Related
Quite a long while since I've started a thread. Here goes.
Have you ever tried skinning (as in creating skin) an application that requires you to have bits and pieces of graphics to form a bigger graphics. And, you are thinking, instead of pieces of graphics, it maybe easier for you to 'skin' the big graphics and then slice the pieces out. But it is PAIN to slice these graphics from a big chunk. For example, I've tried to skin the Eten dialer skin (more information here) and having to cut the pieces out of the 'bigger picture' is just not easy. Consider that I can do a quick job photoshopping the skins, slicing up the thing is SERIOUSLY PAINFUL.
So, now I introduce you to the GRAPHIC SLICER 3000. Ok, just graphic slicer. Written in Java (sorry for being a Java program, I know many of you hate it, but it is much faster for me to work with Java). This program reads an XML file, for coordinates to slice up chunks of graphics from a larger graphics. Once you have the XML configuration file done, you can happily just skin the big picture and slice as many times as you want. So, now you can leave the slicing for while you go onto bigger things, like 'skinning'!
Attached are two ZIP files.
GraphicSlicer.zip (12.4 KB)
- the Java class files
- a Windows executable BAT file
- short documents on the usage
BlackGlass_Blue.zip (1.32 MB)
- the guinea pig I used to test the software, works of http://www.paulya.com/
- you need this if you want to try a Quick Start on the software
- it has the original files as well as the files that I made to try to the slicing
- it is recommended that you download this file as all the graphics are marked with red borders, such that you can clearly see which parts goes where. If you are a Eten skin skinner, this will EASE the process A LOT.
Let me know if it doesn't work.. and also let me know if it works. I want to know if (if any) many is using relatively good Java (1.4) enabled PCs.
Limitation:
- XML configured
- no GUI
- read write BMP files only
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UPDATES:
22th January'07: GUI is tougher than I though. Won't be out soon especially the software doesn't seems to be much in demand. Rush me if you want GUI
20th January'07: GUI version will be out soon. Attached figure illustrating the advantages of GraphicSlicer in skinning.
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!
Hi,
Last few days I've been trying a bunch of unofficial ROMs.
Here are my experience and ideas about this whole situation.
* There should be a "TIDY" ROM thread, or a wiki page, (including comparison if possible). I'm willing to start the initial work, if needed.
* More sticky threads needed, so that each team/individual can post in those threads, and that only.
What I liked best was the Diamond Project and then Dutty's "hybrid" ROM. But neither was error-free. Then I've been through totally messed-up ROMs, hardly reverted back, to the stock ROM and tweaked myself.
IMO, Those ROMs should be more "generic", so that more people can use em, and they should be avoiding "geeky, cute" graphics (salut, Diamond Project's beating-hearts ). ROMs should also be looking more "professional" (see 1.93.456.2's boot screen).
Anyway, keeping on MY ideal ROM idea, it would be great if it had these:
* OTA updates (AppToDate) looks very promising
* No personal applications (tomtom, skype, other BS games) should be included.
* Opera 9.5 b1 is out, AND AWESOME should be included.
* No TouchFlo3d Themes, PLEASE
* Should be tweaked well. (And applying whole set in the tweaks thread is not "tweaking well")
* All unnecessary stuff should be removed (incl. bunch of wavs, images)
* And yea, should be based on the latest official ROM :b
Anyway, this is my two-cents
Nice thread, thanks maybe it can help cookers to bring up what really the needs are.
So I'd like a modulable ROM, as the GM360D Lite edition. I'd like the latest core and as an Elive distro ("beta" docet ) all the last-minute nightly builds of each component.
I would be useful for developers as well as for those want check the last miiles of any package.
Anyway I guess Opera is a must have, as well as a registry editor, a PDF viewer and player (VLC or CorePlayer).
I use also SyncMate for Mac (I have a MBP) and it could be insert as default (driver is less than 40kb).
I'd like also a touchable Calendar (XDA docet ) and a VNC Client.
I can't forget the wonderful display of my Diamond then I want a stunning GUI.
Makes sense, there is a wiki page already and anyone can edit it I guess ..
Personally I would prefer Skype and Tomtom to Opera, it is not really usable on such compact device regardless of what version it is ..
Good idea....imo, it should be a thread with all the "slang" for ROM flashing....for some newcomers (like me) words like SPL or RUU sound scary...
You are the first, (wanted to write the similar
Absolutely agree!
By me, I prefer "lite" line. More choice for user's fantasy
Impossible to make "universal" image.
Duttys_Diamond_HybridV1 my choice at last moment. The fastest & stable enough. Very smart programs list. But... not ideal, of course.
May the best way - this scheme, aka "modular":
"kernel" - the minimalist image;
"modules" - list of optimized programs for this image.
"tweaks" - .regs for image or program.
So....
i like CLEAN ROMS without any Additional programms (like youtube, googlemaps...) and NO TF3D , and provide all them in CAB files so u can instal any 1 u like manually or per UC!
The thing is, every single person wants something different from the roms, thats why theres so many different cooks who make different roms and even different versions of those roms but you can never satisfy everyone.
I do a lot of work on Vista Sidebar gadgets, i start off making a gadget for myself, then i decide to release it purely so the wider community can enjoy it too. Then I get a few people who want an odd feature or two so I put it in because it'll make them happy. Then by the time everything is said and done people are moaning at you because you put in too many things and it's bloated and doesn't do EXACTLY what every user wants. I imagine this is a similar scenario to what the cooks here go through.
I don't really have a point, but I guess I'm trying to say is be grateful of the Devs, it's not easy trying to please everyone and what you want isn't necessarily what others will want.
I do agree with the idea of basic and lite roms though, they allow the devs to make optimised roms and the user to install whatever apps they want.
hertc said:
Makes sense, there is a wiki page already and anyone can edit it I guess ..
Personally I would prefer Skype and Tomtom to Opera, it is not really usable on such compact device regardless of what version it is ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, actually what I meant was that applications like Skype, Tomtom, or other installable applications should not be included
Btw, I wasn't expecting this much "good" replies.
I hope cooks -especially Diamond Project members- will hear those comments.
I completely agree. It's like building your own computer and catering it to however you see fits vs. buying a pre-built computers with a bunch of unneeded software taking up spaces (im not discrediting cookers with their own unique ROM! They did a fantastic job!). If someone could baked a fast, barebone ROM and give users the choices of installing their own programs, that'll be fantastic.
i think all of us agree to have a stable ROM with biggest Storage and RAM, and that can be reached only with CLEAN ROMs.
I have 1 question, is it Possible to have a ROM Package which ask u before Flashing starts, which Softwares do u want to include? an Interface with a list of programms to un/check? just a thought!
Is it any good compared to TFL3D? Looks nice and possibly better than any other finger like interfaces!!
did a search but not too clear? any help
Go to http://www.lakeridgesoftware.com/forum/index.php - that is the official forum.
It is good and very customisable, if you have a little time and skill with photoshop etc.
To be fair, I think he's looking for some opinion from the community rather than the slightly biased view from the Lakeridge forums. Trouble is, an impartial view will be hard to come by. Lots of people on this site will tell you it's wonderful...with great conviction and some justification.
For what it's worth, I put it on my device a few weeks ago and it came back off pretty much straight away. It certainly is highly customisable - many of the sexier and more complex themes on this site are WAD themes - but customising isn't all that straightforward and that's what put me off. I didn't have the time or the inclination.
Some will love it and some will hate it, but my personal preference is for SPB Mobile Shell. I used TF3d in preference to SPBMS2.x (although I'm currently taking davideuck's excellent WM6.5 ROM for a spin) but will look very seriously at v3 which should be out later this month or early next. There are YouTube videos and a dedicated website kicking about if you search around.
have not tried wisebar advance desktop but wisebar advance does drag the performance of the device in my own observation.
I find that if you want to have better performance, touchflo, mobileshell or pointui offers that.
Agree that the configuration of WAD is no piece of cake, but I love it for...
...as many appointments on main screen as screen permits (and those appointments can also be way in the future)
...16 tabs on main screen and 16 more just a finger touch away (tabs can also be a URL, or macro)
...lots of prefab skins so I dont need to worry about Photoshop...
IMO,
Positive: WAD2 allows for much more customization of screens.
i.e. weather info, plugin imbedding, status info, screen button look, etc.
Negative: not as graphically advanced as TF3d. i.e. weather, mail, stock, etc. animations are much better in TF3d.
Also, it is still a little buggy. Random crashes and such. it seems that WAD2 needs some more fine tuning before it's ready for prime time.
In essence, if you're looking a more infomative overlay, quicker access to functions, and much more customization then WAD2 is fun to play with.
But, if your looking for a stable, graphically advanced, overlay, Tf3D is the way to go.
Personally, I use TF3D because I like the look, feel and responsiveness, especially with the great Roms cooked here. But, I miss WAD's plasticity.
Thanks guys, yeah im looking at SPB v. 3, just need to find a good ROM out there to use!!!
Hi there,
since i'm searching for a fast and customisable ui since months (90% of them use sense what makes them kind of slow). So I decided to start such a Project on my own.
My main targets are:
- Speed (!!!)
- User-friendly design
- Customizable Widget support
- High built in application support (native support of different music players, browsers and more)
I am going to use .NET Framework 3.5 and delop it using the WM home plugin system.
Since this UI is going to be freeware i'm going to try out this graphics libary (WMGL):
http://www.mobilityflow.com/products/wmgl/
The following shows the current progress and prioritys for planned features.
Current information:
- 2010/10/08 -
I will start development this weekend, for the beginning this will be a solo project. After development of the base system I would be glad about some help, but at that time there will already be progress that shows work on this project really makes sense
- 2010/10/10 -
Spent almost the whole weekend with coding and it was worth it! For now there are already 3 Desktops (configurable via XML) with different wallpaper modes (raw, fit, panorama). In panorama mode the image will be scaled (keeping proportions) over all 3 desktops. Basic widget engine is almost done, already got a first button widget that displays a free scalable graphical button (you can define a border width that will not be completely scaled). Also there is a label element to output text on a widget (the button label).
Here a few seconds of demonstration with 3 different scaled and positioned button widgets and a 1024x768 default windows desktop in panorama mode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ2zCN2BNno
And it will be independent to the device's resolution, like seen here it already works with other today plugins together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22f3GClKC94
- 2010/10/11 -
Finished and optimized a lot of things today, most important changes are lots of font settings (color, bold, underline, italic, size, h-align, v-align), basic mouse events (down, up, click) and a few actions for those events (show/hide image, open url/file, open ui-dialog). Here a short video of the current version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk1Mgmj4HAg
- 2010/10/20 -
Debugged and cleaned the whole code, couldn't find any problems with the current features anymore. Also improved the performance a bit. Added icon's as source for widget images for application shortcuts (icon not scalable! size depends on the device, the wm5 emulator uses 32x32 modern phones usally 64x64). Added a small pager that displays the active desktop. Replaced the button graphics by high-res one's (I know they're not that beautyful ). Here's a video snapshot of that version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4KQ5s-NxtQ
- 2010/10/24 -
Done some pretty effective performance optimizations and increased the desktop scroll speed some. Replaced the button graphics again but I'm still not that happy with it. Added the most common status widgets (calls, texts/sms, mails) including the matching shortcut. Added a first small digital clock widget (160x80) somehow the clock was not correct when using the emulator, when using my own phone it works perfectly. Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2Ur4PrBsSA (reuploaded video, working now)
- 2010/11/03 -
Replaced the graphics again, this one will be the base for the first (stock) skin. The battery icon will be replaced by a black one later. Further added 3 status widgets showing the battery state, signal strength and memory usage. To give a better view (without problems caused by the emulator) I made a video of it running on my HTC Touch Diamond 2 (Topaz). Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cIdAYtKnPA
Implemented features:
Desktops
3 Desktops (configured using xml) with independed wallpapers. (Still some todo's)
Widgets
Alert widgets (Calls, Texts, Mails)
Status widgets (Battery, Radio, Memory)
Digital clock widget (One small and one large)
Graphic button widget with text label and/or icon. (URLs, files, applications and a few system functions)
Planned features:
Desktops
(HIGH) 3 freely editable desktops with unlimited widget count / variation.
Widgets
(HIGH) Alert widgets (Calls, Texts, Mails, News!)
(HIGH) Contact widget (different layouts, supporting displaying multiple contacts and filtering)
(MID) Mail- and text-widget (incl. browsing and marking them read)
(MID) News widget (RSS)
(MID) Music widget (with multiple player support)
(LOW) Social widgets (Facebook, twitter, ....)
Tools
(HIGH) Tool for layout backups
(LOW) Update checker
PS: I know there are already many UI's out of there and coding a new one won't make sense for some of you, but imho there is still no really good one out there (at least not for a reasonable price). The most close one is MaxSense, but that mod still drains tonns of memory for sense and is also a bit buggy and limited. (e.g. there is no way to add the same widget twice)
Since i'm not expecting a fast port of WM7 to older devices this is going to be optimized for WM6. Anyway all WM5+ devices should be capable of running this UI.
Best regards
Forsaken
Developer Notes
In this section i will write down things that experienced users (and developers) might want to know.
XML structure definitions
desktop.xml
Code:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" standalone="yes" ?>
<config>
<desktop>
<wallpaper file="relative\path.jpg" mode="raw|fit|panorama" />
<widgets>
<!-- If posx, posy, width or height are set to 0 these values
are taken from the widget.xml if available -->
<widget file="widgets\widget.xml" posx="0" posy="0" width="0" height="80" />
</widgets>
</desktop>
<desktop>
<wallpaper file="relative\path.jpg" mode="raw|fit|panorama" />
</desktop>
<desktop>
<wallpaper file="relative\path.jpg" mode="raw|fit|panorama" />
</desktop>
</config>
widgets\widget.xml
Code:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<widget width="80" height="20">
<images>
<!-- Images are currently not positionable, if another mode than raw is
set the image will be scaled to fit the widget size.
The border attribute is optional and will only be used for fit_border -->
<image file="relative\path.png" mode="raw|fit|fit_border" border="8" />
</images>
<labels>
<!-- Labels are currently not positionable, too. ;)
The text is just centered into the widget. -->
<label text="About" />
</labels>
<events>
<!-- Coming soon ... -->
</events>
</widget>
+1 for sqvga!
This sounds great!
Looking forward to see your work
I wouldn't say they are slow because they "use" Sense (though I personally hate this tendency to write UIs emulating Sense... not everyone has an HTC phone!) they are slow because they are .NET/C# and unoptimized. If you ask me C# isn't fit for anything that needs to be fast or run permanently... Nothing beats native code in terms of performance. If you want optimization you'll have to go with C/C++... Good code eliminates the need for exaggerated phone specs.
As for renders RawFramebuffer seems to be the best generic bet (GDI is slow) it's not optimal there's no consensual best... Intel Xscale is the best for phones with good old CPUs (not HTC) and OpenGL ES is the best in most new phones.
Homescreen++ is C/C++ but renders in GDI... AFAIK it's the only free today screen plugin in native code (making it one of the lightest) while still being very flexible (though lacking some of the recent features in this sort of UI... which Mortscript can somewhat compensate for). One of my all-time favorite free apps (together with Mortscript, TCPMP, GSFinder+ and WKTask).
Just my 2 cents anyway...
Good luck.
..so this topic is about another manila/spb bs?
shame.
for conscoius users i can recommend: hs++ + mortscript.
rest - go and buy iphone/android.
I am going to use .NET Framework 2
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Click to collapse
dude, wake up. you must be fresh or kidding for bump.
regards,
nothin.
pupakota said:
..so this topic is about another manila/spb bs?
shame.
for conscoius users i can recommend: hs++ + mortscript.
rest - go and buy iphone/android.
forsaken said:
I am going to use .NET Framework 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude, wake up. you must be fresh or kidding for bump.
regards,
nothin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right about .NET 2.0, i will definitly need 3.5. And i won't use only .NET libarys, of course i will try to say native
About iPhone...
About Andoid, i dont have money for a new phone yet And it's about time for a free powerful ui
Only the behavior of the desktops is like andoid, i will definitly not just copy another system. Especially the widgets will be a lot different than those i saw so far.
Anyway coding is my hobby and i'm really motivated for this project. It's fun so far and I'm already making some progress. I got already 3 smoothly slideable desktops with a hard-coded wallpaper, even there is nothing on it yet
I also decided to support any possible resolution, maybe i will even get it working with other (smaller) today plugins together.
Since 2AM here i'll take a rest for now
Wish me luck for tomorrow, I will start to implement a XML-Parser for the desktop-configs and widgets.
Best regards
Forsaken
Good luck, then
And sorry for tone of my previous post.
Have you thought about your project license? If you decide to go open-source you could find TodayLife a big help for ideas/examples/code...
frmariam said:
Have you thought about your project license? If you decide to go open-source you could find TodayLife a big help for ideas/examples/code...
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Click to collapse
Hmm it will definitly be freeware, personally I would like to go open-source but first I will have to check out the licenses of the two libarys I am going to use.
WMGL, a very fast graphics libary: http://www.mobilityflow.com/products/wmgl/license
Free to use with a linked hint that the app uses it. (For freeware)
A small native C++ XML Libary unter CPOL: http://www.codeproject.com/info/cpol10.aspx
I would be glad about an advise, regarding licensing I really don't have a clue yet
PS: Some first videos of my current status above The progress already exceed my expectations for those 2 days of work ^^
I'm wondering how you want to use .NET 4+, when for WinMo is available only .NET CF 3.5 (and something called 3.7?).
For this stuff, I'd really drop any .NET part and do it purely in native code. On the other hand, .NETCF isn't slow actually. What is slow, even in native code, is the GDI+. You MUST use OpenGLES, otherwise you'll fail pretty hard. TouchXPerience is all built in .NETCF using OpenGLES and it runs quite fast.
You can take a look at TigreSDK, but I found out that with few objects on screen, it runs slower (2D text object). I had working physics engine for that though. That's where I ended because of the speed of rendering. Next time I will go for native even myself.
OndraSter said:
I'm wondering how you want to use .NET 4+, when for WinMo is available only .NET CF 3.5 (and something called 3.7?).
For this stuff, I'd really drop any .NET part and do it purely in native code. On the other hand, .NETCF isn't slow actually. What is slow, even in native code, is the GDI+. You MUST use OpenGLES, otherwise you'll fail pretty hard. TouchXPerience is all built in .NETCF using OpenGLES and it runs quite fast.
You can take a look at TigreSDK, but I found out that with few objects on screen, it runs slower (2D text object). I had working physics engine for that though. That's where I ended because of the speed of rendering. Next time I will go for native even myself.
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Click to collapse
Yeah you're right it's going to be 3.5 ^^ I started to mix up the .NET Framework and .NET Compact Framework. The project is set to the 3.5 version. I just corrected it in the main thread, too. Thx for the hint
good Luck!
Forsaken,
Good luck on this! I don't code, so feel like a leach sometimes. BUT, I am willing to sacrifice (dont tell the wife) my phone for testing, and have helped a few guys over here and currently am doing some testing as well with thier themes and UI's.
I am too old of a dog to learn a new trick (my last one was called COBOL!), but at least I can offer testing information.
With that said, if you ever need a tester for another phone, I am running an HTC Imagio with Stock Verizon ROM, running WM6.5 and Sense 2.1 on a WVGA screen.
Good luck, and looking forward to what you can come up with!
JerryA said:
Forsaken,
Good luck on this! I don't code, so feel like a leach sometimes. BUT, I am willing to sacrifice (dont tell the wife) my phone for testing, and have helped a few guys over here and currently am doing some testing as well with thier themes and UI's.
I am too old of a dog to learn a new trick (my last one was called COBOL!), but at least I can offer testing information.
With that said, if you ever need a tester for another phone, I am running an HTC Imagio with Stock Verizon ROM, running WM6.5 and Sense 2.1 on a WVGA screen.
Good luck, and looking forward to what you can come up with!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your kind offer, I will come back to that for sure
But for now testing won't make much sense, it's just too early.
-- Update:
I just finally finished another chapter (extracting the icon of other applications for shortcuts) and spent much time with cleaning and commenting the code.
Also added a more detailed update to the first post, for lazy one's here a video of the current state: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4KQ5s-NxtQ
Like the updates. Like I said, its just cool that you guys can do this stuff!
Thanks for keeping me in mind, drop me a PM whenever your ready. If I cange phones or anything, I will be sure to let you know!
Here I go again, did some bugfixes causing a high system load and made some new graphics again . Added 3 status widgets showing the battery level, signal strength and memory usage.
For more details see the first post, here the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cIdAYtKnPA
At the current rate I will release the first beta version in a few weeks. Until that I will have to figure out a problem that occurs after unloading / loading the interface a lot (desktop process crashes, regular restart needed to get it working again). While testing the normal usage this didn't happen so far. Further i will implement the remapping of application buttons before releasing a beta version.
For now those shortcuts are set up using the xml configuration file.
Hi, really appreciate your efforts, and I encourage you.
What I can tell as a user of TG01 and Acer S200 phones : WVGA phones with 256mo of ram doesn't run well because of lack of memory.
Everybody knows that WM built-in startmenu is very very RAM hungry, on WVGA devices, it can easily hit the 20-35mb of ram usage due to icons caching and other things... thats incredible!!!!
So in my mind, the must have of your UI is a complete WinMo UI replacement, that completely overhads startmenu and kills his memory usage, this would make your UI the best one.
looking good!
Forsaken said:
Here I go again, did some bugfixes causing a high system load and made some new graphics again . Added 3 status widgets showing the battery level, signal strength and memory usage.
For more details see the first post, here the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cIdAYtKnPA
At the current rate I will release the first beta version in a few weeks. Until that I will have to figure out a problem that occurs after unloading / loading the interface a lot (desktop process crashes, regular restart needed to get it working again). While testing the normal usage this didn't happen so far. Further i will implement the remapping of application buttons before releasing a beta version.
For now those shortcuts are set up using the xml configuration file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking good! Like the speed and smooth transitions. Again, keep up the good work!
May be too flippin early for this, and again, I can't code. But here is a sugestion regarding the battery and signal meters. What about making certain widgets or icons 'lockable' so that whenever you switch screens, they remain (like the signal meters or clocks?).
Like the advances so far, and really like that background image. Great to see how far you have come along!
any update for this great UI? is there posible to get rid the winmo bottombar later?