I have been using WM-based device for quite a while now. There is one thing that really annoys me: it is not created for fast and easy use with your fingers. Most of the time, i don't use my stylus but quickly go to the options with my finger(nails). The problem is: all the tabs/buttons/scroll bars/slide bars are so small, i always hit the wrong button.
There are some apps on the market, but all of these doing just half the trick: the user-friendliness always ends when you open messenging or the calander: you get stuck with the standard apps delivered by microsoft with all the tiny buttons etc. (the iPhone theme had this problem, spb shell has this problem too)
Well, this is what i want to ask: is there a developer here who can make a total GUI remake for easy and fast usage? I know it will take some time to make, but all WM5/WM6 user could benefit from it!
Never going to happen.
Any dev that remakes the GUI WILL charge for it, seeing as a LOT of hours would have to go into it in order to get a working prototype.
Just use the stylus. It's a much easier solution.
_Pumba_ said:
I have been using WM-based device for quite a while now. There is one thing that really annoys me: it is not created for fast and easy use with your fingers. Most of the time, i don't use my stylus but quickly go to the options with my finger(nails). The problem is: all the tabs/buttons/scroll bars/slide bars are so small, i always hit the wrong button.
There are some apps on the market, but all of these doing just half the trick: the user-friendliness always ends when you open messenging or the calander: you get stuck with the standard apps delivered by microsoft with all the tiny buttons etc. (the iPhone theme had this problem, spb shell has this problem too)
Well, this is what i want to ask: is there a developer here who can make a total GUI remake for easy and fast usage? I know it will take some time to make, but all WM5/WM6 user could benefit from it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use WisBar Advance Desktop. You can completely change things to whatever you want and however you want.
Try using the buttons. Most stuff can be done using the buttons. Easier to learn using the buttons than to wait for dev to make things bigger. Try SmartKey
or get a phone with bigger screen.
bombzhome said:
Use WisBar Advance Desktop. You can completely change things to whatever you want and however you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can i change the looks of the menu/settings with wisbar?
i have a HUGE screen compared to a normal phone and its a TOUCHSCREEN, i want to use it as much as possible !!!
_Pumba_ said:
can i change the looks of the menu/settings with wisbar?
i have a HUGE screen compared to a normal phone and its a TOUCHSCREEN, i want to use it as much as possible !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phone do you have?
You can change the today screen and the top bar, along with the start menu-etc with wisbar.
For bigger keyboards, there are plenty of programs out there that you can use (intellipad-etc)
Have you looked at the iPhone simulation apps that are scattered all over?
I believe they even got a contacts app now that is finger-friendly.
The thing is this - WM is not "finger friendly", it does fine with touch screen.
The price for finger friendly interface is less information displayed at any given time. Many phones use 2.8 / 2.7 inch displays and that is tiny.
Personally I am willing to forgo the fingers (they dirty the screen anyway) and use hardware button and stylus when needed.
But to each his own and you may consider the real iPhone as your next device - it is designed to be used entirely with your fingers (doesn't even come with a stylus as far as I know)
levenum said:
Have you looked at the iPhone simulation apps that are scattered all over?
I believe they even got a contacts app now that is finger-friendly.
The thing is this - WM is not "finger friendly", it does fine with touch screen.
The price for finger friendly interface is less information displayed at any given time. Many phones use 2.8 / 2.7 inch displays and that is tiny.
Personally I am willing to forgo the fingers (they dirty the screen anyway) and use hardware button and stylus when needed.
But to each his own and you may consider the real iPhone as your next device - it is designed to be used entirely with your fingers (doesn't even come with a stylus as far as I know)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked out the contacts app and this is nice. You're point about more information on a screen is true, but i do think microsoft could have made it a bit more convenient.
_Pumba_ said:
I have been using WM-based device for quite a while now. There is one thing that really annoys me: it is not created for fast and easy use with your fingers. Most of the time, i don't use my stylus but quickly go to the options with my finger(nails). The problem is: all the tabs/buttons/scroll bars/slide bars are so small, i always hit the wrong button.
Well, this is what i want to ask: is there a developer here who can make a total GUI remake for easy and fast usage? I know it will take some time to make, but all WM5/WM6 user could benefit from it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i mean WM based devices were created for the use in conjunction with a stylus... it has been only recently that this "iphone no stylus" craze has been happening and no people want to use their fingers etc. i honestly like using the stylus because the screen doesn't get fingerprints on it. with wisbar u can create "bigger" buttons. just my .02
Hey guys, gotta question/idea here I want you genious devs to ponder on if you don't mind. Since a ton of people on here use the HTC Home plug on there phones, and with all of the new apps that you guys have given us, such as A_C's S2 programs, and TCPMP, and all of the new contact apps like iContact and things, is it possible to create new tabs for the HTC home plug to go with these?
I know that probably the first response I'm going to get is to try some other program to get the ability to launch these from my home screen, but I like the over all feel of the HTC Home plug. It's so much simpler than using multiple apps to achieve the look , and the weather app and home section are awesome.
I just think it would be pretty cool/convenient if it were possible to make the music tab bring up S2P, and the contact tab launch iContact or something, and to be able to change the profile tab to S2V or any combination of programs. Pretty much the ability to add a tab, name it yourself , and choose the program it launches. Just like the app launcher with the plug, just for the tabs.
It seems like it would be simple for one of the geni's on here (I'd have no chance at it). HHCcustomizer gives the ability to add and remove tabs, so all thats missing is the ability to change the program it launches pretty much.
I have no clue if its possible, or how hard it would be. I've just seen a ton of other programs give the ability to choose the program launched and thought it may be possible here. I know some REG Editing may do it, but myself, with probably many others would be lost here. But this was just an idea. Would anyone else be interested in this?
Firstly, I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this request, if not, please move this to another section.
I use the standard WM Task program a lot. I keep track of what I want to buy, eg. my weekly groceries as well as things to do. I know I can use ThumbCal to do this but they are all 'date' related.
All I want is just a simple Task program which works like the standard Windows Mobile version but the standard one is not finger friendly. I hate using the stylus when I am pushing my shopping cart.
I do not hv experience in PPC programming, can anyone help to develop something like this? I am sure it will be useful for others who is in the same situation like I do.
The characteristic of the program works similarly like iContact. It has kenetic scroll, can easily add a new task, a huge button to press on when it is completed (light-greyish wording when done). The screen is just a simple example of what I have in mind.
Thanks.
Have you tried any of these??
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=16939&associateid=9
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=15206&associateid=9
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=6075&associateid=9
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=2040&associateid=9
They are all freeware as well.
BTW gogle is your friend. I did a quick search and came up with TONS of related freeware that does this already.
Wow... thanks! Honestly, I tried googling before but I can't find anything. Will check out what you've suggested.
Look thru quickly, only the first one is finger friendly but the rest needed stylus-access. Will test out then.
Hey guys,
I've hadmy HD a while and think it is by far one of the better phones I've used. Though like many reviewers and people have said the interface could do with a face-lift of sorts.
It just occured to be that maybe this would give the HD more appeal and with XDA being the largest resource of designers and coders for Windows I don't see why it can't be done.
Basically here are a few of my ideas, not all of them are applicable and I'm not a programmer as such and nor do I know the major workings of Windows mobile and I know there are alternative applications for these things but some of us just want a new skin not a new program.
Ok let the ideas flow:
SMS/MMS: This one I truly find depressing. I don't feel there is a need for a seperate program but if someone could just skin the display it would make sending messages that extra bit more 'entertaining'. I know people here dislike the iPhone I don't blame them but just have bubbles around threaded messages could really make a difference and improve communication. If I recall a lot of these edits can be doen through XML files. I've seen a cab which increases the size of the message box so it looks like atleast some change is possible. So adding more colour and imgry I think would be of benifit here.
Calendar/Tasks: Both I feel could do with a major new modelling but I use Calendar Touch so I've found my alternative. Though I think just making the display match Outlook on the PC a bit more of just making the buttons and fields bigger if possible would make the applucation more usable.
WMPlayer: I've tried MortPlayer and Pocket Player, the former crashed my HD as it wouldn't unistall so I had to hard-reset and the latter I left was good but just needed to appear more complete (some menus didn't match the styling of the player skin - also very confusing to use at times). Enter good old WMP, I enjoy using the skins already available, but the menus are still small and the fact I have to click the song then 'Play' I think is backwards, where on earth is double click! Is it possible to skin the menu to be bigger and look more user friendly?
These are obviously my thoughts and opinions but what I'm look/hoping for is for someone to code something that modifies these problems. Ofcourse this is open to discussion and people please do discuss.
haha, I had the exact same idea. I thought of some htc style cover for the wm interface and new apps for sms, notes, calendar etc.
going to move my thread to this section, will probably get more attention.
WONDERFUL!
It's good to see people with on a similair though pattern.
Any views, opinions or ideas?
I see a lot of threads about Android.
I've never tried converting or even seen it in action but have a question.
How is Android better than Windows Mobile Professional?
Also how is it worse?
Or is it just different?
All I can say is 'try it to believe it.'
I can talk about it on and on, but you are not going to realize what you can get until you try it.
sshark said:
All I can say is 'try it to believe it.'
I can talk about it on and on, but you are not going to realize what you can get until you try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
second that. easy enough to dump on your sdcard without even touching your current winmo setup, so try it out and see.
jimt007 said:
I see a lot of threads about Android.
I've never tried converting or even seen it in action but have a question.
How is Android better than Windows Mobile Professional?
Also how is it worse?
Or is it just different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just better. Really.
Main thing for me, besides that its totally better, is that its finger based. No more silly stylus....
+1.
I just recently went all the way back to the stock sprint 6.1 rom just to see if I could ever live like that again. After spending an hour or so gathering cabs and tweaking everything just to get it to a comfortable state, I realized that all of the things I was trying to do are pretty much already done in even the most basic android builds.
It does come down to preference I suppose, but for me, just signing into my account upon booting android beats digging around for a WMMarketplace cab on a crippled IE browser, cumbersome setups for things like Windows Live, setting up and scheduling active sync, installing replacements for almost every default part of WM.
I really did love windows mobile for a long time. It's certainly one of -if not- the most customizable platforms. If you don't necessarily like how something works in WM, chances are you can do something about it. But that can take time. I was never really that interested in scripting out one of those huge uc files way back when.
The way everything works so well together in android without getting in your way is fantastic, but stop reading this and just trying it!
If you want to get your feet wet:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/58383/android.exe
A self-extracting zip file I made to get a friend running Android. It's a all-in-one Haret of zenulator's 1.6 Donut. Just extract the Android folder it contains to your Secure Digital card, then run Haret.exe in Windows Mobile File Explorer. Then hit Run.
For porting contacts from WinMobile to Android, check this:
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=138636&topic=14299
You know what? I'm going to quote myself, from another thread:
Pandemic187 said:
Personally, I like Android better than Windows Mobile because:
1. It's significantly faster for me
2. There's more freedom in terms of tweaking it
3. I think it has a MUCH better notification system than WinMo
4. I like the integration with GMail (better than WinMo's Exchange support) and other Google services
5. It has an app market!
These are pretty self explanatory, but I just love the notification system of Android. I was pleasantly surprised to see a weather alert appear in my notification bar after I downloaded the Weather.com app the other day. Everything appears there - including your appointments on your Google Calendar, texts, e-mails - everything. I think it's just great how it's all unified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jnadke said:
If you want to get your feet wet:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/58383/android.exe
A self-extracting zip file I made to get a friend running Android. It's a all-in-one Haret of zenulator's 1.6 Donut. Just extract the Android folder it contains to your Secure Digital card, then run Haret.exe in Windows Mobile File Explorer. Then hit Run.
For porting contacts from WinMobile to Android, check this:
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=138636&topic=14299
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I installed it without any problems. Nice looking. Very clean interface.
But.... EVERY program that I tried, opened but had no way to back out. I had to soft reset each time. I tried 3 or 4 different things, and nothing let me go back to the main menu. Phone hard keys didn't do what they are supposed to do. After all it is a phone, the hard keys make it easy to call and hang up.
I guess I'm not patient enough to continue to experiment so I just deleted the file and am back to using Windows Mobile Pro 6.1.
jimt007 said:
Thanks.
I installed it without any problems. Nice looking. Very clean interface.
But.... EVERY program that I tried, opened but had no way to back out. I had to soft reset each time. I tried 3 or 4 different things, and nothing let me go back to the main menu. Phone hard keys didn't do what they are supposed to do. After all it is a phone, the hard keys make it easy to call and hang up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power Button = Menu Button
Camera Button = Back Button
Hang-Up Button (long press) = Silence, Airplane, Shutdown
Those should work on every Vogue.
cybik said:
Power Button = Menu Button
Camera Button = Back Button
Hang-Up Button (long press) = Silence, Airplane, Shutdown
Those should work on every Vogue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to give a friend the package above, but he is on a Touch Pro. Would this be good for him to try? or is there something else better?
TheKartus said:
Main thing for me, besides that its totally better, is that its finger based. No more silly stylus....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol..huh? I have used Windows Mobile forever and cannot remember the last time I used the stylus...in fact, the only time I use it, is to reset the phone through the little hole.
jimt007 said:
Thanks.
I installed it without any problems. Nice looking. Very clean interface.
But.... EVERY program that I tried, opened but had no way to back out. I had to soft reset each time. I tried 3 or 4 different things, and nothing let me go back to the main menu. Phone hard keys didn't do what they are supposed to do. After all it is a phone, the hard keys make it easy to call and hang up.
I guess I'm not patient enough to continue to experiment so I just deleted the file and am back to using Windows Mobile Pro 6.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well..........after reading some of the replies I reinstalled Android.
Not to belabor the point but I still don't like it as much as Windows Mobile Pro 6.1.
I would be losing to many things I'm very pleased with for a change to a different operating system.
It's back off again, I'm staying with Windows Mobile Pro 6.1.
If I ever want Android I'll buy an Android phone.
I agree with you about Android, it's not something I would use, but that's just me.
I wouldn't go back to 6.1 though, I'll stay with 6.5.x, it's a lot more finger friendly. The UI graphics on Android is decade behind everybody else. I would need a microscope to see what's on there. That's why HTC developed its own UI. Knowing Google, they probably can make up that decade in a week, but for now its Winmo.
PS you might want to try one of the port/build with SenseUI.
stopthebus said:
I agree with you about Android, it's not something I would use, but that's just me.
I wouldn't go back to 6.1 though, I'll stay with 6.5.x, it's a lot more finger friendly. The UI graphics on Android is decade behind everybody else. I would need a microscope to see what's on there. That's why HTC developed its own UI. Knowing Google, they probably can make up that decade in a week, but for now its Winmo.
PS you might want to try one of the port/build with SenseUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To each their own I suppose - but it really sounds like your config is off or you're using some odd build if you "need a microscope to see what's on there".
plemen said:
To each their own I suppose - but it really sounds like your config is off or you're using some odd build if you "need a microscope to see what's on there".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to be able to increase the font size on Android. I've play around with both 120 and 160 and different resolutions, but unable to increase the font size to something usable. Any help would be appreciated. I've been scouring the net reading up on Android and trying different builds (last one was eclair 2.0.1) because I was offered the Droid for Xmas. After all the readings and research, I turn down the offer in favor of the trusty old Vogue (being made by Motorola is another reason; every Motorola phones I got, I had to open them up and super glued everything down).
I do appreciate some pointers on increasing the font/widgets size on these test builds.
crobs808 said:
lol..huh? I have used Windows Mobile forever and cannot remember the last time I used the stylus...in fact, the only time I use it, is to reset the phone through the little hole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I often got annoyed with certain apps I put in, certain games, or menus and just brought out the stylus.
Well, one thing you always have to keep in mind running Android on the Vogue, is that it is not native to the Vogue. So, there is always going to be little imperfections. I was so impressed by Android on the Vogue, that I bought a G1. So now I run WM6.5 on the Vogue, and Cyanogen's ROMs on my G1. I really will never go back to WM. The only reason I use it now is because I have a contract with Verizon that somebody else pay for. If you really want to be blown away by Android, go to a store and play with a native Android phone. I find content is way more accessible for Android. For an OS that has been out for a very small fraction of the time that WM has been out, it's incredible. Lol, I'm rambling now, point is, try a native Android phone if the Vogue port doesn't suit you. Don't give up on it too easily.
Hello
I am using NFSFAN latest rom on my vogue.Have not tried any android as yet.Honestly,I have not followed it atall.So I am a complete noob to android platform.
So can anybody point me where I can get all the guidanceThanks.
Wow! I don’t mean to sound patronizing but I am genuinely impressed by the quality of responses to this question. Someone actually dared to ask a question about comparing WM vs. Android and there wasn’t any of the typical flame war style responses. Thanks guys! Just one more reason why I like the XDA forums.
I have been looking for a clear and concise answer (or partial answer) on this exact topic myself. I was hoping to get a quantifiable “here’s why I like Android” or “here’s why I like WM” response and I finally found something in this discussion.
I find that a certain anti-Microsoft sentiment often clouds these discussions to the point where they are not useful.
I have been using WM for *years* and develop applications for it. I am also supporting over 50+ Windows Mobile-based devices in the enterprise (warehouse & sales force automation apps). So when people come out and say stuff like “WM is slow, bloated and buggy” I find it an unhelpful response. I just have to chalk their comments up to anti-Microsoft sentiment that is so popular these days.
From this discussion I have a partial conclusion. It seems that the main difference between WM and Android are from a “user experience” perspective. Both of them seem to be reliable robust platforms from an OS perspective. The problem is that the WM interface is dated and heavily stylus oriented. Microsoft’s response to this is to make things “bigger” but not to radically rethink the user interface.
Windows Mobile in its present form bears an uncanny resemblance to Pocket PC 2002. This was designed to compete (and win) against the then popular PalmOS.
Android represents a complete rethink from a user interface perspective. On top of that companies like HTC add their own stuff like SenseUI (on Android) and TouchFLO (on WM) that change the user experience some more. So sometimes that makes the discussion more about the phone manufacturer (HTC vs. Samsung for example) then about the platform itself.
Microsoft is in a tough spot with WM right now. There is a huge install base of mobile business apps running on industrialized PDA’s (stuff like the MC75, MC55, Intermec CN50, etc, etc). The Purolator guys use WM for proof-of-delivery. These types of apps are often custom developed, expensive and have long life cycles. They are not sexy but they get work done.
Radically rethinking the WM user interface would likely break a lot of these types of applications. Everyone knows when switching to Android that their existing WM apps will not run. But everyone expects their existing WM apps from 1998 to run unmodified on the latest version of WM (and surprisingly they often do).
So how does Microsoft keep WM dominant in the business sector while at the same time making it “exciting and sexy” in the rapidly changing consumer marketplace?
Tough spot indeed. I wonder what they will do. I do love the competition from Android (and iPhone) and expect to see cool stuff from WM in the future. I just hope it doesn’t break too many of my 10+ year old apps ;-)
Regards,
The Fish