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Update 5/26/10The screen on my winmo phone broke about 2 weeks ago, and since then also one of the buttons on the front came off. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with Windows Mobile considering their lack of support for older versions in Windows 7 phone, so I got an Android phone, a used G1. I'm not sure I'll continue to develop for Winmo.
So far I'm very impressed with what I see from the G1, but of course there are some apps missing, so my first priority will probably be to get some of my Winmo programs ported to Android. Sorry
This is a program to organize todo's/tasks in a treeview form.
It's a mobile version of the ToDoList program found at http://www.codeproject.com/KB/applications/todolist2.aspx
and http://www.abstractspoon.com/index.htm
Features:
Views based on grouping by date, folder etc.
Filter out completed task
Items can be Flagged so they stand out
Have priority and risk attached
Can be recurring
Can be exported to Pocket outlook
Can have status and categories
Can have completion percentage
Can have estimated time attached
++
If the list files are kept in the My Documents folder, they will be synchronized between the desktop and the mobile version.
In order to add categories and status options, you enter settings from the file menu. There you can also set whether you want to show the details or the comments (notes) for the item.
If the field is too short, it can be adjusted by dragging the divider line between the field and the list.
There is a shortcut toolbar that can be shown by clicking on the ^, next to Filter on the toolbar.
To edit an item, tap and hold to get the menu.
This is still being developed as a hobby, and is not a final version (in particular "filter", "group by" and list view need more work). It is being developed as I see fit, have time and am interested in doing it. THERE IS NO WARRANTY THAT THIS PROGRAM WILL WORK ON YOUR Pocket PC / Mobile phone. I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE IT MAY CAUSE.
That being said, it seems to be quite stable on my HTC T-Mobile Wing, Mobile 6.1 and an old Dell Axim, Pocket PC 2003.
I have used it for a couple of years and maybe someone else finds it useful.
This program was developed based on the source code found on http://sourceforge.net/projects/tdl-wm5/
Since the original desktop version of this program is constantly being developed, some of the features available on the desktop might not work on the Pocket PC version.
Installation:
After unzipping the files, copy the "TdlToDo" directory to "\My Documents" on your Pocket PC.
The program file itself, "ToDoList.exe", can be anywhere on your Phone/Pocket PC (on a storage card if you want).
Uninstall:
Delete the "TdlToDo" dirctory in "\My Documents".
Delete "ToDoList.exe"
Delete "ToDoList" directory under "\Application Data" directory.
thx pal this is awesome.
throw in a Finger Friendly interface and then we have a great app...
Hi, I've been working on a similar project, are you releasing the source for yours? It looks like it could be more complete although I would like to integrate some of my features if its open source...
http://code.google.com/p/todolistmobile/
foz1284 said:
Hi, I've been working on a similar project, are you releasing the source for yours? It looks like it could be more complete although I would like to integrate some of my features if its open source...
http://code.google.com/p/todolistmobile/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't decided on releasing the source code yet. I probably should....
I looked at your project with the listed features currently and in the road map. My program already have all those features you listed there. What other features were you thinking of?
ajige said:
I haven't decided on releasing the source code yet. I probably should....
I looked at your project with the listed features currently and in the road map. My program already have all those features you listed there. What other features were you thinking of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair comment although I have actually been working on a large button menu and the ability to focus the task list on a particular task also I was working on syncronisation with outlook appointments, not just export. I could really do with doing another release and updating the homepage as there have been several changes since it was last done.
foz1284 said:
Fair comment although I have actually been working on a large button menu and the ability to focus the task list on a particular task also I was working on syncronisation with outlook appointments, not just export. I could really do with doing another release and updating the homepage as there have been several changes since it was last done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but I didn't mean my criticize.
As for large button menu, do you mean to make it more finger friendly like the commenter above was asking?
And synchronizing could be a good idea. So would you then be able to turn it on or off, considering you don't want all the lists/items synchronized? Synchronize individual tasks? Based on categories?
I haven't looked at the code in a long, long time, so if I release it, I need to clean it up a bit.
ajige said:
Sorry, but I didn't mean my criticize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont worry about it, I realise you didnt mean it maliciously, I feel a bit like I've been re-inventing the wheel for the last few months
ajige said:
As for large button menu, do you mean to make it more finger friendly like the commenter above was asking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, essentially what I've done is place a load of large buttons on the screen that are visible as neccesary, nothing fancy but I think it works well
ajige said:
And synchronizing could be a good idea. So would you then be able to turn it on or off, considering you don't want all the lists/items synchronized? Synchronize individual tasks? Based on categories?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just like you say on individual tasks although not based on categories, I've added two extra attributes to the XML one for enable/disable and one for the OutlookID.
ajige said:
I haven't looked at the code in a long, long time, so if I release it, I need to clean it up a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure my code wouldnt be much better and I wouldnt judge you on it, I've taken andy aspell-clarke's code and extended on it for my version, I'm not dissing his code at all but Its certainly not using coding standards that I would so I'm adaptable with it and would love to add to your code if you're interested?
BTW are you using C# or unmanaged code? my source is in C# and I'm not that familiar with C++(but would certainly have ago!)
this post keep grow intresting.
keep up the good work
foz1284 said:
yep, essentially what I've done is place a load of large buttons on the screen that are visible as neccesary, nothing fancy but I think it works well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a screenshot?
Its just like you say on individual tasks although not based on categories, I've added two extra attributes to the XML one for enable/disable and one for the OutlookID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it then still compatible with the desktop version?
BTW are you using C# or unmanaged code? my source is in C# and I'm not that familiar with C++(but would certainly have ago!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's C#.
bear in mind the menu is still in private testing(although in full use)
the outlook integration has not been fully implemented yet and was a few months ago since I have done any work on it, although it was creating new appointments and updating them both ways on the mobile device,
IIRC the appointments transfer correctly to desktop outlook although there is no support in Dan.g's desktop todolist
BTW how are you handling the xml?
the source I started with is using xmlreaders and writers although I am currently in the process of converting the whole thing to XMLDOC as I find it more straightforward to work with.
foz1284 said:
bear in mind the menu is still in private testing(although in full use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used a modified KList (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1546662&postcount=1) in my hgAgenda and hgToday programs. Take a look, that might be something to use. It can be scrolled, so it could be long if necessary.
the outlook integration has not been fully implemented yet and was a few months ago since I have done any work on it, although it was creating new appointments and updating them both ways on the mobile device,
IIRC the appointments transfer correctly to desktop outlook although there is no support in Dan.g's desktop todolist
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know it's not supported in the desktop program, but if you open a list in the desktop program, will it mess up the info for the outlook integration, or is that info kept intact?
foz1284 said:
BTW how are you handling the xml?
the source I started with is using xmlreaders and writers although I am currently in the process of converting the whole thing to XMLDOC as I find it more straightforward to work with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's using XMLDoc, and that's not my code. As mentioned, the base code is taken from an open source project.
Support for hgtdlToDo
I just found this program, and WOW!
I have been using happyjackroad IdeaLibrary, which while a great program is "abandonware" and hasn't been updated in years. It also doesn't have any meaningful desktop support. So I recently went looking for a useful hierarchical list manager, with sync to desktop, and freeware versions for both PPC and PC. Print would be a plus as well. ToDoList fits the bill!
There are at least two ports from the PC to the PPC, and this one looks really good. I've been using it for a couple of days, and like it.
Three questions:
* It is at version .1 -- while the product is stable, that indicates to me that there have been exactly one public version, and it's not even a "final" version. While it be developed more?
* Is there a forum where it is discussed? This thread on XDA-Developers is about the only thing that Google found. It'd be great to find a forum.
* And, the reason I'm here. I installed it, and it works well. However, it will only open the last file saved (basically, auto-open on start). I can't get ANY files to show in the file open screen. Any thoughts? It's a HP HX2490b flashed to a custom WM 6.1 Classic ROM.
Thanks -- and keep it up!
Harry
HarryK said:
I just found this program, and WOW!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I have been using happyjackroad IdeaLibrary, which while a great program is "abandonware" and hasn't been updated in years. It also doesn't have any meaningful desktop support. So I recently went looking for a useful hierarchical list manager, with sync to desktop, and freeware versions for both PPC and PC. Print would be a plus as well. ToDoList fits the bill!
There are at least two ports from the PC to the PPC, and this one looks really good. I've been using it for a couple of days, and like it.
Three questions:
* It is at version .1 -- while the product is stable, that indicates to me that there have been exactly one public version, and it's not even a "final" version. While it be developed more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's working well for me, but I'm open to suggestions. However, there aren't many comments on the usability, so I assumed that people are either happy with the program as it is, or they downloaded it to try, but are not using it.
* Is there a forum where it is discussed? This thread on XDA-Developers is about the only thing that Google found. It'd be great to find a forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a web page http://sites.google.com/site/ajiget/programs/home for the program, but otherwise this is the only place I know of that has any activity for my program. From what I understand, the program has been downloaded quite a lot, but not many people has any comments, so I think this would be the closest to a forum you'll get.
* And, the reason I'm here. I installed it, and it works well. However, it will only open the last file saved (basically, auto-open on start). I can't get ANY files to show in the file open screen. Any thoughts? It's a HP HX2490b flashed to a custom WM 6.1 Classic ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm not happy with the file manager part. This is how it was originally (not my code). So when you open up the program and you want another file, the program should go back to the program's file manager. There you have to add the tdl files, that you want the program to open. So are you saying that when you click file, and close that it doesn't go to the filemanager, or that you can only see one file there?
Thanks -- and keep it up!
Harry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without comments, I haven't been inspired to work on the program, but let me know what you think, and maybe I'll do something again.
Sorry, I dropped my post and ran! But I'm back.
I don't have any real comments on the usability, so your reasons for not updating seem fair enough. I'm learning more, and it is making more sense. Actually, I'm using the desktop version VERY heavily, and printing out hardcopy lists, and so the PPC version is becoming more of a handy reference for when I don't happen to have my list. Still, very helpful.
But with regard to the file manager, I figured it out, and it works fine. The file manager is not simply a list of compatible files, it is a list of "added" files. Once I realized that I have to "add" a file before I can see it, it works just fine.
Thanks for the response. And now that I've found you, I'll send you feedback if I come up with any.
Thanks for the program. I am a rabid WinCE user (that tells you how long I've been one -- 1998 was my first in black and white), and a key element of program selection for me is compatible desktop applications.
Harry
Hello guys.
This is my first application for windows mobile. I developed this in a week or so. I used the Windows SDK 6, and I have only tested it on WM6.5 but I assume it will work on WM6.X.
This is a simple application to make lists of what you need to buy. So that way, when you remember to buy something, you put it in the list, and when you need to remember what to buy, you just have to load the list.
Pretty basic stuff.
How to use
It's pretty simple. When you open the application, you’ll have a text box and some buttons. The Add button will add to the list what is written in the text box. The Remove button will remove the selected item from the list. The Clean button will clean the list. Then you have the Save List, Load List, Delete list and About menus. Those are pretty obvious.
How to Install
Run the CAB file from your phone.
Requirements
Windows Mobile 6 ( not tested with previous versions )
.Net Framework Compact 3.5
Download links
Latest Version
v1.23
Download Here
Older Version
v1.17
MikeaDev.Net
v1.0.2
MikeaDev.Net
Log
v1.23 ( February 10, 2010 )
* Check boxes added.
* When loading a file, and creating a new one after that, the filename would stay the one open previously, causing to save under the same filename. Fixed.
* Bug Fixes.
* Removed bye-bye.
* Can install on storage card again.
* Removed big button issue on WQVGA Screens.
v1.17 ( January 24, 2010 )
* Improved functionality, now you can save to the same list without having to rewrite the list name.
* Checks whether or not the list has been updated.
* Added a bye-bye screen.
* More verification before actions
v1.0.2 ( January 19, 2010 )
* Bigger Font to improve finger friendliness
v1.0.10 ( January 18, 2010 )
* First Public Release
* No Bugs Yet.
Note: this is my first ever release for the windows mobile platform. reply with bugs, suggestions, and criticism is greatly accepted, as long as it's to make my software better.
Thank you.
Not bad for a first app, but if you cold make items little bit biger(more finger frinedly) and little bit nicer graphics
Thanks Yes I know... graphics are not my thing either... I might ask for help from a friend thank you for testing
I was looking for something like this but (and i know this may be past you) I would love to be able to have the ability to share with other devices or pc's so say my wife who is at home can make the list on the pc and send it to my device (could be built in transfer or email somthing liek that) and then i can do the shopping.
that would be fantastic
it is a good start though
cheers
Tom
paperclip69 said:
I was looking for something like this but (and i know this may be past you) I would love to be able to have the ability to share with other devices or pc's so say my wife who is at home can make the list on the pc and send it to my device (could be built in transfer or email somthing liek that) and then i can do the shopping.
that would be fantastic
it is a good start though
cheers
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want something more sophisticated and with lots of options, like stores, categories, per item prices etc etc, try HandyShopper (free), it is my choice shopping app since years.
Well, as this is the first release its normal everything else might be better...
Thanks for your suggestions
best of luck, though there are alot of competing products out there.
Personally, I use GrocerySort from slimcode
Good App
I usually just use notes for shopping lists, this is a nice little improvment. Faster response than some of the fancy graphics shopping list apps I have used and when shopping basic and easy to use is all I want. Have had no probelms with it so far, the only feature request would be to be able to tick off or strikethrough an item so when in the store I can mark off as I go what I have and havent got.
A good first app, keep it up.
Snowdan.
Snowdan said:
I usually just use notes for shopping lists, this is a nice little improvment. Faster response than some of the fancy graphics shopping list apps I have used and when shopping basic and easy to use is all I want. Have had no probelms with it so far, the only feature request would be to be able to tick off or strikethrough an item so when in the store I can mark off as I go what I have and havent got.
A good first app, keep it up.
Snowdan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.. I appreciate that... the Remove button should delete the selected item in the list. I would like to make a checkbox next to the item but its not available in WinMobile SDK... so, waiting for new release from Microsoft.
Thank you for using
Hopefully I can make it better and better.
Pacman15 said:
Thanks.. I appreciate that... the Remove button should delete the selected item in the list. I would like to make a checkbox next to the item but its not available in WinMobile SDK... so, waiting for new release from Microsoft.
Thank you for using
Hopefully I can make it better and better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great application. It's always inspiring to see a new avid developer in the community. I have no requests because this is your first release. I only wish you good luck and say try to remain motivated.
Thanks I will
There's a new version... be sure to check it out
Hello people. Just to let you know that there are been some changes here on my software. Now there are some check boxes.
Download is on first post. I've updated it.
Thanks.
Looks great, I gave it a try, but was sadden that hardware key support wasn't included.
never really thought about it I'll add on next release
thanks
Great app! Thank you.
Nice easy ad small ... need other ?
.. well maybe there a couple of function that you can evaluate to include in future realese:
1) Autoload a default shopping list.
2) hide/unhide marked item from the list
I downloaded the 1.23 today, I'll test the next time I'll got to shop.
Hello,
I have a suggestion for a feature.
In order to always know how much you will have to pay at the end, you could add a column with allow entering the item cost, frequent buyer card discount, promotions...
This allow to show the grand total.
Fil
Just tried your app, and really like it. I do, however, have some suggestions which I think would make this a killer app, while still keeping it small and simple.
1. Ability to edit items
2. Ability to filter completed items
3. Delete items either individually or several at a time
4. Change the order of items
Good work, and thanks for sharing.
Some suggestions:
1.Have to be two modes - making list and shopping. Making list mode we are almost already have. Just no need to delete last time marked items and next time typing them again - it is possible to check-uncheck and if it wasn't before so add something new.
In shopping mode necessarily full screen without any buttons, fields ets. only list with check boxes.
2.Check box must be at the right side
3.Checked items - crossed out and moved to the end of the list
Hi.
I was wondering how hard it would be to create a simple application that would connect to a server or website checking for updates. I plan on loading font .apk's on the server or website, and would like a application to periodically check for updates or manually check for updates, be able to preview the font, and then download the .apk if wanted. How hard would it be to create such an application?
Thanks.
Jzero88
jzero88 said:
Hi.
I was wondering how hard it would be to create a simple application that would connect to a server or website checking for updates. I plan on loading font .apk's on the server or website, and would like a application to periodically check for updates or manually check for updates, be able to preview the font, and then download the .apk if wanted. How hard would it be to create such an application?
Thanks.
Jzero88
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this depends on how you approach it, but I think the easiest way to do this would be to create a feed using XML. So if you were doing your font updater, you would load a file like this:
<FontDetails>
<Font name = "Font1" example = "http://www.myfontsite.com/FontExamples/Font1.png" location = ""http://www.myfontsite.com/Fonts/Font1.apk"\>
<Font name = "Font2" example = "http://www.myfontsite.com/FontExamples/Font2.png" location = "http://www.myfontsite.com/Fonts/Font2.apk"\>
</FontDetails>
The problem with this is that you will have to maintain this XML file, making sure its always up-to-date(Easily manageable with some simple scripts).
If you aren't willing to do this, you could go down the road that is wrongly mislabeled as "The Easy Way" and hard-code the locations of all your APK's and all of your example images, but I would only do this if you were planning on dumping all the APK's and images in the same place(For example, if all your APK's were here: http://www.myfontsite.com/Fonts/). You would request the directory information from the server and parse that into your list of font APK's and correspond them with their example images(probably by naming them the same; i.e. Font1.apk and Font1.png).
If you decide to use the first option, you could do a bunch of cool things with the organization, like break things into categories and apply taggings and it would only require one request to the server per update. If you go with the second method, organization is guaranteed to be a mess if you try anything large scale, and adds a layer of complexity if you try to break things into folders and categories. This would require a ping per folder you have to check, which can have a high complexity factor if you have a lot of folders.
I just want to point out that even though this is directly related to development, this is a type of question that belongs in the General section(Questions ALWAYS belong in General). I'm sure a Mod will come around, scold you, then move the thread.
Anyway, I do hope this helps,
Good luck,
Tyler
Edit: Having a bit of problems getting the XML looking correct. Sorry if it looks ugly :S
Even easier would be to manage the updater as an RSS feed. Then it becomes quite trivial, as there are several examples of RSS readers online already.
Great! Thanks for the reply!
Yeah, the XML approach I think would be the better option as well, just because we could use this thread to hold everything I currently do no have any hosting at this time. Would you be up to making such a application? It seems you have the know abouts to so.... I would be the one to maintain everything and update it. I would monitor this thread and when new ones pop up, I wouldn't mind adding it to in the XML.
Also, how would the RSS feed work?
Thanks
jzero88 said:
Great! Thanks for the reply!
Yeah, the XML approach I think would be the better option as well, just because we could use this thread to hold everything I currently do no have any hosting at this time. Would you be up to making such a application? It seems you have the know abouts to so.... I would be the one to maintain everything and update it. I would monitor this thread and when new ones pop up, I wouldn't mind adding it to in the XML.
Also, how would the RSS feed work?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I could...I've got about 50 projects already on the back-burner and no time to finish them Tell ya what though...I've finished a mini project a couple weeks ago with some buddies at school for my friends website. Its an Open-Source RSS reader that was made to read in the latest articles of his site. With some slight tweaking, I'm sure you(or some other dev) could mod it to work in your favor...Here's the github address:
http://github.com/pencilo/Absolute-Android-RSS.git
I don't think this is the latest code, but all the working elements you need are in here.
I hope no-one minds but I got my Mozart yesterday and the only link that seems to talk about what is good and bad about it (here) hasn't had a new entry since November.
I also reckon that the Microsoft Developers know that xda-developers is the only place to go for sensible smartphone discussions and hopefully they will read this and make some changes.
I wasn't convinced that the Mozart would be better than my HD2 but actually....
Good:
Great Screen Resolution
Fast
Internet Explorer is better than I expected and the Pinch to Zoom is great
I like the start screen and the way the 3G signal gets out of the way
Bad:
No Comm Manager - switching on WiFi, Bluetooth, Flight Mode is a real pain
No Internet Sharing - AARRRRGGGHH!
Can't find my WiFi with hidden ESSID - GGGRRRRR!
No MyPhone Sync
I'm not sure I'm keen on the lock-down on apps - it's probably the only thing that will force me to Open Source Android.
I used gyrator2 to switch the screen off when I turned the HD2 vertically down - it saved on battery.
Thank goodness MS don't seem to have made WP7 into a steppingstone to a proper OS (like vista was to Win7!). The way I'm using it, it's the almost finished.
I'm hoping that someone will come up with a Comm Manager App. But I don't know about the other stuff.
Has anyone else got anything to add? What would make WP7 work better for you?
PS Please move this if it's duplicated elsewhere.
Thanks for the heads-up, just brought a Mozart today expecting delivery on Tuesday, I've come from the Android phones Galaxy S & X10 Mini, will be interesting to see how this shapes up against them.
anoyances
i also bought one and generally i think they realy solved the job doing a MS based phone that works. (i moved from a diamond2 with os6.5)
but what realy makes me angry is that i read in the commcersials and specs that i could use mp3 for ringtones (wich phones cant today anyway). but even if being a trivial requerent i would not go with out it.
now i realize that i can use mp3 - BUT ONLY IF I BUY IT FROM ZUNE WTF!!!!!
are they trying out the apple business plan?
im aware that i can "jail break" (where did i last hear about this.. og iPhone/apple) .. but i risk brick´ing my phone and thats a bummer.
still realy nice phone.
a file handler would be nice though and some grouping functionality. the start screeen cannot collect all your messaging and mail in a single icon for access. you have to add evry single one of them in the shortcut list for ease of access.. thats anoying if you have 4 mail and text messaging like me.. grouping would rock..
another thing is "People" its a looker if you want to see contratct and facebook updates, byt anoying for phone contact list
and whats it with the contact list? you cannot sync with outlook only exchange serveres. otherwise you have to expose your full contact list on windows live or facebook to get it synced to your phone.
now i believe i should be paid for using my phone then.. they get to know me and all of my friends including phone info, full name, job detaisl address etc etc. thats something that valueable.. and i dont get to choose if i want to take part.. i want money Zune/HTC and Microsoft!
im semi pleased .. nice phone but realy creapy business methods
A week later....an update
I can see what you're saying js0937.
I'm not really into changing the ringtone but I did notice that you couldn't do it. I can't believe that it has to come from Zune - it does make Android seem very attractive!
I've coped with the Outlook / Live syncing by having a separate account for my contacts but it is a bit long-winded.
I'm waiting for the update (due in Jan 2011 but when??? we're already two-thirds through!) to see whether these problems get solved.
Given that I worked with winphone 6.5 for so long, winphone7 is still much, much better but I still want Internet Sharing and a Comm Manager
tony_wh said:
I'm waiting for the update (due in Jan 2011 but when???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update whill be soon (7 feb.?)
h..p://microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/features/update-info.aspx
Hoping the update sorts the voice dialing out as its rubbish compaired to 6.5. This is a big step back. Be nice to get more info of what the update will bring. Roll on the 7th, fingers crossed.
My 2 cents
Ye, here you have the list:
MUSTS (otherwise I will NOT use the phone for my business):
- Network sharing
- People view by company OR search by company
- copy paste OR use selected text as signature
- outlook categories (seriously!) sort/show calendar, ppl, by category
- tasks list
WANTS (It would be nice to have it):
- activesync with desktop (mailny notes, and such)
- messaging hub (it is enough to group it together in one tile displaying summary of all unread messages, no matter from where they come. It can link to selection screen, where I can pick the mail/messaging account).
- connect tasks with SharePoint lists
- see Active Directory coleagues callendars (or at least simple meeting assistant that shows free/busy for attendees)
- Remote Desktop Connection (it is a pity that having that screen I cannot connect to my virtual desktop if needed)
I am business guy, and always used WinMo as a nice tool. Now... I have waited so long for WP7 and I cant use it for work. I gave it to my Woman, and now I am considering other OSes...
Microsoft, you are pissing on your most loyal customer segment!
Greetings,
At my office, we rotate after-hours email monitoring but some of the older guys are apprehensive about getting cell phones, so keeping up on-the-go can be difficult. I am wondering about buying a ZTE Open off of ebay and getting a pay/mb data plan and we can pass that around as a dedicated email reader.
Up to that point, there is nothing to worry about, but what I am thinking of playing around with is cutting the OS down to only the email app and settings. I'd like to have it boot directly to email with settings available from the pull-down menu, if possible. I mainly want to keep it simple enough for cellular-phobic people and also take away the ability to browse the web and run up my cellphone bill.
I'm not super fluent in the in's and out's of FXOS beyond the app level, but I'm interested poking around, I'm just looking to gauge the difficulty. There are cheaper android devices that I could try with as well, but I'd much rather hack around in HTML/JS than Java. That being said, I have the option of just customizing the Andriod UI to remove everything except the mail app, so if tearing down the Firefox UI would be a lot of work, I'll just do that.
I have a Flame that I can run tests on before spending any money, but I appreciate your opinions before a throw away a bunch of time that could be used on something useful.
John
That's super doable and not very difficult I think! Only with one (obvious?) condition: you must have full root access to your device. ZTE gives a rooting tool, so if you stick with the Open C (or the flame) you should be good to go. Don't choose a Kliff for example, as they are not rootable yet.
First of all, stripping all of gaia (the top layer of firefox OS, containing all the UI) has already been done by JanOS (for IoT device), so you can get inspiration from them. They reduced it to only one js file and a folder, where you can put your own js that gets executed at startup. Your use case is a bit more complex though: you still want to access settings, and be able to go back to email when needed. Basically, you need the email app to replace the homescreen right?
Creating alternate homescreen is a possibility that firefox os gives you, see https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/Apps/Build/Manifest#role
You can try adding the role "homescreen" to the email app, flash your device, change the homescreen in the settings and see what happens!
NB: when you change the manifest of an internal apps, you might need to rehash it by downloading https://github.com/julienw/config-files/blob/master/addpref and execute
Code:
./addpref rehash-manifest
while your device is connected (and usb debugging is on).
You might need to add handler in the email for the home button to work correctly, in a similar fashion as in verticalhome (which is the name of the folder containing the homescreen app, not "homescreen").
Good luck! Don't hesitate to ping me if you need any help.
---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 AM ----------
Dude I just tried this and it's working like a charm. The thing that took me the most time was the configuration of the email account