Database Users

Simple contacts app iContact (v0.5) (xPhone alike)

Hello,
I wrote a simple contacts list app for WM5 but i've tested it on HTC Wizard only. If anyone is willing to test the app on their device I'd be very thankfull.
The app is very basic, it only lists contacts in scrollable list. I use it for accessing my contacts by scrolling the list with fingers, similar to *Phone. Just tap, drag and release. To select a contact, just tap and release, and standard contact details dialog should appear.
Exe is in the attached zip file.
UPDATE v0.5, 02.03.2008.
Changes:
- iContact should now be visible in task managers
- added application icon
- alphabet grid can be shown by clicking on ABC button. It stays shown until letter is selected, or you tap on an empty space
- little bit more usefull "Details" screen.
UPDATE v0.4, 09.11.2007.
This version should fix a bug or two, but may introduce some as well. It should fix the most obvious bug with contact name length.
It also introduces a way to look into contact details. But is merely a test and isn't very usable at the moment. Tapping on the contact name will open standard pocket outlook contact details.
Have fun.
UPDATE v0.3, 08.09.2007.
Sorry to say that iContact didn't go very far, but still, i wanted to give you guys an up-to-date version (if anyone is still interested )
There are few changes and they're all very obvious, so, have fun.
UPDATE
- 05.05.2007.
v0.2
App is now known as"iContact".Main changes would be landscape fix and (Oh, My, Oooh) WM2003 support.
As i don't have wm2003 device there are probably still some bugs, but at least it should start, show contacts and scroooooolllll...
The little indicator on the right side has some bugs, i know. But, as it doesn't affects the other app functionality I let it live.
Post your opinions. New features will be discussed when main part of the app works (almost) bug free.
Thx for all your comments. That motivates me the most.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Contacts v0.1 is available for testing purposes in the post:
Here
Explanations and comments are available in before mentioned post.
YouTube video made by nicolas (thx nicolas)
xPhone alike launcher by Grumps (Good job man!)
Thx,
larna

It looks cool!
I sort my contacts as a "File As". Any change you will add extra options to this program?
One thing I've noticed is that contacts who only have an e-mail address appear as a white bar, maybe an option could be to filter contacts?
But again, nice Beta!

Thx for the response. It's my first pocketpc app, and first c win32 app, and first c app ever. So, I'm just starting to learn
You're right about blank fields. It only reads first and lastname from the database.
I didn't understand the "File As" sort option. Do you care about explaining a bit. (Sorry, english isn't my native language).
larna

larna said:
Thx for the response. It's my first pocketpc app, and first c win32 app, and first c app ever. So, I'm just starting to learn
You're right about blank fields. It only reads first and lastname from the database.
I didn't understand the "File As" sort option. Do you care about explaining a bit. (Sorry, english isn't my native language).
larna
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your native language then?
The file as sort option is like this:
Doe, John -> Last, First
John Doe -> First Last
I'm using Inesoft Address Book, it has an option to sort contact like "File As" this way all contacts are displayed the same way as I saved them

Croatian is my native language.
Adding sort options shouldn't be that difficult so I guess I'll implement them in some phase. I'm still experimenting with more fluid scrolling.
Thx,
larna

Nice.. very nice! Smooth scrolling effect too. Start fast works well. Ought to post a video up.
Wish list:
Do you think you can add the photos onto the list? Or it will make the software ultra slow?

I think that would slow down the app considerably. It's already a bit slow on my Wizard running on 180 MHz, but it's fine when overclocked to 240 MHz.
But, I can't say I'm 100% sure it wouldn't work. I'm still a newbie.
Thx for comments!
larna

Looks very cool, a couple requests
1) can you make a command line option that filters the list by category? I've got a lot of contacts, but I have a category called Phone for ones I want to get to quickly. Unfortunately the regular contacts app always forgets this filter so it hasn't been much use so far.
2) I see a lot of blank items in the list, if the name is not valid maybe use the "File As" field as someone suggested, or look through the other fields maybe. I use just the company name a lot on businesses. "File As" is probably the way to go though because that is what shows up in the regular contactrs program I think.

Thx for suggestions, I'll be sure to take look at that.
Stay tuned for next version
larna

just tested on HTC TyTn...
it works... but scrolling does not work!
I am trying to make the same simple app using java
having problems with the API's (JSR 75) not being on my phone
Have you done anything like this for java?
And yes, I did separate post a thread for it here!
Many thanks, and good luck!
Sanjay

sParekh said:
it works... but scrolling does not work!
I am trying to make the same simple app using java
having problems with the API's (JSR 75) not being on my phone
Have you done anything like this for java?
And yes, I did separate post a thread for it here!
Many thanks, and good luck!
Sanjay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, didn't even come close to java. I can only wish you best luck with your project.
Regarding scrolling, can you select a contact by tap onto it's name?
Thx,
larna

Tytn wont work? what your Rom?
my o2 Trion (Hermes100) cingular rom aku 3.5.2 work well with smoth scroll
nice 18k app !
edit: what's your program language to make this app, this is simple, small and super!
you can make Windows Mobile an Iphone Killer keep up your work and ideal!!!

very nice app, works on my p3600.. continue this nice job

Thx guys/gals for your comments.
I used "c" with pure win32 api. I thought that would allow me a greater freedom in dealing with Windows shortcomings and greater speed. I guess i just feel there is something wrong with CF.NET
larna

ScrollWindowEx on a SysListView right ?

Guybrush said:
ScrollWindowEx on a SysListView right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, no.
On WM ListView can only be scrolled one item at a time, not by certain number of pixels. For example, if ListItem height is 30px, if you try to scroll it with ScrollWindowEx by less than half the height of ListItem (15px) it wont scroll. If you scroll it by amount greater than half of the item height it will scroll one item. I don't understand why MS made it like that, but that's how it is.
(If I'm wrong with this, it would mean that I spent a lot of time for nothing )
Instead, I made the ListView height equals all the items that should be displayed and scroll the ListView container (parent) window. On a pixel by pixel basis. It has it's own shortcomings, but the end result is definitely better.
larna

Interesting thanks

i found a little bug... rotating screen don't display all contacts and not update lines of listbox... if it start with screen already rotate lines on listbox are correct but don't display all contacts of my list

Heh, that's just another one in the row...
I guess I'll have to fix that one also.
larna

Another idea A way to change colors of background and text would be cool for all the people who like to skin

Alpha Testers Needed: TouchNav (Scroll with your fingers)

Hi All,
I have been working on an enhancement that allows scrolling from anywhere on the screen, not just using the scrollbars. The idea is to tweak the UI so that it functions more intuitively. This app is still in Alpha. However, for those that like this functionality and would like to help me with testing and provide me with good suggestions, that would be extremely appreciative.
Here is the run down on the app:
-Loads on startup and places an icon on the home screen.
-Currently, a flicker of the startup screen will appear during bootup.
-May not work at times on initial loading of a window.
Thank and enjoy. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: Sorry guys, I had to remove the cab.

This is a great idea. I have been looking for such an application.
I installed it, did a soft-reset and the little icon appeared on the home screen as you indicated. The following is my feedback:
- the scrolling does not work in IE (where it's probably most useful)
- the direction of the scrolling is counter-intuitive. I expected that dragging down to scroll down (as in iPhone); it does the opposite.
Thanks for the application.

good idea maybe. i may misunderstand the features of this program. i'm currently able to scroll by dragging in most apps on my wm5. in IE i use PIE to scroll by dragging. in contacts (both default wm5 and inesoft address book i can also scroll by dragging. i also able to scroll by dragging in resco file explorer. for image i also scroll by dragging using resco photo viewer. am i missing something ?

peter733 said:
good idea maybe. i may misunderstand the features of this program. i'm currently able to scroll by dragging in most apps on my wm5. in IE i use PIE to scroll by dragging. in contacts (both default wm5 and inesoft address book i can also scroll by dragging. i also able to scroll by dragging in resco file explorer. for image i also scroll by dragging using resco photo viewer. am i missing something ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the issue is that by default, you have to scroll with your stylus and there are no out of the box functionality that allows you to scroll from anywhere with your finger. Similar to the iphone.

rawmean said:
This is a great idea. I have been looking for such an application.
I installed it, did a soft-reset and the little icon appeared on the home screen as you indicated. The following is my feedback:
- the scrolling does not work in IE (where it's probably most useful)
- the direction of the scrolling is counter-intuitive. I expected that dragging down to scroll down (as in iPhone); it does the opposite.
Thanks for the application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right about the drag position. In terms of the PIE issue, that is known. I am working on it.

I tried to run this on WM5 and it says that my "mini" .net framework is not compatible. Is this only designed for WM6?

dymlu said:
I tried to run this on WM5 and it says that my "mini" .net framework is not compatible. Is this only designed for WM6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It requires CF 2.0. It is not designed specifically for WM 6.

rathoughts said:
You are right about the drag position. In terms of the PIE issue, that is known. I am working on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may also know this already, but I thought I mention it:
The application disables the "click-and-hold" function in IE which is used to go Back and to select Favorites.
Thanks,

Installed and works great for me - I do agree that the scrolling should be the other way round though. Thanks!

this worked great on my hermes!

One bug I noticed is that to be able to scroll through my contacts, I have to first enter my contacts list, and then click "ok" and then again open the contacts list.

Any news on development or fixed alpha version? I would really prefer this over TouchFlo on my Hermes, since it does not eat so much performance and HTCHome is excellent app though!!
Olioaglio

ei,
any news from this must have application?
dont give up, go on man, you are the one

Yeah... keep us posted on Beta, and possibly RC releases

Thanks for this apha release. I would prefer not to have the icon on the today screen because I have a limited amount of space on there.
The scrolling worked on File Explorer / Resco Explorer. Did not seem to work on my newreader pRSSreader. In PIE I always have 'screen drag' turned on so prefer to use that but would still like the right-click menu which this disables.
Kismat

May the force be with you
rathoughts ,
i came to this thread, every hours just to check if we have more news, i´m waiting for the TouchNav without bugs.
May the force be with you , and work on this wonderful app.
best regards

any news on a future release?

hi,
I only have 2 options:
1. install this app
2. install the rom FantasticB4 or VID
and you people, what you gona do?
isntall the entire rom just only because the touchfo is not the rigth solution.
what is your opinion on this ?

raymondu999 said:
any news on a future release?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for not posting an update. I have been swamped with work and all. Life of a consultant!
I am planning to get back into it sometime soon. Maybe this weekend.

Marcos200 said:
hi,
I only have 2 options:
1. install this app
2. install the rom FantasticB4 or VID
and you people, what you gona do?
isntall the entire rom just only because the touchfo is not the rigth solution.
what is your opinion on this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried touchflo, but it didn't give me what I really wanted...integrated functionality with the OS. I like the "coolness" of it.

Does this look familiar?

Check out this contact manager.
http://www.iwindowsmobile.com/contact-manager.html
Dont know if its me, I find it looking like PocketCM. With a different theme but with a small additional feature, call history

I agree with you. It's way too similar... and they're developing a "sms chat"... I saw that before right here on the forums...

Would be a nasty abuse of tene's hard work. He did the work, he deserves the money!!

IMHO tene's version is still a lot better, but it does indeed look like theft.

I saw on their site they're develloping easy-type as well, which might be similar to PocketCM keyboard! If so... a bloody shame!

labru said:
I saw on their site they're develloping easy-type as well, which might be similar to PocketCM keyboard! If so... a bloody shame!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, maybe I'll play against myself, but as long as they don't use my binaries, that's fine. It seems to me that's another implementation of the same ideas, and I don't own the ideas.
Did anyone tried it? is it good? for 19.95$ I hope it is

haven't tried it, why pay when i can use your version free

I gave this one a shot
Although there is no novelty as far the idea is concerned,the implementation is quite good!
Heres the difference between tene's version and this one :
1:> One tab assigned to Call Logs
2:> Animations are slightly different (Flip up/down instead of Flip Left/Right in tene's version)
3:> Setting a contact as a favourite is extremely easy
(On the contact detail screen , there is a star..you just have to select that star to set the contact as favourite..IMHO this is easier/quicker than two taps approach in tene's version)
4:> Animation seems slightly faster and even browsing through the alphabet index is very quick
5:> No support for SMS chats
Most important difference IMHO is that contacts can be edited/deleted through this app. This is a very nice feature as it allows you to change user information be it contact number/address/name etc. using its own input method/panel (Although creating contacts is still via normal way)
All in all,a good effort..but I wouldnt like to pay for this one especially when a free alternative is available and that too a very good alternative .Nevertheless,I would expect tene to give a look in to the features for his next version (if theres gonna be one)

I'll continue
6:> About 1,4mb installation
7:> Pretty slow to boot
8:> Weirdest built in keyboard ever.
9:> Much more fluid in use than pocketcm. (wizard)
10:> Scrolling works much better (slows down and accelerates more like an iphone)

you can download a trial version...
personal opinion, it sucks compared to tene's CM...
the only advantage is that it has a call log which probably tene can easily add.
- pictures do not show on the initial phonebook list
- also phone numbers do not show
- pager numbers do not show on contact details (i'm a doctor and use very frequently)
- no sms (my favorite part in tene's CM)
- you can only sort by either first,company or last name (CM you have an option to sort by city, category, company, sms....)
- comes in only one boring theme - (there are some excellent themes out there for CM and i like to change every few days)
- doesn't have the search option.
- address doesn't show in contact details (you have to press a button which takes you to the built-in contact manager for the address and more details!)
the list goes on and on...
so, NO way would I pay 20$ for that software... even if it was for free and I had to pay for Tene's CM I would still prefer tene's CM, his software is far more superior.

lol @ the built-in keyboard
I'll add:
11:> PCM looks much nicer not to mention PCM can use themes. Funcontact can't.
12:> PCM has a lot more features (although that's also exactly the same thing I hate about PCM.. it's starting to become bloatware). Funcontact works.. it does what it needs to do in a convenient and fast way.
13:> No support for landscape (it doesn't flip even if you slide the keyboard). It stays in portrait no matter what. It's good in a way because it keeps the app stable, unlike PCM which starts to screw up whenever I slide my keyboard out to type SMS.
14:> It caches everything on memory on program start
15:> So far, it's very stable
16:> It uses the WM GUI for sending messages
Well, maybe I'll play against myself, but as long as they don't use my binaries, that's fine. It seems to me that's another implementation of the same ideas, and I don't own the ideas.
Did anyone tried it? is it good? for 19.95$ I hope it is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got hold of the "free" version (ahem.. sorry guys, I'm not going to give links)

PCM still better, but I agree with you it becomes bloatware if Tene keep adding unnecessary features.
DaVince said:
lol @ the built-in keyboard
I'll add:
11:> PCM looks much nicer not to mention PCM can use themes. Funcontact can't.
12:> PCM has a lot more features (although that's also exactly the same thing I hate about PCM.. it's starting to become bloatware). Funcontact works.. it does what it needs to do in a convenient and fast way.
13:> No support for landscape (it doesn't flip even if you slide the keyboard). It stays in portrait no matter what. It's good in a way because it keeps the app stable, unlike PCM which starts to screw up whenever I slide my keyboard out to type SMS.
14:> It caches everything on memory on program start
15:> So far, it's very stable
16:> It uses the WM GUI for sending messages
I got hold of the "free" version (ahem.. sorry guys, I'm not going to give links)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

But there is one reason why funcontact is better than pcm contacts:
!!!It works on wm2003!!!

gogol said:
PCM still better, but I agree with you it becomes bloatware if Tene keep adding unnecessary features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like what?

hi tene, a bit off topic, but where can i get the basic theme for pocketcm? the one posted in the screenshots at your site.

You should ask the original poster DaVince about that bloatware
I just emphasized that.
Got it tene?
tene said:
Like what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

It's obviously still in its infancy...
If you take a peek at the BMPs for the app. they show Call and End icons plus many others, waiting to be switched on!
It's been said already that there is development planned for SMS chat and a better keyboard (their current one is BIZZARE!).
I've put it on my phone to do a comparison and it does seem faster (once it's loaded). This might be inpart due to the lack of fades and zooms between some screens.
I like the contact detail screen and the simple option to SMS to any number. Very nice deign, but then it should be...they pay professional designers to do the work.
The switch to view the contact in the Windows app is almost INSTANT! so no worries for me about a lack of address.
Given some layout options and skins and maybe 6 months to develop, it could be excellent.
Does use a lot of RAM to run though and I miss the filter option at the moment. Like I say thgouh, time will tell which app comes out on top.
I'm very much looking forward to Tene's next release, due soon. If he's got any sense (and he has), some of the nice little touches may well find their way into PocketCM
Oh yes, if you want the Vito icons for your PocketCM theme, you know where to go ;-)

As some have noted, PocketCM is free. However, that should not stop you from supporting Quentin's (Tene's) hard work and donate *something* so that he CAN continue to support and refine it with your direct suggestions.
G.

Hey, I also tested this "funcontact".
Its not bad, and looks also nice, but the scrolling didnt work well on my prophet... PCM does...
I prefer PCM because it can handle my SMS and there are possibilities to customize.
The only thing better in funcontact is the callLog.
PS.: It looks really like PCM, but its not the orignial.
TENE U did a real goog job man, thanks

providence said:
haven't tried it, why pay when i can use your version free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If yoo use a software and you like it show some apriciation with a donation..

Pocket CM

Hi guys,
I have been going through quite a bit of reading of the threads here in XDA Developers. I realised alot of people is using Pocket CM.
When i read up what PocketCM is used for, it is offering functions that the Polaris default contacts manager offers to. Finger scrolling, Random Alphabetical Access at the side and such. The only main difference i found is that PocketCM has skins and thats all about it.
May I just ask with politeness that what is the main difference about PocketCM that you guys are encourage to switch from the default contacts manager in polaris to PocketCM ?
Greatly Appreciate it..
Thanks

The main reason is that it can easily support the language you want (apart from English, for example Greek contact names) in a WWE ROM.

Oh ok... only that ?
Hmn.. alright.. then i think i am fine with the default contact manager

For many users the supported skins (iphone look) are much much better than the default contact manager. This is a good reason too...

i saw it on one of the youtube video Can you just enlighten me if the finger scrolling is much smoother than the one offered by the default contact manager ?

donchen said:
i saw it on one of the youtube video Can you just enlighten me if the finger scrolling is much smoother than the one offered by the default contact manager ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used PCM for awhile and uninstalled it. I found performance to be lagging.
However, you should give it a try and see if it works for you.

donchen said:
i saw it on one of the youtube video Can you just enlighten me if the finger scrolling is much smoother than the one offered by the default contact manager ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true... it's working smoothly on Polaris.

JNGold said:
I used PCM for awhile and uninstalled it. I found performance to be lagging.
However, you should give it a try and see if it works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I used PCM too, for about one hour and uninstalled it. But I have a problem: when I press "Contacts" (in the right corner or in the Start-menu) i get an error that he can't find PocketCM...My Polaris doesn't open my old Contacts-list. Somebody got the right solution? Also, I uninstalled it on the right manner, but the program symbol "PocketCM" remains in my Programs.

It's a nice app. It's smooth, can be made to look really professional, but I found it laggy, tempermental and ultimately uninstalled it.
It has several advantages over the default viewer (larger text for a start) but in the end it just got annoying.

Does someone know how I can solve my problem? When I press Contacts I get an error:"The file PocketCM cannot be opened..."...someone who knows where I can change the function of Contacts so I get in my good old contacts-list again...Thx in advance

Need to regedit. Do a search on the Dev/Hacking forum for ":MSCONTACT".
As for PCM, it also has threaded SMS capability. And I guess some would say its "slicker" than the stock contact app.

Looking for a Good Contact Manager

hey everyone,
i have used the forum search and i have found a few answers to this but i want to see if there are any others that i over looked,
i so far have used Icontact, and i am using the free version of Finger friendly friends currently
I liked I contact but i dont like how it gets rid of my start and Exit bars while i am in it.
and FFF i like alot but i dont think its worth the $15 for the full version
what i am basicly looking for is a Free contact manager, that i can use easily with my fingers and still keeps my start menu and X button accessible

I use iContact, but it doesn't keep the start menu and x button accessible, but if you click on the top right, it still acts like the x button...

Use Icontact Burt Edition,
really fast and great UI.

tried PocketCM ?
Have you tried Pocket CM ? Since I have very little use for contact management, I simply use the default WM app. But I really like Image Viewer from PocketCM, and suspect that PCM's Contact Manager might also be a good app. It doesn't seem to have a start button. However, it's skinable and if you can learn the code to write your own settings.ini file, you can have just about whatever you might want. Oh, and it is freeware. Check it out, here:
http://pocketcm.com/contact.php

i had tried pocketCM and it also didnt do the start menu, but it also seemed to want to reroute all of my SMS messages into its own program rather than using the one native to the device, and i really liked the look of the
Contact manager product but i could only find the download of the pocketCM version.
i'm sorry if i am too picky for you guys, but i really just want to find the one that works best for me

I'm using iContact (Burt's edition), and it includes a configuring shortcut, where you can re-enable the default WinMo taskbar/start menu. Hope it works for you, I'm a big fan of iContact (the kinetics seem very smooth on my Vogue).
Edit: and iContactBE is fully skinnable, too, there's some very nice ones out there. Keep in mind the skin must be for Burt's edition (BE).

so i downloaded burton edition
and i must say this is exactly what i was looking for i re-skined it and its perfect, thank you all for your help