Using Heimdall MacOS to Install Stock ROM on Galaxy S2

I have always played with my Samsung Handsets (Rooting, Multi-Booting, trying different ROMs) using the standard Odin software on Windows. Somehow have never loved the easy life on Windows and always fancied to work on the Macintosh OS (Being from a Unix Background, I liked it even more). I own an Apple MacBook Air, and have been doing a lot of stuff lately using it.

The latest was trying to install the stock rom on my Galaxy S2. The steps I followed will be briefed in the below blog.

Pre-requisites

1- Samsung S2 phone (Or any other phone model)
2- USB Cable
3- Battery at-least 50% charged
4- Download the required Stock Rom (can use http://stockroms.net)
5- Install heimdall-suite-1.4.0-mac.dmg on your Mac. Download here

In my case I downloaded ICS Stock Rom for Galaxy S2


Step 1 : Connect your phone

A- Open Heimdall
B- Connect the USB cable on the phone
C- Restart the phone in download mode (Vol Down + Power + Home)
D- Vol UP to continue download mode
E- In Heimdall GUI, click on Utilities
F- Click on detect on the top left. The output should say "Device detected", if not, repeat the steps again from B.

Step 2 : Download the current PIT file.

If you need to save your current partition instruction table, you have to create a PIT file of the current set up.

A - Follow step 1 to connect phone
B- Once device is connected, in Utilities screen, click on save as.
C- Give a path where you want to save the PIT file
D- Click on download. This will download the pit file on the location you mention. If it hangs in the process anywhere, repeat the steps and try

Output Screen Heimdall+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Successful Rom Updates using Macbok - Heimdall

Heimdall v1.4.0

Copyright (c) 2010-2013, Benjamin Dobell, Glass Echidna
http://www.glassechidna.com.au/

This software is provided free of charge. Copying and redistribution is
encouraged.

If you appreciate this software and you would like to support future
development please consider donating:
http://www.glassechidna.com.au/donate/

Initialising connection...
Detecting device...
Claiming interface...
Setting up interface...

Initialising protocol...
Protocol initialisation successful.

Beginning session...

Some devices may take up to 2 minutes to respond.
Please be patient!

Session begun.

Downloading device's PIT file...
PIT file download successful.

Output Ends++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Step 3 : Installing the ROM

The ROM you download, should have the below mentioned files to continue install

A - Follow Step 1 and Step 2 above

B- Click on Flash in Heimdall GUI frontend

C- Browse the PIT which you downloaded in Step 2, Once you do that the partition name field gets active

D- Select Partition name and assign respective files from the ROM which you need to install e.g

BOOT=boot.bin

CACHE=cache.img

FACTORYFS=factoryfs.img

HIDDEN=hidden.img

MODEM=modem.bin

PARAM=param.lfs

SB1=SbI.bin

KERNEL=zimage

E- Then click start. The magic will begin. Post install the phone will reboot, and Heimdall GUI fronted will look as below :

Output Screen Heimdall+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Successful Rom Updates using Macbok - Heimdall

Heimdall v1.4.0

Copyright (c) 2010-2013, Benjamin Dobell, Glass Echidna
http://www.glassechidna.com.au/

This software is provided free of charge. Copying and redistribution is
encouraged.

If you appreciate this software and you would like to support future
development please consider donating:
http://www.glassechidna.com.au/donate/

Initialising connection...
Detecting device...
Claiming interface...
Setting up interface...

Initialising protocol...
Protocol initialisation successful.

Beginning session...

Some devices may take up to 2 minutes to respond.
Please be patient!

Session begun.

Uploading BOOT
0%
100%

BOOT upload successful

Uploading SBL1
0%
80%
100%

SBL1 upload successful

Uploading PARAM
0%
94%
100%

PARAM upload successful

Uploading KERNEL
0%
12%
25%
37%
50%
62%
75%
87%
100%

KERNEL upload successful

Uploading CACHE
0%
5%
10%
16%
21%
27%
32%
38%
43%
49%
54%
60%
65%
71%
76%
82%
87%
93%
98%
100%

CACHE upload successful

Uploading MODEM
0%
8%
16%
24%
33%
41%
49%
58%
66%
74%
83%
91%
99%
100%

MODEM upload successful

Uploading FACTORYFS
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FACTORYFS upload successful

Uploading HIDDEN
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HIDDEN upload successful

Ending session...
Rebooting device...
Releasing device interface...

Output Ends++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Enjoy Flashing your handset.... Cheers.

ASUS Transformer TF300T not powering on

Incase you own an ASUS Transformer (probably should be applicable on other android tabs as well) , and wondering why your tab doesn't power on when you left it unused for a while, then this is how you can fix it.

You need to follow the hard reset procedure to get it back alive.

Steps to reset :

1. Press the power button (Top Left)
2. Press the volume rocker (down) which is on the Left side of the tab when you are looking at the screen.

Keep holding 1 & 2 for a couple of seconds, and then you should soon see a booting screen of ASUS showing up on the screen.

I am not sure of why this happens though, but my understanding is that it happens generally when there is some corrupt data loaded in the cache of the tablet.

Hope this helps.

Understanding Android / S2 Camera Settings

Below is what all I learn't & read exploring different options in my Samsung Galaxy S2 (ICS).

Sharing it with you guys as this might be helpful. Let me know if you have anything more to share as tips and tricks or also if you have anything else to add below.

Below are some options which are used in S2 phones / rather are common with most of the camera's so are basics :

1. ISO Settings  : Higher ISO setting in darker Light, you get faster shutter speeds.
2. Auto Contrast : Should be ON when you are capturing pictures in bright day.
3. Outdoor Visibility : Should be ON when you are capturing pictures in bright day.
4. Exposure Value : Refers to the total amount of light that hits the image sensor when taking a photo. This can be tweaked as per you desire and experiment
5. Resolution : Keep resolution highest for high quality images, downside is the image size is more, but who cares, we already have alot of space on our phone ';-)
6. Metering : Metering is helpful if your subject is lighted differently than the rest of the shot, such as if your subject matter is in bright light while the rest of the shot is in shadows.
7. Tap To Focus : When shooting into a crowd or other busy backgrounds, zero in on your “target” to capture precise focus on your subject matter. Locking in focus with the green square indicator will also help you avoid blurry images.

Full HD Videos :

You might or rather would say I am sure many of the android users, specially on Galaxy S2, are facing issues creating full HD videos using the stock camera.

While making your video, you will see your video going blurred many times in between in dim light, the reason of this blurness is actually that the autofocus tries to focus back again and again in dim light.This lead to an intermittent blurness in the video, and frustration that you never get a clear HD video.

Samsung is aware of the issue, but still couldn't come out with a fix yet. I ain't aware if it did recently.

You can fix this by installing "lgCamera" app on your mobile, and use it over stock for recording videos. I tested it, it works fine.In fact the video quality, I found it better using this app.

Just try and post your experience.

Review : Samsung Galaxy SII

Now this coloumn is going to be one of the most controversial one's which may lead to a debate between my apple lover friends and others including me :-)..

Well I rate them both equal, it actually depends if you want to work hard for freedom of usage of your smartphone (and pay for every good thing,iOS).. or just work smart to get things work as you want on your smartphones (Mostly free on Android).

I was looking out for a phone for myself, I had all options because was ready to shell out the moolah only if my requirements were met, which were as below :

1. Large Display - I mean it, I dont want to use a laptop when am on bed or travelling !
2. Clarity - Apart from large, it should be CLEAR display, Visible in outdoors too.
3. Memory - Ofcourse, something near 16Gig would be good enough.
4. GPS - I always need help while driving.
5. Camera - I like clubbing at celeb nights and am fond of clicking and making videos, so need HD & Flash !
6. Apps - Useful apps (Naah dont make me pay for it, I already would be paying alot for the phone)
7. Size - Does matter! It should be sleek and pocket friendly.
8. Web Browsing - FAST !

With General Features like - mp3 ringtones, FM radio, click and sending pix/files through bluetooth, Wi-fi

On checking several handsets available in market which suited my requirements,I zeroed down to Apple iPhone 4 and Samsung Galaxy SII. I have always been a HTC Fan, but I guess its time for HTC to work more on the Phone Display, Internal Memory, Screen Size. About Blackberry, give me a break, I am young enough to mess around with the phone and you are not interesting Blackberry OS :-P.

Keeping in mind my requirements :

Tech Specs Comparisons : Read this for a point to point comparison with iPhone 4.

So that makes Samsung Galaxy SII a strong contender.

Below is one of the videos which helped me compared and decide onto Samsung

Point wise Analysis : Of all requirements above and more.

Overall Face Off Test : Comparing all my requirements above.

My Requirement 1 & 2 (Display and clarity)

My Requirement 4 (GPS)

My Requirement 5 (Camera)

The above videos must have cleared most of your doubts, also I found some more links about reviews and awards for SII below :

Review on Samsung Galaxy SII

Recently,T3 Gadgets Awards presented the Phone of the year 2011 to Samsung Galaxy SII


Apart from the above, With Samsung SII , I can use/share media through it it as an extended drive and access it over wi-fi, hence no itunes or and blah blah software required to be there which makes it easy for managing media on the device. I can also access the phone over http, and manage everything on the phone through web interface. Also the Super AMOLED display is awesome in SII, just view HD videos on the devices, its a jaw dropping experience. I am not saying you cannot do that all with iPhone (some you can do), but you need to work alot on the phone to get all these functionalities, including breaking jail / loosing warranty of your device.

Also, answer this, how can I change my battery on the iphone ? This is one thing which is totally unacceptable, for me atleast, If I am buying something, i would like to have least dependency on the service centers, you know how they are.

Anyway, rest is your call, and your choice, the above shows how and why I made mine, bought a Samsung Galaxy SII and am happy ! :-)

Hope you enjoyed reading this space. You can also call it as an article on Samsung Galaxy SII vs iPhone vs HTC vs Blackberry :-)... and my take on it..

Cheers.

Enhance the music quality reaching your ears ???

Hey ..

Well it has been a while I was doing some research looking for something which could help me enhance the music which actually left my Laptop and reached my ears .. Normally laptops do not have a high quality soundcard and they are the on board ones which are used which actually dont do much to the music...

Now why do we require this, Unfortunately we are prone to cheap quality music, and I am serious, everyone is ! Checkout below :

-> How many of us actually purchase Original Audio CD's ?
-> Do you Rip music from Audio CD's to WAV format ? Good if you do that else most of us do it in MP3.
-> Well we all download / transfer mp3s , do you share wav files ?

The major difference between mp3 and wav is mp3 is a lossy compression technique though wav has a lossless compression technique and the file size is smaller in case of mp3 comparing to wav. Though we should understand, we are compromising the quality of music for the size of the file.

I have stressed above on wav , there are more formats though, far better than mp3 ;-).

So I finally found Creative X-Fi external USB soundcard which actually helps to improve the quality of the mp3s by amplifying it. Also this helps us for a 5.1 channel home theater system if your internal soundcard doest support it.





Some product features are :

Product Features

* 24-bit multichannel performance/96kHz stereo
* 100dB SNR for ultraquiet, high-definition digital audio
* Xtreme Fidelity audio playback with X-Fi Crystalizer technology restores the detail of compressed music and movies for enhanced highs and lows
* Accurate X-Fi CMSS-3D positional audio centers voices and places ambient sound all around you, providing a lifelike audio experience even when using normal stereo headphones
* EAX advanced HD sound effects deliver realistic audio
* Creative ALchemy with Windows Vista (not included) restores surround sound for an amazing gaming experience
* Supports DTS and Dolby Digital-EX decoding, so you can watch your DVDs in cinematic surround sound; use the optical output to send Dolby Digital pass-through audio directly to your home theater receiver
* Includes software package with 7 titles, including Creative MediaSource, Creative Diagnostic, SoundFont Bank Manager and more
* USB connectivity for easy connection to your computer
* Inputs: microphone, stereo line
* Outputs: headphone, left speaker RCA, right speaker RCA, rear-left, rear-right, center, subwoofer, optical


I have been using this product for quite a while now and am pretty much satisfied. Again as discussed in my earlier blog article for creative zen x-fi , Creative products are almost half the price in US, so lookout for friends visitng US and take them out for a treat ;-)


Keep Rocking Earth !

Cheers..
Ash

iFrogz EarPollution DJ Silver Spider

About my latest purchase... EarPollution for Serious Music loverz !



About the product !

Each set in the DJ series of EarPollution headphones features powerful 50mm drivers offering listeners extreme style and sound.

Featuring:

* Chrome Accents
* Comfort Cushions
* Adjustable Headband
* 50mm Speaker Driver

Silver Spider
From the chrome-plated hinges to the unique spider web inner cushion pattern, the Silver Spider is a serious set of DJ style headphones for anyone who demands great sound and unparalleled style.Featuring powerful 50mm drivers, the EarPollution Billionaire boasts extreme style and sound. Featuring clean bass and crystal clear under-tones. Add a little bling to your show with gold-reflective hinges and smooth chocolate accents, the Billionaire is a serious set of DJ style headphones for anyone who demands great sound and unparalleled style.

I am loving it !! Njoi

Read more: http://overclockershq.com/our-store-296.html#ixzz0svM3mhBk

Creative Zen X-Fi 8GB

A long time plan to own my mp3 player, my options were as below:

- To use my cellphone for music : Naah , i own a HTC Touch, already use it alot for browsing, mails and chattin. The battery also would not support me in that cause. Rather I also believe that a cellphone shouldnt be used for music purposes to prevent the wear n tear of your device.

- The first name strikes every mind , Apple iPod... in my case, Give me a break !
Personal preference though, no offenses, it’s just that i don’t want to be limited to itunes etc to transfer and manage music on my player.

My requirements were :
1. Portable.. small.. sleek with max features possible.
2. Can be used as a pendrive, music transfer easy.
3. High Sound quality.

On doing some research, i found creative zen x-fi, it comes with a wlan model too… but asks for more money..
Creative has been a leader in the digital entertainment industry for PC and interner for quite a while now.. most of us also own the creative 2.1 speakers for PC too.. me too.. which has a top sound quality.. we all know.. and is quality for money.

X-fi means extreme fidelity which is an audio standard owned by creative , which truly makes a difference, you will experience the difference once you just use this device..
Using creative zen is extremely easy, and the quality.. the first word which will drop out of your mouth after listening to music on it will be .. WooooW… And its not only music, you can save your photographs in it and view it while travelling, slideshows etc, videos – it supports mp4, avi etc.

The earphones which comes with this powerhouse is also a creative earplug, which along would cost you about 20$ I guess , approx.

To see the details of this powerhouse click the below link
http://in.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=17810
Now about the cost, dude creative products are seriously expensive in india, if you have some contacts in US, call them now !

I sent this requirement to a dear friend of mine (creative zen x-fi 8GB), who went to US for an assignment, and she also agreed that this was one of her best buy’s. I got this for 99$ , I also purchased the armband along with this player which I use while working out.

In India you will get this for about Rs.14,700 , so you can see the difference.

Hope this helps in deciding your next purchase .. ;)

Cheerz.. @$H

Gadgets :: HTC Touch - Must Have Programs

Hi,

I own a HTC Touch and have been using it for quite a while now. Have done alot of R&D on it and resetted it many times ;-). But yea neva lost my data coz always used to sync it with data on my lappy.

• First of all you made a wrong investment purchasing a HTC Touch if you dont have a GPRS/mobile office etc etc enabled on your Phone connection, please change your phone, buy a typical Nokia :-)
• I am an Airtel fan, same number , same service since last 7 years approx.
  

My feedback for HTC Touch :

Pros

• I simply love it, adore it, one of my best investments :-).
• Sleek , trendy, light though abit low on memory (mine is an older model 64MB / 128MB).
• Nice wide screen.
• Very competitive in price.
• TouchFlo works very well on cubes.
• Mine has Windows mobile 6, alot of resources available on internet for it.
• Easy to configure mails, access websites etc etc.
• Chat clients available for free ( gtalk,yahoo,msn,aol,facebook etc etc)
• Easy to use as wireless modem (using bluetooth).

Cons

• Nothing bad about it :-P
• Hard to find accessories for this phone.
• The screen protector available alongwith the phone in box is of bad quality, better buy new one (chinese :-) ).
• Very sophisticated, handle with care, more than your GF / BF :-). I paid a price of 4k for getting the screen changed when i broke it..
• Battery Backup :-( , specially when using Wi-Fi.
• Excuse me , its not a music phone, dont expect sony ericsson / nokia types sound quality. Also no radio available.
  

So here are some programs i suggest you for a must have on your HTC :

• Advance Config (configurations for your mobile at a glance)
  
• Palringo (Chat Client)
• ClearTemp (To clear all temps, on all locations)
  
• WinXplore (Shortcut to view folders within windows directory)
  
• Total Commander (Nice file browser, also helps in editing registry for tweaks,reverse engineering ;-) )

I hope you find this article useful, I would come up with another article on HTC soon.

Have Fun and Keep Rocking !!

Ash