Related
I'm liking Windows Mobile "XDA Live"
as the name in honor of all XDA-Dev has done for us.
I'll be keeping this post updated with progress/news.
Understand that I can not release this Rom without the approval of my source, they need to protect their livelihood. The second I'm given the go ahead, the floodgate with open but until then I simply can't unless I want to burn a good source who put a lot of trust in me.
My primary goal is to get an uncluttered Rom that is useful from the start, think Faria-lite..
If everyone is good and doesn't keep me from getting this done, I will release the scripts that I am using to build & rebuild this rom easily so that each of you can confidently do exactly as I am. I can release the scripts maybe this weekend regardless of the status of the Rom because they are independent of the Rom you are cooking.
Quick FAQ:
Q: Can we get a "Clean" version of the Rom.
A: When released there will be several packages:
"Clean OS" Rom with only HTC-X and Comm Button Toggle Vibrate Fix integrated.
"Hit the Ground Running" Rom with several useful apps embedded (you will be able to disable everything that is embedded) and operator Customizations within easy reach.
Hermes Rom Cookbook, which will include the scripts and tools I am using to do this and instructions on how to apply these to any Hermes Rom.
.nb file only releases for those who want to only swap out the OS ('cause we like our splash screens)
Q: Will WMXL (Windows Mobile XDA Live) fix my corrupted radio bootloader or otherwise bricked Hermes?
A: If the other tools here can't do it then don't bet the farm on WMXL doing it. The Flashing tools are still the same, no magic pill here.
Q: Can you Add XXXX or why not use ZZZZ instead of the App you chose.
A: I have been selective of the apps I am embedding. They may not always be the best at what they do but they are easy to use and small. I will not install 5 different apps with the same function. By having one or two apps you will use embedded you will save plenty of Program Memory to be able to comfortably install the Task Manager, MP3 player or Coffee Temp Monitor of your liking.
Q: Kyphur you are such a Guru, how can I be like you?
A: Remember that my head is in the clouds on this one only because I'm standing on the shoulders' of giants. This project owes it's very existence to many other contributers here and they deserve as much if not more of the cudos than I do. The is a team effort, please support everyone who made this possible. (See my post here). I have been a member her for only 15 months give or take but I have spent more time reading than doing or posting.
Q: If you embed a program into the Rom how can I remove it (to save memory).
A: You can't remove file that are in the Rom. You can remove the Shortcuts to the programs. Again I will repeat that programs in the Rom do not consume any memory. If you don't want the program simply ignore it and it will not harm you.
Q: I have more questions...
A: Read the thread.
Current Status:
I have removed the list ofToday (.tsk) Themes for this Rom. Click here for Images of all the Themes I have collected. I've decided that instead of embedding them all, I will remove all but the default Crossbow Theme and maybe create a custom WMXL (Windows Mobile XDA Live) Theme.
The rest of the collection will be packaged together so everyne can pick and choose their themes. If we figure out how to create a custom Ext_Rom.nd then I will put them there along with Carrier Data & MMS Settings.
I have integrated the following Applications:
Dictionary Editor
HTweakC v2.1
MS Hearts for PPC
PHM Registry Editor ** Will not be replaced by Total Commander...
SMS Backup
StartClean
VJCandelaLite (Flashlight)
I know everyone has their own list of apps they'd like to see but I have chosed these because they are small, simple to use and ADD functionality to the Rom.
I have integrated the following Registry Fixes:
By default only the Date Plugin is enabled (and it is set to a single line).
The Today Screen says "XDA Live" and the about screen shows " - XDA" after the OS Build Number.
Pressing & Holding the Comm Button toggles the between Vibrate & Normal.
PDAViet Memory Leak Fix is Applied.
Disabled the warning for Unsigned Applications (Application Lock)
Misc:
I have added two "Classic RingTones, (OldPhone-US.wma and OldPhone-UK.wav) for those of us who want to get away from the music and chirping Ringers.
I have removed all carrier customizations, no need to soft reset to avoid customization!
Current Known Issues:
The only real issue is that I am bound by a promise to my source to not distribute this Rom until the Carrier releases it or I can get ALL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION removed from it. trust me, I am working on it but there is absolutely no room for errors. Ironically the Rom seems more stable since I've modified it than it was when I received it.
Goals to work on:
Embed TCPMP v0.71RC and Codex Files.
Dropped or moved to low priority:
Voice Command Abandoned... It was proving too troublesome and there are too many reasons (language and dialing rule differences) to not embed it.
Dropped embedding a replacement Calculator, two many personal preferences, they are all lightweight and we can each add our fav later.
As for adjusting how the memory is used, if someone knows how to do that I'm all ears but if it requires shifting things in the image and hex editing it then I think we might hit the NAND Block Issue again.
BTW, this truly is a group effort.
Without pof & team unlocking I never would have even gone looking for the base Rom.
aChef by aklok_hk is doing the heavy lifting.
Sleuth, ShogunMark, Faria ViJay555, Bepe, Maimach have all been instrumental either directly or indirectly in this project.
Des and the SSPL was another step that got me to this point.
Of course there are all of the guys who have been doing this before I bought my first PPC Phone, they blazed the trail I simply walk behind them.
Finally, I can't forget my unnamed source. They took a big change passing this along to me. Without that trust I'd be cooking AKU 3.3 right now.
piopawlu said:
Hmm, but what you need these themes for? I guess it would be cool if there was no unnecessary stuff you can always download later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today themes are small, I would like to include the HTC Standard as well as Carrier Themes for at least the major carriers just as a way to allow us to brand this Rom without having to use any of our storage memory.
Initial Rom will not have any added apps, just clean & stable though I might embed The Hermes Tweaker.
This will be great. I am all for a minimal clean rom. No Addons just crossbow. HTC is fine for me. Just my opinion.
Can't wait.
Thanks
xultar said:
Give it a code name...something cool like L-Cars 8525!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mother_of_all_Hermes_roms.rar???
I think you should post with a boot screen dedicated to the legal department @ M$.
-mix
Plans to release...
First I will confirm that this IS NOT an AKU 3.3 Rom.
I have successfully removed most of the identifying info that could lead back to my source (I believe).
Now I'm adding a few things back in like the Press & Hold Comm button for Vibrate Toggle Fix, Today Themes for Carriers and my favorite Ringtone (OldPhone.wma).
I am waiting for a response from my source regarding the info I've cleaned out (I want their approval before I share as I don't want to burn my source).
I hope that this will all happen in less than 1 week.
kyphur said:
First I will confirm that this IS NOT an AKU 3.3 Rom.
I have successfully removed most of the identifying info that could lead back to my source (I believe).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now you got me interested
kyphur said:
How about "XDA-Lives" WMx Rom!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 10 minutes in photoshop and a few pictures from google.... a start on a boot screen.
-mix
mixmaven said:
About 10 minutes in photoshop and a few pictures from google.... a start on a boot screen.
-mix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHHH! But aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? I see you have WM6 on that pic. What if he's acutally ported Linux to it? Uhhh... wait a second, nevermind.
Nice, I suspect this will be a BIG relase, nice work!
now that people are cooking up some ROMs now, maybe someone can make seperate .cab files for different carriers with all the data settings in it so we can load our internet settings right away after we install cooked ROMs...
A good thing to add to the ExtROM COULD be a feature i noticed on an early iMate rom i used on my hermes. When it was going ahead with the "customisation..." screen it would ask what carrier you are on?! Then IT would apply the appropriate GPRS/MMS settings?!
May be just laziness on my part but would be a COOL feature.
mrvanx said:
A good thing to add to the ExtROM COULD be a feature i noticed on an early iMate rom i used on my hermes. When it was going ahead with the "customisation..." screen it would ask what carrier you are on?! Then IT would apply the appropriate GPRS/MMS settings?!
May be just laziness on my part but would be a COOL feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm at work now, but from the dutch Qtek site www.qtek.nl you can download a cab file with all the settings from the dutch telecom providers.
If you can't find it I can upload it when I get home tonight.
Would be good If we could collect all the Operator cabs and maybe put them on the ftp?
Probably better than clogging up a ROM with them!?
(LOL il get to work TRYING to track down the O2 one)
Settings Files
Here's Imate and Telstra .tsk, if still needed. Thanks for your great work!
here's the dopod 838 pro .tsk
Does the new os actually close programs or still leave them open when you tap the x-button? If so, what about adding HTC_X-Button.cab?
People can always turn it off if they don't want it.
I also load the two tools below, I think just about everyone uses psshutxp and dictionary editor allows you to get rid of those annoying words you misspell and your phone remembers.... They are all pretty small, but extremely useful.
-mix
here goes the official o2 germany tsk file and the o2 germany internet-flatrate wap settings plus the o2 germany mms settings.
if you need a quicktool that can select what to install i can whip that up in c real quick
oli, i wouldnt cook the gps driver just yet.. we need to play with it on wm6.0 to see if its ok..
question besides:
is it necessary to implement vc? especially if the us version isn`t able to deal with with commands in other languages!
anyway, sounds awesome!!!
ibanyard said:
Are you installing apps via ExtRom? I'd suggest against having the apps installed as part of the base rom, some of these apps get updated on a fairly regular basis......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you can see, my list of imbedded apps is intentionally short:
1-Calc Lite (replaced Calculator Shortcut in Start Menu)
HTweakC v2.1
PHM Registry Editor
SMS Backup
StartClean
Microsoft Voice Command v1.6 (US)
HTweakC might see some updates but that would be easy to install the new version over and only loose would be the benefit of saving storage Rom.
By embedding these into the Rom we save several Megs of Storage RAM.
Okay, I'll also confirm this is WM6
Also, added Telsta.tsk, i-mate Grass.tsk, i-mate Swoosh.tsk.
I will not be adding other apps to this Rom. If someone wants to gather carrier Data Connections Cabfiles I would be happy to embedd them directly into the Rom (these settings seldom change).
I think I will add the 8525 eyboard Fix Cab file (but not install it) into the Rom.
Currently working on an XML error in the section of code that would place Voice Command into the Rom.
The other apps are all considered stable versions.
jammerlappen said:
question besides:
is it necessary to implement vc? especially if the us version isn`t able to deal with with commands in other languages!
anyway, sounds awesome!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once I have it in good I can easily generate a parallel Rom without it (I am writing scripts to run the tools which build the Rom so skipping sections is trivial.
CCRDude said:
I myself don't need PHM Registry Editor since I'm using Total Commander with its integrated registry editor plugin, which I find easier to navigate the registry. And I don't need yet-another-way-too-simple-calculator and would prefer a scientific one with RPN (I always hit the wrong keys on non-RPN-calculators ), like RayRPN.
But if having his preferences on the device is the price to pay for using this "very special rom"... well, as long as we're able to hide them from the start menu/programs menu, I'll gladly pay it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can delete the shortcuts for anthing you don't like.
Personally I use Resco for Registry & File operations but PHM is simply and requires not install so you have Registry Editing out of the box.
I'll look at RayRPN, I just hate the stupid PPC Calc (still same as the old CE Calc). I love the tip calculator and unit conversion functions of 1-calc.
Again once the integration is done, I can easily generate a 100% plain Rom with no carrier tsk files, images or settings. I figue I'll make use of the time while I wait for approval to release....
HerrVorragend said:
WOW - it's realy WM6??
When will you upload it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, if you read the thread you will see that I am waiting for my source to approve the Rom (to be sure I have removed everything that could trace it back even close to them - got to protect the source).
I am hoping to have it out in days (no more than 1 week).
kyphur said:
Please, if you read the thread you will see that I am waiting for my source to approve the Rom (to be sure I have removed everything that could trace it back even close to them - got to protect the source).
I am hoping to have it out in days (no more than 1 week).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi kyphur,
I think you can consider to put in the rom the ext rom unhide!
For me it would be the fact that it STILL has
the same greyish, blocky scrollbars as Windows 3.1 had....
You'd imagine they would have revamped those by now...
That is a minor quibble. Personally I do not see anything wrong with WM6... yet.
Most of us here are still happy that at least we are getting WM6
If anything I had a bit of quibble with Opera and its interaction with WM5\WM6 but then again, that is a software issue.
Yeah, if that's all you have to complain about in WM6, I think you're LOOKING for things to complain about.
Like the "Error Syncronizing" problem in Outlook, that no one but me seems to have seen; or the Calendar problem where Month is always the default view, no matter what's chosen in Options... These are legit. problems, not just complaints.
richy240 said:
Y; or the Calendar problem where Month is always the default view, no matter what's chosen in Options... These are legit. problems, not just complaints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running LVSW Edition 2007-03-25 and do not have this problem with calendar, maybe it is your version.
Ron
Try UIQ for a month, you`ll hate PPC
WM6 has a lot to learn, as I see it on WM6 we have many stolen UIQ features.
Microsoft still has a lot to learn, a WM6 device just wont work as a normal phone and switch to "PDA Mode" when you need it.
UIQ has done it, you have a perfectly working phone with access to all the main features, with a flip of a switch you can transfer yourself to a fully featured PDA.
hm, the most annoying thing you say.
yeah , can think of 1 - a minor issue yet very annoying.
the busy signal comes out of the loudspeaker (as it did in wm5) !
i hate it. yeah of course you can delete the signal or change ir to a very quiet one, yet ...
elivne said:
WM6 has a lot to learn, as I see it on WM6 we have many stolen UIQ features.
Microsoft still has a lot to learn, a WM6 device just wont work as a normal phone and switch to "PDA Mode" when you need it.
UIQ has done it, you have a perfectly working phone with access to all the main features, with a flip of a switch you can transfer yourself to a fully featured PDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do use UIQ3 on my M600, and I'm not impressed in the least. It has it's own set of problems... Stability for one. It's better than it was, but it still isn't great.
As for stolen features, that's crap... name one feature WM6 stole from UIQ. I beg you...
I beg to differ
richy240 said:
I do use UIQ3 on my M600, and I'm not impressed in the least. It has it's own set of problems... Stability for one. It's better than it was, but it still isn't great.
As for stolen features, that's crap... name one feature WM6 stole from UIQ. I beg you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are using UIQ3 - don't know that OS yet.
stolen features?
what about the new "week view" of calender? it`s entire functionality is copied from UIQ 2.1, what about the softkeys finally they copied the ability to navigate the device features?
stability, I used a p900 - for 2 years - 3!! HR(and I was to BLAME)
PPC? - cant count any more, a buggy program can crash your device until the next HR.
most of WM6 design targets declared where for a better use:
stability
speed
usability
Hmm, I had a P900 and the P910 (still use it from time to time) My friend has the Sony P990 (UIQ3). If you want to see problems with UIQ3 use a P990, admittedly most of it is hardware related but even on the M600 you will find problems.
The only way you can compare these two is to only run them on default software and never install 3rd party apps!! I have run 3rd party apps on my P900/P910 and had to do many soft resets etc even with popular apps (Sman etc)
I am so glad that I moved from UIQ(X) to WM(X) as just the increase in productivity software available to me has made it worth it alone! BTW my M3100 running the latest variant of WM6 is rock solid.
Oh & haven't you heard the expression there's nothing new under the sun. Everybody 'steals' from everybody else.
elivne said:
WM6 has a lot to learn, as I see it on WM6 we have many stolen UIQ features.
Microsoft still has a lot to learn, a WM6 device just wont work as a normal phone and switch to "PDA Mode" when you need it.
UIQ has done it, you have a perfectly working phone with access to all the main features, with a flip of a switch you can transfer yourself to a fully featured PDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I havent taken the plunge to WM6 yet, still on WM5, but yes... having migrated from UIQ on several previous phones, I find WM to be an abomination of undocumented, overcompicated and non-integrated bloatware.
The saving features, however, are that it's the only OS I can get on such great hardware (Hermes), and there is such a massive user base that like Windows for PCs, there is loads of great software and support from forums like this.
and here i thought the most annoying thing was that the soft buttons were reversed on the bubble breaker game
weinson said:
and here i thought the most annoying thing was that the soft buttons were reversed on the bubble breaker game
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real most annoying feature - the thing just does not work. Period. It's a glorified organizer. It's a toy for geeks like us. It's anything but the reliable tool you can depend on. Radio, messaging, alarms / reminders - they all have [not] mind and schedules of their own ... actually M$ implanted brain farts
moisha said:
The real most annoying feature - the thing just does not work. Period. It's a glorified organizer. It's a toy for geeks like us. It's anything but the reliable tool you can depend on. Radio, messaging, alarms / reminders - they all have [not] mind and schedules of their own ... actually M$ implanted brain farts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SSSHHH! You were not supposed to reveal that information!
But it is true... The look on the face of my GF when I have to restart my phone before I can make a call or when everything freezes when adding an appointment....
On my original post: the scrollbars might be a minor thing but it is something I see almost everytime I use this machine.
although I have not used UIQ for a while last one was uiq 2.1 i think or was it 3?
It was a very good os and stable.
but doesnt look as pretty as windows mobile.
Although its better programed and runs better on lower speed processors,
reminds me of the linux v windows situation.
pros and cons to both.
I like windows its pleasing to the eye
I'm sure this can be fixed, but i've search and haven't found a solution yet, so here goes, the most annoying thing about WM6 for is:
In WM5 (standard T-Mobile UK rom) i had a link in Start Menu for "Running Programs" this took me straight to Start->Settings->System->Memory->Running Programs, i would like to create a link on my WM6 that takes me straight here too, but i dont know how?
the thing I hate so far is they (in WM6) still dont allow you to quickley dial a meeting number.... like I used to do in a blackberry...... thats the only thing I find really annoying...
I sould be able to choose a reminder and if there is a number value in there I should be able to choose it to dail.....
one fo my biggest complaints.
in s60 phones when I was sent a concatenated message it would display as one contigious message.
in Wm5/Wm6 a concatenated message is displayed as several messages and sometimes they come in out of order which is really annoying.
if anyone knows of a fix for this short of using an alternate messaging app please let me know.
My biggest issue is that I cannot connect to my office VPN using Internet sharing, worked perfectly in WM5 as a wireless modem, normal browsing is ok.
Malcolm
Most annoying thing...
(1) Boot time is incredibly slow, at last count 40 seconds from reset to ability to make a call
(2) I still cannot send text messages to 'groups' - major gripe from WM5 followed through
(3) Text Messaging - New has been replaced by Delete as the initial text message screen (possibly a setting I havent found yet)
Major speed advantage so far though...
nbedford said:
I'm sure this can be fixed, but i've search and haven't found a solution yet, so here goes, the most annoying thing about WM6 for is:
In WM5 (standard T-Mobile UK rom) i had a link in Start Menu for "Running Programs" this took me straight to Start->Settings->System->Memory->Running Programs, i would like to create a link on my WM6 that takes me straight here too, but i dont know how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually wasn't WM5 but an addition by T-Mobile.
You could use X-button to close programmes completely instead of making them run in the background. That way you don't even have to go into 'running programmes'.
i just got my self an O2 XDA Orbit and i'm wondering what are the best apps and roms to have. i know it's a lil up to preference - i'm interested in the opinions out there. I already picked myself up copies of opera and cardexport 2 (i used the palm version and was very impressed). My main concerns is that i have previously been told that a firewall and a virus scanner were needed. Is this true?
Also i have read a lil bug the sd card issue. how do i know it has struck me? is the fix i have seen good?
i'd also love to be able to play fps games on the device when i am away. goes anyone know of any good review sites and/or shops? i also love playing GPL (general public license) games on my linux machine (no windows machines in this house. may have to, begrudingly, get a cheap laptop if i get problems with the device) so if there are any good free ones i will take a look.
I think that will cover it for now. if i get any more questions i will post and thanks for your thought guys and gals
if you feel progressive you'll start by joining the touchflo club using B&B4 rom (-->here<--). that might be a bit ...well, progressive.. if you just got the device, but hey, you got it for playing around like the rest of us, right?
before you flash a non-original rom to your device, make sure you read this thread. i recommend to ALWAYS use USPL before flashing something.
soardiac said:
if you feel progressive you'll start by joining the touchflo club using B&B4 rom (-->here<--). that might be a bit ...well, progressive.. if you just got the device, but hey, you got it for playing around like the rest of us, right?
before you flash a non-original rom to your device, make sure you read this thread. i recommend to ALWAYS use USPL before flashing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats the difference between B&B4 and the official wm5 and wm6 roms? i do have the o2 wm6 update rom but i haven't installed it (coz i hadn't looked up how yet). so the phone is pretty much stock.
I bought the phone as a work tool but as i'm a techie and techie's get bored and wanna tweak stuff there is room for tweaking
The B&B4 ROM is WM6 but has extra features such as touchflo: like the HTC touch, certain finger movements make access to contacts, messages, music easier and finger scrolling like the iphone. It also has a much cooler look.
For WM6 and thus probably B&B4 there is a reg hack to reduce CPU usage: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=308792
To put a new ROM on your device, It is recommended to flash with USPL unless it is from your manufacturer and for your country. USPL allows other ROMs to be downloaded without disabling your device. I could describe it as a sim-unlock for ROMs, if you use a sim from your carrier, all is good, if not, you cant use the phone. A little more serious than a simlock though, if you flash the wrong ROM without USPL, it could damage the phone/bootloader so as to make it a 'brick'.
To flash a ROM, make sure device has more than 50% battery. Soft-reset it and wait for it to load. Plug into usb port and wait for activesync to recognise. Run USPL and a command prompt will load, wait for it to finish (~5 mins). A new window will open with a picture of the device, tick boxes, click next then update... A progress bar will let you know how far the download has got to. Once complete, the device will reboot to wondows mobile. It is now temporarily CID unlocked with a SuperCID. Now run the exe for the ROM you wish to flash. The same kind of interface will appear as before, tick boxes, next, update... Watch progressbar eagerly (wipe drool off mouth) and let it complete. Your device will reset with new ROM.
If at any point a problem occurs, aslong as you see windows or a multicoloured screen (the bootloader) you can do this (whole) process again to complete installation.
Hope this rather messy post helps you out a bit. As to applications, somewhere on the FTP site I think is pocket doom. BEWARE: Some files on the FTP site are viruses, not detectable by antivirus software.
Pete
wicked and that leads me on to my Anti virus question. is that any anti virus tools for WM5/6? iirc i have seen some pc side ones that scan the phone if it's connected and the app is setup for it. also is a firewall advised? are there any?
There are a few antiviruses for PDAs, but TBH the only viruses I have heard of for them are proof-of-concept so I doubt anyone really bothers.
If you really want an antivirus, I've tried this before and it seems to be ok http://www.freewareppc.com/utilities/airscannermobileantivirus.shtml
When I mentioned viruses on the FTP site, I meant for your home PC!
oh right. i run linux so it's pretty much impossible to catch a virus infection. although i spose caution would be needed if i needed to install windows for something. i'm trying to install stuff straight to the device from the net atm using cabs and i have a tool that strips the cabs out of the exe files so all looks good there.
one question that has just crossed my mind (coz i just tried to do it and couldn't). Is there a way to install cabs once they have been save to the eeprom or memory card? i checked out "File explorer" for an option and didn't find one. "remove application's" seems to be remove only so, i'm a lil lost as to what to use. If i hit open in the d/l dialog in opera or PIE it installs them. Any tips?
You should be able to just tap them in flie explorer and they will run... You'll get a notification asking whether you want to run and then the usual installer screen will come up asking where etc...
i have to admit i didn't try that. i was thinking too far outside the box
thanks for all the help so far btw
No probs, I'm not an expert, computers and techy things just seem to come naturally to me!
same here but i'm known to have moments of thinking too abstractly and after using linux for so long i have kinda gotten used to having to think to get most of the things i do done.
i just saw some screen shots of B&B 4 and i do have to say "how good does that look?" i can't seem to find a feature list. i found it the other day. seems to have vanished in to the depths of the board tho. any clues?
Well I've got B&B4 and I must say It's probably the best ROM you can use on your Orbit... The black and blue go really well with the black and blue (duh) of the Orbit...
Heres the post for B&B4 with some screenies and the programs list: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=321503
It's basically WM6 based, with TouchFlo making it a bit like an iphone where you can use your finger to scroll through stuff. Other finger friendly interfaces like the new today screen interface (with quick contacts access, programs, weather, time, phone profiles etc), htc audio manager, new skin for wmp, some very useful utilities, etc etc
Like WM6, and in the (edited) post I made earlier, you should carry out the reg hack to reduce cpu usage, other than that, and needing a separate cab for live messenger, it is _thebest_
If you decide to flash it, remember to use USPL...
i may do. i think i'm gonna check out my options first. i don;t wanna mess about with it too much because it is spose to be a tool for work. but seeingas realvnc works pretty well i think i'm pretty much covered for my objectives in the software department except for GPS software. money is no object there. i want the best. i heard tomtom was a bit unstable (from a treo 750w user) so if that's true i'm gonna stay away from it
Tomtom seems to work fine on mine so far ...
As a 'working' tool
I've tried all the flavours of roms out there - but didn't like the touchflo stuff on B&B4... I need my today screen to have my calendar and messages on it, so the big clock is no relevance, and the touch stuff is gimicky.
I'm running O2 WM6 on mine, with a few tweaks. It's definitely most stable, and quite fast, although I run batterymeter to overclock to 240-ish mhz for a bit more slickness.
I also use todayagenda to replace the calendar plugin as its far more useful.
I have a synchronisation with my corporate Exchange server for office mail, and route my personal mail throuh an excelllent free imap service at www.axigenmail.com - simple imap servers, no frills, works excellently.
TomTom 6.02 or 6.03 work absolutely fine, no issues whatsoever.
I've just started using SPB PhoneTools on my todayscreen to give me a decent quickdial in the car... I've just replaced my car stereo with a Sony MEX-BT2500 unit (£90 on ebay) that gives full bluetooth handsfree integrationand streaming with minimal fuss.
Hi all,
I've been a reader (lurker) of this forum since the 8125. I have a Hermes 100 from Cingular which I have played around with, as shown on this forum. I am trying to create a fast, multimedia phone, that runs on the Hermes. I am not a techie, like many of you who know how to program, but I do admire what you've done. I could use your help......
Recently, post the last HTC upgrade, I added Black Satin, the Iphone Slider, and SPB Shell 1.5 , Diary and Pocket Plus 4.0, just to see how things work. Some thoughts (and the questions for which I seek an answer).
Do like the Black Satin add-ons, though Black was never really my color, and the HTC Shell and Diary are nice (though with Pocket Plus, gets very bloated)...still, it runs very slow....how can I:
1. Find a basic HTC shell?
2. If I wanted to ad in an interface, would you suggest the SPB Shell 1.5 + Diary or do you think Pocket Plus 4.0 is smooth, fast and multi-talented?
3. Opera or Explorer?
4. I still cannot watch Youtube, and some websites that require flash to show videos do not like Macromedia 7.0 Flash..they say "upgrade!" Thoughts?
5. I downloaded and installed The Black Shadow Video Dial Configuration, to use 3G video phone calls. But, as I am on the Cingular network, neither my brother (with the Tilt, unlocked) or my Hermes can make video calls on the network. Advice?! This would be super cool.
6. Are there "optimal" cingular internet settings that allow fastest access, or unblocked ports for 3G vid calling, streaming etc?
7. what is the best solution in terms of Iphone like scrolling and unlock? I know 4.0 Pocket Plus has it...its just "ok"...I tried to install Slide2unlock, didn't work for me.
8. I also used RealVGA, but didnt' notice a considerable difference. Is it not there, or am I dreaming?
9. Finally, should I just sell this Hermes 100 (its a "new" refurbished one from AT&T, got it yesterday) and buy a Tilt, or can I do everything I want on this baby!? I've had this type of phoen for a half a year now.....
Wow, a lot of questions, and I know you folks could say "read the 500 pages of the forum"...trust me, I've spent hours in these threads. I would appreciate your help, and I've honestly been trying, but it gets a little too technical for me past installing Cabs and following instructions, to be honest. So, any help you can offer would be VERY greatly appreciated.
All the best, George
Ok, here are answers to some points of yours:
4) There is no flash enabled browser for Windows Mobile. Only workarounds exist for watching the flash videos off Youtube and similar pages. So you will not be able to see those pages in near future.
7)iPhone scrolling - I use fTouchFlo - it works in all of the programs but has its flaws, I use s2u2 on my Hermes with no problem. One more thing to note is that Hermes touchc screen is different form iPhone touch screen and what we have (including SPB scrolling) are workarounds that still need a time to mature.
8) RealVGA? You are missing the point - both Hermes and Tilt have QVGA screen - there is no way to get it to VGA (simply because your screen has four times less pixels than VGA screen). It will not work because it is intended for VGA devices not for QVGA we own.
This is a developer forum - if you want less technical focus you can head to HOFO or other fora... I know lots of people in here read a lot... but they do not seem to think about what they read and then they tend to have really stupid questions. If all you want is media phone go for iPhone - there will not be 3G functions - but the scrolling works - there is no hassle with third party applications and everything can be done in only one way - the Apple way. The WM platform lets you do much more but it comes at price - in here I think you should get your feet wet in some basic techie stuff other than installing CABS. Hope I helped at least little...
PS: I had a hard time being new to the WM too - it needs time - I think right now you do not know what exactly you can expect from your device.
Well, first of all:
Thank you for your reply. True, it is called XDA Developers....and I am, in fairness, not. And as for an Iphone, wouldn't touch it with a 10 ft pool - I like the flexibility of this HTC WM6 phone I have...but frankly apart from some BASIC at the age of 9-11yrs, programming is not a forte ;-)
I'll try your solution to the scrolling.....and of course, I'll keep reading, but I figured (a. You folks know this stuff so well, and b). I can't be the first person to come in with these questions. After all, It's not like I'm not trying,...I flashed something like 20 roms yesterday testing them all out! - on that note, I love your benchmark thread.
Anyway, thank you for your help and the help of anyone else who gives it!
best, George
Ehhm to put some things straight...I know even less programming than you do I have a very same opinion of an iPhone - this thing can not be called "smart" phone at all. What you stumbled upon is the fact that there are two basic groups of users of our PDA phones - first ones are user tha want their phones just work - they are not interested why something does not work, they just want a certain standard to work and as long as it does they are happy. Second group is geeks like me (and the majority of users of this forum) that are just happy to upgrade their phones to whatever newer and try it out. The problem is that for example cooked ROMS have bugs/issues (not that official ROMs have none) - issues vary from small glitches, memory leaks, not functioning buttons to random hardresets. If you go way of the cooked ROMs usually you will have to spend more time with your devices than the first group of users just to fix glitches. The other thing is that cooked ROMs and applications there can enable you do much more with your phone - for example resource hogging HTC Home plugin was not intended for Hermes, touch scroll ability as well and we can continue - but folks over here made it possible - that is what makes this forum so great. Butif you choose to go this way you will have to read, read and read again - because nothing is perfect. Our devices have limitations too - hermes processor has computing power roughly equal to Pentium 100 MHz (that is over ten years old processor for desktops) - so some tasks are hard to be adapted (that is why most of the programs we use are watered down versions of desktop programs - as well as screen size is quite limiting for browsing and so on - if you want a VGA screen than you have to count with: your device being a tad slower (4x more data to be displayed over QVGA) and also bigger battery drain (4x more pixels to power up). Said that you can get some of the things you ask for in your questions, but some are still a challenge...
Use vtap for youtube viewing. Just google it.
Opera. Definitely Opera.
Well, AT&T does not support video calls so unless you go out of the country its useless to you. Besides, your phones dont even have the front facing camera, so it would be hard to do anyways.
Mcorrie:
Thanks, I think right now, I am at:
1. A Basic Shell for speed and customization (not sure which yet)
2. Web Browser: Opera
3. YouTube Browser: VTap
4. Scrolling: TouchFlo or s2u2
5. Additional Scrolling: Possibly Touch Commander
6. Maps: Google Maps
7. Wifi Searching: WIFIFOFUM
8: Microsoft Office
9. Phone Dialer (includes 3G Video??): Unknown
10. Camera/Video Program: Unknown
11. Media Player: Unknown
As for Video Calling, I figured there was a way to bypass the Cingular restrictions, but I have not found it yet. After all, it is a pipe...so it should be possible, right?
Some more from me:
4. Scrolling: TouchFlo or s2u2 (s2u2 is only for unlocking! no other scrolling so you can use both))
5. Additional Scrolling: Possibly Touch Commander or Slither's Flash cube (the same effect, but free)
9. Phone Dialer (includes 3G Video??): Schen's Kaiser dialer 2 (or something like this)
10. Camera/Video Program: CoolCamera - this one is commercial, but best there is
11. Media Player: TCPMP 0.81 - freeware plays nearly everything: audio video, with plugin even .flv and so on...
Karhu,
Dakujem for the additions: I am also adding Radio 1.48 as that seems to be the most stable for Brooklyn, NY according to a June report....I'm going to test myself, but as of now:
1. A Basic Shell for speed and customization
2. Web Browser: Opera
3. YouTube Browser: VTap
4. Scrolling: TouchFlo and s2u2
5. Additional Scrolling: Slither’s Flash Cube or Touch Commander
6. Maps: Google Maps
7. Wifi Searching: WIFIFOFUM
8: Microsoft Office
9. Phone Dialer (includes 3G Video??): Schen's Kaiser dialer 2
10. Camera/Video Program: CoolCamera
11. Media Player: TCPMP 0.81
Now, I just need to figure out what else needs to go in this thing! Trying to avoid bloat, but don't want to leave out needed functionality! I think maybe I'll find someone's mostly stripped down Rom and just add in - its a start.
More comments:
I think if you are looking for less bloated system you should stick with basic WM5/6 look - Wisbar advance that can customize the whole look of the system runs on the top of the basic shell and thus takes up some precious RAM space. The same goes for bells and whistles like s2u2 or slither's Cube - function of s2u2 is to lock/unlock the device - but a part of the program runs in background as a service and consumes 200k of RAM even when you use the device - it is not much but as you proceed to customize the device the amount of bloat grows.
I think you should also look for some decent task managers: I personally like wktask and Quickmenu, but pBar is also nice. HTC xButton is quite a bloat in this matter. You should think what is the main purpose you will use your phone for - CoolCamera is nice but due to hardware limitation of the Hermes those pictures will always look....like taken by a phone.
When it comes to extra lite ROMs beware - they tend to have memory leaks and some Super storage ROMs even random bricking - hardreset needed to make them work again.
Several other variants:
Peek Pocket in wifi scanner (just one small exe)
Core Player instead of TCPMP (Core player is the commercial succesor of freeware TCPMP)
You should also consider some backup program if planning to fiddle more with your phone:
If you want to save your messages, mails, contacts and stuff go for free PIM Backup.
Hope that helps a little
1. Find a basic HTC shell?
What do you mean? If you want HTC TouchFLO-like shell (the basic one is TouchFLO 2D), get ThrottleLauncher. You can install TouchFLO, but you need to flash your ROM. You also can use Spb Mobile Shell 2 with Diamond theme (search Diamond theme for Spb Mobile Shell in xda-developers forum)
UPDATE : Now it's possible, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=541750 It's the TouchFLO 2D from HTC Touch2 (HTC Mega).. Download the "PATCHED MANILA FOR WM6.1 and non-HTC devices" if you have 6.0 or 6.1
2. If I wanted to ad in an interface, would you suggest the SPB Shell 1.5 + Diary or do you think Pocket Plus 4.0 is smooth, fast and multi-talented?
Spb Mobile Shell!
3. Opera or Explorer?
I usually use Explorer for short time browsing, and Opera Mobile for long time or serious browsing, because we must wait for about 5 seconds for Opera to boot up
UPDATE : With Opera Mobile 10, the Opera is not slow anymore, I'm currently using Opera Mobile 10 as my only and favourite browser on my Hermes..
4. I still cannot watch Youtube, and some websites that require flash to show videos do not like Macromedia 7.0 Flash..they say "upgrade!" Thoughts?
Download the YouTube app, you cannot view on the Windows Mobile browser..
UPDATE : With SkyFire browser, you can..
7. what is the best solution in terms of Iphone like scrolling and unlock? I know 4.0 Pocket Plus has it...its just "ok"...I tried to install Slide2unlock, didn't work for me.
Upgrade your Windows Mobile to Windows Mobile 6.1 or 6.5
UPDATE : Use Slide2Unlock2 (S2U2), it works on my Hermes (running official WM6 ROM)
8. I also used RealVGA, but didnt' notice a considerable difference. Is it not there, or am I dreaming?
Hermes's screen is QVGA (320x240), so you cannot force Windows to view VGA (640x480)
9. Finally, should I just sell this Hermes 100 (its a "new" refurbished one from AT&T, got it yesterday) and buy a Tilt, or can I do everything I want on this baby!? I've had this type of phoen for a half a year now.....
No, I think Hermes' body is more sturdy than the Tilt (Kaiser)
Epic necro. Another month and a bit and you'd have had 2 years!
Timing is everything when replying to a thread. Especially when it's almost 2 years old!
Okay, so I have been playing with the XDAndroid port on my touch pro 2 (t-Mobile).
the reason I wanted to try the Port was 2 fold. 1) I was less than happy with the touch flow 3D interface and the regular interface w/ t-mobile's ROM and 2) I wanted to give android a try.
Now having more or less successfully installed the port (A couple of minor quirks that I am sure will be resolved with some more digging) I am at a crossroads.
Android hadn't totally impressed so I wanted to pose the question on what is the best way to get my touch pro 2, which is a pretty powerful phone, to operate at it's optimum speed while still having a nice and organizable interface?
Any suggestions?
thanks
Rob
BUMP - Please Help!
have u consider looking at the NRG rom? its pretty darn fast. i like it .
I haven't looked at any ROM's in particular. The ROM thread is extensive and i couldn't decipher the lingo to make heads or tails of it.
Is there a directory or site or something that breaks down each ROM?
Thanks
Rob
have you tried spb mobile shell in my opinion it works much better than touch flo and is totallty customizable. Android is fun to play with though im not sure it is good for regular use. I may be wrong on that though.
Okay so I got around to flashing an NRG ROM and the Touch Sense is certainly better than the Touch Flo3D, but I was still unhappy with it. so I tried the SPB Shell Demo and though a few quirks I like it much better.
Now the question is, how do I solve these quirks?
(Keep in mind I only have the demo version right now)
1) The Sense and NRG Rom seem to override the SPB interface for things like SMS and Email. The SPB interfaces for these look much better and would seem to function the way I want them to, but i can't figure out how to get them to work.
2) The Top Function/Task Bar is still the NRG bit and though it is graphically appealing, it doesn't seem to work quite as well as the my default TMO ROM, and doesn't seem to be necessary as part of the SPB Shell. Any ideas on that?
3) the FN (Actually ALT on my device) key on the slide out keyboard is programmed differently. i learned it is swapped with the CTRL key, so it is functional but, i am wondering if there is a way to change that?
I think if I can solve these three issues then I may just be happy enough with the SPB Shell to purchase it.
Thanks for the help!
Rob
Have you tried XDAndroid Startup Utility... It might be a lil more device specific and pick up a better keyboard driver, also it allows you to easily overclock it and has backlight settings which come in handy for battery life.
1) The Sense and NRG Rom seem to override the SPB interface for things like SMS and Email. The SPB interfaces for these look much better and would seem to function the way I want them to, but i can't figure out how to get them to work.
||>SPB is just something to "mask" the real phone, as soon as you want email it returns to the phone application. Click X and you get SPB back.
2) The Top Function/Task Bar is still the NRG bit and though it is graphically appealing, it doesn't seem to work quite as well as the my default TMO ROM, and doesn't seem to be necessary as part of the SPB Shell. Any ideas on that?
||>There may be a "full screen" function (don't remember).
3) the FN (Actually ALT on my device) key on the slide out keyboard is programmed differently. i learned it is swapped with the CTRL key, so it is functional but, i am wondering if there is a way to change that?
||>You can download many keyboard languages/ versions, just need to find out what phone version you have combining the right language.
Also every Rom has there own build in language/ version of keyboards.
yo can try this and used android CWM is very fast.. instrucctions in spanish .. traslate with google
Methods to install android on your cell phone