AlmostTI for Android Released

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have just published the initial Android version of AlmostTI, which emulates graphing calculators made by Texas Instruments:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

AlmostTI will turn your Android device into a fully functioning Texas Instruments graphing calculator. It emulates TI-85, TI-86, TI-82, TI-83, TI-83+, TI-83+ Silver Edition, TI-84+ Silver Edition, and TI-73 calculators. And yes, if you have got a tablet, it will make a really big calculator. AlmostTI also lets you save your calculations at any point and then select from several previously saved tasks.

To run AlmostTI, you will need at least one calculator system ROM. AlmostTI does not include any calculator ROMs on its own, as they are intellectual property of Texas Instruments. You should place your own ROM, preferably dumped from the calculator you own, onto your internal storage. AlmostTI recognizes following ROM files (in upper case):


TI85.ROM, TI86.ROM, TI82.ROM, TI73.ROM, TI83.ROM, TI83P.ROM, TI83SE.ROM, TI84SE.ROM


For general information about AlmostTI, see its homepage:
http://fms.komkon.org/ATI85/

For Android-specific help, please see this web page:
http://fms.komkon.org/EmuAndroid/

And to discuss your problems with the author and other users, use this discussion group:
http://groups.google.com/group/emul8

ALL CHANGES IN THIS VERSION:
* Initial release of AlmostTI for Android.
* To invoke the menu, touch screen above the calculator display.
* Fixed screen brightness control in TI85/TI86.
* Fixed accidental exit after loading state.
* States are now saved in the .STA format.
* Automatically saving state on exit.
* Added multiple slots for saving states for each calculator model.
* Added code to search for calculator ROMs automatically.

Have fun!
Marat Fayzullin

[fms]

Hello, All!

I am continuing to improve AlmostTI-Android, my TI calculator emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

In AlmostTI 2.0.3, I have fixed TI84+ Silver Edition display and keyboard, improved the toolbar, and added context menu to the ROM selector that lets you reset calculator state.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed TI-84+ Silver Edition display and keyboard.
* Made a nicer, more professional toolbar.
* Changed calculator type labels in File Selector.
* Added context menu to the File Selector.
* Removed extra debug messages.

[fms]

I have released a new version of AlmostTI, my Texas Instruments graphing calculators emulator. The AlmostTI-Android 2.1 can be found here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

The new AlmostTI adds support for the TI-81 calculator (you will need TI81.ROM file though), haptic feedback, active button highlighting, and fixes a bunch of emulation issues.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added support for TI-81 calculator model.
* Added optional haptic feedback (see the menu).
* Added pressed button highlighting.
* Fixed TI-83/84 series memory mappers.
* Fixed TI-84+SE middle button columns.
* Fixed TI-85 error after restoring state.

[fms]

I am starting this week with the AlmostTI 2.2 release for Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

The new version supports the TI-84+ emulation, as well as newer TI-84+ SE v2.55 ROMs. For TI-84+, you will need the TI84P.ROM file. I have also added emulation for the real time clock (RTC), the FlashROM controller, the hardware assisted MD5 engine, and the 15MHz high-speed mode.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added support for TI-84+ calculator model.
* Added support for newer TI-84+ Silver Edition ROMs.
* Added hardware-assisted MD5 engine emulation.
* Added real time clock (RTC) emulation.
* Added 15MHz high-speed mode emulation.
* Added LCD mirror ports emulation.
* Added FlashROM emulation.
* Majorly reshuffled source code.

[fms]

I have published a new version of AlmostTI-Android, my Texas Instruments graphing calcs emulator. The new AlmostTI 2.2.1 is available here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

In this version, I have added the much requested "magnified" mode with bigger buttons and display. The magnification feature requires Android 3.0+ to work. I have also relaxed the ROM name matching rules, so you can now have your ROM names in lower case ("ti85.rom" vs "TI85.ROM") or with dashes ("ti-84se.rom" vs "TI84SE.ROM").

ALL CHANGES:
* Added "magnified" mode with larger keys and display (needs Android 3.0+).
* Relaxed ROM name matching, dashes and lower case are now accepted.
* Made a new application icon.

[fms]

I have updated AlmostTI-Android, my TI graphing calc emulator, to version 2.2.2, available here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

In this version, I have added the ability to disable Model Selector, requested by several users who are only interested in running one calculator model. I have also fixed a bunch of things people complained about. The black bands around the display are gone, and the Model Selector now shows icons for all the ROMs. The Freeze/Restore functionality that was missing on tablets is now accessible via the menu.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added option to run the last selected calculator, bypassing model selection.
* Added a dialog directing users to ROM dumping instructions.
* Fixed model selector icons for ROMs named in lower case.
* Removed screenshots from the Freeze/Restore dialog, until fixed.
* Enabled Freeze/Restore options on tablets.
* Removed narrow black bands around the screen.
* Optimized communications from the native side to the Java side.

[fms]

I have released AlmostTI-Android 2.2.3, a new version of my TI graphing calculators emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

Mainly cosmetic changes this time.

ALL CHANGES:
* When AlmostTI finds no ROMs, it takes user directly to dumping instructions.
* Adjusted magnified screen proportions so that TI-84+ Silver Edition skin fits.
* Merged "Freeze" and "Restore" into a single "States" dialog.
* Removed screenshots again, now for sure.

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published AlmostTI 2.2.4 today, a new version of my Texas Instruments calculators emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This release adds built-in debugger, Freeze/Restore screenshots, and even/odd entry shading in the File Selector, for easier navigation.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added built-in Z80 debugger.
* Added even/odd entry shading to the ROM Selector, for better navigation.
* Added proper screenshots to the Freeze/Restore dialog.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

The new version of AlmostTI-Android, my Texas Instruments graphing calcs emulator, is now ready for downloading at the Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

Starting with this version, the ROM Selector will look for ANY files ending with ".ROM" and match them against the list of known calculator firmwares. So, if you have a valid ROM file, you no longer need to name it in any special way, just give it correct file extension and AlmostTI will find it.

In somewhat related news, you will now need to click on the BACK button twice to exit the emulator, to avoid accidental finger slippage. Or, you can press [2nd][OFF] - that will also work. :)

ALL CHANGES:
* ROM Selector now finds any known ROM with name ending with ".ROM".
* For known ROMs, calculator model is determined automatically, by file CRC.
* Now exiting emulation when user presses BACK twice (not once as before).
* Uncheck "Doubleclick to Quit" menu item to restore original behavior.
* Fixed a license verification crash when no network available.

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have updated AlmostTI-Android, my TI graphing calcs emulator, to version 2.2.7:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

The previous AlmostTI version only kept one information on one ROM file for each calculator model. In this release, I have made the ROM Selector memorize the complete list of all found firmware ROMs, so that you do not need to rescan every time. Also reordered information dialogs that show up when AlmostTI starts.

ALL CHANGES:
* Now keeping complete list of found ROMs, no need to rescan for less used ROMs.
* Added explicit "Quit" menu option, for people who cannot find BACK key.
* Added Twitter button to the change log, use it to keep track of updates.
* Ordered initial dialogs by importance (About, Change Log, Progress).

[fms]

Hello, All!

Starting this week with AlmostTI 2.2.9, a new release of my TI graphing calculators emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

I have reorganized the settings menu and added a new option to keep the screen on at all times.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added "Keep Screen On" menu option.
* Moved configuration options into a separate submenu.
* Fixed initial parameter passing to the native code.

Have fun!

[fms]

Starting week with the AlmostTI-Android 2.3 release, a new version of my TI graphing calculators emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This version makes important fixes to the Z80 CPU emulation and lets you use the new "light" skin in the ROM Selector. Also added shadows to screenshots and icons throughout the app.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added accurate R register emulation.
* Added accurate LDIR/LDDR emulation.
* Added optional "light" theme to the ROM Selector.
* Added shadows to the ROM Selector.
* Added shadows to the Freeze/Restore dialog.

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI-Android 2.3.1, a new version of my TI Graphing Calcs emulator, is now available on the Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This is a minor bugfix release, helping people whose TI83+ firmware was recognized as TI84+, or vice versa. Starting with this version, ROM file naming takes precedence over file contents when determining calculator model. In other words, if you call your file "TI83P.ROM", it will always be recognized as TI83+ firmware.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed problem misrecognizing some TI83+/TI84+ ROMs.
* Made file naming take precedence over file content when recognizing ROM type.

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published AlmostTI-Android 2.3.2, an update to my TI Graphing Calculators emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This release finally adds the bullet-proof algorithm for recognizing calculator models from firmware files. Once again, you do not need to name your ROM files in any special way, as long as they have *.rom extension. Also provided a direct link to instructions for dumping firmware from your own calculator, if you have not yet done so.

ALL CHANGES:
* Switched to the new, bullet-proof firmware model recognition system.
* Most ROMs no longer require special names, just keep the "*.rom" extension.
* Properly disabled magnified display on devices that do not support it.
* Provided direct URL to ROM dumping instructions, if missing a ROM.

[fms]

Hello, All!

The new version of my TI graphing calcs emulator, AlmostTI 2.3.3, has been published to the Google Play today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This is a rather significant update, adding DropBox support to the app, so that you can save your work to the DropBox account and continue it on a different Android device. Furthermore, I have finally fixed the infamous black bar problem TI85/TI86 users had in the magnified mode. Finally, the last problems with model detection should be gone now. AlmostTI will analyze your firmware ROM and automatically select the correct calculator model.

ALL CHANGES:
* Finally fixed TI85/TI86 display in the magnified mode.
* Fixed model recognition on the native side (how did I break it in the first place?).
* Added DropBox support to the ROM Selector.
* Added new-styled action bar, consistent with toolbar.
* Added "Upload to DropBox" menu option to save state to DropBox.
* Added "Download from DropBox" menu option to load state from DropBox.
* Added missing string translations.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

This week's AlmostTI-Android 2.3.4 release fixes button response speed, adds support for x86-based Android devices, and lets you disable tip bubbles reminding you of where to find the menu bar: some people find these annoying.

AlmostTI emulates Texas Instruments programmable graphing calculators on your Android phone or tablet. Please note that you do need the calculator firmware ROM file to use AlmostTI. Download the latest AlmostTI version here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed button response speed.
* Added "Show Tips" menu option, used to disable tip bubbles.
* Added support for x86-based Android devices.
* Now properly building shared library for each architecture.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI-Android 2.3.5, released today, fixes background battery drain reported by some users and reduces overall CPU use:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

AlmostTI emulates Texas Instruments graphing calculators on your Android device. See the complete list of changes below.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed battery drain when AlmostTI runs in background.
* Reduced CPU use when AlmostTI runs in foreground.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have just released AlmostTI-Android 2.3.6, a new version of my Texas Instruments graphing calcs emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

In this release, I have added two common requested features: the key click sound and the "straight" (i.e. not curved) TI84+SE skin. Both are available as options from the Settings.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added "Click Sound" option to the Settings.
* Added "Square TI84+SE Skin" option to the Settings.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published AlmostTI-Android 2.3.8 today, a maintenance release of my Texas Instruments graphing calculators emulator:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This release makes AlmostTI work with firmware ROMs placed on Kitkat SD cards. I have also fixed the shared app URL when running AlmostTI on an Amazon Kindle and added an option to disable the toolbar in the File Selector.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed shared URL on Amazon devices.
* Made a work-around for external SD card use on KitKat!
* If can't write to external SD card, saving states to /storage/sdcard0/AlmostTI.
* If AlmostTI folder doesn't exist, saving states to /storage/sdcard1/Android/data/com.fms.ati/files.
* Added "Show Selector Toolbar" option to the File Selector.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have updated AlmostTI-Android, my TI graphing calc emulator, to version 2.3.9 today:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This version fixes unresponsive buttons when using "magnified" display mode and a few misspelled button labels. More importantly, the new AlmostTI will now look for ROM files on both internal and removable storage.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed unresponsive buttons in the magnified mode.
* Fixed "MATRIX" labels in the square TI84+ and TI84+SE skins.
* Now searching both removable and internal storage for firmware ROMs.
* No longer showing toolbar on Amazon devices.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI-Android 2.4 is now in Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

In this release, I have added about two months worth of fixes and improvements previously introduced in my other apps. The new AlmostTI should start emulation faster and stop tying up Android resources after you exit the app. As AlmostTI is not showing any ads, I have removed the AdMob library and also majorly cleaned up the source code.

ALL CHANGES:
* Eliminated defunct processes left after quitting AlmostTI.
* Reduced calculator launch time by optimizing utility library.
* Killed timer thread remaining after stopping emulation.
* Only starting Google Analytics tracker when needed.
* Keeping just one instance of Google Analytics tracker.
* Removed AdMob library, as AlmostTI is not running any ads.
* Removed unused and outdated code, resources and bitmaps.

Enjoy!

[pacoxosope]

where i can download this program..?

[fms]

where i can download this program..?
At the above link.

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published AlmostTI-Android 2.5 this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

If you have a Samsung phone, the new version will run in a pop-up window over the desktop, or share split-screen with another app. I have also fixed a possible hangup on devices with Mali GPUs, cleaned up the code, and recompiled it with the latest Android SDK.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added multi-window and mini-window modes on Samsung devices.
* Fixed OpenGLES hangup on Mali GPUs.
* Removed deprecated code, settings, and resources.
* Built package with the latest Android SDK.

Enjoy!

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI-Android 2.6, a new version of my Texas Instruments calculators emulator, is now online:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

The new version fixes TI83+ startup problems, switches UI to Material Design theme, replaces icons with newer and better ones, and fixes a bunch of bugs. I have also disabled the builtin debugger, to avoid confusing new users. Let me know if anyone needs it back.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed TI83+ hangup at boot time.
* Now using Material Design theme by default.
* Now defaulting to the "light UI" mode.
* Removed black bands around icons in the ROM Selector.
* Disabled builtin debugger (too confusing for users).
* Selected better fitting icons.
* Replaced all icons with newest Lollipop versions.
* Patched Google License Verification library to work on Lollipop.
* Switched to Lollipop SDK (android-21).

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have published a new version of my TI graphing calc emulator, AlmostTI 2.7:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

The new version further improves the user interface, adding navigation menu, floating action button, and the tile view mode. Some menu options have now migrated to the navigation menu, invoked by touching the top-left screen corner. See below for complete change list.

ALL CHANGES:
* Added floating action button that starts the last used calculator.
* Added navigation menu to the File Selector.
* Added tiled mode to the File Selector.
* Added "Show Action Button" option to the Settings.
* Moved File Selector view toggles to the navigation menu.
* Fixed crash when detecting an outdated version.
* Enabled application-wide hardware acceleration.
* Improved "What's New" page formatting.

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI 2.8 for Android has been published:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This release switches the app to Material Design icons and fixes the firmware search dialog.

ALL CHANGES:
* Switched to Material Design icons throughout the app.
* No longer closing app when search interrupted.
* Fixed crashes when search interrupted.
* Made all menu icons uniform.

[fms]

I have just updated my TI graphing calc emulator, AlmostTI for Android, to version 2.8.1:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

The update includes minor changes accumulated since June and previously introduced in my other emulators.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed BACK key on devices where it did not exit emulation.
* Now automatically creating /sdcard/AlmostTI if missing.
* When AlmostTI cannot write SD card, it will save to /sdcard/AlmostTI.
* Added exception for LG Optimus Zone 2 (does not show submenus).
* Switched to android-22 platform and tools (Android Lollipop 5.1.1).
* Returned gradient to the action bar (flat is ugly).
* Improved the What's New dialog.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI 2.9, the universal TI calculator emulator for Android, is now online and ready for you to download:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

AlmostTI emulates TI-73, TI-81, TI-82, TI-83, TI-83+ TI-83SE, TI-84+, TI-84SE, TI-85, and TI-86 calculators. The new release switches development to the newest Android SDK and development tools and fixes a bunch of crashes I observed in the Google Play Console. See below for all the changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Switched to Android Nougat platform (android-25).
* Switched to Java Development Kit 1.8, newest ANT and ProGuard.
* On Marshmallow+, app asks for permissions on startup.
* Fixed crash when pressing the FAB button when no ROM has been run.
* Hopefully fixed two native crashes when drawing screen.
* Fixed the order of calls in onPause() / onStop() / onDestroy().
* Fixed scalable images used for tiles in the File Selector.
* Made "What's New" dialog fill the screen.

Enjoy!

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI 2.9.1, a new version of my universal TI graphing calc emulator, is now online:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

In this release, I have removed the READ_PHONE_STATE permission request, since I do not really need it any longer. It was previously used to identify diagnostic events by device's IMEI, but I since switched to AndroidID for identification. Also fixed a few crashes when scanning for new firmware ROMs in the ROM Finder. Finally, AlmostTI is currently on sale in the Google Play store. See below for all the changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Removed request for READ_PHONE_STATE permission.
* Switched from IMEI to AndroidID when identifying device in the logs.
* Fixed dialog crash in ROM Finder.

Enjoy!

[fms]

AlmostTI, my universal Texas Instruments calculator emulator for Android, just got updated to version 2.9.2:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This release fixes a few bugs, such as hangup at exit, or a rare crash at startup. See below for details.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed hangup on exit where Java code waits for non-existent native thread.
* Fixed native crash when processing initial commands sent by Java side.
* Removed outdated features from the EMULib code.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I have just updated AlmostTI, my Texas Instruments Graphing Calculators emulator for Android, to version 2.9.3:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

The new version has been rebuilt with a newer Android SDK and stricter compiler warnings. I have fixed all the warnings and also reenabled DropBox support by switching to DropBox APIv2. See below for all the changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Recompiled sources with "-Wall" and fixed warnings.
* Switched to DropBox APIv2. DropBox support works again.
* Switched to a newer android-27 SDK.
* Now using Android build tools version 27.0.2.
* Fixed saved state size on 64bit systems.

Enjoy!

[fms]

Hello, All!

AlmostTI 2.9.5, a new version of my TI graphing calc emulator, adds native 64bit CPU support, latest Android SDK support, and the new adaptive icons:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

See below for all the changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Switched to Android-28 SDK (Pie).
* Oldest supported OS is now Android-9 (Gingerbread).
* Added native 64bit ARMv8 support.
* Added new icons, including adaptive icons.
* Fixed a possible crash in Java code.
* Fixed toolbar application links.

Enjoy!

[fms]

AlmostTI is currently on $2.99 sale:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

[fms]

Hello, All!

After a very long delay, I have finally been able to update my AlmostTI emulator for Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This app effectively turns your phone into one of TI's graphing calculators, such as TI-83, TI-84, TI-85, TI-86, or others. Note that you still need an original firmware ROM, dumped from a real TI calculator that you own. The new AlmostTI 3.0 release comes with the following changes:

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed some TI-83 ROMs erroneously recognized as TI-82 STATS.
* App now requires Android 4.1+ (Jelly Bean) to run.
* Switched to Firebase for reporting.
* Switched to Gradle 5.6.

With the build process restored, I am planning to improve AlmostTI more often, hopefully adding support for TI-84+ color model, TiLink, and other things.

Enjoy!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I've released a new version of my TI graphing calcs emulator, AlmostTI 3.0.1, this morning:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

For this release, I had to refactor the app to comply with Google's latest ban on file I/O in Android 10+ devices. The app will now access all files via Secure Access Framework, as required by Google. You might need to give it permission to access your device storage. If you see any issues with the app, please, email me about them, or report them via support group:

https://groups.google.com/g/emul8

Also, AlmostTI is on $2.99 sale at Google Play until next Tuesday. This is 30% below its regular price. See below for all the changes in the new release.

ALL CHANGES:
* Refactored app to comply with Google's latest ban on file I/O.
* On Android 10+, all file access is now done via content providers.
* Content is copied to a temporary folder for use, changes moved back on exit.
* You may have to give app separate permission to read each storage location.
* Please, report any found problems to the support group or email me directly.
* Switched to Android-29 SDK.
* Rounded legacy icon corners.

Have fun!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I've updated my TI graphing calcs emulator, AlmostTI, to version 3.0.3:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This update fixes a bunch of issues found in the last week's release. The on-screen calculator buttons layout has been fixed. The app will no longer end up with black screen when launched for landscape orientation. Finally, Android 11 users should once again be able to find their ROM files, as long as these files are in Internal Storage, and you give the app permission to access that storage. If you see any issues with the app, please, email me about them, or report them via support group:

https://groups.google.com/g/emul8

AlmostTI is on $2.99 sale at Google Play for another two days. See below for all the changes in the new release.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed mismatching touch keyboard issue.
* Fixed black screen when starting in landscape orientation.
* Fixed failure to find ROM files on Android 11.

Enjoy!

[fms]

Hello, All!

I've updated my TI graphing calcs emulator, AlmostTI, to version 3.0.4:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fms.ati

This update fixes problems with remembering the last run calculator model. The "run last model" button should work again now. Also, "do not show File Selector" option works. See below for all the changes.

ALL CHANGES:
* Fixed button for running last used ROM.
* Fixed option for skipping ROM Selector.

Enjoy!