Database Users

Tidying up Today Screen On MDA Pro

Hi,
I recently picked up an MDA Pro and am pretty happy with it, but there are a couple of things on the Today screen that I'd like to get rid of and can't find out how.
The bottom of the screen has a bar for the softkeys (currently says 'Messages' and 'Calendar') that's a waste of space, and likewise just above that there is a toolbar with battery status/wireless manager/screen rotate that I'd like to ditch. Any ideas how to do this?
Separately, are there any today plugins that give you the ability to crush down the # of messages and tasks to a single line rather than the current individual items?
Cheers,
Jim.

I don't use WM2005, however, have a look for my program, TodayToggle (which is not entirely WM2005 compatible: it doesn't hide the softbutton menu bar; I've purposely NOT tried to hide it because it's there for a reason. Would it be useful to hide it? When I get WM2005 I'll think about it).
For better control of task and alarms etc, look into alarmtoday by pocketmax. 3rd plugin down here:
{
"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"
}
V

vijay, u have some AWESOME looking features going on there. Please can you tell us what you're using for:
- What is giving you all the icons in the top bar?
- Which app are you using for the calendar summary?
- What is the second-last plugin and what does it do?

craigiecraigie4 - have a look at the second post here for some shots of my setup http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=26468
The bar at the top is just PhoneAlarm using a skin I made, and using a hack I made called ToggleToday. Both are described in detail here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=27331
Toggletoday will minimise the Startbar to a tiny 2 pixel high bar, and then allow your today screen to show through. So you get phonealarm on every page. It should work in QVGA on the Universal, although I'll be sorting out VGA and full WM2005 support when I get a WM2005 device (shortly I hope).
The second to last plugin is claunch set up with shortcuts to dial or sms my better half - they use tools I wrote called VJSMS and VJDialer, both available in the development forum; http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=26972.
I use a dual sim, so claunch is also set to allow me to switch sims (not visible on screen) - the plugin after phonealarm is a plugin i wrote to show my current operator, o2 UK and Orange UK.
The calendar summary is using AlarmToday by Pocketmax (phonealarm guy) but hacked a little to suit my theme better.
V
PS - this is my old screen! I've improved one or two things since, will try to post some new pics soonish.

Hmm... not quite what I was after. Here's a screenshot of my today page with the things that I don't like about it:
Items that I'd like to fix:
1 - combine these into a single line item
2 - get rid of the softbar (using a softkey for messages is a waste as there's already a hardkey for this and the calendar is already on the today screen)
3 - get rid of this line of icons (again duplicated information/functionality)
I tried your software but it doesn't seem to work with the MDA Pro: the screen ends up somewhat distored with the messages part of the today screen showing through to other apps and the right-hand 20% or so of the screen no longer updating - suspect a WM2005 prob somewhere.
Any other ideas?

Okay so not a perfect fix but I've found out how to change the softkeys on the Today screen and posted the details at http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=140027

Removing soft menu buttons in WM5?

Anyone knows how to remove the bottom soft menu buttons (messages/calendar bar) at the bottom?
:roll:
Greetz
DvL

Are you talking about the soft menu buttons (the menu bar right at the bottom of the screen?).
V

..
aha that is what it called? :shock:
yes i mean the soft menu thingy ;o) it is covering some of my fine vga theme art LOL
:twisted:

hmmm
Anyone?

Have you tried WisBar Advanced with WisBar Desktop???
It is a great set of programs that gives you the ability to hide the soft buttons
www.lakeridgesoftware.com

ehh
YEAH YOU ARE RIGHT LOL
but that slows down the Universal sooo much, i actually got my idea from WAD (wisbar advanced desktop).
I would like just a hack or so! then it would show my theme perfectly in landscape mode too..
Love the speed of my Universal now! only got pocketbreeze 5 installed! perfect.
So? any code hackers here? or .cab makers (soft menu buttons off and soft menu buttons on cab)??

dvl, this is discussed elsewhere on the forum. I believe that Wisbar desktop advance allows you to hide the soft buttons in Wisbar, but these menus bars are made per application.
I've made an app to hide the bars on the Today screen but it only works on WM2003 yet, NOT wm5. In fact I believe that it does hide the bars in WM5, but it doesn't allow you to use the space (yet). This is how it looks on WM2003se:
{
"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"
}
That's discussed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=27331&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
This is NOT wm5 yet, but as soon as I get a new copy of visual studio 2005 I'll fix it. It WILL work, just have to wait a while :wink:
If you want to generally hide the bars, I've made a program to do it, but you have to replace the bars with something: you'll just end up with a bit of empty space there otherwise. I've made a program to do that too,
but that's not generally available yet. eg full screen calendar hack.
Oh, and fullscreen terminal services:
V

hmm
i actually look for a way in hiding it like wibar advanced desktop does it, removing it and showing what is behind it (wallpaper).
just replacing it with another image is not what i actually am looking for.
I am sure a lot of people know exactly what i mean ;o) something like wisba advanced desktop without having to use that resource hogging program self LOL
:twisted:

Eh? That's what all my programs do (on wm2003se anyway!)
V

ehh
ok email it to me lol. lets see if it works on wm5 LOL

dvl: the link is already posted above. As I said, it doesn't work on WM5, or at least not properly, so I don't recommend it right now, although hopefully in a week or so I'll have the new VS 2005 and can finish the damn thing off. For now it will remove the soft menu buttons, but NOT fill the space up (on WM2003 it expands your today screen, which is why that thread is called "16% bigger today screen" or something...)
Follow that thread and try it, but as I said, it doesn't work as designed yet. You might ask why I'm mentioning it then: because no one else has come up with a solution to remove the bars, and I'm just highlighting that it can be done, by anyone. My own version will be here soonish.
V

VJ! FULL SCREEN TERMINAL SERVICES!!!! This is just too bloody awesome for words...I stopped following that thread when I figured no-one was gonna solve it. I'm off to contribute GBP10 to your WM5 fund right now - please keep my real name out of any messages.
Hangin in there for JasJar compliant:
- VJDialer (works on other wm5 devices I hear, not the JJ tho)
- ToggleStart (tho not sure it'll be any use until PhoneAlarm works on WM5 AND VGA <- I'm correct in believeing there are no VGA skins, hey?)
- This full screen TS capability!!
For others who want to see VJ working on his apps, use this paypal link to contribute to his VS2005 and WM5 device costs:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webs...ency_code=GBP&bn=PP-DonationsBF&charset=UTF-8

craigiecraigie4 - wow, thanks man! I'm getting to my WM5 device slowly, although your donation even distracted my better half from her CSI this evening!
I did the fullscreen terminal services mainly as a response to your pleading, thought you'd already seen it! Have you posted in the other thread?
Hopefully, as soon as I get a copy of Visual Studio 2005, I'll get it sorted out in beta.
Thanks again!
V

A Decent Task ( as in Programs ) Manager ? Suggestions ?

Hi all,
Used to using my old Jornada and that had an easy way of finding current programs that where running and close one or all - the Wizzrds a pain for this as you have to go to the settings screen etc rather than the main menu..... any one got any suggestions of a good today plugin or other prog ?
Thanks in advance ( sorry I'm asking so many questions - hopfully I will be up to speed soon and help others out my self )
Terran

pocketplus has one with the enhanced "x" in the corner you can hold it down to see a list of progs running and chose to end any of them.

I use Magic Button 2 which has a very convenient Today button and it is configurable to show more or less icons. Works great!
Wouter

XBAR2!!
http://xetranet.free.fr/xbar2/?lang=eng&project=xBar 2&page=Download
Only 50 KB. It will not insinuate in the OS.
It is simple yet the depth of this soft is huge.
Task switcher, task killer, launcher you can manipulate it fully from Dpad thus it is well done for one handed operations. Just give it a try.
There is also GSP Pocket Magic
http://www.pocketpcfreeware.com/en/index.php?soft=1276
Both can work together very well as they do not try to interfere with the OS.
I don't use anymore pocket plus and wisbar advance. Too big, too complex (bugs), not fully compatible WM5/Wizard, too many slow downs.
Each time i have a problem I tend to think maybe it is because of wisbar or pocket plus.

meroupow said:
XBAR2!!
http://xetranet.free.fr/xbar2/?lang=eng&project=xBar 2&page=Download
Only 50 KB. It will not insinuate in the OS.
It is simple yet the depth of this soft is huge.
Task switcher, task killer, launcher you can manipulate it fully from Dpad thus it is well done for one handed operations. Just give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love you!
That software rocks. Bought it and installed it. Works a Treat!
Thankyou so much.

SmallMenuPlus
{
"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"
}
V

Im only intressted in freeware.

SmallMenu has a freeware version.
GS Pocket Magic ++ is a great (and similar) alternative.
V

Is there a freeware out on a great rss reader which downloads pictures from rss urls?

http://www.kasuei.com/hitchhiker/ workin under WM5?

If you want a solution for closing programmes (including hidden ones if you want) thats not main page based, Binarys smart phone explorer works on WM5 devices, and has soem cool functions.
Its freeware, the URL is
http://www.binarys.com/download_en.asp

There is a new version for Xbar:
Xbar3
http://xetranet.free.fr/xbar2/?lang=eng&project=xBar 2
Of course it is not free but it is very cheap and it has some good new features:
- it supports mapping shortcuts to any key of the Wizard and that makes a lot...
- you can launch macros that are now emulating screen clicks.
Like if like me you want to quickly access the quick call list you just make a macro like this:
\Windows\cprog.lnk
xmacro=X200,Y200,D,U,
then I associated to the green key.
Therefore when I press action I call Xbar and when I click green key it lauches the macro and i go directly to my quick call list.
2 clicks.
One hand.
Possibilities are endless.

I got another idea.
I sync my XDA over Bluetooth. But if I don't switch BT off after synchronizing the battery empties too fast.
Maybe you could write a script that starts BT every hour or so, starts and connects ActiveSync, waits for the synchronisation and closes again. That would be really helpfull

one handed usage ?

so I got my Jasjar and I'm pretty happy with it so far, however I keep looking at the Treo and wondering if it would be easier to check my mail and calendar with one hand instead of opening the Jasjar with two hands, waiting through the windows mobile slowdown, etc...
on a Treo you have the calendar button right on the face and you can navigate with the direction pad, etc...
the Jasjar it seems a little clumsy to me for this... any ex-Treo owners out there care to comment ?
Also, can we use the Jasjars direction pad for application shortcuts like that ? like press left for calendar, up for email, etc...
any thoughts and ideas ? thanks !

Bump...
is no one else concerned about this ?
Surprise me !

Don't know if buttonmax is compatible, but i think it's the only app that allows you to reconfigure the direction pad.
Re the calendar, just remap record key to calendar etc?
I use SmallMenuPlus, so can do pretty much everything one handed, although requires a couple of taps down to launch the app.
{
"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"
}
For one handed use, I'm making my own plugin to make it more thumb friendly. It was designed for the Magician's form factor, the universal is a bit chunkier, but the idea still works well:
V

What a busy today page! Any chance of a rundown of what you have running on there?

vijay555 said:
For one handed use, I'm making my own plugin to make it more thumb friendly. It was designed for the Magician's form factor, the universal is a bit chunkier, but the idea still works well:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to test/download your plugin?
Thank you,
Roberto

ashleyhall
I'm using my ToggleStart and ToggleNew hacks (=ToggleToday) to remove the top and bottom bars and a custom colour theme using cetuner, then from top to bottom:
-PhoneAlarm (with a skin I made, here on the board somewhere)
-AlarmToday (I resource edited the dll to change its appearance, but it's not shown here)
-WeatherPanel
-VJTodaySpacer (unreleased spacer plugin, coming soon!)
-VJEphemeris
VJEphemeris is not tidied up yet: this is my old setup
VJEphemeris was written to replace VJAudioNotes(at the top), QOTD (in the middle) and claunch (at the bottom), so I didn't want it to take more space. Eventually it will take the whole screen and be spread out more.
Quoting from here
I've posted a little elsewhere about my plugin, VJEphemeris, which is a long term work in progress.
Thus far it contains an analog clock, date with popup calendar, alarm clock setting and notification (cus you don't bloody know when it's set and on!), Quote of the day, autosizing according to length, missed call notification, last sms details, temperature, volume control, battery status, current phone operator (for dual sims), multi-bank launcher facility and theft protection (detects if user is using a non authorised SIM, and then sms's me with the phone number (and shortly, cellid), permitting me to sms it back causing it to format the sd, optional hard reset and I'm considering optional bricking - thanks Olipro).
That's the basic version I use currently. I've got tonnes to add when I finish a bit more stuff for release for you lot!
VJEphemeris is a continuous test bed of ideas I'm trying to implement. It's unlikely to be released, or at least as is. It's currently entirely customised around my use (although it's all too damn skinnable: I haven't gone into designing a UI yet, I'm just making it easy to use one thumbed! Try cutting out the screenshot and see how you thumb rests naturally on the important stuff. I'm trying to make it nicely ergonomic).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
francorg: I released a prerelease of VJAudioNotes to a few people, but it's been replaced by VJEphemeris. I'm not really releasing either for quite a while (if ever!). Too much to add to it to finish it right now, it's a continuous Work In Progress.
V

Sounds good, I'll take a look at some of those! Thankss!

Today Screen Launcher

What are ppl using for today plugin Launchers?
I have PHM traylaunch but i want something i can easily hit with my thumb.
Just trying to see what ppl recommend.
Could you also indicate whether its freeware or buy.
Thank you.

claunch. Free and customisable.
{
"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"
}
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=144657#144657
I also use other plugins that I haven't released yet.
V

Wow you're screen's nice!!
What did you use to get all the essential indicators on your Top most Start bar? i.e. Missed Phone Call, SmS indicator and voicemail, those are really handy.
Also what app gives you the giant Time and date and temperature?
I'd be happy to get a screen even half as functional as yours.

rxr - the screenshot above is an older version of my Today screen, but it's stable.
When I'm feeling adventurous, I use a plugin that's in ongoing development (slowly) called VJEphemeris, combining various old and new features of my various plugins:
The bar at the top is using my app/trick called VJToggleToday to hide the start bar (actualy minimise it to the top 2 pixels), and then replace the start bar with PhoneAlarm. I'm not sure if PhoneAlarm is fully WM5 yet, this screenshot is from WM2003, my main phone.
The plugin giving the large date and temp on the earlier screenshot is something called VJAudioNotes, which has also been upgraded slightly, but is being replaced by VJEphemeris. It's mainly designed because I use a dual SIM, and I need to know which operator I'm running on easily. Unforunately I don't think it's fully WM5 compatible yet, but since I don't use a WM5 day to day, I've not investigated it yet.
Also hidden away there is NotesToday with a custom skin, not shown (the small dot under the QOTD plugin, and beneath that an unreleased spacer plugin called VJTodaySpacer.
I tested many many plugins before I settled on my combinations. I like them, they're stable and functional for me. People will have personal preferences... but I like a usable but informative Today screen. Pretty pictures of naked women aren't helpful when glancing at the Today screen during a meeting :wink:
V

Using a customized HTCTODAY
(its posted here , use search)
Just does what I want and its small!

The plugin giving the large date and temp on the earlier screenshot is something called VJAudioNotes, which has also been upgraded slightly, but is being replaced by VJEphemeris. It's mainly designed because I use a dual SIM, and I need to know which operator I'm running on easily. Unforunately I don't think it's fully WM5 compatible yet, but since I don't use a WM5 day to day, I've not investigated it yet.
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With your permission i'd be more than willing to test it out on my WM5 device