Android Keyboard Review Updated, now 47 keyboards reviewed

Image via WikipediaThis time, reviews of Dasher, Chorded Keyboard, and G-Board have been added.

Dasher is one of those really weird yet innovative input methods that seem to be designed for people with limited mobility, such as Dr. Stephen Hawking. it's easier for you to see it than to describe it.

Chorded Keyboard use only 12 keys to input all 26 letters by using other keys as shift keys. It's interesting.

And G-board can be thought of as better Graffiti gesture input.

Read the updated review at

http://kschang.hubpages.com/hub/Android-Softkeyboard-Shootout-which-input-method-should-you-use

Android Keyboard Review Updated, now 44 keyboards reviewed

<` href="http://www.crunchbase.com/company/google" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via CrunchBaseLatest to the review: MaxiKeys... a revolutionary new concept in onscreen keyboard... tilt scrolling!

Also, updated the links for Better Keyboard to Amazon, due to BetterAndroid's problem with Google.

You can find the updated review at

http://kschang.hubpages.com/hub/Android-Softkeyboard-Shootout-which-input-method-should-you-use

(ROOT) Winner00's CM7 ROM, modified

This is only of interest if you flash Mod ROMs (and have rooted your device).

I have an OG Droid, so I am interesting in learning how to improve it. So when someone claim they have tweaked CM7 for even better performance, I am intrigued. It's on ROM Manager's download list.

Downloaded it, flashed it. As it's a derivative of CM7, decided NOT to wipe data and such.

Booted right up, seem to have no problems... Then realized my Google account is gone. There is NO account under Settings / Accounts and Sync.

So I hit "Add Account".

8 seconds later, the system rebooted. WTF?!

So I try again.

SAME RESULT. When I add account, the system reboots.

Okay, this is ridiculous. Going back to plain CM7.1RC1.

Go into app drawer and start up ROM Manager.

It's NOT THERE! WTF?!

And since there is no Google account, I can't even go into Market and redownload ROM Manager!

Fortunately, there is Clockwork Recovery and Nandroid Backup. So I am now back in regular CM7.1RC1.

Not exactly a good experience setting up the stuff, eh?

Unplanned Outage (outrage?) of LWP round up, now 210 LWPs reviewed

After pruning and new updates, we're now back to 210 LWPs, and there are dozens more to be added!

There was an unplanned outage, because there was sort of a change on what links are allowed to one's own blog, even though the links are perfectly legitimate and on-topic. Oh well, thus are the rules.

EDIT: *cough* here's the link

http://hubpages.com/hub/Review-of-Free-Live-Wallpaper-for-Motorola-Droid

Any way, enjoy the improved roundup!

A Couple Hints on Game Dev Story

Game Dev Story (from Kairosoft) has a lot of little things you don't quite "get" at first, and only learn after repeating games.

all of the combinations that works are successful games in real-life.


Just think about it (following list borrowed from Phillipe Wampfler's blog)

RPG / Fantasy -- just about most RPGs!
Simulation/ Romance -- Japanese 'dating sims'
Simulation / Movies -- "The Movies"
Simulation / Game Co -- what you're playing!
Simulation / Architecture -- SimCity
Action/ Ninja -- Ninja Gaiden
Adventure / Mystery -- most "Murder Mystery" adventure games
Adventure / Cartoon -- Sam and Max, any one?
Shooter / Robot -- Mechwarrior
Shooter / War -- Call of Duty
Life / Animal -- Virtual Pet like Nintendogs
Puzzle / Reversi -- obvious
Audio Novel / Romance -- dating sim again?
Motion / Volleyball -- virtual Volleyball?
Table / Mahjong -- obvous





Workers do NOT want to work on a project three times in a row.

Only use each one twice, then go to someone else. The best pattern is probably two internal, then go to a contractor, and repeat. Else, you'll get low productivity, as the guy will burn out. Or alternate internal / external.


There are FOUR skills, but a lot more than 8 jobs. 

• Programming is for just about everything (keyboard icon)
• Storyline is done with creativity (gold ball icon)
• Graphics is done with graphics (paint easel icon)
• Sound is done with sound (trumpet icon) 

To do really big games, you need to expand to a bigger office and expand your staff. What you can do with only 4 people is limited.

Developement cycle matters

You want to time it so the game hits about Christmas. You will want to monitor how much development you can do until then. Usually, this means you start about late July / Early August, depending on how many bugs do you have crush. You may want consider using one of those "specials" to make things go faster / better. 

Use advertisement!

Advertising will get you more audience, which drives up sales. Different advertising methods have different costs and different effects. Some generate hype, some generate "popularity" for company, and some do both! 

Train those Employees, or fire them and hire new ones. 

Check for new candidates every 6-12 months. While it sure has sentimental value to grow a set of employees from scratch, it's not the most efficient. 

Stay tuned for more tips!

Related articles

• AAQR: Game Dev Story (free, $2.85) (androidappquickreview.blogspot.com)

4G Phone Guide: Sprint Edition Released

Image via CrunchBaseWith 5 phones, 2 tablets, a netbook, and a collection of 4G modems and mobile hotspots, Sprint has something for you if you want 4G speeds. Available in over 100 cities across the nation, Sprint's WiMAX 4G is one of the first 4G networks in the US and delivers consistent speeds.

So which of the 5 phones they have should you get? the EVO 3D is the king, but the 1 year old EVO 4G is still surprisingly viable second choice.

Read more about Sprint's 4G Phone Guide here:

4G Phone Guide: AT&T Edition released

Image via WikipediaGuide to AT&T's 4G Phone Offer is now available

The best phone available on AT&T for 4G is Motorola Atrix 4G, even without the fancy "laptop dock". On the other hand, AT&T's "4G" network has LOUSY coverage. So even with "4G phone", unless you're in a major metro area AND AT&T has HSPA+ coverage in the area, you won't get "4G speeds".