What I discovered about Kindle DX keyboard commands

I learned a couple of keyboard commands with the Kindle DX this weekend. Not by design but working with the Amazon support team via online chat in support of my mom's Kindle DX. The Kindle DX has a keyboard and the 4 keyboard commands that I learned about are:

From the Settings screen (Menu key > Settings):
Alt+311 or Alt+EQQ Switch wireless provider
Alt+411 or Alt+RQQ Show diagnostics data
Alt+511 or Alt+TQQ Run loopback call test
Alt+611 or Alt+YQQ Diagnostic data service call

I knew this online support timeline was way beyond an acceptable time limit and eventually he dropped off. The next one, Roxie took over and I pasted our last diagnosis in our chat that referenced all of the servers being down, down, down, down.

She came back with this isn't normal but the radio transmitter was not activated in the replacement Kindle. She asked for a few minutes and poof all of a sudden we have bars after another reboot. Since we reset the Kindle back to factory defaults, I asked if she could help us so I didn't have to download all archived items and she did. I told my mom to give Roxie 5 stars and bars and to have her share her lessons learned. If the previous Amazon support team would have known what Roxie knew there would be less frustration in the world.

During this excursion, I came across some great references for other Kindle DX users:
Amazon's Kindle support
Best Kindle DX Tips - A blog post on the site a site about nothing by Andy
A Kindle World Blog If Wireless Never Connects

Back to the world of tinkering with the likes of a Kindle Fire, Toshiba Thrive, iPad, and other digital devices. Comments, recommendations, +1s, and reaction box checks are always appreciated.

Tinkering with Screenshot UX and Google Mobile

On November 25, 2010 I blogged about tinkering with the ShootMe app and Google Mobile. At that time ShootMe did not require devices to be rooted. Since then the app changed back to requiring users to root their devices and now it seems it is no longer available on the Android Market. The apk file is available from the Android Forum discussion thread. Finding a screen capture (or screen shot, screenshot, screen grabber) app in the Android Market or Amazon Apps produces different results with varying requirements for users.

What do you look for when selecting an app? I probably over analyze but the app has to have ROI in my world, provide the option to connect with others who are using the app, review other individuals comments about the app, see how active the developer is in social networks, affordability of the app and the option to donate if the app is free...but most of all I have to want to use it and be able to share that usability with others.

Since then I upgraded my phone and I am trying out different apps. For a screen capture app that does not require a user to root their device, I am tinkering with Screenshot UX. The developer recommends using the Screenshot UX trial version first so users can see if this app works on their device. If the app functions the way the user wants, you can purchase the app for $3.99. If you use screen captures to help others or in your blogs this app works well.

Here is an image of Google Mobile using Screenshot UX:

What is your favorite screen capture or screen sharing app?

As always, comments, recommendations +1s, and reaction check boxes are always appreciated.

Have you checked out the new items in the Google Store?

I have been a Google girl/Google jockey/Google user for at least a decade and I still share this link with people who have never visited the Google Store. My mother often jokes that if the Google store sold underwear/panties/drawers she would buy them for me every Christmas.

So when people ask where did you get that shirt, gadget, sticker, mouse pad or whatever item of interest...I share the link or just tell them to Google the Google Store. You will be prompted to select your location for a shipping location: US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. It is OK to check on another area to see what is available even if you don't live there and practice your currency conversion too!

The Google Store has something for everyone, from stickers, bibs, things to wear, to collectibles to a section for YouTube gear. Select a category: Apps, Accessories, Fun, Kids, Office, Wearables, or Doodles, search the site, or review top sellers, what's new, eco-friendly, or specials, shop by size, color, or select sort options.

Eco Friendly References

Of course, all of the no cost Google digital products and Google Labs are always cool to share tinkering time with someone.

Remember...just because you know about it, tinkered with it, or visited the site...many of your friends, peers, coworkers, supervisors, administrators have never gone beyond the search screen of Google unless it was to click on the Google Doodle. Encourage others to tinker and explore, regardless of the device they use to access the Net.

*This blog post was created for those who are interested in visiting the Google Store. I am a user of Google products, not an employee. No discount, gifts, freeware, or special privileges were offered in the creation or deployment of this post.