  Should at least see if your kids will want to play this game!
• Math Attack -- I know most kids hate math but it does do some good from time to time.  I haven't had them complain to much when they play this game. 
• Math Training for Kids -- This is another math game that my kids have not complained about.  I'm sure they would want some other's but usually I try to keep the minimum of the non educational games on my Android Device!
• World of Goo -- Although this isn't an educational game per say, it does however make the kids think outside of the box and figure out how to solve problems or puzzles.  This is a great way to encourage them and get them ready for a job. I must warn you, that no actual goo was harmed in the making of this game!
• Cut the Rope -- Again this is another good problem solving game that will keep them thinking outside of the box and keep them entertained for hours on end.  They will learn problem solving skills just by playing these types of games!

I won't do all the work for you but at least I can send you on the right direction.  These are just a few that I've installed in my HTC Inspire to make sure my kids will learn something other than not learning at all when they play my Android phone.  If you have more games that you know that might benefit others, you can check out my discussion board and register.   Let others know what you know and help out the community.

Paul Sylvester

How to install ICE Cream Sandwich on a Android Straight Talk Phone!

It wasn't extremely difficult!

I am not saying you have to be an expert on Android, but it does help!  I didn't have to do some things that would actually make it easier for me to install Android 2.3.7 but the hard part was first you will definately need to root and possibly unlock your cell phone!  I did have a few hiccups when it came to installing this new Android operating system.  In this little tutorial I will be discussing how to do that!  In case some of you were curious, I am using the HTC Inspire that I unlocked and rooted a few weeks ago!

After Unlocking and Rooting the Device!

You have several options available to you.  You could just leave it that way and use it with any carrier you may want to use or you could add Ice Cream Sandwich to your newly unlocked and rooted phone.  I will say that doing this may void your warranty of the phone in question, so it is best to only do this with phones that have no warranty that way if you brick your phone then having to worry about paying for it out of pocket if it is under warranty!  So I leave that up to you and I will make sure to tell you, I am not responsible for anything that happens to your phone.  You do this at your own risk.

Download the ROM Manager!

This is how I did to install the Android Ice Cream Operating System, but others may have their own way.  Some of the more user friendly ROM managers are:

• ROM Manager by Clockworkmod -- I used this one to make to upgrade my phone to ICE Sandwich, I used my HTC Inspire which now my phone tells me it is a HTC Desire.  Guess they used the same hardware just changed the  name!  On a Side note, if you need to boot into recovery Mode, just press POWER+Volume down.  (You should clear cache, data, and something else but can't remember on my HTC Inspire!)  
• Droid 2 Recovery Bootstrap by Clockworkmod -- Haven't used this but it is again by the same company so it must be decent enough!
• ROM Toolbox Lite by JRummy16 -- Another one that I haven't tried but looks promising!

These are just three that I've found but you must know that their are probably a dozen more ones out there that you may want to try.  These are just recommendations on which ones that I have used or might try later on!

Last step!

The last step is to find your mod that you are wanting to install and install it.  I used the Cynagenmod for my chance to have the Ice Cream Sandwich update, but it is totally up to you what mod you may want to install.  You just have to remember to backup your data that you think is the most important and remember that you have to pick carefully what you want to install and hope that it won't brick your phone.  Which may be a possiblity, although unlikely.  

Paul Sylvester

How to Tether on a HTC Inspire using Straight Talk!

Is it possible?

You might be asking this because you don’t know if Straight Talk allows this.  I don’t know if they do or not but I’ve been using my HTC inspire to tether to my Laptop without much problems but then again, I’ve had to root my device.  Is it possible to do this to all Straight Talk Android Phones for instance:

• Root Samsung Galaxy Precedent In One Click [How To]
• LG ESTEEM ONECLICKROOT NOW READY!!

To be truthful these are the only two that I could find out when you need to use Straight Talk as your carrier but I am sure there are going to be more ways to root your device for using the Tethering option.  

Will I get In trouble?

I don’t know about you but I am have had several calls in the past about to much data usage but I have not been terminated by them.  I am not sure if they are just trying to scare people or are just warning people.  I do know that I’ve been using tethering when I’m at a class and don’t have any wifi available.  That is kind of the reason why I haven’t been posting as much because I am hard at work trying to accomplish keeping my grades up.

I would like to warn people that they could very well disable your account if they find you are constantly teethering, so only use when you need.  If you are like me and you need it while going to class or something like that, they might not know but don’t constantly try to stream your Amazon [Affiliate link] or Netflix accounts to your laptop, that might be a red flag with them.

How do I teether?

After you’ve Rooted your device, like me using my HTC Inspire that I’ve rooted so I could unlock it and use it with Straight talk.  You will need to use one of these many apps to teether:

• WiFi Tether for Root Users — This is what I’m using and it works really well with my current setup.  I can use the wifi on the HTC to make a connection with my laptop and have had no problems with tethering with this app.
• 1-Click WiFi Tether No Root — It says no rooting needs to be done but I didn’t even try this because the first one that I did work well.  So I am guessing you will probably be ok with this one.  Let me know if this works or not!
• Barnacle Wifi Tether — I don’t know if you need to be Rooted or not but you can try this before you root your device to see if it works.
• Wireless Tether for Root Users — It looks like you will need to be rooted user like me so, you have a good chance of succeeding with this one also if your rooted.  I don’t think you can use this without being rooted but you could try!

These are just a few that I found that look promising but the one that does work on my HTC Inspire is the Wifi Tether for Rooted Users and It works flawlessly while I am in my class doing class work that is to be done.  I will remind users that you use this information at your own risk.  I can’t be held responsible if Straight Talk starts to terminate accounts for tethering.  Only time will tell if they will keep allowing this in the future.

Paul Sylvester

How do you boost signal strength with Straight Talk Wireless?

No or Little Signal?

I’ve been having that lately but that is because I moved to an area that my phone doesn’t expect me to be.  This can always be a problem when it comes to having a MVNO like Straight Talk But lately with my HTC Inspire I’ve been having problems with the signal strength due to my location. I have searched long and high and thou I’ve been look around at the Signal Boosters that I could use on my phone.  You could even try zBoost YX545 SOHO Dual-Band Cell Phone Signal Booster but I’ve yet to find out if it would help.  

Called Straight Talk!

I did call Straight Talk to see what we could try to improve my cell phone signal. They suggested two options, chaning my ZIP code of where I am, but I have yet to see much of a difference!  I think I might have to do option two, but that would mean I’ve need to get a new number.  I really don’t care about that because I give out my Google Voice number so it isn’t a big deal on my part.  It isn’t a big process to change the number but my family likes to use my actual number to get a hold of me.  They think the Google Voice number is too troublesome for them!   So if I change my number my family would have to get used to the new number!

I’ve look around!

I’ve check on the Google Marketplace to find anything that would help increase my cellular signal but have yet to find.   Some of the ones that look promising are:

•  Opensignalmaps — The ultimate wifi and signal finding tool. Supports GSM, CDMA, 4G, 3G, 2G.  Now you can refresh network! Boost your bars at the touch of a button.
• Network signal speed booster — Network Speed Booster gives you better signal by connecting you to the best available cell site tower around you!
• Signal Finder —App showing where the nearest towers are for the best cell phone reception.  This application provides the opportunity never to lose reception, showing where the nearest towers are for the best cell phone reception available as well as the strength the towers have at that location.
• Signal Booster Pro — Signal Booster Pro uses sophisticated technologies to dynamically assign your phone to the closest, or highest signal cell tower in your area!

These are just a few apps that look promising but I am quite certain that it will reduce my battery life to half unless I am constantly plugged in all the time.  So I am going to ask others if there is something else I could do to improve my Cell Signal strength?  If you know, you can contact me or leave a comment.  I’d love to hear your opinions on how to increase signal strength and how you did it.

Paul Sylvester

5 Top Google App that you Must have for your HTC Inspire!

I've been using my Phone a lot!

Lately, I've been really busy with my Google Android Phone that I've unlocked to work with Straight Talk.  It has been so good to me, but yet I've found that I need to buy a few Google Apps from the Market place.  I'm going to share with you the ones that have helped me increase my productivity with my HTC inspire and hopefully it will help you with your time.   After all time is money has they say.  

Google Maps!

If your like me, You like to know where your going.  This little app has helped me in my city and thus I don't have to remember to turn left or right.  I've been using a Cassette Adapter [Affiliate Link] to listen to the directions of the Google Maps tell me which way to go when to take a left or right and so on. It is a great GPS Navigation that you can't really do on the Iphonne to a point.  With the  4 pc Combo Accessory Bundle Kit [Affiliate Link] you can keep your HTC inspire charged and see the directions on screen if your really are looking to have a way to navigate in the city. I've not tried this out of the city so I'm unsure as to how reliable this is but it works really well with my HTC Inspire!

Podkicker Pro!

This App is great for those who like to listen to your podcast on the go.   I hate traveling and not having anything to listen to while I drive, if you are one of those that have to drive alot this little App is for you.  It cost $2.99 but I found it to be well worth the price.  I can do so much with this little app like Stream podcasts or download them for later view.  It even can help find podcasts  that you might want to find while on the road. If you want to try it before you buy it.  They do have a Demo version, available in Google Android Market place.  I did and loved it so much, I just decided to buy the player and keep using it.  Once your demo runs out it becomes a really lite app and thus you can't do as much as when you have the pro version, but at least you get to see it in action before you pay the $2.99.  I think it is well worth it! Use the Cassette Adapter [Affiliate Link] and 4 pc Combo Accessory Bundle Kit [Affiliate Link] together to keep your phone charged and listen to podcasts in the car! 

Swiftkey X keyboard

This is the greatest little app that has ever come by my way.  They've got a free app version but once you used it the trial version of the pro version, you will see that you productivity slows down and you'll want to buy it for $2.99.  I've been using this to text people and it's predictive text is remarkable.   I have had to use very little typing to write text and other things to my family and friend.  I recommend this to anyone who doesn't have to time to peck and type and waste time text messaging the old way.

Gmail!

This is one of those apps that I can't seem to not do without.  I like to be able to read any email that I might get from anywhere I am  at the time.  It even tells me when I get email.  I like this little app, because  I can also email back people when there is a need. I love to be able to read my emails when I need to.  

Voice Search!

Hey when your driving you don't have time to type out what you want.  Google is working really hard at fixing that.  I can just hit the app and tell it what I want.  I can call people or Antyhing you may want.  I can listen to podcasts or even music if I ask it.  I think Google is looking for a way to be like SIRI but I am unsure.  This is also a Free app from the Marketplace and thus you should give it a try!

Paul Sylvester

Why I don't use Antivirus Software!

What no Antivirus software!

Your probably wondering why I don't use Antivirus software.   I'm going tell you why and see if you approve or hate the idea.   I know it isn't going to be a popular believe but we all have our reason why we want to be protected and what we are try protect against.   I on the other hand know some ways to protect my computer from viruses and thus I will not use antivirus software to interfere or slow me down.

I'm not saying that it isn't good to use.   I'm just not going to use it and you really shouldn't either.  Here's why!

Most Viruses disable Anti-virus!

If I told you that even if you have an antivirus software on your system that it has probably been disabled by an virus, so that you didn't know that it wasn't really doing you any good!  You probably haven't seen any problems from your antivirus software lately but I am sure it isn't doing it's job like it should.  I've seen in thep ast where unless I update my Antivirus manually, the software would never update thus hiding the virus from detection of the antivirus.   This is something that has been a constant problem with Antivirus software, they are programs and thus can be fixed to do the virus needs.   

I don't use Windows that much!

I know you probably know this but lately haven't needed to use Windows but instead I have been use Kubuntu for all my computer needs.   Since I have an HTC inspire to let me do all the fun stuff on the net, I no longer have any need to use my computer for anything other than blogging and streaming of some of the content out there.  I've not had many uses for my laptop lately because of the Android OS being used more and more.

I don't want to be slowed down!

As many of you know, viruses no matter whhat they are used for will most likely slow down you because of the way the virus writer might of wrote the virus.   They seldom do any testing of the new virus and thus will likely interfere with programs and slow down Windows.   So I tend not to get onto the Windows system unless I really need to.  I usually keep t o my Kubuntu O/S, and even though it sounds like Linux is Virus free.  It's really not, I just surf the web like I should.   I don't give myself super root access.  I also make sure I am not logging in as an Administrator on Linux or Windows.  These are some reasons why I don't use Antivirus.  If you don't go to websites that you don't trust then you will likely never get a virus but that doesn't mean you should not use an Antivirus.

Who needs Antivirus!

That is something that is a big controversy, but most of the time it is big companies who have laptops all over the world and always connecting to insecure websites and insecure wifi outlets.  So if you are keeping your laptop home and you know how to surf the web and not download anything that you aren't looking for then you will be safer than most people.  It is those people who do this that cause the most problems.   I'm really smart when it comes to which software I will install or use and which software I tend to stay away from.   Nothing is set in stone but I usually let my instincts tell me if it is safe or not.   If you do some of these things you are far better off than the average man!

Paul Sylvester

Is Straight Talk Unlimited Plan really Unlimited or just FALSE Advertising!

Unlimited Minutes, text, and Mobile Web Access Nationwide Anytime +Unlimited calls to 411!Data Usage and the Straight Talk!

I’ve been using my new HTC Inspire phone for the past month maybe less and all of the sudden, I get a phone call from 1-800-989-1506.  What gets me is they say they can cancel my service.   I am sorry but if it says unlimited, then is that really false advertising?  It really sounds that way with me.   Some people have complained about this.   I am just really confused about if they would really risk having people make a negative reaction to cutting people’s phone access off because they want to control just how much is UNLIMITED.  

So are they willing to Risk a Public Relations extravaganza?

I really don’t know what they are thinking but I do not know if this is a SCAM or just trying to scare me into stopping use of what they call a excessive amount of data usage.   If it is truely to be unlimited then they shouldn’t even worry about me.   I’m paying the money each month to have the unlimited usage and thus, it seems to be a really troubling about this idea!

Has this Happened to you as well??

I’m really curious as to what Straight Talk has done or said to get you to understand just what is going on.   I would love to hear what happened to you and what you did to get to this call from them.   Just leave a comment and let me know what you did and how you resolved the problem.

Paul Sylvester

How to get the HTC Inspire 4g AT&T to work with Straight Talk

It really wasn’t hard!

I have been doing a lot of stuff with this HTC Inspire that I got from a family member.  Here are some of my observations about this phone that I wanted to share with you before we get into making it work with Straight Talk.   Afterall I want to be fair to you my readers.

The HTC Inspire in whole, isn’t really that bad of a phone.   There will be some caviates of the phone though.  The battery that was in the phone has been charged and discharged so many times that I can’t reliably say that the battery is bad. So with that in mind, I plan on making a trip to Batteries Plus to buy me a new battery.  The Screen on the Inspire gives you so much more than you get on most other smart phones.   The Resolution of the screen is crisp and you can do a lot with the Apps from the Marketplace.

How I did it!

If you’ve been reading my blog the last week or so, you would of noticed that I showed you how to unlock the HTC Inspire 4g AT&T Phone yourself for free.   I did unlock it successfully, because when I got the new sim it had to be set to be used it but didn’t say it couldn’t use that SIM.  If your really unsure of it yourself you might just got buy an unlocked HTC Inspire 4g AT&T Phone .  I really don’t want you to brick you phone but you can also try to get AT&T to unlock it  or you could buy the Unlock Code.   I really don’t know if they will or not but it is always a possiblity.

Getting the Right Sim Card from Straight Talk!

I’ve found in the past that if your are going to use a phone from a carrier unlocked it sometimes the best results can be continueing to use the same carrier in one aspect or another.  So choose the right Sim for the phone you have and you won’t be disappointed.  This will be a short tutorial for the AT&T HTC Inspire that I just got done unlocking.   You will need to unlock your HTC Inspire to do this successfully, but if your are successfull, you will be able to use their service for much less than you normally would.

Make sure you pick the AT&T Compatible Sim!Once you unlocked the cell phone and gotten the AT&T Compatible Straight talk SIM card, you will need to set up some Access Point Names(APNS) for the HTC Inspire 4g Unlocked Cell phone.

On the Inspire itself hit:

MENU > Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names

There you will see two APN’s already set by AT&T.  They are MEdia Net and MMS (Wap.cingular).   Mine were locked but I left them alone on my phone   In order to get both internet and mobile calls on you phone you will need to create two APNS:  (This would be a good time to bookmark my site in case you need to come back to it!)

Only fill in the ones I tell you, Leave all the rest blank or <Not set> and it all CASE Sensitive:

MENU > Add APN

Name : straight talk

APN: ATT.mvno

MMS protocol: WAP 2.0

MCC:  310

MNC:  410

MENU > SAVE

MENU > Add APN

Name: mmsc

APN: ATT.mvno

MMSC:  http://mmsc.cingular.com

MMS Proxy:  80

MMS protocol:  WAP 2.0

MCC:  310

MNC: 410

APN type: mms

MENU > SAVE

So if you have done this right, it is now time to reboot your HTC Inspire 4G unlocked Cell phone.  Hold the power button down for 3 seconds and hit RESTART once you have done this you should be able to use both internet and make calls on the Straight Talk Network with your SIM.  Remember you will need to register the sim with Straight Talk before you can use it but if you haven’t now would be a good time to Activate the SIM and associate that SIM with your Account.

I hope this helps you figure out how to use your new found freedom with yoru android device and thus you should be all set to make calls and surf the web with your HTC Inspire 4G.   If you have any questionns please feel free to contact me or leave a comment.  

Paul Sylvester

Update on Monday, July 15, 2013 at 11:12AM by Paul Sylvester

Remember to reboot first and check if it did work.  Try Changing the MMS Port to 8080.  Then reboot again. if that doesn’t work try this.  Delete all existing APNS and enter this:

Name: HOME

APN:att.mvno

Leave everything else alone EXCEPT the bottom selection that says:

APN type (here you must enter the following): default,supl

Then save, next choose to add another APN

make it look like this:

Name: MMS

APN: att.mvno

skip down to 

MMSC: http://mmsc.cingular.com

MMS proxy: proxy.mvno.tracfone.com

MMS port: 80

skip to:

APN type (enter the following): mms 

THEN SAVE

You will see that only one APN has the option to be chosen, that is ok, Just choose the one that is able to be chosen.

Now go back to Homescreen and then reboot your phone.  

 

For T-mobile:

APN type: default,supl,mms

APN Name: any

APN: wap.tracfone

proxy. blank

port: 8080

mmsc: http://mms.tracfone.com

mms proxy: leave blank

mms port: 8080

Remember to reboot first and check if it did work.  Try Changing the MMS Port to 8080.  Then reboot again.