Turn On Your PC Using NFC

Most of the Android phones have NFC – near field connection. This astounds some of the wireless connection available like infrared or even bluetooth. Currently, it is mainly used for transferring files from a mobile phone to another mobile phone or even share screens to the nearby TV or computer. But wouldn’t it be nice if you can turn off the AC, change the channels in your television or even turn on your computer?

Before you celebrate of having an NFC-enabled mobile phone  according Tim, check your LAN of your PC if it accepts Wake on LAN packages first. If you are running Windows 7, go to Network Center and choose Change Adapters Settings. Choose the network adapter that is connected to the hardwire. Right-click on it and click Properties.

Also, you need to download some applications in Playstore:
WoL (Wake on LAN)
Tasker
NFC Task Launcher
– an NFC equipped phone (in my case a Nexus 4).
– NFC tags (i used NTAG203’s)
-WoL Wake On Lan Play Store
-Tasker Play Store
-NFC Task Launcher Play Store

Open a command prompt. Type ipconfig /all and write down all the required details from your Ethernet card such as the IP address and MAC address.

After downloading Wake on LAN, open it on your phone. Add a new configuration.

Choose the name of the configuration you want to choose. Make sure that is easy to remember because you are going to need it later. Fill in the details of the IP and MAC addresses. Check Send as Broadcast in case that the IP address changes. Save it.

Shut-down your PC to test that you have correctly configured WOL. Now, we have to configure your NFC, that’s why I asked you to download Tasker.

Open Tasker and create a new task. Name it “Wake PC”. Add a new action to this and select the plugin needed: choose the correct PC in Wake on LAN.

Allow Tasker to be accessed by other programs. Tap on Settings and then Preferences. Select Allow External Access.

Open NFC Task Launcher. Create a new NFC task. Then, tap on the plus button and scroll down until you see the Tasker. Put a check on the tasker option.

Tap on Next then click on the magnifying glass. Choose the selected task to add to the task. Tap on the arrow to the right and then scan the NFC tag to write the profile onto it.

Ubuntu Edge

I am a big fan of Canonical software, as a matter of fact, if it is not just for my photo editing software, I am already running on Ubuntu. Must to say that I keep a stock of the updated version of Ubuntu OS just to keep in handy, especially that I can boot from a flash drive. But putting your Android phone in a spectacular Ubuntu version makes your data very mobile.

And so, if this is going to be available soon to the public, I might consider getting one.

As explained, this is going to be a limited edition. So all those who pledged will get an hands on experience of this new innovation. From the looks of it, as listed on the specifications below, this is going to be a powerful phone. With the requirements needed to flash a desktop in a mobile device require a pretty hefty list of good hardware details to produce a mobile-desktop OS convergence.

[blockquote align=”left” cite=”Indiegogo Ubuntu Edge” citeLink=”http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ubuntu-edge”%5D

• Dual boot Ubuntu mobile OS and Android
• Fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
• Fastest multi-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
• Micro-SIM
• 4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD sapphire crystal display
• 8mp low-light rear camera, 2mp front camera
• Dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
• GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
• Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
• 11-pin connector providing simultaneous MHL and USB OTG
• 3.5mm jack
• Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
• 64 x 9 x 124mm

[/blockquote]

Instagram May Use Your Photo

Instagram

Instagram has always been close to my heart in terms of photo sharing because it is very flexible, mobile and offers a lot of a few good filters. Besides, some people post their faces on IG because they look better in non-HD format. Haha.

I never had the explore the wonders of Instagram when it was starting because I gave up on my iPhone 3G a few years ago. The processor was too slow and when I held my hands on Android, I fell in love with it instantly. Too bad that Instagram was only offered to Android users recently.

With much enthusiasm in mobile photography, I think I have captured more than 1,300 photos to date and it is expected to reach 1,500 before the year ends. That’s how much I take photos!

On the other hand, with the recent acquisition of Facebook, Instagram released a new set of privacy policy which stirred some online controversy. Why are people disturbed by this? Should you be concerned?

The new policy will start on January 16 of 2013. If you don’t delete your account before that date, Instagram can use your photo and will have the rights to yours in perpetuity – Instagram does not claim your photos but you are agreed that you give them rights to yours. All other legal stuff are posted on their legal page – read further.

For a normal person, I don’t think I would mind regardless if I am not paid for this. But there are sensitive privacy issues that may arise if your personal photo is used for public.

PS, this will only apply to the photos posted when the policy is in effect.

iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S III

When Apple launched iPhone 5, I was tuned live via posts from Engadget.

iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S III

Looking forward for better features that Apple can offer, it lacked big time. I was an Apple iPhone 3G user the first month it was released in the Philippines. Currently, I am using an almost 2-year old HTC Desire HD and along with it, I have an iPad 2 Wifi only. Having these both OS’s, I can really compare what they offer and their limitations.

As a very tech-informed person, I will always go forth open source – Android. Looking at the lists above that Samsung has released, not just to boast that it has a longer list because they enumerated the added features, the new additions on Apple iPhone 5 have been like existing on mobile Android products for like, errm, months ago?

Nonetheless, it was really Apple that changed how smartphones revolve the lifestyle of modern people. The key? User interface – iOS.

The reason I wrote this was not to discourage people in getting iPhone. If it is their preference to get an Apple product which I firmly say, it is overpriced, then, go for it! The real reason is I want a new phone soon! Hahaha!