Barnes and Noble’s Nook Ecosystem – Totally Broken?

Author: JoshMiller

Nov 29

Ok, so I have no idea how the Kindle works, it may have the same issues I am going to touch on here.  I have a Nook.  i like my Nook.  I like the interface with the little touch screen instead of the doofy keyboard.  I feel like Amazon, as much as I buy from them, is sort of the Wal-mart of the internet and may have dodgy overall quality.  I like supporting Barnes and Noble as a book seller.  i like that the Nook feels more open since I buy books from Smashwords and Kobo and other stores. 

I like my Nook.

I HATE the Nook Ecosystem.  It seems like something B&N could very very easily improve which would give them a strong edge in the market.  The main thing we need is easy syncing between devices.

I only own one Nook but I do have the B&N Nook software on my PC.  For reasons I can’t understand no matter how hard I try, I cannot create virtual shelves in the desktop software the way I can on the Nook itself.  I open Nook for PC and all I get is a massive grid of all of my books with tiny useless thumbnails.  Hovering over a book for a few seconds makes this ugly popup appear.

USELESS

Seriously, get some UI people on this software because IT SUCKS. 

My biggest complaint is the shelves, and doing a simple search on the subject shows I am nowhere near the only one with this problem.  At the very least, a lot of people us shelves for “Currently Reading” and ‘”Finished”.  I tend to get more granular but frankly, there isn’t any reason not to do user defined shelves.

Even better, these shelves should sync.  There is NO EXCUSE for this not being implemented this far into the life cycle of this device.  It is an extremely simple thing to do.  Sync one tiny file to and from the deceive/program as it loads up,  Easy.  Want to keep it simple, resolve any difference conflict with whichever is newer.  Yeah, once in a while someone may get screwed but whatever, it’s better than NOTHING.

The main reason this would be useful is that sorting on the Nook is an atrocious chore.  Not so much due to the interface but simply that the nature of the eInk makes doing anything on the device slow.  It’s great for reading which is a slow process.  When you’re trying to move 100 books around into sorted shelves, well, it sucks.

My only other real complaint, which is much much lower on the list, acknowledge that other places sell eBooks and let me lump them all together.  Preferably with the same synced shelves.  I realize you can’t sync my Kobo books but flipping between my B&N library and My Documents is a needless chore.

Barnes and Noble, I get why you do this, you want people to buy only from your store.  Great.  I kind of prefer to buy from you anyway for the fact that it’s convenient, though honestly, I also prefer NOT to because you still have DRM on everything and you still don’t allow your coupons to be used on eBooks.  Even if you threw your customers a bone once a month for 20% off I can pretty much guarantee my book purchases would increase 100% or more.

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Filed under: 2011, eBooks | Tagged as: , , , , ,

How to Get the Amazon AppStore on an AT&T Device

Author: JoshMiller

Mar 23

Yesterday, Amazon launched it’s Amazon AppStore for Android phones.  My original thoughts when this was rumored to be coming was “Big Wup”.  I mean really, what is Amazon going to offer that Google itself isn’t going to offer?  Well, “free stuff” is a hugely compelling thing that Amazon could offer to make we want to use their AppStore.  They also have a paid version of Angry Birds available which, presumably, would be ad free.  I don’t think I mentioned it on this blog but Angry Birds’ Ads almost break several levels since they cover part of the screen and make it hard to time certain attacks.

The problem I quickly discovered was that for some reason AT&T android Devices are not supported by the Amazon AppStore.  My first instinct was “well, I guess I’ll have to Root my phone”.  Rooting is basically the same as the iPhone term “Jailbreaking” which means to unlock the junk your carrier locked up.  The term “rooting” is a reference to the Linux “root” user which is essentially the super user with access to everything.

It turns out that I don’t need to Root my phone after all.  I’ve summarized how to get the Amazon AppStore working on an AT&T Android Phone.  It is adapted from this thread in the Android Central forums though I’ll add a few details I’ve ironed out through actively doing the process.  You will need to register for the Android Central forums to get the software needed for this procedure.

Firstly, download the Appstore APK file to your PC.  You can get it here.  You may have already downloaded this on your phone and gotten an error message about not being allowed to install it.  if you want to hassle with digging this copy off your phone you can but it ultimately needs to be on your PC so you may as well just download it again.  Also of note, an APK file is essentially an Android install file.  It’s similar to an EXE in Windows or if you want a better analogy, it’s more like a Linux RPM Package.

Next download the Android Central Sideloading Wonder Machine.  It’s a zip file.  Open it, drop the folder inside named AC-SWM.  Drag and drop it on your desktop for now.  If you want later you can sort it off somewhere else but you’ll need to know where you put it if you want to make shortcuts to the launcher or run it from another location in the future.  I’m not getting into the details of sorting Windows files here. 

Third step here, this may already be done.  Install the sync software for your phone.  If you’re more technical like I am you probably tend to throw these disks in a drawer somewhere and disregard them as not necessary.  If you really want to get technical you don’t need the software, you just need the driver from your phone which is probably on the disc.  If you’re not sure what I’m talking about drivers etc, just install the software off the CD that came with your device.  If you don’t have the CD, open Google.com, in the search box type <Device Name Here> drivers.  Chances are the first result will be the manufacturer’s page where you can download the software.  For example, since I didn’t have my disc with me I searched for ‘HTC inspire Drivers” and the first result was HTC’s website.

Now, this may vary on your phone slightly.  You need to enable USB Debugging under Menu –> Settings –>Applications –> Development –> Enable USB debugging.  I have not found any trouble in simply leaving this on with normal charging or USB Drive mode so I’d say just leave it on.

Now, using the USB cable for your phone, hook the phone to the computer.  For my Inspire, when I connect it, I have to chose which mode.  This works in Sync mode.  EDIT: Nevermind, it works in Drive Mode, just connect in Drive mode, get the .apk off and then move on to running the Sideloader.  Also of note during this process, you may get some complaints from the native sync software about loss of connections.  Just ignore this.  Basically, the Sideloader is taking control of the pipe.

Now, go tot he folder we created on the desktop earlier, AC-SWM.  There should be some files there including AndroidCentral-SWM.exe.  Now we have to move the AppStore apk file to the same folder as the Sideloader.  Unless you saved it elsewhere, it’s probably in your downloads folder.  Hit Start, then either My Documents (XP) or select your Username (Vista, Win 7).  Then go to the Downloads folder.  Find the file in the downloads, it’s called Amazon_Appstore-release.apk.  Drag and drop this from the Downloads window to the AC-SWM folder.

Next Double click AndroidCentral-SWM.exe.  You’ll get the following Window:
 ScreenShot048 
Select “Choose a file”, then select the Amazon.apk file.  Now select “Go”.  You’ll see a DOS style text window show up.  You’ll know it’s going to work if you get an ID code in the middle area of the box.  You’ll need to press Enter a few times and the DOS window will close.  The Amazon App Store should now appear in your list of Applications.

The slight bit of hassle now comes when you get a new App through the store so until it becomes natively supported, I recommend buying or getting most apps through the native store.  As for paying for Apps, there are up and downsides on this.  On one hand, this may not always work so you may lose access to the apps you’ve bought.  On the other hand, you still own the apps and there are signs pointing to this becoming a legit outlet for Apps on AT&T so you should still be able to keep the stuff you buy.

Anyway, loading the Apps themselves have to be done essentially the same way using the Android Central Sideloading Wonder Machine.  The key is how to get the apps themselves. 

First, you go through the App store on your phone and purchase the app as you normally would.  After it downloads you’ll get the message about how it can’t be installed for security reasons etc.  Now, hook the Device up to your PC in Drive Mode and open it up in Explorer.  Navigate to the folder Android –> data –> com.amazon.venezia –> cache.  Inside should be your .apk file.  If not you may need to redownload it.  It will have a funny name, for example, the Angry Birds RIO Free App from the launch day has the file name, vnz20746.apk.  Drag and drop this file from the Phone into the AC-SWM folder mentioned earlier.  I’ve found that the .apk files must be in the same folder as the Sideloader Program. 

Now all that’s left is to follow the same steps listed above starting below the graphic from when you loaded the AppStore.  The difference of course is that you’ll select this new .apk file instead of the AppStore.apk file we used earlier.  EDIT NOTE: I’ve only ever seen one .APK file in this folder, I suspect that the AppStore only cache one download at a time.  So you may have to download an app, load it, then download another app.  You can buy more than one app since the store keeps track of everything you own.

UPDATE AGAIN: So I tested this out.  After installing an app, the appstore removes the temporary .apk files.  So download all you want at once.  The real problem comes when you try to figure out which is which based on the cryptic file names.  On this note as well, I’ve also tested out renaming the files.  You may rename the files to something meaningful for archival/storage purposes.  Even files with spaces will still work in the AC-SWM program though you do need to keep the .apk file extension.

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Filed under: 2011, Phones and Mobile Devices | Tagged as: , , , , , , , ,

One of My More Fruitless Projects…

Author: JoshMiller

Nov 18

If I earned a nickel for everything I’ve ever created that no one else cares about I’d probably be about to earn another nickel with this next post.

Anyway, one of my many pet projects has been setting up a private internet radio stream.  I actually toyed with the idea for a bit of building a small FM transmitter and going full on Pirate Radio but I decided that the current state of media doesn’t necessitate the need for radio waves when the internet is right there just waiting with a much broader reach.  The real issue is that it mostly just reaches me.

The nice part is, I don’t really mind.

I plan to put up a little page for Lameazoid Radio, but I’m still fleshing out the details.  A few people know the URL of the stream (hint: stream DOT) but I have no idea if they remember it and I doubt anyone listens.  I suppose the question is, why would anyone want to listen?  Can’t you get the same thing from your iPod?

This question includes myself.  Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to just load up the iPod and let it rip?  I do have some answer to this.  For example, my iPod isn’t large enough to hold my entire music library if I want it to.  It also is incredibly poor at shuffling music in a meaningful manner.  The Radio Automation software I’m using lets me sort things into nice themed play rotations.  i can interject little funny clips in at intervals as well to help break up the flow. 

I also run a lot of Podcasts.  The problem with using the iPod for Podcasts is that when it’s in my iTunes library, waiting to be played, I feel obligated to listen.  If it’s out of my control and playing on it’s own I can forgive and forget the playout if I miss one or come in partway through and leave early.  It’s expected I guess with radio that I may miss something.  It’s basically a subtle psychological point that works behind the scenes.

Anyway, I’ve managed to work the kinks out of the automated updates on Podcasts which leaves a few other projects that I want to implement on the table. 

First, I need to record some promos.  I want to make a few music based tags and a few others promoting the shows on the stream.  This basically requires time and a microphone.

Second I need to finish fleshing out the lineup.  I want to run new shows 7 days a week at 4 and 7.  I’ve got both slots about half filled now.  I also would like to find another short bit repeating news segment to compliment Tech 5 which plays every hour where there isn’t a show right now.

I also need to come up with something for the over night.  It’s likely no one will ever listen in the overnight so just running music all night is the easiest bet but I do like the idea of having some sort of “programming” there.  I’m thinking of pushing some audiobooks or something for lengthy periods but missing part of an audiobook is worse than missing part of a podcast.  I’m also thinking of compiling together my longform Techno mixes and running those.  Also possible some concerts in order.  Basically I’m looking to run longer blocks of related content in the overnight.

Thirdly i want to add Live Reporting.  I’ve set up Skype on this PC with auto answer for known callers.  This means i can call in and it’ll pick up.  Right now doing this kills the stream audio and it doesn’t return.  I have some software (freeware) that I believe I can use to create a gate that will shut off the stream when a call comes in and then resume it afterwards.  This would mean if I wanted to do “live reporting (to no one) I could call in through Skype on my phone.  Or better yet, if say, the GNR crew wanted to broadcast live they would simply call into the Skype and it would play.  On top of this I want to set up Skype to auto record and possibly auto rotate these short news bits.

Finally, at least on the list now, is to set up an automatic “now playing” Tweet.  I’m not sure the best way to accomplish this yet though the software does support a now playing.txt that is used by Icecast to set the title.  What wil be more likely is I’ll set up timed tweets for the time each show starts, like on @lameazoid.

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Automatic Updating of New Podcasts with Radio DJ

Author: JoshMiller

Nov 16

That has to be one of the lamest topics I’ve ever made for a blog post but it’s at least descriptive.

This is a short guide for users of the Free RadioDJ software who want to automate the process of adding new podcasts to the rotation.  This is mildly complicated but not overly so and it does require the use of outside programs to make it work.  For this example, I’ll be using the NoAgenda podcast.

The first thing you’ll need is a pod catching program.  I use gPodder but if you have a preferred alternative you can use whatever you like.  The key here is that the program needs to download the files into one regular location that you can reference with some batch files.

For those who are less familiar with the old school DOS environment and batch files, basically, a batch file, or .bat is a file which contains command line commands which will be executed in order.  It’s similar to making scripts in Linux only for Windows/DOS.  For simplicity, I recommend making a single .bat file for each show you want to run and naming them something like renameSHOW.bat.  I keep mine in the c: Root directory but you can put them in a folder somewhere if you’d like.  It’s probably better to try to keep all files in folders without spaces since DOS and the command line can get funny when spaces are involved.  This goes for your downloaded Podcasts as well.

To change the default download directory in gPodder, right click a Podcast and change the name description to one without spaces.  For example, if the default picked up is “No Agenda”, change it to “NoAgenda”.  For other programs you’ll have to figure this out on your own.

Next, create a batch file.  If you have file extensions turned on you can right click in the c:\ directory and do a “Create new –> Text File” then name it, for example “renamenoagenda.bat”  Alternately, simply open up Notepad, then save as “renamenoagenda.bat” in the appropriate directory.

Edit the file with Notepad or any preferred basic ASCII editor.  Add the lines shown below.

if exist d:\Podcasts\NoAgenda\noagenda*.mp3 del d:\Podcasts\NoAgenda\naradio.mp3

rename d:\Podcasts\NoAgenda\noagenda*.mp3 naradio.mp3

You’ll want to replace the paths in this manner. “d:\Podcasts\Noagenda\ is the directory where the Podcasts are stored.  This will be dependant on your program and settings.  I have a second drive in my Pc where I store all the music RadioDJ uses.

“noagenda*.mp3” is the generic name of what’s downloaded by gPodder.  Each episode is something like “Noagenda-Episode-Date-Whatever.mp3.  They ALL start with “noagenda” and all end with “.mp3”.  using this will pick any episodes in the directory.

The file “naradio.mp3” is the file used by RadioDJ.  It is a generic file that RadioDj has in it’s list and it is of the type “Variable Length Audio”.  This will make RadioDJ get the length when it goes to play this file.  i use this format “radioXXXX".mp3” for simplicity.  For example, I’m also rotating FLOSS Weekly, which is called “radiofw.mp3”.  The key here is that the file CANNOT have the same starting name as the downloaded podcasts.  If I were to call it “noagendageneric.mp3” for example, then it would be picked up by the “noagenda*.mp3” call which would screw everything up.

Now, the essense of what this file is doing. 

if exist d:\Podcasts\NoAgenda\noagenda*.mp3 del d:\Podcasts\NoAgenda\naradio.mp3

 

This line says “if there is a file named noagenda*.mp3*, then delete the generic file.  I had trouble originally because I simply had the .bat delete the generic file.  This presents and issue if a Podcast has not been updated and there is not a new file to replace it.

rename d:\Podcasts\NoAgenda\noagenda*.mp3 naradio.mp3

This line says “Rename noagenda*.mp3 to the generic file.”  This will create the new generic file that Radio DJ will use.  Also of note, this will “consume” the new episode.  This whole process requires that there is only one new episode.  if you’re clever this script COULD be adopted to create a series of rotating episodes.  I’m not going to get into that detail here however.  Essentially it would be a series of scripts that run daily.

Which brings up the next step.  You’ve created a batch file, now you need to schedule it to run using Windows task scheduler.  Simply set it up to run as needed.  For example, i run new episodes at 7PM, so i run the file at 6:30 PM on the day it’s needed.  The changes are essentially instantaneous so i could run them as 6:59 if I wanted.  I also have a short new segment which runs hourly.  This one runs at 4AM.

The thing that will sort of break this is if the downloaded new episodes do not use a regular file name.  Also if your Podcast feed isn’t updated in time.  The result hwoever will be that the generic file won’t change and an old episode will run in it’s place, so at least something should run.

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COMODO EasyVPN

Author: JoshMiller

Jan 22

You always hear about good programs, why arent’t here more negative reviews of these things? I guess it’s hard to rip on a free program. You didn’t pay for it, it didn’t cost anything other than time to use it, why bad mouth it?

And why should I really? On the other hand, maybe there’s ome hope that the creator fo the program will hear and may look into some of the issues that a user has had. This free program, EasyVPN (Free for personal use) is one that I’ve had issus with lately. So I’m removing it.

This program will create a “Virtual” VPN connection betwen two computers. Hey, you just said “Virtual Virtual Private Network, isn’t that some sort of double negative style issue?” Maybe so, but that’s the best term for it. Generally a “real” VPN involves two firewalls, or a firewall and a program. The point is, at some point is a piece of physical hardware that manages this thing. This is two pieces of software that communicate over a 3rd party’s management.

I’ve used a few solutions similar to this, the problem is, they often don’t quite serve the same need as efficiently. For example, I use Live Mesh for syncing files in real time between several machines. It’s great for backing up as well. I use Sync Toy at hoem to make back ups of the “My Documents” folders on my PC to a secondary larger hard drive.

I picked up EasyVPN for one purpose. I wanted to sync my iTunes library between two PCs (work and home) using SyncToy. With EasyVPN, I could map shared folders between these two machines over the internet securely. The sync can be a bit slow since there’s some delay in the folder scanning across the internet so I set it up to run in the middle of the night.

The problem is, for whatever reason, the connection seemed to break every night. I’d wake up and find that SyncToy was sitting on my desktop telling me that it had failed to run. Neither machine is set to go to sleep or anything since I strongly dislike “Sleep Mode” and “Standby Mode” so that’s not part of the issue. IT’s just a straight reset of some kind, every evening.

So I’m dumping it. I’ve used LogMeIn.com’s Hamachi in the past and will probaly go back to using this since it works better anyway. I just was hoping for a slightly more efficient solution. Why iTunes doesn’t let you do this on it’s own (or just allow you to sync an iPod to more than one library) is beyond my comprehension. Part of that annoying “Apple Control” issue.

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