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There are way too many posts on this board from ppl who r saying "Piece of crap, I'm gonna take it back and stick it up my provider's...". This post is for you!
I'm no expert (just a disciple of ppl like buzz, vj, etc), BUT I am not afraid of a hard reset or 30, and as a result I've tested everything below, and most of the stuff throughout this forum. I've also followed everything on every forum since being the 10th person in my country to get a JasJar. I welcome critisism, corrections and additions. Please post replies by refering to the step you would change, or insert after. Let's try to stick to proven alternatives and additions though, so that this thread can become somewhat of a 1-stop point for new users (and existing users who do not have the time to learn this alone - and let's face it anyone who has a Universal already, is probably pretty hard working, and already spending an awful amount of time justifying their acquisition in front of their BlackBerry collegues...)
This is written with a single thought in mind; what the hell would my wife do if she got one of these. No-one could blame her for tossing it inside of a week, but with a few changes it's perfectly functional - in fact with a few more changes (also listed below) it's quite desirable.
By the end of this process, your Universal should have a reasonable suite of apps, perfect functionality around all issues solved to date (I've not covered networking tho), a screen flip speed of 0.5s or less, and free program memory of over 20Mb
So here goes, a step-by-step process to get your Universal 100% functional, proven and tested on the HTC Universal iMate JasJar, but should all work on any MDA:
ROM Upgrade: First thing's first. Upgrade to the September-30 ROM (JASJAR_WWE_11353_137_10301.zip). It's available somewhere on xda-developers, or on clubimate for imate users. This is a no-brainer - no posts on this board or any others indicate it's a waste of time. Many posts cover O2 users flashing to this ROM, with great benefits. There are ways to re-install the O2 graphics and apps - if you want ;-) If you have ANY issues with your Universal, bite the bullet and do this; you'll see that the following setup process is not as brutal as you'd expect (I can run thro it in about half an hour - but I've done it many times and have all the apps lined up and ready).
Optional soft reset: Some pppl like to soft reset BEFORE the device installs the default apps. On this ROM, there's no performance improvement, no memory imporvement that can't be covered later (backgammon etc), and potentially some important losses that I didn't hang around long enough to discover.
Sync: Now sync with your PC to get your contacts, calendar and tasks. This is only here to get you up and running asap.
Pocket Mechanic: Download (www.antontomov.com) and install this essential app. You have a few days on trial, and it's necessary for the next steps
Notification Queue: This can be done later, but it's nice to get familiar with this process whilst your queue is small. Using PM, open the notification queue. You may already (yes!) find some duplicate (yellow icon) sddeamon entries. These seem to replicate during an activesync. You can/must delete all duplicates from time to time. You will also, in future, find some "\.\\Notification.....SCRIPT..." entries. Keep an eye out for these. Most mature within minutes of you finding them, so let them expire. Many are future-dated and tightly back-to-back. These can nearly always (I've never had a regret) be deleted without repercussions. If you don't manage these, they tend to breed, and anyone with XDA experience knows what happens when your queue fills up (failed alarms etc). I'm unclear as to where these come from - undoutedly an app that is not behaving elegantly (regular registration checks etc), and if you follow the steps on this post you should NOT find any - ie the apps here do not seem to be culprits. But, keep an eye open...
Registry cleanup: Again, this can be done later, however you'll soon see the beenfit of doing it now. Using PM, run registry cleaner. You'll get around 6 entries, all of which can safely be deleted. If you did not follow step 1, you may have to examine eahc entry to see if the O2 ROM is messier. The beauty of this step is that from now on, you can safely clean everything that PM finds in the knowledge that it's a leave-behind from an app you installed, and now you can install, de-install, and provided you clean up the directories (easy) you KNOW for sure that you've completely gotten rid of the failed app. Winner!
Task closer: Now it's time for your task manager. There's a lot of coverage on this, and any of the following seem to do the trick, ranked in order of simplicity thro to possibly problematic:[list:333ba237cf]
Magic Button (free, includes battery line on top of screen)
GSPocketMagic++ (free, includes cascading menu. Some MDA Exec users claim that it closes something awful that O2 installs, and solves a 7 second flip issue. SEVEN SECONDS!!! If you implemented step 1, you should not have this problem to solve anyway)
spbPocketPlus (not free, and do not allow it to show any storage meters. There are some bad posts on spb, but I've found it just as good as the above, altho it takes up slightly more memory)
WisbarAdvance2 (not free, HUGE footprint, definite performance issues BUT it skins your Universal SO beautifully, that I've gone with this and WAD - desktop plugin)
[*]Basic apps: Now there are a few no-brainer apps to install, that no-one disputes and that are all free. NO BRAINERS:
Total commander (free, replacement for file explorer - way way better)
TCPMP (free, replaces media player, more formats, full screen, way way better)
Batti (free, battry bar on top of screen like spbPocketPlus, small footprint, but if u r using MagicButton you already get this)
TRE (free, registry editor, necessary to run .reg files covered later)
IIWPO (free, AWESOME concept; If your owner info is changed, it SMS's the number you've set with new SIM number and new 'owner' details. Great if someone steals your Universal. Don't bother if u r not happy with a little installation effort)
BT icon (free, on this board somewhere, gives u an icon on your today tray that shows BT status and allows u to jumps to settings>connections>BT)
BT switch (free, on this board somewhere, several apps that turn BT on, off, or toggle)
Battery Uptime (Optional: free, today plugin that tells u the battery status BUT it's way more useful: you get to see actual running time vs uptime, and remaining running time. This gives u a good feel for your battery consumption rate under different scenarios and helps overcome a LOT of concerns around thinking you are draining faster when actually you are just using the device more)
apReminderPlus (free, AWESOME repeating alarms. Beauty of this is that is seems to be independent of WM5, in that it keeps an eye open for any alarms, and pops up to do its thing if it sees one. WAY beter than built in repeat system, and makes me feel good that I have alarms covered off in case the old wm2003 bugs start to appear again)
VJSMS (free, on this board, gives u 1-click to send an SMS. Note that .lnk file should read as follows INCLUDING inverted commas:
\Storage Card\Program Files\VJApps\vjsms.exe" "123
Change path and number of course. Number can also be a name.
Sad to report that VJDailer doesn't work on the universal. This would be awesome
[*]Settings: Time to do your basic settings:
speed dials
power and backlight
voice dials
Owner info
ringtones and notifications
DO NOT set regional settings if u r using PI (below)
[*]PIM: OK, time to replace the CRAP calendar built into WM5. CRAP CRAP CRAP! Disgracefully, embarassingly CRAP. Hell, symbian ship better default apps with the OLD Psion S3 and S5 than this! Now, I use PocketInformant. Latest release works well on JJ with 2 livable issues: Landscape flip screws up Monday/Tuesday in week view, and you MUST NOT set any regional settings what-so-ever, else you get the blank calendar view bug. AgendaFusion is due for a WM5 release any day now. Other than that, I don't think there is much that works on the Universal - correct?? :?:
[*]Reg fixes: Now there are a few no-brainer registry hacks that you should run. You can find these as cab files on this board, as registry keys under the wiki page, else as .reg files on one of my earlier posts (fastest method):
Buzz's BT headset (prevents BT from turning off over night - no brainer! Thanks buzz!!)
"Always on GPRS" (search this board - keeps GPRS/UMTS turned on - awesome!)
Date & time in title bar (why not)
Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 (it's cosmetic, but on our nice VGA screens, it seems daft to have a look n feel that's SO QVGA)
PIE homepage (prevent 'e' button from going to clubimate page)
Terminal services cache (increased cache uses memory during terminal services, but it's WELL worth it to eliminate black blocking issues)
Turn IR off (unless you have a good reason for keeping it on)
[*]Extra apps: There are several very useful apps, that work reliably and do not have an adverse impact on your Universal.
eWallet (not free, desktop sync does not work, but rest is very useful)
Pocket sudoku (not free, but it's SO much fun!)
Mobipocket reader (skinny version is free, for mobipocket ebooks - ebooks fully being 25% of your devices functionality along with PIM, phone and internet access. Google beta 5 version with full VGA support)
uBook (more eBook formats. Not free but usable. VGA support)
1-calc (cos built in calculator is SO crap)
GPRS traffic monitor: We need a GPRS/3G monitor. spbGPRS monitor does NOT track the usage of yoru device as a 3G modem - which is where u chew up traffic costs. IP Dashboard has similar issues.
[*]Memory:Now, I'm the first to say that I don;t fully get this yet. There are a few things that the posts suggest should reduce program or storage memory - but don't really seem to do so. Try them and let me know results with more scientific before and after checking please:
Remove backgammon & skype, and re-install to SD card
Remove the 1Mb .tsk themes from the \Windows directory. You cannot delete them, you have to create new files that are smaller and copy them into \Windows and overrwite the larger files. Search this board for some sample small files provided. I didn't find that I got any memory back...???
Ditto for .cab files in \Windows
Do not use these big theme files - by using smaller themes you should get more program memory.
A couple of dudes have started threads on getting more memory and clearing out \windows files - but there are no good responses yet...
[/list:333ba237cf]
Right, that's it! As I said above, I welcome input and feedback - but let's keep it hi quality so that this post perhaps gets stickied and we can get less of the "Buy my JasJar before I post it on eBay posts". Of course there are a load more apps you can add, but most give issues (eg TomTom) and posts on this board cover working around them for ppl who have to have these apps. This was a good, strong, basic config.
Hope this is helpful to some.
Some well-thought out words there, craigiecraigie4. However, I'm a firm believer that it's a bad move to install anything that I REALLY don't need. So far, my MDA Pro has a default installation. None of these "essential apps" are necessary. Indeed, half of them seem to only exist so that you can add other "essential apps" :wink:
If/when a better browser comes along, I'll investigate. Other than that, I find the messaging client perfect (works nicely against Exchange server); Terminal Services could be better - just giving me true full-screen support would be enough. And I'd like better Wifi support - I want, for example, to be able to name my SSID. IMHO, with desktop PCs as much as with PDAs, every time you install a piece of software, it ultimately makes the system *worse*. ie the result is a damned site less than the sum of the parts.
so, taking each point with my (possibly unique, certainly cynical) POV
1. ROM Upgrade
Didn't bother. It adds nothing that I'd use apart from MSN and that would just suck up time that should be spent on worthwhile things :lol:
2. Optional soft reset
Yeah, I may do this but, TBH, T Mobile install very little stuff and it seems to work, so I ain't fixin' it.
3. N/A
4. Pocket Mechanic
I can't see that I need this.
5. Not quite sure what the problem here is. I've been using XDAs since day 1 and never encountered the problem. YMMV
6. Registry cleanup
Never assume that some badly-written software doesn't depend on some default or illogical registry setting. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
7. Task closer
OK, not a "two-click" operation, but in Settings/Memory, I can close running applications. No new software needed.
8. Basic apps
Total commander - erm, yeah, it's nice and everything and does a better job than the standard affair. However, 99.99% of the time, error: +/- 0.01%, I find I don't actually need any of that extra fluff.
TCPMP - granted, I only use MP to listen to WMAs I record off the radio to listen to later.
Batti - On my Today screen, there's a little icon I tap and it shows me my battery state. I can also see this using Settings/Power (or whatever it is)
TRE - See previous warning about effing about with your registry
IIWPO - nice idea :lol: but no substitute for insurance or taking care
BT icon, BT switch - I've never used Bluetooth in my life. YMMV
Battery Uptime - See prior comment about battery state indicator
etc
I'm sure that more people will find your advice usefull than mine, but just like to point out that, out of the box, these devices (at least MDA Pro) seem not to be too wide of the mark. For me, at least.
This is very helpful...thanx!
You mentioned that the soft reset before installation of imate stuff may lead to some problems in the long run. As I have opted for this strategy and have only installed two cab files (btpatch and a file that brings up the smart dialing), I would appreciate it if you could tell us what kind of problems we might confront. Also, is it too late to add these cab files after the fact (that is given we have synched contacts and added other programs)?
Cheers, apap
craigiecraigie4 - very useful advice, I think for everyone with a PPC. I don't have a universal, but good tips either way.
I didn't realise VJDialer doesn't work on WM5. I'll look into updating it when I get a new version of Visual Studio (or a WM5 device!).
Good work man!
V
Hi VJ - yeah, I'm afraid that there are a couple of posts on your primary thread about the "no command line specified" - no matter what combinations we try in the .lnk file. Saw your comment that another crowd charges for such an app. I'd happily contribute for the benefit of quick-dials - would be awesome along with WAD. You might want to mention your app on the WAD (lakeridgesoftware) forums - many 2003 users there who would LOVE this. With WAD u can have popup boxes on your skin, so with vjdialer one can popup and view of quickdials. awesome.
craigiecraigie4 said:
[*]Buzz's BT headset (prevents BT from turning off over night - no brainer! Thanks buzz!!)
[*]Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 (it's cosmetic, but on our nice VGA screens, it seems daft to have a look n feel that's SO QVGA{)
/quote]
where can i get the 2 things above...looked but cant find
thanks
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vijay555 said:
craigiecraigie4 - very useful advice, I think for everyone with a PPC. I don't have a universal, but good tips either way.
I didn't realise VJDialer doesn't work on WM5. I'll look into updating it when I get a new version of Visual Studio (or a WM5 device!).
Good work man!
V
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Click to collapse
hi vijay!
I'm running on wm5 on my xda2....and am using vjdialer and vjsms extensively!
I dont think there are any problems with VJDialer's compatibility with wm5....
S
spbPocketPlus (not free, and do not allow it to show any storage meters. There are some bad posts on spb, but I've found it just as good as the above, altho it takes up slightly more memory)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this running on my Exec and have storage indicators for memory and SD card on today screen, or are you talking about something else?
Btw, I found that my Exec runs faster with pocket plus than it did with magic button and pocketmagic++
Cheers
J
craigiecraigie4
Thank you VERY much for your extensive effort - this really does helps a lot :!:
That's an awesome post craigiecraigie4, some hard work went into that one dude.
Now my post below is not intended to be better than the original, merely another option. craigiecraigie4's use of the device is obviously a lot different to mine, as I work in an office, and am out of connectivity for maybe 3 hours of travel a day max, and never at weekends unless I go out. I'm on a scooter or a tube train so no connectivity is possible during travel for me.
What we are describing is our comfortable loadsets or configurations of our little systems, and that's what the stuff down here is, the Bongo configuration if you will. :lol:
I have made my comments against craigiecraigie4's original titles, and added a few apps of my own that I have.
[*]Weirdness for Hallowe'en :shock: After a hard reset, then sometimes the crosshair pointer setup would be real slow, and others it would be fast. Just in case, I did it until I had a fast one and proceeded from there. Don't know what/if any difference it makes, but that's what I do.
[*]ROM Upgrade: As there aren't any upgrade ROM's out there execept for the iMate one, I wouldn't until the new carrier ROM's are posted. I agree with CraigieCraigie though. Sooo, why not then? Warranty is the answer. Although I think in reality they wouldn't wash their hands of you just because you dared to use someone else's ROM, the carrier techies are generally not allowed to instruct you in the art of repairing your device with anyone else's ROM except their own, and so you would need to wait until your carrier released an upgrade and they could tell you how to do it.
[*]Optional soft reset: Definitely. And be selective about the manual .cab installs (installing total commander or the like first to see the Ext ROM). There's generally something in there that forces the device to behave in a way you don't like. An example is the internet button taking me to the t-mobile home page all the time. I hate that so I didn't install the relevant .cab.
[*]Sync: Now sync with your PC to get your contacts, calendar and tasks. This is only here to get you up and running asap. <-yeah man
[*]Pocket Mechanic: Download (www.antontomov.com) I bought this. It's good meaty tools you would get in a full Windows OS that M$ didn't put in WM5 yet.
[*]Notification Queue: Did it once, didn't do it after my last hard reset and TBH, haven't felt a need. I probably would do if I installed it and saw a gazillion notifications spamming my inners up. :lol:
[*]Registry cleanup: Haven't done it, but a careful look and selective delete may be of some use. Can't be arsed is the honest answer
[*]Task closer: Haven't bothered this time to minimise my number of concurrently running programs (absurd logic eh :wink: ). I only use a certain few apps, and as they're few don't notice a big slowdown from having them minimised if they don't close fully
[*]Basic apps: Here are Craigie's apps with my comment, and my loadset apps
Total commander - yeah man, schmokin
TCPMP - I only use mp3's so no point for me. Perhaps if I need to watch videos I will reinstall it.
Batti - I use Spb GPRS Monitor, v2.3.0, b525, and it has a battery icon, and I have the icon on my today screen, and I can guess it most of the time.
TRE - I use BitsInside Regedit. Also free and I like the Win 98 feel to it.
IIWPO - Great idea, I didn't know it worked on Universals. I will do this cos you never know if it might lead you to a thief. They'd have to be non-savvy theives of course else they'd hard reset it before using the new SIM
BT icon - I use the FN + -> combination to get there or the connectivity icon on the status bar.
BT switch - as above
Battery Uptime - If you want to learn then great
apReminderPlus - I don't use the alarm function
VJSMS - Inbuilt in WM5 is fine so far for my needs
Agile messenger - very thrifty use of bandwidth, like <10% of MSN (really) and free at the moment, but will pay for itself in bandwidth charges very quickly for most people. Suck it and see
GPS Viewer - because I have a Holux GPS and want to verify connectivity sometimes
Pocket Hack Master - because I like to crank it up to delightfully unstable 624MHz sometimes, but haven't need to with my installation as described here oddly enough. It's fast enough for me so far.
Pocket MSN because I want the Hotmail to appear in my messages application. I use Agile to IM people as above
TomTom Navigator 5.1 because it's awesome
[*]Settings: Time to do your basic settings:
speed dials
power and backlight
voice dials
Owner info
ringtones and notifications
DO NOT set regional settings if u r using PI (below)
[*]PIM: OK, time to replace the CRAP calendar built into WM5 - I agree it's crap, but I don't need a decent one. I am a simple soul.
[*]Reg fixes: - If you want to
Buzz's BT headset - haven't noticed this issue yet, bet I will tomorrow morning now though
"Always on GPRS" No good for me - 40megs/month tariff limit
Date & time in title bar (why not) - cos I know the date and time.
Menu and popup fonts 700 vs 900 - haven't done it yet. I like the size
PIE homepage - is done for me through my selective Ext ROM install
Terminal services cache - I don't use it yet
Turn IR off - yeah agreed waste of space most of the time.
[*]Extra apps:
eWallet - I don't keep details like that on my phones.
Pocket sudoku - I read books, so insert MS Reader for me there
Mobipocket reader - doesn't support .lit (MS format), and I read .lits and .docs so far. Wait until I run out of books though... :lol:
uBook - haven't needed it ....yet
1-calc - but the inbuilt calc does +, -, * and / so it's cool for me. I'm not a physicist
GPRS traffic monitor - spb is fine for me as I don't use it as a modem due to bandwidth limitations and being surrounded by connectivity in London.
[*]Memory:Haven't done these, but they look sensible if you can be arsed
Remove backgammon & skype, and re-install to SD card - I don't have them or use them anyway. How do you play backgammon? I went to a comprehensive school
Remove the 1Mb .tsk themes from the \Windows directory. I only have 3 default ones and use the standard blue theme. Functionality and not form is my motto :wink:
Do not use these big theme files - Good advice bro' (or sis)
Hope this is helpful to some other people :lol:
hi
Does ROM update invalidates the manufacture warranty?
Jatt
Menu and popup fonts
can anyone explain how to change the Menu and popup fonts from 700 to 900. Is it a registry hack?
jatt said:
hi
Does ROM update invalidates the manufacture warranty?
Jatt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to ring them up and enquire. With t-mobile, the tech dude just said they wouldn't be able to help me if I bricked my MDA until t-mobile released a ROM that I could download and use to revive the MDA. So, not invalidated for me, just much reduced support. Until a new ROM si out, all they can do with misbehaving devices is offer a replacement at the moment.
Illwil - the font size is a registry hack - search as it's here on this site somewhere.
joebongo: nice perspective. now users can see 2 extremes; O2 with much office usage, vs HTC with much out-n-about usage. Thanx 4 the effort.
illwil : search for my post on reg tweaks and run the .ren file 2 got 700->900 or rather 900->700
codiac: agree. I fiund spbPP 2 b perfectly well behaved, but there is so much bad press on it in this forum. perhas it's an O2 rom issue - pretty sad 4 them actually
xiasma: there truly do see 2 b an awful lot of ppl who think their universal is junk. this is intended 2 help them get up n running. some ppl got lucky (htc rom or just happy with functionality that actually works well) and they probably should not fix what aint broke. But one day they may want 2 push the envelope a little...
craigiecraigie4 said:
codiac: agree. I fiund spbPP 2 b perfectly well behaved, but there is so much bad press on it in this forum. perhas it's an O2 rom issue - pretty sad 4 them actually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PocketPlus is working OK for me on my O2 Exec...
Hello Everyone.
I proudly received my Exec this morning, only to find that it ran like a bag of S**t.
I removed the connections.exe, and the active files from my windows/start up folder and things improved dramatically.
However I am having a problem with the activesync.
I have set up the partnership with my laptop running activesync 4 and when it communcates it does it without any problems, however as soon as I connect my usb cable between my Exec and my laptop it takes a few minutes for the charging LED to come on on my Exec, and a while longer before Activsync on my pc recoginses it.
Does anyone else suffer from this problem?
Cheers
You removed connections.exe and now u have a connection problem...
Try removing things 1 at a time.
I definitely don't have this problem.
FYI, on my HTC all I have under startup is:
sddeamon.lnk
batti (i installed)
apreminderplus (me)
iiwpo (me)
O2 is definitely adding stuff that does not seem 2 b required by htc.
The only shortcut I have in my Windows\Startup folder is 'Services' and I have no problem with ActiveSync, voice dialling (with the built-in dialler) or anything else. I have no idea what the sddaemon one does but mine runs fine without it.
fatspark, your problem might lie with your laptop rather than the Exec? As a test though, are you able to try ActiveSyncing over Bluetooth? See if it's any quicker. If so then maybe it's a USB problem. Dunno.
IIWPO
Can someone explain how to install the IIWPO in the extended ROM on the JASJAR ?
I think it is different than the EXEC, where can I find instructions ? I am willing to handle the hassle
Cheers SiliconS
The problem is a driver issue on one of my laptops, I installed activsync 4 onto another one and all is ok.
Cheers.
Fatzzz
THERE IS A NEW THREAD WHERE YOU CAN FIND NEW VERSIONS. PLEASE, USE FTOUCHFLO 1.4.1 INSTEAD OF THESE ALPHAS.
Update 2007-10-16:
Hello!
Here you have new release which is much more stable than all previous!
Mostly I was working on solving problems, increasing performance and reliability, so:
1. Horizontal scrolling in Programs, Settings, Office etc. solved.
2. Problem with excluded applications list solved.
3. Many improvements had been done in scrolling together with bugs fixing.
4. Problem with a few instances of FTouchFlo running at the same time solved. You'll not start more than one instance now.
5. Problem with forwarding stylus events to gwes in scrolling mode solved. It was the reason of a unstable scrolling.
6. Problem with memory leaks when starting applications solved.
What's new:
1. Possibility to set up initial mode: "Scrolling" or "Launching".
There is additional parameter int the config file:
;Initial mode (S - scroll, L - launch)
InitialMode:S
2. Now you'll see small icon at top of your screen showing current FTouchFlo mode.
S - scrolling, L - launching and D - disabled (application is in excluded apps list).
You can now switch between modes by tapping at the icon.
3. A few more or less bugs found and killed (of course some new bugs introduced )
Thank you all for good ideas, unfortunately it's just impossible to implement them all in reasonable period of time + I was really concentrated on reliability and performance.
I hope that A4 is a last Alpha version!
P.S. Don't forget to uninstall all previously installed FTouchFlo versions! Calibration.dat file you shouldn't delete.
Update 2007-10-15:
Friends, I really didn't feel good yesterday when I was writing description to Alpha 3.
Error is in description how to toggle between scrolling and launching modes. You should use DOWN->UP->DOWN gesture to toggle. E.g. from the bottom of the screen, move your finger to the top and then back to the bottom.
Thank you!
Update 2007-10-15: Alpha 3 available now!
Thanks to all donators!
Changes in alpha 3:
1. Solved problem with iContact and other applications without name of window. Just put name of exe file into excluded programs list.
2. Delay function added to configuration: delay time in milliseconds before "standard windows behavior".
3. Launch applications function added.
FTouchFlo now has 2 operation modes: scrolling and launching.
To toggle between operation modes you should use up-down gesture. If mode has been toggled you'll hear a beep.
You can use GestureWaitingDelay parameter in the config file to set up how much time FTouchFlo will be waiting for gesture. So, for example, if you'll set up there 1000 ms, FTouchFlo in the scrolling mode will be waiting 1000ms before start scrolling. As less GuestureWaitingDelay, as fast you should move your finger. Try to find suitable value for you.
Once you're in the launching mode you can use 4 gestures:
down-up, up-down, left-right, right-left to start 4 different applications.
There are 8 parameters in the config file for this:
UpDownApp:
UpDownAppCmdLine:
DownUpApp:
DownUpAppCmdLine:
LeftRightApp:
LeftRightAppCmdLine:
RightLeftApp:
RightLeftAppCmdLine:
You can guess what they mean by their names, actually...
As an example I can show how to start .swf files by Down-Up gesture:
DownUpApp:/Windows/saplaywm.exe
DownUpAppCmdLine:/Cube Launcher 0-03.swf
Installation:
Before installing alpha 3 it is necessary to uninstall previous versions. Calibration.dat file you shouldn't delete because it is the same for alpha, alpha2 and alpha3.
P.S. Application becomes more and more complicated and it is harder and harder to introduce new features. I've spent 2 days near the computer and I'm going to calm down for a while. Also I've got flu, so alpha 3 might be affected by this fact.
Thank you!
Update 2007-10-14: more info about Alpha 2
1. Before installing alpha 2 it is necessary to uninstall previous version. Calibration.dat file you shouldn't delete because it is the same for alpha and alpha2.
2. FTouchFlo reloads configuration file (with excluded programs list) each time you're opening new application, so after you add new application to exclusion list, keep in mind that FTouchFlo will start ignoring it after you switch to other application and then switch back.
Update 2007-10-14:
First of all I want to say Thank You to all donators!
Alpha-2 version is now available!
Changes:
1. Improved calibration routine.
2. Excluded applications list added.
3. FTouchFlo doesn't work if SIP is working.
4. Delay before "standard windows behavior" function decreased to 100ms.
5. Improved speed and reliability.
Still not solved:
1. Horizontal scrolling in Programs, Settings etc.
2. Transcriber doesn't works.
3. No sound on screen taps.
4. Strange issue: "In Spanish, it's installed in "Menu Inicio\Programas\Programs" and uninstall doesn't work.".
5. Possible to start more then one instance of MouseEvent.exe and possible to start Callibration.exe. Just now I remembered about these problems.
How to configure programs which shouldn't be affected by FTouchFlo:
There is a file FTouchFloConfig.txt in the program directory.
Contents of the file after installation:
; FTouchFlo configuration file
; Exclude applications
ExcludeocketCM.exe
Exclude:TomTom Navigator
Exclude:Flash lite
; end of configuration
You can use application exe file name or application's window name. So, to put, for example, Calculator application to the list you should add there:
Exclude:Calculator
or
Exclude:MobileCalculator.exe
Program will re-read contents of config file automatically.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S. Don't forget about donations ... It is really hard to find free time.
P.P.S. In advance I want you to excuse me for my English and probably not so clear explanations. It is 3:10 a.m. now...
P.P.P.S. You may use this software on your risk. I'll not take responsibility for possible problems... and so on and all stuff like this.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Update: Scroll function videos: scroll 1 and scroll 2
Hi to all owners of HTC PDAs who wants to use TouchFlo but their PDAs doesn't support it!
After a deep research how touch screen works and communicates with gwes I've made an application which is able to intercept all stylus movements and process it or forward to gwes.
It is still necessary to do a lot of things like calibration and other stuff, but in fact it works!
I'll continue working but I really don't have much free time, so your donations will speed up development.
-=<Here>=- and -=<Here>=- you can see how it works now. It can recognize movements in four directions and start selected programs: Internet Explorer, Calculator, TMail and File Explorer.
Also I am looking for your ideas how to use this software... there are few possibilities I noticed and going to implement:
1. Start programs depending on direction (like it works now).
2. Use it for scrolling with finger.
3. Create a library so any developer can use it to implement their ideas.
Thanks a lot for my friends (Pavel and Sergey) who are working on this software. Without their help such progress wouldn't be possible.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that I've tested it on HTC Trinity, but I'm sure it will work on any HTC PDAs with touch.dll written according to Microsoft specification.
wow.. that looks awesome
I just saw your other video.. and wow.. I'm even more amazed
DVS_WiNdz said:
I just saw your other video.. and wow.. I'm even more amazed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I've just added link to the second video.
Is there a cab for us to download?
HTC CUBE works in our ATOM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=333513
HTC Touch Cube working on O2 ATOM(WM6 AKU0.7.0)!
THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT REQUIRE FLASH - ITS THE REAL TOUCH FLO!!!
PART 1 - Install your Touch Cube onto your Atom!
Hi guys,
I've managed to get the HTC Touch Cube working with jiggs's WM6 AKU 0.7.0. Not sure if anyone was previously successful in doing this. But unfortunately, at the moment, it is using the ButtonFlo method of turning the cube.
I dont have the expertise to get this thing working using the Finger or stylus to get the touchscreen to turn the cube yet.
Maybe one of you geniuses out there will be able to take this one step further and get it working fully! (I'm hoping)
Here are the files I used and hope it works for you guys on jiggs WM6 AKU070.
INSTALLATION STEPS -
1) Install jiggs's WM6 AKU070 (make sure HTC HomePlugin is activated - dunno if you really need it).
2) Install HTC Audio Manager.
3) Install HTC Audio Mgr Today Plug-in.
4) Install Touch flo(Alpha).cab
5) Install JT ButtonFlo.cab
6) Map Touch Flo pgm to one of the buttons - I chose the O2 Media Plus button.
7) Soft-reset.
PART 2 - Customizing Your Cube using Touch Settings!
Step 1: Install Touch settings V1.22.cab, then soft reset.
Step 2: Go to windows\startup and delete entry "Mediahubmini"
Step 3: Soft reset (I don't think it's neccesary though, but i do perform
this step.
Step 4: OH YES! Also install the missing ICON files for the APLauncher - AL_xx_Touch.zip into a separate directory (eg. \Touch).
Step 5: Copy the same ICON files(from Step4) into \Windows. (these files were missing in Part1).
Step6 - Soft-reset and you should see everything working!
steveecourt said:
Is there a cab for us to download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Not yet. It is really not ready for publishing yet.
I am working on calibration now and after it will be done I'll publish first alpha.
P.S. Now calibration data gathered from my Trinity and hardcoded.
generalriden said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=333513
HTC Touch Cube working on O2 ATOM(WM6 AKU0.7.0)!
THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT REQUIRE FLASH - ITS THE REAL TOUCH FLO!!!
PART 1 - Install your Touch Cube onto your Atom!
Hi guys,
I've managed to get the HTC Touch Cube working with jiggs's WM6 AKU 0.7.0. Not sure if anyone was previously successful in doing this. But unfortunately, at the moment, it is using the ButtonFlo method of turning the cube.
I dont have the expertise to get this thing working using the Finger or stylus to get the touchscreen to turn the cube yet.
Maybe one of you geniuses out there will be able to take this one step further and get it working fully! (I'm hoping)
Here are the files I used and hope it works for you guys on jiggs WM6 AKU070.
INSTALLATION STEPS -
1) Install jiggs's WM6 AKU070 (make sure HTC HomePlugin is activated - dunno if you really need it).
2) Install HTC Audio Manager.
3) Install HTC Audio Mgr Today Plug-in.
4) Install Touch flo(Alpha).cab
5) Install JT ButtonFlo.cab
6) Map Touch Flo pgm to one of the buttons - I chose the O2 Media Plus button.
7) Soft-reset.
PART 2 - Customizing Your Cube using Touch Settings!
Step 1: Install Touch settings V1.22.cab, then soft reset.
Step 2: Go to windows\startup and delete entry "Mediahubmini"
Step 3: Soft reset (I don't think it's neccesary though, but i do perform
this step.
Step 4: OH YES! Also install the missing ICON files for the APLauncher - AL_xx_Touch.zip into a separate directory (eg. \Touch).
Step 5: Copy the same ICON files(from Step4) into \Windows. (these files were missing in Part1).
Step6 - Soft-reset and you should see everything working!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
I promise that I'll inform you personally when I'll be able to release a cab, so you'll be able not to map your Cube to some button, but use your finger to start it.
BTW, Cube still doesn't work on my Trinity. All the time just black screen.
Thank you!
When you get the black screen, press the power button to put the device in standby mode, wait 15 sec and hit the soft reset, this helped me with the black screen problem in the past
efrost said:
Hi!
I promise that I'll inform you personally when I'll be able to release a cab, so you'll be able not to map your Cube to some button, but use your finger to start it.
BTW, Cube still doesn't work on my Trinity. All the time just black screen.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds very awesome do you think it work on kaiser and do you need help testing it, i have been trying on hermes since beginining and I dont mind been a beta tester for the kaiser model, just pm me if you think thts a good idea. anyways great work
efrost said:
Hi!
I promise that I'll inform you personally when I'll be able to release a cab, so you'll be able not to map your Cube to some button, but use your finger to start it.
BTW, Cube still doesn't work on my Trinity. All the time just black screen.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks..hope you will PM me.. i need to activate the finger touch on this HTC CUBE & i think ur the man to help us.
efrost said:
Hi!
I promise that I'll inform you personally when I'll be able to release a cab, so you'll be able not to map your Cube to some button, but use your finger to start it.
BTW, Cube still doesn't work on my Trinity. All the time just black screen.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
follow the procedure #2. YOU NEED THIS
PART 2 - Customizing Your Cube using Touch Settings!
Step 1: Install Touch settings V1.22.cab, then soft reset.
Step 2: Go to windows\startup and delete file called "Mediahubmini"
Step 3: Soft reset (I don't think it's neccesary though, but i do perform
this step.
Step 4: OH YES! Also install the missing ICON files for the APLauncher - AL_xx_Touch.zip into a separate directory (eg. \Touch).
Step 5: Copy the same ICON files(from Step4) into \Windows. (these files were missing in Part1).
Step6 - Soft-reset and you should see everything working!
------------------
if still BLANK SCREEN
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=48659&d=1188479012
<----download this .brn files (replace if needed old files)
(read this forum also CLICK --HERE--)
put it in ur /windows..THEN softreset
EVERYTHING WORKS TO ME NOW...i tried to install this program so many times, many times also i GOT THE BLANK SCREEN.
NOW I REALIZED MY MISTAKE, I did not copy & replace .brn & png file on my /windows...thats the key to work & no blank screen. Co'z no source of image after running the touchflo program and this files is the source
I can test also for blueangel device
Another keen Hermes volunteer here! I hope you're going to dish out some source code as I'm keen to learn how you have managed to hook mouse events!
Keep up the good work!
xplode said:
I can test also for blueangel device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@xplode,
did you try it yet? If so, does it work on the BA? Thanks.
egzthunder1 said:
@xplode,
did you try it yet? If so, does it work on the BA? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Friends, take it easy! I'm really not going to release something that for sure will not work. I already posted above that calibration data taken from my personal Trinity and hardcoded in the program, so I would create calibration procedure and then I'll publish version for alpha testing.
For example, at the upper left corner my Trinity touch screen driver reports me X = 97 and at the lower left corner I have X = 90. On your devices I am sure it will be different.
So, it is necessary to have precise calibration procedure so your devices will work properly!
BTW, if you have implemented precise enough procedure for calibration, it would be great if you share it with me.
efrost said:
Hi!
Friends, take it easy! I'm really not going to release something that for sure will not work. I already posted above that calibration data taken from my personal Trinity and hardcoded in the program, so I would create calibration procedure and then I'll publish version for alpha testing.
For example, at the upper left corner my Trinity touch screen driver reports me X = 97 and at the lower left corner I have X = 90. On your devices I am sure it will be different.
So, it is necessary to have precise calibration procedure so your devices will work properly!
BTW, if you have implemented precise enough procedure for calibration, it would be great if you share it with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@efrost
Didn't mean to sound too overexcited, but... truth of the matter is that I am. I am as happy as a crackhead on payday
I saw the videos on Youtube and I liked the way it worked. It was blazing fast! In either case, keep it up!!!!
Umm.. I have a question. Do most of your phones run as fast as the one in the video? Mine is so slow.
Hi! I've found a few free minutes (at work) and implemented scrolling.
It scrolls standard contacts, e-mails, word, internet explorer etc. In other words, every window which has scroll bars.
I don't have possibility to create video and share it for now, but today evening you'll get it!
What mechanism are you using to hook the mouse events? Care to share any code?
Ta,
Chris.
Summary:
I'm starting this thread as a dedicated effort to enhancing the integration of the HTC TouchFLO Cube onto non-"HTC Touch" devices, without requiring a different version of touch.dll to be installed on the device via a new ROM.
Current Status:
WHAT'S DONE
Much research in learning how the cube works
Development of some theories
Development of a testing app to test theories
Proof of concept app built to prove the theories
Using FTouchFlo, I have all 4 motions assigned to the correct cube task ... and it's all working!
Slide up - open
Slide down - close
Slide right - spin right
Slide left - spin left
Added new feature, where LR, RL, and UD finger swipes can execute other tasks if you perform them when you're not on one of the cube faces. Read Project Status 11-12 entry for details
Added an option to allow LR, RL gestures to open & spin the cube even when biotouch is not running. Not sure if this is actually the way the Elf works, but some people want it
Conversations have been started with efrost about integrating our work here directly into FTouchFlo. Talk about a speed enhancement!
Raven_coda has cracked the final piece of the puzzle!
I have implemented Raven_coda's changes, and my C# version works great ... StartUp items are sorted out now!
C++ version created ... speed is definitely improved
A few bugs fixed, a few issues addressed, and a few new features added
Beta release v1.1.0 available here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/72589345/TFloCubeCtrl_-_v1.1.0.zip -or-
Use the attachment at the bottom of this post
NOTE: This file is a zip archive, suitable for situations where you already have the HTC TouchFLO cube installed. If you have never installed TFloCubeCtrl before, then follow the TFloCubeCtrl - Installation instructions. If you're upgrading from v1.0.4, then use the TFloCubeCtrl - Upgrade instructions. You do *not* need to uninstall TFloCubeCtrl or the HTC TouchFLO cube in order to upgrade. For a complete cube installation, please check with duttythroy on his thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336482.
Newer cab built by xplode available here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/75947199/HTCCube_FTouchFlo_TFloCubeCtrlv110_Config-xplode.cab
Includes HTCCube + FTouchFlo v1.4.1 + TFloCubeCtrl v1.1.0 + TouchSettings v1.22 + FTouchFloConfig. This should also include all of the patches and fixes from the attachment list. However, if you installed the previous version of xplode's cab and are experiencing issues, try the following:
If you experience 2 apps launching from the MediaHubMini using Xplode's latest cab ... then replace the MediaHubMini.exe with the "patched" version below in the attachments. Either terminate the MediaHubMini process first then overwrite, or delete the MediaHubMini (preload) link from Windows\Startup, soft reset, then overwrite the file.
If you are having issues with QuickDial not functioning properly ... then replace the QD_Bar_NoBar_HL.png image file with the replacement version in the attachments. Also you can try replacing the version of QuickDial with the patched version in attachments below. Either terminate the QuickDial process first then overwrite, or delete the QuickDial (preload) link from Windows\Startup, soft reset, then overwrite the file.
WHAT'S LEFT
The black screen issues seemed to have all but disappeared. I believe we have determined the reason they were occurring, and have solved at least a vast majority of them.
Solve any remaining beta release bugs/issues
Once the beta seems good to people, get the code to efrost for him to integrate into FTouchFlo!
Rules:
For now, this thread is intended for people who already have a working version of the TouchFLO Cube on their system.
I'd prefer to keep this thread research & development oriented. I don't want this to turn into another thread of a million posts by people who are getting cube black screens and want help.
The cube still has a few unknown nuances/dependencies ... so this thread will be most suited for people familiar with alpha version software.
This thread is about integrating the original HTC TouchFLO Cube. I don't think we need a bunch of posts about how some 3rd party app is better, or how a Flash cube turns faster. There are other alternatives, yes ... this thread is about just one of those alternatives.
More as I think of them
Structure:
Post #1 is for general info
Post #2 will be project updates
Post #3 will be announcements / additional updates
Post #4 is some project background info
Post #5 we'll reserve for a hint/tips section
The rest is up to you guys
Donations
Thank you to all who have donated! Every donation makes me realize that other people are also interested in this project, and helps keep me motivated to continue expanding the functionality, and answering questions!
Props
JasonStern for his tireless research as to why QuickDial was failing on certain devices (see QD replacement image an new version attachments)
Musicman247 for providing me with files and sharing the work he has done with a true 6-sided cube
Zyphlin for pointing me to the work that Musicman247 was doing
Raven_coda, who despite being my mortal enemy at first , ended up discovering the key to breaking our dependency on the original biolauncher app!
duttythroy for creating his cab installer that started me down this path
efrost for creating FTouchFlo which makes the cube work with finger control
xplode for creating cab installers for me (even though he "hates" the cube )
techmonkie for responding to my RFI, and straightening me out re: launching/exiting
funman and Biffert for also helping me out with reference information from an actual HTC Touch users
jasjamming & Bepe for the original work on Touchflo Alpha
others ... I'm sure
Project Status
11-10-2007: Proof of concept app in C# is completed, and the four finger control functions are working! One major issue, is how to get back into the cube when biotouch is still running, but no cube app is in the foreground (like after you launch and close an app). So far, I can only get the startup animation when I start biotouch from scratch ... so the downswipe action runs the close animation, and then closes biotouch. It really seems like I should be able to call something to get a running instance of biotouch to re-execute the startup animation ... but I'll be darned if I can find it as of yet.
I'd like to get some input from users of an actual Elf or Touch Dual device. Ideally, someone who can run a process viewer app to see the processes behind the screen ... and even better if they have a tool like Remote Spy that comes with Visual Studio 2005. I think it would help me ... because right now I'm just guessing at what should be happening.
I need to figure out what pieces need to be in startup for my app to work. Basically, I've written my own version of BioLauncher ... which doesn't require biotouch to be running at all (it starts it on an upswipe). But so far, removing the ns script call from startup (bio.lnk) didn't seem to allow the biotouch animations to run. Need to do more research in this area. Everything works fine if I use my normal Touchflo Alpha install ... use the hardware button to loop through things (pre-loads all the cube apps probably), and then use my new app mapped to FTouchFlo. If none of this makes any sense to you ... read "How the TouchFLO Cube works" in Post #4.
11-10-2007 (after some sleep): I posted a message over on the Elf forum asking for some information about the behavior of the cube in certain situations. We'll see if I get any help. If anyone reading this knows of anyone with an Elf or Touch Dual (are they out?) ... then send them over to that forum, or check it out yourself and borrow their device for a bit
11-11-2007: I actually got an answer from the Elf forum techmonkie is indicating that biotouch doesn't really terminate on cube close, thereby indicating that there *has* to be a way to trigger the startup animation from a running biotouch instance. I was really starting to suspect that this was the case ... but this was the evidence I needed. Figuring this out will solve my startup woes ... and that should complete the interactivity with the cube. At that point ... I may consider a controlled alpha release, just to confirm that things are working as design on other devices. We'll have to see how things go. I'm going to refocus my investigation on triggering the open animation from a running biotouch ... but I may need some detailed analysis from an Elf ... we'll see.
11-11-2007 (update): Did I mention how much sleep this thing is causing me to lose?! Anyways, OK ... must have been the inspiration of knowing how it was actually working on an HTC Touch device, because with the info in techmonkie's response, and a little more digging into the assembly code of touch.dll to confirm, I've got the startup issues sorted out. In fact, biotouch.exe does indeed remain memory resident. There is a way to get the startup anim to run ... although I swear I tried this before, and it didn't work. The open and close animations even do a little screen fade-in. It's working quite well for me in fact! This is so sweet ... I went and downloaded a few other animations from the Elf Cube customization thread ... just to see then animate in my new fully-functional cube!
There's a few cleanup things to do for tomorrow ... and then it's on to sorting out the correct startup sequence. I'm still considering the controlled alpha release. Right now, you need to add it on top of a working cube ... which may not be bad for those that have working cubes!
11-12-2007: I had this thought earlier today ... I never really want a RL or LR swipe to bring up the cube and spin it, if the cube wasn't open before. You don't really know what page you'll land on ... unless you know where you left off last. I'm not exactly sure of the Elf's behavior on this point ... but I decided to add the ability for my cube interface to execute cube functions when the cube is open, or execute other apps if the cube is not open. For instance, I can have a RL swipe spin the cube when the cube is open, but the same gesture will launch Total Commander when I'm on the home screen I think it's pretty cool ... retains the cube interaction abilities, and still retains the "quick launch" nature of FTouchFlo gestures! Doesn't appear to slow it down much ... I'm hoping the C++ version is better anyways.
11-16-2007 (Announcement): New Announcements ... see Post #3 below.
11-20-2007: Hints, Bugs, & Issues section updated to include at least a start (prompted after yet another post about missing contacts tab in HTC Home . Development work on fixing the screen lock bug continues.
11-21-2007: Version 1.1 is under way with a few new commands available. Detect for screen lock and rotation seems to be working, and I'm hoping to fix a few of the other bugs. Also, use of link files for <App_2> parameter now work!
11-24-2007: Version 1.1 development continues. I removed the error message when using the openSpin<Direction> command and running in landscape mode. Also, I think I've fixed the "rainbow effect". Finally, I've adding another new command option: lock, which will execute the standard device lock. So some of the new commands are: minimizeAll, lock, lock-home, and somehow I'm going to work in a command to lock and suspend. Tossing around the idea of allowing screen rotation through gestures as well. So I think bugs 1 & 2, & possibly 3 are fixed, and issues 1 & 2 are adressed. A release is probably due, maybe by the end of this weekend.
11-25-2007: Version 1.1 seems complete. I've added screen rotation as well ... so the final list of new options is: lock (sub options of "home" and "suspend"), rotateDisplay (left and right), minimizeAll. I'll try to package it up in a new archive by tomorrow, after a bit more testing.
12-05-2007: Remaining issues still seem mostly centered around some devices having issues with QuickDial. I've gotten my hands on some new versions of the required apps, and am currently evaluating them. For the most part ... it looks promising that these will extend our cube functionality!
Announcements
11-12-2007: Limited Alpha Release
With this latest feature added ... and everything seeming to work perfectly on my device, I've decided to go ahead with a limited release alpha. It's just so cool ... and I know there are "Cube People" out there that wanted this just as much as me Basically, here's how it works.
You are not eligible for the alpha unless you already have the TouchFLO cube software installed and spinning to the right via FTouchFlo. Reason is that I was focused on rewriting the biotouch interface app first ... as that's the key component. There are lingering nuances to getting the TouchFLO cube apps themselves working ... but I'll be addressing that once I get past this phase. Don't worry ... I have plans on making this a simple cab installation for the whole enchilada ...
If you're interested in trying out the alpha version ... PM me, because I'd rather not have a bunch of one-line posts for people asking to test.
I'll give you the location of the zip file to download. This is alpha-ware ... so not fancy installers yet, but I guess I'll throw in a readme.txt file or something. It's pretty simple really ... assuming that you have a working cube.
Once you get things installed ... try it out. If you're having problems that seem like they might be installation/configuration issues ... then PM me about them first. I'd rather keep the posts as relevant to "general design/development" as possible.
Along the sames lines ... no need to post messages saying it works and whatnot, just PM me. Since it's not publicly available ... we don't really need pages of posts from people saying it works.
11-14-2007: Limited Alpha Release - ON HOLD
Alpha is on hold until I work through some issues ... and clear out some PM's Thank you all for your interest and feedback.
11-15-2007: Startup items are sorted out ... first beta version is on its way ... although apparently no luck in finishing that night
11-16-2007: First revision ported to C++. Need to do some testing and tweaking ... hopefully will finish tonight!
11-16-2007 (Update): Beta release v1.0.4 available here: http://rapidshare.com/files/70299288/TFloCubeCtrl_-_v1.0.4.zip. Currently just a zip archive, I may build a cab installer over the weekend, just for my app (for you that already have the cube installed). For a complete cube installation, please check with duttythroy on his thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336482
11-27-2007: Beta release v1.1.0 available here: http://rapidshare.com/files/72589345/TFloCubeCtrl_-_v1.1.0.zip. This file is a zip archive, suitable for situations where you already have the HTC TouchFLO cube installed. If you have never installed TFloCubeCtrl before, then follow the TFloCubeCtrl - Installation instructions. If you're upgrading from v1.0.4, then use the TFloCubeCtrl - Upgrade instructions. You do *not* need to uninstall TFloCubeCtrl or the HTC TouchFLO cube in order to upgrade.
Background
Background:
A few weeks back, I was inspired by the work of a couple of fellows who were working on a project to get the HTC TouchFLO Cube working on other HTC devices. You've probably seen the installation cab floating around in a couple of different threads. Like many of you, I quickly became enamored with the cube ... and jumped through all of the hoops to get it working (and I was one of the lucky ones who got it working).
The original work by jasjamming and bepe provided a cube that could spin to the right via a hardware button. Then, with the release of efrost's FTouchFlo ... you could get the cube to spin right with a finger motion. It was all great, but I wanted more! Two things bothered me greatly ... you could not spin the cube left, and once you launched a program ... the only way to return to the cube would be to spin it again.
So began a intensive week-long, late-night effort to learn as much as I could about the TouchFLO Cube, and if/how we could get it do more. I am very happy to report that much progress has been made ... and it is definitely feasible that we can have finger controlled spin left, right, open, and close.
How the HTC TouchFLO Cube works
The HTC TouchFLO Cube is really the collaboration of four separate executables, and an "interface". The four executables consist of one app per each each face of the cube (ApLauncher.exe = App Launcher; MediaHubMini.exe = Music, Photos, Video; QuickDial.exe = Contacts), and an application that facilitates the animation sequences for the cube (Biotouch.exe). Now, at this point I guess I'll point out that "cube" is really a bit of a misnomer. Since there are only 3 faces to this object + top and bottom, it's really more of a pentahedron, or a triangular prism if you like the sound of that better. The "interface" part is where things get interesting. On an HTC Touch (Elf) or Touch Dual ... the "interface" that detects finger swipes and translates them into calls to the biotouch application is the main touchscreen library: touch.dll. This is where we start running into problems trying to run the cube on other devices. Without modifying the touch.dll on a given device ... there will be nothing to interpret finger swipes and communicate to biotouch. This is the point the original work by jasjamming and bepe went down the path of attempting to map a hardware button to be used to spin the cube. An executable needed to be created that would interact with biotouch in the same manner that the touch.dll file would, and trigger it to run the spin right animation. I'm not exactly sure what process these guys went through to figure this out ... but they did. From there ... it was efrosts creation of FTouchFlo that brought the next revolution. FTouchFlo is an app that allows you to map a file to be called when it detects one of the four finger swipe motions (up-down, down-up, left-right, right-left). With this, you could now map that same executable that was assigned to the hardware button to the left-right swipe action in FTouchFlo ... and now your cube spins with a finger swipe.
That's pretty much where the development stopped. I did a lot of research on this ... but pretty much all I could find from that point on was various people's input about it not working on this device, sort of working on another, etc. I simply couldn't believe that no one was pushing to enable the other cube interactions! It frustrated me to no end to know that I had a cube that was capable of spinning left, but no way to tell it to do so. So I rolled up my sleeves, read through countless pages of posts about what had been done so far, downloaded a disassembler, performed a lot analysis and theorizing ... and here we are today.
Hints, Bugs, and Issues
Hints
Problem: I installed the cube, and now my Contacts tab in HTC Home is gone!
Resolution: Delete the registry key: HKLM\Software\OEM\MASD\QuickDial
Problem: I installed the latest cab, and now I have trouble completing a gesture
Resolution: Try changing the GestureWaitingDelay in FTouchFloConfig.txt to a higher value (i.e. 50000)
Problem: I can't figure out what/how to map the cube to my hardware buttons
Resolution: Download my zip archive from post #1, and read the TFloCubeCtrl - Readme.txt file
Problem: I don't know/understand the TFloCubeCtrl options in the FTouchFloConfig.txt file
Resolution: Download the TFloCubeCtrl - Readme.txt file from the attachments in this post
Problem: I'm not very technical, and I don't know what to do
Resolution: Be patient and wait for there to be a final release. This is a beta, and is therefore not polished to the point of a one-click install
Problem: I end up activating the cube when I try to unlock in Slide2Unlock
Resolution: Add s2u2.exe to the exclude list in FTouchFloConfig.txt
Problem: My Touch Settings application has no icons for the APLauncher
Resolution: Be sure to add the AL_xxx.png icons to your Windows directory
Problem: Editing the FTouchFloConfig.txt file is confusing/difficult
Resolution: Check out the FTouchFlo Configuration Tool by schaps here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=345568
Problem: I installed the latest Xplode cab, and MediaHubMini is launching multiple apps
Resolution: It's a known issue ... try replacing your MediaHubMini.exe file with the one from the attachments in Post #1. Be sure to terminate the MediaHubMini process first, or remove the MediaHubMini (preload) link from Windows\Startup and soft-reset
Problem: I installed the latest Xplode cab, and QuickDial is not working
Resolution: It's a known issue ... try replacing your QuickDial.exe file with the "DeviceCheckPatched" one from the attachments in Post #1. Be sure to terminate the QuickDial process first, or remove the QuickDial (preload) link from Windows\Startup and soft-reset
More to follow ...
Bugs (for TFloCubeCtrl only)
When the device is locked, but the screen is still "active", an up-down gesture in FTouchFlo will still bring up the cube ... although you then can't do anything with it. (Fixed in v1.1.0)
Link files (.lnk) do not appear to work when specified as the <Command_2> parameter. (Fixed in v1.1.0)
In some non-HTC devices (Eten M600), TFloCubeCtrl is unable to detect that the QuickDial cube app is running (related to QuickDial issue listed below)
A DeviceLock issue detailed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1730847&postcount=453
ICE (Infinite Cube Effect) issue as detailed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1732668&postcount=460
PM me to report other items you think are bugs
Other Issues
When launching the cube using a RL or LR gesture, and the cube isn't already in the foreground (aka using the openSpin<Direction> command), exiting the cube using the close command causes some interesting "rainbow" effects on the today screen as the cube app closes. The rainbow colors then disappear ... but it's very strange for a split second. (Seems better to some in v1.1.0, but not solved completely)
When you have openSpin<Direction> set up in FTouchFlo and you perform a RL/LR gesture when in Landscape mode, you receive an error message indicating that Biotouch is not running. (Fixed in v1.1.0)
QuickDial app is running slow on some devices, sometimes taking 3-4 seconds to display the actual contact name/photos. Although it was never that slow for me, v2.0 of QuickDial loads even faster. Xplode's cab installer linked to on Post #1 has QuickDial v2.0
On non-HTC devices, the QuickDial app does not seem to load. For QuickDial v2.0, this is due in part to validation that the program is running on an HTC device (I'm not sure if QD v1.0 does this). JasonStern has made some progress on the QuickDial issues ... see Problem/Resolution above
Great job!
this looks great, cant wait to see the results.
Hope this helps...
Hey Kona...that darn cube is addicting!! Im one of the few also that has the cube running flawlessly on my 8525..buttonflow that is! After alot of trial and error and lots of hard resets...i got it working. First thing to do is get the cube running after a hard reset. Second I installed gullum activate cube cab..View attachment activate_cube.CAB. Not sure what it did but the only time I have to launch biotouch is after opening keyboard....not even after a SR!!! I guess it keeps biotouch running or somehow launches it automatically. Just my 2cents...
niterdr said:
Second I installed gullum activate cube cab..View attachment 57648. Not sure what it did but the only time I have to launch biotouch is after opening keyboard....not even after a SR!!! I guess it keeps biotouch running or somehow launches it automatically. Just my 2cents...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you know ... typically a Windows Mobile cab file contains a _setup.xml file. This file is what tells the OS what steps to perform in order to install the cab file. This particular cab file puts four shortcuts into the Windows/StartUp folder. It also inputs the typical TFLOSettings into the registry ... most of which don't really apply to us, because it's touch.dll that's looking at these registry entries, and unless you've got an HTC Touch version of touch.dll, nothing is looking at those. The exception would be the Kaiser, where it does use some of those entries for the integrated TouchFlo scrolling.
I can't say specifically why this works for you ... it's a little counter to my experience, where I was finding that links to pre-load the cube apps in the startup folder were actually contributing to my black screens.
Regardless ... I can say a couple of things about this: 1) this also seems to support the fact that biotouch normally remains in memory. I wasn't sure that was the case, because the only way I could see the startup animation was running biotouch from scratch. I got response from my RFI in the Elf forums that confirms this. 2) I suspected also that the Elf pre-loads all of the cube apps, so they don't lag on the first cube rotation. I'm not really sure why this didn't seem to work on my device ... and I'll definitely be revisiting this concept when I do the analysis to determine the correct configuration for loading the cube with my new software.
Thanks for the input!
hey, i dont understand, AJE has ported the whole Biotouch on the HTC P3300..
Then what do you want to reinvent ?
Can't you see with him directly ?
Kona, you're not the only one who wants this working on a Kaiser.
My girlfriend got herself a touch and now I'm all jealous about her cube
I'm a programmer myself and I've been looking at the touch.dll from the kaiser. But I can't find the dll from the HTC Touch. Could you maybe attach it here so I can have a look at that one too. (Or link to it) I don't have the biotouch cube installed yet.
Do you have any idea if the cube should run in windows mobile emulator in visual studio ? I think i'm going to try that... less messing with my kaiser.
cAnArdtichAud said:
hey, i dont understand, AJE has ported the whole Biotouch on the HTC P3300..
Then what do you want to reinvent ?
Can't you see with him directly ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To the best of my knowledge ... some people have indeed successfully created ROMs with a functioning Biotouch Cube interface (Artemis, Charmer, Wizard to name a few). But to do this, they actually replace the version of touch.dll that normally comes on the device with the version that comes with the Elf. While this is obviously a viable and functioning approach ... it can only be done through flashing a new ROM.
I wanted to pursue an option that could be installed via a cab. I also heard that trying to flash the Elf touch.dll on a Hermes was not working. Finally ... I haven't seen/heard of anyone trying to put an Elf touch.dll on a Kaiser, and writing my own biotouch interface application seemed a lot easier than learning how to cook my own ROMs.
Damn..it could be grat !!! xD
Denhomer said:
Kona, you're not the only one who wants this working on a Kaiser.
My girlfriend got herself a touch and now I'm all jealous about her cube
I'm a programmer myself and I've been looking at the touch.dll from the kaiser. But I can't find the dll from the HTC Touch. Could you maybe attach it here so I can have a look at that one too. (Or link to it) I don't have the biotouch cube installed yet.
Do you have any idea if the cube should run in windows mobile emulator in visual studio ? I think i'm going to try that... less messing with my kaiser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to be jealous ... if you've already got the cube running, then try out my alpha release! Will run just as good as the Touch!
I sent you a PM re: the touch.dll
As for running the cube in the Windows Mobile 5 emulator ... I'm not sure. I never really tried ... and I'm not exactly sure how it works. I guess you'd have to able to install apps into the emulator environment (4 TouchFLO cube apps plus their graphics and registry entries). Anyone care to chime in about trying to do something like this in the Visual Studio device emulator?
I think i'm lucky !
i've just download your alpha and tested it.
it works great on my french kaiser .
no bug till now.i've tested it till 30 minutes.
perhaps a bit slow at the first seconds and then everythings went smoothly !!!
i don't see what could be improved !
btw, just wanted to point that i've duttythroy alpha2 installed at first and it worked on my kaiser with some modification :
i deldted apl - biotouch - hub fom windows\start up
and deleted a key in registry: quickdial
nice work !
one more question : why the time limit ?
Kona, just one suggestion. Would be great if the Cube can be rotated L-R and R-F using the D-Pad as well. I think that is far more reliable and quicker than using the finger.
Thanks for continue to work on the TouchCube as I thought it was an unfinished business.
Kona_Mtbkr said:
No need to be jealous ... if you've already got the cube running, then try out my alpha release! Will run just as good as the Touch!
I sent you a PM re: the touch.dll
As for running the cube in the Windows Mobile 5 emulator ... I'm not sure. I never really tried ... and I'm not exactly sure how it works. I guess you'd have to able to install apps into the emulator environment (4 TouchFLO cube apps plus their graphics and registry entries). Anyone care to chime in about trying to do something like this in the Visual Studio device emulator?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Kona,
Do you think that this would work in the Blue Angel running WM6? I am asking simply because I do not feel like re-flashing my device.... again
Thanks!!!
megaman said:
I think i'm lucky !
i've just download your alpha and tested it.
it works great on my french kaiser .
no bug till now.i've tested it till 30 minutes.
perhaps a bit slow at the first seconds and then everythings went smoothly !!!
i don't see what could be improved !
btw, just wanted to point that i've duttythroy alpha2 installed at first and it worked on my kaiser with some modification :
i deldted apl - biotouch - hub fom windows\start up
and deleted a key in registry: quickdial
nice work !
one more question : why the time limit ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear ... I hope you mean that even after the 30 mins, you still haven't had any problems.
The slowness in the first few spins of the cube is likely due to the fact that the individual apps for each cube face are not yet running, so they have to start up on the first spin. After that, it's much quicker to redisplay the cube face because those app stay memory-resident. In the installations that I've seen that use the ns script and Touchflo in the startup do not respond well when you try to "pre-init" the cube face apps in startup as well. I'm suspicious that it has something to do with this touchflo app, because in my mind, outside of preloading the cube apps, I don't know why anything other than FTouchFlo should need to be in startup. We'll see though ... I'll be working on getting a solid install from scratch soon.
And I agree ... I think dutty's alpha 2 install is a good base for me to start from (pending his approval). I'm hoping that I'll be able to rip the old parts out, and sub in my new app, and everything will work out great.
bchau said:
Kona, just one suggestion. Would be great if the Cube can be rotated L-R and R-F using the D-Pad as well. I think that is far more reliable and quicker than using the finger.
Thanks for continue to work on the TouchCube as I thought it was an unfinished business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just thinking about what else I could try to add to my cube controller ... and spinning via dpad did cross my mind. This doesn't end up being exactly trivial, because I haven't made any mods to the actual biotouch.exe or any of the cube apps. When you're on a given face of an app ... it's that HTC app that is the foreground window. But I'm wondering if I can't register a listener for dpad events, and trigger the cube based on that. I'll put it on the wish list.
What can be done even sooner though ... is you will be able to assign any of the cube functions (open, close, left, right) to any hardware button you can assign a shortcut to. Actually, if you're familiar with link files, you can do it now ... but I'll be adding them in my next release probably too.
megaman said:
one more question : why the time limit ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, forgot to answer this. I added an expiration date simply because this is a very early alpha release. It hadn't yet been tested on anything other than my device ... and I didn't want someone to go crazy and burn it into their ROM.
Fear not ... I will remove the expiration date when I feel that the software is ready for a prime-time release. Although, I could be using this alpha just to get people hooked, and then complain about the vast amount of effort I put into the project and lack of donations received ... and threaten to never release a new version
Nah ... I wouldn't do that
Hi people,
I have just got my new Touch Diamond 2 and it's beautiful. I have spent several days googling looking for the best place of expertese for tweaking and customising, and it seems this is the place. I have never owned a Windows Mobile device or a HTC before, but I'm PC savvy and I want to tweak my new phone.
Among other things, I want to:
Be sure my phone uses Wifi when available instead of contract internet
Tweak the TouchFLO home screen (including analogue clock and RSS)
Find a list of the best and/or most popular mods/software
Where do I start and what do I need!
Congratz
As I've heard and noticed from my own TD2 is that it always uses wifi over data. But if you really want to be sure you can disable Data Connection in the Communication tab whenever you want to surf.
You can also in All Settings => Personal => Buttons configure that long hold button disables Data Connection.
As for tweaking I would download Diamond Tweak and Advanced Config
http://www.touchxperience.com/en/advanced-configuration-tool/downloads.html
http://montecristoff.webs.com/diamondtweak.htm
First law of windows mobile: keep the internal disk clean!
Install every new piece of software on the memory card.
For my TD2 I got a 16Gb microSD card and started with Advanced Configuration Tool v3.3 to tweak all storage-related paths to folders I created on the memory card.
A good place to start looking for tools is freewarepocketpc.net. A lot of more than decent free applications. The ones you don't like can always be removed in settings/system/remove programs, and replaced by commercial tools.
I disagree.. I used to install everything on the external card; and found two major disadvantages:
- some app will run a lot slower!
- if you use your sd card to store music video and other stuff
you better not have to change it...
I m more inclined to install less apps that filling the memory card with it.
The main use I have for the memory card is to store backups, documents, music, and install cab files.
robinVerdegaal said:
First law of windows mobile: keep the internal disk clean!
Install every new piece of software on the memory card.
For my TD2 I got a 16Gb microSD card and started with Advanced Configuration Tool v3.3 to tweak all storage-related paths to folders I created on the memory card.
A good place to start looking for tools is freewarepocketpc.net. A lot of more than decent free applications. The ones you don't like can always be removed in settings/system/remove programs, and replaced by commercial tools.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the tools to install?? I get an unsigned error for everything..
elmalote said:
As for tweaking I would download Diamond Tweak and Advanced Config
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why Diamond Tweak?
Better use HD Tweak:
http://www.montecristoff.com/hdtweak.htm
iluszn said:
How did you get the tools to install?? I get an unsigned error for everything..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't have any problems. I got a warning, but no error after continuing.
elmalote said:
You can also in All Settings => Personal => Buttons configure that long hold button disables Data Connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I saw those button settings but couldn't work out what they meant. What is this long hold button? Is it the dial button that if you hold puts it on speaker phone? And how would you configure it for disabling a data connection, I don't see and option that would allow this?
I have seen that freewarepocketpc website, and had a snoop around. I have an 8Gb card coming today (hopefully!) and I was waiting to get that to install software on it. I read that might slow down some apps, now I'm not so sure what to do. However I want to avoid installing a load of software to try it out, then uninstalling it. It is windows after all. That's why I wanted some recommended software from people on here.
Question: Will that configuration tool allow tweaking of the TouchFLO stuff? Has anyone changed the clock on the TouchFLO Home page thingy?
Thanks all for your help
You have to chose the tab "End Key" under the Button setting menu and then chose the "terminate data connection" option
Ahh I get it now, had a look at those keys thanks. Going to use Advanced Configuration Tool when I get my memory card (still not here yet!)
The best single piece of advice I can give any TD2 owner is to ditch TF3D and at least try living without it. Your rewards will be more available memory, faster operation, increased functionality, full use of applications' today screen plugins, less (or no) bugs, and the cost is it doesn't look as nice.
In a couple of months' time, WM6.5 will be out and then even the looks will be there.
After much research I have ditched TouchFLO and got SPB Mobile Shell 3. I keep hearing about bugs but I am yet to encounter one. I have to say that SPB Mobile Shell 3 is what I would have expected to have on a phone like this. TouchFLO looks good, and I have a friend that loves it, but you can't customise it very easily. Simply having the widgets in SPB Mobile SHell 3 makes it a better, mnore customisable and quicker interface.
I currently have Total Commander as an explorer replacement. I'm not sure if this is the best, but I have yet had time to do proper research. It's supposed to have a registry editor in there, but for the life of me I can't find it :/
Had some serious fun with video playback. I wanted to play full quality (not HD) dix files, DVD rips and the like. After much fun with different software I found that Coreplayer blows everything out of the water. My expectations had dropped about what I might be able to watch on my phone after having problems with other media players, but Coreplayer can play full movie DVD rips with no stuttering and it looks awesome.
Still some fun to be had tweaking, for example finding out if/how java stuff will work, trying to find something for email/sms, and some "cool" apps to impress my gran.
I'm no expert but purely from personal experience the first steps are:
1) Install Resco Explorer
http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/explorer/default.asp
2) Install HTC hotfix for Diamond 2
(http://www.htc.com/uk/SupportDownload.aspx?p_id=249&cat=0&dl_id=563)
3) Install .NET Framework 3.5 (requirement for a bunch of 3rd party software)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FD-AE52-4E35-B531-508D977D32A6&displaylang=en
4) Install SKTools (needed for many things but especially for next step)
http://www.s-k-tools.com/index.html?m_products.html#tools
5) Use SKTools to disable ActiveSync (results in huge improvement of battery duration)
5a) Disable the repllog.exe (which is the application behind ActiveSync) associated with ""AppRunAfterTimeChange"" in Notifications Queue
Alternative way is to install Dotfred's Task manager and kill repllog.exe: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3175757&postcount=50
5b) Follow the steps 1-7 in the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=288352
5c) Install eLiAs_ASyncKiller.cab
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3048077&postcount=40
6) Install HDTweak for various tweaks (eg for improvement of TouchFlo response)
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=452505)
7) Install sdkcerts (needed for "cosmetic" interventions eg Hall Feica fonts in TouchFlo, slpashscreens, topbar etc)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=471604
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3661976&postcount=80
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3861405&postcount=2
8) Install Diamond D3D Video drivers using the first attachment from:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=475493&highlight=ATI+3d+driver
Before installation download and run the fourth attachment (Lights.exe)
Install the drivers and then run Lights.exe again to see the huge improvement
9) Install G-Config (for forcing applications to go into landscape mode)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3848546&postcount=3
10) Enjoy your Topaz
P.S.: Backup your Contacts, Calendar etc frequently
harisg said:
I'm no expert but purely from personal experience the first steps are:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may think you are not an expert but your post is very useful (and very well formatted).
Thanks
The hotfix is only required if you run TF3D right?
nice guidelines dude.. thanks
chch said:
You may think you are not an expert but your post is very useful (and very well formatted).
Thanks
The hotfix is only required if you run TF3D right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to htc europe:
If you move to the Settings tab in TouchFLO, the top part of the item descriptions under Communications (WiFi, Bluetooth, phone, data) are slightly cut off. If this happens, please download this hotfix to solve the problem.
So I think the answer is yes
Oops I forgot the very useful CleanRAM from htcaddicts:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=514333
I use its embedded scheduler so it runs automatically every 3 hours claiming back megabytes of RAM
Mark it as step 11
I currently have Total Commander as an explorer replacement. I'm not sure if this is the best, but I have yet had time to do proper research. It's supposed to have a registry editor in there, but for the life of me I can't find it :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double click on "\\Plugins" and you'll reach the hidden options including the registry editor. I've been using Total Commander for years on various ppcs, it's all you need for registry work.
harisg said:
6) Install HDTweak for various tweaks (eg for improvement of TouchFlo response)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hiya, great post~!
I have the Diamond2 as well... wouldn't I want to install 'Diamond Tweak' instead of 'HD Tweak'? Are they essentially the same thing, or does HD Tweak offer more functionality for the Diamond2?
Cheers,
Diamond Tweak is for the older version of TouchFlo, use HD Tweak.
I've released a new build - 21820 - fixes most problems. Get it!
News:
Montecristo's fix for WM6.5 hardware keyboard issues.
Coming in July version of WM6.5:
- updated to build 21820
- keyx's suggested A2DP fix
- Montecristo's keyboard fix
Hey y'all,
Bet you didn't think I'd get this done before my earlier WM6.5 ROM expires at the end of the month, eh? WM6.5 build 21815 is the newest leaked build and is RTM quality; it has no known expiry timebomb.
I present to you the following June 2009 releases for the iPAQ 910c/912c/914c Business Messenger:
WM6.1 21042br0609 (cooked last-minute without testing - anyone?)
WM6.5 21815br0609
Both ROMs feature HP's newest firmware base, meaning increased max volume and other fixes. I have removed the following OEM junk:
- Cyberon Voice Commander
- iPAQ Tips, Help & Support
- HP Photosmart Mobile (and screensaver)
- Snapfish uploader
- HP custom IE homepage
- HP Today theme (and other customizations)
- Google Maps (old)
- Goolge Search (old)
Also the WM6.5 releases remove:
- iPAQ DataConnect
(...since the new WM6.5 AutoConnect feature does the same thing)
Both ROMs contain the following little additions:
- NumBattery
- GPS Viewer
- Backlight Controller 0.9.5.2
Once I get around to making some new OEM packages for my favourite freeware apps, I'll bundle those in the "m" series next month:
WM6.1 21042br0709m "motherload" - pending
WM6.5 21815br0709m "motherload" - pending
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLASHING:
1. Get a microSD card sized 2 GB or lower (SDHC won't work) and format it with regular FAT filesystem. Copy my FLASH.DIO to the root of the card. Insert card into your device.
2. Put your device into SDLoader mode by holding VOLUP+OK(button on right side) and pressing RESET. Make sure your battery has a decent charge (over 50%) and isn't connected to any USB charge or sync cable (or else your device will just go into RUU mode).
3. Watch the magic... SDLoader will check the file integrity, flash to your device ROM, do a clean reboot (can take a minute longer than usual) and then go into the "Welcome to Windows Mobile, tap here to continue" stuff.
4. If you run into any problems, repeat steps 1 through 3 with a FLASH.DIO that has worked before (i.e. you can make one from HP factory ROM update using Paloma's instructions posted here)
CREDITS
- Keyx for kitchen tools and early guidance
- PPCGeeks for 21815 sys and xip
- HP for the oem
- many others on xda-devs and ppcgeeks for their releases, tutorials, etc.
DONATION?
- I've never made a donation on xda-devs
- I'm not interested in a donation from xda-devs
- I cook mainly for my own use and interest
- I share what I cook, because sharing is easy
- I don't take orders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wooohhoooo.
i'm downloading your 6.5 now..
thx very much for your efforts bro
"Bet you didn't think I'd get this done before my earlier WM6.5 ROM expires at the end of the month, eh?" that will be me~ lol (thought you must be busy with sth. else recently
welcome back, god Ben!!!
just flashed Monte's rom yesterday, so maybe flash your one bit later~
the 91x is truly becoming unbeatable among all the qwerty wm phones!!! rock on!!!
WoW!
Great job! I'm using your WM 6.5
I've just a little problem with the Titanium Weather, doesn't work :S
No weather icons at all. Any suggestion about that?
just running on your 6.5 now..
first impression? damn good!! (it also my 1st experience using 6.5)
oke here's some glitch i found :
-everytime i type using keyboard there is some delay in somewhat the same like i type using a keypad on my 610.. and it's kind a annoying to me coz, sometime if type an email address(or a sentence) after i type @(or a space) and i continue to type without waiting the half-underscore disappear, the cursor came back again to the first word of the sentence (or after the @) when the half-underscore is disappear. for example i always typing [email protected] but this problem giving me result [email protected] (if i type mail fast enough).
- and the capslock or function indicator near the keyboard is not showing at all
- the device is restarting my itself. here's the condition : i'm pushing the cpu clock to 624mhz (PHM), using wcdma network, and loading google using IE6.. and the device is going off...
another condition : every setting is normal, i watched a movie on coreplayer, and got an incoming call... and the device went off instead of freeze..
but despite all the problems above, i still enjoying your 6.5, but the device is becoming less productive...
ohoh,, can you give me a solution how to change screen orientation without restarting the device?
and once again i'm thanking you very very much for you Ben..
Gibla said:
WoW!
Great job! I'm using your WM 6.5
I've just a little problem with the Titanium Weather, doesn't work :S
No weather icons at all. Any suggestion about that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't get it to work either, and thought it was something I was doing. Hmm. I'll look into that.
AbsolutBenz said:
just running on your 6.5 now..
first impression? damn good!! (it also my 1st experience using 6.5)
oke here's some glitch i found :
-everytime i type using keyboard there is some delay in somewhat the same like i type using a keypad on my 610.. and it's kind a annoying to me coz, sometime if type an email address(or a sentence) after i type @(or a space) and i continue to type without waiting the half-underscore disappear, the cursor came back again to the first word of the sentence (or after the @) when the half-underscore is disappear. for example i always typing [email protected] but this problem giving me result [email protected] (if i type mail fast enough).
- and the capslock or function indicator near the keyboard is not showing at all
- the device is restarting my itself. here's the condition : i'm pushing the cpu clock to 624mhz (PHM), using wcdma network, and loading google using IE6.. and the device is going off...
another condition : every setting is normal, i watched a movie on coreplayer, and got an incoming call... and the device went off instead of freeze..
but despite all the problems above, i still enjoying your 6.5, but the device is becoming less productive...
ohoh,, can you give me a solution how to change screen orientation without restarting the device?
and once again i'm thanking you very very much for you Ben..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The keyboard is buggy for me too sometimes; I have no idea why. These OEM packages are taken directly from the new HP update. Has anyone experienced this behaviour on any other 91x roms? I also can't explain the capslock/numlock indicator... it is a DLL that I am still including just like the stock ROM, but maybe it also relies on stuff from the HP Customization package?
Device restarting itself... that has not happened to me and I've been running this ROM for a few days now. Are you sure your battery connection isn't loose?
Can anyone else confirm these issues and/or confirm if they are present in Montecristo's ROMs? I think he tends to take his SYS directly from the keyx kitchen, whereas I'm usually porting a release from Da_G or somebody else on ppcgeeks.
Hi,
I'm using your ROM, I haven't that problem!! Keyboard is normal!
I solved the problem with the weather, was a server problem with accu weather!!
hey BR,
Yeah, the keyboard bug is present in Mc's ROM too ... I'll give yours a try, I like your style!
Cheers,
John
bourkej said:
hey BR,
Yeah, the keyboard bug is present in Mc's ROM too ... I'll give yours a try, I like your style!
Cheers,
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I just tried out mine and the keyboard was fine... but I've experienced that from time to time, even on the HP Factory roms. Maybe HP still needs to work on their keyboard driver a bit?
I am glad you've returned! OEM hp which building are you using?
Montecristo said:
I am glad you've returned! OEM hp which building are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the OEM extracted from HP's most recent ROM update, BIOS 1.20.09 (21 May 2009)
...but I removed a number of files and registry entries to take out most of the HP branded stuff. Feel free to use osnbtool to extract my ported XIP from 21815br0609 if you are planning to build your own 21815.
Hi Ben!
I'm looking forward to trying your WM 6.5 build for the first time (first time using a cooked ROM, actually!) on my 914c, but I noticed that you mentioned using BIOS 1.20.09. When I clicked through to the link to the HP website, this was listed as being compatible only with the 910c, with SKU ID FB168AA#ABA.
My SKU ID is FB052AA#ABB, would installing this ROM cause any problems? The latest OEM firmware HP have for my model is 1.01.01 dated 28th April 2009, yours is more recent but I'm not sure if my phone will run with it.
Matt
carrige said:
Hi Ben!
I'm looking forward to trying your WM 6.5 build for the first time (first time using a cooked ROM, actually!) on my 914c, but I noticed that you mentioned using BIOS 1.20.09. When I clicked through to the link to the HP website, this was listed as being compatible only with the 910c, with SKU ID FB168AA#ABA.
My SKU ID is FB052AA#ABB, would installing this ROM cause any problems? The latest OEM firmware HP have for my model is 1.01.01 dated 28th April 2009, yours is more recent but I'm not sure if my phone will run with it.
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure... but I think you should try, since I'm only updating the OS portion of the ROM anyway. If things don't work out for some reason, you can always flash back to your own Factory ROM using either DNW or the SD Loader (Paloma has posted on this); somebody reportedly flashed a 61x ROM to their 91x and was able to get it working again that way.
My assumption thus far is that there are no hardware differences between the 910c, 912c and 914c that require specific OS roms.
Okay, I'll try it out later on tonight and post here if/when I manage. Thanks!
(empty)(empty)
benjaminries said:
My assumption thus far is that there are no hardware differences between the 910c, 912c and 914c that require specific OS roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. 1.20.xx is only available from hp for the 910c. For the 914c the latest update is 1.01.01. The legend is the same for both updates: "fixes keyboard lockup issue and audio quality"
BTW, Montecristo does not recommend to use the 1.20.xx version of his ROM, he still uses 1.01.01 (which seems to be more compatible).
He uses SYS folder from keyx 614 kitchen but boot.rgu from HP 1.01.01.
Once more, if you want to fully update your phone (Modem part, Bootloader, etc) go to this thread, works fine:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=517094
It's great BR is back in town for more cooking!
I am still figuring out how to modify the hardware keyboard layout using the registry. No success. Only AEKmap (ae.inc.ru) seems to help...
hi
first I must say tnx 4 the rom and 4 your work
I have tested your rom and I have some issues
1 I-go8.3 will not load up (stop after installation –need sr 2 releases but will not load at any way)
2 keyboard, have issue unlike anything I have seen
sometimes if u type a dot then a letter the cursor will go back one step
(I think there is like t9 dll or something that gets in the way)
3 rom is real nice (good looking ) but a lot slower if compared 2 Montecristo
expired rom (u have more apps/plugins but looks like it is more then apps difference )
4 sometimes rom freeze
5 sometime tmail will not open and u will get sounds like stuck recording (DJ iPAQ) sr will stop this sounds and then u can enter tmail o.k.
6 I use opera mini as main explorer don’t know way but u cannot log into forum (like xda …) at all website I have tested user name will be o.k. but password will not enter the field (stay blank)
What I must point out is that radio connection and auto data setup is great
igo and opera mini are important apps 4 me
do u have a fix 4 this issue or know a way….?
Tnx 4 the rom I like it
BR,
6.5 is running smooth, thanks! I have tested every 6.5 release out there and unlike Erezyad I haven't noticed major speed differences between them. My 914c is heavily used for both business and private.
I like this release a lot as it is the most vanilla, neutral and well balanced.
Thanks again,
John
EREZYAD said:
hi
first I must say tnx 4 the rom and 4 your work
I have tested your rom and I have some issues
1 I-go8.3 will not load up (stop after installation –need sr 2 releases but will not load at any way)
2 keyboard, have issue unlike anything I have seen
sometimes if u type a dot then a letter the cursor will go back one step
(I think there is like t9 dll or something that gets in the way)
3 rom is real nice (good looking ) but a lot slower if compared 2 Montecristo
expired rom (u have more apps/plugins but looks like it is more then apps difference )
4 sometimes rom freeze
5 sometime tmail will not open and u will get sounds like stuck recording (DJ iPAQ) sr will stop this sounds and then u can enter tmail o.k.
6 I use opera mini as main explorer don’t know way but u cannot log into forum (like xda …) at all website I have tested user name will be o.k. but password will not enter the field (stay blank)
What I must point out is that radio connection and auto data setup is great
igo and opera mini are important apps 4 me
do u have a fix 4 this issue or know a way….?
Tnx 4 the rom I like it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea what the issue with i-go and opera mini is; I don't have i-go but will test opera mini. It is java (as you know) and should be more or less isolated from the OS, so that's really weird.
The keyboard issues... might possibly be a result of me using a 910c-specific OEM base while you have a 912 or 914, but I doubt it. I haven't experienced the jumpy cursor lately, but I can tell you that I used to get it once and a while, even on the default HP factory ROM. Montecristo and I both use the keyboard driver/files supplied by HP, so I don't know what the problem could be. Personally, I suspect that we're encountering a physical hardware defect in these units - wherein errant d-pad keypresses are being registered when you press other keys sometimes. Try disabling word completion and word suggestions - I've found that improves performance a lot.
I'm not familiar with the ipaq dj (what is that?) and the tmail problems you describe.
As for the overall speed of the ROM, you are right that I have included almost all SYS packages from the generic WM6.5 installation (except for Autoupdate, SampleMusic, SQM, WelcomeCenter and WindowsLive). I think keyx and Montecristo (who just uses whatever SYS is in keyx's kitchen, I think) omit Enterprise, IPSECVPN and Transcriber. I kept those in because they actually seem useful for some people. However, I think my ROM has a bit less of HP's junkware than the others'. To me the biggest impact on speed is free RAM, and you can keep nearly 60 MB free on my build if you terminate running programs.
I have considered releasing an "l" series (as in "lite") that omits Enterprise, Entertainment, IPSECVPN, Themes, Transcriber, Skybox, Skymarket and Widgets... it would be ruthlessly pared down. But then again, I don't take donations and I'm not really interested in a whole lot of cooking of ROMs that I wouldn't personally use. I expect WM6.5 to be a bit slower than WM6.1 because of all the added glitz.
Bottom line: other than fixing bugs that can be reproduced by others (and aren't just due to the OEM drivers or OS, which are beyond my control), I'm not going to compete with Montecristo for "fastest ROM" or whatever. If the 910c vs. 912 and 914 OEM base thing turns out to be a big deal, maybe Monte will cook for 912/4 and I'll stick to the 910c.
Thanks for the feedback!