Android password-level security without having to type the damn thing it in all the time! – update

Update 01 November 2019: MacroDroid can be used do everything that Llama is used for in the instructions below. The the free version of MacroDroid will suffice. Look for a how-too soon.

Find MacroDroid on the Google Play Store or at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arlosoft.macrodroid&hl=en_AU

Tested with Pebble Time Steel & Samsung S8 & Note 9.

Update 22 August 2019: Llama app is unreliable under Android 9, & appears to have been removed from the Google Play Store. Another Android automation app, such as IFTTT, Tasker or Automate, can probably be used for the same purpose, but I haven't investigated to-date.

Update 16 April 2018: everything below still works under Android 8.

Prior to Android 5, an app called Pebble Locker provided some useful security & convenience features in conjunction with a Pebble smartwatch. It removed the need to enter a PIN or password when a connected Pebble smartwatch was present, but required a passcode if the watch was not present. Under normal circumstances, this meant that the owner did not have to enter a passcode, but a thief or other unauthorised person would be locked out.

Later renamed Dislock, the app was expanded to provide the same functionality with Android Wear, selected Bluetooth devices, or WiFi networks, under versions of Android up to 4.4.4.

Dislock was disabled by Android 5.0, but the built in Smart Lock feature promised to do the same thing. (Plus Google Maps specified locations (e.g. home, work) & face recognition.)

After the update to 5.0 arrived, I set up Smart Lock. As expected, it allowed me to bypass the need for a passcode.

But … the lock on loss of Bluetooth connection function, was absent. Screen lock did occur, but only after the screen timed out, or operation of the sleep/wake/power button.

Good news is that the lock on loss of Bluetooth connection can be added using the inexplicably named, Llama, app.

How to do it:

1.    install Llama from the Google Play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kebab.Llama&hl=en

2.    open the Llama app

3.    EVENTS

(Where “EVENTS” means “Press the on-screen word ‘EVENTS’.”)

4.    [ + ]

(Where “[ + ]” means “Press the on screen button with the plus sign.”)

5.    Under “Event name and group”, the event you are creating will have a name of the form

New Event (n)

(Where “(n)” is a sequential number assigned by Llama.)

If you wish, you can change the name to something more descriptive. I called mine, “LockOnBluetoothDisconnect”.

6.    [ Add Condition ]

7.    A list of available conditions will appear. Scroll down & select

“Bluetooth Device Disconnected”

A list of paired Bluetooth devices will appear.

Select the tickbox beside the Bluetooth device you want to unlock your Android.

8.    [ Add Action ]

A list of available actions will appear. Scroll down & select

“Screen Off”

9.    Press the back button.

10.  The “Events” screen will re-appear. Your newly created event will be included in the list.

11.  Testing: new lock on loss of Bluetooth capability can be tested by turning off Bluetooth on the phone. If it locks within a few seconds, all is well.

All of the above has been tested with a Pebble Time Steel, Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Android 5.0.1 & 5.1.1, but should work with any Android device with Android 5. x & any Bluetooth device.

Update 16 April 2018: since successfully tested with Pebble 2, Samsung Galaxy S5, S7 & S8 under Android 6, 7 & 8.

How to use Smart Lock under Android 5.0 can be found at:

How To Geek:
http://www.howtogeek.com/202881/use-smart-locks-in-android-5.0-and-never-unlock-your-phone-at-home-again/

Gadget Guide On Line:
http://gadgetguideonline.com/android/lollipop/how-to-use-smart-lock-in-android-lollipop/

Get Llama from Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kebab.Llama&hl=en / home no one else around access your phone unlock it Android 5.0 Lollipop’s Smart Locks solves Pandora Spotify change station thumbs down bookmark song unlock your device look something up OK Google tap out quick text unlocking your phone protective exercise case Smart Locks mitigate frustration you set trusted places within certain range phone tablet won’t lock trusted devices assign Smart Lock paired Bluetooth NFC devices enable trusted face unlocking turn your device on unlock your front-facing camera obscured turning on Smart Locks Smart Locks set up accessing settings pull down top edge your device check your notifications tap gray time date bar tap Settings gear have lock your device before set up Smart Locks pattern unlock device PIN password option settings, tap Security options Smart Lock Smart Lock settings three options trusted devices trusted face trusted places have one other all at the same time Smart Lock allow you have many trusted devices only set up one trusted face home where you don’t have unlock your phone unlimited trusted places convenient tap trusted places turn on home work locations assigned Google Maps add custom place add custom place open your current location add search location address add relies heavily Google location service GPS enabled custom places more precise screenshot choose area trusted place tapping blue bar below map add smaller areas compromise your device’s overall security specific business address location add default home location labeled quickly add variety custom trusted places frequent regularly in range trusted place Smart Lock will engage automatically add Home Work Google Maps locations configure Maps swiping right left screen edge tapping Settings settings pane tap Edit home or work enter home work addresses work home address on and off Smart Locks tapping little green button next setting up using device Smart Locks add trusted device Bluetooth pair them Android Bluetooth settings other devices paired tap add trusted device next screen tap Bluetooth add previously paired device screenshot several other devices paired add connect Smart Lock will activate pair Bluetooth devices notification inform add Smart Lock trusted device Smart Lock NFC tap another NFC enabled device tag Smart Lock Lollipop users nifty feature Android’s face unlock feature previous versions unlock adding trusted face more seamless primary method unlocking device add your face trusted face tap Trusted face button Smart Lock settings initial screen face unlocks aren’t safe other unlock methods someone who looks like you unlock your device tap Set up light just right too bright too dim hold device eye level click Next orange-dotted outline keeping your face inside the dots turn green Android scans stores your face click Next trusted place connected trusted device icon bottom lock screen tablet phone unlocked looking at it icon will change unlocked icon swipe open device lock device tap unlock icon change locked icon unlock device with your face trusted place trusted device conventional unlock method face unlocking doesn’t work well various lighting conditions Smart Lock settings tap trusted face improve face matching Smart Locks coolest security features Android use your phone tablet select locations preferred devices won’t lock repeatedly trusted face feature actually works quite well tests 2013 Nexus 7 unlocking almost instantly turned device on looked at it trusted places only work with Google Maps-based locations home WiFi access point welcome addition Google future release Lollipop Smart Locks trusted places Smart Locks Lollipop Google Play services version 6.5 Google pushing update out download sideload Google Play services APK file /

Why you don’t want to wirelessly charge your smartphone

Why not?

1. it's inefficient

2. harms the battery – part of that inefficiency is due to the receiving aerial in the phone getting hot – which heats the battery – which shortens its life

3. positioning is critical – differences of less than a centimetre (0.4 inch) can substantially reduce the charging current

4. slower

5. more expensive

http://www.howtogeek.com/233205/why-you-dont-want-to-wirelessly-charge-your-smartphone/ / wireless charging overrated current form dream wireless power sounds great current wireless charging technologies plugless wireless less convenient slower less-efficient less efficient just plugging phone in wireless chargers more interesting proof of concept future technologies practical charge your smartphone plug it in cable wireless chargers even more constrained charging cables use wireless charger place your smartphone down charging mat mat plugged in wire sits on table smartphone charging mat wirelessly transmit power phone smartphone mat wireless charging stop wireless technologies wireless Internet freedom move around charging cable better cable smartphone is very short very near a power outlet much longer third-party charging cables Lightning cables iPhones standard USB cables Android phones plug your smartphone into longer cable use while charging smart phone wireless charger smartphone bedside table charging mat use longer cable charging smartphone desk longer cable cheaper buying wireless charger device less convenient smartphone wireless charger a bit finicky lines up starts charging plugging it in wireless chargers charging pad outlet phone charging pad contactless wireless wireless charger takes longer uses more power generates more heat faster more efficient transmit energy over wire wired charging much faster charging overnight quickly top-up your phone wired connection wireless less efficient take more electricity charge phone wirelessly wasted power excess heat destroy your phone heat enemy smartphone’s battery wireless charging extra power electric bill extra heat accelerate battery’s decay downsides less convenient flexible simply plugging your phone in even less efficient even slower more wasteful electricity /

Exercise can reverse dementia

CSL Florey Medal recipient, Professor Perry Bartlett
Credit: Shannons

At least in mice – but CSL Florey Medal recipient, Professor Perry Bartlett, says his team are gearing up to start human experiments next year.

“Too short or too long interestingly, & nothing happens, so there’s a sweet spot of exercise that's able to activate the new neurons & also result in this cognitive improvement.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-11/brain-researcher-perry-bartlett-awarded-florey-medal/6932586

https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2015/11/top-brain-researcher-awarded-csl-florey-medal

http://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/floreymedal/2015cslrelease

http://discovery.wehi.edu.au/timeline/neuro-immunology-lab / world’s first neuro-immunology laboratory institute headed by Perry Bartlett Professor Perry Bartlett colleagues discover existence stem cells brain produce new neurons new hope patients brain injuries degenerative conditions Alzheimer’s disease Perry Bartlett immunologist neurologist Perry Bartlett medical research PhD immunology work Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Jacques Miller Gus Nossal Sir Macfarlane Burnet immunology neuroscience finishing PhD Johns Hopkins University USA cell biology MHC major histocompatibility complex molecules immune system University College London Professor Martin Raff immunology neurobiology identifying different types brain cells first monoclonal antibodies identified subsets nerve cells brain neuroscience immunological new field of research Gus Nossal Hall Institute world’s first neuro-immunology laboratory Walter and Eliza Hall Institute major discoveries MHC molecules brain immune-response free zone molecules inflammatory processes basic neuroscience understand different types of cells development brain investigating stem cells give rise neurones patients with brain injuries stem cells developmentally adult brain cells able to make new neurones brains having capacity make new nerve cells lose cells with age gain 10 years investigation adult brain did have the capacity to produce new neurons nerve cells hope brain injuries degenerative conditions dementia Alzheimer’s disease scepticism furore capacity meaningful role in the brain remnant development new nerve cells important redefining brain isolated characterised brain stem cells brain capacity make new nerve cells important normal function source regeneration reverse decline of cognition animals further research in humans reverse cognitive decline old mice activating production new nerve cells sweet spot exercise exercise enough but not too much change in the brain’s biochemistry new Queensland Brain Institute University of Queensland heavy-hitting medical research biotechnology sector neuroscience institute thinking techniques commitment long-haul investigation stem cells lineages regulation stem cells neuroscience Metcalf haemopoietic blood system science driven ideas neuroscientists how lineages worked stem cells were important reductionist approach fundamental processes regulate production nerve cells start developmentally adult painstaking narrative /

How to make a boro implosion pendant

Boro Implosion Pendant
Credit: Bill & Rae Grout, Aspen Hot Glass

That's boro, as in borosilicate glass.



More at Aspen Hot Glass. / burner William Grout implosion style pendants borosilicate glass GTT Cheetah torch pressed dot pattern created florist frog craft stores floral department heating edge folding clear around color implosion pendant example design tutorial Flow Magazine hot glass work implodes condensing bubble end of a tube glass work using difference viscosity temperature produce three dimensional fold generates three dimensional look deep floral encasements implosion glass working technique different uses meanings glass artists video display store customer could many versions finished product answer question How do you do that final item briefly photogenic my work beautiful just the way it goes experimenting with color videos finished marbles Etsy store web site glass /

Victorian teachers beat down iniquitous laptop leasing scheme

Credit: itnews

Teachers in government schools in the Australian state of Victoria have, since 2009, been required to lease laptop computers from their employer. Further, they have been prevented from using a laptop they may already own.

Apparently, this iniquitous arrangement has been brought to an end by a decision in the Victorian Federal Court on Friday, which ruled the scheme was illegal under the Fair Work Act. Victorian education authorities look set to have to repay up to $20 million in back pay & interest.

New South Wales & Western Australia have operated similar schemes, which are likely to suffer similar fates.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-07/teachers-may-be-repaid-millions-over-department-laptop-scheme/6921128

http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/government-it/teachers-sue-over-having-to-lease-laptops-from-education-department-20140721-zv6ch.html

http://www.itnews.com.au/news/victorian-teachers-beat-down-unlawful-laptop-leasing-scheme-411548 / $20m in compensation Victorian state government forced pay back $20 million school teachers lease laptops Education department federal court ruled scheme unlawful Australian Education Union launched legal action 2013 mandate Victorian Department of Education teachers access laptop classrooms requirement existed July 2009 teachers restrictedtheir own devices lease laptops department charged $4 $17 per fortnight machines automatically taken out teacher salaries agency operated standard four-year lease agreement Victorian federal court Friday ruled scheme illegal Fair Work Act employers prohibited forcing staff spend money specific area considered to be unreasonable Act states Federal Court Justice Mordecai Bromberg laptop leasing program unreasonable teachers had no choice participate scheme inflicted excessive costs did not benefit teachers ruling potential implications other jurisdictions across the country NSW Western Australia operate similar laptop leasing programs decision stands state Education department pay back $20 million amount charged teachers laptops more than 40,000 teachers affected scheme Australian Education Union laptops essential teachers unreasonable pay resources job teachers need computers write school reports respond to parent emails develop co-ordinate curriculum collaborate colleagues offices desks teach classrooms need laptop computers Meredith Peace AEU Victorian president statement today’s decision teachers principals state monies unlawfully deducted salaries wages receive backpay interest /

Formula E, season 2, round 2 – Putrajaya, Malaysia, Saturday 07 November 2015 – full race video (update)

Race starts just after the 34 minute mark. Audio is very quiet on some devices.



If the video above is not available to you, try this:


Extended highlights:


Closing laps:


Complete results, including race & qualifying:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/all-results/season-2/putrajaya-eprix.aspx

Driver standings:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/all-results/season-2/driver-standings.aspx

Team standings:
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/all-results/season-2/team-standings.aspx / Formula E all electric racing series fourth 2nd race Putrajaya Malaysia ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers Spark-Renault SRT_01E built French company Spark Racing Technology carbon fiber aluminum chassis Dallara electric powertrain electronics McLaren Electronics Systems Williams Advanced Engineering building 200 kiloWatt battery pack batteries powertrain generate 270 horsepower five-speed paddle shift gearbox fixed gear ratios Michelin 18 inch tires wet dry conditions sound 80 decibel whine full grid 20 cars FIA Formula E strategy street courses dedicated circuits tire wear grip management battery life charge prematurely testing drivers learn knowledge teams construction constructors constructing FanBoost pit stop second fully charged car advances in battery technology battery swaps charging battery Renault Michelin DHL Qualcomm Richard Branson Virgin Racing team Leonardo DiCaprio Venturi team lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range battery management system BMS /

Formula E, season 2, round 2, today – Putrajaya, Malaysia

Putrajaya, Malaysia
Round 2 - Saturday 07 November 2015
Practice - 07:45-09:00 Putrajaya local time
Qualifying - 10:00-11:00
Race - 14:00

Race time has been moved to the earlier time in an attempt to avoid monsoon rains.



Circuit guide
http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/calendar/2015-putrajaya/putrajaya-circuit.aspx

Trulli team out of Putrajaya ePrix
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-e/jarno-trulli-out-of-putrajaya-eprix-after-failing-scrutineering_sto4980769/story.shtml

Interesting insights in this Verge article
http://www.theverge.com/2015/11/6/9680842/formula-e-racing-season-2-putrajaya-live-stream-time / Formula E all electric racing series fourth 2nd race Putrajaya Malaysia ePrix stadium races F1 FIA electricity sport electric vehicles EV terrific acceleration pass passing possible tracks with tight corners technology range race organizers Spark-Renault SRT_01E built French company Spark Racing Technology carbon fiber aluminum chassis Dallara electric powertrain electronics McLaren Electronics Systems Williams Advanced Engineering building 200 kiloWatt battery pack batteries powertrain generate 270 horsepower five-speed paddle shift gearbox fixed gear ratios Michelin 18 inch tires wet dry conditions sound 80 decibel whine full grid 20 cars FIA Formula E strategy street courses dedicated circuits tire wear grip management battery life charge prematurely testing drivers learn knowledge teams construction constructors constructing FanBoost pit stop second fully charged car advances in battery technology battery swaps charging battery Renault Michelin DHL Qualcomm Richard Branson Virgin Racing team Leonardo DiCaprio Venturi team lithium ion LiIon battery charge recharge range battery management system BMS /