HTC Desire Tips, Tricks and Tweaks
Applications
Update to Google Goggles Solves Sudoku Puzzles!
192 years ago
Google Goggles was one of the novelty applications that I downloaded when I got my phone, but quickly forgot about. A new update to this application today added a series of tweaks and improvements (making it faster and results more reliable) as well as a few new features:
- QR codes recognised by scanning. Instead of having to take a picture, you just need to bring your camera over a QR code for it to be recognised and show you the information it contains
- Scanning of newspaper and magazine adverts. This feature is for US users where adverts in magazines and newspapers since August 2010 should be recognised by the application, however this feature currently doesn’t seem to be working for quite a lot of ads.
- Solving Sudoku puzzles. I’ve tried this and really does work, and amazingly fast too! Just take a picture of a puzzle, select the Solve option and you’ll see your phone showing you the solution in a matter of seconds.
If you don’t have Goggles already you can download using the QR code below (click it if you’re browsing on your phone):
Once downloaded you can try out the Sudoku feature on the puzzle below:
Angry Birds Is Finally Out, For Free!
62 years ago
This morning Rovio announced the news that the full version their long awaited Android game is finally available; and on top of that they also announced that the game is completely free of charge (but contains adverts).
Anyone running a rooted phone with adblock enabled obviously won’t even get the ads, but if you want to support Rovio then you will be able to buy an ad-free version in the near future.
Rumour has it that the ad-free version will be released on the Android Market after they’ve pushed 10,000 free copies (I’d be surprised if that number isn’t already reached) but only time will tell.
Download
They’ve currently submitted the free version to the Android Market, so it will be available on there within 24 hours. In the meantime, they’ve also published a copy of it on GetJar but unfortunately their servers are currently down due to the overwhelming demand of this game!
Just to make things easier for readers, I’ve uploaded the game and you can download it from here
UPDATE: It’s now in the Android Market, here’s the QR code (click it if you’re browsing on your phone):
GAME REVIEW: JellyBalls by HyperBees
22 years ago
by MrBrightside
in Game Reviews
JellyBalls
Pop same colour balls. Eye-candy graphics, multiple game modes & global scores.
Author: HyperBees Ltd.
Price: $0.99
Review
The folks at Hyperbees were kind enough to send me their new Android title, JellyBalls. It’s a take on the popular colour-matching genre, with some added extras to make it stand out from the rest. I’d guess you’re all familiar with this type of game so instead of going on about what you’re supposed to do, I’ll highlight how it differs from its competition:
- Design – sometimes I’ve found Android games have excellent gameplay, but they look horrendous or sometimes the in-game grahpics are well done but the menu system is a mess. JellyBeans has it just right, they’ve thought through all the design aspects and made a game where the design is consistent (though nothing spectacular I’ll admit) from start to finish. The animations are great, and the balls actually bounce when on the screen like jelly beans.
- Gameplay – there’s plenty of game modes to choose from. I prefer the “Get them all” mode which has an element of puzzle/logic built in, it makes me think and often plan out the moves in advance to make sure I achieve the desired goal. For normal mode I’ve never really understood if there is a trick to it, and instead tend to click at random and hope for a fluke. The gameplay is smooth, the levels get gradually more difficult and I’ve found myself playing this game throughout the week during my commute even if it’s only for a 4 minute local train.
- Social Features – it’s becoming the norm for games to include some form of socialising method within the game. JellyBeans uses ScoreLoop to allow you to submit your scores to the leaderboards and view your score ranked against others (including global, country, friends and scores submitted in the last 24 hours)
- Pricing – at 99cents (60-70p?) is a fair price for the game. It seems to be a standard price for Android apps/games and this is the kind of game that’ll keep you occupied during those little moments of time that just aren’t long enough to get anything useful done in
The Bad
- no save games – the main thing lacking from JellyBeans is the ability to continue a game after you quit. Ideally I’d want to start a game, stop for whatever reason and then carry one where I left off. From the level of updates to other games HyperBees have published I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s one released for this game enabling game saves in the near future.
The Verdict
4.5/5
It’s a top game and probably the only one of it’s genre that I’d even consider playing thanks to it’s puzzle game mode. It’s professionally designed, developed and published at an affordable price. It’s an addictive little gem which has already proven to be very useful for a bit of a time waste.
Market Description:
JellyBalls is an eye-pleasing casual game where you pop same colour balls.
Enjoy multiple game modes and hours of gameplay. Compete with friends through global leaderboard. Includes 5 arcade and logical modes.
The classic favourite takes on a whole new dimension.
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
GAME: Fruit Ninja Out For Android!
32 years ago
by MrBrightside
in Applications
It’s not very often I post about individual apps or games, but this is a rare occurance on account of one of my favourite iOS games finally being released for Android. It’s called Fruit Ninja it’s just massive a frenzy of fruit slicing action. There’s no demo on the Market. but it’s worth trying at only $0.99 (60-70p?) – don’t hold it against me if you don’t like it!
Download (click the code if you’re reading on your phone)
Video
Screenshots
Application Recommendations: August 2010
112 years ago
by MrBrightside
in Applications
This is the first of a new series I’ll be writing which aims to introduce apps to MyHTCDesire readers. The apps will vary including new apps, useful apps and other apps that I feel deserve a mention. If you do discover any apps that you want me to include in the next article just get in touch using the contact details on the right!
If you’re using ChromeToPhone or FoxToPhone you can click any of the QR Codes to send the link to your phone, which opens up in the Market.
1. Springpad
Springpad makes it easy to save notes, products and places you want to remember
Author: Spring Partners, Inc.
Price: Free
My Review
Springpad let’s you keep track of pretty much everything! Whether it’s a movie you want to watch, a task you need to complete or even a shopping list, SpringPad manages everything with a great looking interface too. It keeps everything sync-ed with the springpad website, although you might want to make sure that any personal items are marked as private in the settings section of their website.
Market Description:
v. 1.0.12
* Adds support for Android 1.6 devices
Springpad saves the things you want to remember. Notes, tasks, lists, wines, recipes and more. Scan barcodes, take photos, search nearby places. Automatically organizes and enhances what you save with useful links. Syncs with springpadit.com for universal access.
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
2. psx4droid (PSX Emulator)
psx4droid is the famous PSX emulator for Android 2.x devices! Fast and featured!
Author: ZodTTD
Price: $5.99
My Review
This emulator lets you play SonyPlaystation games on your Android phone. When I orignally tried it with Crash Bandicoot 3 it was very slow, but I’ve since upgraded to the latest version and changed the framerate to 30fps and it seems to run a lot better – though it can lag at times. If you find your favourite games aren’t working then you might want to get a refund for now, but keep track of this app as I can only see it getting better!
Market Description:
psx4droid, the Sony Playstation (PSX/PS1) emulator for high-end Androids.
Fast and feature packed including:
- Uses formats BIN,ISO,IMG,PBP,Z,ZNX, and Eboot (compressed too)
- WiiMote controller works
- Trackball dpad
- Memory card & save states.
- Virtual control overlays
- Scaling modes
- more!
Thanks,
ZodTTD and yongzh
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
3. Kindle for Android
Kindle books on your phone including thousands of free books. No Kindle required
Author: Amazon Mobile
Price: Free
My Review
This is an app that I couldn’t live without. I use it everyday during the commute to Manchester and it has a massive collection including most of my favourite books. I’ve not yet found the Riddle Master of Hed on it, but I hope it’s only a matter of time until it arrives. I’ll admit I was a bit hesitant to switch to ebooks instead of physical books, but after reading through the first two I’ve gotten used to it and not looked back. I could go on about the advantages of ebooks, but this review’s about the app so I’ll stop here.
Market Description:
Read more than 630,000* Kindle books on your Android phone including thousands of free books. No Kindle required. Auto synchronizes your last page read between devices with Amazon Whispersync. Adjust the text size, color mode, and brightness.
1.0.3:Enables UK store
*If you are a non-US customer, book availability may vary
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
4. K-9 Mail
K-9 is the best email client for Android. It’s incredibly powerful and 100% free
Author: K-9 Dog Walkers
Price: Free
My Review
While the HTC Mail application is fantastic and I’m sure that a lot of people are happy with it, I needed an alternate mail so I could switch between custom ROMs (Sense-based and Sense-less) without the worry of having to setup all my mail accounts again (which there’s over 10 of). I can easily backup everything in K9 Mail and restore it in any ROM regardless of whether it has HTC Mail or not.
If you’re not happy with HTC Mail then this is definitely the next best thing.
Market Description:
New in 3.0: Copy & Paste, PGP support w/APG, Launcher shortcuts, Display of Emoji, Archive & Spam Buttons – More at: http://bit.ly/new_k9
K-9 Mail is an open-source e-mail client with search, push mail, multi-folder sync, flagging and refiling, signatures, bcc-self, configurable alerts and more! # K9 Mail
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
5. StumbleUpon
StumbleUpon is a discovery engine that finds the best of the web, just for you
Author: StumbleUpon.
Price: Free
My Review
If you’re ever looking for websites containing content you’re interested in, or if you’re just looking to browse the Internet aimlessly then StumbleUpon is for you. It presents you with recommended content based on your preferences, and it learns from your habits to make sure it’s only giving you relevant results.
Description:
StumbleUpon is a discovery engine that finds the best of the web, recommended just for you. Every time you click Stumble!, we’ll show you sites that have been selected based on your preferences and recommendations from millions of users who share your interests. So you see more of what you want and less of what you don’t.
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
6. Tumblr
Tumblr for Android. The easiest way to blog.
Author: Tumblr
Price: Free
My Review
If you’re on Tumblr then this app is perfect for you. I don’t use it myself (don’t have a Tumblr blog) but I’ve seen a friend using it to post up photos and videos taken with her phone to her blog. It has a really clean and simple interface and you can very easily create new posts for your blog.
Market Description:
Tumblr for Android. The easiest way to blog.
Features:
• Post to Tumblr. Support for Text, Photo, Link, Chat, Quote, Audio and Video. Set advanced post options and edit, too.
• Built-in Dashboard. View, like and reblog posts.
• View your blogs. See your posts, drafts and queue.
• Landscape support.
• Share menu support.
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
7. Laputa Book Reader
****
New Version: v3.0.3
Restart your device if the icon cannot be linked to your Laputa!
Bug Fixed!
Author: Laputa Team
Price: Free
My Review
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Kindle, then this is the closest thing. Although the catalog isn’t as big as Kindles, Laputa still has a huge collection of books where are all free to download. I actually started off with this before Kindle, and only switched after a few months when I’d read all the books I wanted to.
Market Description:
****
New Version: v3.0.3
Restart your device if the icon cannot be linked to your Laputa!
Bug Fixed!
****
Just the ibooks on Android
Improved points:
+ User Reading Experience
+ Flip Effect
+ More stable
New features:
+ Font Face
+ Gutenberg Project Supported
+ Manybook Supported
+ Full screen setting
Q? Mail us!
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
8. Searchify
Perform translation, calculation, unit conversion and more from the search box.
Author: Oliver Lan
Price: Free
My Review
Though it’s not one I use on a daily basis, this app definitely has some novelty value. It uses voice input for you to tell it what you want to convert, then it quickly interpretates and converts your input into the relevant output, be that unit conversion, calculation or language translation.
Market Description:
Searchify lets you perform translation, calculation, unit conversion, wikipedia search, calendar entry, calendar search and more just by typing into the quick search box or search widget.
Make sure you enable the app in your phone settings!
1.1.4: for Froyo, made keywords case-insensitive
Try my new app: Touch Calendar!
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Download
Introducing Google Voice Actions (the new Voice Search)
72 years ago
by MrBrightside
in Applications
Yesterday Google announced a new and improved version of the Voice Search application which is known being referred to as Google Voice Actions. As the new name suggests, it doesn’t only allow voice searching, but lets you perform lots of other actions with your phone too including:
- listen to music title/artist/album
- note to self note
- send text to recipient
- send email to recipient
- call recipient
- navigate to location
- directions to location
- map of location
- go to website URL
You can start using this straight away as the application should now be on the Android Market when you search for “Voice Search”. Here’s a QR code to help you out.
Direct link for mobile readers
Search Widget
To accompany this new app, Google have also launched a new Search Widget which you can also download right now from the Android Market:
Direct link for mobile readers
Bear in mind that you will need Froyo to be able to run this new app. Enjoy!
According to Google this is the start of small updates to the Android OS coming via the Market.
SHARE: Submit Your Favourite Games and Applications of July 2010
02 years ago
by MrBrightside
in Applications
It’s time to submit your favourite games and application to determine the entries for this months poll! It’s been a while since the polls were up and there’s been some great new additions to the Market – now’s the time you can share your discoveries with all the MyHTCDesire readers 
Just get a list of your top 10 games and apps and send them to me using the form below. Submissions will be accepted until the end of Sunday 18 July.
Voted has now ended and poll will be online shortly.
HOW TO: Play Games With ScummVM On Your HTC Desire
92 years ago
What We’re Going to Achieve
Sorry about blurriness, will have a try during the day to see if I can get it clearer. Actual graphics are much better – see screenshot at the end of this article!
What Is ScummVM?
ScummVM is an application that let’s you play certain PC games on alternate hardware (such as an Android phone). Examples of ScummVM compatible games include:
- Monkey Island Series
- Sam and Max Hit the Road
- Full Throttle
- Broken Sword 1 & 2
- and plenty more which you can see here
For this tutorial I’m using Broken Sword because I have the full trilogy to hand.
Prerequisites
- Firstly, make sure the game you want to play is supported by ScummVM by checking this page
- A copy of the game you want to play on your Desire (as mentioned, I’m using Broken Sword).
- A MicroSD card with at least 1GB free space. This depends on the game you want to use – Broken Sword takes 1.13GB and that’s 2 CDs
- At least 30MB free space on your phone
Downloads
- The latest ScummVM .apk file. I used this version but there are alternatives on the ScummVM for Android progress page
Instructions (click any of the images to enlarge)
- Install the ScummVM.apk file to your Desire. If you don’t know how to just use these simple instructions
- Connect your Desire to your computer in Disk Drive mode
- Insert the game CD into your computer’s DVD-drive
- On your SD card create a folder somewhere to store the game files. I just made a folder in the root called Broken Sword
- Go on the ScummVM datafiles page and find the section relating to the game you’re installing. It’ll show you the files to copy. For Broken Sword it has the following:
- *.clu
- swordres.rif
- MUSIC folder (Except 2M29.WAV in CD2)
- SMACKSHI folder
- SPEECH folder
- Rename speech.clu on CD1 to speech1.clu
- Rename speech.clu on CD2 to speech2.clu
- Copy the files it mentions from your game CD to the SD card. The CD contents are shown below:
- The contents of the Broken Sword folder on my SD card now look like this:
I copied the video folder over too, just to check if it would work – and it did!
Because it didn’t say “clusters folder” but did mention the *.clu files, I put the contents of the clusters folder in the main directory instead of a subfolder. Same with swordres.rif
I didn’t have a SMACKSHI folder so I ignored that - Once copied Safely Eject your SD card from computer, Unmount it by changing it to Charge Only mode
- Open ScummVM from your apps menu, and you’ll see the following:
- Press Add Game and scroll down, double-click sdcard (using trackpad or touchscreen), then find the folder where your game is stored
- Press Choose and a box showing details of your game will appear
- The main things to check here are:
- the name of your game is correct
- Under paths change the Save path to somewhere on your sdcard. I just saved in in my game folder.
- Press OK
- Press Start and if all’s gone well your game should load up!
Extra Info
The release I’ve used is 1.1.1-vorbis. This isn’t the final version and has a few bugs. Before attempting this tutorial check the downloads page if a newer version is available.
One of the main bugs in this version is that each time you start the app you have to add the game again (steps 10-13). As long as you save your game you can still carry on where you left off.
FAQs
- The ScummVM menu screen keeps flickering in the background
A. Press the Home button to go to your homescreen. Hold down the Home button and switch back to ScummVM. The flickering should have stopped - How Do I Change the Volume?
A. The volume keys don’t seem to respond within ScummVM. Just press Home to go to homescreen. Use the volume rocker (it should change the Media Volume) then switch back to ScummVM. Additionally, there’s also some volume settings within ScummVM if you press the Menu button during the game and go on Options. - I’ve noticed that there are some ScummVM game plugins in the Market for various games. Do I need them?
A. As far as I’m aware, no. I’ve tried running Broken Sword without the plugin and it still appears to work. If your game doesn’t seem to be working properly then try download the plugin and see if it helps.
GAMES: Top 10 Desire Games (June 2010)
32 years ago
by MrBrightside
in Applications
Introduction
Thanks to everyone who voted in the games poll last week. Here’s a summary of the results:
Results
#1 – Robo Defense
Price: FREE/$2.99
Size: 1.9MB
Market Link: free or full
AndroLib Link: free version / full version
Description:
Robo Defense is the ultimate portable tower defense experience. Featuring open maps, upgrades, achievements and nice graphics.
Screenshot and QR Code:
#2 – Asphalt 5
Price: £5.00
Size: 13.6MB
Market Link: Coming soon (Gameloft link)
AndroLib Link: Link
Description:
Asphalt is rocketing onto Android! Get behind the wheel of the best vehicles from prestigious manufacturers (Lamborghini, Kawasaki, Ford, etc) and make a name for yourself in amazing 3D surroundings.
Screenshot and QR Code:
#3 – Snesoid (SNES Emulator)
Price: FREE/$3.98
Size: 846kb
Market Link: Free version or Full version
AndroLib Link: Free / Full
Description:
SNesoid is the famous Super Nintendo emulator for Android.
- On-screen translucent keypad with all controls! You can customize almost everything (size, transparency, layout)
- Very fast
- Run nearly all games (eg. Mario RPG, StarFox)
- Save states
- Cheats
- Super scope
- Flip screen to put d-pad at left hand
Screenshot and QR Code:
#4 – Let’s Golf
Price: £5.00
Size: -
Market Link: unavailable
Official Link: Link
Description:
Discover a fun atmosphere making golf accessible to anyone with 63 holes in 4 environments in 3D and 4 characters to customize.
- 63 holes in 4 distinct locations remodelled in 3D: Fiji Beach, the American Mountains, the English Countryside, and Scottish Lochs.
- 4 cool and animated characters customizable with your own style. Each player has unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Controls adaptable to anyone: Advanced mode plays like a sports simulation game, and you can even add spin to the ball. Casual mode for easy fun and fewer bogies (but no, it won’t let you cheat).
Screenshot (via Gameloft) and QR Code:
#5 – Toss It
Price: FREE/£2.99
Size: 3.0MB/5.8MB
Market Link: Free or Full
AndroLib Link: Free version / Full version
Description:
Simple but surprisingly addictive time-waster. Toss a ball of crumpled paper into a waste bin.
Have got an old phone you no longer need? You can toss it too! But watch out for grumpy passersby.
Real physics engine is employed. Enjoy!
Screenshot and QR Code:
#6 – ShootU!
Price: FREE/$2.99
Size: 3.1MB
Market Link: Free or Full
AndroLib Link: Free version / Full version
Description:
Hand-drawing style physics game. All you need to do is shooting the little guy to hit the star, simple? We’ll see who is on the global ranking board.
New feature! Put your friends (or your enemies) face on a ragdoll by importing images from your SD card.
Screenshot and QR Code:
#7 – SpeedX 3D
Price: £0.99
Size: 3.0MB
Market Link: Click here
AndroLib Link: Link
Description:
Speedx delivers a stunning 3D accelerometer controlled tunnel experience. Test your reflex in an ultimate speed challenge with smooth 3D graphics. Compete with others through a global online highscore board, share your score on fb or twitter
Screenshot and QR Code:
Note: This game was too fast to get an in-game screenshot!
#8 – Homerun Battle 3D
Price: FREE/$4.99
Size: 18.4MB/17.6MB
Market Link: Free or Full
Description:
HOMERUN BATTLE 3D DOES! Play ONLINE match up & go head-to-head against the world’s best BASEBALL SLUGGERS.
Winner of Best Sports Game of 2009 from Best App Ever, IGN.com and Touch Arcade.
Screenshot and QR Code:
#9 – Replica Island
Price: FREE
Size: 4.9MB
Market Link: Click here
AndroLib Link: Link
Description:
Professor Kabochanomizu needs your help! He has created you–a small green robot with rockets for feet–to locate a mysterious artifact on a bizarre island. Fly, stomp, and roll your way through 40 challenging levels to 3 unique endings!
Screenshot and QR Code:
#10 – What the Doodle!?
Price: FREE/£2.99
Size: 887kb/4.6MB
Market Link: Free or Full
AndroLib Link: Free version / full version
Description:
Winner of Android Developer Challenge 2!
‘WTD!?’ is a real-time online multiplayer draw-guess game that features a variety of game modes, social features + more!
Screenshot and QR Code:
The Runners Up
- Speed Forge 3D – free / full
- Raging Thunder – link (2 versions available)
- Farm Frenzy – free/ full
- Gensoid (Genesis/Megadrive Emulator) – free / full
- Fish Food – free
- Caligo Chaser – free / full
- Totemo – free / full
- WordWrench – free / full
- PuzzleBlox – free / full
- ToonWarz – free / full
Credits
A special thank you to every single reader who voted, and who took the time out to email me their favourite games and applications
VOTE: Top 10 Desire Games (June 2010)
12 years ago
by MrBrightside
in Applications
First of all, thanks to everyone who submitted their game lists to me. I managed to work out which were the most popular games, and now it’s time for all you readers to vote for your favourites. Voting ends next Friday evening (11 June 2010) and the results will be published over the weekend.
Just use the poll below, and remember you can choose upto 10 games:
Loading ...Thanks for voting
