App Review: CyanDelta

After installing CM10 on my Galaxy SIII, I wanted to check out the newest app out there called CyanDelta. Basically this app is used to download CM10 updates for your phone, but unlike ClockWorkMod, or BBQTools this only downloads what is called a Delta file.

A Delta file is just the changed files in the ROM itself, and it averages about 10 megs, unlike the normal rom which is around 160 megs.  This cuts down on the bandwidth used, and the space used on the phone for updates.

From what I understand CyanDelta creates a file based off your last known good ROM, and from there daily it downloads a Delta file.  From there it recreates the ROM from the one last night adding the Delta file information.  Now that you have a new nightly ROM, you reboot into recovery and start in the install.

Now I have the unlimited plan on my phone so data usage is not such a big deal for me, but for others this is a great app to use.  It is very simple to install and was able to get it up and running in seconds with no problems.

The one question I have about the program is that it shows that you can add a second zip file to the program to install on reboot.  I tried to add the Google Apps but it would not let me.  I may have been doing it wrong as the GAPPS was in my download folder, maybe it needs to be in the CyanDelta folder, will try that next time.

Google Apps for Domains: For the Family

I was thinking of setting up a new email account, and possibly one for my oldest child, but have been trying to figure out which service to use.  I currently use Gmail for my mail, and figured that might be the best to use for children setting up with auto forward all incoming emails to mine.

I wanted to take it one step further and setup a domain for the family, and then use Google Apps for Domains.  Currently stuck at trying to figure out a good domain name and then seeing if its available.    I think  Goggle should have a "Google Apps for Families", it would probably be the same thing as domains.

Once I figure out if and what the domain will be I will write up how I went through setting up the domain, and the accounts if I make them for my children, still not sure on that just yet.  It is/was a part of another idea for that I am not sure that I am going to follow through with.

CM10 Install on SGS 3: Part 3

After re-doing the ODIN for the stock ROM, I was ready to hit the ground running with installing CM10.  I installed ClockWorkMod, and then added the recovery for the SGS III on my phone.  

Next I downloaded the newest CM10 nightly 11/06 and the Google Apps which I think is 20121001 or something close to that. I was thinking of getting the 4.2 Google Apps, and I still might but for now I will stick with the 4.1.2 Google App.

After they all downloaded, I rebooted my phone into recovery, I did a factory reset.  Next I flashed the CM10 rom, and the Google Apps and the rebooted my phone.

The whole flash, reboot and setup process took about 5-10 minutes and from there I was up and running with CM10 on my phone.

I now have CM10 or a variant of it running on my Captivate, Kindle Fire, and Galaxy S3.  Overall I think they process to get CM10 has been made easier then when I first started using CM7.  

Email for Children

I have seen so many people who have setup email accounts for their children and then email that account everyday.  After the turn a certain age the provide the child with that memento and then the child can continue to use that email account.

As I am preparing to get back on Sea Duty I was thinking of setting up email accounts for my children that I could email them daily and it would be theirs.  I was trying to find out if there are any good children email accounts out there, or just go for a Gmail account for them.

I could just have them filtered through their mother's account,  but I want to at least consider all the options.  I have been trying to see if there is any sort of white list for Gmail or any of the other web based email systems.

I would like to be able to block all incoming emails except from certain folks, and do the same for outgoing emails.  Free email would be the best option, but I am not sure if that type of system exists.

On another note at what age do you think a child should have an email account?  How about what age should they have a phone number?

CM10 Part 2 - Read the instructions

Well I should have read the instruction all the way through before starting this, but really who does that?  I used ODIN updated to the injected root rom, but then I let the OTA install which removed root.

Back at square one, and this was last night at midnight, so I had to wait till I got home from work and re-run ODIN to install the injected root rom.  15 minutes later I am back and running, and this time I make sure not to install the OTA.

So lesson learned here, read the instructions before following through with an install.  Next up is taking it from here to CM10 with Google Apps.

CM10 Install SGS III (ATT) Part 1 - Rooting

I finally decided to take the plunge and install CM10 on my AT&T SGS III.  Of course I wait till 11pm to start the process which may or may not get fully done tonight (still need to run out and get HALO 4 in a bit).

But back to the story here, just installed the drivers for SGS III, booted into recovery and downloaded the stock rom with injected root per the XDA thread.

The plan of attack is to run ODIN, let its do it's work, after reboot install ClockWorkMod, install the recovery for D2ATT, and then depending on time start the CM10 install.

I still need to download the CM10 nightly, and the GAPPS for JB but that will be done when the first part of this has been completed.

It took about 15 minutes for ODIN to run on my computer, and for the phone to reboot.  I will have to continue the install tomorrow as we are heading out shortly, need to make sure that the phone works in it's present state, and verify that root was installed.

Who's getting Windows 8

I know that I will not be running out to get a copy of Windows 8 anytime soon, and truth be told I have not really paid it much attention.  I have heard horror stories about it, but right now I am content with 7, and I see no reason to jump to 8.

This could be Windows next "Vista" where it will be quickly replaced or it could be a great OS, but with so many sites slamming it I have decided I will wait a little longer to see how mass appeal works.  

But I wanted to see who will be picking up Windows 8 on release or shortly there after.