Show Notes: Episode 32


  • Flash on the PSP and Wii
    Game Design Instructor, Vancouver Film School

    How to get Flash games on the PSP
    To get the Flash Player 6 installed on your Sony PSP, you must have the Sony PSP ROM update version 2.70 or later. The Flash Player 6 is enabled only through the web browser so in order to view SWF files they can be either embedded in HTML pages (just like desktop web pages) or just viewed as standalone SWFS by specifying the target file path in the web browser.

    Getting the Flash Player installed on Sony PSP™
    1.Download and install the latest ROM update for the Sony PSP™ (version 2.70 or later).
    2.Follow the install instructions.
    3.Once it’s installed you will need to manually enable the Flash Player via the settings options.

    Viewing SWF files on the Sony PSP™
    1.Create a folder on the root of your memory stick called “Flash”.
    2.Transfer any SWF files to the “Flash” folder.
    3.Open up the web browser on your Sony PSP™ and in the address bar type in: file:/flash/filename.swf
    4.Note: you can create subfolders under the “Flash” folder to store SWF files.

    How to get Flash games on the Wii
    Download the latest Opera browser on to the Wii. See here for instructions:
    http://www.opera.com/products/devices/nintendo/
    Verify that Flash is enabled by visiting the following site on the Internet Channel:
    http://www.wiicade.com/
    Upload your swf file to your webspace. Navigate to your swf file using the opera browser. See links below for button mappings.

    RELATED WEBSITE LINKS
    PSP and Wii examples shown during segment:
    www.jacobtran.com/wii
    www.melaniegenereux.com/
    http://student.vfs.com/~gd06melanie/
    Additional information:
    http://www.adobe.com/devnet/devices/psp.html
    http://aralbalkan.com/825 http://quasimondo.com/archives/000638.php
    Gaming Websites:
    http://www.wiimote.com http://newgrounds.com/psp

    PRODUCTS SHOWN
    PSP, Wii


  • Charting Improvements in Excel 2007
    www.mrexcel.com

    Create a chart with one keystroke – Alt+F1
    Formatting options on the Design ribbon
    Easier to find options (such as scaling) on the Layout ribbon
    Finding the powerful options in the “More” dialog boxes
    Side note: show off the cool Pie Chart that Dick DeBartolo contributed to the book
    Further show notes at http://www.mrexcel.com/tip145.shtml

    RELATED WEBSITE LINKS
    www.MrExcel.com

    PRODUCTS SHOWN
    Charts & Graphs for Microsoft Excel 2007
    $39.95


  • Using Skype without a computer

    Skype have introduced the SMC Wi-Fi phone, which is a wireless phone that enables users to make Skype calls without using a computer. The phone comes with the FON Wi-Fi router, which adds mobility to the phone and gives users access to over 130,000 FON hotspots around the world.

    This Wi-Fi phone is definitely one of the most hotly anticipated products within the Skyping community. It works without the use of a PC, effectively making Skype a mobile platform. This is a great phone for travelers who know where to find open WiFi hotspots.

    Items included in the box:

    * One Skype Wi-Fi Phone (VM1185T)
    * One Lithium-Ion Battery
    * One White Headset
    * One White Mini USB Cable
    * One AC Power Charger (with Mini USB Output Tip)
    * One Quick Installation Guide
    * One User Guide CD

    PRO’S

    * All of the software is pre-installed, so the phone is ready to go.
    * Easy way to find an open Wi-Fi hotspot without having to open up your laptop.
    * Phone automatically detects any available Wi-Fi networks, asks for the encryption key for the selected one - if necessary, connects to the selected network, and then prompts you for your Skype account information.
    * After signing in, the phone will automatically grab your Skype contacts through the Wi-Fi network from Skype, then be ready for you to make a Skype call.
    * Rules out the need for a computer, as you can set-up and maintain your Skype account using the phone.
    * Easy to use PC-like interface – can even use the phone to set your online/offline status.
    * Great in areas where open networks are available.
    * Can store Skype voicemail, receive SkypeIn and make SkypeOut calls.
    * Saving the network encryption keys and Skype account ID and password for future use.
    * Has three built-in ring-tones, and can be in silent or vibrate mode.
    * Having call blocking and call forwarding features.
    * Can also change network proxy settings and set up ports for Skype.
    * By signing the router up to fon.com, you have access to over 130,000 fon hotspots worldwide (there is a map on FON’s website, showing these areas).

    CON’S

    * Can’t make emergency calls with Skype.
    * Have to enter full length phone numbers, even for local calls – country and area code, which takes a little getting used to.
    * The phone isn’t a touchtone phone, so it doesn’t recognize extension numbers etc.
    * The audio quality isn’t amazing, as there is echo and a drop rate, which needs to be improved.
    * Without a web browser, it is impossible to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots that require an account ID initiation. It is fine here in the office, but outside, without a network password, there is currently no way to connect the phone to these Wi-Fi areas.
    * As a PC Skype caller, it shows no difference if you are calling a computer or the SMC phone.
    * The phone doesn’t offer a great deal of mobility, as the call is lost if the user leaves the Wi-Fi hotspot.

    Note: It is a good idea to download the latest software update for the phone. Just go to Menu>Settings>General>Software Updates.

    Conclusion:

    Considering that this is a first-generation Wi-Fi phone, I was pleasantly surprised by it’s usability. In the right Wi-Fi hotspot, it does deserve its PC-less title, and the phone does have a number of cool features, but the sound quality is only acceptable. The phone is really lacking is a built-in web browser for paid Wi-Fi network connections, and the dropped calls when you move out of the network connectivity area can be a little annoying.

    RELATED WEBSITE LINKS
    http://www.skype.com - this is the general site for Skype, where an account can be set up, vouchers can be activated, SkypeIn numbers can be ordered and products can be purchased
    http://us.accessories.skype.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=Display... - this is the actual product

    PRODUCTS SHOWN
    SMC WiFi Phone and FON Router
    $160 US

    WSKP100 Wi-Fi Phone for Skype
    SMC Networks

    FON 2100 Router
    La Fonera