I had an epiphany today, I want to share this idea, perhaps someone here has the knowledge to pull it off, unfortunately, I am not a C programmer:
Gmail already has built in RSS feeds. Every Gmail account hass RSS feeds for every label at https://mail.google.com/mail/feed/atom/LABEL/ (This also works for Apps at https://mail.google.com/a/DOMAIN.TLD/feed/atom/LABEL/ ).
The only requirement is that the feed reader support authentication.
Now lets bring pRSSreader into the equation (http://code.google.com/p/prssr/)
Supports SSL, Yes!
Supports Authntication, YES!
Source Code Available! GPL!
So to start: A competent developer begin with the pRSSreader code, change the UI a bit so that it will revolve around inputing gmail accounts and it will be able to read our mail)
The next step is to add a simple SMTP component that will send outgoing mail through the GMAIL smtp.
What do the smart people here think?
I'm not critisizing your idea by any means, but why not using the mobile JAVA app done by google?
It works flawlessly with JBED or JEODEK for WM. The functionality is also great. Of course, it's not native WM app, but it's still worth a while.
fbifbi said:
I'm not critisizing your idea by any means, but why not using the mobile JAVA app done by google?
It works flawlessly with JBED or JEODEK for WM. The functionality is also great. Of course, it's not native WM app, but it's still worth a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
URL for this mate?
fbifbi said:
I'm not critisizing your idea by any means, but why not using the mobile JAVA app done by google?
It works flawlessly with JBED or JEODEK for WM. The functionality is also great. Of course, it's not native WM app, but it's still worth a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The JAVA app is great... except that the text font (including menu and everything) is too tiny and small on my Diamond. Otherwise it's great app...
Wiggz said:
URL for this mate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to m.gmail.com on your phone, and then download it. It should automatically recognize that you have a windows mobile phone and offer you the JAVA version to download.
fbifbi said:
Of course, it's not native WM app, but it's still worth a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^ that was the point of ethanpil's suggestion.
@ethanpil, I think it's a good idea, the only hole I see is that it's mostly for people who actually use the labels now, yes?
wait....maybe i'm not understanding u guys properly...u dont wanna use the mail program that it came with?? i have a diamond and i synced it to my outlook which has gmail..so when i'm on WIFI it vibrates when i get a gMail.....
so what is it that Java program do that this one doesn't??
Why not use Emoze? That has true push and works great with Gmail. Gmail also has a Exchange server for your calender and contacts.
sinara said:
The JAVA app is great... except that the text font (including menu and everything) is too tiny and small on my Diamond. Otherwise it's great app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sinara, look for VGA hacked JBED (here on XDA) - it solves problems with small fonts on our devices.
sinara said:
The JAVA app is great... except that the text font (including menu and everything) is too tiny and small on my Diamond. Otherwise it's great app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can fix the font sizes with simple regedits.
Why do ppl want this?? Outlook can link to IMAP from google natively. Which All wm6 phones have...so why does anyone care about an external app that windows can do by default. I'm not discounting it or anything I'm just really confused on this issue
xcom923 said:
Why do ppl want this?? Outlook can link to IMAP from google natively. Which All wm6 phones have...so why does anyone care about an external app that windows can do by default. I'm not discounting it or anything I'm just really confused on this issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am with you here, gmail with imap is the way to go. If your device automagically finds gmail settings, just misspell gmail when entering your email addy, then fix it after you have unchecked to automatically find settings.
I believe the reason for doing this is to get away from the built-in (WM) applications which for the most part suck. Not to mention that the emails are stored in a database and not in individual files (as in Qmail). Even if it was stored in a database, the database should be easily manipulated to allow for quick backup and recovery operations (SQLite?). Not to mention that such an application can implement great features like imap-idle and connecting over 1x/gprs to save battery life (and privates).
Just my two cents.
The reason is as many have guessed above:
1) The Java version sucks for WM users: its not native, and a few times alerady if I exited hastily by hitting the X instead of through the menus then my DB was corrupted and I had to reinstall the app
2) Something native will be able to take advantage of all of the features of WM and run in the background better.
3) The native apps also suck.
4) Push IMAP and activesync take horrendous battery power
Anyway, I have been using NewsBreak to read my gmail by RSS and it works great, updates once per hour, and runs real fast in background and I get notification of new emails and I only downlod the labels I need... Its just a pain to then login to gmail app to reply...
I have a small application (in VB.NET) that I am working on but in this moment it is "work in progress". I am able to connect to GMail over SSL in POP3, SMTP and IMAP.
In this moment I am trying out POP3 but I have some problems when downloading larger attachments from GMail (out-of-memory exceptions) which I have to sort out.
I guess I could make a native application for GMail - however the first beta version would not support attachments (at least larger attachmnets - let's say more than 200KB - until I have sorted out the problem mentioned above).
In order to produce a first version, I still would need some days but if there's interest, I could give it a shot.
Rgds,
Tilleke
------------------------------------
Add spellchecking to your applications.
See: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=495728
this would def worth a shot since it's a bunch of shareware ideas taken into an all in one freeware app to add to our collection of greatly developed freeware. i'd rather use a custom made freeware app that will always add features rather than waste memory with certain shareware programs just to have all the bells and whistles scattered across the cluttered memory
boog321 said:
I am with you here, gmail with imap is the way to go. If your device automagically finds gmail settings, just misspell gmail when entering your email addy, then fix it after you have unchecked to automatically find settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been doing that since my 8525.. I can't believe that anyone would rather 'fight' with a 3rd party app.. I can see the argument for push, but if you really need up to date inbox, just get a scheduler to set your 'active' hours so you get faster updates when you need it. Typically I get emails at the same time though.
Related
Direct Push with Google Apps?!?!?!
Hi everyone. I think I might have asked this question before but maybe something has developed in the last few months.
I am running my own IT consulting business and as I get more and more busy my calendar is becoming an ever more important tool. My dear wife went out and got me a good old-fashioned spiral bound day-timer but I have a sophisticated day-timer right here in my pocket in the form of my HTC Touch. As an IT consultant I think I should be using it rather then pulling out the pen and paper. Right now I am using the calendars in my Touch, Outlook, Google Apps and the calendar in the Exchange account I have with one of my customers. Too many calendars and all because I really want to use my Google Apps calendar and have it sync with my Touch.
I really want Google to develop “Direct Push” technology so that I can get my email, calendar and contacts all from my Google Apps account just like it was an Exchange Server. I am even considering switching my email back to an Exchange Server just so I can sync with my Touch. This way my wife could login and add stuff to my calendar and it will appear on my Touch. Right now I have my Email coming in from Google Apps via IMAP, my Calendar synching with Outlook (installed locally on my laptop without Exchange) and my Contacts syncing with my customer’s Exchange server. This is a pain and I want everything in one place that can be maintained/synced in real-time.
I will say this right now and keep in mind that as an IT consultant I like Microsoft’s products and install things like Windows 2003, SQL Server and Exchange on an almost daily basis. If Google develops “Direct Push” for Google Apps it will be an Exchange killer. The only, and I mean only reason I am thinking about switching my domain back to Exchange (I moved from Exchange to Google Apps about 1 year ago) is for the ability to sync everything (not just email) with my Touch.
On the other hand if Microsoft comes out with a version of Outlook/Exchange that dispenses with the whole “Inbox/Sent items/Delete” model and goes for the Google-style “conversation & archive” model along with the search capabilities I might fall back in love with Exchange.
The Fish
Oh and just in case anyone from Microsoft is listening, “threaded inbox” isn’t what I mean by “conversation style”. Come on Microsoft. Just admit that Google has actual built a better mousetrap and managed to improve on the age-old email model of “folders” and “sent items”. Go ahead and copy them… copy, copy copy! Oops sorry, I mean “embrace and extend, embrace and extend”
Something like that would be great!
matthew232 said:
Something like that would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And not to mention totally do-able. There is already an non-Exchange mail server out there called “KerioMail Server” that implements Microsoft’s Direct Push protocol. Check out this link http://www.kerio.com/kms_activesync.html
Microsoft’s Direct Push is entirely HTTP based. It shouldn’t be that difficult for Google to do.
The Fish.
I guess you have to wait for Google Android.
thefish123 said:
On the other hand if Microsoft comes out with a version of Outlook/Exchange that dispenses with the whole “Inbox/Sent items/Delete” model and goes for the Google-style “conversation & archive” model along with the search capabilities I might fall back in love with Exchange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The moment they do that (without giving an option) is when I would have to quit using Exchange. I **hate** Gmail's threading and forward those mails to another account that isn't threaded (and the fact that they don't let you turn it off).
I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but have you checked out any of the 3rd party sync options? GMobileSync is a free little program that allows bidirectional syncing for your calendar (not push though). GooSync offers a free service level that also gives you calendar syncing. If you upgrade to their payed version (I think it is something like $30-40 for a whole year) you get not only calendar sync, but contacts, tasks etc. Might be worth a look.
jeffreycentex said:
The moment they do that (without giving an option) is when I would have to quit using Exchange. I **hate** Gmail's threading and forward those mails to another account that isn't threaded (and the fact that they don't let you turn it off).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft would never do it without making it an option. But I am surprised to hear you say that you head Gmail’s threading. Quite honestly you have got to be the FIRST person I have heard say that.
I have never (till now) talked to anyone who switched to Gmail who didn’t have anything but good to say about it. Most people I know who use Outlook or Outlook Express and who do ANY real volume of email spend at least an hour to two hours a day “organizing” their email. They have a whole list of sub-folders under their Inbox and then have almost the exact same set of sub-folders under their “Sent Items”. They spend time trying to decide how to file things or if they should file it in the first place or just delete it. Sometimes they delete and email and two of three days later the whole issue has ballooned into a big issue and they are filing the responses but no longer have their original email because they didn’t think it would become important.
Gmail lets me keep my Inbox clean while at the same time never worrying about filing or organizing or having trouble finding things back. I would probably hate Gmail if I was still trying to fit it into my narrow 20-year-old “I must use folders” paradigm of thinking (which I did when I first started using Gmail) but it was fun to give up on that and the new paradigm of “never file, never delete” is so superior.
I don’t really case WHERE my email is as long as I can find it back in a natural way. I think in years to come we are going to see the same thing happening on computers and to some extent we already are. The #1 reason most people hate Windows Vista is because of the way the new “Explorer” obscures the hierarchal folder model that everyone is used to from our Norton Commander days. It is really very Mac-like. Most Mac users couldn’t tell you where their pictures were in terms of a “directory” or a “folder” but they have less trouble finding them, or copying them to a USB drive, or attaching them to an email then most Windows users.
If we ever do see WinFS (Windows Future Storage) it is supposed to be a Microsoft SQL layer bolted on top of the file system and gives you database-style searchability with all kinds of meta data attached.
The thinking behind the Reiser file system is that any structure on top of the file system for storing data indicates that the file system isn’t doing it’s job. And I can kinda see the point.
The Fish
I agree, Gmail should definately come out with direct push technology
I currently use gmail with pocket outlook with imap.
It's annoying having it set to check my email in intervals.
I didn't even know what direct push was until today, until i saw a friend using his phone w/ his private exchange server...my first reaction was wow...i want that!!
I'm hoping android will implement features like direct push, among others.
surgex0 said:
I didn't even know what direct push was until today, until i saw a friend using his phone w/ his private exchange server...my first reaction was wow...i want that!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s not even so much that I want “push” email (although that would be cool). The biggest issue is that there is no way to sync my Calendar and my Contacts with Gmail. This means I either A) have to use the Calendar/Contacts on my Touch in their “stand alone” form without syncing to anything or B) have to sync them with something else.
I really like being able to use my web-based Gmail calendar (Google Apps) but I wish like crazy there was some way to get this on my Touch.
The Fish.
PS: when you sign-up for Google Apps it asks you what (if any) previous mail system you used. As an example it says in brackets “Microsoft Exchange”. This makes me think that Google Apps is positioning themselves to take the SMB email market away from Exchange. I think if they really want to do this they will make Google Apps look just like an Exchange Server to the millions of WM devices out there. Currently I am seriously considering moving my email back to Exchange when I get my own server online (in a few weeks).
Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.
surgex0 said:
Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Googlemaps apparently has a native app now (altho I would rather use Livesearch), so no, they aren't all JAVA. I take it you visit the HTML site instead of using IMAP so that you can see the threading and other g-mail features?
If you want gmail to push, use SEVEN at
community.seven.com
john
Sync & Push
I use www.mobipush.com to push my gmail and it works instantaneously. Fantastic. This is free, perhaps only while they are in beta.
I also use www.oggsync.com for syncing my calendar. There is a free version, but I bought the software and daily sync about 11 calendars 2 months backwards and 2 years forwards. Hardly ever any issues. They are working on contact sync - have a public beta out now.
surgex0 said:
Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don’t know if it’s really the Gmail client that sucks so much as that it just doesn’t run properly on the version of Java that comes on my Touch (the Bell Mobility Touch in Canada). I was pretty happy to have the Java Gmail client on my Razr back before I got my Touch.
That being said I keep hoping they will come out with a native Windows Mobile version like they did with Google Maps. But then again it seems kinda silly to come out with an email client for a device that already has a built-in integrated email client. The better solution would be to make the pre-exiting email, calendar and contacts features work properly (as in within their native capacity – meaning DirectPush) with their Gmail counterparts.
The Fish
I have been looking for a google calendar app and haven't found anything to speak of. I have found a couple like google sync and stuff, but I was hoping somebody had an idea about a program that would go in the today screen or a stand alone program that showed google calendar.
Seems like with the beast that google is somebody would have created a program. Any advice?
GooSync maybe?
I tried GooSync a few months back and it was super buggy. It duplicated my meetings and whenever I synced my phone it put additional entries in Outlook. Have you used it recently? Perhaps I'll try it again.
I just found this: http://www.google.com/mobile/winmo/calendar/
I think it's a Java based app...
EDIT: It's a web browser based app...
That just takes you to a dumbed down version of a web based google calendar. I guess i just need to use Opera or Skyfire and use the web based version of gcalendar. Doesn't seem to be a better way that I've found through google or here.
Using the GData API, it should be relatively easy to create a client for WM.
Currently (about 20 minutes reading the documentation) I've got something that can log in and retrieve data.
http://code.google.com/apis/calendar/developers_guide_dotnet.html
I'm not a programmer but I am computer savvy. My question is, what/how do you compile the code to make it a program for WM? Do you use a certain program?
alaiwy said:
I'm not a programmer but I am computer saavy. My question is, what/how do you compile the code to make it a program for WM? Do you use a certain program?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm coding and compiling within Visual Studio 2008, in C# .NET CF.
Ah, that would be a program I don't have!
Thanks for the info.
alaiwy said:
Ah, that would be a program I don't have!
Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of other alternatives...
I have been using goosync on my WM5 device for quite a long time now. I have been syncing my Google calendar with Outlook client and also with my Lightning application(calendar with Thunderbird). The moment a meeting is entered/deleted in either of these apps(Wm5 device, outlook , google on web or lightning) it reflects everywhere. Only Goosync needs to be activated manually.
l3v5y said:
There are lots of other alternatives...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any of those alternatives free? I wouldn't mind learning some of this stuff but I don't have the money to buy Visual Studio etc.
alaiwy said:
Any of those alternatives free? I wouldn't mind learning some of this stuff but I don't have the money to buy Visual Studio etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm fairly certain there are some. Particularly for Linux...
There's even a compiler for WM!
PPC http://pocketgcc.sourceforge.net/pcsharp/
Desktop http://dotgnu.org/
Take a look at this for your Google Calendar :
http://www.pocketcm.com/calendar.php
Inside the zip you'll find an app (Gsync) which you can use to sync all your google calendars to your pda at once.
After syncing you can find all your appointments from the Google cal's in your calendar app on your pda.
It's one way syncing only but it works very well.
Thanks Zakk
I just found
http://www.milow.net/public/projects/activegcsync-project-page.html
This works superbly and I'd suggest it for doing this type of syncing. It is a 3rd party program that syncs your pocket outlook calendar to your gmail and vice versa. I have tested it and if you add/delete from gcalendar or pocket outlook it will sync properly.
All-in-all i'm happy with it. Although i was sort of excited about trying to program my own!
try remote calendars
http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_ja...th_outlook_and_smartphones_automatically.html
alaiwy said:
I tried GooSync a few months back and it was super buggy. It duplicated my meetings and whenever I synced my phone it put additional entries in Outlook. Have you used it recently? Perhaps I'll try it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno why, but I *always* get a parse error on my phone (regardless of what calender account I sync). I've tried four of these programs, same thing with every program.
Anyone ever seen that?
I used to get errors all the time while trying to sync up my calendars. I learned that you can't have any repeating calendar entries. For example, if I have the same meeting every Monday at 3pm I must put in a new entry every Monday. If you try and put in a calendar entry to repeat every Monday at 3pm then you usually end up with errors when you try and sync the calendars.
dbourcy said:
I used to get errors all the time while trying to sync up my calendars. I learned that you can't have any repeating calendar entries. For example, if I have the same meeting every Monday at 3pm I must put in a new entry every Monday. If you try and put in a calendar entry to repeat every Monday at 3pm then you usually end up with errors when you try and sync the calendars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought about something like that, so I tested it with a brand new account. With just one test event (non-multiday). Same error message.
alaiwy said:
Thanks Zakk
I just found
http://www.milow.net/public/projects/activegcsync-project-page.html
This works superbly and I'd suggest it for doing this type of syncing. It is a 3rd party program that syncs your pocket outlook calendar to your gmail and vice versa. I have tested it and if you add/delete from gcalendar or pocket outlook it will sync properly.
All-in-all i'm happy with it. Although i was sort of excited about trying to program my own!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works great, thanks mate
It is known that gmail account can be simulated as a new drive on your PC by an application called "GMail Drive shell extension". http://www.viksoe.dk/code/gmail.htm
For Symbian there is also a program "GSpaceMobile" which can do that job. https://www.ibomobi.com/home/gspacemobile_free
So I wonder if there is such a tool for WM system which can simulate a gmail account as a network disk or some guy is willing to develop one ?
Thanks.
Bump.
This is actually a really good idea.
sounds like a neat idea, I might try to see what this would take.
Bump.
With bated breath and whisp'ring humbleness I wait for those more skilled than I take on this task.
Seems like a great idea.
Sounds like a Really useful thing to have please have a go someone
Wow! This does sound very interesting.....
i had the same idea!
but it is forbidden in the term of use of gmail...
My account has been locked
If we detect abnormal usage that may indicate that your account has been compromised, we may temporarily disable access. It will take between one minute and 24 hours for access to be reinstated, depending on the behavior detected by our system.
Unusual account activity includes, but is not limited to:
1. Receiving, deleting, or downloading large amounts of mail via POP or IMAP in a short period of time. If you're getting the error message, 'Lockdown in Sector 4,' you should be able to access Gmail again after waiting 24 hours.
2. Sending a large number of undeliverable messages (messages that bounce back).
3. Using file-sharing or file-storage software, browser extensions, or third party software that automatically logs in to your account.
4. Leaving multiple instances of Gmail open.
5. Browser-related issues. Please note that if you find your browser continually reloading while attempting to access your Inbox, it's probably a browser issue, and it may be necessary to clear your browser's cache and cookies.
If you feel that you have been using your Gmail address according to the Gmail Terms of Use, please contact us.
idsk said:
i had the same idea!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the skill to code a gmail drive, how about this much simpler idea- an app which automatically e-mails your pictures to a g-mail account, and another app on your desktop which automatically downloads the pictures to your desktop and deletes them.
The advantage of using gmail in the middle is that the process becomes asynchronous - your pc does not have to be on to work and neither does your phone have to be contactable for your pc to download the photos.
Surur
idsk said:
i had the same idea!
.....
3. Using file-sharing or file-storage software, browser extensions, or third party software that automatically logs in to your account.
.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't that include pretty much any and all automated checking, such as push mail polling and thunderbird (imap / pop) clients ?
That's pretty restrictive wording.. much like the snafu with the Chrome release, where they stated "anything you enter via forms in the browser online is now copyright google" - they had to fix that after a large public outcry.
surur said:
If you have the skill to code a gmail drive, how about this much simpler idea- an app which automatically e-mails your pictures to a g-mail account, and another app on your desktop which automatically downloads the pictures to your desktop and deletes them.
The advantage of using gmail in the middle is that the process becomes asynchronous - your pc does not have to be on to work and neither does your phone have to be contactable for your pc to download the photos.
Surur
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out PocketPicasa which does just that. Well it gets them as far as Google anyway, then use Picasa 3 on the desktop to retrieve them.
deedee said:
Check out PocketPicasa which does just that. Well it gets them as far as Google anyway, then use Picasa 3 on the desktop to retrieve them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picassa is a heavy client, and from my checking does not do automated downloads. I would not want to have it running in the background on my desktop all the time.
Actually I have already found a VBA script for outlook that will automatically save picture attachments from an e-mail folder to my desktop, so all I really need is the windows mobile side to automatically e-mail the pictures (although a special purpose dedicated pair would be even better)
Surur
Great idea, bump.
and...
idsk said:
i had the same idea!
but it is forbidden in the term of use of gmail...
My account has been locked
If we detect abnormal usage that may indicate that your account has been compromised, we may temporarily disable access. It will take between one minute and 24 hours for access to be reinstated, depending on the behavior detected by our system.
Unusual account activity includes, but is not limited to:
1. Receiving, deleting, or downloading large amounts of mail via POP or IMAP in a short period of time. If you're getting the error message, 'Lockdown in Sector 4,' you should be able to access Gmail again after waiting 24 hours.
2. Sending a large number of undeliverable messages (messages that bounce back).
3. Using file-sharing or file-storage software, browser extensions, or third party software that automatically logs in to your account.
4. Leaving multiple instances of Gmail open.
5. Browser-related issues. Please note that if you find your browser continually reloading while attempting to access your Inbox, it's probably a browser issue, and it may be necessary to clear your browser's cache and cookies.
If you feel that you have been using your Gmail address according to the Gmail Terms of Use, please contact us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That hardly seems like a problem. Create a second account to use with your cell. If they lock it then its a lot less troubling. Besides, they don't monitor this kind of stuff. I've been using the same concept on my pc for a long time. Being able to have a network hdd on my phone and pc would be supurb!
bumping for the greatness of the idea
Doesn't anyone with developing skills see a use for this?
I have scoured everywhere for a wm solution to gmail drive. gonna keep watch on this, hopefully someone makes it happen.
The Idea is widespread
The idea's popped up in other places as well:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=433913
Also, I am recalling that I looked into this concept years back using Xdrive by AOL. From what I remember they released an experimental mobile version but have since shut it down. Maybe we can find a way to tap into either of these valuable resources.
I can't think of a solution for Gmail but I have been using Microsofts Live Mesh on my computers and mobile. It syncs up between your desktops and you can also access it thru the mobile browser. I don't think there is a dedicated mobile app though.
It's still a tech preview, but it should work for what you are describing.
Windows Live Mesh
skyegalen said:
It's still a tech preview, but it should work for what you are describing.
Windows Live Mesh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Not yet available for mobile."
The words: "Soon to be available" + the words: "Microsoft" in the same sentence = uncontrollable laughter then disinterest.
...sorry, can't help it.
HI,
As some of you may have seen on a previous post I am giving some serious consideration of swapping from an iphone 3G to the HD2, and before I make my mind up I would like to ask a few more questions about the device, mainly the windows operation system as I've never had a windows phone before. I have been to numerous stores and none have the HD2 for me to trial so please accept my apologies for asking so many questions. It would be so much easier if I could get to try it for myself. Anyway here goes (sorry for the referals to the iphone):-
Can I drag and drop word, excel documents etc from my laptop to the phone and view and manipulate the documents on the phone?
I'm assuming you can arrange photos in individual folders, eg holidays, friends etc?
When you open a photo folder can you view the pictures as thumbnails (as on the iphone), or do you have to scroll through each picture to get to the one you want?
To use email (hotmail and googlemail for me) do you have to go via the internet, or is there an app as on the iphone, and does this sync with the accounts online ie if you delete on the phone will it have deleted when I view mail online?
Is it true that the internet on the HD2 does not support flash, and if so how will this affect my internet viewing?
Cheers
snerkler said:
Can I drag and drop word, excel documents etc from my laptop to the phone and view and manipulate the documents on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but it obviously needs to be a version of the document that can be read by the office applications on the phone (they are Microsoft office apps, but they're office 2007, not later.) It's easy enough to do "save as" on the PC and save as office 2007.
snerkler said:
I'm assuming you can arrange photos in individual folders, eg holidays, friends etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can drag and drop and create folders and sub-folders, just like on your PC.
snerkler said:
When you open a photo folder can you view the pictures as thumbnails (as on the iphone), or do you have to scroll through each picture to get to the one you want?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can open folders in the file explorer, which is obviously just a list of files. You can also use the Microsoft Picture & Video app, or the HTC Albums app. Both have their pros and cons, but they're very similar apps. They both give thumbnail lists of your images.
snerkler said:
To use email (hotmail and googlemail for me) do you have to go via the internet, or is there an app as on the iphone, and does this sync with the accounts online ie if you delete on the phone will it have deleted when I view mail online?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can add mutliple email accounts to the email tab in the Sense UI, which supports POP3 and IMAP email accounts, so you don't have to use an internet browser to read your emails. (You can also add a windows live account to the windows live app, which has its own benefits, such as messaging and push email.)
Your actions will affect your emails (such as deleting), but doesn't work too well the other way round. For instance, if I've got a notification of a new email and I delete it using my PC, it still shows as a new email on my phone. A little annoying, but hardly the end of the world.
snerkler said:
Is it true that the internet on the HD2 does not support flash, and if so how will this affect my internet viewing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Opera does not currently support flash, but IE does. It's not the most up-to-date version (as compared to a PC), but it's good enough for most flash viewing. If you're doing something like viewing youtube, you're better off with the youtube app, and if you want to view some flash intensive sites, you can try other browsers, such as skyfire.
I think that answers your questions, but let us know if you're not sure about anything.
snerkler said:
HI,
Can I drag and drop word, excel documents etc from my laptop to the phone and view and manipulate the documents on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can do this, the HD2 can support a lot of formats, excel, Word, PFD etc.
snerkler said:
I'm assuming you can arrange photos in individual folders, eg holidays, friends etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Mobile is much like any computer OS, you can create folders and files much the same way. So yes you can organise your photos in any folders you like, or in the case of HTCs overlay of Windows Mobile, organise by Album.
snerkler said:
When you open a photo folder can you view the pictures as thumbnails (as on the iphone), or do you have to scroll through each picture to get to the one you want?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This depends where and what program you use to open the folder. If you use the Sense UI overlay (HTCs default) then the folder will open with thumbnails. From there you can open photos and rotate and zoom by pinching the photos and dragging them around. If you use Windows default file explorer or Total Commander you will just see the images as files.
snerkler said:
To use email (hotmail and googlemail for me) do you have to go via the internet, or is there an app as on the iphone, and does this sync with the accounts online ie if you delete on the phone will it have deleted when I view mail online?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use gmail (as I do also) you can read your email from the main UI on the HD2 without having to run a seperate app (though unlike the iPhone you can run several apps at the same time). However if you prefer there is also a Java Gmail app that will also run on the HD2
snerkler said:
Is it true that the internet on the HD2 does not support flash, and if so how will this affect my internet viewing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HD2 like many WinMo phones can of course support Flash. The default Opera browser version 9.7 on the HD2 won't support it. However later Beta versions now support it. You can also use the very excellent SkyFire browser (free) which will also play flash and of course youtube and more all within the browser.
Just to add, there is fix to add flash support for opera
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=544770
also there is beta trial version for office 2010 so you can open up to 2010 versions of office files.
@jagnet Beat you to it
Thanks for the help guys, I'm pretty much sold I think. Another question I've thought of is relating to contacts and email.
As it's a windows device I'm assuming contacts will sync with outlook? Will the email addresses in my contacts automatically sync with the email app so when I use email all the email adresses I need are already there?
With regards to the office docs, I'm currently running office 2010 beta, but it saves the files as 97-2003 docs so I'm assuming this will be OK right?
Do you think they'll be a fix for the emails not deleting from the phone if you delete them on your PC any time soon? LIke you say, not the end of the world, but can imagine it might get a touch tiresome
Cheers
snerkler said:
Thanks for the help guys, I'm pretty much sold I think. Another question I've thought of is relating to contacts and email.
As it's a windows device I'm assuming contacts will sync with outlook? Will the email addresses in my contacts automatically sync with the email app so when I use email all the email adresses I need are already there?
With regards to the office docs, I'm currently running office 2010 beta, but it saves the files as 97-2003 docs so I'm assuming this will be OK right?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and yes.
You can use outlook to sync contacts, emails, texts etc., either via an exchange server (using your data connection), or via the cable when connected to your PC. I personally don't use this though, as I don't use outlook at home. Far too much like work lol
Saving docs as office 2007 docs will make them usable with the office software on the phone.
snerkler said:
Do you think they'll be a fix for the emails not deleting from the phone if you delete them on your PC any time soon? LIke you say, not the end of the world, but can imagine it might get a touch tiresome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I doubt it. This is the first time I've ever mentioned it myself, and I've never seen anyone else mention it on here. Besides, I very rarely use a PC for emails now. I've had emails in my pocket for about 4 or 5 years now, so I really only use a PC if I want to send large emails, or attach stuff that's on the PC.
I wouldn't hold my breath on a fix for that to be honest.
Just to add my thoughts on the HD2---
I've had mine since launch and the product is still buggy. HTC are throwing out updates (backdoor and official) on a regular basis. The main bugs for me which I'm not sure are cured yet are SMS getting stuck in the outbox and also the touch screen becomes active during a call which means the side of your face dials digits or hangs the calls.
Regarding email- I moved from Hotmail to Gmail because Hotmail does not support Activesync. I wanted to sync over the air my email, contacts and calendar. Hotmail only supports email and contacts. Gmail works great.
I'm hoping that come the end of January that all the main bugs will be ironed out. HOPING!!! or Praying!!!
philtrick123 said:
Regarding email- I moved from Hotmail to Gmail because Hotmail does not support Activesync. I wanted to sync over the air my email, contacts and calendar. Hotmail only supports email and contacts. Gmail works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A combination of the native windows live features and microsoft myphone would have resolved that issue, and given you the ability to sync a lot more too
philtrick123 said:
Regarding email- I moved from Hotmail to Gmail because Hotmail does not support Activesync. I wanted to sync over the air my email, contacts and calendar. Hotmail only supports email and contacts. Gmail works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A combination of the native windows live and microsoft myphone features would have resolved that issue, and given you the ability to sync a lot more too
Originally Posted by snerkler
Do you think they'll be a fix for the emails not deleting from the phone if you delete them on your PC any time soon? LIke you say, not the end of the world, but can imagine it might get a touch tiresome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me emails delete from handset when deleted from PC (both exchange and hotmail) and vice-versa.
You can also set POP email accounts (i.e. gmail, hotmail) to sync at 'x' intervals (or constantly) so in affect it then turns it into push email service, which is nice - drains the battery though so i sync every couple of hours and then hit "Send/Recieve" if i want to manually update folders.
jrrigney said:
For me emails delete from handset when deleted from PC (both exchange and hotmail) and vice-versa.
You can also set POP email accounts (i.e. gmail, hotmail) to sync at 'x' intervals (or constantly) so in affect it then turns it into push email service, which is nice - drains the battery though so i sync every couple of hours and then hit "Send/Recieve" if i want to manually update folders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may just be something I've noticed, and not a widespread issue. I don't really think many people would be bothered if they did notice it anyway!
I'm just a pedant and expect a lot
HD2 Notification Screen
Would someone please help me with this issue I have with the notification screen, I am not sure whether this was caused by installation of CM WiFi, but the notification screen is not showing any more when I touch the notification area, instead individual boxes pop out e.g. comm manager, any idea how to fix this.
zoum79 said:
Would someone please help me with this issue I have with the notification screen, I am not sure whether this was caused by installation of CM WiFi, but the notification screen is not showing any more when I touch the notification area, instead individual boxes pop out e.g. comm manager, any idea how to fix this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask that question in a new thread. This is called "hijacking" and is considered rude
philtrick123 said:
Just to add my thoughts on the HD2---
The main bugs for me which I'm not sure are cured yet are SMS getting stuck in the outbox and also the touch screen becomes active during a call which means the side of your face dials digits or hangs the calls.
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I read that the SMS issue had been resolved?
Is the touchscreen becoming active during calls a common fault?
jrrigney said:
For me emails delete from handset when deleted from PC (both exchange and hotmail) and vice-versa.
You can also set POP email accounts (i.e. gmail, hotmail) to sync at 'x' intervals (or constantly) so in affect it then turns it into push email service, which is nice - drains the battery though so i sync every couple of hours and then hit "Send/Recieve" if i want to manually update folders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first i tried setting up my gmail account using google synch to be able to use active sync to do pushmail. It worked very badly imo, when it was set up to sync "as items arrive" the synchronization was very bad, the time between actually receiving an email and it showing up on the device was very long for example, sometimes i had to sync it manualy.
So it set up my gmail account using imap. The downside is you don't really have the pushmail feature and the minimum delay between the "send/receive"s is 5 minutes (although 5 minutes is "quasi-instantaneous" really). The upside is that it works better. And it syncs up the read/unread status, you can delete a message on either your PC or your phone and it will impact the other one, which is pretty cool.
However it get quite weird behaviours sometimes. For example if i close outlook mobile and the device goes to sleep, when I wake it back up I get the outlook inbox directly, i don't know why. Also I did some tests and although my "send/receive" frequency is set to 5 minutes sometimes it seems like i have to do it manually ...
Is anyone having the same kind of trouble (with gmail or other accounts) ? Maybe I should start a thread about those issues ?
I've just had a thought, Office mobile does come preinstalled on the hd2 right?
Yes it does
Finally. Microsoft have released a standalone app for Hotmail which supports Push, activesync, folders HTML, the lot.
Called "Hotmail" and its by Microsoft + Seven.
http://www.liveside.net/2011/10/03/official-windows-live-hotmail-app-for-android-released/
Works perfectly for me.
It was already supported in Touchdown...
springy said:
It was already supported in Touchdown...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you pay for it...
Nice works good for me too. I only can't seem te find the setting for changing te ringtone for new e-mails..
It seems to work quite good for me (5 accounts). But I have a big issue when editing/creating contacts : Only the name fied is available. I cannot edit phone numbers, mails, address, notes...
Do you know why?
I tried it yesterday on my DHD with MIUI but it seemed to drain my batt down.
Anyone else notice the same?
No, on the contrary it seems to be low consuming on mine!
I used to have the native google mail app to synchronize my hotmail accounts (with push). It worked quite well, but with no HTML, and the battery drain was higher than with this app.
After 2 days, it only used 2% of battery with push enabled and 34 mails received (and read)
Did anyone try to modify a contact with it? are you able to modify something else than the name? I'm not, so I had to keed another program to do it...
I was under the impression that ActiveSync supported everything, no need for this app. Not for me anyway. I just sync up with ActiveSync.
RED_ said:
I was under the impression that ActiveSync supported everything, no need for this app. Not for me anyway. I just sync up with ActiveSync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i also just discovered that MS active sync actually works as all the time i was trying to use the hotmail but have found out that tmobile are restricting outgoing messaging but i thought id try the microsoft activesync and guess what ? ........IT WORKS !!
so no need (well atleast in my case) for any hotmail or another app as the inbuilt htc email thing is working with hotmail by using exchange active sync instead of using the windows live/hotmail option
In fact it was not working in htc's app before the lastest rom upgrade...
It now works, but I still have some issues : contacts sometimes not synchronizing, no html rendering, problems with accents in french...
htc's mail app is still not very good...
this new Microsoft app is supposed to garanty that everything works fine. And moreover you have html mails at last!
(with pushed hotmail)
Thanks for that!!
Thanks, although I despise Hotmail, some people (family) still insist on using my 10 year old Hotmail email address and this beats having the once-an-hour GMail POP3 check only.
thanks this app is great!