Related
Something that I'm coming to terms with, with the Android OS and HTC. It's feeling a bit like my desktop computer.
Obviously pros and cons.
But the irritating thing is that, unlike my desktop, you don't really have an option to exit most apps. Why? I love Android because it's very customisable. But why is there not the option to leave it in the background OR close it completely? I'm not an Apple fan, but I get the feeling that they will have a cleaner multitask/program control system. Eventually. Still won't buy one though!
Then you have the Palm WebOS that shows everyone how to multitask. And with, let's be frank, hardware that puts it (at best) middle of the smartphone pack.
Then you have startup. I've got Fring and Docs to Go (free version), and for some reason, they both startup with powering up. Fring even has an option to startup or not to startup. Maybe that's a bug. But Docs to Go? I can't even see the option. Hopefully these two are the exceptions.
But just the simple thing (I think) first. Why the hell is there not an option on every program to exit it - therefore killing it dead?! Why why why? I'm no programmer but is this really such an issue???
Fortunately there's many programmers on this great site so maybe someone can educate me.....
Cleargrey said:
But just the simple thing (I think) first. Why the hell is there not an option on every program to exit it - therefore killing it dead?! Why why why? I'm no programmer but is this really such an issue???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the android system doesn't need to kill applications, it just takes resources from them when they are needed. You can manually kill tasks but then the resources will just be reassigned in a matter of minutes.
Which is definitely impressive.
But as some programmers I've spoken to said, it doesn't seem to work as precisely as you may want. Windows Mobile had a similar issue. It was meant to work, but didn't.
In fact, now that you mention it, I think I may do a Palm PreCentral.com task, and see how many apps I can open before I see slowdown. If I see slowdown.
This will be interesting....
Go and read at Google how to setup an android application an how the application processes work. You don't have to be a programmer, but it answers all you questions and doubts.
There was even an article somewhere that using a taskmanager and killing tasks decreases battery life. Not what you would expect, but understandable when you see how the structure works.
Cleargrey said:
Then you have startup. I've got Fring and Docs to Go (free version), and for some reason, they both startup with powering up. Fring even has an option to startup or not to startup. Maybe that's a bug. But Docs to Go? I can't even see the option. Hopefully these two are the exceptions.
Fortunately there's many programmers on this great site so maybe someone can educate me.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that Docs to Go preloads some stuff it needs so that it won't have to load that when opening the first document. You have to see: A background task isn't something bad, as long as it's not doing anything it won't use battery either.
Same with "free" memory: if memory is "free", it's not being used. Docs to Go puts itself in the memory so it's already there when needed. You'll never have trouble with not having enough free memory to run an app, because Android takes care of that (frees memory when needed, leaves stuff in memory when there is plenyty of room to do so).
Use advanced task killer and it should kill any app, with all apps you should be able to turn it off so it doesn't automatically start when you turn on the phone, try opening the app and press menu or look into the options to turn it off
@ RaptorRVL - I would be very interested in reading that article. And I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, I mean I would honestly be interested in reading it as if it's true, I need to adjust my thinking on how Android workds. I'm looking, but if you find any links, please share.
@oawalker - I know there's many arguements about task killers whether they are needed or not. I have one. But I'm not going to say it's absolutely necessary as I think I need to read more hard facts. But it sort of brings me back here.
As jm997 has said, Android OS rejiggs resources as required, so you are never left wanting. However on earlier devices, this was obviously not working to such a degree as many complained of slowdown. Hence we come to today with the arguements of do I / don't I get/need a task manager.
I have to admit, it was the first app that I got so I could see what is running natively so I know what not to trouble. But I'm a control freak, I have to know.
What I just did was to load up every app I had, 50 in total, along with the apps and widgets already running, maybe another 5-10, to see if I can see slowdown. And I watched the memory on my memory widget drop to 10%. And I gotta say, my Desire is still running as smooth as it ever was with maybe a slightest fraction of slowdown. If that.
However, 1. I have no idea what affect this has on my battery life. 2. I would still like to be able to totally close something by simply tapping exit, or purposely leave it running.
Don't get me wrong, the multitasking, as I've just mentioned, is very impressive and obviously much better than earlier versions. And Android is still a new OS that's maturing nicely. But I still gotta wonder if this is a clean way to operate or if we are heading for a bit of a Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.x mess.
Now to find those pages RaptorRVL spoke of......
Random trivia: I just put "android", "google" and "multitasking" into Google, and the top 3 hits are all about speculation about will a platform that doesn't really multitask, really multitask.
"Rumored iPhone OS multitasking would use Exposé-like feature"
"Apple iPhone vs. Google Android – Mobile Software War Between ..."
"Are the people at Google watching the iPad release? - Android Help"
Go figure. Come to your own conclusions....
If I remember correctly, in the earlier versions of Android (1.x), there was an option for developers to force programs to stay in memory. This was meant to be for programs that needed it, but unfortunally it was abused, so Google removed it as of 2.x.
The Desire runs 2.1, so it shouldn't be a problem for us anymore.
This article was written in Norwegian, but I'll post a Google translate link, as it was very good
edit:
Here is the link to the translated article:
http://translate.google.com/transla...du-avslutte-programmer-i-android/&sl=no&tl=en
Some words was translated badly, but most of it was fine.
Cleargrey said:
Random trivia: I just put "android", "google" and "multitasking" into Google, and the top 3 hits are all about speculation about will a platform that doesn't really multitask, really multitask.
"Rumored iPhone OS multitasking would use Exposé-like feature"
"Apple iPhone vs. Google Android – Mobile Software War Between ..."
"Are the people at Google watching the iPad release? - Android Help"
Go figure. Come to your own conclusions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here you go
http://geekfor.me/faq/you-shouldnt-be-using-a-task-killer-with-android/
this should enlighten you about Android memory management as it did for me
good luck
That was the article I was referring to.
And for more information read this: http://developer.android.com/guide/
Thanks Zappza and irkan. Great info and very informative.
I think the bits that stuck out for me are:
"The point is to not see Android as a PC, where applications run until you stop them. It works just not the same."
"...linux will run the same regardless of if you have 20mb free memory or 200mb."
"It has been possible for software developers to implement a feature... and could therefore not be concluded automatically. Android phone will not quit the program even if there is a need for memory or CPU resources the program uses. ...As a result, so the function removed in Android 2.0."
Ok, for the next week at least, no killing tasks at all. Let's see how that goes.
I like this site. There's always people willing to school you with facts rather than abuse you with hot air.
When I turn my phone on I get all of these apps running:
Music
FM Radio
Calander
People
Documents2Go
ShopSavvy
Assistant Free
CNET scan and shop
timeriffic
3
Photos
Mail
Footprints
Google Mail
Settings
3G watchdog
Wave secure
handcet sms
messages
facebook
clock
advanced Task Killer
How can I stop this??? Surely this is taking up my battery??
Raminder1992 said:
When I turn my phone on I get all of these apps running:
Music
FM Radio
Calander
People
Documents2Go
ShopSavvy
Assistant Free
CNET scan and shop
timeriffic
3
Photos
Mail
Footprints
Google Mail
Settings
3G watchdog
Wave secure
handcet sms
messages
facebook
clock
advanced Task Killer
How can I stop this??? Surely this is taking up my battery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if its not active or updating it is not eating the battery power, it will only take small very small memory to reside in, and even with that, when any process is inactive for along time and if Android needs memory, it will not hesitate to take it (the memory) away from that inactive process.
irkan said:
if its not active or updating it is not eating the battery power, it will only take small very small memory to reside in, and even with that, when any process is inactive for along time and if Android needs memory, it will not hesitate to take it (the memory) away from that inactive process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, thank you for that. After reading the article you posted I was not sure if it was for all apps.
I have deleted my ATK and lets see how it goes .... because my battery life was pretty poor before!
Also when you check your battery life is there any way to get the % rather than that big bar thing split into 10 bars?
Raminder1992 said:
Hello, thank you for that. After reading the article you posted I was not sure if it was for all apps.
I have deleted my ATK and lets see how it goes .... because my battery life was pretty poor before!
Also when you check your battery life is there any way to get the % rather than that big bar thing split into 10 bars?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a Battery widget i believe, you can download it, and it will show you a percentage of the battery, not sure of the exact name though, check in the download widgets
Now that I've read more, and thinking back to all the arguements I read about Android and task killers, and it occured to me that every post that spoke about slowdown, it was based on knowledge from Android 1.x. I'm still trying to get some slowdown (due to memory) on my unit and haven't managed it yet.
So I'm curious now, has anyone experienced slowdown on an Android 2.x device? I'm guessing much much less, if any.
Cleargrey said:
Now that I've read more, and thinking back to all the arguements I read about Android and task killers, and it occured to me that every post that spoke about slowdown, it was based on knowledge from Android 1.x. I'm still trying to get some slowdown (due to memory) on my unit and haven't managed it yet.
So I'm curious now, has anyone experienced slowdown on an Android 2.x device? I'm guessing much much less, if any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only when the FM radio freaked out and started locking my phone up, other then that no slow downs.
I'm a long time Windows "expert" and as such have become a bit paranoid about closing rather than minimising apps. When I got my first Android phone I, like a lot of other windows people, immediately installed a task killer. I soon found it a mistake though. Battery life was definitely worse and applications took longer to load. It's very difficult for people with a Windows background to accept that Android works in a different way and that, providing the application is written property, suspended apps. are not using any appreciable resources.
If windows has been written better in the first place we would never have preceived it as a problem. I am still tempted to install a task killer but I keep telling myself "this is not Windows".
Hello all
I have been using XDA for years, and yet this is my first post. I have always felt inferior to the development genius's on this site, so I thought it best to keep my mouth shut and just marvel at all of you.
I think I can now give something back.
I have an idea for an application that I have not seen on the market (I am from South Africa so we only get free apps here, but I have used google and can't find something similar)
I think this idea would be quite successful on the market, and therefore can not describe it openly.
If there is an application developer (not a newbie like me) who is interested in helping design this application, please let me know.
Thank you
You should just share it right here. The more people that can freely see it, the more would be interested.
All that secret stuff will only work in your disadvantage.
Hi there
You may be right. I have not done this before. How do protect your idea? Or is that not done on this forum?
Maybe you can explain how application development works and how to you protect it if and when the application is a success and goes to the Andorid market.
Explain why this needs to be a secret. Are you looking to make a profit from it? If you're thinking that way you will make very little as a non-functioning member of the application development team.
Just say what your amazing idea is.
Thanks Gazebee, since you put it like that.
I have a desire and when I received it, swore to myself that I would never 'fiddle' with the Rom, like I did with my Windows mobile devices. Well, that was then...
I really liked HTC sense, but have in the interim, moved over to Froyo (Currently using Open Desire1.5).
I miss Sense very much. One of the main reasons for this is that, with Sense you can custom design your Scenes. You can save your back ground, widgets, shortcuts apps etc for all your homescreans, and go back to a previouly saved scene if you wish.
The items that you may wish to have on your homescreans will vary dependant on a variety of factors.
For example, in the week when I am at work the most important items are email, calander, weather(we work outdoors often), messaging, work contacts etc.
On the weekend there are other things that are more important, Photo album, camera, family and friend contacts, music etc.
There may even be times each week when your phone needs to be in airplane/ silent mode etc.
The application I was hoping to develop would allow the user to set scenes for himself, based on the day of week.
So for example, on Monday morning at 6AM, your phone swithces from the 'weekend' scene that the user designed to its "workday"scene. (either needing confirmation or automatically depending on the settings previosly stipulated).
Perhaps when you leave work at 5pm, your phone switches to "evening scene"
The user can stipulate /design as many as he wants and set timed controls to switch between the scenes.
The above was my initial thoughts, but why stop there.
It is surly possible to use Gps location to contol the scenes. When you pull arrive at work, the appropriate scene is activated. When you get to Church on Sunday morning your phone goes into airplane mode so that you don't get struck down by lightning because your phone interupts the sermen.
It may even be possible to take this one step further.
Integrating with applications like Rom Manager it may be possible to use a different THEME for the weekend, work week or whatever, depending on you mood.
Hell, if that is not enough, you may want to switch Roms for the weekend. Perhaps you prefer using the Sense UI at work, but want FROYO on the weekend. These choices can be set in advance and timed based on previously set perameters.
Please let me know what you think of this, it was something that I definitly thought was missing from the Sense UI.
Thank you
tyronius said:
Please let me know what you think of this, it was something that I definitly thought was missing from the Sense UI.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really like that you took the idé and threw it out there. A great step forward. I like that you understood that finalizing the idé will be hard since you, the "inventor" don't have any development skills, such as programming.
This idé, almost excist. Based on different set of logical operations, like if it's 8 AM and my GPS position tells that I'm at work, it turns the phone down to silent for example. You can also connect different types of applications that should interact with this application, i.e. develop your own plugin for this program.
The app is called Locale and can do a **** load of things; http://www.twofortyfouram.com/
What it doesnt have is the personlization of the homescreens depending on logical operations. Sounds cool, but to get this to work with Sense will take a ****load of work, I would think that implement it to a launcher i.e. will be much easier. Maybe tip the guy behind http://www.launcherpro.com/ to have a look on this.
Cheers!
Something that may be easier than fiddling with homescreens is having a full screen widget that had a 4 x 4 grid of configurable shortcuts that you can setup as you wish for each "profile".
Developing a widget will be far easier than trying to interface with the large number of launchers/interfaces around.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
This is actually a great idea. SPB Mobile Shell on Windows Mobile has a similiar function. But doesn't do it automatic. What it has is a Lifestyle Home and a Professional Home. In each of them you get 3 screens left and right. But if you flick the screen up/down. it switches to the screens of Lifestyle and then to Professional.
While this idea is good, it's too much work to start it from nothing. It would be best do integrate it with one of the already homescreen alternatives out there (e.g. LauncherPro and the likes)
I used to love Locale until they started charging $10 for it... It's useful, but not THAT useful... Am I being a tightarse?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
streetdaddy said:
I used to love Locale until they started charging $10 for it... It's useful, but not THAT useful... Am I being a tightarse?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it also drains battery like crazy
Hey Everyone...I haven't been around these parts often, but I conceived a pretty good idea [I think]...
My friend recently got a Droid phone, and of course he was flaunting it to me...I love Android, honestly...but I love Windows Mobile too. SO! I thought "Why not merge the best of both worlds?"
Well obviously, I cannot make windows look 100% like Android...that would take tooooooo long. So instead, I thought "What about the Task Switcher!"
So I introduce to you, CTaskManager
Right now it is just a P.o.C (Proof Of Concept), but I have done my research and found pretty much all the API calls I will need [minus one or two, but I'll find those]. It will be fully in C++, and if I can get it working correctly, will be activated by the HOME button.
Attached is a proof of concept image [100% Photoshopped, not real at all].
In any case, this is how I forsee it working:
This will appear on top of any window
Activated by pressing [and holding?] HOME
1st Box will always be the Home Screen
2nd Box will always be the current Window (unless it is the HomeScreen)
You can switch between apps with 2 easy Clicks
First Select the Number of the Dialog
Second, Press CENTER or SPACE to switch to it, or press DEL to quit that app
The program's layout will vary depending on the number of Open Windows
Should be light, fast, and easy to use
Hopefully, since I forsee this to be a really easy project, I will have a release by later today! I am making it for my Excalibur users FIRST, because I owe it to this whole forum [And because I will be switching to an HD2 this upcoming monday, and I want to start a project up for a phone I use NOW]
-Until Later: CycloneZephyrxz7
sweet...thanks..will wait for your release and then will added to the sticky.
I am very pleased that the ONLY component I have yet to get working is getting the screen captures [and window titles]. I need to investigate this ... For some reason, I am getting the same window drawn OVER and OVER again. I think it is because the window handle I am getting from some of the methods is invalid...Its very odd ... I have to figure it out. I should be able to do this winthin the next hour or so
seems cool so its like a multitasker? or somthing
alexrodri0 said:
seems cool so its like a multitasker? or somthing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
So this is the update:
I got the program to run on Home-Key Press ... Now I am going to just modify it and add a timer or something to get it to run on Home-Key Long Press [since just a press interferes with Smart ToolKit]
An odd bug I have encountered is that when I run this, and wait, the Smart Toolkit taskbar shows up (as it should), and the whole phone locks up...I think it is because both are competing for Keyboard privilages. [I have to use a Keyboard hook to get this working, and it is all undocumented APIs]
I have yet to get the actual Task part working Haha. I can't confirm whether or not it is working, because for some reason my Debugger is acting weird, and all the images are of the current screen. As it turns out, it is impossible to take a snapshot of a minimized / partially visible screen. It will take the screen coordinates, and take a picture of whatever is there right now. I will get that fixed [I am talking to another Dev to see if he will let me in on how he does it in his task manager].
I got the "back" key escape working. Relatively simple.
I have planned out Layouts. Such that when you have JUST the HomeScreen open, it will NOT run. When you have the HomeScreen and 1 OTHER window open, the two will be split on the screen [Maybe make each like 150x113]. When you have 3 to 4 total windows (Including HomeScreen), they will make a 4-quadrant layout. Where each will be around [120x90]. When you have 4 - 6 open, each will be [92x69] (as shown in the ScreenShot) and have a 6-block layout. When you have more than 6 (if that is possible on the Excalibur haha), it will make a second page, and the second page will adapt to however many excess processes there are.
I have to work on getting the Translucent Background working ... that shouldn't be too hard, I just have yet to look into it {I think I have to use AlphaBlend or TransparentBlt}.
In any case, there is actually very little that doesn't work yet haha, but of course it is the most essential parts that don't work.
I will keep you all updated
sweet
looking forward to this, my phone will live on!!!
Thanks to a bunch of help from another Dev, I confirmed that getting the image of a non-visible window is IMPOSSIBLE on windows mobile. [Although it gives me an idea to try to 'fix' that haha ... maybe after this]. In any case, I think I have figured out how to do it. Tomorrow I will write up the code, test it, and hopefully have an Initial release.
The way I see it the releases will be as follows:
1) Initial Release [Basic]
2) Fix-Up of any Bugs
3) Add some Effects
4) Add some customizations
5) Fix-Up of any Bugs
6) FINAL
Hopefully, I can do this in 6 or less releases [And in the meanwhile, adapt it to work on my new HD2 i will get on Monday ]
*PS: For those of you following my projects: Once I get my HD2, I am going to make a fixed up release of FFP_LS, and then open-source it. Thereafter, i won't work much on it anymore. This is so I can start working on my SUPER-HUGE project called "CMessage" ... Here are the contents of the 'sticky note' i have on the desktop reminding me of it:
Suite of Programs:
1. Transport DLL (Send/Receive SMS/MMS/EMail)
2. T-Mail.exe Client (Compose/View SMS/MMS/EMail)
3. Notifier (When new Message Arrives, Display Alert)
4. A new DLL for the HomeScreen [it probably won't be compatible with the old one]
5. API Docs (For future use and adaptation)
6. Sample Programs (I.E. HomeScreen Panel, SMS Games, etc.)
7. Filter Rules Program
8. Macro Program (Get Message ... Do Action)
9. Environment Set-Up DLL/Exe [Cache Contacts, create Message Stores, transfer over old stuff, etc. etc.]
It is going to be a VERY large project. Hopefully, it will also be a very successful one Say bye-bye to CE MAPI?
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
Thanks to a bunch of help from another Dev, I confirmed that getting the image of a non-visible window is IMPOSSIBLE on windows mobile. [Although it gives me an idea to try to 'fix' that haha ... maybe after this]. In any case, I think I have figured out how to do it. Tomorrow I will write up the code, test it, and hopefully have an Initial release.
The way I see it the releases will be as follows:
1) Initial Release [Basic]
2) Fix-Up of any Bugs
3) Add some Effects
4) Add some customizations
5) Fix-Up of any Bugs
6) FINAL
Hopefully, I can do this in 6 or less releases [And in the meanwhile, adapt it to work on my new HD2 i will get on Monday ]
*PS: For those of you following my projects: Once I get my HD2, I am going to make a fixed up release of FFP_LS, and then open-source it. Thereafter, i won't work much on it anymore. This is so I can start working on my SUPER-HUGE project called "CMessage" ... Here are the contents of the 'sticky note' i have on the desktop reminding me of it:
Suite of Programs:
1. Transport DLL (Send/Receive SMS/MMS/EMail)
2. T-Mail.exe Client (Compose/View SMS/MMS/EMail)
3. Notifier (When new Message Arrives, Display Alert)
4. A new DLL for the HomeScreen [it probably won't be compatible with the old one]
5. API Docs (For future use and adaptation)
6. Sample Programs (I.E. HomeScreen Panel, SMS Games, etc.)
7. Filter Rules Program
8. Macro Program (Get Message ... Do Action)
9. Environment Set-Up DLL/Exe [Cache Contacts, create Message Stores, transfer over old stuff, etc. etc.]
It is going to be a VERY large project. Hopefully, it will also be a very successful one Say bye-bye to CE MAPI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can't wait!
This program is actually bugging me...haha [get the joke?].
In any case, it is becoming rather tough to get this actually working. Correction: To get it working efficiently. The dev making the 3D iManager app over in the Development/Hacking forum told me how he is doing it, but to me it just seems terribly inefficient (every 5 seconds, check for Foreground Window....LOTS OF BUGS). In any case, I am using a registry notification now, since Windows Mobile has a value that tells me the currently active program and the previously active program [and it updates!] ... this works out because then I can take a screenshot of the new-ly active program, AND check to see if the old one was minimized or closed. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be working as I would have hoped.
I don't have much time today for developing [Hooray for a 50 Page AP Government Outline] ... so I will probably get back to this tomorrow [NEW PHONE], or maybe tonight if I get a really good idea/inspiration to finish this!
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
This program is actually bugging me...haha [get the joke?].
In any case, it is becoming rather tough to get this actually working. Correction: To get it working efficiently. The dev making the 3D iManager app over in the Development/Hacking forum told me how he is doing it, but to me it just seems terribly inefficient (every 5 seconds, check for Foreground Window....LOTS OF BUGS). In any case, I am using a registry notification now, since Windows Mobile has a value that tells me the currently active program and the previously active program [and it updates!] ... this works out because then I can take a screenshot of the new-ly active program, AND check to see if the old one was minimized or closed. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be working as I would have hoped.
I don't have much time today for developing [Hooray for a 50 Page AP Government Outline] ... so I will probably get back to this tomorrow [NEW PHONE], or maybe tonight if I get a really good idea/inspiration to finish this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
keep the good work man and again thanks for your effort in developing new stuff for the dash.
Cheers,
So I finished my work
But that isn't pertinent to this forum. What it does mean is that I can work on my developing for today!
Counter-to-my-prior-plan, I am going to release a pretty flawed version of the program ... errr ... rather an Alpha that will run much less efficiently than the final product.
I hate announcing a project, thinking it will be easy, then taking forever with it ... so this is what I am going to do:
I will use the same timer-based approach that iManager 3D uses, but I might make it update more often [3 second intervals maybe] ... it won't be AT ALL battery efficient, but it should be pretty memory efficient. It will serve as NO MORE THAN A PROOF OF CONCEPT OF WHAT THE FINAL PRODUCT WILL BE. The final product should not have a major impact on battery life, and should leave the end user unaware that it is actually running when it is!
I am re-installing Visual Studio because it has been acting up, but once that is done, I should be able to pump out an ALPHA VERSION.
EDIT: Computer Issues ... Expect a release in the coming days. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So I finished my work
But that isn't pertinent to this forum. What it does mean is that I can work on my developing for today!
Counter-to-my-prior-plan, I am going to release a pretty flawed version of the program ... errr ... rather an Alpha that will run much less efficiently than the final product.
I hate announcing a project, thinking it will be easy, then taking forever with it ... so this is what I am going to do:
I will use the same timer-based approach that iManager 3D uses, but I might make it update more often [3 second intervals maybe] ... it won't be AT ALL battery efficient, but it should be pretty memory efficient. It will serve as NO MORE THAN A PROOF OF CONCEPT OF WHAT THE FINAL PRODUCT WILL BE. The final product should not have a major impact on battery life, and should leave the end user unaware that it is actually running when it is!
I am re-installing Visual Studio because it has been acting up, but once that is done, I should be able to pump out an ALPHA VERSION.
EDIT: Computer Issues ... Expect a release in the coming days. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! This sounds awesome! And yeah, we finally get more interests and development in non-touch devices! Good luck with building the program and don't forget to contact the News-Writers when it's ready!
This is actually quite upsetting ... I tried re-installing Visual Studio, because it was no longer giving me the 'code suggestions' for C++ ... [like if I typed in a function, it didn't tell me what the parameters were] ... and now it isnt set up for Windows Mobile 6 Standard/Pro anymore. So i tried reinstalling those SDKs .... no joy....I am going to uninstall EVERYTHING OF IT and start all over [backing up my projects of course ].
Hopefully I will get my computer in working condition by tonight.
I got my new HD2 [TMOUS] today I am very happy with it already. BUT I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MAKING THINGS FOR THE DASH. Non-TouchScreen phones are highly under-appreciated, and I hate that so much [let alone the fact that WinMo is underappreciated] .... I NEED YOUR IDEAS TO MAKE THIS PHONE [Exca] BETTER! So toss me a PM with even the wildest Ideas, and I will try to figure something out
Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
This is actually quite upsetting ... I tried re-installing Visual Studio, because it was no longer giving me the 'code suggestions' for C++ ... [like if I typed in a function, it didn't tell me what the parameters were] ... and now it isnt set up for Windows Mobile 6 Standard/Pro anymore. So i tried reinstalling those SDKs .... no joy....I am going to uninstall EVERYTHING OF IT and start all over [backing up my projects of course ].
Hopefully I will get my computer in working condition by tonight.
I got my new HD2 [TMOUS] today I am very happy with it already. BUT I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MAKING THINGS FOR THE DASH. Non-TouchScreen phones are highly under-appreciated, and I hate that so much [let alone the fact that WinMo is underappreciated] .... I NEED YOUR IDEAS TO MAKE THIS PHONE [Exca] BETTER! So toss me a PM with even the wildest Ideas, and I will try to figure something out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
congrats with your new phone!
"Non-TouchScreen phones are highly under-appreciated, and I hate that so much [let alone the fact that WinMo is underappreciated]!" Yeah that sucks, that's also why I keep developing Apps and ROMs!
Hope you can get VS working again!
Check out my free app in the Marketplace: AppFinder
AppFinder is the fastest way to find apps by name bar none.
Start typing the name of an app or publisher, and the search results are shown instantly.
tap one of the results to go to the marketplace page for the app.
Check it out and let me know what you think
Been using it last couple days, its a big help! Thanks!!!
I'll check it out thanks!
Thank you - it's very fast like the marketplace search should be. Good for quick looking apps if you know the name.
Are there any improvements coming? Like the Top Downloads or anything else?
appfinder feedback
thanks for the feedback - I'm on it
Great app, thanks!
BTW I can't find HTC Hub...
I think you need an HTC device for that sorry buddy
zukа said:
I think you need an HTC device for that sorry buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but some guys were able to find it...
AppFinder
Ok, v1.1 has been submitted to the app marketplace and is ready for testing - should show up in the marketplace as an update within a few days
ebadger said:
Ok, v1.1 has been submitted to the app marketplace and is ready for testing - should show up in the marketplace as an update within a few days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does this fix the crash where it closed and wouldn't reopen for me (even after soft reset)?
I had to uninstall, reinstall to get it working again.
I don't think so.
Although I think I know the cause. I will have to roll the fix into another update.
I think there is a small window where the downloaded data file can be corrupted if the writing to flash is interrupted. It will be simple to fix. For now, if you hit it, uninstall reinstall is the only option.
nice find. but did you know while in maketplace you can use the search button to find apps as well?
jimecm said:
nice find. but did you know while in maketplace you can use the search button to find apps as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I do
AppFinder is all about making apps discoverable in the fastest way possible.
I think if you're not in the top 20 apps in the marketplace under any one of the categories, then as a developer you're invisible. AppFinder seeks to make it easier to find apps via search, and with the update, via browsing as well.
Update is in the hopper, still waiting for testing to complete...
jimecm said:
nice find. but did you know while in maketplace you can use the search button to find apps as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the annoying thing is that it searches music and video as well. i can't just search for apps alone
locales
Ok, so I just figured out I've only been indexing the en-US locale
I've updated the data to include
{ "en-US", "en-GB", "en-IE", "en-CA", "en-IN", "en-AU", "en-HK", "en-SG", "de-DE", "fr-FR", "fr-BE", "de-AT", "de-CH", "it-IT", "en-NZ", "es-ES", "es-MX" };
this change is effective immediately as it is a data update. Still waiting for the update to make it through the approval process. It seems that the holiday has slowed things down a bit
The update finally arrived
Nice new features and still very fast. But unfortunately, in my case, it wont load after the second app start (even at first start if I switch the section). I always have to deinstall/reinstall again once the app was started.
Maybe you can take a look? Feels like a caching problem or something like that. I'm using a Samsung Omnia 7 in germany - if that helps
Feature wishlist:
1. add a settings screen to edit:
a.) the number of list entries on one page (10, 20, 50) to keep the app fast enough
b.) the section on loading (and maybe you also can set this to no section just for fast look-up app search - I used the app for this before the update)
2. Maybe you can use the OS-typical "left-to-right-scrolling-loading-dots" instead of the big ones?
3. New logo if there is enough time
PrivateJoker said:
The update finally arrived
Nice new features and still very fast. But unfortunately, in my case, it wont load after the second app start (even at first start if I switch the section). I always have to deinstall/reinstall again once the app was started.
Maybe you can take a look? Feels like a caching problem or something like that. I'm using a Samsung Omnia 7 in germany - if that helps
Feature wishlist:
1. add a settings screen to edit:
a.) the number of list entries on one page (10, 20, 50) to keep the app fast enough
b.) the section on loading (and maybe you also can set this to no section just for fast look-up app search - I used the app for this before the update)
2. Maybe you can use the OS-typical "left-to-right-scrolling-loading-dots" instead of the big ones?
3. New logo if there is enough time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Private Joker,
Thanks for the feedback.
First - there was a bug that only impacted the German locale! I was trying to save bandwidth by truncating unnecessary leading zeros in the price and this caused an exception when the locale was set to German. I've updated the data to include the leading zeros and this fixes the problem for Germans. You will have to uninstall and reinstall though to get it to work. I am very sorry for the inconvenience, and I really appreciate you taking the time to give me your feedback even though the app was not working for you at all. I hope you will try again given that the data has been fixed.
Regarding your feedback -
I think you are right on the mark for #2 and #3
I don't understand 2b.
regarding 1a.
perf should not be impacted by the number of items that are shown -
Appfinder actually transfers the marketplace data to the device and indexes it locally. I do this because the network is really, really slow. Aside from having artists and albums mixed up with apps in the marketplace search results, I also was tired of waiting for results to load. Scrolling through the apps means waiting.
The delay at the beginning is caused by reading the marketplace data from flash and indexing it in RAM. Occasionally the loading dots will appear after launching (like the first time that you use it) because AppFinder has transfered a new data file and needs to parse it again. Instead of delaying every 10 or so apps in the list, there is one delay at the beginning (which is relatively small). Right now parsing the file takes about 4 seconds.
Perf could be greatly improve if I had access to memory mapped file APIs. Further compressing the data would help as well - The really slowest part is really reading from the flash. I can improve perf when a network update occurs by reading from the flash in the background before blocking - this would drop the update delay from ~4 seconds to ~1 second.
I could also not query as you're typing -- Waiting until the enter button has been pressed would reduce CPU load and any chunkiness - pressing search would just render the apps instantly.
Anyway, really appreciate your positive attitude and willingness to give feedback in light of what must be a frustrating experience. Please give it another try.
Thanks,
Eric
I found solution for LiveView connection issues and had it posted in Sony Ericsson LiveView™ Issues Thread on xda-forum.com . Unfortunately it hasn't been noticed by users untill now that it has been ripped from this forum and posted on www.robot-home.it on 30th December(http://www.robot-home.it/blog/2010/...i-comunicazione-e-al-blocco-dello-smartphone/) but as their own invention what made me really furious (Luckly it was corrected). It took me time to figure it out.
Link to original post form 23rd December: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10025306&postcount=190
This is the solution:
First of all delete LiveWare Manager, which causes our phones to crash all the time, and gives only one feature in return (shows all available liveview plugins which you can find manualy in the market). Then remove any kind
of Task Killer etc. Next step is to instal MinfreeManager (keep in mind that it requires root premissions). I recommend using Mild/Agressive preset but you have to change Secondary Server values very low (for example 6mb). By setting Secondary Server values to very low LiveView Application and all of the plugins will be kept alive all the time, which will prevent any disconnections. After this I used this solution http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...&postcount=493 posted by adolfotregosa. Now my LiveView works pretty fine with my SGS running CM 6.1 Nightly. Even if you'll go out of the bluetooth range and then want to reconnect it will happen more or less instantly.
Optional:
Instead of removing Advanced Task Killer you can leave it just set Security Level in Options to Low and then set following processes to ignore:
1. com.android.providers.drm
2. LiveViewApplication
3. OpenWatch
4. com.android.bluetooth
AND all of the processes from plugins you have (they have "liveview" in their name)
For me better option is with Advanced Task Killer enabled but everyone can decide for themselves.
I hope all of LiveView Users will now be able enjoy using this device.
Thanks to adolfotregosa for his discovery with OpenWatch which is the part of this solution.
Thanks a lot! right now I can use it... Now the only problem is the battery life...
omg ive been ready to though this thing out of the window, after a google search this post came up.
I had to downgrade then root my htc desire hd then ran that little program, and so far the machine is working as it was advertised!!!
you are a saint for finding this - so far 2hrs and counting connected, before hand i was lucky to get 3 mins!!!.
happy days!!
thankyou again
Fantastic find! I just did all as described and it has been connected for a good 30mins so far and no disconnects and/or reboots! LOVE IT!
Now I must find a replacement watchband hehe...
LockeOn said:
I found solution for LiveView connection issues and had it posted in Sony Ericsson LiveView™ Issues Thread on xda-forum.com . Unfortunately it hasn't been noticed by users untill now that it has been ripped from this forum and posted on www.robot-home.it on 30th December(http://www.robot-home.it/blog/2010/...i-comunicazione-e-al-blocco-dello-smartphone/) but as their own invention what made me really furious (Luckly it was corrected). It took me time to figure it out.
Link to original post form 23rd December: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10025306&postcount=190
This is the solution:
First of all delete LiveWare Manager, which causes our phones to crash all the time, and gives only one feature in return (shows all available liveview plugins which you can find manualy in the market). Then remove any kind
of Task Killer etc. Next step is to instal MinfreeManager (keep in mind that it requires root premissions). I recommend using Mild/Agressive preset but you have to change Secondary Server values very low (for example 6mb). By setting Secondary Server values to very low LiveView Application and all of the plugins will be kept alive all the time, which will prevent any disconnections. After this I used this solution http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...&postcount=493 posted by adolfotregosa. Now my LiveView works pretty fine with my SGS running CM 6.1 Nightly. Even if you'll go out of the bluetooth range and then want to reconnect it will happen more or less instantly.
Optional:
Instead of removing Advanced Task Killer you can leave it just set Security Level in Options to Low and then set following processes to ignore:
1. com.android.providers.drm
2. LiveViewApplication
3. OpenWatch
4. com.android.bluetooth
AND all of the processes from plugins you have (they have "liveview" in their name)
For me better option is with Advanced Task Killer enabled but everyone can decide for themselves.
I hope all of LiveView Users will now be able enjoy using this device.
Thanks to adolfotregosa for his discovery with OpenWatch which is the part of this solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote you an email and wrote you two posts but you ignored me. I'm happy to help people writing solutions on my blog. I wrote something by myself and sometimes I take, solutions on other sites (normally in english) and I translate into Italian to diffuse them.
Every time I take a solution on other sites I put a link to the source, as in your case... there are also thanks to you and Fregosa... did you read it again? I never said it was an invention of mine... I'm not used to take works made by other people and pass them as mine.
I'm sorry you do not understand it, but it is not my fault... maybe italian to english translations do not work very well.
WHat if I dont use any taskkiller? would I have a problem with Liveview?
Myzhar said:
I wrote you an email and wrote you two posts but you ignored me. I'm happy to help people writing solutions on my blog. I wrote something by myself and sometimes I take, solutions on other sites (normally in english) and I translate into Italian to diffuse them.
Every time I take a solution on other sites I put a link to the source, as in your case... there are also thanks to you and Fregosa... did you read it again? I never said it was an invention of mine... I'm not used to take works made by other people and pass them as mine.
I'm sorry you do not understand it, but it is not my fault... maybe italian to english translations do not work very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I haven't write You back but I have been really busy with exams. I understand this whole situation was misunderstanding and I am glad that it has been corrected, thank You for that.
There is no need to use takskiller, it is just an option because some people are using that.
LockeOn said:
Sorry I haven't write You back but I have been really busy with exams. I understand this whole situation was misunderstanding and I am glad that it has been corrected, thank You for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm happy to read this words.
This evening I tried "Task Killer" configuration on my Galaxy Tab and I need to say that works a lot better than "minfreemanager".
I'm writing another post on my blog to allow italian user to get it, I'm also making a few screenshoot to allow a better understand of the configuration step, feel free to take them (when the article is ready) and put them here
Now I'm sure that the only problem on no-sonyericsson device is the managing of the memory and of the apps in background
what i mean is what step above i need to do if I dont use task killer
I never use one
in case i want to buy Live View, would i have a problem with the disconnection? or not?
Justin^Tan said:
what i mean is what step above i need to do if I dont use task killer
I never use onesw
in case i want to buy Live View, would i have a problem with the disconnection? or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not use any task killers. But to answer your question the connectivity issue still remains, even with this fix. You'll need to live with this issue for now until Sony Ericsson addresses the issue or some dev here can come up with a permanent fix.
Myzhar said:
I'm happy to read this words.
This evening I tried "Task Killer" configuration on my Galaxy Tab and I need to say that works a lot better than "minfreemanager".
I'm writing another post on my blog to allow italian user to get it, I'm also making a few screenshoot to allow a better understand of the configuration step, feel free to take them (when the article is ready) and put them here
Now I'm sure that the only problem on no-sonyericsson device is the managing of the memory and of the apps in background
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acctualy I think You got me wrong. The optional configuration with Task Killer contains everything that the regular option does so:
1. Delete LiveWare Manager
2. Instal MinfreeManager (keep in mind that it requires root premissions). I recommend using Mild/Agressive preset but you have to change Secondary Server values very low (for example 6mb).
3. Use this solution http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...&postcount=493 posted by adolfotregosa.
AND:
4. Install Advanced Task Killer, set Security Level in Options to Low and then set following processes to ignore:
a) com.android.providers.drm
b) LiveViewApplication
c) OpenWatch
d) com.android.bluetooth
+ all of the processes from plugins you have (they have "liveview" in their name)
So as You can see in both configurations MinFreeManager is used, but the optional configuration is enriched with Advanced Task Killer.
kpjimmy said:
I do not use any task killers. But to answer your question the connectivity issue still remains, even with this fix. You'll need to live with this issue for now until Sony Ericsson addresses the issue or some dev here can come up with a permanent fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sad but it's true. This is just a PARTIAL fix, which makes LiveView more or less usable (sometimes it is great, sometimes You just want to threw it out) it will not make all of connection issues dissapear. But I have to say that with the newest firmware update vie SE Service Update and with this fix it is really good.
LockeOn said:
It sad but it's true. This is just a PARTIAL fix, which makes LiveView more or less usable (sometimes it is great, sometimes You just want to threw it out) it will not make all of connection issues dissapear. But I have to say that with the newest firmware update vie SE Service Update and with this fix it is really good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shoot I didn't even know they released a new firmware update. I have my unit at work so I won't be able to update and test until next week. Lockeon, is the update pretty straightforward? D/L the update software, select x10 mini, connect usb, press both top buttons and that should connect it right?
Thanks again for the heads up on the new update!
kpjimmy said:
Shoot I didn't even know they released a new firmware update. I have my unit at work so I won't be able to update and test until next week. Lockeon, is the update pretty straightforward? D/L the update software, select x10 mini, connect usb, press both top buttons and that should connect it right?
Thanks again for the heads up on the new update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, just do everything You mentioned and it will update the device, at the end it will give You "Instalation failed" message, but don't worry next time You connect liveview and run service update it will display that You have the newest firmware.
Task manager is to be used because when Android goes down of memory it kills background processes, included bluetooth manager and LV plugin applications. This is why LiveView Application loses connection, it does not find bluetooth process until you do not try to connect LV again and Android re-activate it.
To be sure that memory is not managed by Android I set Auto kill frequency to 30' and at Crazy level... then I do not have disconnections
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Myzhar said:
Task manager is to be used because when Android goes down of memory it kills background processes, included bluetooth manager and LV plugin applications. This is why LiveView Application loses connection, it does not find bluetooth process until you do not try to connect LV again and Android re-activate it.
To be sure that memory is not managed by Android I set Auto kill frequency to 30' and at Crazy level... then I do not have disconnections
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acctualy that is not entirely true, because if You open some kind of game or use flash in browser it will eat your memory faster than Advanced Task Killer can free it, and You will lose connection with LiveView. To reconnect You would have to start LiveView Application once again. To prevent Android from killing bluetooth manager and LiveView stuff it is important to set Secondary Server values to very low (that is why MinFreeManager is needed). Advanced Task Killer helps keeping high RAM level better than MinFreeManager which prevents phone and liveview from lagging but it won't protect LiveView and bluetooth stuff from beeing killed by Android.
LockeOn said:
Acctualy that is not entirely true, because if You open some kind of game or use flash in browser it will eat your memory faster than Advanced Task Killer can free it, and You will lose connection with LiveView. To reconnect You would have to start LiveView Application once again. To prevent Android from killing bluetooth manager and LiveView stuff it is important to set Secondary Server values to very low (that is why MinFreeManager is needed). Advanced Task Killer helps keeping high RAM level better than MinFreeManager which prevents phone and liveview from lagging but it won't protect LiveView and bluetooth stuff from beeing killed by Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you are right. As you can read in my last blog post I say to make your first procedure as first step (not real, first step is LV update ).
The secondo step on my post says:
"Se non l’avete ancora fatto eseguite la prima procedura di stabilizzazione della connessione di LockedOn riportata nel mio primo post"
translated:
"If you did not make it yet, follow LockedOn's first connection stabilization procedure, as written in my first post"
As we say in Italy "Advanced Task Killer" is the "ciliegina sulla torta"... the thing that makes a good work become a excellent work!
I have a doubt: when I open MinfreeManager I always get default values instead of the one I set. Is it right or is there something wrong in my "root"?
For "rooting" in used Z4root
Man I really wished that the Liveview would at least retain the time and then update when reconnected to the phone. I can't use it unless the phone is attached to me! Eh...my lil gripe I guess lol...
Hi!
After a lot of investigation and searching, I eliminated connection problems with LiveView, but it still remains almost unusable, because its damn "LiveView Application" crashes the whole phone randomly. Where is that famous "linux stability" if one small app can easily crash the whole OS...
I've found out already, that this happens if the application's process gets killed by Android (thanks to XDA forum, I managed to correctly setup task killers). I googled for solutions, and found these:
1 - "There isn't a way to prevent this directly, without a rooted device." - SO! There IS a way to prevent this on a rooted devise! Does anyone know about it?
2 - "The app needs to put itself in the Notifications bar in order to keep from getting killed when it's in the background. This is what apps like Music or Pandora do in order to keep playing music and not get killed when they are backgrounded" - well, is there some tool to selectively "give" some running app the notification bar icon? Because if we wait for SE to implement this, we may as well wait for Apple to produce iPhone watch
3 - "HOWTO: Change Process Priority Using the Nice Command" - I'm not quite sure if this applies to Android, but I've found it on Motorola Droid forum...
Well, is there a developer ready to look into this? After all, ALMOST everything is working fine, the only thing that needs to be fixed - keeping process alive no mattaer what...
Best regards,
Draco.