Related
Hello!
I've just bought my first pda (so I am new on that), a secondhand 02 Atom life in ebay, and I want to upgrade the rom.
Can someone tell me if there is any diference between these two officials roms: http://www.mwg.com/atom-life_wm6.aspx and http://www.myxda.com/xda-atom-life_wm6.aspx. Apparently, they seem the same...
If there are any differences, could you tell me the pros and cons? Are there any utilities/applications differences? Stability? Batteries issues?
Furthermore I want a fingertouchfriendly interface (don't like stylus). I am thinking about manila 2D, spb shell 2, wisdbar advance 3 or iphonzlike themes. I don't care too much about beautiful design or cool animations, more about something usefull and thrifty from the battery, ram, ressources consumption or compatibility point of vue.
What would you recommend me?
Actually are wisdwar advance or themes like iphonz slowing down pda performance or consuming extra ram?
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!
I would recommend you use the following ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=448074
and install M2D from here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2761662&postcount=3885
(Don't bother with the additional files, they don't work on Atom Life)
The ROM is fast and reliable and is the setup I have passed on to my daughter now she is using my Atom Life. It has finger friendly touchflo (you need to enable it in Settings) and is very finger and user friendly.
Skins for M2D can be found here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=451702
( I always preferred the MBarvian Diamond Skin from the top row of post 6. Perhaps that's why I have a Diamond now.
The MWG and O2 ROMS are stable but they're also full of rubbish that no one ever uses and hog memory.
I would also recommend the EZinput Keyboard suite from here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=426281&highlight=ezinput
Don't forget that with this you need to install not only the keyboard suite but the right language pack for you. These are found in post 4
I hope this helps
Thanks Blibble!!! I'm going to try your setup. It looks just fine for me!
Hello!
I got the set up you propose and I experienced that battery runs faster than in o2 wm 6 rom, do you experience same thing? Could it be because of the rom or m2d? Are skins making slower performance or consuming battery? In that case I will stay with m2d with no skin... That's fine for me.
Furthermore, I can't watch youtube videos (I downloaded alldevices 19b M2D), do I need an especial application to watch flash multimedia?
Can actually someone recommend a free multimedia player to watch avi, flash and others formats?
I would apreciate a taskmanager to really close programs and not let them in Ram and making me go to standard taskmanager every 5 minutes to close them. Can someone recommend a good one? I thought M2D had one....
I don't find the settings window usefull, is there anyway to configure it and add/remove my preferred settings tools instead of the useless ones that appear?
Finally, is Sktools an usefull tool?
THANKS TO ALL IN ADVANCE!!!!
I have open ears for evey recommendation to optimize my device!!!
I forgort it... This rom has deleted outlook mobile and java support? I don't find them...
Hello all!
I try this rom with SPB Shell and Pocket Plus (wonderful taskmanager, file exploring and internet browser options) with animation disabled and it runs much better and I find it more functional, useful and customizable and no bugs, no issues... I didn't have time to compare battery life yet... But with manila it was 21-22 free ram and with SPB it is 23-24 free ram... I am also going to try sktools and sk shorcut manager for full performance and customization.
For multimedia player I am trying dvix player, core player and TCPMP...
I still don't know if I can run jad or jar aplications... I try a few and I think I can't...
Hope this information will be useful! For now I am very happy with this device and I order a 3200 mAh ultra capacity battery from worcell with sony japanese cells and just 4 mm thicker.
KshrTips
Introduction
This simple tip calculator was made after reading this thread about a similar iphone application. Since it was not complicated I decided to make a Windows Mobile program with same functions.
Usage
Use the CAB to install it wherever you want.
Screenshots
Changelog
0.1
Initial release.
0.2
- Fixed a bug: when splitting, for example 100 to 3 people, it says each pays 33.33. So, after summing up 0.01 is missing (3x33.33 is 99.99). Now it will give 33.34. An extra tip for the waiter, but better to pay more than less -- after all, you may ask for change.
- Seems that both dot and comma work as a decimal separator now.
0.3
- Support for landsape mode and rotating.
0.3a
- Storing values in registry.
The icon was designed and provided by Sir.B. Thanks!
Thanks in advance for feedback, and I hope you enjoy using this.
great job on this app, was looking for something like it
one question: was this written in C++ or .net?
EDIT: removed cab, new version posted above
It is written in C++, so it doesn't need .net to run. Moreover, since I wrote it in eVC4 and PPC 2003 SDK it should run on older pocket PCs.
Thanks for interest and the cab!
p.s. when entering bill amount, don't forget about "," and "." !
It makes a difference. I think using the comma will never work.
Like this a lot - would love to see a skin a la Tipulator
Great App.
Will look forward for future releases.
Fixed some bugs and created my own CAB, as promised.
Get v0.2 from the first post.
This is cool. Thanks. Tippy hasn't been updated in a while so I will see how far you get with this. Great job man.
Released 0.3 today, featuring landscape and rotation support. Try it out with screen rotation!
great little app
thank you very much
i have two small requests for some future version
show the actual calculated tip amount
set the default tip % so it's remembered for next time
i also wanted to offer you an icon to use, only if you like it of course
A small update to 0.3, the 0.3a is done and ready to download.
Is it possible to have a finger friendly number keypad pop up when you tap on the bill field? I t would help faciltate entering the bill total.
Thanks in advance.
nice great work just the job
Suggestion
This is a great app - a million thanks for creating!
Two suggestions:
Would like to see one more line to show cash value amount of the tip. Most restaurant bills require you to fill in this detail.
A round up button - would round tip to nearest whole number. This would then reflect cash value of tip.
MikeNash said:
This is a great app - a million thanks for creating!
Two suggestions:
Would like to see one more line to show cash value amount of the tip. Most restaurant bills require you to fill in this detail.
A round up button - would round tip to nearest whole number. This would then reflect cash value of tip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tip value field would be great, because i'm lazy and dumb, i can't do the math
also perhaps; when the bill field is selected it can automatically "select all", to make it easier to erase/reset that field
thank you for your time
Hi
Battery Guard is an finger-friendly application that manage powering for each subdevices on PocketPC machine. This application should be usefull for anyone who want to track what eating battery and make it under control (in the future, i want to add monitoring functionality and apply some logic to detect what make battery draining)
Quick Info:
Target: All Windows Mobile Professional devices (tested on HTC Touch HD (WinMo 6.1), HTC BlueAngle (WinMo 6.1), request feedback about other devices and versions of WinMo)
Requirements: Windows Mobile Professional, .Net Compact Framework 3.5
Features, screenshoots & download at: http://mobile.dlugosz.net.pl/Products/BatteryGuard/tabid/59/Default.aspx
Please don't share installation cab, just link to above page.
Feedback and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Change Log
version 0.0.1.3 (06-07-2009)
- added window's captions
- added support for provisioning xml (export/import)
- added driver registry name for subdevices
- little less memory usage
- improve windows loading time
- more compatuble backup/restore process
- fixed landscape mode
version 0.0.1.2 (10-06-2009)
- expand Power Status window with battery life and charge/draining indicator
- change windows hierarchy, Power Status is now main window
- add Battery Info page in Settings window
- add ask about changes on exit from Power Template window
- fix scroll painting after add/remove elements (GUI)
- fix saving for new items in power template editor
- fix handle of fullscreen setting (GUI)
- fix background image for power switch (QVGA skin)
version 0.0.1.1 (30-05-2009)
- fixed skin for QVGA devices (install cab fix only)
Nice! Hope you will complete the ToDo tasks soon
Nice app!
But I have a problem on my QVGA device... Buttons are too big...
flaviopac said:
But I have a problem on my QVGA device... Buttons are too big...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, i had seen this behavior, it's something with first run on the device. Can you make a test, go to settings (last tool item on the main screen), make sure that DefaultQVGA skin is selected and save settings. Then restart program. If it helps?
Anyway, i must fix it
dally said:
Yes, i had seen this behavior, it's something with first run on the device. Can you make a test, go to settings (last tool item on the main screen), make sure that DefaultQVGA skin is selected and save settings. Then restart program. If it helps?
Anyway, i must fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try this several times but no luck, same here buttons too big on QVGA.If i remove this program is everything gonna change back to default???
Yes, my mistake, QVGA skin have bad images (for VGA devices). New installation cab is already available.
Thanks. Installed on polaris (qvga) and it's working ok.
I've been looking for an app like this...great work! I'll check it out & report back...
Good job presenting these low level power settings and offering control in such a user friendly way!
Those monitoring features you are planning would be a very welcome addition. Perhaps in the future, users could share their best practices how to save battery. We could also export and share our battery saving settings file, for others to restore and check if it works for them.
oohhhh... this looks tasty.. I'll hafta download this and check it out. I have 6.5 so I'll test it and let you know how it works.
i have HTC HD Italian, is a multilingual program?
Very nice GUI - and I think its a needed app.
Why I only think it is, is because I dont really know how how to use it.
Should we just put all into poweroff to save battery or does any have some good hints in how to get most out of this app.
A bit more details for how to use it and what can be accomplished by BattGuard could be nice.
(I would like to save battery - so what might be the best settings for that. And will services still be able to start when poweroff and so on...)
ippoglosso said:
i have HTC HD Italian, is a multilingual program?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but someone must do translation. In the root folder of application is file English.lng. This is a good template for any translations.
Martinhdk said:
Should we just put all into poweroff to save battery or does any have some good hints in how to get most out of this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all I think, but maybe some devices are useless for someone. For example, i use camera very seldom, so for "On" state I can set "Main Camera" to Power Off. And then yes, in fact camera is disabled, but if it's improve battery life? I don't know, it's time for testing.
Martinhdk said:
(I would like to save battery - so what might be the best settings for that. And will services still be able to start when poweroff and so on...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a tool, we need more knowledge (at least me ). There are programs for battery usage tracking so now we can tests power settings. I want to pack this functionality to Battery Guard and make it more usefull (register not only battery usage but also every things that could affect that).
And one info. Not every device support all power states. Often it's support only On/Off state. Current power states window shows info from system cache, so sometimes lie . Scenario:
1. Set Main camera "Power Off" for state "On"
2. Switch Off phone (mean suspend)
3. Switch On phone
4. Check current power states, you will see Main Camera is suspend
5 Soft reset and check power states again, you will see Main Camera is completly off
I just tried out your application and I am incredibly impressed. My face was like this: . It literally blew my mind. This literally is a complete switchboard for all of the devices in our Windows Mobile smartphones. I'll definitely have a few blog posts dedicated to this on my blog: http://soul-est.doc776.org/sotp/
very nice app, i try ed out of curiosity to see what it does,
also found some other thing, thanks to this app i tried apptodate from where the problem comes
i'm trying to update to version .0.1.1,i download the new version, install it an is still out of date, with option to update to .0.1.1
i2gh0st said:
i'm trying to update to version .0.1.1,i download the new version, install it an is still out of date, with option to update to .0.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, automatic uninstall cause invalid apptodate files replacement, i don't know why. Please manually unistall Battery Guard and then install it again. It's sure 0.0.1.1 version .
Anyway, is there a better free way to make installation cab, other than VS Project ?
Thx for the answer. Will try to see what happens in various scenarios..
great idea, been waiting that since a long time.
I guess one will be able to compare ROM consumptions using this soon, right ?
About version 0.0.1.2: Rather minor changes.
Now it's time for monitoring feature. In first attempt it will be part of main application. Later, after stabilization stage i'am going to move it to standalone service.
may i ask how do i use this application to save on battery juice?
Platform: Windows Mobile (Tested on 6.5.x)
Overview: A simple Check List application
* Organized by Categories
* New / Modify / Delete Category
* New / Modify / Delete Item
* Move Item to Vault / Restore Item from Vault
* Touch friendly
* Included Desktop Companion (PC application)
* No Master Lists!
* No Descriptions / Notes
* No Quantities
* No Item Pictures
* No Prices
* Without many functions and options
JUST A FRIENDLY CHECKLIST!
Download (old) 1.1 VGA version
Download 2.1 (W)VGA version
Download Desktop Companion version 2.1
Changelog v2.0 :
- Fixed the WVGA resolution.
- The Splash Screen was Changed.
- The user can change the order of the Categories / Items
- Settings Panel added
- The Program now can keep the Backlight On (option)
- The user can change the Item (list) height (option)
- The user can change the Text size (option)
- The user can enable/disable the message dialogs (option)
- The user can enable/disable the splash screen (option)
- The database is saved only if changes detected.
- The graphic files was retouched.
- Many minor bug fixes.
Changelog v2.1 :
- added gray boxes
- fixed category problem
- fixed minus problem (-)
- Marks by default the first Category
- Marks by default the first Item in the selected category
- Many minor bug fixes.
First Impressions
I just discovered this app and thought I'd leave my first impressions. Here goes...
At first go it's just what I've been looking for: a simple checklist app. It seems to be just that. I wouldn't say it's immediately intuitive, but with some messing around I picked up the basic routine. As with all things, with a little more playing around it will become 2nd nature. You should be aware, however, that the screen doesn't render properly in landscape (my phone is a TP2 [WVGA] see details in sig). As such, I couldn't confirm compatibility with the hard keyboard on my device.
Also, something to consider for future development, would be a way to create a link for a specific list that can be placed in one's calendar/appt editor. This probably takes away from the simplicity aspect, but that would be really slick!
I'll play with it some more throughout the week, but for simplicity's sake I like what you've put together -- at least on 1st impressions. Thanks for sharing!
thank you very much for your comments
Dadi68 said:
Platform: Windows Mobile (Tested on 6.5.x)
Overview: A simple Check List application
* No Master Lists!
* No Descriptions / Notes
* No Quantities
* No Item Pictures
* No Prices
* Without many functions and options
JUST A FRIENDLY CHECKLIST!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...really simple, really friendly ... but: that is what I really need, it's quick, it's easy....it's GREAT (you're right: keep it simple!!!)
It works on HD2, no prob with keyboard...
I hope, that you are buying soon a new device, to develop a WVGA-Version...aäh, whats about a wrap-up or second row for longer entrys ?
THX and greetz
fast_zorro said:
...really simple, really friendly ... but: that is what I really need, it's quick, it's easy....it's GREAT (you're right: keep it simple!!!)
It works on HD2, no prob with keyboard...
I hope, that you are buying soon a new device, to develop a WVGA-Version...aäh, whats about a wrap-up or second row for longer entrys ?
THX and greetz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do u want to be a beta tester of the 1.2 version? (its wvga compatible - i hope)
Thanks to fast_zorro's valuable help, a WVGA version is coming!
ETA : this weekend
short video for the app
...9.....8....7.....6....
..thanks god, it's friday....
fast_zorro said:
..thanks god, it's friday....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good morning dear beta tester
Today I will make a new version of the desktop companion and tomorrow morning I will release the full package
Im thinking to add an "enable single tap" option but i dont know because its not so friendly...
Anywayz, I will send you the released package via email - megaupload
Have a nice Friday people!
Dadi68 said:
Today I will make a new version of the desktop companion and tomorrow morning I will release the full package
Im thinking to add an "enable single tap" option but i dont know because its not so friendly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I leave some friendly feedback?
(I'm going to assume you said "yes"...)
First of all, allow me to repeat that this is a great little app. Simple and useful. Further, you have shared it with us freely, and I'm the first to acknowledge "beggars can't be choosy." With this in mind, I offer the following...
The boot time is too slow. One would think that given how light-weight this app is, it should load much like an immediate toggle on/toggle off application. While you're deserving of the credit appearing in your 'welcome'/'boot' screen, perhaps eliminating this feature would speed the load time? Even if it would not speed the load, I would like to see the Category menu straight away without an extra screen to pass through.
Second, it would be nice if Categories, and not just Items, could be saved to the vault. (Am I missing something?) It would be nice to create a simple template to the vault, then be able to copy a version to the active menu which could be applied as needed. Make sense?
Lastly, would it be possible to move the command bar down a centimeter or so? That way 4 full Category/Item panels could be visible w/o having to scroll up/down. I understand it's placed to accommodate ergonomic thumb usage, but to see 4 full Item panels, as opposed to 3 1/2, would be worth the slight stretch...
I'm really looking forward to a WVGA version as I'll be able to use the keyboard on my TP2, which would make this even MORE useful!
Once again, many thanks!!!
p.s. - There's also a couple of spelling errors in the menu guides. 'Aproove' comes to mind right off. ('Approve' is correct) However, your English is far superior to my Greek, so I have no room to criticize...
Minnesinger said:
May I leave some friendly feedback?
(I'm going to assume you said "yes"...)
First of all, allow me to repeat that this is a great little app. Simple and useful. Further, you have shared it with us freely, and I'm the first to acknowledge "beggars can't be choosy." With this in mind, I offer the following...
The boot time is too slow. One would think that given how light-weight this app is, it should load much like an immediate toggle on/toggle off application. While you're deserving of the credit appearing in your 'welcome'/'boot' screen, perhaps eliminating this feature would speed the load time? Even if it would not speed the load, I would like to see the Category menu straight away without an extra screen to pass through.
The boot time is extremely slow... Its not my fault... This programming language is slow (even a "Hello world" takes 3-4 secs to load)
In the new version you have the option to disable the splash screen
Second, it would be nice if Categories, and not just Items, could be saved to the vault. (Am I missing something?) It would be nice to create a simple template to the vault, then be able to copy a version to the active menu which could be applied as needed. Make sense?
Why you make your life so difficult?
Lastly, would it be possible to move the command bar down a centimeter or so? That way 4 full Category/Item panels could be visible w/o having to scroll up/down. I understand it's placed to accommodate ergonomic thumb usage, but to see 4 full Item panels, as opposed to 3 1/2, would be worth the slight stretch...
In the new version you can adjust the row height of the items/categories
I'm really looking forward to a WVGA version as I'll be able to use the keyboard on my TP2, which would make this even MORE useful!
Wait 30 minutes...
Once again, many thanks!!!
You r welcome my friend
p.s. - There's also a couple of spelling errors in the menu guides. 'Aproove' comes to mind right off. ('Approve' is correct) However, your English is far superior to my Greek, so I have no room to criticize...
Please help me to correct them... My English suck...
Maybe I will release the new version in Greek
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your post
Dimitris
Version 2.0 added at first post
Thanks to fast_zorro for his valuable help on the WVGA support
Minnesinger said:
May I leave some friendly feedback?
Second, it would be nice if Categories, and not just Items, could be saved to the vault. (Am I missing something?) It would be nice to create a simple template to the vault, then be able to copy a version to the active menu which could be applied as needed. Make sense?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...not bad, I'm also think about this topic...but, keep in mind the important issue: "small and easy".
I think, these is the most benefit from this app, so any new features should be aware of this point before added.
(MASPWARE Checklist, as example, looks nice, but you could be very easily lost in categories and items in up to 4 stages of deep)
But you're right, there are some improvents possible - let's see, what others will say and give Dadi68 a chance to enjoy the summer before making a version 3.0...
fast_zorro said:
...not bad, I'm also think about this topic...but, keep in mind the important issue: "small and easy".
I think, these is the most benefit from this app, so any new features should be aware of this point before added.
(MASPWARE Checklist, as example, looks nice, but you could be very easily lost in categories and items in up to 4 stages of deep)
But you're right, there are some improvents possible - let's see, what others will say and give Dadi68 a chance to enjoy the summer before making a version 3.0...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahahaha run DaDi RUNNNNNNNNN
2 weeks left for vacations guys
Ok, add categories to vault...
you mean an empty cateory or a category full of items?
I started to like that idea
Dadi68 said:
Ok, add categories to vault...
you mean an empty cateory or a category full of items?
I started to like that idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a category full of items: a template. For example, a simple agenda template...
A template of the user's own design could be kept in the vault. In my case, there are occasions when I don't need to use a full appointment editor; I just need to keep a running list of contacts and times for any given day. Instead of retyping the time increments over and over, a blank agenda is always at the ready!
Although, this brings up another issue for me:
Whenever I attempt to edit one of the time slots on my agenda template, I get the warning seen in the pic above. I have the current-most NETCF v35 on my device, in addition to the NET CF v35 Messages.EN.wm .cab: am I missing anything? If I click 'yes' I'm able to continue and add a contact to a time slot, but the error message repeats with each edit.
Looking for ward to watching your app evolve -- Thanks!
Minnesinger said:
Yes, a category full of items: a template. For example, a simple agenda template...
A template of the user's own design could be kept in the vault. In my case, there are occasions when I don't need to use a full appointment editor; I just need to keep a running list of contacts and times for any given day. Instead of retyping the time increments over and over, a blank agenda is always at the ready!
Although, this brings up another issue for me:
Whenever I attempt to edit one of the time slots on my agenda template, I get the warning seen in the pic above. I have the current-most NETCF v35 on my device, in addition to the NET CF v35 Messages.EN.wm .cab: am I missing anything? If I click 'yes' I'm able to continue and add a contact to a time slot, but the error message repeats with each edit.
Looking for ward to watching your app evolve -- Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replace the [-] with [...] and it will work fine!
About the Category -> Vault ...gimme some time, maybe next week
great tool - thats what i'm looking for. THX!!
Look nicely, I will try this program out.
Guys a beta 2.1 is out, that supports grayed checkboxes...
Im waiting for comments from my dear beta-tester
@Minnesinger : Can you help me by correcting spelling errors? To fix them before release the new version?
@All :
To Do:
1. Store full Categories (with items) into Vault [ NEXT WEEK ]
Have a beautiful weekend people!
Dadi68 said:
@Minnesinger : Can you help me by correcting spelling errors? To fix them before release the new version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, of course. I would be happy to. Check your PMs and I'll attach a Word document with a complete list. Although, from what I've observed there are only a few minor things...
Hello
I liked the idea of an ActionScreen ever since I met with this program for a first time (it was on a Sense 2.1 stock ROM so it was really handy). ActionScreen is a simple application which shows the user a screen with 12 (sometimes more) shortcuts which can start/toggle frequently used programs or functions.
But as I am a Rhodium owner, I always had problem with Landscape orientation. The Smaberg's ActionScreen was showing only 2 rows of icons in Landscape or wasn't showing at all. So with the encouragement by Jackos I started to develop my own application based very much on the original idea of the 12-icon ActionScreen from Smaberg. As I am definitely not a programmer I started to learn Basic4PPC for a starter. Then, after I discovered how many environment restrictions it gives I switched to C#.
What I present here is a version which has full Landscape support (the app will run without problems in Landscape and will change it's layout properly even if there will be an orientation change while program is shown).
* NEW * - The whole app has been rewritten from scratch. Also changed to the C# + NetCF. This has not solved all of my memory problems but allowed me to improve on many other fields. The details are in the change log in post #2.
* NEW 2* - I added a VGA version of my ActionScreen. Special thanks to xOverkill who encouraged me to start working on VGA and then provided a great help with testing on Raphael.
With this version you can easily customise each link function by changing command and parameter in:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Skrobel\ActionScreen\LinkXX]
where "XX" is a number of the icon starting with 00 to 11.
You can change the icons as well (all the graphic files are stored in program folder). From v0.5 you can also change the colors of the background (at the moment only solid colours are supported) and the label texts.
And last but not least you can change the text of the labels under each icon in the same place in registry. This can come in handy when you want to change the language for instance.
There is a small readme.txt file attached to this post where I put a brief description of the settings/configuration possiblilities.
DOWNLOADS ARE IN POST #2
Unfortunately some problems have been solve and some not:
- I have problems to effectively dispose the resources upon program minimization. The C# or NetCF uses Garbage Collector for all the disposed controls/images, so the app memory does not decrease when it's minimized (and is about 1300 kB). I can't find a way to do it better
- the WinCE and WinMo environment doesn't support a "minimize form" event. So I used a little trick to override native Windows.Forms.Hide with SW_MINIMIZE imported from coredll.dll. Buuut this doesnt really minimize the app, but only get the window behind all other windows, but in front of Titanium or TodayScreen. That's why I suggest using this app ONLY on Sense/TF3D enabled ROMs or otherwice you will se my app instead of the TodayScreen
- Because of the above my app is visible also during system startup until Sense/TF3D is fully loaded
Actually I found a solution for SW_MINIMIZE (it was easier than I thought). So for now my only concern is to make the app less memory consuming and possible yet faster.
Soooo, if any of you guys could help me to improve the app (especially the memory management) I can share all my current experience as well as the source code. HELP PLEASE
Enjoy! Any feedback is welcome. I will try to improve as soon as my programming knowledge raises Or of course when someone agrees to help me
# CHANGE LOG:
22.05.2011 - v0.6
+ Added version for VGA resolution
+ Minor bugfixes concerning exceptions and image handling.
+ Added a new setting "ShowOnHTCKeyboard" enabling ActionScreen to show up when the hardware keyboard is open (refer to readme for more information)
- still high memory usage when idle (currently approx. 1300 kB) - looking for a better way to dispose resources during minimize
10.05.2011 - v0.5
+ Rewritten from scratch once again to avoid unnecessary code
+ much faster to load/unload/appear/disappear
+ AppToDate support (thanks for the tips Jackos)
+ Both landscape modes support (right- and left-handed). The app will now follow the GUI
+ Added "splash screen" during first load for eye-friendliness before system boots completely
+ Added possibility to change background and text colors (although not very comfortable at the moment)
+ Changed the settings location in registry to a more proper place. Therefore you need to uninstall the previous version manually before installing v0.5
- still high memory usage when idle (currently approx. 1250 kB) - looking for a better way to dispose resources during minimize
13.02.2011 - v0.3 - quick bugfix version
+ Fixed SW_MINIMIZE so that app minimizes instead of going to back
+ support for non-Sense interfaces (Today Screen and Titanium tested)
+ the app starts almost unnoticeably during system startup
- still high memory usage when idle (currently approx. 1300 kB) - looking for a better way to dispose resources during minimize
13.02.2011 - v0.2
+ Whole application rewritten from scratch in C# + NET CF 3.5
+ commands, parameters, paths to the images are now stored in registry
look into: [HKLM\SOFTWARE\HTC\Biotouch\ActionScreen]
+ also item names are now stored in registry for easy language changing
+ the app is loaded in the memory during system startup and it's maximised upon calling
- high memory usage when idle (currently approx. 1300 kB) - looking for a better way to dispose resources during minimize
- uneffective SW_MINIMIZE method
- only TF3D/Sense 2.1/Sense 2.5 compatible - it's not compatible with Titanium/Today screen
- the app is visible during system startup until Sense/TF3D is fully loaded - the SW_MINIMIZE issue
17.11.2010 - v0.1 - initial release
- Written in Basic4PPC
+ Landscape support
- Due to several reasons the app doesn't stay in memory, it's launched on each call
- no localization
- no configurations possible, the commands are hardcoded into the application
# DOWNLOADS:
For technical reasons you have to uninstall previous ActionScreen versions manually before installing v0.5. Sorry for the inconvenience.
OK, I present three versions with one tiny difference:
- Skrobel ActionScreen v*.* - it's a standard version starting when holding the PowerButton for 3 secs.
- Skrobel ActionScreen v*.*_softkey - the app is linked additionally to the left homescreen softkey in Sense (2.1 and 2.5) as showed on the last screenshot
- Skrobel ActionScreen v*.*_softkey_only - especially for p50kombi here goes a third version with only the SoftKey link and no PowerButton action
- Skrobel_AS_Blue_Icons - a set of blue "Pressed" icons for the ActionScreen. Special thanks to MrRusch for a permission to use his work which I found here.
The files are attached to this post. Enjoy
Been waiting for this.
Think you can make a version that links to softkey only and not to power button?
that would be great...Thanks.
p50kombi said:
Been waiting for this.
Think you can make a version that links to softkey only and not to power button?
that would be great...Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's done
yeah.....
thanks
Looks great, will test it .. Thank you
Skrobel, congratulations on your release.
I will be glad to test your preliminary version, let's see what you did improve since the last version I tried.
Some suggestions and tips if I may:
- Do not use text files to store settings like links etc. Registry is a more convenient method IMHO.
- Try to ensure support for more then one language.
- Do something with the loading time (I know this probably requires programming language change), quick! Like I said in our last conversation about this program, hiding the window and showing it when it's needed should help greatly.
One important question: What about ROM cooking? Are chefs allowed to cook this program into their ROMs?
Regards,
Jackos
PS What about graphics? Maybe something more TF3D/Sense like?
Thanks, I appreciate your hints and help
According to the B4PPC support forum the loading time when the app is starting from "0" will not be better at all. I did everything I could to make the app lighter (use only one external library, don't use text labels, use only only one image for the whole form). But it didn't improve the loading time much though...
I already have a version which loads into memory at system startup but it has some annoying limitations connected with the programming environment.
I.e.:
The only way to actually load all the elements (images, controls) into memory is to show the app. So at startup I must actually show the app at least for 10 ms and then trigger the "ShowTodayScreen" procedure to hide it. And during system startup any graphics I'll try to show appear incomplete and for long time (until Sense shows).
Another problem is that there is no "minimize" procedure. Only the above mentioned ShowTodayScreen which always returns to Sense. If the user would run the ActionScreen in order to run a new window (such as new SMS) it's not a problem. But if you want to trigger the BT or WiFi, returning to HomeScreen every time is annoying.
Third problem is that even when the app runs in background it still takes over 600-700 kB which I consider as large for so light image it actually is. Furthermore I noticed strange behaviour when ActionScreen is not used for longer time. It takes more and more memory over time (a memory leak?) and "refreshes" itself when it's actually called.
Buuut in this situation the form shows within half a second.
Language and GUI is on the "to do" list as soon as I will handle the above problems. Actually changing the gui is very simple (there are no graphics merged in the exe, only external ones). But I'm totally not creative when it comes to graphics. That's why I asked for help in the first post.
Finally:
Everybody is welcome to use this program in their ROMs. Just drop me a line that you plan to do it and it would be nice if you referred to this place in your ROM thread but with such small app is absolutely not demanded.
@ Skrobel Any chance of my makin' an 18-button ver, a la wedge666's offering here? He, however, doesn't have landscape support. Your app's lack of buttons is the only thing stopping me from hoppin' on-board.
The problem is that the more controls on the form, the longer time the app needs to start.
So technicaly it's possible and relatively easy, but in the current app state I would like to handle all my problems first to be able to hold the program in the memory. Then addidg or moving controls will really be easy. Plus I will add the possibility to configure the icons and programs yourself so that everybody can customise it.
Hi Skrobel,
the landscape support is a very good idea. And since i use the HD2 and the TP2 i have missed this on my HD2. But the HD2 can handle landscape with a manila tweak well. Also in combination with the CHT Suite.
We, the CHTA beta team, can help you with a layout for CHT default and for the simplicity quicklinks. That's my personal favor style.
Hi Mike,
mike2nl said:
the landscape support is a very good idea. And since i use the HD2 and the TP2 i have missed this on my HD2. But the HD2 can handle landscape with a manila tweak well. Also in combination with the CHT Suite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am I to understand that you somehow forced the original ActionScreen to work in Landscape mode? Or at least to appear on full screen?
We, the CHTA beta team, can help you with a layout for CHT default and for the simplicity quicklinks. That's my personal favor style.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the hint. I know these icons from Seem's ROM, but I didn't know these are his design. I like them too. And the way they behave when pressed.
oOadditional designs or to the beta team (that means you in this case )?
No, he just has a tweak in with he rotates the screen in HD2. His Action Screen doesn't support landscape ditto and that's the problem.
Jackos said:
No, he just has a tweak in with he rotates the screen in HD2. His Action Screen doesn't support landscape ditto and that's the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the STOCK ROM it is working well without any issue. The latest Rom is: (please see my signature).
Skrobel...
Thank you very much for the hint. I know these icons from Seem's ROM, but I didn't know these are his design. I like them too. And the way they behave when pressed.
oOadditional designs or to the beta team (that means you in this case
)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No i mean the team. We are around 10 guys here from XDA. And the most of them are known from other things .
Ach, we misunderstand ourselves
I meant that you where using another ActionScreen (probably from Smabergs) and it didn't work well in landscape.
Skrobel's version does work very well in both portrait and landscape.
Jackos said:
Ach, we misunderstand ourselves
I meant that you where using another ActionScreen (probably from Smabergs) and it didn't work well in landscape.
Skrobel's version does work very well in both portrait and landscape.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now i get it...
Hello all
After a long while I updated the program. Actually it's whole new app rewritten from scratch. Details in post #1. Changelog and downloads in post #2.
Enjoy!
Skrobel said:
Hello all
After a long while I updated the program. Actually it's whole new app rewritten from scratch. Details in post #1. Changelog and downloads in post #2.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yay! Wonderful! Let me check this out!
Hello again,
I have found a solution for my minimize problems. Updated version in post #1.
Still if somebody can show me how to make the app more memory-friendly, I'll be grateful.
Take care