PlayStation 3 Controller On Android Devices

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PlayStation 3 Controller On Android Devices

Posted by timothy on Sunday August 7, 2011 @11:58AM from the mix-n'-match dept.

An anonymous reader writes "You can now use the PS3 Sixaxis Controller on Android phones and devices. This requires your phone to be rooted, however it is incompatible with most HTC devices and some newer Samsung devices due to the need of specific Bluetooth protocol. It can sync four controllers at once with buttons completely configurable."

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"Most" HTC devices? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:01 · Score: 0

I can't find a list of which HTC devices are supported. Any ideas? HTC G2?
1. Re:"Most" HTC devices? by Thantik · 2011-08-07 12:03 · Score: 2
  
  HTC devices are supported, you just need to be running an AOSP based ROM. In the stock sense-based ROMs, HTC uses a different (incompatible) bluetooth driver.
2. Re:"Most" HTC devices? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:13 · Score: 0
  
  I don't know why anyone would bother rooting just to run an old outdated stock ROM anyway.
  In other words I don't get why they say it won't work with most HTC devices when most people who have rooted are not running the stock ROM. Maybe it's a language barrier or something.
3. Re:"Most" HTC devices? by cynyr · 2011-08-07 12:31 · Score: 1
  
  I know some "normal" people that rooted simply to install adblock, and to delete bundled apps, and have no interest in not running stock.
  
  --
  All of the above was encrypted with a Quad ROT-13 method. Unauthorized decryption is in violation of the DMCA.
4. Re:"Most" HTC devices? by AvitarX · 2011-08-07 13:44 · Score: 1
  
  I rooted and used a Virtuous ROM, I really liked the sense dialer and miss it still, but the bluetooth issue eventually annoyed me (I couldn't use my phone as a bluetooth keyboard and mouse).
  
  --
  Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
5. Re:"Most" HTC devices? by Andy+Dodd · 2011-08-08 02:51 · Score: 1
  
  If it's running Sense, it's not supported. If it's running an AOSP-derived build (such as Cyanogenmod), it should be supported.
  Similarly, "newer" Samsung devices isn't correct.
  If it came with TouchWiz, it's not supported. If it came with AOSP (basically, the Nexus S and no other Samsung device), it's supported. If it's a Samsung device with a Cyanogenmod port, it's supported under Cyanogenmod.
  This is because HTC and Samsung broke their Bluetooth stacks.
  Exception: Non-Touchwiz Galaxy Tab 10.1s work well. Don't know about the new Touchwiz update, whether it introduced Bluetooth regressions that seem to accompany Touchwiz.
  Also, PS3 controllers have been supported as wired controllers for devices with USB Host functionality for a while (sometimes requires a custom kernel, but compiling in hid-sony is a LOT easier than fixing an entire broken BT stack), the big news here is support for PS3 controllers via Bluetooth.
  
  --
  retrorocket.o not found, launch anyway?
Call me when by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:02 · Score: 0

I can use one with my PSP-Slim.
I find it retarded that I can use my TV as the display, but then I have to still use the entire console as the controller. Fix it pls.
1. Re:Call me when by JorDan+Clock · 2011-08-07 12:20 · Score: 1
  
  Why is that "retarded?" Why add an extra device to the equation when the whole point is portability? I think this idea is actually pretty "retarded" and backwards. The controller is as the the device.
2. Re:Call me when by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:46 · Score: 0
  
  It's retarded because Sony made the cable that hooks up to the TV.
  So clearly his comment isn't retarded, because who wants to hold the console in their hands while they play on the TV? Have you tried it? There are already a two cables plugged into the PSP when you do this the canonical way: the power cable, and the component cable. That's annoying. A third cable, ironically, would make it less annoying by attaching a USB controller. However, wireless would be preferred.
  FFS even the homebrew community has somewhat of a solution for this, it's called RemoteJoy. The problem there is it requires a PC and USB gamepad as well as homebrew to communicate between the 3.
  Don't get butthurt because he said retarded and you possibly have retarded children.
3. Re:Call me when by kirbysuperstar · 2011-08-07 16:53 · Score: 1
  
  The PSP Go! supports PS3 controllers, due to having Bluetooth. Works pretty well, though you can't remap anything (ie, map the face buttons to the right stick so Peace Walker is even remotely playable). Stupidly, though, you can't have the thing plugged into power AND component out at the same time (unless there's a third party cable that does that). Anyway, I don't see the the Slim getting support because I think (don't quote me on it) the PSP and the controller are both Slave devices.
Does it by madsci1016 · 2011-08-07 12:02 · Score: 1, Offtopic

Does it steal your identity too?
Interesting maybe kinda but not really by atari2600a · 2011-08-07 12:03 · Score: 1

It would definitely be simpler than hauling around a Wii controller + a Wii Classic Controller Plus for every game I can't control with A B Start Select, but no HTC? There goes 90% of all the phones...
1. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:15 · Score: 0
  
  Or you could just get a controller that's actually meant for mobile devices like the Zeemote
  It's basically like a wiimote and nunchuk all in one device (analog controller as well), which should fit for the majority of games out there
2. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by whiteboy86 · 2011-08-07 13:45 · Score: -1, Troll
  
  Android has to be jailbreaked/rooted ? WTF? Wasn't it supposed to be open source and like, you know, OPEN .. facepalm.
3. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 14:15 · Score: 0
  
  The OS is open source, but each manufacturer has to tweak it to use the particular device it is loaded onto. These builds are locked down by the supplier so that they are a little safer when it comes to malware etc. (probably a lot more to do with $$$, but let's believe it's malware for now!)
  But the OS is still open source. You can get a copy of the code and start tweaking it for your own purposes if you wish (and then lock it down and use it on whatever device you wish as well!)
4. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by atari2600a · 2011-08-07 14:16 · Score: 1
  
  I see where they're getting at: SCE made the protocol so proprietary (but with off-the-shelf hardware) that it requires low-level access. On Android that means root access to a block device.
5. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by the+linux+geek · 2011-08-07 14:37 · Score: 0
  
  So where can I find a copy of the source code for Android 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2?
6. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by godrik · 2011-08-07 14:38 · Score: 1
  
  And on linux, you probably need a kernel module or allow writing somewhere on /dev/
7. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 14:57 · Score: -1
  
  You were suckered into buying an Android ME (3.x) device?
8. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by Aranykai · 2011-08-07 14:58 · Score: 2
  
  Most likely you will be able to find it in many places, most obviously Google, when its released. You know, like all the previous versions of android.
  Oh, I'm sorry, you wanted to be bitter.
  
  --
  If sharing a song makes you a pirate, what do I have to share to be a ninja?
9. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by the+linux+geek · 2011-08-07 15:11 · Score: -1, Flamebait
  
  So promising to release the code for something several versions old (Android 3.0) at some unspecified point in the future means an OS is "open source"?
10. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by ArsonSmith · 2011-08-07 15:33 · Score: 1
  
  It's GPLv2 open, not GPLv3 open.
  
  --
  Paying taxes to buy civilization is like paying a hooker to buy love.
11. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 16:21 · Score: 0
  
  Android 2.x OS != Android 3.x OS. How many people even own a tablet that runs the latter? 10,000? Meanwhile 2.x is up-to-date and has 100 million users.
12. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by atari2600a · 2011-08-07 16:25 · Score: 1
  
  ...yeah that form factor is retarded without the other half.
13. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by davester666 · 2011-08-07 18:05 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, for the subgroup of humans that have the means to travel back and forth through time.
  
  --
  Sleep your way to a whiter smile...date a dentist!
14. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by NorQue · 2011-08-07 19:33 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  So where can I find a copy of the source code for Android 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2?
  The AOSP git repository? Here's the announcement for 3.2: http://groups.google.com/group/android-building/browse_thread/thread/6a3b3a1c225a11f5/6f36c6c857cfe57f
15. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by Andy+Dodd · 2011-08-08 02:57 · Score: 1
  
  That only has the GPL components - all of the Apache-licensed components (90% of userland) is missing.
  
  --
  retrorocket.o not found, launch anyway?
16. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by Andy+Dodd · 2011-08-08 02:59 · Score: 1
  
  It's just like Linux - you need root privileges to do some things. This is one of them.
  Unfortunately most phones do not provide users with root access. With the exception of Tivoized devices (MOTOROLA!), Android is far more open than iOS - the amount of things you are permitted to do without root on Android is FAR more than what you can do without jailbreak on iOS.
  
  --
  retrorocket.o not found, launch anyway?
17. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by AJH16 · 2011-08-08 03:28 · Score: 1
  
  Does HTC really make 90% of the phones? I know they are a popular manufacturer, but I know Samsung and Motorola have some very popular models as well. Anyone know if this works on the Asus Transformer?
  
  --
  AJ Henderson
18. Re:Interesting maybe kinda but not really by VGPowerlord · 2011-08-08 04:56 · Score: 1
  
  So, what you're saying is that Android 2.x is open source and Android 3.x isn't? Got it.
  
  --
  GLaDOS for President 2016! "Well here we are again. It's always such a pleasure." -- GLaDOS, 2011
But why? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:13 · Score: 0

The playstation controllers are the second* worst gamepad design to ever have existed.
* The title of the worst controller goes to the Atari Jaguar, with the SEGA Dreamcast controller in third place. The Intellivision and Colecovision get a free pass because they were in uncharted territory.
1. Re:But why? by grumbel · 2011-08-07 12:19 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  When it comes to old 2D games the Playstation 3 controller is pretty much the best on the market, thanks to its solid dpad. Also there really aren't many alternatives to begin with. The Xbox360 controller doesn't talk Bluetooth and the Wiimote lacks a lot of buttons. A Wiimote and a ClassicController together would work, but would be rather bulky. And as far as normal PC controller go: There aren't many Bluetooth controller either, most wireless ones talk their own proprietary protocol.
2. Re:But why? by artor3 · 2011-08-07 12:21 · Score: 1
  
  Oh come on. What about the Nintendo Powerglove? Or the Sega Activator? There are plenty of amazingly bad controller designs out there.
3. Re:But why? by Aladrin · 2011-08-07 13:31 · Score: 1
  
  Have you tried holding an N64 controller? Those things were ridiculous.
  The PS controllers were the first controller that actually felt good in my hands, due to the crude attempt they made at shaping it to fit human hands. The large XBox controllers were the first to first my rather-large hands properly.
  
  --
  "If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you." - DM
4. Re:But why? by cgenman · 2011-08-07 13:51 · Score: 1
  
  The Xbox 360 D-pad has endemic design issues with diagonals.
  The Sega Master System also had atrocious diagonals, as did Game.com.
  The 5200, while technically a stick design, featured a non-re-centering joystick. Which meant you needed to estimate where neutral was, and hope you were right.
  The CDi's gamepad felt like / was a bad PC 3rd party knockoff of a Gravis PC Gamepad. It felt sloppy and loose.
  The PS1 gamepad had far less of the "rocker" design to the d-pad, resulting in lots of precise presses needed for any action.
  If we're talking terrible peripherals, the U-Force has to top the list for least-likely-to-ever-respond-to-input-correctly. The NES Max worked fine, if you completely ignored the disk in the middle of the D-pad (the whole point of the Max). And in the early days of Street Fighter, a lot of the arcade owners converted older machines into SF machines, including ones with fixed 4 directional inputs that couldn't do diagonals.
  
  --
  The ______ Agenda
5. Re:But why? by dissy · 2011-08-07 14:26 · Score: 1
  
  If we're talking terrible peripherals, the U-Force has to top the list for least-likely-to-ever-respond-to-input-correctly.
  The U-Force sure does make that list, but hardly at the top.
  I'm pretty sure the Power Glove still holds #1 place.
  The rolling rocker is way up there too, as is the Atari 5300 controllers.
  Ironically, the U-force responds surprisingly well for a horrible terrible peripheral, in that it works a good 10% of the time compared to the rest of the list that can't even manage that.
6. Re:But why? by atari2600a · 2011-08-07 16:30 · Score: 1
  
  I'd actually found the Dreamcast controller quite comfortable as a child. Then again, I spent more time on a Wildcat controller with broader grips on the bottom, but it was the same basic design...
7. Re:But why? by Hatta · 2011-08-08 01:03 · Score: 1
  
  When it comes to old 2D games the Playstation 3 controller is pretty much the best on the market, thanks to its solid dpad
  Are you kidding? The Sony style disconnected arrow buttons have been the bane of 2d gamers for 3 generations of Playstation. Anyone who seriously wants to play 2d games on the PS3 (shmups or vs. fighters mostly) will go get a USB Sega Saturn pad. This is the finest digital game pad ever produced bar none. Make sure you get an original, because the clones will break with light use.
  
  --
  Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
8. Re:But why? by Toonol · 2011-08-08 02:50 · Score: 1
  
  I think the Wii Classic Controller Plus may be the best controller ever made... It's only problem may be that it lacks rumble.
  
  The 360 controller is pretty good, and I didn't mind the old x-box one. The sony duoshock is just ok... The Gamecube controller is great, although you look at it and go 'WTF?'
Link goes to a you tube "PRIVATE" video by gearloos · 2011-08-07 12:19 · Score: 0

Way to go /. keeping only the best stories for prime time.

--
"Computers are a lot like Air Conditioners" "They both work great until you start opening Windows"
Pounds Head Into Desk.... by ShadowBlasko · 2011-08-07 12:20 · Score: 0

"Requires your phone to be rooted"

Well, Shit.

I seem to have the unrootable phone now. This Nexus-S just won't do it, and I have done everything by the book, followed all the guides... Hell, I even watched the damned video just in case I was doing something wrong!

Must be something my provider does to them. Cincinnati Bell has a new obsession with doing interesting things to phones now.

--
There are 4 boxes to use in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo. Use in that order- Ed Howdershelt Via Tass
1. Re:Pounds Head Into Desk.... by Alex+Zepeda · 2011-08-07 12:49 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Good thing you bought a Google Experience phone. I hear they're very open. :)
  
  --
  The revolution will be mocked
2. Re:Pounds Head Into Desk.... by bruno.fatia · 2011-08-07 13:18 · Score: 1
  
  Not as open as Apple's
3. Re:Pounds Head Into Desk.... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 13:25 · Score: 0
  
  Lol, thanks for that, but no
4. Re:Pounds Head Into Desk.... by lowlymarine · 2011-08-07 13:33 · Score: 2
  
  So how's that working out for you on up-to-date versions of iOS? Or any other untethered jailbreak, for that matter?
5. Re:Pounds Head Into Desk.... by bruno.fatia · 2011-08-07 13:48 · Score: 2
  
  I don't really know/care.
  Posted from my Nexus S
6. Re:Pounds Head Into Desk.... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 17:21 · Score: 0
  
  [...] however it is incompatible with most HTC devices and some newer Samsung devices [...]
  Um... doesn't that pretty well mean MOST Android phones, then?
PS3 fully supported, QWERTY still buggy as shit by Hadlock · 2011-08-07 12:25 · Score: 1

Glad to see developers have solved the PS3 support problem, as my touch interface didn't give me enough analog options or virtual buttons. You still have to install all sorts of crappy 3rd party BT drivers and jump through various flaming hoops to get a BT keyboard to work on android.

--
moox. for a new generation.
1. Re:PS3 fully supported, QWERTY still buggy as shit by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:33 · Score: 0
  
  My Xoom supports BT keyboards and mice from within the OS since OS3.1
2. Re:PS3 fully supported, QWERTY still buggy as shit by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:45 · Score: 0
  
  My Xoom supports BT keyboards and mice from within the OS since OS3.1
  Not to mention any HID-compliant game controller (via USB). :)
3. Re:PS3 fully supported, QWERTY still buggy as shit by chammy · 2011-08-07 22:06 · Score: 1
  
  I have Cyanogen 7 on my Droid and it can handle a bluetooth keyboard just fine - all I had to do was turn it on and sync like any other device. The only issue I've had is it doesn't rotate the arrow keys with the screen (not a big deal.)
This Is The Painful Truth - Hurry And Mod It Down! by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:30 · Score: -1

Fat people eat too much. See you cannot gain weight if what you eat is less than or equal to the calories you burn. That is called eating.

If you eat more than the calories you burn, that is called overeating. Or eating too much. It is how you get fat. This isn't rocket science, folks.

Fatties have a talent for one thing. You don't bloat up to a 300 pound lardass blimp overnight. No, that takes time. You have to work on it bit by bit. Fatasses have the ability to become 10lbs overweight and not notice, then 20, then 50, then 75, and on and on. At no point do they say "hey I wonder if I should do something different, if what I am doing now isn't working so well, if I can figure out ahead of time where this path leads".

Fatties don't say "gee you know insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result, so if I don't change my eating and/or exercise habits I will keep getting the same result and the result is putting on more and more excess fat."

This is why it is not just cosmetic. It's not just looks. It's ugly for a lot of very good reasons. Fatass-ness is a mental disease. It's a form of stupid. "Stupid" is when there is no good reason to do something, nobody benefits from it, and you do it anyway. A thief is merely selfish since at least the thief gains something from stealing.

Getting fat is just plain stupid. Not doing something about it is even fucking worse. Making excuses for it and looking for something to blame makes you a childish idiot. Stop doing this. You'll be so much happier when you realize your decisions really do create the reality you experience. Why do you cowards run from this?
2 days ago in reddit.com/r/android by bobstreo · 2011-08-07 12:31 · Score: 1

http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/ja2au/now_you_can_use_ps3_controllers_on_your_phone/
Probably more useful on tablets anyways....
I've had the wiimote working with mine for a while. sixaxis may be even better...
This could be useful in a way. by GoodNewsJimDotCom · 2011-08-07 12:32 · Score: 1

If you're a guy who wants to develop for the Play Station Phone, maybe your aps will be easily portable to people who use an Android + PS3 controller.

Some Aps just need a real controller feel to them, even if you're missing out on a majority of the market share(people with Android/iPhones and no PS3 controller).

--
God spoke to me
1. Re:This could be useful in a way. by CastrTroy · 2011-08-08 04:43 · Score: 1
  
  I was talking about this the other day with a co-worker. They could make the Android an even more serious contender to the PSP/ Nintendo DS if they had some kind of gamepad you could use with any old Android phone. I know that a lot of people complain about using the touch input on their phone for games. Especially if you have one of the cheaper phones with resistive display. I'm sure a bluetooth controller could be made, possibly with some kind of adjustable piece which could hold onto the phone. This would make gaming on Android devices much more enjoyable.
  
  --
  
  Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
What's the big deal? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 12:37 · Score: 0

Why is this such a big deal? Just Bluetooth? I mean, from a practical standpoint, this is almost a waste of time. We have been able to use multiple PS3 controllers via USB on tablets since 3.1, and really why would you be more than a metre away from your device to the point that you need to connect via Bluetooth rather than USB.
And if you want to do this on your phone... well.. newsflash.. it's a *phone* not a gaming console.
Besides, I wouldn't go holding your breath for 4 player games with Bluetooth controller support. There are hardly any games on emulated consoles that are > 2 players either.
1. Re:What's the big deal? by AndrewNeo · 2011-08-07 16:57 · Score: 1
  
  I think it's considered a big deal because PS3 controllers aren't bluetooth HID devices like the wiimotes, they have a custom protocol.
2. Re:What's the big deal? by Nursie · 2011-08-07 23:11 · Score: 1
  
  'cos it's pretty cool, if you're travelling, to plug your phone into the hotel tv and run your genesis/SNES/MAME/whatever emulators, and have a neat little wireless controller, too.
  Or at least it is on my N900 which has had thuis feature for over a year now.
3. Re:What's the big deal? by GameboyRMH · 2011-08-08 00:03 · Score: 1
  
  And no "rooting" necessary on the N900, just power up and install.
  But now the most open phones on the market all have to be rooted. Progress!
  
  --
  "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
Yay? by Jethro · 2011-08-07 13:06 · Score: 4, Funny

Be more useful for me if I could use my Android phone AS a Sixaxis controller. Or at least a lot cooler.

--

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is kinky.
1. Re:Yay? by Anne+Thwacks · 2011-08-07 20:23 · Score: 1
  
  Mod parent +1,Only sensible comment here
  
  --
  Sent from my ASR33 using ASCII
2. Re:Yay? by Rennt · 2011-08-07 23:13 · Score: 1
  
  A less ergonomic six axis with no buttons - unless you count virtual buttons, then its a subpar six axis you can't use while looking at the TV. Cool maybe, but significantly less useful.
3. Re:Yay? by GameboyRMH · 2011-08-08 00:02 · Score: 1
  
  On Maemo you could do that, among other things:
  http://maemo.org/packages/view/bluemaemo/
  
  --
  "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
4. Re:Yay? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-08 03:03 · Score: 0
  
  First thought for me as well.
5. Re:Yay? by Timmmm · 2011-08-08 04:35 · Score: 1
  
  Err no, this is so you can connect one or several PS3 controllers to your phone, which is running an emulator displayed over HDMI. Thus turning your phone into a mini-console.
  I don't see why anyone would want to use a phone as a controller for a PS3. It would be far inferior to an actual PS3 controller.
6. Re:Yay? by Jethro · 2011-08-08 04:42 · Score: 1
  
  And I don't see why anyone would want to play games on their phone, even via HDMI on a TV. I don't think EITHER of these is in any way useful. I'm just saying using the phone as a controller would be somewhat cooler.
  
  --
  
  In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is kinky.
7. Re:Yay? by Timmmm · 2011-08-08 05:04 · Score: 1
  
  Heh, you make no sense. I mean, the attraction of having your phone be a full-on console is obvious. You can easily take it to other people's houses, on business trips, etc.
  But there's no reason you'd want to use a phone as a PS3 controller - people who have PS3's tend to already have PS3 controllers, and they are much better!
8. Re:Yay? by Jethro · 2011-08-08 05:09 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, Angry Birds on a huge TV with a PS3 controller, that's just awesome cool fun.
  I prefer to take a book on trips. I do a lot of things with my phone, but play games is not one of them.
  
  --
  
  In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is kinky.
9. Re:Yay? by Timmmm · 2011-08-08 05:43 · Score: 1
  
  Well now you're just changing what I said, which is as good as admitting you lost the debate!
10. Re:Yay? by Jethro · 2011-08-08 05:46 · Score: 1
  
  Ok, you're saying phone games are as good as console games. I say maybe consoles from 5 years ago. I still have zero interest in playing them.
  As I said originally, I don't really think either of these is a 'good' idea.
  
  --
  
  In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is kinky.
What is it with BT? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · 2011-08-07 13:24 · Score: 3, Interesting

Can anybody explain for me why the state of BT, even on devices that amount to general purpose computers, is so fucked compared to other common interconnects?

I understand that, when one or both devices communicating are likely to be embedded ones for which driver update is impractical or impossible, the specification of assorted "Protocols" is desireable(and extremely convenient, as in the case of USB's "Classes"). What I don't understand, though, is why the various BT protocols seem to be so device/driver dependent. Some dongles support protocol X, others don't, others do with a cracked copy of BlueSoliel Y or higher...

Why is it up to the bluetooth device, or to its driver, to support high-level protocols(even on PCs) rather than just handling the low-level link stuff and letting the OS or userspace handle the clever stuff? It seems vaguely like discovering that your NIC is handling SIP in-driver, and if you happen to buy the wrong one, VOIP just won't work. I can understand why a maker of embedded chipsets might produce an IC combining a NIC with some VOIP-centered DSP stuff and an application processor, for the convenience of people building VOIP handsets and such; but encountering such a thing in a PC would be a bit of a shock.

Why is BT so weird?
1. Re:What is it with BT? by grumbel · 2011-08-07 14:15 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Can't answer the general case, but when it comes to the Playstation 3 controller the situation is basically this (at least as far as I understand it):
  1) you connect the controller via USB to let him now the Bluetooth address of your computer/phone
  2) you press the button on the controller to power it up
  3) the controller now contacts your computer and says hello
  4) your computer needs an application running to answer that call
  The problem is step 4), the Playstation 3 controller seems to use well known ports for this (HID stuff I think) and your average OS already has an application listening on those ports, thus you can't just add another application to listen on the same ports and have to kill whatever is already running there to make it work. It's essentially the same thing as when you want to run two webservers on port 80, it simply doesn't work.
  With the Wiimote in adhoc mode the situation is much simpler, as it is the computer that is contacting the Wiimote, not the Wiimote the computer. Thus there are no ports on the computer to worry about and you can simply run a Wiimote app on the PC and have that talk to the Wiimote. The Wiimote however can also be synced with the PC (when pressing the red sync button instead of 1+2), when that is done the situation reverses again, its now the Wiimote contacting the PC. Not sure what ports it uses for that and if there are any conflicts.
2. Re:What is it with BT? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 19:02 · Score: 0
  
  It's essentially the same thing as when you want to run two webservers on port 80, it simply doesn't work.
  Uhhhh...yeah it does. Host headers.
3. Re:What is it with BT? by Vitani · 2011-08-07 20:29 · Score: 1
  
  It's essentially the same thing as when you want to run two webservers on port 80, it simply doesn't work.
  Uhhhh...yeah it does. Host headers.
  Uhhhh...no it doesn't. That would be one webserver running two web sites.
4. Re:What is it with BT? by m50d · 2011-08-07 22:59 · Score: 1
  
  I believe the root of the problem is that Windows shipped without a bluetooth stack, leaving it up to the various bluetooth hardware makers to write their own drivers. Hardware companies are not very good at software - it's outside their core competency, and they view drivers as an expense rather than a way to improve their product. So some of them did things their own way, some of them licensed stacks from other companies, and we ended up with about four competing implementations each with their own bugs. (And since the only thing most hardware companies test is that their hardware works on windows with the drivers they're supplying, the spec and the apple/linux implementations didn't really help). It's a little like the UHCI/OHCI confusion in the early days of USB, only much worse.
  
  --
  I am trolling
5. Re:What is it with BT? by jas203 · 2011-08-08 00:23 · Score: 0
  
  Bluetooth (the technology) actually is much better than other interconnects, because the specifications go to the use-case level.
  
  Equally for Bluetooth hardware there exists a standardised interfaces; so the same USB driver, for example, *should* work for all USB Bluetooth hardware. In fact this hardware interface specification encourages a partition where the higher levels protocols run in the OS.
  
  What you describe is certainly not an implementation I would ever expect to see - Linux has a pretty sane implementation for example.
6. Re:What is it with BT? by Timmmm · 2011-08-08 04:38 · Score: 1
  
  > your average OS already has an application listening on those ports
  I don't think it is that in this case. The app describes the lack of support as a "missing protocol". Probably Samsung/HTC's bluetooth stack doesn't support HID... or something.
  I've actually been trying to write an android sixaxis app, but bluetooth is pretty damn complicated and there are no good tutorials or documentation - they're all way too 'enterprise' and convoluted.
7. Re:What is it with BT? by Timmmm · 2011-08-08 04:59 · Score: 1
  
  Aha! I found the real reason.
  There is a bluetooth input code here: http://code.google.com/p/android-bluez-ime/
  And they state "Wiimote support is ready, but many devices lack the L2CAP ability and thus cannot communicate with the Wiimote."
  I imagine it is the same reason for the PS3.
Another Option by mschoolbus · 2011-08-07 13:25 · Score: 2

For some phones, the game gripper is a good option http://www.game-gripper.com/Default.asp

Does not require root, as it physically pushes the keyboard buttons.
1. Re:Another Option by toadlife · 2011-08-07 17:36 · Score: 1
  
  I bought a game gripper for my Epic 4g (Galaxy S). It's not perfect, but it's good enough for 8/16 bit emulation, which is all I wanted.
  
  --
  I don't always use unix-like operating systems; but when I do, I prefer FreeBSD.
2. Re:Another Option by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 18:29 · Score: 0
  
  game gripper is so good
I've never understood... by Sasayaki · 2011-08-07 13:32 · Score: 4, Interesting

... why people just accept that in order to do anything cool with an Android phone you have to jailbreak it first.
Among my friends there's about a 25/75 split between Android users and iPhone users (disclaimer: I've got an iPhone). Honestly, I don't really get the fanboy fuelled 'hate-dom' that seems to flare up whenever we get into a debate about the respective merits of our devices, especially because we're arguing about the superior brand of telephone. Really...?
I do find it strange, though, that despite Android phones having superior cameras, consumer-friendly features including the ability to replace your battery, better and faster processors, more ram and physical keyboards (in all ways, physically, superior to iPhones), whenever a debate comes... it's inevitable that one of the main arguments (usually the first one) that's bought out by the Android users is "It's open and it's free as in freedom", usually said with this smug grin, as though the iPhone is not. They're right, of course, but...
But then I ask something like, "Can I replace the 'telephone' app freely then?" and they nod eagerly and say, "Yep, you totally can, you just jailbreak it like this and-" ...
I can accept that Android has a great deal many superior features to the iPhone, but I eventually went with iPhone because it had the best user interface, painless upgrade process, everything about it 'just works' (unless it doesn't, such as 3GS wifi-access-point-mode), and the app-store is by far the best. Some people say, "If you're not willing to tinker with your devices you're not a real geek", at which point I tell them that it's just a telephone and I expect it, and its apps, to just work, all the time. It should not need to be tinkered with.
I just don't understand why when the inevitable fanboy war comes, that the very first feature that seems to be produced is "It's open if you jailbreak!". I mean, isn't that the very definition of jailbreaking? Making something closed open? (and yes, iPhones can do it to...)
My second question is...
Awesome! Is there an iPhone port of this?

--
Check out my sci-fi book "Lacuna" at http://goo.gl/MVxX8
1. Re:I've never understood... by RobbieThe1st · 2011-08-07 13:48 · Score: 2
  
  I don't know why they accept it. That's why I got a Nokia N900. Root available(just install an app) easily, unlocked, open bootloader(so you can dual, triple or quad-boot whatever the hell you want), and a full Linux stack.
  Oh, and it's supported using the Sixaxis controller since at *least* January of last year... Not that I care, not having one, but...
  Yea.
2. Re:I've never understood... by Veggiesama · 2011-08-07 14:15 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  I can accept that Android has a great deal many superior features to the iPhone, but I eventually went with iPhone because it had the best user interface, painless upgrade process, everything about it 'just works' (unless it doesn't, such as 3GS wifi-access-point-mode), and the app-store is by far the best. Some people say, "If you're not willing to tinker with your devices you're not a real geek", at which point I tell them that it's just a telephone and I expect it, and its apps, to just work, all the time. It should not need to be tinkered with.
  No offense, but I can't stand the "it just works" cop-out. I have heard it so many times, it sounds like it was ripped straight from an Apple commercial. Of course "it just works"-- even Androids "just work," if you mean they can do all the basic functions, like making calls, storing contacts, showing the time, accessing webpages, etc., in some fashion or another without a ton of modification.
  However, when given the ability to customize and personalize, some of us enjoy going the extra mile to upgrade a sufficient "just works" interface to an optimal "OMG check out what my smartphone can do" interface. Sure, the default Android browser works fine, but I want tabbed browsing, so I upgrade to Dolphin HD. The default gTalk app does what it's designed to do, but I'm a power chatter with five or six different IM accounts (which could require many different apps!), so to standardize the interface and save on the RAM, I grab eBuddy for an all-in-one solution. And that's not even getting into all of the cool stuff (and money-saving stuff) you can do if you root your phone.
  I think that when a geek gains that ability to tinker, "just works" becomes "hmm... maybe I can do better." If you don't have any other options, you don't bitch about a lousy interface--you learn to adapt. For instance, every microwave oven I've ever owned has had a POPCORN button on it that always seems to burn any popcorn I give it. Naturally, I just ignore it like many others do. However, if I could take that button off and replace it with a +30 SECONDS button (in addition to the regular +1 QUICK MINUTE button) or a QUICK RECALL button or something other that would be more useful, I would do it in a heartbeat. But I can't, because the microwave's interface is locked and can't be modified. So you learn to adapt to the quirks and ignore the deficiencies.
  However, as soon as you learn you have other options, the minor problems become glaring obstacles that can be overcome with a little bit of research and tinkering. Maybe that's not a big deal to some people, but I like it.
3. Re:I've never understood... by subreality · 2011-08-07 14:22 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Awesome! Is there an iPhone port of this?
  Yep, coming soon, you just jailbreak it like this and-" ...
  This is actually one of my big misgivings about my iPhone. I have to jailbreak it to do a lot of cool things with it, and Apple goes way out of their way to make it obnoxiously hard. I skip most of the upgrades because it's a complete PITA to plan an upgrade path that won't lose my jailbreak.
  I'm giving very serious thought to switching to an Android phone where I can jailbreak it once (possibly with vendor-blessing, or perhaps not), install Cyanogenmod, and be done with it.
  If I wanted the best vendor-supplied experience, the iPhone has it, hands down. But I'm a tinkerer, and Android is calling.
4. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 14:44 · Score: 0
  
  Android 3.1 and higher supports PS3 and XBox 360 controllers out of the box, officially, no rooting required.
5. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 14:51 · Score: 1
  
  Rooting != Jailbreaking
6. Re:I've never understood... by godrik · 2011-08-07 14:54 · Score: 1
  
  I think you have the wrong understanding of "jailbreaking" and which type of operations require "jailbreaking".
  "jailbreaking" on android is obtaining root access. The system does not really prevent you from having root access since plugging a USB cable on the phone give you root access. That is why the operation is called "rooting" the phone. Most people want to root the phone to install custom firmwares, but for most thing you do not need that.
  Only applications that need a low level access require a rooted phone. Actually they just need the access to a particular block device, which is not available by default by the software stack.
7. Re:I've never understood... by MeNeXT · 2011-08-07 15:03 · Score: 1
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  --
  DRM? No thanks, I'll just get it somewhere else...
8. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 15:05 · Score: 0
  
  Yep, coming soon, you just jailbreak it like this and-" ...
  How exactly are you going to modify iOS to support a new bluetooth stack when there is no driver SDK? Reverse engineer the entire kernel?
9. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 15:19 · Score: 0
  
  I'm sure Nokia could have made a killer Android phone or updated version of the N900 but the N900 itself is ancient and pretty crappy compared to modern cheaper phones.
  It won't happen now though, Nokia is dead and buying into a dead company is a very bad idea.
10. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 15:39 · Score: 1
  
  You don't jailbreak an Android phone. You root it which is usually pretty simple. For my GT540 I simply Googled it.
  - Enter the code '3845#*540#'
  - Select the option 'Module Test', then 'Stability Test' then 'Enable Root Permission'
  - You will now be prompted for a password - enter :SWIFT::GT540:
  - A toast message will briefly appear saying 'OK' - your root access is now enabled!
  That's all there is to it.
11. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 16:09 · Score: -1
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  
  I owned an iPhone not to knock it or anything if you are happy with it fine but I didn't realize how many calls it dropped until I switched. My 2cents is just to say I'm so glad I can connect my new phone on as many computers as I care to. iPhone is so closed that I can't understand how you put up with it, jailbroken or not.
  fffffffffffffffffffffffffff
12. Re:I've never understood... by Tooke · 2011-08-07 16:24 · Score: 1
  
  Exactly! Thank you for posting that.
  I have an ipod touch (don't have money for a smart phone, no real alternatives that I've seen) and it hardly "just works" for me. I've jailbroken it, and I don't know how people can stand to live without the features I've added to mine. I use a case with a cover, so the lock screen is pointless for me. Turns out there's a cydia app to get rid of the lock screen. I thought it was a pain to take it out of my pocket, unlock it (before I jailbroke), and open the music app just to pause a song. With Activator, I can pause the music by holding down one of the volume buttons. There are tons of small enhancements like this that would drive me crazy if I didn't have them anymore.
  By the way, is Android really as great as it sounds? I'm waiting for Samsung to release their PMPs in the US, it seems like it's taking them forever to do it though.
  
  --
  Anybody want a peanut?
13. Re:I've never understood... by subreality · 2011-08-07 16:33 · Score: 1
  
  Whoosh!
14. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 16:50 · Score: 0
  
  As much as i hate apple I also own a touch (mostly cause it was the only thing like it at the time, I used it on campus cause it was cheaper than a computer and could do all I needed to do) and I hate how closed it is. After a few days using it I wanted to jailbreak it because there were so many things I wanted to fix... menus act differently in apple-apps, changing lists only works in some apps, postal codes in canada don't auto-adjust like they did for the states when entering contacts, the entire thing has a boatload of glitches not to mention that once apple releases another version of iWhatever they stop supporting your device.
  Also... you don't need to unlock your touch to pause a song... double click the button and your music will come up even when it's locked (unless by lock you mean password, in which case I wouldn't know since my touch doesn't have one..)
15. Re:I've never understood... by wintersdark · 2011-08-07 17:17 · Score: 1
  
  My wife and I both had 3G phones, I have a 4 now. Neither of us, over the three phones, have ever had a dropped call. Ever. Did you switch carriers when you switched phones? Or, perhaps, just a sketchy radio in the phone. As to being closed, that's just silly. The reality of the situation is that you need to jailbreak/root either phone, or you're stuck in a shitty closed platform. Android talks open, but you're still beholden to your handset maker/carrier for OS upgrades (which may well never come) and you still need to root it which may or may not be an easy process, depending on the phone.
  Really, the endless fanboy wars are ridiculous. It's worse than console wars. Either is fine, both Android and iOS - once jailbroken/rooted - are great operating systems, with their own strengths and weaknesses. iPhones typically sport higher build quality/sturdiness, Android phones are more flexible and (importantly!) have removable batteries. ~shrugs~
  For physical controls, though, I highly recommend people check out icontrolpad.com - for iOS or Android. Particularly useful if you're into emulators, but it works on a lot of appstore games too, as well as PC's etc. Standard bluetooth controller.
  
  --
  Meh.
16. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 18:18 · Score: 0
  
  It's great that your a geek and you love to tinker and go the extra mile, but not everyone does. For people who want to make apps and want them to be useable not just for a small audience the iPhone is a better platform.
17. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 18:33 · Score: 0
  
  I can't help, but agree with you that the fanboyism is too much, but you have to realize that to a fanboy, your comment only continues to prolong it and sounds like you have taken the iPhone side.
  
  Neither of us, over the three phones, have ever had a dropped call. Ever... Android talks open, but you're still beholden to your handset maker/carrier for OS upgrades (which may well never come) and you still need to root it which may or may not be an easy process, depending on the phone.
18. Re:I've never understood... by Boycott+BMG · 2011-08-07 19:00 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  But then I ask something like, "Can I replace the 'telephone' app freely then?" and they nod eagerly and say, "Yep, you totally can, you just jailbreak it like this and-" ...
  If you mean the dialer app, then yes you can replace it, without rooting. In fact, there is very little you must root to do. Off the top of my head I have only had to root to do the following:
  Install custom ROMs/patches.
  Run a personal firewall/ad blocker.
  Run a wireless tether app that doesn't require that I pay the phone company extra.
  Run a VNC server.
  Run a program that over/underclocks my phone.
19. Re:I've never understood... by ripdajacker · 2011-08-07 20:00 · Score: 1
  
  Well I would argue that the iPhone doesn't "just work". There are plenty of apps that have weird bugs out there, just as in any other environment.
  People state the "just works" property because they have no interest in the fancy features a smartphone gives you. As they stand from production Android and iPhones can be categorized as being feature phones. It's not until you start tinkering that the "smart" part comes out.
  I love tinkering with my phone, and "jailbreaking" is not so much the word for getting root on Android. Hell on some phones it's a one-click unlock.
20. Re:I've never understood... by Custard+Horse · 2011-08-07 20:31 · Score: 1
  
  Both iOS and Android have their good and bad points (to state the obvios). If you love the Apple interface, it would be a wrench to switch to something else. Apple certainly does 'slick' and a lot of the features are well implemented but a lot are not.
  A work colleague got an iPhone 4 which I had a play with. It impressed me once I'd got the hang of the menu system but one thing that really put me off was the lack of peak and off-peak email schedules in the MS exchange implementation. I prefer push email during the day and check every 4 hours for evenings and weekends. It may well have changed since I checked but this was a serious faux pas in my book - it is a basic requirement that I was used to on my Nokia e71.
  In the interim I purchased a HTC Desire HD which I am extremely happy with. The battery life was dire at the start but only due to the number of default apps which were trying to sync every quarter of a second or so (stock, news, email, gmail, weather, shoes, plates, cups, saucers etc.). Once I'd tweaked a bit and scheduled wif-fi to switch off during work hours when I don't need it, the battery life is fine. Of course, I can use someone elses adroid, blackberry charger if I run low on juice...
21. Re:I've never understood... by Custard+Horse · 2011-08-07 20:47 · Score: 1
  
  One of the strongest arguments in favour of Andriod - the choice of hardware upon which to use it - is also one of the arguments against it. The new iPhone is realeased and everyone gets it - no watering down of hardware/compatibility. With Android, lots of vendors are competing hence the choice. It is this choice which I think is a good thing even though it may introduce incompatibility/instability.
  Apple has a strong business model but it is not for everyone. Rather than berate one or the other, people try both and make their choice. >p>As an Android and Windows user with an Xbox 360 I have made my choices which fit in well with my lifestyle. If you have a mac, iPhone and PS3 or any combination of those, good luck to you.
  Criticise the hardware for being faulty and/or innovative but if you feel the need to criticise the choice that a person makes, just shut the hell up. Me criticising your choice to criticise others is the one acceptable irony - no-comebacks.
22. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 22:30 · Score: 0
  
  FYI, if you check the instructions on your microwave, they almost definitely explain that when using the POPCORN button, you're still need to monitor the popping and listen for the appropriate interval before manually stopping the microwave yourself. The button is purposely designed to overcook because you're supposed to manually stop it when it sounds ready.
23. Re:I've never understood... by Thantik · 2011-08-07 22:41 · Score: 1
  
  Actually, jailbreaking is called such because under iOS you have to break out of a CHROOT JAIL. You don't jailbreak an Android because there is no chroot jail to break out of. It's called rooting because you're doing that...obtaining root.
24. Re:I've never understood... by donaldm · 2011-08-07 23:13 · Score: 1
  
  The battery life was dire at the start but only due to the number of default apps which were trying to sync every quarter of a second or so (stock, news, email, gmail, weather, shoes, plates, cups, saucers etc.). Once I'd tweaked a bit and scheduled wif-fi to switch off during work hours when I don't need it, the battery life is fine. Of course, I can use someone elses adroid, blackberry charger if I run low on juice.
  Battery life is one of the minuses of the HTC Desire HD so I always carry a USB to micro USB cable which I plug into my laptop whenever my charge level drops below 50%. Basically I only get about an hour gaming on the train and my battery normally goes down to 50%. Other than that I am very happy with my phone.
  
  Traveling by car takes me well over an hour in peak traffic to get to where I am currently working hence the reason I take a train (less stress) when traveling in the city. In addition I can also play a game, listen to music or the radio or even surf the web.
  
  --
  There ain't no such thing as proprietary standards only proprietary formats. Standards are by definition open.
25. Re:I've never understood... by Mr_Silver · 2011-08-08 00:00 · Score: 1
  
  No offense, but I can't stand the "it just works" cop-out. I have heard it so many times, it sounds like it was ripped straight from an Apple commercial. Of course "it just works"-- even Androids "just work," if you mean they can do all the basic functions, like making calls, storing contacts, showing the time, accessing webpages, etc., in some fashion or another without a ton of modification.
  The problem is that "just works" implies a level of polish that a lot of geeks don't seem to care about. Doing basic functions is all very fine and well but it's not a very high goal to achieve - the difference between a good product and a great product is much much more than just that.
  For example, I can find at least one bug and/or annoyance in every single one of the basic applications that came with my Android phone - even the damn calculator!* Sure, it does all the basic functions and none of these issues affect my ability to do what the application was intended for - but I'd expect that as a bare minimum. It is the thought and polish that moves it from just being "good" to "great" is missing and that is what would earn it the "just works" moniker.
  (* 1: Even with haptic feedback turned off, the buttons still vibrate when pressed. 2: Missing the MC, MR and M+ buttons. 3: Cannot run the calculator whilst a call is in progress)
  
  --
  Avantslash - View Slashdot cleanly on your mobile phone.
26. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-08 00:13 · Score: 0
  
  Also, on many microwaves, you need to press the Popcorn button until it says the proper size (in ounces) of the bag you're popping. I've had much better results since I figured that out. Usually the size-specific popcorn settings don't burn it.
27. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-08 00:26 · Score: 0
  
  Even wireless tether is fine without rot, provided your provider isn't evil. I'm sat here typing on my tablet tethered to my android phone... no root in sight.
28. Re:I've never understood... by PPalmgren · 2011-08-08 02:10 · Score: 1
  
  The biggest misconception with Andriod is that its only better for tinkerers. I have one and have never rooted or done anything fancy to it, but I still prefer it. Why? If I do decide I want to tinker or mess around with something, I have that option even without root. Apple is about the Jobs Way or the Highway. To put it simply, I don't like being told what I can and can't do by an obsessive control freak. That aside, I multitask extensively and Apple's definition of multitasking, after testing, makes me want to punch babies. Android handles it far more seamlessly and it makes more sense for my procedural nuances and thought process.
  To open up the car analogy, the iPhone's hood is bolted down while mine has a lever. While I may not have to access it often, the fact that I don't have access can't be used against me as leverage, like Apple does. 'Against me' doesn't have to be direct - Apple is using their locked down system against you all the time. The fact that they force a certain cut on sales and are draconian in their app store means you're paying higher costs for books than you should be. It also means you don't have access to perfectly viable alternatives to apps donned with the Apple logo, because people aren't allowed to compete on their closed APIs. In essence, its almost exactly what MS did with IE6...how can you not find that disgusting?
29. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-08 02:23 · Score: 0
  
  I have an android and there are pluses and minuses of both the android and iphone. The iphone has a much better display and everything works better. The difference comes down to a false sense of control (that many mistake for freedom). Android does give you options where the iphone forces you to use their design. Sure the iphone design is one that works great and that many people like but if you don't like it then you are forced to use it. For example, I hate how it has to work through itunes. That type of thing really pisses me off but in reality is it that much of an inconvenience?
  How do you differentiate who should get an android or an iphone? If you are the person who will look for an excuse (I say excuse because in most cases it does not add to the experience) to root your phone then get an android, if not get an iphone.
30. Re:I've never understood... by jittles · 2011-08-08 03:54 · Score: 1
  
  My second question is...
  Awesome! Is there an iPhone port of this?
  There probably will be an iPhone port for this. But guess what? You're probably going to have to jailbreak your phone to use it!
31. Re:I've never understood... by Veggiesama · 2011-08-08 06:24 · Score: 1
  
  I've been outgeeked by microwave popcorn enthusiasts. I am deeply humbled.
32. Re:I've never understood... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-08 08:43 · Score: 0
  
  Which modern phones have a keyboard, FM transmitter, Infra-red transmitter, swappable battery and a touchscreen that can use any object as a stylus? And also run proper Linux*? And having Free software to perform wifi packet injection and monitoring and WEP password cracking would be good too. The N900 is a little dated, but still works well and does all the things I just mentioned. And AFAIK, there isn't really anything that is a complete replacement for it. It may not be the best phone, but it still is a pretty damn good pocket sized Linux computer.
  *No, Android doesn't count, nor does a distro in a chroot on top of Android, because that doesn't run the same as native.
Office 2010 by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 13:46 · Score: -1

http:www.officialsofts.com/
Hrm, Nokia N900... by thrill12 · 2011-08-07 14:10 · Score: 1

... had it running more than a year ago already (http://tomasz.sterna.tv/2010/02/play-games-on-nokia-n900-with-ps3-sixaxis-controller/). I used to run C64 games on it using Vice - my own portable C64 game console for hotels, when used in combination with the N900 video cable. Only issue was mainly that you had to configure the keys correctly, and that some games would need some patience in that configuration.

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Slashdot: stuff for news, nerds that matter, matter for news, stuff that nerd
1. Re:Hrm, Nokia N900... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 17:30 · Score: 0
  
  Hey, I lost mine, does anyone have a copy of the standard Amiga Persecution Complex form response from the late 80s/early 90s? I figure we can just do a quick grep-and-replace on it to turn it into something to deal with the N900 Persecution Complex posters that crawl out of the woodwork every time a phone is mentioned in any capacity on Slashdot.
2. Re:Hrm, Nokia N900... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 20:55 · Score: 0
  
  Hey, whaddayaknow : I owned an Amiga too ! Guess I love going for that Niche Market :)
  
  Your post, however, is:
  (.) mildly annoying
  (*) annoying
  (.) severely annoying
  because it concerns the (check any that apply)
  (*) Windows
  (*) iPhone
  (*) Symbian
  (*) Android
  Mobile Phone Operating System, giving it a
  (.) mildy higher
  (.) moderately higher
  (*) severely higher
  rating above any other Operating System on the basis of (check any that apply)
  (*) tunnel vision
  (*) feeling of unjust superiority
  (*) mass market targeted technical specifications
  (*) the idea that small mobile phone operating systems do not count
  (.) no particular reason
  Thank you
N900 by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 14:16 · Score: 0

This has been done years ago for the N900, strange that it took so long to port.
1. Re:N900 by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 15:07 · Score: 0
  
  Yet, nobody cared, because the N900 was completely unknown to >99% of cellphone users.
The Reverse by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 14:16 · Score: 0

Cool, but I would rather be able to use my phone as a sixaxis controller.
Think about it, Controller in your pocket, wherever you go.
1. Re:The Reverse by Osgeld · 2011-08-07 14:41 · Score: 1
  
  that would require something other than a 20+ year old concept in a new package, though I will consent that having cheap cellular Internet had a major 1 up in the evolution of the newton/palm/and all the other mips and arm pocket pc's
2. Re:The Reverse by rrossman2 · 2011-08-07 14:45 · Score: 1
  
  And would you have the PS3 in your other pocket? Sorry, but that's a dumb idea (plus it would make for a poor controller I'm sure)
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Sixasix.c by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 14:59 · Score: 0

For what I understand of this, the only stuff needed to get a PS3 controller to work on a Android phone is to pair it. Android phones can already figure out bluetooth HIDs (including standards joypads) provided they do not carry the burden of a weirdly designed interface (Sense or Touchwiz both prevents foreign BT HIDs to be used).
We can already push an associated BT Mac adress into the constroller's memory thanks to sixpair.c which had been already available for years. The PS3's controller works then fine in Linux, using BT, like a regular controller work.
So you only have to find out your phone's BTMAC and store it in a PS3 controller using sixpair.c and that's it. Right?
I don't quite see the point of this paid app?
1. Re:Sixasix.c by grumbel · 2011-08-08 04:13 · Score: 1
  
  The PS3's controller works then fine in Linux, using BT, like a regular controller work.
  Does it? As mine doesn't. The two ways to make it work after the sync seems to be patching hidd or killing hidd/bluetoothd and using QTSixa, at least judging from what I have found so far on the Web and most of it seems rather outdated. There also seem to be issues with the controller not using authentification that one thus might need to disable in the bluetooth config.
  Long story short: If somebody has an up to date HowTo on how to make the controller just work over Bluetooth without additional hackery in Linux, I'd like to know. As so far I didn't had any luck.
Great! Except not :( by markdavis · 2011-08-07 15:22 · Score: 1

>"You can now use the PS3 Sixaxis Controller on Android phones and devices."!
Except not unless you are rooted. Throw away 90% of devices out there.
Or if it is an HTC. So throw out another 50% of devices out there.
Or a newer Samsung. So throw out another 15% of devices out there.
And there is no point if it is not a higher-end device capable of playing good games. So throw out about 70% of devices out there.
Not much left!
yay by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-07 16:00 · Score: 0

Just tried it out, works wonderfully on all my emulators so far.
Def. better than connecting a wii controller.
Re:Great! Except not :( by nordah · 2011-08-07 17:48 · Score: 1

Or if it is an HTC. So throw out another 50% of devices out there.
I'm on a HTC Hero... rooted, and running aospCMod (AOSP 2.3.4 / CM7+ (Gingerbread)). I don't have a Sixaxis to test the actual hardware, but the compatibility checker indicates that my phone is compatible.
So maybe not completely "throw out another 50% of devices out there." Mod'ed HTC's may be good to go, and a mod'ded phone is guaranteed to be rooted.
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Headline is slightly misleading. by ya+really · 2011-08-08 01:00 · Score: 1

however it is incompatible with most HTC devices and some newer Samsung devices due to the need of specific Bluetooth protocol
That's true if you are using a sense based rom, however if you are rooted, there's a good chance you are using an AOSP (android open source project) ROM, such as Cyanogenmod 7 that does have the bluetooth support needed.
Also wanted to note that controller support for android isn't exactly a new concept. The wiimote has been able to be used for quite a while. However support for a playstation controller is new to me :)
The point was... by Junta · 2011-08-08 03:11 · Score: 1

Android devices "just work" if you pretend it is as locked down as an iPhone and don't go exploring possibilities that you wouldn't have had anyway. In so many cases something that has sensible defaults but lot's of power under the hood if you want it is decried as 'too complicated' even though without popping the hood you can't even tell the difference.

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XML is like violence. If it doesn't solve the problem, use more.
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