3 Blogs I'm Interested in Reading Regularly

Ryan Xavier - April 23, 2015

Software and Hacking

1.

XDA is a site I use regularly. It covers many topics related to mobile device development for all software platforms, with an emphasis on Android OS. The site has many tutorials on flashing different ROMs onto your phone as well as tips and tricks on optimization features for your device. They have in depth articles on nearly every smartphone or tablet to date, as well as comparisons and side by sides. There are also many articles related to the business side of the manufactures such as Google and Samsung. One of the coolest things I enjoy about this site is the in-depth guides on how to Compile Your Own Android SDK, which is more or less creating your own custom Android OS. There is also a ton of support and feedback on the site from senior developers. Another really fun part of XDA is that various employees at google post on this site and provide assistance to those learning from time to time. They are like magic unicorns that decide to grace you with their presence every now and then. Google regularly holds parties that host a lot of important people in the field of mobile technology or general technology for that matter. More regularly than not, these google employees will have postings for invites to these parties to regular members with over maybe 200 posts that contribute to the community in excess or develop high rated ROMs. I feel like this is such an amazing opportunity to come across! If you’re good at what you do and release a lot of builds, who knows, you could land yourself with a job on the Android Project!?

Here is an example of the layout of XDA for my phone. Its layed out really well to make it easy to reference important stats and different blogs/forums for information on the specified device.

2.

TonyMac is another bog I use regularly. This similar to XDA, covers computer software and hacking. Specifically, the site covers topics related to building your own or modifying your current computer to run OSX as its native operating system. I’m a huge fan of Apple, but not such a huge fan of Apple prices. Naturally this site appealed to me because it gave me the possibility of having an $8000.00 Mac Pro for around $2000.00-$4500.00 as a custom built PC with comparable, if not better specs that will be FULLY upgradable. This computer will be able to boot Linux, Windows, OSX or really, any other OS you want to run on it.

The amazing thing about this site is that it covers a lot of complex information, but in an intuitive educational way. I have learned a lot about computers and hardware from this site alone. The site also has a lot of insider information related to Macs and CustoMacs. The site has info about upcoming device releases, software updates, press releases and application information. One of the features I thought was amazing was their buyers guide. This is a list of every worth-while, compatible hardware component necessary to build whatever variant of CustoMac you'd like. You may think this would be easy as long as you’re running an Intel based computer, but there's actually much more to compatibility on these custom devices than atleast, I ever imagined. This digital repository gets updated as soon as newer hardware that can support the intended build gets released. This also ensures that if you want to go this route you will have a fully supported “Hackintosh”. The screenshots below show the Buyers Guide section of the site.

3.

TechCrunch is another fun blog that I use regularly. I like this one because I can also follow them on Facebook. I can click on their links and get redirected to the article on their webpage right from my feed.I don't have to go out to obtain their information. The things I find relevant are brought to me through my Facebook feed. TechCrunch covers nearly everything from A-Z when it comes to modern technology. They have awesome detailed reviews and ratings on computers, cell phones, TVs, startups, gadgets and the list goes on. Its really a one stop shop for all my mainstream tech needs. One of the more recent articles I stumbled upon was in regards to Google Launching Its Own Wireless Service called Project Fi.  The screenshot below gives an example of the elegant yet simplistic view of TCs weblog. The information is short but thorough. It gives me just enough information to be informed on the topic. I like  TC because of that; I always have something to look forward to on my breaks at work from homework.

These are just are just a few of the handful of weblogs I use on a regular basis. They keep me active and up to date in the ever changing world of technology.