If i could do it, i would have done it myself ages ago but is it possible to skin those wp7 tiles? I love the tile idea, ( esepcially if they are actually showing live info) but i cant stand those boring tiles such as email, Messaging, Phone, Market place and the worst one of all... the dreaded calendar tile! (surely the calendar tile should already be displaying all sorts of info, without having to actually open the hub for it???) its so bland. but anyway can it be done on wp7 phones???? i like my zune tile and pictures because they are real people and stuff and really makes wp7 stand out as a "live" phone
davidebanks said:
If i could do it, i would have done it myself ages ago but is it possible to skin those wp7 tiles? I love the tile idea, ( esepcially if they are actually showing live info) but i cant stand those boring tiles such as email, Messaging, Phone, Market place and the worst one of all... the dreaded calendar tile! (surely the calendar tile should already be displaying all sorts of info, without having to actually open the hub for it???) its so bland. but anyway can it be done on wp7 phones???? i like my zune tile and pictures because they are real people and stuff and really makes wp7 stand out as a "live" phone
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Click to collapse
I second you mate...
Just hoping someone releases some apps for skinning tiles or at least MS allows us to choose different backgrounds for each tiles (Like the pictures one)
If it's even possible it would require a jail break. I would be surprised if Microsoft is even considering doing this. I can see them giving you a few subtle textures but not custom images. That would defeat the whole unified interface they are going for.
Would be great to have an active tile with spot gold/silver pricing. Thx.
What are you requesting? I am moving this to general for the time being.
~~Tito~~
Thanks Tito.
Am requesting an app that allows for an active tile where on the tile is text of the price of gold and silver. Due to being an active tile means you could set it to update said price every 10 minutes, minute, 10 seconds, etc. This way the tile shows you pricing updated at user set intervales.
Where would the feed come from?
Phone Titan said:
Where would the feed come from?
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There are many feeds/sources available from the Internet.
www.kitconet.com
www.livecharts.co.uk/MarketCharts/gold.php
www.stockmaster.in/gold.html
There is a taskbar version if you need to see more code
www.kitco.com/kcastwindows/
And MANY others.
There is also a Windows Sidebar app that shows gold and silver pricing if you need to see how they integrate the feed.
So the app could hook into various feeds (or just one like the Windows Sidebar). These are generally very stable financial feeds of course.
See attached sidebar app.
Hi
I am looking for a weather app where on the phone waking up the live tile refreshes the location as well as the forecast.
SS
cool let us know when you find one
This is not currently possible because of the way Live Tiles work. What pretty much happens is an app like WeatherBug will tell Windows Phone to poll a certain URL once an hour. The server provides an image based on the information in that URL (which likely contains your zip code or something like that) and is fixed until you open the app and change it.
In Mango, there is support for Live Agents that would allow an app to periodically check your location, grab the weather from the server, and update your tile accordingly.
PG2G said:
This is not currently possible because of the way Live Tiles work. What pretty much happens is an app like WeatherBug will tell Windows Phone to poll a certain URL once an hour. The server provides an image based on the information in that URL (which likely contains your zip code or something like that) and is fixed until you open the app and change it.
In Mango, there is support for Live Agents that would allow an app to periodically check your location, grab the weather from the server, and update your tile accordingly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The love for Mango mounts higher and higher
me too i like it too
I am having the most frustrating time with my Facebook updates and I am hoping someone can give me advice.
When I use the official Facebook widget, I receive ALL of my updates. However, I HATE the official widget since it only shows one status at a time. I want a widget that shows the entire news feed and is scrollable.
I tried using Friend Stream, however 1 of my friends (my sister, specifically) does not show up. I never receive any of her status updates. To my knowledge, she is the only one I cannot see.
If I try OTHER 3rd party widgets (such as Colorize Widgets or Android Pro Widgets) they also do not show her status updates but they ALSO leave out 2-3 more friends from appearing in my newsfeed.
Everything shows up fine on my computer when I look at my news feed, and like I said all statuses show up in the official Facebook widget. I have already looked at my application permissions in my preferences and all appear to be good. I do not understand it at all! Any help?
Thanks!
Hi,
I'm one of the developers of Android Pro Widgets.
We are using Facebook's Graph API and what you see are probably bugs of this API (on Facebook's side).
Facebook for Android uses a different method for fetching data (FQL queries).
We plan on changing to this method at some point as the Graph API is really disappointing.
Awesome, thanks! Any idea the time frame on what this new technology will be implemented? It sounds like this is something that all of these 3rd party widgets (including Friendstream) uses, is that right?
The Graph API is the trivial choice when using the SDK Facebook provides , so I guess most 3rd party applications use it.
I have some tasks with higher priority in my TODO list but hopefully I'll get to it soon.
It has been a long time since I posted here, because I sold my Windows Mobile Smartphone and gotten a Blackberry. Right now, I have a few features I would want Microsoft to add in the next major update of windows Phone, because I'm tempted to return to the Windows Phone party soon.
1. Home Screen Notifications
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I have this idea that when you swype from the left of the start screen, the notifications appear like in Windows8.
2. Notification when in Hubs/Apps
This pull-down notification bar (a la android) can be featured in the Hubs and applications which uses both the leeft and right swyping gestures. This allow quick access to the important informations without returning to the start screen.
3. Custom Start screen background
This allows users to add a custom background to the start screen, making the whole look of the OS more appealing.
4. Live Lockscreen
This allows users to see inportant informations on their lockscreen, and the lockscreen wallpaper changes according to current weather reports.
THATS ALL FOR NOW, I WILL ADD MORE WHEN I HAVE MORE SUGGESTIONS
I love the idea of the lockscreen wallpaper changes depending on weather, I already really love it displaying pictures of the current artist playing, I think they really need to consider this route.
As for custom backgrounds, I wish I had a custom background but I can see why they've avoided it so far. Windows mobile is about simplicity of the display, having a white or black background draws attention straight to the live tiles and makes them look powerful. However, it couldn't hurt to give us the option could it?
I'm not a fan of the notification hub ideas. I kinda like them with android but me and android have never gotten along. I think all the info that you could display can be represented by live tiles, that way you only see the information you want to. If you did have a hub that comes from the side, I think it would steal a bit of the glory from the live tiles, after all, that is one of wp7s strongest points. I know iPhone fanboys who drool everytime they hold the phone, telling me how much they wish that the iPhone interface was as nice and as informative as the homescreen on wp7. But once more, it couldn't hurt to have the option. The question is, are we getting a brand new OS (ie windows 8) to have this feature, or will Microsoft just give us a further update to bring the features?
One feature I'd really like to look forward to is built in Skype support (which should come eventually). I want it to be part of the operating system, so I don't need to open an app to receive a call. Just like the Facebook messenger built in.
After all, you know what's more powerful that the 'there's an app for that' statement - you want to Skype someone? 'You don't even need an app for that!'
wow.. weather idea super.. I saw a link somewhere in this forums to tell wishlist to MS. good idea to post there if they consider.
Not sure how much I'd support that live lockscreen for weather idea. I'd love to see a metro-ish idea, such as a small text-like icon next to the time, sort of the like the alarm icon. That weather is too Android-like and exactly why I hate Android. The wallpaper is live already in relation to Zune too.
Notification idea is a great and sought after idea. Though, the way I think Microsoft sees it is that most app with notifications will be pinned to the homescreen or should be in their minds, which is why they didn't even touch the system. They figure your homescreen is your notification screen. But swiping the other way, or going up would be a great idea. Maybe if you drag the screen it'll drop a volume-style drawer with notification alerts.
And ew to the custom homescreen background lol. I think the tiles work best without a background.
FiyaFleye said:
Though, the way I think Microsoft sees it is that most app with notifications will be pinned to the homescreen or should be in their minds, which is why they didn't even touch the system. They figure your homescreen is your notification screen.
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Then why did they bother implementing toast notifications as part of the OS?
But even with that aside, the problem with the "start screen as notification screen" idea is that even with flippable live tiles, they only display the most recent notification. Anything older than that is lost. And, of course, many (most) 3rd party apps don't display text at all on their live tiles, just tickers and images.
FiyaFleye said:
And ew to the custom homescreen background lol. I think the tiles work best without a background.
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Don't like it? Don't use it. Many people would love to have a splash of color behind their live tiles.
I like those pictures, however I think the notifications are fine the way they are, I still manage to keep up with all the notifications in my apps by using the start screen. I also agree of the idea that backgrounds will distract from the live tiles.
First off, good work on the presentation.
I don't like the notifications idea. The way I'd like to see it implemented (which I've already voiced, loudly, to the team) is to simply have them aggregated in the notifications area of the "me" tile. It's the perfect spot for archived toasts and it would quickly give you an indication on what's happened using the "me" live tile.
Secondly, I don't see a need for a separate "notifications if in app/hub" system. If you're already using the phone when a toast comes in you'll have seen it at the top of the screen. If you're not [actively] using the phone, you're not in an app anyway so the "me" tile takes care of you. Just have certain on-device events toastable (such as email received) and you're good to go. Even without all events coming in as toasts having them all aggregated in "me" would work due to the fast-app-switching.
In addition, allow a certain number of apps to register for "on-lockscreen" capabilities. Where it would add an icon, counter and/or message to the lockscreen.
As for the customizable backgrounds. I'd probably not use it myself as it takes away from the live tiles and the way they pop out on a completely white background, but I can definitely see most people wanting this feature.
emigrating said:
I don't like the notifications idea. The way I'd like to see it implemented (which I've already voiced, loudly, to the team) is to simply have them aggregated in the notifications area of the "me" tile. It's the perfect spot for archived toasts and it would quickly give you an indication on what's happened using the "me" live tile.
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Click to collapse
The "me" tile is a social networking tile. Many of the toasts from 3rd party apps have nothing to do with social networking. It would feel awkward to me to put them there.
emigrating said:
As for the customizable backgrounds. I'd probably not use it myself as it takes away from the live tiles and the way they pop out on a completely white background, but I can definitely see most people wanting this feature.
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I don't know that I would use it either, but having the option would be a good thing.
good idea :X
RoboDad said:
Don't like it? Don't use it. Many people would love to have a splash of color behind their live tiles.
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I was giving my opinion, don't like it, don't respond to it, I never said not to implement it. Im really beginning to regret every time I see your name and still read your post. I feel bad for RoboChildren and RoboWife
Sent from my HD7 using Board Express
FiyaFleye said:
I was giving my opinion, don't like it, don't respond to it, I never said not to implement it. Im really beginning to regret every time I see your name and still read your post. I feel bad for RoboChildren and RoboWife
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No, you didn't say not to implement it. But your post came across slightly condescending, as if anyone who would like that feature just doesn't "get" WP7.
And for the record, I really don't appreciate you making any comments about my family. That is the type of schoolyard taunt that a 10-year-old throws around.
Some thoughts on my own
I also think that the main menu needs some coloring.
And an app grouping will be great
Tried to recreate it with HTML and javascript, you can check it out at: hxxp://blog.conquex.com/wp/ (can't add external link sry)
Bluetooth FTP , Full Unlock from buy(so you can native code on it) and a file explorer that was it
I would like the ability to go to notification directly from the lock screen and the lock screen should show 3rd party app notifications not just windows
Sent from my T8788 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
RoboDad said:
The "me" tile is a social networking tile. Many of the toasts from 3rd party apps have nothing to do with social networking. It would feel awkward to me to put them there.
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But that's only because of it's current implementation. It should really be a "me" tile rather than a "social" tile. IMO anything "me" related should go to it - including app toasts as well as missed calls, messages etc.
emigrating said:
But that's only because of it's current implementation. It should really be a "me" tile rather than a "social" tile. IMO anything "me" related should go to it - including app toasts as well as missed calls, messages etc.
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Click to collapse
I agree. The "Me" tile should show all the notifications for the phone. If they are on the start screen, I have the option to go directly to the app, or I can go to the "Me" tile and get a link directly to the certain part of the app that the notification was about. For example, on words by post, if I get a toast notification saying another player made move, I can go to the "Me" tile, and a link should take me directly to the game so I can make a move, not just open the app so I have to navigate to my game.
But to me (no pun intended ), that is still a social notification, in that it affects my ability to interact with other people. I don't think a notification about a weather forecast, or a stock market alert, or an upcoming episode of a TV show, fit the same criteria.
Microsoft made it a Social Network tile, because they didn't want to handle more panes in the People Hub for it. Android (TW 3.0) fixes that by putting your "Me" Hub under a menu. WP7 takes the easier route and just makes a tile for it.
Fussing over what the Me Tile is gets us no where.
The issue is what should be discussed, and it's obvious. The notification system in WP7 is bad. It's way too fragmented and it's much too tedious. A Notification cache is needed. This isn't a feature phone that gets hardly any pushed updates. It's a smartphone and every smartphone OS that has grown a healthy app market and embraced PUSH Updates and Notifications without one has run into issues and eventually (like Apple) had to implement one.
1. Allow Apps intelligent use of the LED Notification Light (Different Colors for Notifications, etc. similar to Blackberries)
2. Global Notification Cache - Swipe Right on Home Screen to get to it (Similar to iOS, but Notifications instead of Search, before someone says anything... swiping down has already been dong, as has swiping up in addition to other gestures... Not much choice, it just needs to be done.).
3. Zune Social... Where is it? They missed the ball on this one... It had potential in WP7, but I think it may be a bit late to try to resurrect it, now.
4. Flash LITE, or the ability to stream Flash Video in the video player. Show the boxes, and let it open up in the player like on YouTube. Don't care about Ads, Navigational Elements, or Games. Just the video.
5. Bluetooth File Transfer - at least Contact Info, Multimedia, Office Documents. Don't care about file explorer. It can add them to the necessary hubs by file type.
6. Video MMS/Email.
7. Video, and Voice Clip transfer for WLM.
8. Video Chat for WLM - Back and Front Cam (obviously 1st gen devices would default to back cam, new devices can switch). Skype won't do. Most consumers don't even care about Skype unless they use it for calling. They just use WLM or some other IM service like FB or Yahoo! instead.
9. Delivery Confirmations and/or S/D/R in Windows Live Messenger (Similar to BBM/Kik).
10. Facebook Offline Messages and Twitter Direct Messages pushed and integrated into one of the Social or Email Hubs (Probably Me) - with Toast Notifications.
11. Official Support for External SD Cards - Obviously they won't be Hot-Swappable...
12. Hand-Off GPS Navigation.
13. Integrate Zune and Windows Phone services with Windows Media Player. Shouldn't need to install Zune. Mac Users don't need to install iTunes to manage their iDevices. Never understood the need for this redundant piece of software, especially when it's Audio/Video Playing features are so terrible compared to WMP or iTunes.
14. Software EQ built into WP7.
15. Integrated DLNA functionality (at least for WMP/WMC/XBox360).
16. Ability to set different Notification Tones for Notifications in different Apps.
There's more
N8ter said:
Microsoft made it a Social Network tile, because they didn't want to handle more panes in the People Hub for it. Android (TW 3.0) fixes that by putting your "Me" Hub under a menu. WP7 takes the easier route and just makes a tile for it.
Fussing over what the Me Tile is gets us no where.
The issue is what should be discussed, and it's obvious. The notification system in WP7 is bad. It's way too fragmented and it's much too tedious. A Notification cache is needed. This isn't a feature phone that gets hardly any pushed updates. It's a smartphone and every smartphone OS that has grown a healthy app market and embraced PUSH Updates and Notifications without one has run into issues and eventually (like Apple) had to implement one.
1. Allow Apps intelligent use of the LED Notification Light (Different Colors for Notifications, etc. similar to Blackberries)
2. Global Notification Cache - Swipe Right on Home Screen to get to it (Similar to iOS, but Notifications instead of Search, before someone says anything... swiping down has already been dong, as has swiping up in addition to other gestures... Not much choice, it just needs to be done.).theres nothing wrong with the current notifications system. people need to stop complaining about it and just pin all those apps to the start screen I think that when all apps are updated for mango it will be easier to get the notifications.
3. Zune Social... Where is it? They missed the ball on this one... It had potential in WP7, but I think it may be a bit late to try to resurrect it, now.
4. Flash LITE, or the ability to stream Flash Video in the video player. Show the boxes, and let it open up in the player like on YouTube. Don't care about Ads, Navigational Elements, or Games. Just the video.
just use html5 it works great on YouTube,dailymotion and tube8. flash is dying out.
5. Bluetooth File Transfer - at least Contact Info, Multimedia, Office Documents. Don't care about file explorer. It can add them to the necessary hubs by file type.
I don't think I've ever used this or know anyone who has. never really worked that well when I tried it.
6. Video MMS/Email.
you can email videos.
7. Video, and Voice Clip transfer for WLM.
this is already present and it has already been demonstrated
8. Video Chat for WLM - Back and Front Cam (obviously 1st gen devices would default to back cam, new devices can switch). Skype won't do. Most consumers don't even care about Skype unless they use it for calling. They just use WLM or some other IM service like FB or Yahoo! instead.
9. Delivery Confirmations and/or S/D/R in Windows Live Messenger (Similar to BBM/Kik).
10. Facebook Offline Messages and Twitter Direct Messages pushed and integrated into one of the Social or Email Hubs (Probably Me) - with Toast Notifications.
I can receive some offline messages from Facebook in the current iteration, can't reply to them but I get them.
11. Official Support for External SD Cards - Obviously they won't be Hot-Swappable...
12. Hand-Off GPS Navigation.
13. Integrate Zune and Windows Phone services with Windows Media Player. Shouldn't need to install Zune. Mac Users don't need to install iTunes to manage their iDevices. Never understood the need for this redundant piece of software, especially when it's Audio/Video Playing features are so terrible compared to WMP or iTunes.
it takes up less RAM than iTunes and doesn't demand that u also have bonjour,QuickTime and safari installed (uninstall one of those and see what happens to ur precious iTunes)
14. Software EQ built into WP7.
15. Integrated DLNA functionality (at least for WMP/WMC/XBox360).
16. Ability to set different Notification Tones for Notifications in different Apps.
There's more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my replies to the points I strongly disagree with are in bold.
Sorry buddy I can't read your posts.