Android 4.4 - KitKat on the Pipo M6 Pro Tablet

Overview

A version of RileyRom (1.7) has been released over on Freaktab.com which brings Android 4.4.2 KitKat to the 9.7" retina tablet.

Having installed it this morning, I can recommend, but for the following caveats:

• GPS is not working
• The ROM seems to expect a 3G version of the device (mine is wifi-only) but it works fine.

Pro tip: Get ART enabled on that tablet as soon as you can.

Instructions for enabling ART:

1. Go to device Settings
2. Developer options
3. Select Runtime
4. Change from "Use Dalvik" to "Use ART".

Benefits of ART:

1. Smoother
2. Better battery life

Downsides of ART:

1. Cannot use Xposed framework
2. Apps take a little longer to install
3. Apps take a little more room on the storage

See original thread for the download information:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?9437-Pipo-M6-Pro-RileyROM-1-7-KitKat

Or want the ROM mirrored? I'm sharing the file using BTSync with the folder secret:

B2SQLCMAZDWW7HME27FUICFWHN45DQGFA

BBC News App for Asus Nexus 7 Tablet

** Update #1 - 19th July, 2012 **
I notice that the BBC news app is now showing up in the Play store, however, it is not optimised for the tablet. In fact, it is the mobile version of the application which is perfectly functional but not as nice of a user experience. I've opted to stick with tablet optimised version for now, which can be downloaded below. Feel free to try both out, one will simply install over the other. The official version is available here.
**

You will find the BBC News app link below. Nexus 7 can run the BBC News app, however a search of the UK Google Play store will reveal that the app is incompatible with the Nexus 7. I'm sure the BBC will update the app's compatibility shortly, rendering this post pointless when it does, but in the meantime this post will provide details on how to get the BBC News app on your shiny new Nexus 7. Note, this is the tablet version of the app, so is optimised for tablet layouts.

You will need to allow downloads from 3rd party locations. That is enter Settings, Security, then check the option to allow installs from Unknown Sources.

Download the APK from here. Open the APK and accept the install.

As you can see, it looks pretty good. Videos can be played using a 3rd party app, such as MX Player.

in landscape  mode

Playstation 1 Emulator on Android Tablet

Recently I got my tablet (Motorola Xoom) playing old Playstation 1 games, using my PS3 controller as an input device. Please do not underestimate how happy I was to see Final Fantasy VII up and running!

In this post, I'll detail the steps needed to get an emulator installed, how to download the games and how to convert the games into a suitable format and what you'll need to use your PS3 controller as input device should you desire such a thing. The emulator has a small cost (currently it is £2.61 or $4.10)

Be warned, it isn't all that straight forward so a certain amount of geekery is recommended! If you have any problems, just ask in the comments section.

Also, be warned, emulators and the games you play on emulators (called ROMs) can be a bit of a grey area, legally speaking. My best understanding is that you have the best shot at staying legal if you own the console you are emulating and own the games that are being emulated. I'm no lawyer by any means, so seek your own legal advice and conscience before diving straight in.