Database Users

Perhaps a stupid question: why should I upgrade?!

Hi,
now this may sound really stupid to most of you since you are all very eager to have the newest ROM on your XDA's, but I don't really get it. My O2-XDA was always working fine, and when I read some topics here, I got the idea that I was missing something.
So I upgraded my device to radio 4.21 and ROM 3.17.03 but I don't notice any difference. Also, no programs have been added (except for the wireless modem application), and the ROM still comes with useless stuff like the Action Engine, which is useless since O2 Netherland is taken over by Telfort and it doesn't support it anymore. O2 England has a newer ROM version to offer, I might try that, but...
Why would I?
I have read countless topics on upgrading, also on upgrading the XDA to WM2003, but why? It's always "it works great!!!" or "I can't get it to work!!!" but the real difference (except the feeling of having the newest ROM in your device) is never explained.
So, someone, tell me what I'm missing here?

programs made for wm2003 dont always work on ppc2002
like voicecommand from ms
this is likely to become a bigger and bigger problem as time goes by

I agree with you on there is no BIG motive for upgrade. The only noticed differences are:
1. SMS better handling
2. GPRS "Always on" feature, but it's not that fancy except if you keep MSN messenger on (who does this ??!! :shock: ).
3. MIDI files for ring tones (never worked for me tho :evil: )
Rudegar said:
programs made for wm2003 dont always work on ppc2002
like voicecommand from ms
this is likely to become a bigger and bigger problem as time goes by
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, but if you don't need these s/w you shouldn't sacrifice the stability. However, will this amount of experience in this forum it's not that complex any more.

1. SMS better handling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain this to me?
Because my XDA already has GPRS always on (and you're right, who does that ).
Chances are I already have the better SMS handling, but didn't notice it? What is the exact difference?

Capt. PV.
I'd probably apply the 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' rule if I were you.
I upgraded my XDA (and recently did a full hardware upgrade to an i-Mate / XDA II) because there were features I wanted (such as wireless modem) for a particular purpose, but I doubt I'd have upgraded if that weren't so.
If you're comfortable with your baby as it is, (and aren't slave to a constant compulsion to pull things apart to figure out why they work) don't mess with it. :roll: .

SMS has character count. GPRS always on is very useful when you are actually trying to do something with it. If you want to continue using old software that's fine. Same reason not to upgrade from DOS 6.1. But personally I like getting software and installing it without worrying about whether my O/S is new enough. Some of us just like to experiment too.
We also live in the hope that bugs and nuances will be fixed with each O/S release and service release. If you believe the XDA is without nuances in its original form then you don't use it enough.
If you cannot think of any single reason to upgrade - then don't.

SMS better handling also includes the 4 buttons in the dialog upon recveiving the SMS so you can call/delete/reply immediately instead of opening the Inbox item. This is plus the character count and the auto-name-insert feature after the first 3 letters.
The GPRS always on feature saves the time to get attached, but if this time is less than 3 seconds and usually the s/w is connecting automatically then it's not that issue (at least for me) as I noticed that making/receiving phone calls is faster when GPRS is off (I might be wrong tho ).

I notice you are running the standard O2 setup with the latest rom and radio stack 4.21, if you go to the rom kitchen you can still cook the same rom but you can add a whole bunch of programs to the unused space in your rom area, if you dont mind losing the bloated O2 auto setup and use the developers setup you will have even more free space. These programs are instantly available, use no ram unless running and make the xda a much better pda/phone.

Captain Pervert said:
So, someone, tell me what I'm missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Pocket Quake II doesn't run on PPC2002 :twisted: "due to a bug in the Operating System" so other software may also not work. The second important thing is Media Player 9 installed (with codecs).

do people really play quake 1 and 2 and other fps on their pda's ?
or is it just to impress people ?
because i've messed around a bit with quake1 and feel like a handicap'd zombie trying to gain any kind of control over the game
compared to how i can do it on a normal pc
imho then the controls of pda's dont mix with fps that well
the whole aiming thing require one to use the pen and i just cant do that fast or precise enough for gaming

unlocking software licensing restrictions

is it true that xda2 has very strict restrictions on wat is allowed to be installed on it?
if so is it then possible to unlock that feature so i can write my own c programs for it?
maybe even write a new browser that has jvm say ?
Dave

No. You can write and install whatever you like. Where did you hear that rumour?
Surur

Dave,
So youre a programmer.
I am still looking for someone who can contribute the following software to this community:
Today pluging that makes ot possible to toggle Bluetooth & TomTom GPS being switched on / off. If youre interested, let me know, I can supply you with more exact specs. It seeems to me quite simple: just reading / updating some registry values.

programming
sure ill give it a go.
email me with specs and sourcecode
[email protected]
this would be my first xda2 programming experience tho, so it ight take me a little while to get fammiliar with xda2 programming first. im mostly a pc proammer good in c++ and opengl graphics, however im fast learner.

there are enoug forums for PPC programmers where u can read how to modify registry:
www.devbuzz.com
www.pocketpcdn.com
amd of course www.msdn.com
etc

flashing the phone rom what does that do for u practicaly?

flashing the phone rom what does that do for u practicaly?

flashing means to upgrade the s/w (firmware) that is stored in (flash) "rom".
Normally you only flash the device when
- You suffer from bugs in the old'rom
- The new rom has specific benefits
There are 3 types of rom on the device that can be flashed:
OS- the operating system
Phone (aka Radio)- the gsm/gprs radio functionality
ExtendedROM- add-on and customisation s/w (usually put together by the service operator)

Flashing the rom on the xda 1 since the developers got their hands on it is a whole new ball game, they discovered that the autoconfig program was taking up acres of space and wasnt really needed, there was also some unused space. They devised a way of writing complete programs to this space and my xda has numerous programs in rom that would normally be taking up precious ram when installed. These guys are brilliant in adding value and funcionality to a brilliant device.

Newbie seeks guideance on add on apps

Greetings,
I am new to the world of mobile computing and am looking for some guidance on choosing apps to load to my new Sprint mogul ppc6800. I have recently upgraded to the sprint released 2.17 ROM. I have factory installed IE 6.0 In searching the net there seems to be lots of reference and apps for WM3. Will most apps designed for WM 3 run on the WM6 platform?
One program I looked at listed three different versions for different processors.
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-sudoku-ppc.html
I believe this unit has a Qualcomm. Which would be most appropriate or should I just stay away form the stuff designed for WM3?
A second program I am looking at is MS Voice Command. In searching the archives here, there seems to be enough support for me to get that to work if I decide on it, but are there other, better programs which will allow me to work hands free?
Thanks
Dan

yes most work even wm2000 apps will run on wm6
and your qualcom is arm based

My must have software
Voice command Is a very good program, for hands free simple to set up and use, mic volume and outside noise conditions can effect the performance.
Consider lokking at these
spb back up. A good back up program
spb Phone suite. Today plug in for you phone and contacts.
Spb pocket plus, today plug in and task manager.
Their are so many programs out their, and everybody has different syle, but these are the most suggested
Good luck

DLobster said:
Greetings,
I am new to the world of mobile computing and am looking for some guidance on choosing apps to load to my new Sprint mogul ppc6800. I have recently upgraded to the sprint released 2.17 ROM. I have factory installed IE 6.0 In searching the net there seems to be lots of reference and apps for WM3. Will most apps designed for WM 3 run on the WM6 platform?
One program I looked at listed three different versions for different processors.
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-sudoku-ppc.html
I believe this unit has a Qualcomm. Which would be most appropriate or should I just stay away form the stuff designed for WM3?
A second program I am looking at is MS Voice Command. In searching the archives here, there seems to be enough support for me to get that to work if I decide on it, but are there other, better programs which will allow me to work hands free?
Thanks
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best guidance is to read the forums, here and at the other sites. Pay particular attention to problems others have with the apps you research and the fixes for those problems. Also see how many users have uninstalled the apps due to problems.
Asking for opinions on what apps to install is like asking, "I want to buy a car. What should I get?" You will get a myriad of answers, mostly based on what works for the person answering. However, the question cannot properly be answered without knowing what YOUR needs are, what YOUR level of proficiency is related to computers, what YOUR ability is to live with side effects of the apps you load...in other words, only YOU can decide which apps are best for you, based on research into other's experiences, viewed through your perspective.
One suggestion based on my experience...find a backup method and back the device up as often as you can...for example, I back up daily to the SD card and back up the SD card weekly to my computer.

Thanks all for the insights to my processor and the suggestions. Back up is next.
Dan

Useful Information for people new to XDA and Windows Mobiles

My first post.
First of all to all the seniors, gr8 forum u guys got here.
Second, it's got so much information I cant make head or tail of anything
I am going to be purchasing a HTC P3400i WM 6.0 version soon, most probably in the next week or so.
This is the first time am going to be using a WM device so I was trying to get a feel of things by reading through the posts here.
I have few questions,
1. What exactly is a ROM, why is it called so and will it void my warranty?
2. I understand it is possible to give the p3400i a "touchflow" look can i do it w/o using a "ROM".
3. When using a WM device what are the basic things that one should learn/understand/take care of??
4. Which posts should I go through and what order to understand the whole concept of WM devices, without actually experimenting with my own device.
5 Finally thanks in advance looking forward to your replies and guidance.
P.S: I sincerely hope my post is in the correct section, coz a lot of my questions are of the "General" category.

1. ROM is actually "Read Only files in your pda" ... Its actually the OS and its files running on your gadget........The default OS in p3400i or gene100 comes with lot of junk files and drivers and the RAM will not be sufficient to run all the new Programs....SO dvlpers are cooking faster ROMS than the default one by modifying these files and drivers..... also they make use of files from other faster devices.....YEs it will void your warranty... But normally all the software issues can be rectified.......
2.YEs u can give ur pda touch flo without using by softwares like.......M2D , SPB Mobile shell, Pointui......etc...etc.... But it will faster it will be better if its in a ROM....
3. There are many things.....one advice.....do a research before doing anything stupid on your device,...... Ask lot of questions and doubts...... dont get ur device bricked......
4.Read the Sticky Thread by Sumit before flashing........

Great answer go4thomman Here are my views :
1. A ROM actually is an image, much like images of CDs you create with burning software. It contains the Windows Mobile Operating system, Drivers to run your device as well as Manufacturer made programs to make the best use of device. All these things are packed into a single file, much like you do with zip files. Your phones contains 128 MB of memory for putting things on it. So to provide base functionality to the device, this ROM is written to that memory and that portion is made read only so that things like viruses (and humans ) don't mess around with the important files. The concept of ROM is there only to make this process simpler, as you don't have a CDROM drive in your mobile to pop a cd and install OS into it. Also a phone is expected to come in ready to use condition, not like a computer. So a ROM provides all the software related functionality to your phone. After that, rest of the remaining memory becomes your phone memory.
Device Manufacturers don't allow making custom roms and flashing them to phones as it makes it difficult for them to provide support. So they lock the device using their digital certificates as protection. This locking is done in the special part of the phone called the SPL (Second Program Loader) and the lock is called CID (Carrier IDentifier). SO to unlock the phone, you need to install a SPL that is CID unlocked but this is against the warranty policy of HTC or any other manufacturer for that matter. Plus the process is dangerous and if not done properly can make your device non functional, non booting also called a "Brick" coz the only thing you can then do with it is using it like the one
Fortunately, we have some really good people here who have developed safe unlocking methods as well as unbricking solutions for certain situations (but not all). Two such people that have worked for GENE SPL are Olipro (old gene) and Orefkov (new gene).
For more info regarding this and to know how to do it, ready the sticky post by me.
2. Touchflo refers to two things, Finger scrolling in applications and the Manilla 2D interface. Finger scrolling is something that you will find in recent versions of Windows Mobile OS. So if you upgrade to newer ROMs you will get it. There is also a 3rd party driver available called FTouchFLO but the older versions have problems and newer are not free.
The Manilla 2D interface, which HTC calls TouchFLO in its specs but manilla inside the ROM, is a Today plug in that allows accessing most of the phone functions without going through the usual Windows Mobile OS menus. This plugin is great, looks cool and works nicely. But its disk and ram footprints are quiet large. so HTC only uses it with devices which have 256 MB flash memory and 128 MB of RAM. It is possible to use this plugin on GENE but using it from phone memory is not recommended as it is way too slow that way. When it is cooked into the ROM, it takes half the space as ROM files are compressed and runs smoother. Cons of this plugin are that it acquires all of the screen space so you cant use any other plugin with it, it doesn't even allows to enable any other plugin, It hogs considerable amount of RAM, Decreases the battery backup by 5%, and is not easily customizable.
3. There is not much special you have to do to take care of this baby, its quiet sturdy. But do keep these things in mind:
a. Discharge the battery fully atleast once a week.
b. Use a good quality screen protector with the screen, never ever do cold lamination on the screen, it damages it. Also replace the protector every 6-8 months or so.
c. Avoid hard tapping on the screen, its quiet sensitive and if its not responding, its probably because software is hanging. Dont hit your hardware for that
d. Keep it away from liquids, get cold lamination on the rest of the body to avoid scratches.
e. Keep the volume at a point less than full, speaker sounds good that way.
f. Keep brightness and power settings to the minimum that you prefer, to save battery.
4. This is a forum not a book so i cannot recommend you any particular order, but do read things related to flashing and cooking as well as the threads related to ROMs in the gene section. Wiki is also a good place to learn things, as well as do keep an eye on General Discussions and Development and Hacking section for getting important information and software upgrades.
Always Search before you start a thread or be ready for flaming, respect other members, never demand things as you are not paying for anything and nobody owes you anything, And read thoroughly and between the lines before attempting anything with your phone.
Good luck!

One more thing, rename this thread to "Useful Information for people new to XDA and Windows Mobiles". That way, i guess i wont have to type it all again. You can rename you threads by double cliking besides the title of the thread in the list of threads.

Thanks a lot guys.

Upgrade ancient WM2003 Device

Hi,
I have an old WM2003SE Navigator (Typhoon MyGuide 6500XL) lying around, it's not in the Device DB but the MyGuide 3500XL is. It looks identical, has the same specs and the same Intel PXA255 processor as mine.
There is almost no software for 2003 left and after getting used to my HTC Touch2 (Mega) the touch experience is awful.
I was wondering if it was possible to upgrade this nearly-no-brand ancient PDA/GPS to a newer Windows Mobile ROM. All I have is the device, so I guess I can dump the old ROM from that.
I know most of you are thinking 'throw it a way and buy something decent' but at the time (my dad) bought it it had the price of an iPhone now :/ It seems so stupid to throw it away...
I'm a real noob at ROM Cooking and I don't even know if this is possible at all, but if it is, could someone please help me?
Thank you in advance,
MrJSO

I doubt you'll be able to do it, but search around and see if there are any rom upgrades out there from the oem; that would be the best place to start. And search and see if there are any custom roms or kitchens (I doubt it).
I have an asus mypal a716. I've looked around for custom roms for it, and basically all you find are the random post from someone looking for a custom rom for it, lol. Asus pretty much stopped supporting it the second they released it, so there aren't any official roms out there. I've tried dumping the rom with 0 success, and I've read posts from others who also had 0 success. I tried grab it, and all it dumps is the bootloader. I don't have a clue how to convert one of those dumps into a flashable rom, anyway. The thread is basically full of other posters asking how to create a rom from the dump, with no answers. I think some people know how to do it, but they never respond in that thread, lol. Anyway, grab_it would be the second thing to try, I guess.
The closest thing that exists to a custom rom for the mypal is a linux port (at least as far as I can tell). It's over at handhelds.org. There may be a similar option for you. It requires you to flash a patched bootloader, so you can dual boot winmo or linux of the sd card. I've never done it before.
WM2003 devices are so different from WM5 and later (because of the storage model), that I think the odds of you not bricking your pda with any custom WM5 or later rom are pretty low. A more realistic goal may be to cook 2003SE roms. Anyway, I find that plenty of useful apps work on the mypal. Hell, it's far better for games than my fuze. I use it mostly to stream music over wi-fi (it's hooked up to a small set of speakers).
Edit: LMAO! This thread is the 4th hit on google for "asus mypal a716" "custom rom".

Thank you very much
I just discovered that Typhoon just put the logo on to sell though discounter markets... It's actually the same device as the Mio 168. It seems that there is a lot more feedback from people about that device available...
Still, if you say putting newer WM on it isn't going to work anyways, I guess I should stop my search then?
The problem is that all newer apps don't support wm2003 anymore Also wm2003 is just forcing you to use that stylus - I wish I didn't have to
Also, Am I right that there is really no way to make newer WM run on it by taking drivers from the old ROM and adding them to a default WM5 or higher ROM?

I guess you must forget to have any WM 6.5 in your phone because the specs tell you:
RAM 64 Mb (54 mb accessible)
ROM 32 Mb
Maybe a WM 6.1 or 5.0 but as FT said i doubt that you will find all the tools.
I have a HTC Bali (Fujitsu Pocket Loox 720) and was never able to find ,at least, a method to put a WM 5.0 in it lol.

The problem is that 2003 devices have small rom storage; they use ram for storage, and I'm not sure how you would upgrade them to WM5 or later which have persistant storage (you'd need a native kernel and drivers and all that crap). I'm sure some devices got official upgrades from 2003 to WM5, but I think it would be tough to figure out on your own. You might be able to cook a custom 2003SE rom, though, which would be kind of cool.