Database Users

Developing new application, need help/suggestions

MAJOR EDIT: Started over, I need fresh ideas!
I'm bored, I got Basic4PPC andI want to make a little freeware app. Seeing how much people wanted another unit converter, I dropped the towel before entering the shower (pushing the metaphor to far...) and decided to consult the experts.
What would be THE best idea for a Pocket PC application? I was thinking about a small app to launch many applications from a single hardware button with some cool UI and all, but it's been down quite a couple of times.

I don't think that a unit converter can be sold easily... I mean: I don't need it, and if I would: there are so much freeware alternatives.
And about your goals:
- only one file... why?
- Try to make it modulair: easier to extend

sounds like a good idea, but why not have currency converter, in fact what would be a cool idea is if it can download a table of exchange rates on startup so that it gives you an accurate conversion figure.

Rhapsody said:
I don't think that a unit converter can be sold easily... I mean: I don't need it, and if I would: there are so much freeware alternatives.
And about your goals:
- only one file... why?
- Try to make it modulair: easier to extend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, who would buy a unit converter... for instance I use google to convert for me on my phone. Easy and fast to use. I don't really know why I would need to convert a number fast.

I chose a unit converter for ease of use, but since the project is a day old or so, it's the right time to tell me what to make!

N1c0_ds said:
I chose a unit converter for ease of use, but since the project is a day old or so, it's the right time to tell me what to make!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I think if you want to make something which you want to sell, you have to come up with the ideas yourself
I think you start at the wrong side. First think about what you want to make (what are you missing at the moment on your phone?), then try to create it and when it's finished you can always decide what to do with it. (shareware or freeware).
The thing is that most of the things are already available freeware.

I don't quite correspond to the typical PDA user. I'm 15 years-old, part time worker...
I can get ideas myself, but I can't really know what the average user wants. The best thing I can of right now would be a hardware button launcher.
When you'd press the button you'd be presented a big touch keyboard from which you could filter the available apps. It would launch the app then close itself. Good or no good?

Timesheet application?
Well, since you asked... This is the only app I used on my old palm device that I have not been able to replace on my PPC. It is a simple timesheet program that allows the user to record time spent on definable projects.
I have tried several of the commercial programs out there and they are all too complex or geared more for billable time and invoice generation. I just need something simple. The PALM program was freeware and can be seen here.
If you are interested in giving this a try I will be glad to give some more details on the desired functionality. The PALM program was not 100% of what I needed, just the best fit from what I could find.

Interesting. I actually made something similar in one of my Palm apps (which was never finished because I switched to WM).
I'll have a look at that. I'll try it as a filler, waiting for a great project.
P.S.: your themes are awesome!

That would be wonderful! The biggest things I would need are below:
Multiple projects with name and number (13 digit)
Ability to delete project from available list but keep past history
Day and Week summary view reports
Easy selection / clock in / clock out on main screen
Those are the main things. There are lots of ways to do this and I have ideas, but part of the fun of coding is UI design and code structuring. If you decide to take this one please let me know. I will be very happy to test for you.

Woah, calm down, I'm only about to complete the table. It looks like the screenshots for Timesheet right now (without final total, project selection and "today" button).

what about an app that can install automatically and in silent mode a big list of cabs. we should just have to select the destination : phone storage or sdcard. it would make reinstalls easier after rom updates .....
perhaps it already exist, i don't know ...

PROGRESS!!!
The thing is now useable! It saves date, in time, out time and calculates the difference between the two. When you exit it save your current data to load it when you launch.
Looks like this:
Date In Out Time
08/08/2008 17:15 17:20 00:05
And it adds one row for each in/out.
Sample coming soon.

kaiser47 said:
what about an app that can install automatically and in silent mode a big list of cabs. we should just have to select the destination : phone storage or sdcard. it would make reinstalls easier after rom updates .....
perhaps it already exist, i don't know ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting idea, but I doubt people would pay for it.

CAB File!
Here's the working version. It yet has to show total time, money owed and all, but that's a good start!
Does anyone know a better CAB making app? This one sucks.

N1c0_ds said:
Interesting idea, but I doubt people would pay for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
basically exists as user customisation... a new thing where cabs from storage card can be installed if u basically make an xml file with links to all the needed cabs

N1c0_ds said:
Here's the working version. It yet has to show total time, money owed and all, but that's a good start!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am impressed. Then again, I don't have a WM dev environment. It is running fine so far on my P4300 WM6. Thanks for taking this on! There is nothing out there right now that is simple and clean.

I'm about to cancel all that crap right now. After a hard day of work, it was all made useless because Basic4PPC can't freakin' handle tables as it should. Thus instead of getting the standard plain white tables with grey headers, I get some ugly dark gray filling where there is no data. Then thing get even uglier when scrolling is needed. That kind of crap is enough to make me quit.
Unless you guys can get me something actually worth its price, forget about my app, I'm too pissed off to continue and all the files went straight to the bin.

[X] WApps - A windows mobile "appstore"

I got the idea to make a application finder software for Windows Mobile. Specially designed to HTC Diamond, with many G-apps & games and other nice apps. It's under development now, and i will release one screenshot for you.
This app will not be just an styled IE-frame, like many "appstore" like apps that have been released before.
19. October 2008:
New Screenshot of the start screen.
Development stopped, becouse of the Gecko project.

I think this is a phenominal idea. The idea that went around recently was an internet based solution through ie explorer and it just was not device friendly. To have a device based solution is much more sensable. If you could create a server that developers could upload their most recent programs too that would be the best.
Maybe contact the system admin on this site and see if he will give your program to access the sites FTP server or something. Then a user could use your device based program that would seemlessly connect to the interenet in the back ground, poll the server for software, sort it and place it into a thumb friendly interface on the phone by which it could be sorted into categories of games, utilities, themes, programs etc etc....
Of course the admin would have to create those categories on the site's side and the developers would need to upload their program to the correct one but I think everyone has been in such a need for this that they would be willing to do it without much arm twisting.
Or, you could create device user interface that interacts with Orb.com... But then you would have to get the updates of programs and upload them to ORB for your program to work. But ORB does already have a sorting feature that your user controls on the device could be made to access for sorting etc. It even has a video section that a user could download tutorials of different programs that someone took time to make.
All just ideas. Some you may find good or not. I am excited to see a device based program though. It make user intereaction easier.
Curious G.

yes
Its a good idea, keep working on it

seems to be a nice idea

I like the idea but this really depends on what will be offered / how updated the actual site behind the store application is. Have you had any thoughts on that yet?

i second that.
at this time i browse via opera tho xda to download stuff... but having a app that simplifies things would be even better...
maybe all the downloads here could be managed and put upto "youre" server in an automated way..

I remember seeing this article a few weeks ago about Microsoft creating their own app store.
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/n.../job-advert-reveals-microsoft-skymarket.phtml
Either way, it's certainly a good idea!!

I forward the notion. An app that has all the apps at hand for easy download by category would kick some serious asss..
If I can help in any way let me know.
Greetings to all.

Love this development. Maybe this progress will open up eyes on new skilful programmers and we will see an increase of good looking apps and games. Not that I don't just love the things going on here at xda. But the more the merrier, right? The only complaint that I might have on this forum is the all the threads with wallpapers and especially the ones with half-naked women...But that's me...
So an app store (or two) is going to make it easier for us to sort out what we are interested in and only that.

If needed count me in I can help develop..

Great idea.
In the spirit of AppToDate, which I found worked very very well. But with YouTube-app like interface, all connected to database were latest apps can get installed.
Great idea!

I'm working to figure out how to connect to MySQL from a windows mobile based device, does anyone here know?

double post****

i think if these two threads could be incorporated
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=428480
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=433913
that would be a good way to do storage
each developer could use have there own account and then whenever they updated there app they update the wapps link via web or give it like some type of flash capabilities that would be really great
or there could be a generic account that ever one uses to upload too
looks like this is in the works http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=436127
maybe some collabo might be nice

Nice project!! GoOd Luck!!

If there was a way to advertise this app when it gets made. the diamond would sell millions

Why not just modify a RSS feed reader?

niikoo said:
I'm working to figure out how to connect to MySQL from a windows mobile based device, does anyone here know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe Sqlite is more accurate for a mobile device ?
And you just download the sqlite file available on a server, this way requests would be very fast.

masterbox said:
Maybe Sqlite is more accurate for a mobile device ?
And you just download the sqlite file available on a server, this way requests would be very fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, every time you start it will update from the web or you can click on a button to update (or an 'update every x minutes' function

please keep up the hard work!!!!! love to see this appstore happen!

[Ideas] Windows Application Skinings [Long - Rant Material]

Hey guys,
I've hadmy HD a while and think it is by far one of the better phones I've used. Though like many reviewers and people have said the interface could do with a face-lift of sorts.
It just occured to be that maybe this would give the HD more appeal and with XDA being the largest resource of designers and coders for Windows I don't see why it can't be done.
Basically here are a few of my ideas, not all of them are applicable and I'm not a programmer as such and nor do I know the major workings of Windows mobile and I know there are alternative applications for these things but some of us just want a new skin not a new program.
Ok let the ideas flow:
SMS/MMS: This one I truly find depressing. I don't feel there is a need for a seperate program but if someone could just skin the display it would make sending messages that extra bit more 'entertaining'. I know people here dislike the iPhone I don't blame them but just have bubbles around threaded messages could really make a difference and improve communication. If I recall a lot of these edits can be doen through XML files. I've seen a cab which increases the size of the message box so it looks like atleast some change is possible. So adding more colour and imgry I think would be of benifit here.
Calendar/Tasks: Both I feel could do with a major new modelling but I use Calendar Touch so I've found my alternative. Though I think just making the display match Outlook on the PC a bit more of just making the buttons and fields bigger if possible would make the applucation more usable.
WMPlayer: I've tried MortPlayer and Pocket Player, the former crashed my HD as it wouldn't unistall so I had to hard-reset and the latter I left was good but just needed to appear more complete (some menus didn't match the styling of the player skin - also very confusing to use at times). Enter good old WMP, I enjoy using the skins already available, but the menus are still small and the fact I have to click the song then 'Play' I think is backwards, where on earth is double click! Is it possible to skin the menu to be bigger and look more user friendly?
These are obviously my thoughts and opinions but what I'm look/hoping for is for someone to code something that modifies these problems. Ofcourse this is open to discussion and people please do discuss.

haha, I had the exact same idea. I thought of some htc style cover for the wm interface and new apps for sms, notes, calendar etc.
going to move my thread to this section, will probably get more attention.

WONDERFUL!
It's good to see people with on a similair though pattern.

Any views, opinions or ideas?

Under Dev - CAD application for Android

My team has been vigorously working on a CAD application for android. I will post some screenshots of the tool if anyone is interested, so please let me know.
It's currently being tested and developed using a Motorola Droid running 2.0.1. Although we can run the emulator and test different screens using it, we find great difficulty in knowing if the "feel" is nice on a smaller screen.
Anyway - current features that are working:
Objects: Line, Circle, Ellipse, Rectangle, 3 Point Arcs, Text Areas
Drawing Modes: Orthographic (including 45s), Grid On Off, Snap Mode On Off (Endpoints, Centerpoints, Midpoints, Quadrants)
Other Things: Undo, Redo, Erase, Modify (reshape & move), Pan, Layering System, Linetypes, Colors & Text Sizes.
In The Works: Zoom (Option for Pinch), Configurable Toolbar (Add/Remove Tools), Export to DXF & Linetypes.
We are looking for a few people that would be willing to get in on a "PRIVATE Beta" to assist us with the continued development. We have our day jobs, so this is a project that when we have time to work on, we do. However, we do spent quite a bit of time working on it .
Anyway - We want to be picky about the testers, simply because we need to have a nice round group of people. Not plumpy, just round. We need a couple guys that are good with input, finding problems, etc. And we also need a few that dont know anything about CAD and can help us to see if the average joe can figure it out.
We also need a couple good mathmeticians or programmers. Or even one would do. We are having some trouble computing certain boundaries (ellipses to be more precise) that we need to understand so that we can build in other commands like Trim or Extend. (Plus our select option on ellipses is a bit hokey, but knowing how to find an ellipse will solve that for us)
For now, the only assistance I can give you is through the board here, and help you get started. The tutorial will come soon, once we get the basics figured out as to how we want to make it really work.
Anyway - To make a long story even longer - let me know if you might be interested. I would be more than happy to post some screenshots if you like of its current state. So let me know if you are interested.
Thank you very much for sticking through the long a$$ read, or even for skipping through to the "thanks" is enough for me.
That being said - LMK! Thanks!

A capacitive touch screen doesn't seem a good candidate for controlling a smooth CAD experience. However on second thought, when coupling together this technology with a trackball, the possibilities really open up. Harness these well and I know you'll be onto something here.
Post some screens to show everyone the progress of your development and I'll let you know if I'd be interested in testing.
Cheers

Well if your looking for anyone with CAD knowledge, I have a degree in engineering with CAD, and Pro Engineer. I don't have much time to devote to beta testing, but I do have time every now and then. I run a ION with 1.6. Good luck on your software!

(Unfortunately - my account has not been enabled for posting outside links or images - so this is the best i can do for you until that is enabled)
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/11.jpg
Above is a screen shot with a couple drawn elements, and the right side of the toolbar tools.
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/09.jpg
Above is a screen shot with a couple drawn elements, and the left side of the toolbar tools.
There are a handful of more screenshots posted up on my site, the links are as follows:
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/01.jpg - Layer select screen
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/02.jpg - File Operations
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/03.jpg - Display Settings
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/04.jpg - Samle Help Screen (Line)
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/05.jpg - Snap Settings
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/06.jpg - Color Picker
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/07.jpg - Snapping to Midpoint
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/08.jpg - Selection of Ellipse
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/10.jpg - Text Input Screen
That should be plenty of screens to keep interest.
@Lancealot - Thank you very much, and I completely agree, that when we started this, there was some doubt as to how precise you could actually be using a "touch based" screen. The good news, through playing with it, and given ability to set tolerances based on the size of your "touch area" as well as snapping options, we found that you can actually be quite precise.
Ill fiddle with it a little today, put together a drawing and give you a nice example of something that can be made with this.
Keep in mind, this is a work in progress, and although much of the functionality that is currently built into the tool, is at a "finished" state, there is certainly room for input and comments from others that may find use in this tool.
Anyway - here are the screenshots as promised, let me know if you have any further questions.
(Again - sorry about the inconvenience on the links)
(edit to update image types to jpg instead of png)

@zul8er - we are certainly interested in your input. Check out the screenshots and let me know if you are still interested. We dont need a huge commitment, but anything that you might be able to provide would certainly be a big help.
Android 1.6 is the minimum OS currently supported. We need to do some work on the graphics to go as far back as 1.5 to compensate for screen size, and we intend on doing so.. Just not at this current time.

I would be interested in trying out your CAD program. I've been doing CAD for ove 10 years now, started with AutoCAD but have been using Solidworks for the last 8 years.
In addition to using the touch screen for input, will you be able to enter X and Y coordinates using a keyboard or virtual keyboard?
What format will it save the files? DXF, JPG, or what?

Noob Squared said:
I would be interested in trying out your CAD program. I've been doing CAD for ove 10 years now, started with AutoCAD but have been using Solidworks for the last 8 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems there are more and more of us creeping out of the woodwork on a daily basis
Noob Squared said:
What format will it save the files? DXF, JPG, or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the file format is a proprietary format. But we are currently (today actually) working on saving out to a DXF format to be able to reload your files into AutoCAD or other supported softwares.
The ability to import is also in the works, but will require some massaging on the users end to make sure the DXF file is not binary etc. (MTEXT may not be supported either)
Noob Squared said:
In addition to using the touch screen for input, will you be able to enter X and Y coordinates using a keyboard or virtual keyboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have toyed with the idea of being able to put in specific dimensions on objects, and also work with x/y coords, but at this time, it only supports point to point drawing. We arent completely sure if we intend on building a "FULL ON CAD" application, or an application for people to use to simply get an idea of what they need to do for a job. The other key, is to keep the application at a price range that is reasonable for people. Most "PocketCAD" applications run around 50 bucks a copy - and rightfully so. To keep the tool at a reasonable range (below 10 or 15 dollars) it may need to be a bit lighter weight than those. Most people cringe at a 2.99 app..
IF we could devote our time 100% i am sure we could build a really nice full blown cad app Unfortunately as with most of us, the day job prohibits some of that time.
Its a WIP I'll put you on the list. Thanks for the input.

Are you looking for beta testers?
Hi, are you looking for beta testers. I'm a long year CAD user, and I'm sure I can help with the app development.
[email protected]
Have you tried using some of the java based cad software as a source for your project? There are many and some might be open source.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/ycad/

Yeah I am still interested. It will be neat to play with and see how it works. The coordinate input is a good idea, also, ever play with Pro Engineer? They have a cool way of building an initial drawing. You just sketch, regen, and then input your dimensions to make the object to your liking. Makes things a lot faster and easier to edit a shape if changes need to occur.
I dont know how in depth you want to go, or if that idea can be used.
My email is [email protected]

Nice
Give me a couple more days to get a good product out for you guys to test. Currently we are cleaning up a few little "we'll get that later" issues, and should be good to go by mid/late next week.
Thanks for providing the contact info, I will shoot you a message through email shortly.
Thanks agian for the interest.
@zul8er: nice. Look forward to hearing how you like the feel of it. I havent had a chance to play with ProE, as AutoCAD has been my forte for the last couple decades. Ill see if i can any kind of demo for ProE, and get an idea of how it works. Who knows Anything to make it easier for everyone is a good thing.
But yah - the indepth thing is the issue. We keep tossing with ideas and putting them "on the list" in case people start asking for them. I guess it just depends on how people really want to use this tool. (and of course, how much time we can continue to devote to it) - bah i hate day jobs

I enjoyed the screen shots that were posted. Any idea whether you guys will support rendering/raycasting, or physics with inverse kinematics? Either way it looks great; Sign me up!

haha Not sure if we are going to go the IK way. Maybe as a different project, something more suited to 3D, but for this app, we are only intending on running the 2D route.
My lack of knowledge about the OpenGL portion, really limits us with regards to 3D implementation. I spent a good 3 days just trying to get ahold of loading in a 3D model.. Still never got there (or would have probably released a 3D model viewer first).
At any rate, its hard to say where this will go. It mostly depends on the overall interest i suppose. Its certain that the sky would be the limit, if time were as available as the sky
But cool.. Glad I was able to keep your interest.
Currently (as I type even) I am finishing up all of the help documentation for the app, the inline tutorial, and what not.. A couple more days on the file handling (DXF in particular) and should be set to go for a BETA run. ('couple more days' - like we all havent heard enough of that)
@lancelot - can you send me your email address via private message? That way I can do the BETA communications through there (link to files etc). You are welcome to email me as well:
support AT talon-designs.net
cheers!

Hey, I'm a high school student that has just started learning CAD, does that count as average Joe? I'd love to help beta test, I really want android to overpower iPhone 3.0 lol. My e-mail is [email protected] I use g1 with cyanogenmod 1.6...so idk if that qualifies. But anyways, Good luck!

This really sounds promising. In the last few weeks, I really had the need for a good drawing software on my mobile device. But my Tytn II lacks of power. As I soon will get the Desire, I will hopefully have a quite powerful device for all day use (my Tytn II really sux atm). And because I have the re-occurring need of a drawing app, this could be it.
I mean I don't need it for simple drawing, but for constructing things CAD style and on the go Graphics of furniture or something with measures and all that stuff.

Hey guys.. just wanted to pass you an update on status (which is so much more than I seem to be getting from Verizon on the 2.1 update).
Small rant, but its done now.
Ok - status..
DXF Export is working now, supporting layers, linetypes, colors, and elements throughout the drawing. Am having some issues with getting ellipses to export via DXF (and im not alone - faulty specs are at fault), and that combined with the other issues regarding the math behind finding ellipse edges, we decided to comment out the ellipse alltogether for now. Not that it wont be back, but having so many rules with "you can do this to anything - except an ellipse" left us with no other choice.
It's coming back, just not right now.
We have saving and opening completed (simple proprietary ascii format, but it works for what we need it to do).
Zoom is currently partially working (difficult to complete the recalculation on the elements, but its really close) touch events for zoom are coming up as well. Maybe a pinch zoom even, considering that all devices are getting the 2.0+ upgrade - but we will see.. We dont want to keep anyone excluded from being able to use the tool.
@Balrog82 - we have definately taken this tool a long way since its initial conception. We hope to be able to bring more features that are more "CAD Specific" to the application, and will if it becomes a tool that gets used. We want to release it initially as a "basic" drafting tool, and see what kind of input we get. If we see that a lot of people are using it, and would like the ability to put in dimensions the same way that cad does (within limits) we will certainly look into it.
That being said - I hope the tool is still something you would be willing to try out. I find a lot of enjoyment with working with a tool at its early conception (started using paint shop pro at version 1.42) and now its on to version 14 or something and owned by corel. I just kinda get into that sort of thing, and hope that you all will do.
Good thing is, we hope its a draw to the tool, we plan on releasing it at the market both as a free version (no saving abilities) and a full version at a low price. As the tool grows, the price may increase a bit.. Keeping of course the original buyers at a place that they can keep updating the software at no cost to them. We think that will help the advancement and development of the tool quite a bit.
Anyway - It is right around the corner for initial testing. Please to all interested - send me a PM with your contact information (just an email would be great) I am going to see if i can start a private discussion here to invite you all to as well.
@Lancealot - i got your PM.. Am very happy that you are interested in helping. Expect to hear from me again soon..

Until we can see a working model of this app, I thought I would throw out an app that has some great drawing capabilities. The paid was is called "Picso" by Tiki Move, but I used the free version to try out; it's called "Picso Lite".
It's not a CAD app, but it's different from the other Paint apps on Android in that it has tools the other ones don't. It has the usual tools a CAD user would need, such as Rectangles/Squares, Circles/Ellipses, and Lines. You can change the colors and widths of these entities.
What I like about your program is that it has snaps, and the tools are on the bottom of the screen so they are easy to get to: /talon-designs.net/android/andcad/07.jpg
A feature Picso needs is a Zoom tool so you can zoom in to an area and draw whatever you need to and then be able to zoom full screen. It also needs a text tool. Since there is no dimension tool, you could put a text for the dimension.
P.S.,
I want to try your app, but I am only posting this to show how someone else has put these tools on their app and also to have a comparison on ease-of-use. One other thought, you mentioned the files your CAD app will create will be proprietary file types. Will you be able to save-as .jpg or .png so you can email or text-message a sketch to someone? That way if your on-site you will be able to send someone back at the office whatever it is to explain your ideas, and also they would not have to have an Android phone to view it.

Idea sounds great. Good luck with it!

Sorry for being away for so long.. but we had something going on that we had to attend to..
http://developer.att.com/developer/index.jsp?page=event&id=6.3_v1_9700324
More news as it allows.

Android Category Winner
Talon Designs, AndCAD
This application allows users to create simple geometric shapes, combined with notes, to describe plans associated with the art, architecture, engineering and manufacturing industries. Many of the tools familiar to CAD users are incorporated into this utility, meaning that fluent CAD users will feel right at home using this tool. However, the interface for this tool is simple enough for even the most novices of users to understand. This enables certain users (Contractors, etc) to be able to take notes while on a job site and associate them with vector elements within the drawing.

talondesigns said:
Sorry for being away for so long.. but we had something going on that we had to attend to..
More news as it allows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T Open Call-Apps for All! Contest
Thank you to all the participants in the 2010 AT&T Open Call—Apps For All! Contest. This year's contest was filled with many great entries. AT&T reviewed over 90 applications this year ranging from games to business applications. The winners from each category will receive $10,000 and co-marketing opportunities with AT&T.
Click to expand...
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Did you get $10,000?

[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...
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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.. :/
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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...
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ANDROID DO SUPPORT ACCESSIBILITY AND PROVIDE TOOLS TO DO IT SO...
tsss.
@slack04
he is very old, so I imagine his eyesight is poor.
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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.. :/
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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?
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sanaell said:
Bull**** spotted!
You are sooooooo wrong.
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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.