Does anyone know how I can host Today plugins in my own programs like PPX and WDA do?
What kind of code would be required?
EDIT: I don't need to know how to write today plugins, but how to host the plugin component within my own applications, emulating the Today screen.
V
Not sure if this is what you want. You can write it in either of the embedded languages, but if you want to use C# and the .Net Compact Framework this tells you how
I haven't used it because I haven't got around to reinstalling eVb which is needed to build the supplied code.
kevino - thanks for the link (although you might want to edit the URL, it has an extra / on the end).
But, I don't need to know how to write a today plugin, but to host them like the Today screen does, eg SideX, WDA and PPX do.
Thanks for taking the time tho!
V
Yes I noticed later who I was replying to and that you already knew all that stuff. I thought I'd leave it there because it took me ages to find it myself.
:wink:
No problem at all.
Working on so many today plugins right now, I've found I'm >literally< thinking about them in my sleep. Frankly, even I'm getting worried!
But, the question still stands, anyone know how to host a today plugin in my own window? I think I need to interface into them etc (are they COM objects?), but I've no idea where to start looking to learn that kind of hackery...
V
I have a program called Weather Watcher Mobile. It's a great program that I would love to see a Today Plugin incorporated. I have seen some developers on these forums who have made Today screen plug-ins. How would one create a Today Plugin for an established program? Thanks.
Here is an excellent article that helped me wright my plugin:
http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/sampchap/5461a.aspx#100
The problem is from what I can see on the developers site (is this the one you are talking about http://www.singerscreations.com/RSS/Posts/339.asp)
he programs in .NET
There is no way to create a plugin using .NET languages, only using C / C++.
In any case I believe it would be best if you referred this developer directly to the forum so he can ask the specific questions he has himself.
levenum said:
There is no way to create a plugin using .NET languages, only using C / C++.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure? http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms839442.aspx
Ok, my mistake, I should have said There is no way to create a plugin using only .NET languages."
I forgot I read about something similar briefly - using a .NET dll and a C++ dll together.
Thanks. I'll direct him to this thread.
Is it possible to write a today plugin, the text on which can be controlled through command line or any other way ?
Plugins do not except command line - they are dll not exe files, but there are plenty of other ways to control plugin text.
For example I am going to release a plugin soon that takes a string from registry, displays it and checks for changes couple of times per second.
levenum said:
Plugins do not except command line - they are dll not exe files, but there are plenty of other ways to control plugin text.
For example I am going to release a plugin soon that takes a string from registry, displays it and checks for changes couple of times per second.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When...when...when....????
I am planing a very nice plugin but it is really difficult to make one. All examples on the net are for evc++, I did not find a single sample for Visual Studio 2005.
If u are making something like this, it will really save a lot of my time.
Soon I hope, but it will be evc++ as well. I hate VS 2005, its fat, slow and costs a lot.
But if you are using c++ (there are samples on MSDN for c#) it doesn't matter what compiler the project is for, just use the source files.
See the links in previous posts for detailed explanations.
As I'm new in this forum: Hi everybody!
I have been programming Windows CE-based devices for many years, but no experience yet with the HTC ARTEMIS (P3300). Therefore, I've a few questions and hope to get answers from this forum:
- I assume, it is possible to program visual-C++ based applications for the programme. SDK for Windows Mobile should be available at Microsoft. Is that correct?
All further questions are based on the assumption that visual-C++ (or embedded VC) is used for application development.
1. Is it possible to direclty receive incoming Short Messages (SMS) via the application? (Any keyword on how this works would also be welcome)
2. Is it possible to query the battery status from the device?
3. Can the GSM module easily be accessed and can Cell-IDs or carrier IDs be read from the device? (In particular, I want to identify the home country of the current mobile carrier) - If yes, how does it work?
4. Is it possible to restrict the appearance of the ARTEMIS. I.e., the user should only be able to access "my" application and mobile phone (voice) features. All other applications and system functions shall be hidden to the user.
Thanks in advance and kind regards,
ma_gu
yeah the stk can be downloaded and accessed from visual studio
1. i would asume so even if it had to be don with a dll hook
2. yeah many 3th party applications can display it asume there is an api call to get it
3. yeah there is an api forget the name searching in this forum should give some hits
4. yeah but if they hardreset or reflash the device it would be more troublesome
Hi Rudegar,
thanks for your fast reply. That sounds good and I think, I'll be able to find the regarding API calls (anyway, if somebody could provide some keywords, it would be very welcome).
But I have never restricted the appearance of any Windows-CE based device (question #4). How can this be done? At the beginning, I assumed that this needs rebuilding of the operating system via a system builder, but that's obviously not the case. Can you give me some hints on how to do this?
Kind regards,
ma_gu
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=256646&highlight=programming
the api is called ril
depend on who you wanna develop really
1 option is making pure arm code (kinda skipping the ce) using gcc compiler for arm
2 option is the high lvl c# .net or c++ .net path but it's not that fast and dont have as much os access as pure win32 stk and even microMFC
3 option microMFC old ms class lib for c++ oop the granddad of .net you might say
4 pure win32 stk you handle the msg loop and everything more work but more power where many developrs who do today items and programs end up
if you can live with .net it's the easy path
if you want more then starting with microMFC and moving on to pure win32stk is prob the thing
java is not that well supported by wm imho
oooh yeah and you dont use platform builders and stuff like that
unless you are building roms from scratch and got access to all drivers for spc devices
you start a new project in embedded visual stuio or visual stuio 200X
and pick your path as in .net or the likes
and then you can debug using a simulator or directly on the device
it use activesync to get the exe there
otherwise you can normaly activesync the exe file to your device and run it directly
or copy it to a sd card and run it from there
Hi,
I am trying to write a small application for my WM6 phone device.
What I intend to do is :
- write the application in c#
- it will be a background application (daemon)
- starting to blink leds of my phone (I have a dll which I know how to call from within a C# app)
- stopping this process when the call is answered or the ringing state is passed
- no forms will be used (as it will be a background application which will only play with leds)
- when the exe is called a second time , it should disable itself
Unfortunately, I could not succeed a few months ago as seen here :
http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2454023&SiteID=1
Then , I had some other issues to deal with and left the project. Now I want to start over, fresh...
However, I am not sure of what is the most acceptable solution for this.
As I do not want to load the CPU or memory with unneccessary processes, I want to be able to do it correctly.
Could someone show me the path ?
Please take a look at the thread that I gave the URL above. At that time we discussed this but I couldn't achieve it.
Thanks for any help, comments...
SystemState class seems to only work if you have a form based application. Which is silly I know. Basically the only solution is do dump the daemon idea and have a form based app but hide the form.
thanks for your reply.
what do you mean by "dump the daemon idea" ? do you mean I shouldn't use it ?
if I create a form based app and hide the form, which method should I use to start the process when phone starts ringing ?
p.s : english is not my native language so I may misunderstand some phrases.
yes he means forget the daemon..and i recommend using C++ as it uses less system resources plus its fast .. im currently developing my first Kitchen in C++ if u want i can work with you also
I agree with you; of course c++ is faster but it's not as easy as c#.
what do you mean by kitchen ?
I would like to work with you but my intention is just creating a simple application. This is not my job, you see ?
A kitchen is a place where you can cook your OWN ROM for your Windows Mobile Device..currently its for Himalaya Only ..check it out here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=378498
for me its not a JOB also its just my hobby ..im also a student in 12th grade
thanks for your kind offer. however, I wouldn't like to take your time for my very simple application
If you tell me the correct and easiest method to invoke my application and start its process, I can write the application. I'd just consult you if I'm stuck.
If you are also interested in this app. I can always send you the source code.
sure sure..send me the source....i am not doing much at the moment any way..except for re-writing the tools in C++..i have another useful suggestion..u can use MortScript to this but then it will be different
if you pm me your email address , I can send you the current source code.
But I am not sure if what I wrote is the best way of doing it.
by "best" I mean least cpu power used.
ather90,
did you receive my email ?
yeah i got the source..but there is a problem..you have built this on WM6 Pro SDK..not on WM5..i dnt have WM6 SDK..so i couldnt work yet..but will download it today..its better if you can switch it to WM5 SDK ( it will be same for WM6/6.1 i guess).
I don't know how to convert it to WM5 SDK.
If you tell me I can switch...
NO probs..the SDK is almost downloaded..i figured i might as well download the SDK caz i will need later
ok; waiting for your update...
any updates ?
I am interested in dabbling a little in programming for my Kaiser. I have programming experience, mainly php / mysql, though I have done some C and lots of scripting in my time. My biggest project so far though was an open source google maps mod to put on your website - thousands of lines of php / js code, mysql backend and AJAX tieing it together, some graphics routines etc, so I am no drooling n00b when it comes to coding.
How easy is it to develop basic stuff in WM?
I have access to MSDN, so I can get Visual Studio (2005 for sure, maybe later versions), so I think I have access to the apps I would need. I just ordered some books to help me along, but was wondering if I would likely face a steep learning curve.
All the stuff I want to do is today screen plugins - was thinking of having a bash at writing my own quick contacts plugin - *very* basic - just a vertically scrolling list of names over a transparent PNG button with maybe photos from the address book - I want it to be able to scroll by vertical gesture within an ultimatelaunch tab - is this likely to be quite easy and quite a good "first app" to program?
I was also looking at writing a lite repacement for phoneweaver as the only feature I use is to turn on BT when it detects power but no activesync (ie auto turn on BlueTooth when I am in the car and the device is cradled) - maybe a hack to force the keyboard backlight on in the same situation.
I have bought:
Microsoft® Visual C#® 2005 Step by Step (Microsoft)
Microsoft® Mobile Development Handbook [Paperback] by A. Wigley; Daniel... (Microsoft)
Comments / suggestions?
I would also be very interested in a thread or good reference on how to start to program app for mobile gadgets. Actually i'm a Delphi coder, and i would like to implement some applications on WM platform, but when i search over internet there's plenty of information, but no usefull information with "real-life" recomendations.
depend on the platform and language one wish to use really
there is c#.net, vb.net c++.net
c++ miniMFC, c++ PureWin32 sdk
oldVB
...
here are some other posts asking pretty much the same thing from the forum
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=225405&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=237932&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=241670&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=245426&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=228043&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=317913&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=302548&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=327164&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=305926&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336251&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=226412&highlight=programming
codeguru.com got examples of various windows mobile programs too today items and such
about delphi i dont know if anybody got some info i would say borlands site
Thanks rud. I was aware of various other posts, but my question was more of a "How steep is the learning curve?" rather than "How do you do it?".
There was also an element of "How do you do it?" insofar as there seem to be better or worse ways of going about various kinds of app (eg today apps with gesture support) which I am finding a bit of a minefield, but I feel that the new post was valid because I am giving an indication of my experience level and what I am trying to acheive - none of the posts you listed cover the combination of stuff I am trying to do. Reqs like pulling from outlook db and allowing gesture scrolling in a today plugin, I dunno, I may waste ages with C#, for example, only to realise it is a breeze with C++... I also note that a google search for wm programming gesture scroll today screen currently ranks this very thread #5. By tomorrow that'll be a googlewhack then.
Yes, there are various posts about how to get started, but I think maybe a sticky would be in order with a bit of info on the various paths - the vb/c++/c# options are quite bewildering - stuff like
levenum said:
Your question is mainly a matter of personal preference.
Here is my opinion on C++ vs. C#:
C++ advantages:
- Native code is faster than .NET
- Easier access to Win32 APIs
- Ability to write system components like keyboards and today plugins.
C# advantages:
- Saves on coding time
- Allows use of many .NET CF components to quickly accomplish complex tasks.
Please note that I am bias. I hate .NET and want nothing to o with it. Specially on mobile devices that do not have the processing power to spare for the .NET overhead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is really useful, maybe if it were expanded upon, info such as for this route you need visual studio, etc, etc it would make a really good sticky for the dev section.
evilc said:
I am interested in dabbling a little in programming for my Kaiser. I have programming experience, mainly php / mysql, though I have done some C and lots of scripting in my time. My biggest project so far though was an open source google maps mod to put on your website - thousands of lines of php / js code, mysql backend and AJAX tieing it together, some graphics routines etc, so I am no drooling n00b when it comes to coding.
How easy is it to develop basic stuff in WM?
I have access to MSDN, so I can get Visual Studio (2005 for sure, maybe later versions), so I think I have access to the apps I would need. I just ordered some books to help me along, but was wondering if I would likely face a steep learning curve.
All the stuff I want to do is today screen plugins - was thinking of having a bash at writing my own quick contacts plugin - *very* basic - just a vertically scrolling list of names over a transparent PNG button with maybe photos from the address book - I want it to be able to scroll by vertical gesture within an ultimatelaunch tab - is this likely to be quite easy and quite a good "first app" to program?
I was also looking at writing a lite repacement for phoneweaver as the only feature I use is to turn on BT when it detects power but no activesync (ie auto turn on BlueTooth when I am in the car and the device is cradled) - maybe a hack to force the keyboard backlight on in the same situation.
I have bought:
Microsoft® Visual C#® 2005 Step by Step (Microsoft)
Microsoft® Mobile Development Handbook [Paperback] by A. Wigley; Daniel... (Microsoft)
Comments / suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey!
Congrats on getting your hands on with Windows Mobile...
The easiest way is to download Visual Studio 2005(2008 You have it on MSDN) - and create a new application with it.
It's sooo easy if you know your object oriented programming, as long as you want to create ordinary "office" applications... But if you want to do more advanced things(like creating a today-plugin) you need to go over to c++(even though you can download a .net home-plugin-container which acts like a "loader" for your plugin written in c++) - and also, if you want to create good GUIs, I think you are better off with c++... But then again, I think you need a bit more effort in learning c++ then using c#...
Hope this helps...
Still slogging my way thru this...
I got hold of an MSDN disc, first off I installed visual studio 6 - bad move.
Had to uninstall before trying to install VS 2005, now I think it has screwed something up, every time I try and create a "Smart Device Win32" project, I get a "Project creation failed" error. I may have to re-GHOST my OS to get rid of it
So much time just finding out what apps I need and what options to choose to start a project...
I found http://channel9.msdn.com/wiki/default.aspx/MobileDeveloper.HomePage which seems helpful
Thanks for responses!
Evilc, you link of msdn is excellent point, many thanks!
I have also just started programming in C++ ..i dnt have any knowledge of any type of codes..i learned every thing frm MSDN libraries ( i have many many of them caz i have VS 2006 VS 2005 and VS 2008 )..i recommend you to work with C++ because it uses less system resources and is fast..hope this helps..check out my Kitchen coded in C++ ( link in signature )
Yeah, I think C++ is definately more what I am looking for from what I have learned thus far.
Re-Ghosted OS - totally fresh XP SP2, installed Visual Studio 2005, still the same error. GRRR!
Visual C++ --> Smart Device --> Win32 Smart Device Project == "Project Creation Failed"
Other Languages --> Visual C# --> Smart Device --> Windows CE 5.0 --> Device Application == Project created OK.
Some posts I have found on the net say it is an IE7 issue, I may try uninstalling that or flashing back to an OS image with IE6 only, but this is really winding me up and taking a *lot* of my time...
I uninstalled IE7 and the problem went away. Woohoo!!
starting programming windows mobile
hello
1. see my web site.
2. see my book recommendations, especially the 'programming windows ce' by douglas boling. It has an example for many things and a today sample too. Most is based on visual c++ 3.0/4.0. Embedded Visual C 4 can be loaded free of charge at ms.
regards
josef
Nice site, thanks.
The windows mobile 6 sdk actually has a today screen sample, along with samples of most of the things I need to do.
neofix said:
It's sooo easy if you know your object oriented programming, as long as you want to create ordinary "office" applications... But if you want to do more advanced things(like creating a today-plugin) you need to go over to c++(even though you can download a .net home-plugin-container which acts like a "loader" for your plugin written in c++) - and also, if you want to create good GUIs, I think you are better off with c++... But then again, I think you need a bit more effort in learning c++ then using c#...
Hope this helps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are we using the same language?? Cos this (C++ Win32 for Mobile Devices) is by far and above the most difficult programming language to get into that I have ever tried. Yes, worse than ASM.
Trying to code an app that prints "Hello World" has taken me over 5 hours with no success yet - most languages I have a go at it's 5 minutes.
From http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms901121.aspx :
Code:
int DrawText(
HDC hDC,
LPCTSTR lpString,
int nCount,
LPRECT lpRect,
UNIT uFormat
);
It gives a brief description of what the parameters are, but absolutely no examples and no explanation of what all the parameters do or how to initialize them, so even browsing an example is no use to me.
u can simply try
MessageBox::Show(" your message ");
ather90 said:
u can simply try
MessageBox::Show(" your message ");
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that .NET ?
I thought the consensus was that Native Win32 or whatever it is called was the better way to go?
This is part of the problem. I cannot even work out what to put in a search engine to pull out info on the right "flavour" of C and for the pocketpc. It's *so* bewildering.
Hello evilc.
First I noticed you have some trouble with VS 2005. It probably won't be easy now, but if you ever get to format your machine again don't install it (unless you absolutely need some other features).
For C / C++ programming for WM device I strongly recommend eVC 4 as it is much lighter and responds quicker. (It's a free download as well)
Second, though you can program for WM in C# and VB .NET which are both .NET Object based languages and are probably much closer in form to PHP and Java then C, you can not write system components such as today plugins in those languages.
You need native code so C / C++ is the only way to go.
(Actually, there is a trick to combine C# and C++ DLLs to create a today plugin where C# will do the main stuff, but its pretty complicated)
What you need is to learn basic Win32 programming and using the windows API. They are almost identical for Windows Mobile and Desktop windows versions so any book on Win32 should teach you the basics.
(Personally I started with MS book on MFC and studio 6 but I would not recommend it)
Finally:
I would gladly explain the parameters of DrawText but I am not quite clear on how much familiarity you have with the Win32 mechanics, since the languages you are used to obscure them unlike C which gives you extra power but also makes you work much harder to get anything done.
Do you know how to handle messages, and how windows manages all abjects using handles? Any familiarity with GDI?
If not, it will be pretty difficult to explain.
levenum said:
Hello evilc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello! <waves>
First I noticed you have some trouble with VS 2005. It probably won't be easy now, but if you ever get to format your machine again don't install it (unless you absolutely need some other features).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tracked down the problem when I got home and installed on my desktop. When doing it on the laptop, whilst installing SP1 for studio 2005, I had hit "Not Now" to a reboot request and it had said installation failed. When I installed SP1 on my desktop and said "Yes" to the reboot request, the problem went away, so I guess it was fixed in SP1 but the installer is a bit picky.
For C / C++ programming for WM device I strongly recommend eVC 4 as it is much lighter and responds quicker. (It's a free download as well)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I had that advice before as I wasted a day messing around with an MSDN CD, trying to work out what to install and what not. So does the eVC 4 download include an IDE? If not, what do you use?
Second, though you can program for WM in C# and VB .NET which are both .NET Object based languages and are probably much closer in form to PHP and Java then C, you can not write system components such as today plugins in those languages.
You need native code so C / C++ is the only way to go.
(Actually, there is a trick to combine C# and C++ DLLs to create a today plugin where C# will do the main stuff, but its pretty complicated)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to tell me twice to avoid the bloatware ****e
What you need is to learn basic Win32 programming and using the windows API. They are almost identical for Windows Mobile and Desktop windows versions so any book on Win32 should teach you the basics.
(Personally I started with MS book on MFC and studio 6 but I would not recommend it)
Finally:
I would gladly explain the parameters of DrawText but I am not quite clear on how much familiarity you have with the Win32 mechanics, since the languages you are used to obscure them unlike C which gives you extra power but also makes you work much harder to get anything done.
Do you know how to handle messages, and how windows manages all abjects using handles? Any familiarity with GDI?
If not, it will be pretty difficult to explain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No GDI Experience. I take it this would be the library of choice for drawing the screen of a today screen app? Stuff like the HTC Home clock or the new Face Contacts - they would likely use Native C++ and GDI? Doesnt strike me as something you would do with a form.
Also, anyone got the skinny on vertically scrolling by click-and-drag inside a today screen app? Just a case of enabling a parameter? Has to be coded manually? Best way to do it smoothly? If you have seen the Conduits Pocket Player 3.x browse list - how it "eases in" and "eases out" at the ends of the list, has inertia so you can "flick" down the list, the alphabetical bar instead of the regular scroll bar - is that all coded manually or is there an api or something that can help?
Thanks for the help!
I just noticed your apps in your sig - checked out LVM time - noticed there was source - wooohoo! I generally pick these things up by example.
All that code just for a (configurable) clock on one line - wow. Great though, a really good example of a today app - minimal enough in functions so it is easier to suss how it all slots together, but full featured enough (implimented example of an options screen - yay!) to show how to do various things.
And Gnu as well! Nice, this will be the basis of my first test project too I think - at least now I have a framework to test out what I want to do and how to go about it without having to work out how to code the basis of the application.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart sir.
I tried to build it in VS2005, but I got a
fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'todaycmn.h': No such file or directory
A quick google search showed todaycmn.h was part of the SDK, I found the file, dropped it into the headers section of the project, but no joy. I will probs just try eVC.
Oh, and having developed a today plugin, maybe you can answer this one:
As far as I can tell so far, debugging isn't very easy with a today app - something to do with the fact that the dll is not releasable? Is this an issue I will come up against? I hope its not a case of "reinstalling" the app each time you want to test... I was thinking maybe along the lines of have it as a normal app for debugging, then make it a today plugin when you want to build to use it?
I dunno, probably trying to run before I can walk, my books shoulda been here today, oh well. Sorry for all the questions...
@evilc:
Are you using standard Win32 or MFC?
You may want to try using MFC since you get the flexibility of native development but with some nice class libraries that make your life easier.
As for click and drag behavior, that is usually implemented by handling the WM_LBUTTONDOWN, WM_LBUTTONUP and WM_MOUSEMOVE.
When you get wm_lbuttondown you set a flag that says the user is dragging. You use wm_mousemove to update the stylus position as long as this flag is set, then you unset it on wm_lbuttonup.
That's the basic idea anyway. Someone made a post about gesture recognition in this forum a few weeks ago with sample code. You should see if you can find that.
Managed Today Screen plugins
See:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms839442.aspx
for some background on the concept.
And:
http://www.christec.co.nz/blog/archives/279
Outlines what I think is a very ingenius technique for managed today screen plugins.
For those of you that want an easy way to make a today screen app in c#. Chris did all the C++ work for you.
Also I forgot to mention that the SDK samples cover all most every application type you can think of. Most of the good ones are Win32 though.
Also, keep in mind that you can use P/Invoke from your C# apps to call native APIs. So don't let people tell you you need to use C++ just because you can access more api's. I will say that you should use C++ for games, or other apps that require high speed or advanced GUI's (it is VERY hard to do interesting gui techniques with C# and interop, trust me).
And finally, I would highly recommend using the most recent version of visual studio you can get (especially if you're using vista), unless your machine can't handle a newer version. I say so because visual studio gets more and more powerful as an editor with each new iteration and I personally can't go back after I get used to the new features they introduce. And the new versions are almost necessary if you're going to do .net development.