What do you want in a PDA? - MDA III, XDA III, PDA2k, 9090 ROM Development

This might be a useful contributory thread to those who are considering building a ROM.
For me:
Phone - primary use
Messaging - primary use
Other applications/utilities - all useful, but secondary use.
Phone: Desire most functions by hand rather than pen in the easiest and fastest way.
Messaging: same as above. Keypads are not a problem there are nice softkeys out there such as Touchpal.
Unfortunately with current GUIs its really easy to slip your finger on to an unwanted icon and action say the calendar when that was not the intention.
A nice GUI is 'pointui' but development on that has ceased for the moment. Its GUI is hand friendly, but many features are not fully functional, or are flawed eg alarms do not work while its running. Address book limits scrolling to an address, not quickfind one.
Please suggest what you place highest in functionality. It might be useful for the ROM cookers here.

1. Easy to use, good looking, finger friendly GUI.
2. Games.
3. Movies.
4. Music.
5. Phone.
6. Ebook reader.
7. Databases, texting, internet, etc.
Now someone just has to make a GSM pda/phone with at least a 3.2" 16:9 touchscreen, wi-fi, and decent gaming controls.

its not that simple guys... actually our BA is ready for all of those things... all u need is the appropriate third party apps...
p.s. search it in dev&hacks section
regards
evo

evoluzionne said:
its not that simple guys... actually our BA is ready for all of those things... all u need is the appropriate third party apps...
p.s. search it in dev&hacks section
regards
evo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the intention of this thread was to list preferences of how we use our BAs so that people in the dev&hacks section know what all their fans would like to see in new GUIs and 3rd party apps.

sschrupp said:
I believe the intention of this thread was to list preferences of how we use our BAs so that people in the dev&hacks section know what all their fans would like to see in new GUIs and 3rd party apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed, it should not be in here.

Related

Touch/htc home/iphone

Hey all,
Im new to this site and this phone... after all the youtube vids and the websites im very eager to start customizing my mogul.... but there are a bajillion versions of everything, i dont know where to start... can anyone suggest or attach the newest versions of the iphone interface, the touchflo htc home app? Looking forward to contributing to the community as i learn more! thanks
Joel
Welcome to the site. I don't have all direct links but I included a few and if you do a search you can find all the following programs which i think are pretty sweet to have on the mogul.
Do a search on xda for the following:
Htc Task Manager - a program that closes applications when you click on the the x close button instead of just minimizing them, helps save ram and keep your mogul running smooth.
FlashVideoBundle Pack - codecs that let you watch streaming content like youtube
TCPMP - a good flexible Media Player that lets you watch things like youtube and other formats not supported by WMP (needs a flash bundle pack to watch youtube and other streaming media)
PPCgeeksMMS - lets you send picture mail and video mail
Google Maps - Awesome map program that lets you find nearby businesses, restaurants, etc. also has mapquest like driving directions function
HTC home customizer - Downloads the htc home plugin (very cool) onto your device and lets you customize it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=319308
PPC Pim backup - lets you backup contacts, messaging, and just about anything else on your device onto your SD card. good to have if you plan on customizing your phone and it ends up crashing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=299705
efrosts FTouchFlo - theres a couple different versions of Touchflo floating around but I find this one works well on the mogul. and also FTouchFlo customizer for an app that makes it extremely easy to configure TouchFlo
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=338143
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=345568
SCLPF - Slithers Cube Launcher - gives you the Touch Cube
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336234
Everything so far is free, the next couple do cost money but they are well worth it. And of course come with trial versions if you're on the fence so check em out:
As far as iphone themes go, i'd definitely recommend checking out lakeridgesoftware.com where you'll find the program wisbar advance 3 and wisbar advance desktop. In my opinion they are the best programs available right now to modify your phones interface. Once you have these two programs you'll have access to about a million different themes and you can even make your own. Highly customizable.
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/ Spb Software House has a ton of great software worth checking out. Some are moderately expensive but they make some great programs.
if you run into any problems let us know, we've all had our share of problems and crashes, good luck with your new mogul
very helpful thread for newbie.
rules to getting what you want...
#1. SEARCH SEARCH SEARCH
#2. READ READ READ
#3. Reapeat steps 1 and 2 profusely until eyes go bad.
Unless someone posts posts posts what is everyone going to read read read? The same question isn't always asked in the same way and not everyone thinks in the same keywords. Grow up and be more like the first responder... helpful.
Great response Johnnycross22.. I'd also add Pocket CM, TotalCommander, and Meshavi Notes Explorer to that list.
keefermilton said:
Unless someone posts posts posts what is everyone going to read read read? The same question isn't always asked in the same way and not everyone thinks in the same keywords. Grow up and be more like the first responder... helpful.
Great response Johnnycross22.. I'd also add Pocket CM, TotalCommander, and Meshavi Notes Explorer to that list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course this is just my opinon, but Tregrad has the right idea. Perfect example: A_C's "Slide2unlock" (great looking app worth picking up)so many people would ask the exact same question without taking the time to actually read the thread, it got ridiculous!
If you plan on making any kind of modification on anything that costs over 100 bucks it's worth doing all the independant study you can to hedge the odds of you bricking your device. right?
With that said... You do have the option of foregoing the flashbundle and tcmp by downloading Vtap. It's a great free application that is a vast collection of youtube, googlevideo etc. It is somewhat of a mem hog but I find it better than tcmp. Again just my opinon.
Grumps has a great iPhone gui thats really easy to get started with and a config app to go with it. its very simple as long as you pay attention and read the instructions. Hope this helps...
Thanks for posting all that info.
I was looking to do similar things with my Mogul once it arrives. Now I don't have to track everything down.
This website is awesome! It made me like my phone again, I was going to get the touch, but not anymore, since I can get all the features of the touch on my mogul and still keep my slide out keyboard!!

Finger-friendly Homepage!

I'm working on a new concept for a homepage for all touch devices.
I know it's not the greatest idea of all, but I really think it's good enough to have some value.
I wont release all details as I have a decent amount planned, but here goes...
http://neotelos.com/mobile/
Works great in opera beta and firefox, PIE is very underdeveloped and I've had issues...so no support at the moment, but may come in the future.
So far it's only a preview of what is to come, I'd like to know what you guys think so far.
I've even seen alot of touch PCs and Tablets emerging, and hope to aim towards that audience too!
Got it working with keys now
I can't wait to get this done...I'm also making this so I have something nice for even my own homepage.
nice idea...
what do you intend to put in there ?
I confess - I don't see the point in this, you're using an onhover effect wich won't be activated in a mobile - because theres no such thing as on hover on a touchscreen.
Sorry, I may be being ignorant.
interesting, the page is working on opera. in qvga mode, the font is oversize.
Napbree said:
I confess - I don't see the point in this, you're using an onhover effect wich won't be activated in a mobile - because theres no such thing as on hover on a touchscreen.
Sorry, I may be being ignorant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im no mobile web developer (although I've done my fair share of sites), but isn't the onhover property applied when the user taps the link? at least I think that's what is does in the iphone
Yes, is true.
The only issues that I haven't found a way to overcome:
1) Override context menu
2) Capture drag action
I plan on making a user-customizable CMS (Content Management System) and hope to just keep adding features over time.
My first goal is to allow users to setup accounts which they can customize links and content to their liking.
Like I said, it's nothing major, just something that might come in handy as there aren't many good web portals designed for mobile.
Edit:
Oh, yeah, it doesn't use hover, it actually grabs when the mouse moves and calculates actions...for a number of reasons I chose this method, may not be the most oiptimal but I find it to be more compatable.
When a user taps the screen, or even ends a drag, when the pressure is lifted mouse movement is activated. Not to mention it works with arrow keys and overrides the scrolling, so it can be used with devices w/o touchscreens.
Neotelos_com said:
Yes, is true.
The only issues that I haven't found a way to overcome:
1) Override context menu
2) Capture drag action
I plan on making a user-customizable CMS (Content Management System) and hope to just keep adding features over time.
My first goal is to allow users to setup accounts which they can customize links and content to their liking.
Like I said, it's nothing major, just something that might come in handy as there aren't many good web portals designed for mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think having the whole login account would be overkill, unless the user does not delete his or her cookies after each session
Neotelos, this is a very cool idea, but why don't you team up with whoever made Touch-innovation.com and develope it with him? he created it not a long while ago and it would be much more productive if you guys did that together instead of creating a whole new one (just a thought )
nir36: Not too bad of an idea, I've his site before and it's a nice start. Just that this is a web design geared for mobile devices, not resources for them. Maybe I'll shoot him a message and see if he wants to form an affiliation, who knows.
mbarvian: There's a few ideas I have, one would be just to use a simple URL for a basic start page, with configuration password protected. ex: somewebsite.com/somehomepage.php?user=myusername
nir36 said:
Neotelos, this is a very cool idea, but why don't you team up with whoever made Touch-innovation.com and develope it with him? he created it not a long while ago and it would be much more productive if you guys did that together instead of creating a whole new one (just a thought )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried contacting Nathan over there, but even though he remains active, I have yet to receive a response.
I don't see that his site is the busiest and if he can't even respond to messages as a courtesey, i don't think i'll be working with him. thanks for the advice though.

Can someone develop this? - Finger friendly EZTask application

Firstly, I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this request, if not, please move this to another section.
I use the standard WM Task program a lot. I keep track of what I want to buy, eg. my weekly groceries as well as things to do. I know I can use ThumbCal to do this but they are all 'date' related.
All I want is just a simple Task program which works like the standard Windows Mobile version but the standard one is not finger friendly. I hate using the stylus when I am pushing my shopping cart.
I do not hv experience in PPC programming, can anyone help to develop something like this? I am sure it will be useful for others who is in the same situation like I do.
The characteristic of the program works similarly like iContact. It has kenetic scroll, can easily add a new task, a huge button to press on when it is completed (light-greyish wording when done). The screen is just a simple example of what I have in mind.
Thanks.
Have you tried any of these??
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=16939&associateid=9
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=15206&associateid=9
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=6075&associateid=9
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=2040&associateid=9
They are all freeware as well.
BTW gogle is your friend. I did a quick search and came up with TONS of related freeware that does this already.
Wow... thanks! Honestly, I tried googling before but I can't find anything. Will check out what you've suggested.
Look thru quickly, only the first one is finger friendly but the rest needed stylus-access. Will test out then.

[APP][REQ] Loan manager for stuff (like books, movies, CD, video games, money...)

Hi all devs!
Are there any developers that would like to create a new windows mobile application?
The idea is to create a loan manager application to keep track of private loans to friends and family. I'm not talking about a financial applications, but a utility that lets you mange stuff (like books, movies, CD, video games, money, hardware tools, wine, you name it) that friend and other borrows from you (or what you borrows from others). I have searched google with all kinds of keywords without finding any suitable applications.
I see the following as key features:
1) Finger friendly
2) Integration with the camera, it's often quicker to take picture of the object rather then describing it with words (taking a picture of the borrower as well could be a quick way of relate the object with a person).
3) Integration with contacts (to relate a loan to a contact).
4) Integration with the calendar, make a record of the loan date and time, and a reminder for when the object is due to be returned (as a new record in the calendar).
5) Editable quick list or templates for standard lone types (objects)
6) Intuitive GUI that is quick in operation.
7) Pleasing graphics, support for all screen resolutions
I would like to see this as a free tool, but I would gladly donate to the developer for a useful application.
Regards,
PK
Any volunteers?
Regards,
PK
i would also love to see a program like this made.... the ones that are out or no where close to this and arent finger friendly thats for sure.
Great! Then we are two..
PK
r0sh said:
i would also love to see a program like this made.... the ones that are out or no where close to this and arent finger friendly thats for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make that 3!
I let friends of mine borrow stuff really often, and this would really help me to keep track of it all. Currently I'm using notes, but some app like this would be way better!
Hi!
I'm in the exact same situation. I also uses notes, but that is not even close to be a working solution.
Regards,
PK
cPT.cAPSLOCK said:
Make that 3!
I let friends of mine borrow stuff really often, and this would really help me to keep track of it all. Currently I'm using notes, but some app like this would be way better!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Any volunteers that want to show off their great programming skills?
Regards,
PK
Would be really simple, youcould just ask permision from one of the fuel tracker devs and use that as a baseline. I would start to do that but I am lucky enough to be heading to iraq soon and dont have time
Hope you get a nice trip Appreciate your offer anyway!
Regards,
PK
votum said:
Would be really simple, youcould just ask permision from one of the fuel tracker devs and use that as a baseline. I would start to do that but I am lucky enough to be heading to iraq soon and dont have time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Help - Need to prepare a tablet for use by a disabled person

Hi all. I was asked by a family friend to prepare a tablet for use by a person who is confined to a hospital bed. He has limited mobility, I think only one side of his body. Additionally, he is very old, so I imagine his eyesight is poor. I have not met with him yet, so I don't know all of the details, but I'm trying to prepare myself with some knowledge about what I can do when I meet him.
So, here I am asking for suggestions. I have a plan for mounting the iconia, so I'm good there; what I need is software suggestions for programs that he can use. His interests are:
1) web browsing
2) email
3) writing
The other thing I need help with is finding programs that will make the iconia easier to use generally: larger text, brighter icons, ?
For web browsing, I think Dolphin for Pad will be best, but I'll install opera too, just to see which he likes. Anyone know if there is a browser that would be particularly easy to use? Also, I don't know what news sources will be best, but as far as I can tell, the CNN app is the best for the tablet (even though I detest CNN. The NYtimes app has tiny text and is not fun to navigate...)
For email I think the default email client will work. If he uses gmail, I'll do that, if he has more than one I'll aggregate them in the gmail client. If he's stuck to hotmail (he's old...) I'll use the regular email client unless someone has a better suggestion.
For writing I have Docs to Go full and Quickoffice Pro. I also have the Flex T9 keyboard. Anyone have better suggestions? \
Thanks all in advance! I know this is going to be a challenge: I don't think he's ever even used a tablet, so the learning curve here will be steep. If this doesn't work, we may try an iPad (gasp!) just because it's harder to **** up, but I'd prefer to stick to the android so I can provide remote support (I'm keeping my galaxy 10.1!)
You've got yourself quite a hard task ahead of you. Mostly because there are almost no accessibility functions or applications available for Android devices at all. And you say that he's physically disabled, possibly not being able to use the other side of his body... so, how's he going to hold the tablet up and use it at the same time?
I personally feel a regular laptop would be a better choice. Sure, it's heavier, but there's far far more software for accessibility uses and it can easily be used even one-handed.
you can also try the w500. windows contains a lot of disabled functions.
Thanks for the two suggestions. In my original post I omitted the part about it being mounted above his head (the post was getting pretty long). He will not have to hold it, nor could he. We have already determined that a laptop will not work. I already have the iconia, and I'd like to try to make it work. Again, thanks for the suggestions, but what I'm really looking for is software for android or settings withing android that will make this work.
slack04 said:
Thanks for the two suggestions. In my original post I omitted the part about it being mounted above his head (the post was getting pretty long). He will not have to hold it, nor could he. We have already determined that a laptop will not work. I already have the iconia, and I'd like to try to make it work. Again, thanks for the suggestions, but what I'm really looking for is software for android or settings withing android that will make this work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
Bump. I know that some of you have some real ideas, not just naysaying. I didn't mention before that I'm not rooted but would be happy to root if there would be any advantages...
(please - no more discouraging responses. I have some ideas on how to do this, and it will probably work, I'm just looking for other ideas that maybe I hadn't considered yet).
Bull**** spotted!
WereCatf said:
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are sooooooo wrong.
Many Android users have disabilities that require them to interact with their Android devices in different ways. These include users who have visual, physical or age-related disabilities that prevent them from fully using or seeing a touchscreen.
Android provides an accessibility layer that helps these users navigate their Android-powered devices more easily. Android's accessibility services provide things like text-to-speech, haptic feedback, and trackball/d-pad navigation that augment the user experience.
Your application should follow the guidelines in this document to ensure that it provides a good experience for users with disabilities. Following these two basic rules will solve most access-related problems:
Make all of your user interface controls accessible with a trackball or directional controller (d-pad).
Label your ImageButton, EditText, and other input widgets using the android:contentDescription attribute.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ANDROID DO SUPPORT ACCESSIBILITY AND PROVIDE TOOLS TO DO IT SO...
tsss.
@slack04
he is very old, so I imagine his eyesight is poor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check this websites.
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/index.html
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/enabling.html
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/apps.html
Good luck
You can use Desktop Visualizer to make the on screen icons larger
try to change the LCD dpi in build.prop. use a Bluetooth mouse as a pointer or a those ipad pens. The rest is trying to use the voice for launching the most important applications. I think it can be done and he will enjoy the tablet.
Good Luck
kekinash said:
try to change the LCD dpi in build.prop. use a Bluetooth mouse as a pointer or a those ipad pens. The rest is trying to use the voice for launching the most important applications. I think it can be done and he will enjoy the tablet.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone confirm that this will make the screen icons larger? I don't think he's blind to the point where talkback will be useful, but I do think that larger type/icons would definitely be a positive. I have a few cheap soft-tip styluses; is there a real difference between them? I will get one of the $20 ones if that will really make it easier to use.
Also, looks like I need to root this thing. I'm comfortable with that; I have rooted more than a few gizmos in my life; anyone have a suggestion for a good ROM (or anything else root related specific to my question)?
Wtf?
WereCatf said:
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you love how the Internet makes everyone an instant expert?
Tried going to settings accessibility screen reader?
Android may not have a lot available yet, but accessibility is definitely in mind
Slack, first off I commend you for helping him, your a good man. For News try News 360 & World News papers. Each one you can touch zoom what your reading & the latter formats what your reading on the page. CNN,AGREE ! Don't forget a stand for him to use on his bed side roller table.
Good luck,
Bob
I forgot, Fox News just came out with an Android app. Not bad.
eglathangion said:
Don't you love how the Internet makes everyone an instant expert?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sanaell said:
Bull**** spotted!
You are sooooooo wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys, WereCatf is pretty good as far as helping people out around here. I understand how she sees the current accessibility options. They are pretty weak at this stage. For instance, if someone wanted to change their font size globally, without root and slack04's spiffy trick they would have quite a time. There are no contrast controls that I know of in the accessibility options, or anywhere else. That seems to me that it would be included for the visually impared if much thought had gone into it at all. There looks to be a huge absence of apps for the disabled. Ripe and waiting for some developer to tap into.
Maybe you fellas should consider taking a look around at some of her posts. Perhaps you might rethink the comments.

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