Hi,
I need auto update functionality for my application. I.e., the new exe/dll shall be downloaded by GPRS and existing program files shall be replaced. Now I wonder, how this could be done in an easy way.
The problem is, that the application is continuously running and updates shall be done more or less "on the fly". Currently, the application is automatically started on boot through registry settings in HKLM/init
So my idea was the following: Creating a "starter programme" for the application: When the device (HTC ARTEMIS) is booted, the starter programme is first launched (through HKLM/init), looks into a pre-defined directory if there are any files. If there are, these files are copied into the directory of the application. Afterwards, the starter programme launches the main application. Do you think that could work? Or are there any better ways (maybe even supported by the OS) to perform SW-updates?
Günther
I have auto update functionality in my commercial application.
1) When data is replicated to server, main appliation also check availability of new version. If new version is available a and upgrade is mandatory, application launch new process - updater.exe.
2) Updater waiting to main application correct exit (saving data on dirty forms etc.)
3) After main application exit updater download new version descriptor (list of files with targer location, install scripts (dll with well known special interface which can be used for many special tasks - create shortcuts, delete file, modify registry, install new certificate). Updater downloads all files, process install scripts and then launch main application again. New install CAB file is usually stored to extended ROM (autoinstall after HARD Reset).
As a server component is used web service with some methods (GetDescriptor, DownloadFile).
ma_gu said:
Hi,
I need auto update functionality for my application. I.e., the new exe/dll shall be downloaded by GPRS and existing program files shall be replaced. Now I wonder, how this could be done in an easy way.
The problem is, that the application is continuously running and updates shall be done more or less "on the fly". Currently, the application is automatically started on boot through registry settings in HKLM/init
So my idea was the following: Creating a "starter programme" for the application: When the device (HTC ARTEMIS) is booted, the starter programme is first launched (through HKLM/init), looks into a pre-defined directory if there are any files. If there are, these files are copied into the directory of the application. Afterwards, the starter programme launches the main application. Do you think that could work? Or are there any better ways (maybe even supported by the OS) to perform SW-updates?
Günther
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to be a good idea. This way, you can update the application while it's running and changes become active when the device is rebooted or the application is exited and started again. It's just excellent.
My needings were more simple, so the update feature I designed works as following:
1. The program is divided into a launcher, an updater library and the true application.
2. When the program is started, the launcher copy the update library call such a copy (just call it updlibcpy).
3. updlibcpy uses http to check if an update is available. The check is performed by downloading an "update manifest" containing the MD5 hash of each file of the updated application and checking it against the MD5 hashes of the current program files.
4. If one or more files need to be updated, updlibcpy does the task. Since only updated files are downloaded, no bandwidth is wasted. The only file that cannot be updated is the launcher, but it is so simple that it should never need an update.
5. When updlibcpy has ended, the control is passed back to the launcher, which invokes the true application executable.
The main difficulty was handling the high packet loss that the HTC devices I used has shown. This caused frequent application hang-ups during start-up, unless the GPRS connection was terminated and started again. Once I solved this problem by giving a timeout to the update (using threads), all worked perfectly.
The only improvement I'm thinking about is some sort of "transactionality" of the update, so that if one file updates correctly while another doesn't, the succesfully updated files roll back to the not updated version.
This .CAB file includes the FreeStyl HTTP Server, the FreeStyl Launcher Flash Application, the FreeStyl Locker Flash Application, and the FreeStyl Configuraiton Applet.
Also included in the install are a selection of .PNG icons for use with the Launcher as well as a single sample wallpaper image.
Current Version : 0.1.1.1 (Dec 13th, 2007) BETA VERSION
Please view the installation instructions for this release.
systeme requis: Adobe Flash Lite and the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2
Freestyle launcher + configuration
There is a new build of the Core package available! This release addresses a bunch of speed issues and cleans up several other minor bugs that were reported in the original FreeStyl release last week. This release also contains the Weather applet! We have moved the locker applet and the weather applet into the main launcher application so everything is running inside the same Flash .swf file. You should find this release to be much speedier in and out of the locker and the weather. There are some open issues with this release as well… but rest assured… we are working on them! We plan on releasing a build about once per week atleast. So stay tuned to the website! As always, let us know what you think by posting comments to this entry or in the forums.
NOTE: This release also allows you to install the Interface on a storage card. All the wallpaper pack installs and the contact applet installs were updated to support storage card installation as well.
Freestyle build 0.1.1.1(Dec 13th, 2007) - Alpha Status
FreeStyl Server, Launcher and Locker
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Contacts Screenshots and New SERVER WeaTher!! Screenshots
FreeStyl Contacts Applet The Contacts applet allows you to browse your device-stored contacts visually, filtering by name, phone number type (ie, only show contacts for which you have mobile numbers, etc). This .CAB file installs the Contacts.swf file in the FreeStyl installation directory.
more information and video here
others
bonus Locker Screenshots
and wallpaper
There are many more in the packs
INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLATIONS
STEP 1: Device Requirements
Before installing FreeStyl, please be aware that your mobile device must meet the following requirements:
- Your device must be running Windows Mobile 5 or 6.
- Your device must be a 240×320 device (The interface will scale to a high-res screen, but your screen must be rectangular).
- Your device must have a touch screen.
Step 2: Install the .NET Compact Framework
FreeStyl requires the use of the .NET CF 2.0 (Base, SP1, or SP2 should work, however all of our testing has been done with SP2.
If your device is relatiely new, it is very likely that the .NET CF is already installed in ROM. If you run the mobile version of Live Search you already have this install as well… it is also required by a number of 3rd party applications.
If it is not already installed you can download it here: Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP2.
or Microsoft.net Compact Framework 3.5
Step 3: Install Adobe Flash Lite
FreeStyl runs in a mobile version of Flash called "Flash Lite". Flash Lite is a standalone Flash player that is not bound to your mobile web browser, which allows more direct access to the device than a browser based Flash player here download
Step 4: Install FreeStyl
FreeStyle is distributed as a number of .CAB installation packages. At this time, there is not a desktop-based component of the setup process.
To install FreeStyle components, simply transfer the .CAB your mobile device via Active Sync, Storage Card, Direct Mobile Browser Download, or whatever method you wish to use. On the device, Click on Start, Programs, File Explorer and browse to the location of the .CAB file. Click on the .CAB file to begin the install.
The installation places two icons in your Programs folder, one to start the FreeStyl interface and another to stop the FreeStyl services.
Congratulations! FreeStyl is now installed and ready to use on your mobile device.
The installation routine will automatically remove older versions when installing later builds. If you wish to remove the components yourself, you can use the "Remove Programs" applet from your device’s Settings folder. Any custom wallpaper, icons, and contact pictures will not be removed, nor will your customized "settings.xml" file.
For Upgraders: If you are upgrading from an alpha release of FreeStyl (WNAI or FUI) it is very likely that your old installation is not in the same directory as the new one. Currently, FreeStyl will be installed to either \Program Files\FreeStyl or \Storage Card\Program Files\FreeStyl, depending on what you choose when launching the install.
To transfer your existing settings over, copy the settings.xml file, and any custom files in the LauncherIcons and Wallpapers folders from your old installation folder to the new install folder.
FAQ/
Q: Are you guys just trying to copy the iPhone interface?
A: Not at all. While it is true that the release of Apple’s iPhone provided the inspiration to launch the FreeStyl project, the focus of FreeStyl is to provide a sleek, stylish interface to the Windows Mobile platform. We feel that WM is a much more powerful and open system than the iPhone, as evidenced by the thousands of available 3rd party applications available for download.The default interface for Windows Mobile is functional, but not very attractive. FreeStyl is an attempt to translate some design ideas from interfaces like the iPhone onto the Windows Mobile platform.
Q: Why Flash Lite?
A: Flash Lite is a standalone Flash player for Windows Mobile, meaning that it is not "browser bound". This allows for functionality that is restricted in a browser based Flash player, as well as the ability to run in "full screen" mode, which is obviously vital to FreeStyl.
Q: Does this interface replace the one my phone? If so is it easy to remove and go back to regular Windows Mobile?
A: No. Nothing is overwritten or replaced on your device. The FreeStyl system is comprosed of a set of Flash applets (.SWF files) and a handful of .NET Compact Framework support applications. It is possible to configure your device to start FreeStyl automatically (by placing a shortcut to FUIStarter.exe in the \windows\Startup folder) and to "suppress" the display of the Today screen (via the configuration applet’s "Opts" tab), however neither of these options replace files on your device. FreeStyl can be removed via the standard "Remove Programs" applet in Windows Mobile.
Q: Does FreeStyl require any other software to run?
A: Yes, it requires Adobe Flash Lite and the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2. There are links to both on our downloads page. Depending on your particular device, you may already have .NET CF 2 built into ROM, so it may not be necessary to install it.
Q: Is FreeStyl only FREE while its in BETA?
A: It is our intention to keep FreeStyl FREE. If you would like to help support the development of FreeStyl, please see the Donate link above.
Q: Is it easy to configure FreeStyl?
A: Yes, unlike some other launchers out there, we provide a configuration application that allows you to easily and visually configure your launcher icons any way you like.
Q: What other applications are you working on our planning?
A: Check out our applications page for a listing and descriptions of all the applications we have in the works or are planning… as time allows we plan on making all kinds of applications using FreeStyl. There is really no limit to what we can do with the interface! If you are exicited about what we have done already and are happily using the interface then please consider making a small donation… since this is just a hobby for us develop time is restricted to our free time… both Kurt and I have families and real jobs so sometimes development can be slow.
Some troubleshooting tips for those having problems
Below are a few scenarios and some troubleshooting tips… If you are having one of the problems listed below then try the steps associated with that problem and then post a comment in this message with details about your results… Please reference the issue # that you are having in your comments:
Issue #1: Unable to start launcher.swf
Troubleshooting: Try going into "Programs" and load up Flash Lite… once it is open use the file menu in Flash Lite to browse out and load the launcher.swf file manually… There may be a file association problem with Flash Lite opening .SWF files… You should only have to do this once… then do a soft reset and try loading up the FreeStyl like normal.
Issue #2: Black screen
Troubleshooting: Most likely your server isn’t starting for some reason… Launch FreeStyl… if you get a black screen exit out of Flash Lite and go into Pocket IE… Open the following URL: http://localhost:13000/SYSTEM~STATUS That should return some details about your number of voicemails, etc… if it does that means you server is running fine… If not that means your server is not starting. If your system does return the status information in Pocket IE but your launcher still just goes to a black screen then please post your system status results from Pocket IE in this thread.
Downloaded it and still have the "Fui server"...btw how to make it automatically open rather than to go to the Program and choose the software
96dpi friendly?
Hi there,
This rather nice I shall give it a test on my Uni later on, quick question is this 96dpi friendly? I'm hopefully getting my hands on an Ameo and this would look cool on the super huge screen
where I can download Adobe Flash Lite for my windows mobile 6??
Max_Axe said:
where I can download Adobe Flash Lite for my windows mobile 6??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
update add flash lite
ok
but it doesn't want run!
I read this error when I running FreeStyl Startup:
"Unable to start LAUNCHER.SWF. Error code: Win32Exception"
what can I do?
Looks good, gotta give this a try
Doesnt work on Kaiser
With .net 3.5 installed
Flash Lite 2.1
The Server App shows an error (Details/quit).
The software doesnt come up since it can't find the server...
Nadav
Oberth said:
Hi there,
This rather nice I shall give it a test on my Uni later on, quick question is this 96dpi friendly? I'm hopefully getting my hands on an Ameo and this would look cool on the super huge screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep it works in 96dpi on my ameo
not particularly quickly but it works.
This is fantastic. Just installed on my TyTN, works straight out the box!
I'm just waiting for the video to download so I can fully understand how to configure the interface so I have my own choice of apps running.
I will be back once i have had a play but first impressions are very, very good.
Well done chaps; donation coming your way presently.
WB
Report:
Now had time to play after watching the video. For a beta this is very very good although one has to watch for memory usage. I ensure all programmes are closed down when not in use to prevent low memory.
Some very nice touches here like the wallpaper recycling feature. I tried to install the wallpapers onto my SD card; while the device told me it had been done, all the wallpapers simply got filed into a subfolder on main memory. Needs sorting.
I have not got round to creating contacts yet. I will report on this later.
Possible improvements:
- Enable drag and drop of icons rather than the tedious swap routine that is in use.
- Allow the sticky icons at the bottom of the screen to be customisable, in the same way as all the others. I don't use IE Explorer yet can't get rid of it!
- I consistently get loadup errors although once quit is selected, the app loads up anyway. I guess this will be tidied up in later editions.
- The app itself is quite slow in use, given that I am running this on a fast TyTN. Not sure whether this is a flash or coding issue. Getting applications to minimise rather than close made no difference to the speed of loading and unloading whatsoever. Nevertheless I will continue to use it.
I will be back with more.
WB
Report 2:
Convert contact images does not work. Therefore can't find a way of creating contacts at the moment with pictures. Painful process for changing the static items. The app keeps bombing out. Still, my overall impressions are positive.
WB
Work with artemis P3300
NICE APP!
I have it running on my wm6 i760. Runs NICE
I know its a beta and you are prolly fixing these things as we speak.
But anywho..
suggestions: Missed call, sms, email counter on the bottom, browse feature for the config, any plans for landscape mode?
Love the transitions, very, very, very nice app.
yeah another iphone HOG(netcf and flash lol).
NIIICE, i was waiting for this for months already, but the result is really really good, im amazed!
Great indeed!!! Thanks.
WOW!!
it's very cool!!
I add this application to automatic startup programs!
but the battery usage? it's more??
thank's!
Hi,
I want to test it but this application don't work on my HTC Touch Dual
I have an error when I use FUIStarter.exe
Can you help me ?
@+
Mendes
thanks a lot, wen I try to run the program on my ppc 6700 , a message pops up that's says I need a newer version of microsoft .net compact framework, can any one help me please?
playero718 said:
thanks a lot, wen I try to run the program on my ppc 6700 , a message pops up that's says I need a newer version of microsoft .net compact framework, can any one help me please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just search for ms compact (dot).net framework version 2 or 3 and install.
@ Mendes,
I get these errors but if you click ok on the first window then quit on the other, it loads up anyway. Have you confirmed that you have the latest .net framework installed?
WB
Hi Guys,
i wrote a small C#-Application for updating SpbWeather (maybe it should work also with other Weather-Applications) despite Proxy-Restrictions (like Vodafone, o2 etc.). This program emulates a normal Wap-Browser (with an exact User-Agent) and downloads a Weather-html-File of your choice to your PDA. In combination with Pico-WebServer and some little tweaks , SpbWeather updates with this local file.
First of all, it is a beta program. Use this program at your own risk. I will take no responsibilities for malfunctions or/and unintentional data traffic (and costs). It should be working fine, but nobody is perfect.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, here is the Step-by-Step guide what you have to do:
1. Install the lastest Microsoft Compact .Net-Framework on your PDA (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=9655156b-356b-4a2c-857c-e62f50ae9a55)
2. SpbWeather
You need a actual version of SpbWeather (it should be with working with other Weather-Programs too, e.g. HTC Weather or PocketWeather)
3. Download the SpbWeather-Template from Spb-Weather-Forum (or somethere else) you want to use. I attached a working template for www.wetter.com
4. Edit the Template-File and search the line "open_url(.......)" . Edit the value in the brackets to open_url("http://localhost/wetter.htm", "GET"); (the name of the .htm - file its your choice).
5. Copy the .tpl - File in the templates - Folder of SpbWeather and add a new City with this edited Template.
6. Install Pico Webserver on your PDA ( http://http://www.tucows.com/preview/200784)
7. Start Picowebserver, goto Settings and edit the Alias Settings. You can choose the default path of the webserver or you can choose another path. But remember this path, we'll need it. Now start the Server.
8. Ok, now you need the WeatherUpdater. Just copy it to a location of your choice and start it. Go to "Settings" and configure the Programm. There are five entrys you can edit.
a. WebServer:
Enter the complete url of the weather site and your town: (wich matched to the template you use for Spb Weather). In my case the Url is: http://www.wetter.com/mobile/wetter.php?id=43367&type=WORLD (enter wetter.com/mobile and you can search your town)
b. Local Web-Server
Enter the Path to the Root-Directory of your Picowebserver (see 6.)
c. Name html-File:
Enter the Name of the htm(l)-file to download...it must matched with the name you edited in the template-File (see 3.)
d. Update on Start:
Downloads the html-Weather-File on Programstart
e. Update-Interval:
Choose an interval for updating the Weather-html-File. You can chosse values between 1 and 1440 minutes. (1min - 24h). Remember, it produces data traffic you have to pay for (or you have a flatrate etc., that's your own risk)) In my example, one update produces 15kb of data traffic. Check various templates with less traffic (maybe less weather info).
With runnig Picowebserver and WeatherUpdater in the background, you can now Update SpbWeather every hour.
What do do next:
-----------------
a. It would be fantastic to integrate the webserver functionality into WeatherDownloader. But i've to check out how to make a Webserver in C#. Maybe someone can help me
Please report any bugs or wishes for further versions.
b. automatic installation with a cab-file and AutoStart functionality
c. HowTo for other Weather Programs like HTC Weather and PocketWeather
d. and many many more features
Pfischi
P.S: Sorry for my English
------
Screenshots in Progress
Nice release Pfischi, something I was looking for quite some ti...........well, forever
2/3/09 Update
I have updated the pocket freeware program with the help & permission of the Freewarepocketpc.net site.
I am looking for 1) feedback & suggestions, 2) testers, 3) B4PPC developers to help out - I want this to be a program that is useful and maybe even be something that could turn into an "App Store" someday (limited to what freewarepocketpc.net, of course)
[Description]
I've started another project over at Basic4PPC - this is called "Pocket Freeware" The goal was to create a client that would let you scroll through the software titles at Freewarepocketpc.net and install them directly onto your PDA.
Project url: http://www.basic4ppc.com/forum/open-source-projects/3487-freewarepocketpc-net-client.html
Released under the GNU General Public License
Current version: D.13 (developer's release)
Install instructions: unzip & copy to PDA. Program will create any directories and files that it needs. (this is a developer's build. future public releases will have a cab)
Attached: PC and Pocket versions (zip)
Features
1. View applications by New, or by category (edit categories.txt file to customize what categories you want)
2. View application detail - if app was installed by "Pocket Freeware" it will have checkmark and show both installed date and latest available date.
3. Download & install
4. Pocket PC and PC versions
Future or still in development
1. View list of what has been installed from freewarepocketpc.net with this app (and check for updates!)
2. Landscape mode (not implemented due to my laziness and focus on features)
3. View listings on freewarepocketpc.net's shareware site
4. More robust downloading (working with site owner)
5. Save settings (currently hard coded, some you can change during run-time)
6. Clean-up details page (artistic, I am not)
7. Your feature here?
Instructions & hints
1. Checking an unchecked box in the details page will download and install the app
2. Clicking on the image in the details page will enlarge the image. Click on image again to minimize.
3. Little "X" in right hand corner of details page will close the details & return to listing
4. Double click (or press enter on dpad) to select application to view details. I may add the detail launch on the main page image in a future release
Sounds like a great idea.
Hey, I was trying to download this program. What has happened to it digitaldon37?
knownboyofno said:
Hey, I was trying to download this program. What has happened to it digitaldon37?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The owner of the PocketFreeware site had some concerns with it, so I decided not to continue it. However I have been trading e-mails with them so something may come out of it.
I have a screen shot posted on my wiki: campusbbs.freehostia.com
Yea, I saw that... too bad cuz I flash from time to time and don't have a back of a file. Anyway thanks for the info.
New Developer's Release .12 - complete rewrite
2/3/09 Update
I have updated the pocket freeware program with the help & permission of the Freewarepocketpc.net site.
I am looking for 1) feedback & suggestions, 2) testers, 3) B4PPC developers to help out - I want this to be a program that is useful and maybe even be something that could turn into an "App Store" someday (limited to what freewarepocketpc.net, of course)
See main post for details.
The PC version works ok; the ppc one, instead, not: the upper part (where in pc there is the app list) is blank, and i can only see the description of the first item (as now PockeTwit) and its image. Nothing else. The lower part (WVGA-VGA) is also blank.
Device: HTC Touch HD, rom 1.13 ITA
bbonzz said:
The PC version works ok; the ppc one, instead, not: the upper part (where in pc there is the app list) is blank, and i can only see the description of the first item (as now PockeTwit) and its image. Nothing else. The lower part (WVGA-VGA) is also blank.
Device: HTC Touch HD, rom 1.13 ITA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm using an external library for some of the controls (ie the listbox that doesn't show on your pda) and thought they would size properly.
The HTC Touch HD has a screen size of 480x800 - I'll check the code to make sure it handles this.
UPDATE: I made some changes on how controls are sized and tested this in the 240x320, 240x400, 480x640, and 480x800 emulators. They seem to be working correctly now.
Pulled the links again? All I see on the basic4ppc thread appears to be source code? and no link to anything here either. Dead project?
lotherius said:
Pulled the links again? All I see on the basic4ppc thread appears to be source code? and no link to anything here either. Dead project?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Joel2009 has taken the source code and started a new project thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513503
Hello - I have a very specific remote access requirement, however I’m a total novice with regards to Android. I wanted to provide the instructions I have been given to see if anyone in the know could simply summarise or advice how I can achieve this please?
I need remote access of my Android 8.1 Xtrons HU however am finding that all Android Apps fail to allow ‘clicking’ when accessing the device remotely (ie. TeamViewer/ VNC install and allow a connection, however ‘clicking’ can not be done remotely). I believe this could be a security and/or accessibility issue/function, however the closest solution I have found has been advised by both the App publisher and the Xtrons support team below.
Although technical, I don’t know what the exact steps are, or if this approach will even work, however I wanted to post it here to see if anyone could make sense of it please?
Advise from Xtrons (HU Manufactuer):
"After entering "adbon "in the factory set and opening ADB ,you can apply on the machine by yourself directly."
Advice from AnyDesk Development Team:
"For the manufacturer of the Android's ROM there is a process to get the APK signed, so that remote control for that ROM is possible.
This is our Control Plugin Creation Process:
1. Run AnyDesk on the destination device and send the trace file to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or as reply to this mail.
- Open Anydesk on Android
- Open the menu
- Open about panel
- Click on: Send Support Information
2. Please tell us the name you would like for your plugin and whether you want it to be available in the app store.
3. We can extract the system signature hash from the trace files and will build a plugin for this system.
4. We will send you this plugin APK file.
5. You have to sign the plugin with the platform key of your ROM.
apksigner sign --ks YOUR_PLATFORM_KEY_STORE --out YOUR_ANYDESK_PLUGIN-signed.apk YOUR_ANYDESK_PLUGIN-unsigned.apk
6. Send us the signed plugin back.
7. If possible provide us with one of your devices for testing.
8. We will send you the updated anydesk.apk for testing, you will have to install the updated anydesk.apk as well as the signed plugin manually on the test device.
9. After your ok we will publish it with our next android release.
10. Once the plugin and the updated AnyDesk app are released, your devices can be remote-controlled by AnyDesk."