Friday, September 28, 2012

Fixed Android phone unable to send out SMS problem after updated to ICS

About 2 months ago when I just updated my HTC Incredible S to Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich, ICS), I noticed an SMS sending out problem as described below:

When a new SMS arrived to the phone and shown as pop-up message, I replied the SMS immediately. That replying SMS will not be sent and stuck at the sending out state. The SMS will eventually be sent out after the phone is rebooted.

This problem is not observed when the SMS is not directly sent from the pop-up box. Meaning, if the SMS is sent from within the SMS app, this problem will not occur.

I managed to find a workaround to fix this problem, and after observing for about 1 month now, I never encounter the same problem again after applying this fix.

If you are also having the same problem in sending out SMS reply, probably can try this fix.

Go to Settings > Call > Phone settings and disable "Home dialing". Restart the phone.

I think this problem is related to a bug in the Home dialing function in Android ICS, and disabling it is the workaround.


Monday, September 24, 2012

Business Model Generation - A handbook for visionaries, game changers and challengers

  • Are you an entrepreneurial spirit?
  • Are you constantly thinking about how to create value and build new businesses, or how to improve or transform your organization?
  • Are you trying to find innovative ways of doing business to replace old, outdated ones?

If you've answered "yes" to any of the above, I would like to recommend you the Business Model Generation book the you could learn about the 9 building blocks of the Business Model Canvas, 5 patterns of business model, etc.

Below is a short video explaining the famous Business Model Canvas:


If you like the idea, you can download a 72 pages preview of the book here.

Visit the Business Model Generation website to find out more.


Friday, September 21, 2012

Garmin portable friction mount to hold GPS navigator on top of car dashboard

If you have a Garmin GPS navigator, you are most likely mount it with its suction cup onto your car windscreen in order to use it.

The suction cup rubber tend to age and lost its suction power by time, and can cause your GPS navigator to fall off from windscreen while you are driving. 2 years ago, I've posted a solution to prolong the time of possible fall off by reactivate the suction cup power with hot water. Another common method is to make the suction cup wet by putting some water (or saliva!?) onto its base before putting it onto the windscreen.

Now, I found an alternative solution, which is to use Garmin portable friction mount to place the GPS navigator on top of the car dashboard.


This friction mount holds the Garmin GPS on top of the dashboard with strong grip and unlikely to be affected even when sharp cornering or emergency breaking. It has a sticky pliable base which can bend according to the dashboard shape.

After using, you can easily take it off from your dashboard. Although there is sticky material at its bottom, it won't leave any residue on the dashboard.

It's holding arm is foldable to adjust the position of the GPS when use. You can totally fold it down when not in use.
I bought it online at the cost of RM88 including shipping.

Friday, September 7, 2012

PIKOM Digital Lifestyle Expo 2012 & World Cyber Games (WCG) 2012

I have just gone to the PIKOM Digital Lifestyle Expo 2012 & World Cyber Games (WCG) 2012 held in KL Convention Centre today.

This event is still on until Sunday, as below:

Date: 7-9 September 2012
Time: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

The main event is WCG Asian Championship 2012 held in Hall 1, where you can see gamers competing for:
  • FIFA 12
  • Counter-strike
  • Counter-strike Global Offensive
  • World of Tanks
  • StarCraft 2
  • DOTA 2
  • Tekken 6


Samsung is also showcasing their big LCD TV and Android products there.

At the end of Hall 2, there is another attraction of fashion show by Cyber International Lifestyle Trade Fair (CILTF). However, you have to catch the right timing, as the models are only doing catwalking for a short while only.

I am forced to go to the other side (Hall 3 and Hall 4) to exit. The other side is very quiet with little crowd. MAMPU is showcasing some e-Government thingy, and you will most likely see their staff relaxing, chit-chatting or playing games instead of entertaining you. Then you will pass through some telco booths and bank booths where a lot of salesperson will come to you, before being able to exit the hall.

In fact, I find the Volkswagen DAS Auto Show 2012 next door (in Hall 5) more attractive, with the launching of brand new Volkswagen Beetle in different colours.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

RON 97 petrol in Malaysia made historical high price @ RM3.00/litre

The RON 97 petrol price has silently risen to a historical high of RM3.00 per litre since Thursday 6 September 2012, a whopping 30 sen increase from its previous price of RM2.70.

In July, it was reported that the price of RON 97 was slashed by 20 sen from RM2.80 to RM2.60 per litre.

Then, the price silently increased by 10 sen in August to RM2.70 per litre without announcement.

Now, it increased again to historical high, without announcement too!