[in dev.] Taskbar Customizer - call for help - Windows Mobile Software Development

What is this?
This is Taskbar Customizer! I have been watching several threads on customizing the taskbar icons and the end-results can be awesome. However, I keep running into several snags:
We have to replace DLLs with different versions which can potentially raise hell and may not work well on our different WM versions. Inconsistencies, incompatibilities, etc.
It's always one custom taskbar or the other, unless you manually customize, and I always want these icons from A, and those from B!
Manually customizing is a very tiresome job
There are no handy tools available for this specific purpose: "Nemo vir est qui mundum non reddat meliorem" (What man is a man who does not make the world better?)
And thus, I have decided such an application must be made. This is however easier said than done, and the primary problem is the best way to go at it and the information we need for it. Some icons are stored in resource DLLs, some are stored in BMPs, one resource DLL overrules the other, one image overrules the other, one package overrides the other. Different versions for different DPI's, etc.
What we need, is to figure out a proper system. I have thoughts about this, they are discussed further below.
Note that retrieving the right files from the device, patching them, un/resigning, putting them back, etc, is not an issue. Combinations of my own various tools do all this, and it will all be in Taskbar Customizer when done.
Who am I looking for?
Right now, I am mostly looking for the following people to join the discussion in this 'design phase' of Taskbar Customizer:
People with a lot of knowledge (and thus experience) in customizing the taskbar (tsowen and 12aon have already offered their full support, yay!)
People who may not be as knowledgeable but have multiple devices with different versions of WM and are willing to test and help research (and read well!)
Who we will need in the future (don't bother to post yet, just bookmark):
"Shredders" - people who can take the current taskbar packs, divide them into 'icon packs', and attribute the images to the right people
Testers
Who we definitely don't need at this stage:
Those who don't know what they are talking about meddling, asking questions we haven't arrived at yet, and generally be annoying
Anyone who can't call himself a dev and get away with it
My current thoughts on implementation
See next post.
Reference threads
These threads contain a wealth of useful information on the subject:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424926 - FInixNOver (part 1/2)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=437307 - FInixNOver (part 2/2)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3746654 - tsowen (the collection!)
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=54514 - tsowen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=457173 - 12aon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441829 - rickou26 (QVGA)
... and many more ... if you have some must-reads to suggest, please post them.
Notes
This is a full community project. It will never be a commercial thing. Full credit to all people involved. Let's make this **** happen!
Gotta say however, that the time I will have to spend on this project will be "hobby". As some of you may know I have many projects here on XDA, and also commercial projects that pay my rent. I will of course try to make the most of it with the time I have. However, a good functional release may be some time away.
Also, I've never started a 'design phase' thread before. I am complete unsure how well that work, or if the discussion will likely still be mostly in PM's, MSN, or through e-mail. Bare with us

Current implementation thoughts (June 8, '09)
Right! This is pretty half-assed attempt at structuring my thoughts.
First, see this image. I know, it ain't much to look at, what you see in this screenshot is a number of resources from tsowen and co's taskbar v2.1 lite set out against a (smaller) number of original files from the CDMA Rhodium ROM.
There are several issues worth pondering.
Full pack vs. Category pack
How to divide the icons from eachother. Do we use full "tsowen's Taskbar X" packs and then customize from there, or do we really divide into categories (better, but more work for devs?). For example "johnny's ActiveSync icon pack" and "harry's GSM icons". I would say that if the latter will be done, so should the former (but not the other way around). If we do make 'category packs' and selectors, it will take a lot of work to create these. We would need to very finely define which icon is what in which file.
If we do category, there should be careful though and research about which category to make and which icons belong to them.
Duplicates and various WM versions
Going through a lot of resource DLLs and the likes, and noticing (among others) tsowen's post about WM6.5 and various posts about different OEM packages, it seems there are many duplicates and overrides.
For example, on many HTC WM6 we have phcanoverbmp, which contains a lot of HTC customized images which override the shellres images. However in WM6.5 it seems shellres is used as primary again.
How can we best solve this? From what I have looked at myself, one could directly translate between various shellres icon id's and phcanoverbmp icon id's (this is true for multiple packages/resource DLLs IMHO). As example (these are fictional), shellres:1-10 may correspond to phcanoverbmp:41-50. So I think we should 'alias' them. If shellres:1 is changed, than we also change phcanoverbmp:41 (of course, assuming this file exists). I think that we should use shellres as base in this case.
Then ofcourse there is also direct file alias. Some ROMs have shellres, others have shellres.dll.<language-id>.mui. These should be defined as 'alias' also, and the application should look for whatever is actually on the device and patch that.
Now again is the question, how exactly do we do this? Would it be better to create a different 'name' for every icon? For example, wifi_on_no_network=shellres:20=phcanoverbmp:97, or could we better do phcanoverbmp:97=shellres:20 ? I personally think the former, but it will be more research and more work (but hopefully other people will help).
Some of these 'alias' will also include copying BMP or PNG files (like bluetooth icons).
Battery
Another point of thought is battery. Different packs have a different number of battery icons and require different drivers to be compatible. How do we solve this?
Saving and distributing
However we do the above, IMHO there should be a function to save your creation based on other people's 'packs' and/or your own custom icons so these can be posted on XDA (or geeks, or wherever) and then opened by Taskbar Customizer again so it will modify your device with this pack. The 'save' would then include the required data and icons and the 'load' would retrieve relevant files from your device, patch them, and put them back.
"Copyrights"
As obviously most of the customizers will release their packs to the world, royalties and such would be nonsense. However, I do think every pack should have a 'copyright' notice, and when you 'apply' your combinations of packs (or 'load' this from a pack somebody distributed) you should see a notice containing the names (and optionally donation links?) of all the people who contributed images and the final 'author' of the pack. If all the original packs for Taskbar Customizer just contain a simply one-liner about who made the icons, this can be automated.
Backup/restore
It goes without saying that any file and registry changes by the app should be backed up and able to be restored.
Notes
Please discuss and suggest about the above! But if you post please clearly describe what you are talking about, posting that you agree with my or somebody else's thoughts about it are also good, because this shows which idea has the best following. Offering detailed specifics is always welcome.

-- I'll take this one --

-- This one too! --

-- Last one, I promise --

I'm done for now

Oooh... Shiny...
I'm willing to help with development stuff...
And also testing stuff.

Reporting for duty! Okay I am in guys as well and will try to drag my bro 12aon as well, also maybe see if Crazylilboy, Darklord69, bilbobrian and FInixNOver just to name a few if they might want to help. Also I have a sperate Wm 6.5 taskbar thread as well http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=65911 for the one here I just combined the two and call them the collection which you have linked.
As I see it the process might be challenging due to ROM differences. Right now I find that WM 6.5 is be cooked many different ways and this is what is causing many conflicts with some of the custom icons.
Edit: Forgot my main guys from ppcgeeks Brock and gadgetfreak. I invited them, both have mad taskbar skills.

count me in! Ill do what i can

I could never turn down a good challenge. Fair warning, while I can blast my way through a dll, It's been a long, long time since I have done any coding, and that was Unix based GIS stuff. So with my backside sore from Tsowen's not so subtle kick in the pants to head over here, cound me in too!
AKA: Gadgetfreak

Good to see you guys here (seems our timezones are not very compatible, though )
Don't worry Gadgetfreak, I can do the coding, it's more the 'how do we pull it off part' that is the question. Obviously we want it to work for everybody regardless of ROMs and packages
Perhaps we should start with creating a breakdown of exactly which icon is what, so we can match the various locations they may be up with eachother? Also what are the exact differences between GSM and CDMA? So far as I see now that instead of phcanoverbmp cdma_rssi_ppc is used for connection icons... and in WM6.5 both go back to shellres again?
(edit) Also, where are the signal bars in GSM ?
(btw tsowen I just noticed in your v2.1 lite one of the 3G icons says E instead of 3G )

Example definitions file:
Code:
[alias]
shellres=shellres.%DPI%.dll,shellres.%DPI%.dll.%LANG%.mui
outres=outres.%DPI%.dll
tapres=tapres.%DPI%.dll
tshres=tshres.%DPI%.dll
notify=notify.dll.%LANG%.mui
[shellres]
4609=start:icon
4677=wifi:connected
4712=wifi:ani_connecting_01
4713=wifi:ani_connecting_02
4714=wifi:ani_connecting_03
4715=wifi:ani_connecting_04
4716=wifi:ani_connecting_05
4717=wifi:ani_connecting_06
4718=wifi:ani_connecting_07
4719=wifi:ani_connecting_08
4720=wifi:ani_connecting_09
4721=wifi:ani_connecting_10
5071=speaker:bluetooth_headphones
5072=speaker:on
5073=speaker:vibrate
5074=speaker:off
[HTCVolumeControl.dll]
129=speaker:on
130=speaker:off
131=speaker:vibrate
[phcanOverbmp.dll]
80=wifi:connected
81=wifi:ani_connecting_01
82=wifi:ani_connecting_02
83=wifi:ani_connecting_03
84=wifi:ani_connecting_04
85=wifi:ani_connecting_05
86=wifi:ani_connecting_06
87=wifi:ani_connecting_07
88=wifi:ani_connecting_08
89=wifi:ani_connecting_09
90=wifi:ani_connecting_10
160=speaker:on
161=speaker:vibrate
162=speaker:off
This is an example of how it could be done. Multiple values in multiple files have the same definition, so the program can detect if you override one, it will also have to do the others (obviously there will also have to be something for the bmp/png files occasionally used).
However, obviously it will take a lot of work to get every icon 'defined' like this (however I do think it is the best way), and careful examination of these icons actually belong together.
The test app I'm working on may help a little in this - see screenshot here - it's what I used to figure out the 'code' above.
Thoughts?

Impressed
I have to say I'm impressed that such an ambitious project is being undertaken. Whilst we all know developers on this site do an excellent job, their focus seems to be sometimes limited to new ROMS, or different Rom version etc......
I have recently posted something similar asking for some new apps and the like which are compatible with "any HTC Tocuh HD" configuration regardless of ROM, which I believe is exactly what you are intending to do.
I applaud each and every one of you for attempting this...if only I had some developmental skills to offer but sadly my only claim to fame is that I can use a Touch HD

This is exactly what I was looking for. If u need, me and my Kaiser are ready for testing.

Hi,
if you want I can send you the appropriate icon to QVGA, notably those of the battery and SIMpad
My TaskBar for QVGA -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441829
@+

rickou26 said:
Hi,
if you want I can send you the appropriate icon to QVGA, notably those of the battery and SIMpad
My TaskBar for QVGA -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441829
@+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to have you with us When the time comes we'll definitely want the packs. I assume QVGA is 96 DPI and the icons are 16x16 for this?

Maybe there is an easier way to do this, ie in a complete taskbar replacement app, rather than an app to swap out the icons. I'm thinking that wisbar advanced does not swap any icons but replaces the entire taskbar. Just a thougt. no signing unsigning problem and all the images could just be jpg or png rather than .ico. You might just say "just use wisbar" but wisbar does all kinds of other things aswell, so an app that just replaced the taskbar would be much lighter on the system. It would hide the origional taskbar and draw in a whole new one. This would actually allow far more scope for much greater customisation.

I would definitely not call that an easier way to do it

As uniqueboy stated the application will have to be able to sign/unsign the dll's and some are in use such as the shellres so I am not sure how the program will temporary override this. Also another thing is the Diamond used the shellres.192.dll.0409.mui and the Touch pro uses the shellres.192.dll so the program would have to detect which one is being used. A list of all the icons is not hard and I can help work on the list the major dll's we are looking at are:
Code:
BT Discoverable.bmp
BT On Mode.bmp
BT Stereo Headset.bmp
CDMA_RSS_PPC.dll
GPS-icon.bmp
GPS-icon Mask.bmp
HTCVolumeControl.dll
notify.dll.0409.mui
outres.192.dll
pchanOvermbmp.dll
PictureMailRes.dll
shellres.192.dll
Stereo Headset.bmp
tapres.192.dll
tshers.192.dll
VoiceCmdRes.dll
WLMMessengerResources.192.dll
There are a few others for the Large Title Bar
Code:
LargeTitleBar.dll
HTCLTB.png
HTCLTB_320x240.png
notify.dll.0409.mui
NotificationManager.dll
MMSRes480x640.Dll
htcStartMenuService.dll

Chainfire said:
I would definitely not call that an easier way to do it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You definitely know best, but why not? I am thinking of a comparison with marshall's wait cursor app, the origional windows wait cursor images can just be replaced but it offers little scope compared to marshall's solution. Pre 6.5 roms could have transparent taskbars at last and some of the things which can't be customised such as the signal strength meter on gsm taskbars could be made nice and colourful, the X/OK button could also be changed and other indicators added such as memory or cpu activity.

Related

Carrier customization ROMs w/o the ExtROM ?

I was wondering if there is a project started (or willing to start) to create a section on the FTP for Customization. There are times that I want MMS/GPRS settings (or just the splash screen) for a carrier but don't want the whole EXTROM, and of course I don't want to go through and download the whole extROM for one or two files (if I can properly identify them of course).
I thought it might be a great idea to create a section with MMS, GPRS, splashscreens, themes settings for carriers that sells/resell HTC products, and if no CABs already exist, maybe we could make some
What d'ya say?
You need to have a better look at wiki and the kitchen.
The cooked ext roms have a erk_14x_### page were you can read what files came with what rom.
The ftp site has a dir with that erk and the extraxted files extracted.
Some times you can find the splash screens in bmp and jpg.
Now due to lack off help not all roms have been updated as the task just got boring to do alone and the guy doing it spends to much time failing MCSE tests.
Hope it helps and have fun.
Thanks
I started on the project yesterday with some Greek customization CABs...the work continues I will also look at the kitchen. I downloaded it, it runs on my machine, but before I cook it tells me that its busy - one problem at a time though
All this and more....on my site
category filtering isnt quite done yet, almost, but you can find all customisation cabs and all other cabs ever extracted from roms/ extended roms
I did the himalaya ones by hand, every single ****in last one of em
just try it (look in signature)
Well I am inpressed...
I had a look at the BA cabs on my pda.
If I am allowed to make a suggestion then.
1 Could you put the select button infront of the item and add a borded around it. (on pda i get lost on what i have selected.
2 can you move language up the list after device ?
3 any chance of a info screen (for the ba cooked roms you can cut this info out of wiki)
Like i said it just a sufgestion, i know how much work it is.
1: done
2: ill think about it
3: there already is...but it needs editing a lot (click the magnifying glass)
remember, I do this all myself, for all cabs, for all devices....takes loads of time
well i dont get as lost, thanks.
Saw the comments, cant see how I am to add any.
Im still writing that
:shock: nice !!! :shock:

Orange Homescreen on non orange phone? (customization)

hello to all
I installed Orange Homescreen on my WM5 blue-angel.
It it by far the cleanest plug-in I've ever used! Two problems though:
1. The URLs seem to be hard coded - anyway of changing that?
2. On the contacts "tab" there is an option for speed dial, but it generates an error when I try to use it - is there some other CAB I need to install?
Thank you!
Hi AdmiralAK,
I love the Orange today plugin too, but have had a lot of trouble installing it on the other Rom's for my Universal. Can you tell which files you used to install it :?:
As for the problems your having:
1. The URL's can be changed by editing the Full_one.xml file.
But your still limited to four.
2. In the Orange Rom, some of the files have a lower case t prefix.
Try changing renaming your speed dial executable. It might work :wink:
Thanks!
I downloaded the homescreen cab from somewhere on this board (this was a few days ago so I am not completely sure). I found two versions. One was in the ftp://xda-developers.com/Universal/Extended_ROMs/Orange Extended ROM/
(this one I did not install because I had the otherone already installed)
(ok after a little looking I found it)
I am actually using the Orange Homescreen from the Orange SPV M3100 (hermes device) - this is the one that is installed on my Blue angel and it works without a problem. --> I am attaching it.
(I apologize to the forum for postnig the same file again - I cannot find the link to it)
----
As for the speed dialer - I don't think I have the application installed on my blue angel (I am using the 1.3beta rom from HELMI and I don't seem to be able to find it) in my device - any idea where to get it?
Also, is the XML file that I need to edit in the windows/ directory?
Thanks
google tells me that the full_one.xml file is in my windows directory...but I dont see it :-/
The CAB from the Orange Ext ROM is just the reg settings, its no good without the files from the Orange ROM.
I'll try the file you posted this weekend [if I get the chance] :?
Yes, the XML file is in the Windows folder.
It works inconjuction with the HomeScreen.dll, with some icons stored in contactsico.dll.
I've added these files and the prefixed t files from the Windows folder of my Universal, I hope they're useful.
Have you tried the file ?
Hmm.. performing back up now.. and going to try it out. Hope it is easy to uninstall.
[UPDATE]
Ok, tested out the plugin. It is a nice plugin. Make your phone more like a phone than a PDA. It gives you one hand operation by using the direction buttons, making calls and stuff. However, since it will disable all other plugins, I won't recommend others whom uses Today calendar plugins such as Pocket Breeze, TodayAgenda, TodayPlus, etc.. to use this orange plugin. Uninstall is easy.
Screen shot of it here http://www.coolsmartphone.com/article569.html
under the section `INSIDE`. It is the same for smart phone and pda phone. You will see all the options available. And the 'Today' option actually sends you to the (built in) Calendar day view.
Hi, have you used the cab file and zip file above ?
Ok, I tried the plugin posted here by AdmiralAK, on my Universal.
First thing I noticed was it actually ran on the O2 ROM.
Second thing was how small the icons are compared to the plguin built into the Orange Universal ROM.
But I guess that makes sence as the screens are very different sizes. More importantly must of the plugin works fine.
I'm sure a little editing would probably have it all working.
What I did notice is its totally different to the Universal plugin, none of the files i've edited to get the universal version working the way I want it to, exist in this version. Hence the Full_one.xml, t* and .bmh files are not in the Windows folder.
I've gone back to the Orange ROM, as I have it running the way I want and the bigger icons are easier to use on the Universal. But i'll be keeping this version as I may get a TyTn next year.
Cool program. But too bad, limited customizable.
Hi people,
Great software, I was looking to try this on my MDA Vario. Too bad of it's limitations. Good to try out and see how it works.
Though I was thinking of visually designing a kind of similar application and find some great developers on this site to help me create it. Of course if anyone is interested in this kind of functionality.
Anyone already interested? let me know. i hope to have some draft ideas on here in the form of screenshots as soon as possible. but now it's diner time see ya.
Cheers,
Shah.
I have tried editing the 'full_one.xml' file, then soft reset....however it hasn't changed anything...
did i miss something?
Hi guy,
I've tried to resize the icon of plug-in and it's ok in portrait but no in landscape, I think it's a registry problem for landscape.
I'd like to use the plug-in on no orange rom.
I'll find the way to get more than 4 custom option but i get without icon.
The file full_one.xml is linked with other file of the orange rom so I think that's one problem.
@Shah2,
I'd be interested in a plugin like this, that has a few more options [see below] and works on all ROM's.
I have no programing skills or abilities, but i'd help out where I can. :wink:
@minty1978,
The Full_one.xml file only lets you edit the Labels and the URL's in the plugin.
@filippodisvevia,
I'd like to use the plug-in on a none Orange ROM too.
Then I wouldn't have to kepp hiding my Universal from the IT guys at work. :lol:
The 3 things I'd like to change on the plugin are:
1. Have more than 5 URL's in the Web section.
2. Have more than 4 programs in the Launch section.
3. Have all seven sections appear on the screen [at least in portrate mode][/i]
I'm a littlebit busy but I want resolve this match.
Stay tuned
Concept Orange Homescreen Pimped Beta 0.1
Hi people,
I told ya that I was interested in making the Orange Homescreen even better than it is at the moment.
THESE ARE PURELY PHOTOSHOP MOCKUPS!
Image number 1 shows the use of today plugin as we know them. It's just to give an example. All the other screens speak for themselves.
If anyone has his/her own ideas please share them in this thread. I would also like to draw the attention of developers who might be interested in creating this for real, and not just some photoshop images, please let me know.
Cheers,
Shah
Hi Shah,
Thats way more complex, than I was looking for. :shock:
But, If this was to be built as a new plugin, hopefully it could be scalable, using a .ini or .xml file. Like the real Orange plugin does. 8)
The only I don't really like, is the other plugins showing as in pic.1.
I have other plugins switched on while i'm at work, and the Orange one at night. I find the empty desktop more relaxing. :wink:
ZaForD said:
Hi Shah,
Thats way more complex, than I was looking for. :shock:
But, If this was to be built as a new plugin, hopefully it could be scalable, using a .ini or .xml file. Like the real Orange plugin does. 8)
The only I don't really like, is the other plugins showing as in pic.1.
I have other plugins switched on while i'm at work, and the Orange one at night. I find the empty desktop more relaxing. :wink:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ZaForD
The complexity is actually quite limited. Because if you use the plugin most of the options are the same. Most of the items are just additions to the rest of the plugin.
And for the pic 1. I can image it's not that nice. But with input we can work on making it more general so that people will like it.
Personally I would like to have the standaard Today screen plugins visible because they are still usefull.
It's also a possibility that all the items are configerable to meet users needs. For example standaard options like the original homescreen for users that want the basic functionalities, and advanced options for users who want more options. so that every page is user configerable.
Anything is possible in Photoshop haha. but seriously if there are any developers who are interested please leave a note.
Cheers,
Shah
I stopped using the plugin - no matter how much I liked it - because it did not show me tasks tat need to be done.
I would be interested in something more complex than it is now (at least show me my tasks) but maybe not as complex as the mockups. scalability would be cool
What do you think he is trying to do?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=63214&highlight=
Any updates on this?
I have a Prophet and tested the plugin, however there are some things that I can't edit (cause I don't have an Orange ROM)...

overwhelmed plz help......

Hi, as the title suggests. I'm overwhelmed with all the choices and would like to know where to search/start if I would want to fully customize my Touch HD, I've downloaded the manilla editor so far, and i see a few pages full of icons, themes, clocks etc. new manilla/old manilla, which I'm actually unsure about. I'm currently using the latest official HTC EU Blackstone rom, and am not sure weather it is worthwile upgrading it to something better, any suggestions ?, stabilty is what would be the deciding factor, or do I just just customize the existing 6.1 operating system with pimped out clocks /menus and themes ?, I'd like to be able to open calender and other WM menus without it looking like I'm stepping back in time as far as page layout and presentation, do I need a custom rom for this or is this just done with my existing rom, with a cab file ?. Oh, and is there any chance of me bricking the phone with messing around with these themes or is that just with reflashing the rom ?. I realise that some of these questions may seem obvious though, I'm a total noob at this, not stupid just a first timer. Any help would be much appreciated !!, Thanks in advance !!, Nick.
first, let me say welcome to the forms. like you, we were once in your shoes. my response is probably not what you want to hear, but i will give my opinion/suggestion anyway (thanks for reading).
my suggestion is to educate yourself on the common terms used in the forums (e.g., Manila, CFC, ROM, bootloader), browse/read the links in my signature, read the threads that will help you achieve your goals, read the stickies, ROM threads, etc. the info is there and it will take a while to absorb and understand. it's a bit unrealistic to think that we'll guide you through an entire process via posts to your help request thread. if you're willing to do the homework it will pay benefits (e.g., you'll be able to pimp/customize your device to your desire)!
since you have to start somewhere, pick a feature you want to learn/customize, read the stickies, understand the methods and tools (the first post of each tool thread contains reasonably good instructions), try it, once you've successfully completed the task move to the next subject (e.g., create manila backgrounds & icons and then move to flashing your device). if you run into problems ask for help in an appropriate thread/sticky and you'll likely get a faster response/answer.
in my opinion (and i'm not implying this is your perspective) to do the things you want to do can be overwhelming if you want to do it right now and quick. this my friend is a sure way to get yourself in trouble. if you're patient, you'll get there. members will help where they can.
you should also know that the moderators are trying to reign in the "help me/what's the best ROM/what's the best theme/how do i flash my device" threads that occur on a daily basis. so don't be disappointed if your thread is closed.
good luck and i hope you have fun along the way!
naa77 said:
Hi, as the title suggests. I'm overwhelmed with all the choices and would like to know where to search/start if I would want to fully customize my Touch HD, I've downloaded the manilla editor so far, and i see a few pages full of icons, themes, clocks etc. new manilla/old manilla, which I'm actually unsure about. I'm currently using the latest official HTC EU Blackstone rom, and am not sure weather it is worthwile upgrading it to something better, any suggestions ?, stabilty is what would be the deciding factor, or do I just just customize the existing 6.1 operating system with pimped out clocks /menus and themes ?, I'd like to be able to open calender and other WM menus without it looking like I'm stepping back in time as far as page layout and presentation, do I need a custom rom for this or is this just done with my existing rom, with a cab file ?. Oh, and is there any chance of me bricking the phone with messing around with these themes or is that just with reflashing the rom ?. I realise that some of these questions may seem obvious though, I'm a total noob at this, not stupid just a first timer. Any help would be much appreciated !!, Thanks in advance !!, Nick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first limiting/deciding factor on what and how much you can "pimp" your phone, is the rom you are using. You need to check which version you have (if stock it should be wm6.1 and then you also need to know what manila version you have.) To get your manila version, go to the Settings Tab in your manila and at the bottom under About it should show you (again on stock it may only be 1.xx)
You may want to start out with a few simple tweaks, such as adding taskbars and slider icons and a few wallpapers and clocks (most of which you can do via cabs available (these are then uninstallable). There are also some complete themes you can apply (even to stock) Dusk being one of them.
Taking a different slant, Id' probably spend a week flashing lots of different ROMs, to experience what's possible visually/program-wise. Try some 6.1s, some 6.5s, some Manilla 2.1s/2.5s/2.6(soon!) to see which types you favour, and many of the ROMs come with their own backgrounds/taskbars etc. etc.
You might find one that, with a little tweaking, is exactly what you want, or at least you might get some ideas for your own creation.
Good luck!
Hey Thanks !! , just needed a lil steering in the right direction. Will check out the links and have a go, (was just unsure about weather to go down the flash rom path first or change theme or touch flo first). I realised that there was a chance moderators could od deleted post but took the chance

Manilia Files and Coloring.

Hi everyone,
First I use the Eu rom with the black theme, I hate the green highlight bar, I searched thru the registry to see if I can find the setting, but no luck. Is there a simple way to change this or not, dont care if I have to edit the registry.
Second something thats been crossing my mind for awhile now and its really a general question, but it came to mind after reading about compression tools being used on ROMs. Why does HTC have so many files for manila to work? Isnt there a way they can either condense the files or move them to a folder on the device so as not to clutter the directories and hence possibly speed up the phones? I know in the rom section they are working with standard compressions and dual compressions, but thats compressing the file, it still takes time to uncompress a file to read it. Why couldnt they make for example like a SQL db and store all the pages/files in there so that access to them I would think would be much quicker, which in turn I would presume make the phone and the manilia run faster and smoother.
you obviously have not cooked a rom before.
copying the files to a fat partition on the device (meaning another folder as you can do with manila 2d) will take more space and will still keep the files in the windows directory.
manila is bloated indeed. however, unless you are willing to edit the xmls for each page (and there are a lot of them) to reuse the same files, you will not be able to change the fact that it is bloated as hell.
you can find themes on line such as the dusk theme. pull some of the files you want to change the colors. pain in the @$$, but it is worth it if you know what you are doing.
unfortunately, there is no reg tweak to change the highlight colors. you ahve to change some of the gfx in the manila files them selves. Tmo has blue highlights. I have been working for about a week to desaturate them... and quite frankly I am thinking of giving up. too much work for an experiment.
S.V.I,
Ur right I never have cooked my own rom. And I wasnt referring to the cookers as to why, I was referring to HTC as to why they hadnt done something to reduce the bloat, and possibly make it more efficient in utilitizing space and speed as I said in my first post. And if its that of a pain to change the green highlight bar then I'll live with it.

[GUIDE][TUT] Manila Development for Beginners - ManilaFiles & Tut3 (30Sep) in NewWiki

[GUIDE][TUT] Manila Development for Beginners - ManilaFiles & Tut3 (30Sep) in NewWiki
I am writing a guide/tutorials on how to develop and modify manila, since I've found it very hard to find information on it. I welcome any help, comments on these tutorials and also any information people may have on manila.
I've chosen to write them in the wiki, so it is open for anyone to edit so hopefully if I get something wrong it can be corrected. Let me know if you are interested in adding to these tutorials (or just add them), I've got a few more planned, just catching up with my progress so far.
WM6 HTC Sense Developer Wiki Home for modifying and creating extensions to the HTC Sense on WM6 Devices
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=WM6_HTC_Sense_Developer_Wiki
The OLDwiki is not available anymore, but I shall be moving the tutorials to the above WM6 HTC Sense Developer Wiki Home
The links below will link to the announcement post and then to the wiki page.
Guides & Tips
GUIDE Manila Files - Explanation Of The Various Manila Files [WIP]
MODS rat_2665's CHT special clocks [in this thread]
TIP mncessna's Lua Switch Statement
GUIDE colossus_r's Find manila file names for all language
Tutorials
TUT Manila Tutorial 1 - Basic Tabs (Call History, Tab Manager)
TUT Manila Tutorial 2 - Adding Ready Made Tabs (Documents, eReader, Footprints)
TUT Manila Tutorial 3 - Modifying Existing Tabs (Custom Call History Tab)
Links
Manila Kitchen - 12aon & hilaireg
Links from Senax:
[APP] Command line Mode9 Tools
[REF][APP] Manila file names
[APP][27-Dec-09] LuaTool 1.2 - Lua Decompiler, Compiler and Compare
[REF][11.11.09] CFC - THE Manila/TF3D Image Editor - Tech Reference (Q)(W)VGA
Thanks
Captain_Throwback for help with tut2
utopykzebulon for permission to use the colour call history tab used in tut3
To Do List
Guides & Tutorials
Finish GUIDE Manila Files
Finish Tut4
Manila/Sense Tab Changes
Fix message tab to use HTC messaging
Change home shortcut for Call History to go to Call History Tab (instead of people sub-page)
Update Call History to have left-softkey to All People [DONE]
Update Call History to use contact photos
Make Comms tab which isn't read-only
Make util tab with Update All Button & Volume Control Setting
Change fonts in Tab Manager Tab
RSS Tab!
Extend facebook tab (if official Tab doesn't appear)
GUIDE Manila Files - Explanation Of The Various Manila Files
Explains the files which make up manila, what they are and how to work with them
I've started to put the info back into this section of the wiki, I've used Ecolgue's About Manila wiki page (recovered from google cache) since my own sections were unrecoverable.
Contributions of knowledge welcome, since this is a big topic and there are lots of things I don't know yet.
TUT Manila Tutorial 1 - Basic Tabs (Call History, Tab Manager)
Provides basic steps to add some very simple manila tabs (& start to learn about manila)
TUT Manila Tutorial 2 - Adding Ready Made Tabs (Documents, eReader, Footprints)
This tutorial show how to add tabs such as the Documents, eReader or Footprint to a device which doesn't have them cooked in.
Thanks to Captain_Throwback for the help with this.
Help Needed
I have a few questions which I can't find answers for:
Q1: How do I upload pictures to the wiki, attachments just appear as links. Where is the upload point?
Using PhotoBucket for now, but is there some way to upload them directly to the xda wiki?
Q2: Manila related question, anyone know how the xxxxx_manila files are numbered? Doing the mods I will be creating manila files, so I was wondering if there was some reason in the numbers or can I use any file number which isn't in use? Ideally you'd want to avoid using other file names used by other tabs & plugins even if they aren't currently installed.
EDIT: The names are a HASH of the internal reference name, the ManilaHASH Tool allows the names to be generated (see attached).
Thanks.
I hope these links will help you;
[APP] Command line Mode9 Tools
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=491185
[REF][APP] Manila file names
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=546820
[APP][27-Dec-09] LuaTool 1.2 - Lua Decompiler, Compiler and Compare
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=568281
... Still searching for more usefull links,
Senax​
Senax said:
[APP] Command line Mode9 Tools
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=491185
[REF][APP] Manila file names
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=546820
[APP][27-Dec-09] LuaTool 1.2 - Lua Decompiler, Compiler and Compare
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=568281
... Still searching for more usefull links,
Senax​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. I shall do some reading! Added them to the links at the top too.
Currently working on tutorial number 3, I've also got number 4 planned (when I get time).
TUT Manila Tutorial 3 - Modifying Existing Tabs (Custom Call History Tab)
This tutorial will dig deeper into the existing manila files and hopefully demonstrate how to edit and change the basic functionality of manila tabs.
For this tutorial, we will attempt to change the behaviour of pre-built Call History Tab created by utopykzebulon.
Thanks to utopykzebulon for permission to use the Call History Addon.
I've attached the files used for this tutorial since utopykzebulon may decide to update the tab later on (taken from 2nd post of his thread 15 March 2010).
Many thanks,
Very Good "Tutorials", I will look forward esp "To Do Items" .
Regards
mkucuksari said:
Many thanks,
Very Good "Tutorials", I will look forward esp "To Do Items" .
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad someone likes em, I've tried to keep the level of them fairly high otherwise the useful information gets lost in the "Click Button A" here and select this menu here... I hope that it makes sense, the aim is to focus on the manila stuff rather than the toolset (which have manuals/threads and will also change over time).
Big question, do they make any sense?
Out of interest, which of the To Do Items in particular?
Technical Reference
[REF][11.11.09] CFC - THE Manila/TF3D Image Editor - Tech Reference (Q)(W)VGA
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=437777
I too have a lot of reading 2do,
Senax
wow seems quite perfect for a tutorial!!! thank you!!!
but i have one noob question:
do you think that there's a way to obtain a cab for that in the end of all the procedures here, i mean i have already managed to make a couple of cabs (for example, i've already made some 2.5 sliders) but by that i mean i have always included simple files in them and nothing else, like key entries or values.. so i'd like to know if it is possible, because if it is, i'll start to work on that immediately.
I'm asking because i'm using the official sense 2.5 for rhodium ROM and i'd like to ad the e-reader + the documents tab in it
Plus, about the call history, do you know if there's a way to replace the telephone softkey on the home tab with call history, instead of adding an extra tab for it, because the actual button says telephone and, uhh the hardware call button does the exact same job...
AND ALSO, I APOLOGIZE for my bad english if it is (first language is french)
+ for beeing too noob for this thread
+ for asking things in the wrong place if it is the case
And again thank you very much for this wonderful TUT
Senax said:
[REF][11.11.09] CFC - THE Manila/TF3D Image Editor - Tech Reference (Q)(W)VGA
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=437777
I too have a lot of reading 2do,
Senax
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yet to look into CFC, but when I re-flash my rom I'll need to, such is the way.
true2you said:
wow seems quite perfect for a tutorial!!! thank you!!!
but i have one noob question:
do you think that there's a way to obtain a cab for that in the end of all the procedures here, i mean i have already managed to make a couple of cabs (for example, i've already made some 2.5 sliders) but by that i mean i have always included simple files in them and nothing else, like key entries or values.. so i'd like to know if it is possible, because if it is, i'll start to work on that immediately.
I'm asking because i'm using the official sense 2.5 for rhodium ROM and i'd like to ad the e-reader + the documents tab in it
Plus, about the call history, do you know if there's a way to replace the telephone softkey on the home tab with call history, instead of adding an extra tab for it, because the actual button says telephone and, uhh the hardware call button does the exact same job...
AND ALSO, I APOLOGIZE for my bad english if it is (first language is french)
+ for beeing too noob for this thread
+ for asking things in the wrong place if it is the case
And again thank you very much for this wonderful TUT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ english is my only language so your bad english is welcome
+ thread is for beginners, so all are welcome
+ never the wrong place if someone knows the answers.
1. Cab's (for the tutorials?) yes it is possible, but they take time to do, plus the extra issue is each Tab Control file (i.e. 26948339_manila) will be different for each combination of tabs you have.
2. It is easy to add reg entries to cabs, although depends what you use to create them. Not done it myself but usually app.reg (text file) with the following sort of thing:
Code:
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\HTC\Manila]
"Facebook.LaunchAppSel"=dword:1
"Facebook.LaunchAppName0"="MS Facebook App"
Can't offer more info on cabs, since I've not made any yet.
3. Softkey, that should be defined in the registry somewhere, depends on your version of home page, cookie/manilaMax etc. Don't know it off hand, but definitely on the forums.
Manila 2.0?
Does it work for Manila 2.0?
prasadedla said:
Does it work for Manila 2.0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean the docs tab?
Simple answer is I don't know without trying it (but I don't have 2.0). I would expect that it could use 2.5 specific stuff, if you are careful to take backups you can probably try. Unfortunately I'm only learning about manila 2.5 since that is what I'm using, I don't know how they will differ. The principles are similar but it won't be exactly the same.
meltwater said:
Do you mean the docs tab?
Simple answer is I don't know without trying it (but I don't have 2.0). I would expect that it could use 2.5 specific stuff, if you are careful to take backups you can probably try. Unfortunately I'm only learning about manila 2.5 since that is what I'm using, I don't know how they will differ. The principles are similar but it won't be exactly the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manila 2.5 is TouchFlo 3D while 2.0 is 2D. I searched my phone and couldn't find any of the XML files mentioned in the tutorial. I really want to customize my Manila. Please help.
prasadedla said:
Manila 2.5 is TouchFlo 3D while 2.0 is 2D. I searched my phone and couldn't find any of the XML files mentioned in the tutorial. I really want to customize my Manila. Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is that different then unfortunately I can't help. I'm only learning how to do manila 2.5 since I have it on my phone and I can experiment with it (the tutorials are written from my own trial and error (mainly error!)). Hopefully somewhere manila 2.0 has been explained, try looking for some threads about cooking ROMs using manila 2.0.
thanks for your post and tuto
do you think it's possible to add a tab and activate a plugin from homescreen like pocket breeze or else?
i've tried a lot of program and all have some errors..i think by this way it's better..
Thanks !
kwanice said:
thanks for your post and tuto
do you think it's possible to add a tab and activate a plugin from homescreen like pocket breeze or else?
i've tried a lot of program and all have some errors..i think by this way it's better..
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know pocket breeze, so might not understand what you mean.
There is a today plugin tab somewhere. But unfortunately, I'm fairly sure you can't just make an app to appear inside a tab.

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