Chess for Android and Electronic ChessBoards

[abik]

Although the Certabo electronic boards are mainly intended for chess, the flexibility of the identifying chips makes them suitable for 8x8 checkers as well (draughts, or American checkers, with slightly different rules from e.g. 10x10 international checkers). Therefore, I am planning to add support for Certabo boards in Checkers for Android as well. The 34 identifying chips can be used for the 24 regular pieces and 10 kings for promotion (using special purpose pieces avoids stacking the regular pieces). A 3D printed set can be used for this purpose (a continued hat-tip to my brother-in-law Gerard Harbers for making all the chess and checkers sets for me!).

The general idea is illustrated with this picture. Although not chess, please let me know if you like this upcoming support!

[abik]

I have been away for a while, deeply focusing on work. But during the holidays, I got a chance to focus on hobbies again.
Over Thanksgiving, I finalized the electronic board support in Checkers for Android, and released that to Google Play.

I also posted a short instructional video, just like I did for the chess boards:

[abik]

One last new feature before the break is over for me: I added timer support for the DGT3000 chess clock. Until recently, I only used the clock to prompt the last played move, but now there is the option to sync the GUI timings with the external chess clock, so that users can stay fully immersed in the game!

[MikeB]

One last new feature before the break is over for me: I added timer support for the DGT3000 chess clock. Until recently, I only used the clock to prompt the last played move, but now there is the option to sync the GUI timings with the external chess clock, so that users can stay fully immersed in the game!

I have to try this out — pretty cool Aart!

[abik]

I have been away for a while, deeply focusing on work.

And focused on new work, I clearly was not paying attention to the changes going on in Android

For all Android users that enjoy running engines but don't typically read the technical part of this forum, please have a look at this posting, since, if my understanding is right, this may impact the chess eco system on Android quite a bit....

[Cornfed]

I so miss my OTB chess...most 3d gui's are just not very realistic.

So, on CyberMonday I was searching for a REASONABLY priced stand along computer chess game. One that you can play a decent game...say with a rating of 2000 and above - just something to spar against.

Does anyone know of such a device? Lets say under $200 USD?

[AdminX]

I so miss my OTB chess...most 3d gui's are just not very realistic.

So, on CyberMonday I was searching for a REASONABLY priced stand along computer chess game. One that you can play a decent game...say with a rating of 2000 and above - just something to spar against.

Does anyone know of such a device? Lets say under $200 USD?

I come in over your budget, but for $175 more I would recommend Millenium King Performance. ($375 USD on Amazon)

However you might find the DGT Plastic Chessboard with Pieces a better value at that price point. ($359 USD on Amazon)

On a side note, I feel the DGT Centaur (This is not the DGT Plastic Chessboard with Pieces (Different Product)) is overpriced at $359 USD and a value of $200 USD would be a great bargain.

[PeterO]

Hi Aart,

have you seen Maia-chess? Veryyyyyyyy interesting!!!
Does it run on CFA? - how?

Peter

[abik]

have you seen Maia-chess? Veryyyyyyyy interesting!!!
Does it run on CFA? - how?

Peter,

If it is UCI/CECP that compiles for ARM, most likely, yes

But have you been following this discussion? That will have a profound impact on chess engine distribution post API 29. All engines will have to be pre-packaged in their own chess package app first (assuming you follow the regular channels of installing the chess gui itself through Google Play; with sideloading for the time being other solutions are possible).

[PeterO]

Hi Aart,

frankly speaking I read your words - but did NOT fully understand the consequences because of a language/technikal understanding. Api 29 ist for me a chinese word - with no meaning.

1. What can I do to avoid this problems? Not update my Android 9 phone?
2. Install CfA + engines in another way - NOT PLAYSTORE.



Peter