It’s fair to say that the HTC Desire is getting old. But does this mean that it is time to throw it in the bottom drawer and grab a new expensive upgrade? Absolutely not.

I’m going to show you how to update your rooted HTC Desire with the latest RunnyMede AIO rom from Seb, making it feel like a brand spanking new phone again. The update should help put you in good stead for many more months to come.

Why the RunnyMede AIO Rom?

RunnyMede AIO is probably the best rom I have used for the HTC Desire.  It has a rock solid performance and so much to offer in terms of customisations.

The main benefits of rooting and flashing your phone with a new rom include:

1. Ability to add loads more apps with A2SD+
2. Removes bloatware and phone branding
3. Newer Android software and many additional customisations

See the full feature set of RunnyMede AIO by Seb over at the official post on the XDA forum.

10 step summary for upgrading

The process outlined below involves a complete wipe of all data from your phone, including apps, contacts, music, etc. Personally I like to do a complete wipe before flashing a new rom as it clears out any old cobwebs and gives you an uber clean phone.

Don’t forget that contacts can be saved to Google on the cloud for backup purposes. Also, I believe you can sync other data to the Google servers, including apps, although I have never actually attempted this.

1. Charge the phone battery to 100%
2. Root your HTC Desire (including switch S-OFF)
3. Download and install 4Ext recovery software on to your Desire
4. Do a Nandroid backup  (a complete backup of your phone) through 4EXT recovery
5. Manually back up the contents of your phone SD card to your PC, either through your phone or through a card reader – I prefer a card reader as it tends to be quicker
6. Format and Partition your SD card through 4EXT recovery – Choose 1024 Mb and EXT4  for the EXT Partition
7. Transfer the Runnymede rom onto the newly formatted SD card from your PC
8. Format the phone (Partition all system excluding SD card).  Note that many people simply choose the options ‘Wipe Data / Factory Reset’ & Wipe Cache + Wipe Dalvik’ which has been proven to work but is not a true wipe of the phone data
9. Install the ROM (RunnyMede AIO ) from your sdcard
10. Reboot and enjoy! Note that the first boot can take up to 20mins

Common Installation Q&A

Q: I can’t get into the boot loader to access 4EXT recovery.
A1: Check to see if Fastboot is enabled in Settings>Power. If it’s checked, uncheck and try again.
A2: Pull the battery out, leave for 10 seconds, place battery back and try again.
A2: Access it through 4Ext app interface

Q: I am stuck on the boot animation screen on first boot after installing the rom
A: It can take up to 20 minutes for the first install, so please be patient. Failing that, try clearing the Dalvik cache / cache again.
A2: Are you installing AD2SDX on the stock HBOOT version? Wipe and install again but leave the default value of ‘generic A2SD’ in the installer.

Q: The install went fine but my battery dies well before it reached 0%.
A: Try calibrating your battery whilst it is at 100%.

For a whole host of questions and answers, head over to the official post over at the xda-developers forum.

Android Ice Cream Sandwich for the HTC Desire anyone?

The above process also works for installing Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) beta rom onto the HTC Desire. I’ve tried it and it works. UPDATE: Short ‘how to’ video below.

Currently however, it still needs more development work. Keep checking it though, as updates are happening all the time, making it more stable and more fun.

Visit the official ICS tread over at xda-developers for more information

Good Luck!

Hope you found this tutorial useful and that you managed to flash your Desire successfully.

Signing off, so for now, hope enjoy your ‘new’ phone.

Leigh (aka laweffect)

Abode Photoshop is a powerful piece of kit with a wealth of tools. As it’s such a monster, I’m sure we are all guilty of not using some of the more useful functionality it offers. This could be because we didn’t know the functionality existed in the first place or perhaps we just can’t be bothered to learn it. One area I do highly recommend learning though is swatches!

Below I have created a short video tutorial (well 8 minutes long) on the wonders of swatches in Photoshop, how they work and how we create our own palette. Bring colour into your life and start embracing those swatches.

In need of some handy quick tips to help you along with your website endeavours? Then read my 20 quick tips and practices to better Web Design. Enjoy. 

1. The W3C validator is helpful at ensuring code is well formatted but shouldn’t be used obsessively in my view.  Concentrating on cross browser compatibility is time better spent.
2. Try to integrate and or use the latest versions of code/language where possible. This will help future proof your website and minimise the need to change depreciated code at a later date. See stuff on HTML5 and CSS3.
3. Avoid the use of ‘click here‘ as the text on a link.
4. Use comment tags throughout code.  We humans are forgetful at the best of times, so having helpful ‘reminders’ can save hours when it comes to future edits. Also, comment tags can be used to hide code that we don’t want displayed.
5. Keep your code semantically written. For example, when writing a list, always use the correct tags for the type of list created – unordered, ordered or definitive list NOT <div> tags <p> tags etc…
6. Avoid the use of inline styles as maintenance can become difficult, but more importantly, presentation is no longer separate from the content.  Use the CSS.
7. Use conditional stylesheets to compensate for inconsistencies in older versions of IE.
8. Use the title attribute on links and images to add more context.
9. Remember the acronym TRBL which denotes the order in which the sides of an element are defined – Top, Right, Bottom, Left.
10. Use a reset stylesheet to zero out those cross brower incompatibilities. Eric Meyers reset is a popular choice with front-end developers.
11. Use code snippets where possible. They can save time and limit ‘code error’ frustrations.
12. Elements that occur once on a page should use an ID attribute.
13. Elements that occur more than once on a page should use a class attribute.
14. Use CSS image sprites to minimise server load.
15. Add a sitemap to aid SEO.
16. Use the correct type of image format for each picture/graphic for maximum visual impact and for the smallest possible file size. See my previous post.
17. Friendly URLS should be used for SEO and human readability.
18. Use whitespace as a perfect design aid.
19. The primary logo should be linkable back to the homepage.
20. Add your own favicon for that added personal touch.

Having successfully updated my HTC Desire from Google Android 2.2 Froyo, to 2.3 Gingerbread, I thought I would share the experience. Luckily I took some screen grabs at the time.

For me, there are advantages to upgrading to Gingerbread, including:

1. It is more stable than Froyo
2. Removes network providers bloat-ware (crap)
3. Super quick boot-up and shut-down
4. Little quirks here and there

Requirements

• HTC 2.3 Gingerbread update
• HTC Sync
• USB cable

For us ‘web’ people, it can be easy to assume that everyone knows about image formats. For those who aren’t in the know, I’ve compiled a short list, along with some advantages and disadvantages, of the three most commonly known image formats on the web.

A quick note on compression

Compression is a means of reducing file sizes.  It involves applying an algorithm and discarding or manipulating non-essential information.

There are effectively two type of compression; lossy and lossless. Lossy is a compression technique that reduces the size of a file with varying or adjustable loss of data. Lossless is a compression technique that allows the original data to be recreated without loss and therefore the data content of the original image is precisely preserved.

The three commonly used graphical compression types on the web:

• PNG: Portable Network Graphics
• GIF: Graphics Interchange Format
• JPEG: Joint Picture Experts Group

All of the above formats are bitmap images. Bitmap images are composed of pixels (picture element) in a grid. Each pixel or “bit” contains colour information for the image. Unlike vector image formats, bitmap images cannot be rescaled without loss of quality. However, bitmap images are better than vector images for complex images such as photographs. There will be more on vector images in a coming blog post.

PNG – Portable Network Graphics

PNG is a graphic format with lossless compression.  There are two variation of the PNG format; PNG-8 (bit) and PNG-24 (bit). PNG-8 is optimised for images with simple colours, such as logos and user interface elements like icons and buttons. PNG-24 is optimised for complex imagery, such as photographs.

Most people pronounce Portable Network Graphics format as ping.

Advantages

• Variety of colour systems
• High quality of compression
• Interlacing progressive download
• Alpha channels such as transparency
• Gamma correction
• Open Standard format

Disadvantages

• Does not support animation
• PNG-24 can produce rather large file sizes compared to JPEG

GIF – Graphic Interchange Format

GIF is a graphic format with lossless compression. GIF uses an 8-bit colour (256 colours) system.

Advantages

• Supports transparency
• Supports animation
• Large compression sizes

Disadvantages

• Limited colour spectrum
• Larger file sizes when compared to PNG-8
• Non Open Standard format
• Poor reproduction on complex imagery and photographs

JPEG – Joint Picture Experts Group

JPEG is a graphic format with lossy compression designed specifically to handle full colour images, especially photographs. It is commonly used in digital camera technology.

Advantages

• Massive file-size reduction on full colour photographic images
• Little noticeable affect on the image quality (dependant on the amount of compression used)
• Will be smaller in file size versus PNG when comparing photographic images

Disadvantage

• Lossy format, hence information from the image is lost – the higher the compression rate the poorer the image quality
• No support for transparency
• Large file sizes when compressing simple imagery

Summary of use

• Use PNG-8 over GIF and JPEG for images with simple colours
• Use PNG over JPEG when using transparency
• Use JPEG over PNG for complex and photographic images
• Use PNG-24 over JPEG for high quality, complex graphics
• Use GIF for animated images

It’s been well over a year now since I received my first Android phone (HTC Desire if you were wondering) and I’ve been mightily impressed by the Google operating system.  Although I don’t download many Apps, there are a select few which I could not live without.

Here are my top 10 Google Android Apps of the past year, in no particular order.

10 – YouTube

This Google developed app is a miniature version of the world’s most popular video site. I believe it comes preloaded on all Android phones and is just perfect for browsing videos with ease. All the functions from the original YouTube site are available, from adding favourites to giving thumbs-up. You can also share videos through your device’s other installed applications like Twitter, Facebook, Gmail, and so on.

A cracking app to complement the mighty YouTube – if you have not played with this yet, do it now.

9 – Seesmic

Seesmic is a complete all in one social media management tool for your phone. It allows Twitter, Facebook, Salesforce Chatter and Google Buzz integration. Personally I use it for multiple twitter accounts.

The interface is simple and intuitive. Sharing updates is a doddle and allows you to quickly add photos and videos using a range of well know services like TwitPic.

A real alternative to Tweetdeck – I actually prefer it.

8 – WordPress

The WordPress app is a real simple but power piece of kit, giving you the ability to manage your blog while on the go.  There are four neat tabs positioned at the top of the screen; comments, posts, pages and stats – from these, it is possible to write new posts and pages, edit existing content and mange all your comments.

If you use WordPress, make sure you have this app.

7 – WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a free* cross-format mobile messaging app which uses the power of the internet to send messages, rather than sending an SMS.  As well as sending plain text, it is possible to attach images, videos, voice recordings and your current location.  The messages themselves are virtually instant and even informs you when the other person is ‘currently typing’ – spooky.  There are other features too, such as group chat and status updates.  The only downside to WhatsApp is the need for the recipient to own it too, in order to send messages.

Want free media messaging?  Look no further than WhatsApp.

* Two dollars a year after the first year

6 – Cardio Trainer

Cardio Trainer is my favourite App. It basically records all of your fitness activity using GPS. From what I have found, it is extremely accurate and offers a wealth of functionality, including…many fitness activities to choose from, heart rate setup, a history of previous workouts, bolt on apps, music integration, world high scores and more…

I’m running a half-marathon in September and Cardio Trainer is my trusted friend to help get me into shape.

5 – Dropbox

Dropbox is a free service that lets you store your files online and sync them with any computer you choose. The Dropbox app allows you to access your online files from your phone.  It is also possible to upload files from your phone to the online storage area.  You are allowed up to 2GB free, which can increase to 4GB if you complete a number of ‘dropbox’ tasks, such as recommending a friend. Beyond this, you have to pay for extra storage – but prices are reasonable.

Dropbox is a great app for accessing online files on the move.

4 – TV Guide (UK)

TV Guide shows you a list, with descriptions, of all the programs for all the popular TV channels in the UK. It is possible to sort by what’s currently on, or by movies and sports. There is a good search functionality built in and you can even set reminders for your favourite programs.

TV Guide is all you need, to know what’s on the box.

3 – Flixster Movies

Flixster Movies allows you to watch trailers, get show times for nearby cinemas, share movie ratings with friends, and much more – all from your Android. I find it useful when renting a film to see if it has great ratings, or, just seeing what’s currently on at the flicks.

Like movies…love Flixster.

2 – Spotify

Ok, so it’s not exactly free, but if you spend a lot of time listening to music it’s certainly worth the investment.

Spotify is a gateway to millions of tracks online, both for your desktop and mobile device. To stream music to your Android, there is a subscription fee of £9.99.  For this you have access to uninterrupted music from anywhere. Offline mode allows you to listen to your music without an internet connection.

Spotify is the latest music revolution. Let’s hope is doesn’t collapse like Napster did.

1 –BBC iPlayer

The BBC iPlayer allows you to watch and listen to BBC TV and Radio from the past seven days.  You can also watch or listen to a program live. The home screen is uncluttered and gives a list of currently ‘Featured’ programs.

Not near a TV but want to watch it? Get the BBC iPlayer for Android to satisfy your need.

So there is my list, ten keepers for your Android. All are searchable through the Android Marketplace.

Have I missed any essential apps? I’d love to know your favourites.

Being an avid fan of the original PC Operation Flashpoint series, and enjoying Dragon Rising, the announcement of yet another Flashpoint release, Red River, did excite.

Red River is a FPS developed by UK based Codemasters. Set in Tajikistan, you play the role of Sergeant Kirby, a member of Bravo squad who are ultimately controlled by commander ‘Knox’.  You are in a war against, at first, the local rebel insurgence, and in later levels, the deadly Chinese PLA.

The original Flashpoint series was renowned for its realism and it was this that truly defined it from your average ‘run and gun’.  Codemasters promise that ‘realistic tactical shooting’ is what to expect from Red River.

The opening sequence to the game is littered with references from past and fictional future ‘middle eastern influenced’ events, such as 9/11.  The language is strong from the outset and somewhat overdone with every other word being an insult -  perhaps too many unnecessary F-bombs Codemasters?  After a quick ‘shoot the targets tutorial’ from Knox, the campaign begins ‘all guns blazing’. Unfortunately this fast pace at the start is a little too much to absorb for the beginning of the game.  With Knox constantly shouting in your ear and enemy explosions left right and centre, it is easy to get put off early on.  Fortunately, after the first couple of levels are complete the pace of the game does even out and the real tactical fun begins.

Before each individual mission in the campaign, you are blessed with a well crafted ‘introduction’ which succinctly describes the objectives and outcomes – these are cleverly put together and succeed in building the tension for the upcoming battles.  However, immediately after this, you are subjected to a five minute cut-scene repeat of almost identical dialogue from what has been said in the introduction by the, who soon becomes extremely annoying, Knox – this happens at the beginning of every single mission and just becomes a waiting game for the player.  Knox is not cool and often had me hitting the mute button until I knew he was out of ear shot. Why Codemasters took this approach is beyond me as it strays too far from what the original Flashpoint was about – mission focus, not mindless banter (with the over the top swearing).

There are four members in your squad; rifleman, scout, grenadier and auto rifleman. As the game progresses you earn experience points which allow you to improve a player’s skill between missions. Having the option to switch between classes between missions is nice but perhaps weakens the realism and attachment to your original character.  Throughout the campaign, you are also accompanied by Alpha Squad and Charlie Squad, whose constant ‘informing’ soon becomes tedious and repetitive. It would have been nice to have at least a couple of missions without the additional squads company, but, this never happens.

The AI of your squad is excellent I found. Yes, they take a bit of looking after and direction, but on the whole, you are glad they are with you when 50+ PLA are running at your position.  The enemy AI are more than impressive too, with relentless determination to ‘own’ your position. They enter buildings, flank your position and generally give you a hard time. Some of the battles in the campaign are incredibly tense and I dare say, realistic.  One shot one kill is certainly an option in this game. You need to keep your head low and gun fully loaded.  The level of realism might put off the average ‘run and gun’ freak, but not me. It was this unique style of game play that made the whole experience enjoyable, and in a way, saves the game from being a letdown.

The character movement in the game is perhaps not as solid as the COD or Battlefield series, but is still good enough to get you engrossed in the battles.  The weapon handling is fantastic, making you feel and believe that you are holding a real gun.  Unfortunately, I found several minor bugs, from shooting at invisible walls, to constantly looking into the sky when my character was prone. Although rare, they did hinder the experience.

The graphics are nothing to shout about but you have to take your hats off to the developers for the impressive view distances achieved. There is a downside to this though, with distant enemies looking very much like the surrounding foliage due to the lack of anti aliasing – this generally wasn’t too much of an issue though.  The HUD holds all you usually FPS information, from known enemy positions to current waypoints.  Unfortunately, I found the hardcore experience setting non-playable as it was impossible to identify targets and waypoints. When a team mate shouts “enemy 100 meters east” you have nothing to inform you where ‘East’ actually is. I thought Codemasters would have realised this from Dragon Rising, but obviously not.

Red River tries to be different from your average shooter, which is a good thing.  Does it do a good job? To a degree, it does. Codemasters have got a lot right in Red River but also got a fair amount wrong. The cut scenes are unnecessary, Knox is a pain in the ass and the overall lack of polish prevent the game from being a real gem.

I did enjoyed what I played. Red River is a worthy purchase if you like tense, fun, realistic gun action.  Just don’t expect too much from it.

Note – Due to the Sony Playstation network being down, I’ve not had the pleasure of playing coop.  I have been confidently informed that this is where the real fun begins

Rating: 7/10