I both registered and started this thread because I searched far and wide for something to replace that damn fish background on the iphone dialer skin. I found on post on something differing than the fish, and after a day of poking around I not only found the answer, but also made myself a new skin. Hopefully this thread will be where I post more skins, aside from the one I am going to show you guys. If there's already a thread for this, sorry, as I didn't see it when I ran a search.
Well, first off, the skin if controlled by a bunch of .bmp's in your windows directory of the phone. It's as simple as keeping the dimensions the same, but replace the buttons and backgrounds to get a new theme for the skin. It's a biotch, and is mostly repetitive work but the results are worth it. Especially if you use something like a Xv6700, where all the damn buttons are too small to use with your finger without the skin! Anyways the skin I made is only for the portrait portion of the phone. If you're like me, you never dial in landscape mode.
Here are a few pics of my skin. My next one will be a plain iPhone skin with blue. No fancy background pic.
I'll upload an RAR tonight of the pics needed to skin your phone to this skin. All you need to do is unzip them to the mydocuments portion of your phone, and then copy them over to windows, replacing the old files. I suggest you keep a copy of the old ones, just in case!
If you want to make your own skin, which is fairly easy to do, here are some tips.
1. Use the old images as a template to make sur your numbers and buttons are placed the same as the old skin.
2. For portrait skinning, you only need to skin the following files:
PCVdialerBkP
pcvdialerBkP_Inv
PcvdialerEnd
PCVdialerend_at
PCVdialererase
pcvdialererase_AT
PCVprogBkP
PCVprogcallhistory
PCVprogcallhistory_AT
PCVProghold_dis
Pcvprogmute_Dis
PCVprogspeakeroff
pcvspeakeroff_at
pcvprogswap
pcvprogswap_at
pcvprogtalk
pcvprogtalk_at
PCVprogUnhold
PCVprogunhold_at
pcvprogunmute
pcvprogunmute_at
pcvprogbkp_Inv
3.For the prog files, note the background file (bkp) all have 'end call' on the button, not talk! The talk file is handled by pcvprogtalk.
4. It's easiest to make the individual buttons by making the background, leaving it as a layer, and using a combination of invert color, flatten, and selecting the button before pasting over the image.
5. All of the files with _at at the end are how the button looks pressed, _dis is how the button will look 'switched' for things like the speaker.
Hope that helps!
Here is the skin completed. Only skinned for portrait! If you flip to landscape it will show the fishes. To install, simply extract, and copy the files to my documents on your phone while synced. Then, on the phone, copy them to /windows/ directory after backing up the files in windows first (You never know, even if they are just images).
Thanks.
Personally I dislike the background pic, however I do like the buttons.
agovinoveritas said:
Thanks.
Personally I dislike the background pic, however I do like the buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea well I didn't make it with mass appeal in mind. More of a proof of concept? Besides I figured someone might find some use for it. If you have a suggestion I'm open to it.
Sure, I will see if I can find some background pic. Don't misunderstand me, it is pretty cool you post it for everyone to download. And sharing the proof of concept with us.
agovinoveritas said:
Sure, I will see if I can find some background pic. Don't misunderstand me, it is pretty cool you post it for everyone to download. And sharing the proof of concept with us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None taken! I've just never done this kinda thing for mass appeal, any help is appreciated.
Entered in error. Sorry guys
Related
How can I increase the size of the picture (associated with a contact) on the phone screen?
At the moment pictures are less than 1cm square
Thanks for any advice
chicago
yeah id be interested in expanding that pic size as well so bumpty bump.
you know who I think we need on the case?
VJ....
Guys, if you're doing this on a QVGA screen (and maybe VGA), then assuming you're using either the eten, HTC or similar phone dialer skin extension, load it up into Visual Studio (or any resource hacker) and edit the dialogs, and find the image for the contact image. Enlarge to your heart's content. Save, sign (if necessary), reload onto your phone and bask in the glory.
This is all theoretical, I don't use my Universal as a phone, but I have edited the skins and the theory is sound. JGUI's green catepillar project shows what you can do with this idea.
Buzz's site has more detail on the concept (I think).
If necessary, I could write a hacker to do it without resource hacking, but it wouldn't be to everyone's taste, so I haven't.
V
Thank you VJ....
But I'm still in the dark ;o(
hrmm as I suspected your the man for the job, but like the other guy im lost as to what you were on about.
Everytime I have tried to resourcehack the universal files they never re-read on the universal once I put em back....
In any case, can you further help us, plz.
And yes were talking about this on the universal, well I am, I use mine as a phone amongst other things.
I finally got tired of the ugly dialer skin that comes with t-mobile roms. I know there is a cingular one out there and I have found a few other sites with limited skins. Well I thought I would give it a try and make my own Photoshoping part came easy, but I don't really have a clue on creating .cab files at all.
I created a test run skin of the oh so fine, Scarlett Johansen. Please feel free to download and give feedback. I will be creating some more in the future.
Also, if anyone out there is a wiz on creating cab files, any help you could give...
And one last thing... anyone know where to find TRUE windows mobile 5 themes?!
Thanks,
Jess
Thanks - is it possible to give screen shots please. WM5 true themes are rare - i've not found a site that does them. Look in 'My today screen' thread in this forum - i've posted a few including one recent.
Use Ben Thon's themegen ce to create true wm5 themes and look at microsoft's guava bubbles.tsk to see how its done properly.
screen shot
I don't have anything installed on my wizard to take a screen shot, but I'll try to make a mock up on photoshop and post it.
unless anyone out there can suggest a good screen capture utility?
Thanks, and that's for the support!
Jess
Re: screen shot
jess said:
I don't have anything installed on my wizard to take a screen shot, but I'll try to make a mock up on photoshop and post it.
unless anyone out there can suggest a good screen capture utility?
Thanks, and that's for the support!
Jess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you are into photo manip, use Pocket Xnview, also has a screen capture facility. http://www.xnviewpocket.org/
Ok here is a screen shot
Keep in mind, this is only my first, I'll get more experiemental the more I mess around I want to create theme packages... today screens, dialer screens, and ring tone-sounds that are all the same theme.
Thanks, Jess
MagicSS for screenshots.
V
Ok here is a screen shot
Keep in mind, this is only my first, I'll get more experiemental the more I mess around I want to create theme packages... today screens, dialer screens, and ring tone-sounds that are all the same theme.
Thanks, Jess
A complete theme package
I have found how windows mobile 5 themes are created now after examining some files. therefore I think imma build a total theme package. today theme, dialer skin, and ringtones. If I'm feeling really adventurous, maybe media player skins as well??
so I was thinking a superman theme or starwars, etc.
Any ideas anyone?
I figured it as time I gave some back to the wizard community!
Thanks, Jess
man of steel! Cool!
that looks cool.
How about something for the girls? Johnny Depp, maybe?
Re: Ok here is a screen shot
jess said:
Keep in mind, this is only my first, I'll get more experiemental the more I mess around I want to create theme packages... today screens, dialer screens, and ring tone-sounds that are all the same theme.
Thanks, Jess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well put together jess - good job! (not sure my wife will like it though lol!)
btw how did you create the wooden dialer buttons? - i tried to for a wooden dialer i was putting together and just could not get them right. Yours look good might pinch them for my own! lol One comment though - i feel the talk button should be in green not red :wink:
Your cab seems well put together the only hint is to get rid of the initial destination dialog - see here on how to change xml file to do this http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=60772
Windows media player skins are easier than phone dialers see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=58398
look forward to more skins
Jess,
Looks good so far. I have poked around with some of the same stuff you are now. I did it all when I had WM2003SE because that is all that was out then. I found that the OS didn't always want to display the images correctly. and would bounce back to the system default for some of the buttons, mostly when you pushed them down and while you were in a call.
I hope for your sake you can over come the issues I fought then and begin making your own dialer skins.
You also may want to take a look at http://paulya.com/etenskins.htm He has created some skins for the Nice looking E-Ten dialer. It works seamlessly with my 8125 and I loooovvvveeee the way that the skins handle much better than the defaults. I'm pretty sure that the images work very simillarly. Give it a look.
Re: Ok here is a screen shot
jess said:
Keep in mind, this is only my first, I'll get more experiemental the more I mess around I want to create theme packages... today screens, dialer screens, and ring tone-sounds that are all the same theme.
Thanks, Jess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you throw a leopard skin background on that, my wife would love that on her 8125. If you need a picture let me know, I have one in particular that she'd like.
Thanks and good work.
I would like to second the request for a leopard print one!!!
Leopard skin
A leopard print skin... sure thing! I am finishing finals so it will be a few days, but hopefully this next week or two I can get a website up for posting theme files.
Post an example jpg of a leopard print if you like.
BTW, still wondering if anyone out there is a savvy cab file creator, Im using a GUI right now that works ok, but for test purposes only and expires soon.
-Jess
hi jess
may i ask u 4 something
could u b so kind to explain how 2 do it ourselves
this way i can use private photoes and prepare some 4 my friends
thanks again
I'm in the process of creating a leopard skin total theme (dialer, smart dialer, today theme, ringtones) for those of you who asked. After that I am gonna have to build a more manly one lol. It will be available shortly ( like I said, finishing finals for summer term! )
Guys, gimme any ideas for a complete theme!
For those of you who enquired about how to do this yourself... keep in mind, im not using some little app that makes this simple, like a theme generator or anything. There are files and registry values associated with the dialer skin and the smart dialer. Just replacing these these will work, but it's difinately better to create a new directory with new files names and then reference them with new registry values. This way if you goof up or wanna change anything back, you can do so without a hard reset.
I started this lil project because I have searched and searched for true mobile 5 themes and dialer skins with little or no luck. I am very glad to see so many interested. I will certainly share the information to anyone that likes, I just wanna make sure you know what you are getting yourself into
hi jess
god my wife was going to kill me , "who is that girl and y z she opssing in ur phone?"
could u put something NEUTRAL as a backgroud ?
thanks dear
one thing more
could u explain how u did it ? so a retard like me can have his own
thanks again
Green WM theme?
Hi Jess.
My suggestion for another "complete" theme (Dialer skin, Today themes, etc etc) would of course be an all WM5 Greenish style theme.... I already have the "HTC_default" green today theme, but it seems kind of lame to have the blue background on everything else...
If my wish could be taken under consideration, I'd be a happier man. :lol:
I am working on a few at the moment...
One a leopard print style another windows vista style.
I am however having set backs, since I just installed vista RC1 and am working out some kinks.
Thanks for the input and patience, Jess
I was setting here thinking , and came up with an idea. I'm not genius dev so I dont have a chance at it. But in my mind it sounds possible. But PLEAZ check this out , and let me know what you think about this idea.
Okay.One part of my idea is fairly simple, the next would be a challenge but , im sure one of the genius dev's here could do it. Here goes.
The simple part:
Pretty much strip iFonz down, no icons on it anywhere. Create a skin for it, with the diamond background, which can already be done. Then create a skin for the "DOCK" , that makes the bottom icons, look like the Home tabs on the diamond. This wouldn't be hard for a lot of you.
Next turn of the "slide" feature in the iFonz settings. Link the bottom icons to a different page each. That way when you hit one, it quickly pops up another page, pretty much like the htc home plug does. This right here takes care of one of the plugs used withthe diamond also. The program launcher tab. All you would have to do is setup your icons, and that part is done.This seems like it would be pretty simple. But now to the hard part.
The HARD part:
This is the parts that would be a challenge. I know some of you could do it, but its just getting someone interested. But anyway. Somehow create a plugin, or something, that will put apps like the clock, and messaging, and music, etc on the iFonz screen. I was thinking that for messaging and email, that you could somehow just make turn on like one icon on on iFonz, and link it to the proper size graphic. Then it would read whatever program it was linked too. I don't exactly know how to explain what I'm thinking here, but hopefully , you understand.
The way iFonz is set up, being able to choose links, and things. It seems like this would be very possible. Some things, like the clock, and messages, and maybe contacts, may be fairly simple to one of you devs. I myself would be happy , and I'm sure alot of you as well, with this , even if it was missing a couple of tabs, like the music, or something.
But anyway. Ponder on it, and let me know what you think. In my mind it seems extremely possible. And if someone was to do it, you'd have the smoothest working Diamond them around. The way iFonz would pop up a different page and things. But I hope you all give your ideas here. Maybe with some help this will become a reality
sounds like an idea
I'll be willing to pay for that even
Just try the latest beta of ThrottleLauncher
I think WAD2 is the best option....
The new beta version of Wisbar Advance Desktop 2 is amazing and I have had good results making a Diamond theme with it. Attached are some screen shots of what I have done so far. Goto www.lakeridgesoftware.com if you want more information or to download the latest (V8 as of 6/10/08) beta version of WAD2.
2manyphones, I certainly hope you'll be sharing that WisBar skin with us. Your skin alone is enough to make me wanna buy WAD!
I agree. Throttelauncher or SPB Shell w/the Diamond theme. Nice WAD setup though. I played around with it before. Great app but SPB Shell is easy to setup.
What about speed.
The throtllelauch and mobile shell slow down your device and are hungry for memory.
UL has nice possibilities if you want to keep speed and is highly customizable
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2287294&postcount=238
But most people forget to look at Manila Theme for XIAMultiTheme
which is still in beta state tough, but works quite good.
* Discontinued *
New thread at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3976864
Thanks alot for this, I wasn't keen on the other 1 but this is perfect! Good work!
it looks nice
I like your choice of items a bit more
Thanks!
well done
really usefull
Cheers! Good to see you people like it.
If there's anything you'd like to see improved, post it and I'll consider the good ideas.
edit: opps. i just realised i was posting this here should have been in the original thread...ohh well. mods feel free to delete this
----------------------------------------------------
i like it a lot as it is but there are a number of things you might want to consider:
1-i think an extra raw of apps can be added while keeping the the finger friendliness.
2- make it startable as an executable or soft key from tf3d hoome or button
3- option for discovravle mode blutooth
4- make it easy to change default apps
ohh btw, why is it relatively big 1.6mb for an app starter. can it be redused? mabe change the color depth or something
It's mostly the skin. The original application uses a sucky compression. There's no way I can reduce it and to me, 1.6mb is squat.
"Shutdown" gives an error (it didn't with smaberg's):
"Couldn't find PowerOFFLNK.lnk or PowerOFFEXE.exe"
Also "Calculator" gives the waiting icon and then nothing - I probably either have to edit the shortcut to windows default calculator or find HTC calculator from somewhere... Any ideas where to get the one that works with this setup?
Is the editing of application paths the same as with smaberg's? BIOTOUCH etc?
I actually like this one more then smabergs one, but it still isn`t perfect. Would it be possible to create a setup tool which would allow you to edit all the buttons?
I can`t imagine it being too hard since it`s just a few reg changes you would have to make?
//edit: I would love to make it myself but I guess it would take ages (at least, maybe longer) before I would be done.
However, if anyone knows the command you have to pass to the text client to automatically start the message for a certain person I would be more then pleased .
Draqula said:
"Shutdown" gives an error (it didn't with smaberg's):
"Couldn't find PowerOFFLNK.lnk or PowerOFFEXE.exe"
Also "Calculator" gives the waiting icon and then nothing - I probably either have to edit the shortcut to windows default calculator or find HTC calculator from somewhere... Any ideas where to get the one that works with this setup?
Is the editing of application paths the same as with smaberg's? BIOTOUCH etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll fix it in 1.1.
And yes, the calculator points to HTCCalculator. As this is based on smaberg's app, the paths are edited the same way.
You can download the HTCcalculator from this forum.
dekeijzer said:
I actually like this one more then smabergs one, but it still isn`t perfect. Would it be possible to create a setup tool which would allow you to edit all the buttons?
I can`t imagine it being too hard since it`s just a few reg changes you would have to make?
//edit: I would love to make it myself but I guess it would take ages (at least, maybe longer) before I would be done.
However, if anyone knows the command you have to pass to the text client to automatically start the message for a certain person I would be more then pleased .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Creating that setup tool would take me longer than it would take you (and everyone else) to find out how to edit it.
Also, you'd only be able to edit the execute paths, not the icons (skin).
And I don't know the parameter for a certain person (even if it's possible).
*** EDIT ***
Updated to 1.1.
Angelusz said:
Creating that setup tool would take me longer than it would take you (and everyone else) to find out how to edit it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. That`s why I`m editing it right now.
I want to make a cab of it cause I reinstall allot!
But I have a little problem creating a new cab.
I used a cab extractor to get all the files out, but what did you use to create the cab itself?
I used several tools but they all fail to install..
Thanks in advance for the help, I really appreciate it.
//edit: I managed to create a cab, actionscreens rock
Great. Thanks for 1.1.
I found the HTC Calculator and now everything not only looks great but also works
I actually managed to create a cab. Furthermore, I was able to make a shortcut for a sms contact (well technically it`s a number, but it stands for a contact)
The shortcut should be to tmail.exe and its parameters are:
Code:
-service """sms""" -to """the number"""
dekeijzer said:
I actually managed to create a cab. Furthermore, I was able to make a shortcut for a sms contact (well technically it`s a number, but it stands for a contact)
The shortcut should be to tmail.exe and its parameters are:
Code:
-service """sms""" -to """the number"""
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe, nice one. Making cabs isn't hard, just use WINCE cab mgr.
great app and good things added to smabergs port
but i think with this u can do so much more.
beginning with the skin. the shadowsong skin doesnt fit on any x1 and the manila skin is boring for me.
i really like to give a contribution to this app in form of a new skin/design
but i dont know how to do it. can u pack all the image files in 1 rar and upload it here so i can modify them?
thnx in advance
(oh and sry for bad english...)
just a word of advice to all who use this app.. I have american x1a and used phone (babied) it was pwerfect, until i tried to take battery cover off and inadvetantly put a finger on the power button while leveraging it off. my power btton sunk in and jammed, staying with no way of extracting. cost me 185 to repair via sony, they formatted my phone and were less than helpful... DONT ABUSE UR POWER BUTTON! IT MAY JAM!
killerskincanoe said:
just a word of advice to all who use this app.. I have american x1a and used phone (babied) it was pwerfect, until i tried to take battery cover off and inadvetantly put a finger on the power button while leveraging it off. my power btton sunk in and jammed, staying with no way of extracting. cost me 185 to repair via sony, they formatted my phone and were less than helpful... DONT ABUSE UR POWER BUTTON! IT MAY JAM!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I vote +1 for "funniest post in the X1 forum". xD
Oh, and Kid_DC, the shadowsong skin fits perfectly with my TF3D shadowsong theme
I know what you mean though. I've already improved the black skin a bit.
The skin files are installed to your \windows\AnX1\Actionscreen folder, they're .brn files. You can find a converter brm <-> bmp here on xda.
and why do u use brm, when u first have to convert them?
are they smaller?
Here's something for those who are perhaps coming over from the iPhone. You'll probably be more at ease with your device!
By the way, for the record, I just made this for fun, thinking that there are people who actually appreciates this sort of theme. I use my other theme more regularly. Please don't flame me with Apple-fanboy comments!
Note: This cab does not include the taskbar, and 1% battery driver. You may find them at the links provided. Credit to Chainfire, InsecureSpike
Instructions:
1. Install cab
2. At the soft-reset prompt, tap cancel.
3. Disable and re-enable TF3D to see the changes.
If don't like it, just uninstall. Disable and re-enable TF3D. Back to normal.
Meh, You make great stuff dude..
I use your V1.4 TF3D.. btw I'm curious about something..
Shouldn't the "Mail" and "Messages" icon be replaced with one another ?
Seems like the (a) is more suited for E-mail.. xD
Ha! I like your V1.4 TF3D more..... iphone icons?? Don't think so.... that is the reason why I bought my TP2... and not putting iphone stuff on my TP2.
Btw... Awesome work!!!
Yuuvi said:
...Shouldn't the "Mail" and "Messages" icon be replaced with one another ?
Seems like the (a) is more suited for E-mail.. xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'll say this. I'm not a huge fan of the Messages icon I chose to use. I just haven't been able to find one that feels like "the one". Anyway, have a look at the other thread. I've made a poll to see what everyone thinks...
radiowc said:
..... iphone icons?? Don't think so.... that is the reason why I bought my TP2... and not putting iphone stuff on my TP2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly how I feel too!
Still trying myself to get this theme thing down, Still getting all kinds of white blotches on my screen which is pissing me off but good work on the apple theme although I do hate apple still looks nice.
Wow, no love for this theme...
The download count must have set some sort of record low for most unpopular theme or something.
Don't things too hard! I love parts of your other theme, elements of that I am using on my own theme for the communications and settings tab.
Since this thread is a bit quieter, could you answer a couple of questions?
I've been using Manila Editor v.0.2 to build my theme, which is a bit trial and error since most of the manilla files are listed as unknown (eg, the program doesn't know what icon they represent) but does give you a preview of the file and allows you to change it. What do you use?
What is the correct protocol for posting a theme containing elements from others work? EG my theme would have your communications, settings (and dammit, more fiddling, now the volume part of settings! But thanks for the effort.) Should I ask each person if it's ok for me to share, post but with credits and links to the original theme or what?
Thankyou for going the extra mile on your themes and customising parts that others haven't. It really makes a difference when the phone doesn't just go back to the standard look once you leave the main pages.
Hey Steve, thanks for the consolation, I feel much better...haha!
Now, regarding your queries...
I've used Manila Editor before...back in the days when I was first bought my Touch Diamond and people were just starting to figure out how to edit manila files. But I've always found it really difficult to use and (like you said?) a lot of the files are categorized as "unknown". All in all, this app is pretty outdated and I don't believe it's being developed anymore.
I use Chainfire's great tool, CFC-GUI. Try it out. It should be quite easy to figure out for you.
I don't know if there's even a protocol (per se) in place for creating themes containing parts of other user's themes. I suppose it's ok if all authors are happy with it. I'll be perfectly happy with you just linking back to my theme's thread.
very good,wo like it!!!