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I hated my phone. I think that MS doesn’t know how to make a phone feel like a phone. That's my opinion and you know what they say about opinions... Anyway, thanks to the work of some fantastic programmers, I have gotten my phone to where it feels a little nicer. On to what I did.
I wanted to tackle making the phone prettier to use. I don’t like how the today screen background doesn't act as the background of the phone app. I think that's stupid. For fixing this, I downloaded a few dialer skins from Zombienexus. (http://www.zombienexus.net/portal/GH_ShowArticle.asp?HID=35&CATID=1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12) I'm not sure who this person is, but his dialer replacement is fantastic. I chose the "Springwood_BlackBars" theme. It's a dim picture taken of a rain forest. Looks really nice. Nice and professional. This took care of my today screen and my phone dialer. Now, both have a good (great) background.
Next up. I hate my contacts. I can't mash a letter corresponding to my contact's last name with my finger. My fingers are too fat. I don't like using the stylus for doing this because phones don’t' require stylus.... enter Contact Manager v0.10 (http://www.pocketcm.com). The guy that created this is freaking awesome. It's a contact app that pulls from your list of contacts and puts them into a list that makes them easy to select with a finger. If you drag your finger down, the list will spring down and continue scrolling with this elastic effect. If you drag your finger down one side of the screen or the other, a little tab will pop up following your finger from top to bottom with each letter of the alphabet in it starting with "a" at the top and "Z" at the bottom. Where you stop is where the list scrolls to, nice animation and all.
Now, this contacts manager is kind of plain looking off the bat. But, the creator gives you an ini file to customize. After thoroughly tweaking the ini, I now have my today screen background (the springwood) as the background behind my contacts. Though, in words this may not sound like much, but in practice, the phone is freaking sweet now. the only other thing I did, was use a softkey tweak (http://www.pocketpctweaks.com/pocketpc_tweaks/change_softkey_buttons.html) so that my contacts softkey invokes the new contactmanager app.
I wish I had screen shots of what my phone looks like. Showing it to friends has convinced them that wm5 phones CAN look like ... phones.
I'd love to see somebody "can" all three of these things together. I think a program that allows you to set the background for all three places would be very nice... What's best, all of the pieces I used are free (but, be sure and donate, these guys really out did themselves with this stuff).
Hope this helps somebody else make their phone a little more friendly.
Jason
NOTE: Contacts manager is a little funky when in landscape mode. It works, but display is a bit "off" and "tabs" no longer work. (but, who uses their phone in Landscape mode?)
Link to contact manager shows page not found. can you post fixed? Sounds interesting.
Sorry about that:
Links updated
armedmetallica said:
Link to contact manager shows page not found. can you post fixed? Sounds interesting.
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hey Contact Manager v0.10 is made by one of our members @ xda developers, check out updates in the development and hacking forum.
Did'nt even know that. THat's cool... Great job Tene: ... here's link to that thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=314048&highlight=contactsmanager
A new user interface idea. I have created this new user interface though i have no coding skills i do have the the skills of ideas...hope u guys make it come to alive i will add more images on how it shud work and..the graphics behind it.
Desiflare999 said:
A new user interface idea. I have created this new user interface though i have no coding skills i do have the the skills of ideas...hope u guys make it come to alive i will add more images on how it shud work and..the graphics behind it.
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That looks like it could be accomplished with Wisbar Advance Desktop. At least I think you could get real close.
well..im talkin about a whole new ball game, meaning for example: the arrow on the bottom can be pressed and drawn up by your finger to display things like programs running or etc. its lyk using one of the cube roll type, and while the arrow is being pulled up other menus such as the one on the right will automatically go right and the clock menu will go left to make space for the Arrow screen. The arrow screen will also be lyk a notification screen, lets say a new call came, the arrow screen will automatically go up to display an incoming screen but this time it will be transparent. The left menu will work like this: Lets say the music icon is chosen, the icon will light up and that menu only the box will move left and while its moving to the left the other menus that was with will move to the right, and the clock menu will move to the left, the arrow menu will go down. and it will expand to take over the entire screen to display the music player. The orb will roll to the right. and to exit music all the user gotta do is scroll their finger from left to right the opposite direction it came from.
Desiflare999 said:
well..im talkin about a whole new ball game, meaning for example: the arrow on the bottom can be pressed and drawn up by your finger to display things like programs running or etc. its lyk using one of the cube roll type, and while the arrow is being pulled up other menus such as the one on the left will automatically go left and the clock menu will go right to make space for the Arrow screen. The arrow screen will also be lyk a notification screen, lets say a new call came, the arrow screen will automatically go up to display an incoming screen but this time it will be transparent.
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That would be hot!!
so you've just invented..WisbarAadvancedDesktop NG.
nothin said:
so you've just invented..WisbarAadvancedDesktop NG.
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lolz..i used photoshop
In order to truly make this a reality, you'd have to use native C code. I mean, wisbar, and flash can do it, but at the expense of a lot of system resources. If no one takes it up, maybe I'll put aside some time to code it, especially if you give me more motivation by rolling out some more screenshots of your ideas .
thundershadow14 said:
In order to truly make this a reality, you'd have to use native C code. I mean, wisbar, and flash can do it, but at the expense of a lot of system resources. If no one takes it up, maybe I'll put aside some time to code it, especially if you give me more motivation by rolling out some more screenshots of your ideas .
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yes I will post up more images but sad thing is I don't have much experience in creating flash images but I will post images. Well thundershadow I would be glad to assist u in this project because I seen wat u can do lolz I seen ur pocketmelody and extremely impressed keep up the good work
If you post up enough images, I can give it a whirl. No promises at all, cuz I'm pretty committed to PocketMelody. But I've been dieing for a new interface that is independent of wisbar and flash, and it is my opinion that user interfaces aren't generally so dazzling that flash is a MUST use application. Most of the animations etc are simple yet effective. And the strength of their looks is in good CLEAN LOOKING static graphics (which I'm no good at making).
So, what I'm saying is, if your ideas inspire , I'll set aside some time, but again, no promises.
help
Even if i'm not so god in programming, i'd be proud to help you, whatever te way I could help
(maybe as beta tester)
don't hesitate to ask !!!
i've post some of my ideas in the Elf's forum
here's some preview
another idea i called "colour"
more samples here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=349583&page=5
it looks to cartoon like.
The above ideas can be 90% completed with pre-existing software.
Wisbar Advanced Desktop and possibly Mortscript to help with some of the multiple dock hiding/showing. A new version might exist that lets you slide/fade in and out docks...that'll make everything visually more appealing. Once you get to that point all you need to do is create a today plug-in to show you the current running programs as icons. The today plug-in will need to have an option to create height and width settings so that it'll be perfect in a slide in dock controlled by the up arrow.
The main thing that will be missing from your idea is the touch-style movement. The up arrow will be something you click on instead of the desired finger slide.
SeanFromSoCal said:
Wisbar Advanced Desktop and possibly Mortscript to help with some of the multiple dock hiding/showing. A new version might exist that lets you slide/fade in and out docks...that'll make everything visually more appealing. Once you get to that point all you need to do is create a today plug-in to show you the current running programs as icons. The today plug-in will need to have an option to create height and width settings so that it'll be perfect in a slide in dock controlled by the up arrow.
The main thing that will be missing from your idea is the touch-style movement. The up arrow will be something you click on instead of the desired finger slide.
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Granted, but if you really want to make it usable to a wider range of devices, you can't beat coding it natively. I've used WA/WAD on my Wizard, and after a while it gets too slow.
Lol dat looks hot
Trigger9407 said:
Lol dat looks hot
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Buy WAD2.
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While I was fascinated about the idea of a new UI for WM, the introduction of PointUI was a bit of a damp squib. The story of PointUI is like the story of the emperors clothes: its far from perfect but nobody wants to speak out against the overwhelming hype.There are a few things about the interface that irritate me. Hope fully the updates will take care of this:
1. You cant close any programs from within the UI,only minimise. You get to see running programs after looking through many menus only to find that you have to exit/minimise the UI to really close the program.
2. No app shortcuts. The first screenshots of the UI gave the impression that you could access shortcuts via pages which could be accessed through a simple left or right sliding motion. The current setup puts it just below a properly configured HTC Home with 6 tabs. Whats the point of seeing two versions of the time and the calendar?
3. Screen locking is ridiculous. In this day and age of slide to unlock programs with dpad unlocking and additional information displayed,it seems the prog prioritised being different rather than being practical, especially with the apparent lack of a clock.
Then again, I could be wrong....
hmm
i think PointUI are just in its early stages, however i do agreen with some of your points. We just need to give the developers some time. they have started off with a great base.
they have a fix for the first problem you listed
check the pointui forums for it
its still in beta..so i'm still awaiting how the final product will be
im sure they'll be making some major improvements and additions to it
Vukile said:
1. You cant close any programs from within the UI,only minimise. You get to see running programs after looking through many menus only to find that you have to exit/minimise the UI to really close the program.
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press title of the running program ... you get to the same screen as going through the running programs.
but with the rest i agree its very inefficent to start a program ... efficent handling has to be priored ... not just eyecandy. so i don't use it anymore...
if you are in a program tap where the start button used to be top left and you will get the option to force close.
I also find it better when changing the setting object navigation to slide navigation for getting to my apps.
however
One must admit that it does have an amazing UI. i feel is much better than the iphone UI
# 3 is also addressed by allowing 3rd party screen lock progs like S2U2. Their latest official build 1.01b enables this. I applaud their efforts. Not because its free. Not just cuz its new. But because it is pretty well thought out and performs more smoothly than any other shell app out there, esp w.r.t. animations and transitions.
I second that. I have good expectations for it.
jomo25 said:
# 3 is also addressed by allowing 3rd party screen lock progs like S2U2. Their latest official build 1.01b enables this. I applaud their efforts. Not because its free. Not just cuz its new. But because it is pretty well thought out and performs more smoothly than any other shell app out there, esp w.r.t. animations and transitions.
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If you like PointUI,then youll love SPB Shell. My main problem with this UI is that I can get better efficiency with HTC Home and a couple MortButtons shortcuts. I can access anything faster with that combination than with PointUI. Its not a revolution,its a fancy skin.
Does anyone else find the scrolling to be annoying? How it's inversed and extremely painful to scroll through large content?
chunga168 said:
Does anyone else find the scrolling to be annoying? How it's inversed and extremely painful to scroll through large content?
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Its supposed to be like that. Like you are grabbing the page and flicking it. Have you tried "flicking" its fun.
In fact, I don't like ftouchflo because it doesn't seem to allow me to flick like I want to.
Things I don't like about PointUI:
1) clocks, calendars all don't need to be on seperate screens. Would be nice to have a home screen that shows time/date/appoints/etc and the be able to flick over to application.
2) Not integrated (same problem I have with the cube). Along with the cube, its useful getting to stuff, but when you actually open the program it usually requires a stylus.
Thins I like about PointUI:
1) Smooth scrolling and animations. Honestly its amazing.
Vukile said:
1. You cant close any programs from within the UI,only minimise. You get to see running programs after looking through many menus only to find that you have to exit/minimise the UI to really close the program.
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Try the new patch on the point UI forum posted by the devolepers 2 test, it has the x buttom insted of the - minimise buttom and it closes the programmes ....
@ Vukile: Don't count me in the camp of people who need to have access to "everything in as few clicks as possible". I'd rather have a simple to understand, clean, uncluttered interface, even if it takes a few extra gestures/taps to do it. Very frequently used stuff should be quick, and less frequent, further away. While I understand how some want to have every function within one screen, I'd prefer otherwise. So, I actually like the promise of this more than SPB Shell...But to each his/her own.
@ Chunga168: I also intuitively prefer the iPhone/PocketCM type scrolling, however, the method they have implemented is actually better for long lists. If you have to "iPhone flick" to the bottom of a long list, it could take a while. Being able to have it scroll while holding is actually faster for some. It's a case of preferences IMO, so I hope (and expect) they will implement both and make it optional.
I dont know...ive been trying everything from spb products to all kind of invented cubes...but i guess i will stay longer with pointui because IMO its so interacitve and fast...but a hiccup here and there is normal...but the developer is going to take all of our [email protected] to improve...
Well I've really enjoyed Pointui. It's good that there are developers taking a good look at the Windows Mobile UI, although to be fair HTC themselves have been working on obvious improvements, and Lg might be worth keeping an eye on.
Pointui.Home is beautifully animated, looks good and feels good to use, the developer team seem pretty dedicated, and it has the potential to be an amazing phone interface.
However that is my niggle, see to me, my Artemis is not a phone with a PDA attached, but a PDA with a phone attached, and for all it's graphical loveliness Pointui.Home actually makes using my PDA more complicated. I enjoyed Spb Mobile Shell, it's NOW screens were great, and it's version of finger friendliness with big chunky thumbable buttons worked well. Funnily enough the reason I stopped using it was because it was bloated and buggy, and I wanted to give HTC Home a good run for it's money.
But to me Aesthetics are important, it's nice to use a good looking interface, and Pointui seems to be top for that, but I'm already tempted to remove it, and even tempted to forgive Spb's faults.
Fantastic and I cant wait for some updates, but I really don't like it forcing the left soft button into its own home button!!
daverage said:
Fantastic and I cant wait for some updates, but I really don't like it forcing the left soft button into its own home button!!
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I agree, it should at least give you the option of choosing what you put on the soft keys. It sits on the top bar anyway, why map it? Only seasoned users of PDAs will appreciate the need for simplicity before aesthetic,much in the same direction that Android is headed. Try this exercise for example : uninstall a program using the PointUI and then try it the old fashioned way. The old way is quicker.
does the calendar on the main screen suppose to highlight the days with appointments,etc.? If not, then the calendar is not very useful, and there should be an option to turn it off. Same thing with the analog clock.
A better app launcher is definitely needed. I have suggested in other posts having an icon based launcher a la iPhone when you press the botton down arrow button on the screen, or at least on the main scrolling screen, give us about 4 user definable icons for apps...or have BOTH.
PointUI has a pretty nice interface but is really not that time efficient.
Has anyone tried to remove this program?... Its a headache! I had to find various reg entries and delete them to fully remove it
daverage said:
Fantastic and I cant wait for some updates, but I really don't like it forcing the left soft button into its own home button!!
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that is something you can easily change
I am on vacation so please forgive the lack of pictures to show my ideas this vacation has been rather stressy so i am back on my concept ideas and overall ideas.
First we have a design idea i've noticed the frame around my z1 is fairly strong and scratch resistant so i think it could wrap around the entire back of the phone for a single unibody construction it would also eliminate my concern displeasure that the phone is held together by glue at the back, it would also be completely airtight in the back as there would be no opening, I'd assume it would be more durable aswell.
another idea would be remaking the flaps to lock into place when closed to open you press something, or drag something or maybe magnetic locking, but maybe that wouldn't work with the rubber. I also think if possible that the phone could have a water sensor so it knows when it is submerged, where it enters a sticky keys like feature for the screen so you can use it under water so it takes hard presses to register something water wouldn't be capable of, the phone would also know when the flaps are open or closed and instantly warn if it get's in contact with water with one of them open like vibrating constantly and having an alarm with the screen flashing, it may not always save a phone but it would be useful in my opinion as you'll notice before actually submerging the entire phone if the sensor can be located around the frame but then comes the design problem, unless the sensor can be hidden allong the light stripe idea somehow, if not it could be one small sensor, perhaps the sensor could be located inside the flaps.
A special magnetic dock charger that works with all xperia devices that comes with a remote and inbuilt strong speakers with bass, aswell as a screen with multi color backlight indicating charge time music playing etc would be worth alot aswell too me, I'd pay 200 for something like that.
Lastly I have some more ui ideas they are more personal wishes though
First the notification bar as you know, fills up rather quickly with icons for each app notifying you resulting in it being completely full often, so my idea is simple, one icon with a number next too it showing how many apps that are notifying you, or simply a number.
I also want to be able to hide any notification bar icons for example i don't always need to know the reception I'd rather have that in the drop down menu i would only want it to show when there's one or two bars or simply as a warning on bad reception.
Then theres the softkeys theres alot of ideas and changes I want to make as you know the apps icon replacing the home icon on the home screen, but then theres the back and recent apps button, First off a back button in the home screen does nothing it just sits there it dosnt even turn the phone off it simply sits there filling up space, so here's a few ideas, unless Google are the only ones to be able to do such changes, or if there's a rule against such changes.
1. back button should only show when theres something to back from,* another crazy idea would be a softkey power button in the corner of the home screen replacing the back button, the most crazy idea would be getting rid of a phones power button entirely as theres tap to wake up now, only if it worked when the phone was off, honestly having a power button in the corner would not be very clean too me but it's an idea,* what would be more my preference is the turn off menu in the drop down bar.
I would also like more sony apps like compass or other useful features could call it sony smart tools or sony smart apps, Power user apps like cache cleaner ram freeing would also be great, my dad's LG g2 has a free ram app.
A silent life log app that syncs everything you do and visit in the cloud would also be fun, like using trackid to record which music you were listening to that day when you visited a national park etc, unless such a feature is too consuming.
Then theres recent apps theres two ways this could work,* my first idea was to just remove the recent apps button when there's no recent apps, it would only show when theres recent apps in it, my second idea is to hold down the apps icon to access recent apps instead of having a separate button for it, personally I want to be able to close or minimize apps so they won't end up in recent apps, when i don't want them to.
I guess i want it as clean as possible I think getting rid of an actual power button all together would be a good idea too, at least for me as it would make a phone look nicer more modern, it would also give space for something else.
I guess i want dynamic softkeys,* we have keys on a screen but they work just like physical touch buttons,* they are permanent 90 percent of the time i want to change that, as you practically get the same experience with actual capacitive buttons virtual buttons are not utilized properly in my opinion.
My other idea would be freedom in screen rotation, I use an app so I can use my phone upside down and due to the omnibalance design it feels and looks natural, not having a sony logo makes it impossible to tell if it's upside down or not, so i think all phones should have that freedom by default, I also think there should be a tablet ui for landscape on all sony phones I'd love to have the soft keys at the bottom when in landscape, i was highly dissapointed when i found out I couldn't use my z1 in landscape until I found an app for it.
I also don't think the menu should cast any shadow at all the screen should not darken it would then feel more like the menu is just icons and not a separate menu screen which is what I am aiming at uniformity, i would also get rid of the dot at the top next to the text about which order you have your icons set in, the icons are all fairly pushed in the middle I want them to use up the screen, so much space at the sides used for Nothing it gives a zoomed in feel I am referring to the z ultra though, to put it simple all menu icons simply popping up on the screen when you press the menu button no underlay of any kind not even boxes for folders just 4 small icons together to show that it's a folder
I've also noticed the soft keys and notification bar is not entirely transparent it casts a light dark shadow I would assume that's a limitation not being able to get rid of the underlay entirely due to it being hard-coded but i don't know how open android is to manufacturers, I am extremely picky about these things so I notice them pretty quickly I guess i am obsessed with perfection when it comes to technology, lastly getting rid of the blue grey ui sometimes rarely showing up like example when you change the volume, it makes me feel like that's stock android sometimes peeking out I'd like a similar ui design across all of android.
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Is there a mod that uses your lockscreen background when signing in instead a plain color?
I assure you there are programs out there.
Some of them even occasionally log in (though I'm not sure that four exclamation marks worth of shouting at them to do so helps anything).
Please use meaningful subject lines on your posts.
Also, to the best of my knowledge, no. The idea is supposed to be that you slide the lock screen away, which generally means the thing under the lockscreen should look different.