CogDroid Status Update

Thanks a lot Dimitry. What you are doing is great!

Stef

On Oct 10, 2011, at 7:06 PM, Dimitry Golubovsky wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I would like to update the Squeak/Pharo community on the CogDroid
> development status, summarize the changes made since the first public
> alpha release, and discuss further directions of the development.
>
> I have uploaded two new alpha release packages:
>
> for ARM devices:
> http://squeakvm-tablet.googlecode.com/files/CogDroid-alpha-20111009.apk
>
> for Android-x86:
> http://squeakvm-tablet.googlecode.com/files/CogDroid86-alpha-20111010.apk
>
> I have created a wiki page [1] which summarizes the changes made to
> CogDroid since the first public alpha release.
>
> Briefly, these changes are:
>
> - Partial integration with Android intent system, so CogDroid can be
> launched with a specified Smalltalk image file and a startup script by
> tapping a home screen shortcut icon. Such icons can be created from
> Smalltalk code running in CogDroid. See also [2] for technical
> details.
>
> - Added build for the x86 Android platform. Android-x86 can run on
> Intel-compatible CPUs in desktops and netbooks, and also in virtual
> machines.
>
> - Using a PC with physical keyboard and mouse attached brings some
> benefits in terms of user input, so functionality was added to support
> special keys such as Ctrl- and Shift- modifiers, and also arrow and
> home/end keys. This may be also of use on ARM tablets with keyboard
> and mouse attached, or on dockable phones. I am unable to test this
> myself, but your feedback is always welcome.
>
> At this moment, I am going to change the direction of my efforts
> towards deeper studying of Android itself, which may give me some
> ideas how to integrate CogDroid better with Android services (e. g.
> sound interface is an open question, but I need to study more, whether
> OSS/ALSA is available under the hood, or some Java wrapper is needed).
>
> This means that for some time I will be pushing updates less
> frequently, except for bugs and critical issues, if reported. OTOH
> this is a better time to integrate my developer's branch with the
> mainline. So, Igor and Eliot please contact me to discuss the
> technical moments.
>
> I would like to thank the whole Squeak/Pharo community for helping me
> with the development and testing. The Benchmark page [3] is a source
> of information people may find helpful choosing an Android device to
> run CogDroid on.
>
> Your feedback is always welcome. Please add your comments to the Alpha
> Progress page [1], including your ideas of Android applications that
> might be created with CogDroid, and what functionality you think needs
> to be added.
>
> Thanks again, and hope to hear from you!
>
> -------------------
> [1] http://code.google.com/p/squeakvm-tablet/wiki/CogDroidAlphaProgress
> [2] http://code.google.com/p/squeakvm-tablet/wiki/CogDroidIntentsAndShortcuts
> [3] http://code.google.com/p/squeakvm-tablet/wiki/TinyBenchmark
>
> --
> Dimitry Golubovsky
>
> Anywhere on the Web
>