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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jun 2005
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OP
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After much thinking I finally decided to get a tablet for charts, pdf's, irealpro, etc we've all talked about for gigs. This is all I'm using it for, nothing else so all I need is a good, basic inexpensive large screen tablet. The el cheapo's I see online all have terrible reviews, poor screens, etc so I wind up checking out the new Amazon Fire HD 10.1 and bought it last night from Best Buy. It's only $149, has a high resolution screen and gets great reviews. Any other Android tablet with decent reviews costs twice that or more with a 10" screen. Yes I know iPads are great for musicians but for the money I just don't need one, all I need is something for charts. I had already read the Fire cannot access the Google app store, it uses Amazon's app store so of course I do more research. I find all of the apps I'm considering are available including MobileSheets, Fakebook Pro and...irealpro. I thought. Turns out I didn't look closely enough. When I did a Google search for "Amazon irealpro app" the page that certainly looks like it's available has a little blurb off to the right that I didn't see on my phone that says "You are not eligible to purchase this app due to geographical restrictions". What!? What the heck is this? I do more looking and find this: https://technimo.helpshift.com/a/ireal-pro/?s=purchases&f=ireal-pro-in-amazon-app-storeWhich leads to this: https://www.howtogeek.com/232726/how-to-install-the-google-play-store-on-your-amazon-fire-tablet/Talk about blindsided. I think it's cool that I could turn this into a Google tablet BUT...if doing this winds up turning it into a frisbee I may not be able to return it (well I could try, haha) but they probably would if I exchanged it for a Samsung for double the money. My question is has anybody done this, does this look legit? Or is trying to save $150 not worth it and I should get a double the money tablet. Which would put me into the ball park of the new iPad 9.7 for $350 but dammit all I need is a stupid 10" or larger chart reader. Thanks
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Joined: Aug 2011
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It would have been nice if they had at least explained why they quit "officially" supporting the device. Doesn't help any to wonder though.
My wife has impaired vision. I'm using the laptop she use to have (Dell Inspirion) because she couldn't she the screen anymore. We went to BestBuy and looked at Microsoft Surface, Windows laptops, Apple laptops and Ipads before settling on a Samsung Galaxy with a 10.3" screen. For her the screen is easier to see than an Apple with a Retina screen. She's had it going on two years and she still likes it.
My guess is it would work well sitting on a stand with you looking at the screen from a short distance.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Aug 2009
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My eight inch fire that I bought last Christmas can access the Google play store, took me about 5-10 mins to do it following the instructions from the net. Its only a matter of installing four or five apps in order that they tell you to.
I don't think it can mess up your tablet, like other stuff like rooting can do, as its only installing apps.
But then again you can never be 100% sure what nasties are in those apps, I was willing to take the chance, but took the precaution of removing my credit card details from google play in case anyone else could access my account. If I want to buy an app, I will only put the details back on temporary.
Google play works 100% as well as other google apps like google books and drive.
As amazon update their tablet automatically there is a chance that it might disable google play.
But there again if you are one of those people who follow the rules to the latter then amazon didn't put google play on your tablet, so they don't want you to have it.
You make up your own mind, I did!
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jun 2005
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OP
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Good info, thanks. No, I'm not worried that I'm somehow cheating Amazon. I found a little tidbit on the net that said the same thing you did, these mods are only apps not something that digs down deeper into the OS so I'll go ahead and give it a go.
It's also a good point about automatic updates, a Google search found how to disable it.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Ha, it worked perfect! It took a few minutes for the Google App Store to open up the first time. I logged into my account, the apps appeared and there's a tab for apps already purchased and IrealPro was there so I clicked Install and voila!
No nastygrams from amazon probably because it's still an Amazon tablet. All that happened is I have access to the Google App store in addition to the Amazon one. The home screen didn't change, it's all Amazon. Just to show them I'm not a total ingrate I'll buy Fakebook Pro through them.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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OP
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Fakebook Pro is amazing. $3 from the Amazon app store. It is partially integrated with irealpro and is preloaded with their jazz and pop/rock playlists. But the really big deal is access to a boatload of other playlists in many genres fully indexed and ready to go. I spent the evening installing 7 or 8 of these that are 400-500 songs each. Those along with the irealpro playlists has to add up to 4-5,000 songs. And that is just to start. Fakebook Pro also has the ability to import anything you want from handwritten cheatsheets or pages from a music book you can take a pic of with your phone, or online or from a scanner or whatever. I found a bunch of songs I wanted in the irealpro forum that are not part of the preloaded playlists. All I did is click on the share icon, hit pdf and Fakebook Pro is listed as one of the destination options so it's an instant transfer that gets integrated into the master song list.
Am I ever going to play 5,000 songs, of course not but I'm an active gigging player and I'll get called by either people I know or a referral. If this huge list includes a new bands list it's a big help.
I really cannot believe I didn't do this sooner. I was afraid of the cost and learning curve I guess but $149 for a pretty nice 10" tablet and a no brainer access to all that content is really, really cool.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Bob,
Glad you are pleased with the results so far. It seems that having a tablet and the right app can provide a lot of opportunity and enjoyment.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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OP
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Posts: 7,697 |
Enjoyment...well, not so much but I'm getting there.
First for $3 you don't get a help file, you don't get a forum, you get squat. The website that does have all that amazing content has a FAQ but it's not sorted or anything and it's pretty useless for specific questions. Google searches are the same. Not enough people using it probably. You're on your own and all I can say is man o man it ain't easy.
My problem is basic. After I downloaded all those 5,000 plus songs there are still a whole bunch I need that are not there. There are multiple ways to get new songs into Fakebook Pro. I'm not going to list them all, suffice it to say initially, like half of yesterday, none of them worked for me. None, nada, zip.
Finally I figured out the "trick" for one and now this afternoon I've been whipping through quite a few songs. Two other ways that I would like to work, still don't and I emailed the developer in Sweden. Still, one good way is enough for now. If someone is having issues let me know.
I keep reminding myself this is really no different from nooby's having a tough time getting started with Biab. Tablets and Apps are new to me so I'm having a tough time too. These things are always easy once you know how...
Oh, almost forgot I created a playist and started with the tunes that are in my downloaded database. I put about 25 into my new playlist, went to put another one and the playlist is gone! GONE?! At least they're all in the master songlist so I had to recreate my playlist and put them all back. No issues since and I'll chalk that up to me fumble fingering around and touching something my mistake. The lesson there is you gotta be careful with touchscreens!
The other lesson is I need to run out and get an SD card. You can do a full backup that way so if that happens again it's there. I can also do it to the cloud but a cloud transfer of new songs is one of the ways that is not working for me right now and believe me I've tried. Amazon Prime, Google Drive, OneDrive, nope. Ain't happening.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
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Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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