Related
I got the idea to make a application finder software for Windows Mobile. Specially designed to HTC Diamond, with many G-apps & games and other nice apps. It's under development now, and i will release one screenshot for you.
This app will not be just an styled IE-frame, like many "appstore" like apps that have been released before.
19. October 2008:
New Screenshot of the start screen.
Development stopped, becouse of the Gecko project.
I think this is a phenominal idea. The idea that went around recently was an internet based solution through ie explorer and it just was not device friendly. To have a device based solution is much more sensable. If you could create a server that developers could upload their most recent programs too that would be the best.
Maybe contact the system admin on this site and see if he will give your program to access the sites FTP server or something. Then a user could use your device based program that would seemlessly connect to the interenet in the back ground, poll the server for software, sort it and place it into a thumb friendly interface on the phone by which it could be sorted into categories of games, utilities, themes, programs etc etc....
Of course the admin would have to create those categories on the site's side and the developers would need to upload their program to the correct one but I think everyone has been in such a need for this that they would be willing to do it without much arm twisting.
Or, you could create device user interface that interacts with Orb.com... But then you would have to get the updates of programs and upload them to ORB for your program to work. But ORB does already have a sorting feature that your user controls on the device could be made to access for sorting etc. It even has a video section that a user could download tutorials of different programs that someone took time to make.
All just ideas. Some you may find good or not. I am excited to see a device based program though. It make user intereaction easier.
Curious G.
yes
Its a good idea, keep working on it
seems to be a nice idea
I like the idea but this really depends on what will be offered / how updated the actual site behind the store application is. Have you had any thoughts on that yet?
i second that.
at this time i browse via opera tho xda to download stuff... but having a app that simplifies things would be even better...
maybe all the downloads here could be managed and put upto "youre" server in an automated way..
I remember seeing this article a few weeks ago about Microsoft creating their own app store.
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/n.../job-advert-reveals-microsoft-skymarket.phtml
Either way, it's certainly a good idea!!
I forward the notion. An app that has all the apps at hand for easy download by category would kick some serious asss..
If I can help in any way let me know.
Greetings to all.
Love this development. Maybe this progress will open up eyes on new skilful programmers and we will see an increase of good looking apps and games. Not that I don't just love the things going on here at xda. But the more the merrier, right? The only complaint that I might have on this forum is the all the threads with wallpapers and especially the ones with half-naked women...But that's me...
So an app store (or two) is going to make it easier for us to sort out what we are interested in and only that.
If needed count me in I can help develop..
Great idea.
In the spirit of AppToDate, which I found worked very very well. But with YouTube-app like interface, all connected to database were latest apps can get installed.
Great idea!
I'm working to figure out how to connect to MySQL from a windows mobile based device, does anyone here know?
double post****
i think if these two threads could be incorporated
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=428480
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=433913
that would be a good way to do storage
each developer could use have there own account and then whenever they updated there app they update the wapps link via web or give it like some type of flash capabilities that would be really great
or there could be a generic account that ever one uses to upload too
looks like this is in the works http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=436127
maybe some collabo might be nice
Nice project!! GoOd Luck!!
If there was a way to advertise this app when it gets made. the diamond would sell millions
Why not just modify a RSS feed reader?
niikoo said:
I'm working to figure out how to connect to MySQL from a windows mobile based device, does anyone here know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe Sqlite is more accurate for a mobile device ?
And you just download the sqlite file available on a server, this way requests would be very fast.
masterbox said:
Maybe Sqlite is more accurate for a mobile device ?
And you just download the sqlite file available on a server, this way requests would be very fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, every time you start it will update from the web or you can click on a button to update (or an 'update every x minutes' function
please keep up the hard work!!!!! love to see this appstore happen!
Hi
I see a few threads of people developing an appstore alike program for the diamonds and other devices.
They all seem a lil bit too over the top. So, iv begun an online AppStore clone. No windows coding, no programs, just an online website, optimised for diamonds (to begin with) that lists apps by genre.
This way, developers can upload thier own apps, the website can host them, people can subscribe to the apps and recieve updates when the developer adds new files etc.
Iv even started playing with notifying subscribers via SMS when a new program becomes available from a developer.
As opera is so good, flick scrolling, fullscreen, etc, an optimised webpage should pretty much be able to do alot, if not all, of the things any windows program can do and would involve no installs and be very lightwieght..
So before, i go too far into this thing, id love to know your thoughts on this, is it worth developing further?
Hello
I think that having several projects around one theme is an excellent thing because it leads to better results.
So, yes, you should continue on your project. Good cheer !
look forward to seeing it if you carry on the project
Exactly whats needed.
Surur
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum and it's a pleasure to be a new member! As a brief introduction, I'm completely new to HTC, Windows Mobile and any non-Symbian device! I've used Nokia's, Sony Ericssons & Motorola's all my life and Symbian is all I know, I think you get the picture......
Anyhow, I should be getting my HD2 within the next few days because I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and I just want to know where to start?! This looks like the most comprehensive forum I've seen on the net and I couldn't think of a better place to start learning. I know it's a bit of a broad question and I have had a look through a number of posts to get my bearings, as such. I've seen posts about Roms, registry modifications, patches...... and it all sounds very interesting and I want to know all the functions and information I can about my new device.
Coming from the Symbian background, everything is pretty straightforward but Windows Mobile sounds a lot more technical and something I'm looking forward to learning about. Any information or tips about what I should & shouldn't do to help improve performance/tweak the device would be much appreciated and I'm a fast learner. PS I've seen this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=583638
and will work my way through it when I get the device, but it seems to be aimed at people with some previous experience with this platform. I'm sure you guys see these tpye of 'Help Me!' posts all the time but thanks in advance.
Hello Gargon, welcome aboard!
I too am new to these forums and I've spent a not-insignificant amount of time browsing threads on the HD2 since I made the decision to finally ditch the venerable nokia 6030 that has served me so well all these years. Being a self-confessed techie the HD2 appealed to me the very instant I first caught a glimpse of it in all its Kubrick monolithic glory and as soon as O2 release info on their tariffs I will be seriously weighing up my options.
Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty. As a disclaimer I've only been here a short while so I wouldn't be surprised if I get a few facts wrong. Hopefully someone will correct me if I do!
The HD2 is powered by Windows Mobile 6.5 edition and as you might imagine it's not too dissimilar in how it operates to the PC desktop version. You have a desktop, start menu, program files etc. with all the various settings held by the registry. The beauty of WinMo is that it is far more customisable than the iPhone OS/Symbian in that you can change pretty much everything you see and also how you interact with the device. For example, a developer on these boards has released an application which enables the vibration feature on almost every keypress whereas the default HD2 only goes so far. Another dev has released an app which changes HTC's desktop from a 3x3 grid of shortcuts to 4x4. You can even do away with HTC's superb frontend entirely and install something like SPB Mobile Shell which has a snazzy rotating cube effect desktop and many other alternative enhancements (although you will have to pay for this). And this is only the tip of the iceberg! There are thousands of applications and games out there on the internet, and with Microsoft finally getting into the appstore gig we can expect a well-stocked central repository for software sometime in the near future. Failing that, google is our friend
With the help of the talented and selfless developers here at xda-dev almost anything is possible, including the potential for changing the operating system entirely, so you can't rule out the HD2 one day running Android or WM7 somewhere down the line, however this depends on one crucial bit of software -- the Hard SPL. Without this essential bit of kit, peons such as myself are unable to reflash the device to a different operating system or even a different version of the current OS (e.g. a lite version to save valuable ROM space, or an enhanced version with greater functionality). Everything hinges on this being developed by the code masters behind the scenes however such projects require a lot of skill, time and effort and such is the support of the community here that monetary donations are pledged in gratitude for past endeavours and in the hope of new enterprise.
As for installing applications themselves, I haven't yet delved deep enough to give you a comprehensive answer, however I suspect that there are FAQs on the parent forums which will give you all the information you need. From what I can tell, applications are released in .cab format which are executed from the phone and self-install. I can't wait until I can get my grubby paws on this masterpiece and get busy pushing buttons! I'm sure I've missed a whole lot of information but my lids are getting heavy and my battery needs charging. I hope this wasn't too patronising for you and I'm sure some other people here will gladly fill you in on anything I've missed.
Welcome aboard, great first posting. Showing the threads you read already makes many people want to help you more.
If you come from Symbian, some stuff will be the same, i.e. you use icons for programs.
What differs the most is the customization possibilities and the level of deep control you have over the behaviour of your new machine.
Get to grips with Microsoft Mobile Device Center, (syncing your data).
Do you have an Exchange account or Gmail ? You can setup your device to have pushmail connectivity with GMail or Exchange.
If you don't own an Exchange Server, you can setup your own free
Custom Domain at http://domains.live.com and have your own email adress as a LIVE-ID and have pushmail with it (free).
Then, I would dig in to the many cool free applications around.
Yes, hunt for .cab files as they will install over the air (OTA) and from your device.
Another tip: When you get your device, start at the first Icon, view it, try and dig deeper in the menu's, always. Press and hold the screen/text to see if there are context menu's.
Then work your way through all the settings and icons available. It will take you about 3 days to see all the menu's and options, although the first 80% you will discover the first day
Hope you will enjoy the transition.
Hey guys
First off, this a awesome site with heaps of help. And advice which is great
Secondly I amnew here too and hopefully getting my hd2 soon. Can't wait!!
Thanks a lot for the replies guys, very informative H2D2 and thanks for the tips lucid. It's good to know that there are other people in a similar situation to myself! If anyone can post any relevant links to any apps or roms/cab files that might be useful for a first-timer then it would be much appreciated. In the meantime, I'll keep doing the research and, if I find anything myself, I'll post it here. Thanks again.
Well I'm new as well so hi everyone!
I used to have a wm phone but that was a few years ago and things have changed a lot since then... so have a bit of catching up to do. Been browsing on here the last few days and ordered the HD2 this morning.
Gargon, I'm sure you'll get used to it all in no time, I know it all looks confusing at first but really it's not that bad and I'm sure the nice people on here will help if you're stuck.
Greetings our new community members
I was in the same situation as You guys half year ago when I purchased my first WM device, the Diamond2. And now Im awaiting my HD2 already ordered
As for the Windows Mobile platform, it is the most powerful, sophisticated and versatile mobile platform ever made, and that's why it has always attracted more advanced users. But on the other hand, it is in many ways very similar to Windowses on your PCs At first you may feel a little overwhelmed of all the functions, tips, tricks, registry hacks and so on. But what's great about Windows Mobile platform, is that once you start to "feel" it, then playing around with your phone becomes extremely addictive. I remember my first week with the Diamond2, it was nothing else than playing with it, installing and testing every trick i could possibly find
Moving on to the relevant stuff:
First of all, you should equip your device with a decent file explorer, as the native WM one is a bit clunky. I recommend Resco File Explorer. Second, equip yourself with a registry editor, as you gonna need it for tweaks. Resco Explorer has a plugin for registry editing and there are even desktop PC editors which you can use when device is connected to the PC.
As for application installation, it can be performed in 2 ways:
1).cab files. These are like .sis in Symbian. You run them directly from the device just by executing them from any file manager.
2).exe files. Those can be installed from your PC when the device is connected to it. Sometimes developers make small apps for phones which are in form of exe files which are designed to run directly from the device. This is possible because every app after installation usually has its folder in Program Files where an exe file of the app itsself is stored (exactly the same as on Your PC Windows)
Moving on to the interface. One of the biggest advantages of Windows Mobile is that it enables you to change practically the whole interface with minimum effort. The native WM interface is unfortunately very old and not finger friendly, and thats why every major company designed their own interfaces. On the HD2 it is called Sense. In fact Sense is only a further developement of an interface which was called TouchFlo 3D. And one thing more you should know. Developers on this forum use the code name of this interface, which is Manila. HD2 has the latest Manila v2.5. So basically Manila=TouchFlo=Sense.
Feel free to ask any questions, everyone of us was a newbie at first I personally am very happy to see new people being attracted by new fantastic WM devices. I myself was a Nokia/Symbian fan for many years, untill half a year ago I discovered that I was living in the darkness all these years
The XDA-Developers is one of the greatest, biggest and oldest communities on the whole internet. This makes this community concrete, mature and serious. This means that members are very helpful to each other and they always communicate with a certain level of etiquette, so You surely won't hear any offensive words, swears or any vulgarisms
So enjoy your new devices and this community, as it will bring you many happy moments, i guarantee this to You
the wiki is a great tool (not much on the HD2 in there yet) but background reading on other devices is good.
As long as you're willing to take time to learn to use the search (often searching around the term you're looking for) then you'll solve issues you may have quickly as well..
several of us are happy to discuss stuff on PM as well..
and don't forget if you find something that you think others would find useful,
The WIKI is always there, to be edited at your leisure
Welcome
Very nice attitude from Gargon01 and H2D2.
You are on the right track about the winmo os.
In itself it is clunky on the surface but the structure sits on the registry database which is accessible through a registry editor.
This forum is quite unique and must be the largest of It's kind, that is, a community of smartphone developers/hackers.
I have been dropping in for 4 years but only started flashing recently after buying an HD.
The HD came with an earlier development of Touchflo and I saw rom versions on Youtube etc of more advanced versions from XDA Devs.
I took the plunge in flashing roms and have been addicted ever since.
I am running the latest version of sense on my HD but am awaiting an HD2 from clove tech on the uk for which sense was made.
There are many brilliant people in this community who generously offer their creativity, time and energy.
You are in the right place. More will be revealed.
Thanks a lot for the responses guys, exactly what me and I'm sure a lot of other new users are looking for! I'll look for the Resco File Viewer jgal, there was a similar app called Modo on Symbian that was also used for deep-file exploration/modification purposes.
Also, it's good to know that there are a lot of similarities to the desktop version of Windows. I'd like to think that I'm pretty proficient with that so I'll look forward to taking that knowledge and applying it to the HD2.
A big thanks to all the other users who have contributed to the post as well! I was pretty sure that my thread would fade away into non-existence but it's good to know that people seem genuinely interested in offering help and advice.
I should hopefully be getting the handset on Monday so I'll give it a good examination and keep you all posted should I run into any problems. Keep the tips/links coming though, my brain is like a sponge!! Cheers.
Hi all. I was asked by a family friend to prepare a tablet for use by a person who is confined to a hospital bed. He has limited mobility, I think only one side of his body. Additionally, he is very old, so I imagine his eyesight is poor. I have not met with him yet, so I don't know all of the details, but I'm trying to prepare myself with some knowledge about what I can do when I meet him.
So, here I am asking for suggestions. I have a plan for mounting the iconia, so I'm good there; what I need is software suggestions for programs that he can use. His interests are:
1) web browsing
2) email
3) writing
The other thing I need help with is finding programs that will make the iconia easier to use generally: larger text, brighter icons, ?
For web browsing, I think Dolphin for Pad will be best, but I'll install opera too, just to see which he likes. Anyone know if there is a browser that would be particularly easy to use? Also, I don't know what news sources will be best, but as far as I can tell, the CNN app is the best for the tablet (even though I detest CNN. The NYtimes app has tiny text and is not fun to navigate...)
For email I think the default email client will work. If he uses gmail, I'll do that, if he has more than one I'll aggregate them in the gmail client. If he's stuck to hotmail (he's old...) I'll use the regular email client unless someone has a better suggestion.
For writing I have Docs to Go full and Quickoffice Pro. I also have the Flex T9 keyboard. Anyone have better suggestions? \
Thanks all in advance! I know this is going to be a challenge: I don't think he's ever even used a tablet, so the learning curve here will be steep. If this doesn't work, we may try an iPad (gasp!) just because it's harder to **** up, but I'd prefer to stick to the android so I can provide remote support (I'm keeping my galaxy 10.1!)
You've got yourself quite a hard task ahead of you. Mostly because there are almost no accessibility functions or applications available for Android devices at all. And you say that he's physically disabled, possibly not being able to use the other side of his body... so, how's he going to hold the tablet up and use it at the same time?
I personally feel a regular laptop would be a better choice. Sure, it's heavier, but there's far far more software for accessibility uses and it can easily be used even one-handed.
you can also try the w500. windows contains a lot of disabled functions.
Thanks for the two suggestions. In my original post I omitted the part about it being mounted above his head (the post was getting pretty long). He will not have to hold it, nor could he. We have already determined that a laptop will not work. I already have the iconia, and I'd like to try to make it work. Again, thanks for the suggestions, but what I'm really looking for is software for android or settings withing android that will make this work.
slack04 said:
Thanks for the two suggestions. In my original post I omitted the part about it being mounted above his head (the post was getting pretty long). He will not have to hold it, nor could he. We have already determined that a laptop will not work. I already have the iconia, and I'd like to try to make it work. Again, thanks for the suggestions, but what I'm really looking for is software for android or settings withing android that will make this work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
Bump. I know that some of you have some real ideas, not just naysaying. I didn't mention before that I'm not rooted but would be happy to root if there would be any advantages...
(please - no more discouraging responses. I have some ideas on how to do this, and it will probably work, I'm just looking for other ideas that maybe I hadn't considered yet).
Bull**** spotted!
WereCatf said:
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are sooooooo wrong.
Many Android users have disabilities that require them to interact with their Android devices in different ways. These include users who have visual, physical or age-related disabilities that prevent them from fully using or seeing a touchscreen.
Android provides an accessibility layer that helps these users navigate their Android-powered devices more easily. Android's accessibility services provide things like text-to-speech, haptic feedback, and trackball/d-pad navigation that augment the user experience.
Your application should follow the guidelines in this document to ensure that it provides a good experience for users with disabilities. Following these two basic rules will solve most access-related problems:
Make all of your user interface controls accessible with a trackball or directional controller (d-pad).
Label your ImageButton, EditText, and other input widgets using the android:contentDescription attribute.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ANDROID DO SUPPORT ACCESSIBILITY AND PROVIDE TOOLS TO DO IT SO...
tsss.
@slack04
he is very old, so I imagine his eyesight is poor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check this websites.
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/index.html
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/enabling.html
http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_access/apps.html
Good luck
You can use Desktop Visualizer to make the on screen icons larger
try to change the LCD dpi in build.prop. use a Bluetooth mouse as a pointer or a those ipad pens. The rest is trying to use the voice for launching the most important applications. I think it can be done and he will enjoy the tablet.
Good Luck
kekinash said:
try to change the LCD dpi in build.prop. use a Bluetooth mouse as a pointer or a those ipad pens. The rest is trying to use the voice for launching the most important applications. I think it can be done and he will enjoy the tablet.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone confirm that this will make the screen icons larger? I don't think he's blind to the point where talkback will be useful, but I do think that larger type/icons would definitely be a positive. I have a few cheap soft-tip styluses; is there a real difference between them? I will get one of the $20 ones if that will really make it easier to use.
Also, looks like I need to root this thing. I'm comfortable with that; I have rooted more than a few gizmos in my life; anyone have a suggestion for a good ROM (or anything else root related specific to my question)?
Wtf?
WereCatf said:
Android simply was not designed with accessibility in mind.. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you love how the Internet makes everyone an instant expert?
Tried going to settings accessibility screen reader?
Android may not have a lot available yet, but accessibility is definitely in mind
Slack, first off I commend you for helping him, your a good man. For News try News 360 & World News papers. Each one you can touch zoom what your reading & the latter formats what your reading on the page. CNN,AGREE ! Don't forget a stand for him to use on his bed side roller table.
Good luck,
Bob
I forgot, Fox News just came out with an Android app. Not bad.
eglathangion said:
Don't you love how the Internet makes everyone an instant expert?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sanaell said:
Bull**** spotted!
You are sooooooo wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys, WereCatf is pretty good as far as helping people out around here. I understand how she sees the current accessibility options. They are pretty weak at this stage. For instance, if someone wanted to change their font size globally, without root and slack04's spiffy trick they would have quite a time. There are no contrast controls that I know of in the accessibility options, or anywhere else. That seems to me that it would be included for the visually impared if much thought had gone into it at all. There looks to be a huge absence of apps for the disabled. Ripe and waiting for some developer to tap into.
Maybe you fellas should consider taking a look around at some of her posts. Perhaps you might rethink the comments.
Righty folks, heres a quick poll, I think the results will be very interesting, anyone is welcome to vote
The discussion however is for objective views and opinions from people who have actually used and tested the OS for a reasonable amount of time, that's to say more than a hand full of days!
Views like "ive read" Ive heard" "Its crap" mean precisely bugger all and are not welcome. Anyone who binned it after 5 min or couldn't be bothered to understand it because it didn't have a start button need not bother to grace us with your presence.
This is not a place to spread FUD, start flame fests or simply come on to moan about it.
Im not saying we all must agree, im saying we need to be able to support that opinion with evidence, we are after all, Microsoft testers, it would be good to support one another and share what we have learnt and help others out.
Let the fun and games commence!
After using consumer preview since its release i have grown to love the interface. I have to use windows 7 on my college's computers and the start button feels so counter intuitive. All of the old functionality still remains if anyone wants to use it. Also, the os as a whole is much faster than 7. My two biggest complaints about windows 8 are the random crashes when exiting sleep and the general lack of drivers, both of which are expected during a beta stage.
Sent from my handheld Linux computer using electromagnetic radiation.
I installed windows 8 the day the consumer preview came out and overall I have to say it’s been a positive experience. There was a slight learning curve, nothing that a few hours and reading the proper documentation could not fix. Although I feel this was slightly due to the fact the charm bar does not seem to respond very well with two monitors, but in all fairness Ctrl + c works fine and I am more comfortable with shortcuts.
A few things I did the metro icons were not very crisp on a large display which is something that I am very nitpicky about. I also wish there was more of a windows phone influence with regards to the metro apps, currently a lot of the apps are just a long horizontal scrolling applications. I would of much preferred titled sections on a continuous loop that when clicked the title you are moved to that section like in wp7.
Currently scrolling around looks ugly and a little clumsy for instance the weather app to me looks horrible. All in all not really that much has changed its is still really just windows with an addition screen that doubles as a start screen and a way to communicate more information then there previously has been in windows.
indeed, ive got a few driver issues as well, but as you say, that is to be expected in its current form.
multi monitor setups are a big issue, trying to get the "zones" can be a bit of a pain, I dare say you'd get used to it but I think this could be easily overcome and is a design fault that needs fixed
Ideally id like to see metro being transferable to different monitors, whilst maintaining the primary monitor else where.
Something else I agree on is the Windows Phone influence, there needs to be more of it, I realise this is beta still but the people tile is terrible when compared to WP, id presume you would allow groups as well...
Something else id like to see imported to this idea is the ability to sync text messages in to the people tile as well, making the Metro UI an extension of WP, their half way there already and would also provide a convent backup solution for WP. The size of txt messages could easily be transferred when your live account syncs every now and then, meaning you would be able to get home, put your WP down, fire up Windows and instantly be able to work with metro containing all the info available on your phone.
In my opinion, if there going to join the platforms then they may as well do it propperly.
I have used it for about 3 weeks now but i am still unsure whether it should be released along with the desktop OS when the RC comes out. tbh I see what they're trying to do, but it's a very bad move for desktop / laptops (unless touchscreen). Compatibility to older windows programs is limited and it's more of an annoyance than anything helpful. They tried to emulate the launch control in Mac with extra features, but i fail to see how this is revolutionary to desktop pcs and such. It just gave you two desktops, one of which you'll rarely use. Of course there are many other things I can complain about, but don't want to rant up this thread lol. Sure it looks pretty and all, but it's more limited than win7 and I don't see how that's a plus.
HaVoKeR said:
Compatibility to older windows programs is limited and it's more of an annoyance than anything helpful.
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Hows that? im unsure where your coming from on this one as it runs anything ive tried that worked on Win 7 so how is it Limited and annoying?
HaVoKeR said:
It just gave you two desktops, one of which you'll rarely use.
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I presume you mean the Metro UI is rarely used? From what ive seen the key to getting the most out of Metro is to set it up, at the moment there are limited "apps" which make use of the full live tile function but it will get there, the email, messaging , photos, calendar, Music all work fine (all be it we cant use music properly outside of the US just now)
HaVoKeR said:
Sure it looks pretty and all, but it's more limited than win7 and I don't see how that's a plus.
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Click to collapse
I don't see how its more limited? can you explain that? Metro is just a layer on top of the desktop, personally I cant see any less functionality.
HaVoKeR said:
I have used it for about 3 weeks now but i am still unsure whether it should be released along with the desktop OS when the RC comes out. tbh I see what they're trying to do, but it's a very bad move for desktop / laptops (unless touchscreen). Compatibility to older windows programs is limited and it's more of an annoyance than anything helpful. They tried to emulate the launch control in Mac with extra features, but i fail to see how this is revolutionary to desktop pcs and such. It just gave you two desktops, one of which you'll rarely use. Of course there are many other things I can complain about, but don't want to rant up this thread lol. Sure it looks pretty and all, but it's more limited than win7 and I don't see how that's a plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Howso? I use all the older programs that I've always used, It's not limited and it's not an annoyance. How are they trying to emulate Launch Control when the Metro UI dates back to before Launch Control (It's been there since WP7's release which was before Lion's)? I actually use both desktops fairly equally.
Edit: I actually have a correction to that Metro UI has been there since Microsoft released the Zune Player software for PC and Zune devices. So it's effectively been around before Launch Control and Lion.
Answering the poll:
Over 2 weeks and Overall Like. I love being able to see everything at a glance when I start Windows, I love the Metro Applications (Especially the Live Communication Applications). It truly is a step forward from the old, dated menu based interface and a step forward that I welcome. I used to switch OSes every few months because I'd get bored with how Windows looked and how limited I was with customizing it, but 8's changes give me the integration and customization that I like I love the Google Calendar sync, I finally have one calendar across all my devices ^_^, Can't wait to see what changes in RC. I just hope they don't bring back the Start Orb/Menu.
Edit: I would love to at least be able to post status changes to social networks in people though and I'm especially hoping for a Windows 8 Google Voice client so I don't have to open my web browser or look at my phone (especially if my phone's dead) to continue sending/receiving messages. I was going to make one in Developer's Preview but I couldn't find a suitable third-party API that supported receiving messages and I couldn't figure out XAML or the Metro Designer...
Also Dazza: I agree, I don't see any less functionality. Rather I see an increase of productivity and functionality.
I couldn't agree more,
The People Hub on here is pretty bad, course its a preview app so I would hope there will be some significant changes. In fact to make it easy for them, I want WP7 People hub on Windows 8, simple as that.
The challenge would be horizontal scrolling as apposed to vertical given that most of us have wide screen, at the moment its a huge waste of space and not very useful.
The messenger app could do with being linked in to FB in much the same way as WP7, in fact once again, just bring it all over, The people, messaging, email etc are probable some of the most efficient designs ive ever seen on a phone, given that Metro is supposed to be a quick efficient way of doing stuff they would do well to keep that the same and let outlook etc take care of the nitty gritty side to things.
edit:
Looks like that results stacking up, by an large the biggest portion of folk like it, and out of those that don't most of those in % terms haven't used it for very long at all. Just goes to show!
I like it alot. I'd be using it as my main OS already if drivers were available for a couple of my devices.
I've always loved the WP7 UI so Metro is great for me. A little bit more work needs doing on the integration of the desktop with Metro though. Just to make things a little more fluid.
I've got Windows 8 installed on both my main PC and my HP TM2 laptop so have given the touch gestures a go too which work really well.
adamwebb28 said:
I like it alot. I'd be using it as my main OS already if drivers were available for a couple of my devices.
I've always loved the WP7 UI so Metro is great for me. A little bit more work needs doing on the integration of the desktop with Metro though. Just to make things a little more fluid.
I've got Windows 8 installed on both my main PC and my HP TM2 laptop so have given the touch gestures a go too which work really well.
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i was reading on the MS blog that whilst it will run on win7 touch hardware, win 8 hardware has been tweeked even further, have you noticed any issues, especially around fingers moving on to the screen from the sides to quickly? and tap lag (typing to quick an missing letters!)?
dazza9075 said:
i was reading on the MS blog that whilst it will run on win7 touch hardware, win 8 hardware has been tweeked even further, have you noticed any issues, especially around fingers moving on to the screen from the sides to quickly? and tap lag (typing to quick an missing letters!)?
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I'll be honest, I haven't done much with using the on screen keyboard. But certainly not had any problems with swiping onto the screen.
The couple of times I have used the on screen keyboard it hasn't felt much better than the old touch keyboard in windows 7.
For tablet: like it very very much.
For desktop: dislike.
I will never use metro on my desktop PC. Why ? Because it cant display more than 1 app ( nope, 1/4 sized app pinned to left or right side does not count for me ). I will never use metro apps on desktop pc, and i think most people wont...so what is it there for ?
I have nothing against metro, and i like the tiles design. But using it on a desktop PC is just not practical for me.
Akiainavas said:
For tablet: like it very very much.
For desktop: dislike.
I will never use metro on my desktop PC. Why ? Because it cant display more than 1 app ( nope, 1/4 sized app pinned to left or right side does not count for me ). I will never use metro apps on desktop pc, and i think most people wont...so what is it there for ?
I have nothing against metro, and i like the tiles design. But using it on a desktop PC is just not practical for me.
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I see what your saying, but I question your expectation of it.
potentially it displays dozens of "informative apps" opening each app separately then gives you more detail. Consider Metro to be similar to your mobile phone, can you display several windows at once on your phone? unless your using WM probably not but what your phone does is displays you lots of bits of information usually very well. Metro takes this idea and gives it to your PC, a single key press will give you access to stacks of information at a glance, another key press gives you multi windowed windows, or if the metro app is any good you can fire it up in full screen.
Metro is a tool that on the desktop actually works great with impressive levels of productivity, metro on a tablet allows you a great level of finger friendly UI, desktop remains there all be it in a slightly less finger friendly fashion (bumping up the DPI can help here tho!)
dazza9075 said:
what your phone does is displays you lots of bits of information usually very well. Metro takes this idea and gives it to your PC, a single key press will give you access to stacks of information at a glance,
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Well, yeah that's actually pretty useful. Would be great if desktop apps could create and maintain a Live Tile as well, so i could check my mail count etc with Windows key, but not necessarily read it in full-screen metro mode. They can't do that at the moment, but who knows, maybe later.
Akiainavas said:
Well, yeah that's actually pretty useful. Would be great if desktop apps could create and maintain a Live Tile as well, so i could check my mail count etc with Windows key, but not necessarily read it in full-screen metro mode. They can't do that at the moment, but who knows, maybe later.
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do you mean getting your mail program to display on the icon information about whats going on? wouldnt think there is much space to get any real info but if you pin your mail program (for the purpose of all my posts ill say that all desktop programs are programs and metro programs are apps) to your task bar then if the program has been designed correctly then it will display some limited info, outlook works great for me, and tells me how many emails i have sitting there.
HaVoKeR said:
I have used it for about 3 weeks now but i am still unsure whether it should be released along with the desktop OS when the RC comes out. tbh I see what they're trying to do, but it's a very bad move for desktop / laptops (unless touchscreen). Compatibility to older windows programs is limited and it's more of an annoyance than anything helpful. They tried to emulate the launch control in Mac with extra features, but i fail to see how this is revolutionary to desktop pcs and such. It just gave you two desktops, one of which you'll rarely use. Of course there are many other things I can complain about, but don't want to rant up this thread lol. Sure it looks pretty and all, but it's more limited than win7 and I don't see how that's a plus.
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The UI is very different from the Mac and doesn't even work the same. Not sure where you got that - other than all touch interfaces use Icons....
Compatibility is outstanding. I was shocked at how many of my normal use applications ran perfect. For a Beta of a major OS change, the compatibility is excellent.
It's Win 7 AND more new features.
Win 8 will win you over (unless your an Apple fan) once you see how people utilize the OS enhancements.
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Akiainavas said:
For tablet: like it very very much.
For desktop: dislike.
I will never use metro on my desktop PC. Why ? Because it cant display more than 1 app ( nope, 1/4 sized app pinned to left or right side does not count for me ). I will never use metro apps on desktop pc, and i think most people wont...so what is it there for ?
I have nothing against metro, and i like the tiles design. But using it on a desktop PC is just not practical for me.
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I'm not sure what you are talking about. You use the term "app" which to me is one of the little micro applications we use on tablets. Or, are you talking about applications like Streets and Trips, Excel, etc... If you're talking about Metro specifically, then maybe I see what you mean, but I've had multiple ones displayed and running on my laptop although in Metro the sizing is set to 1/3. I did some work with multiple windows between IRFan and Excel and used the old desktop to customize the sizing of the windows. So, again, not sure why you say you can't do it.???
Those same under the hood enhancements could have been made to Windows 7 while keeping and enhancing the Windows 7 UI and called Windows 8 on release (or even a Service pack FFS, look how big XP SP2 was).
It has nothing to do with Apple. It has nothing to do with under the hood improvements that could have been made to 7, anyways (like going from Vista to 7, hello...). It has to do with the jarring and otherwise terrible user experience this release has on non-touch PCs and also for multile monitor users (who are becoming more prevelant with budget graphics cards allowing this and LCD monitors being so cheap nowadays).
I've ran the beta on its own PC. It's terrible for desktop use and will deserve the reviews I'm almost sure it will get when it releases to non-touch users later this year.
Compatibility is always excellent because the Win32 API is forward compatible. There's nothing great, exciting, or unforseen about that. Solaris is UNIX and it has the same backward and forward API compatibility very similar to Windows.
They destroyed Multi-Tasking and generally destroyed the way people use their computers for the sold purpose of pushing their own dumb-down UI metaphor down people's throats. Metro wastes a ton of screen real estate. Look bow big the banners are in many of those apps, and how much odd whitespace is in some of them (Email app, Pictures app, etc.).
Then they throw a highly curated/bastardized version of the explorer shell in as an app and tell us "see, the desktop is still there" even though only Metro apps will be sold directly (and updated directly) via the Windows Store and they're basically deprecating Win32/MFC development, among other things.
I have a hard time calling this a multi-tasking OS, especially if you sit in Metro most of the time.
Sorry, but I'm not sure what YOU'RE talking about.
oh, your here as well, thanks for the constructive feedback, I trust you are using the feedback options within Win 8 to provide MS with your deep insights in to the workings of their BETA product that you asked to test for them
Oh, and Desktop isn't an app, its the desktop, its no different than before and ive not found anything that doesn't work yet strangely enough as i said on the other thread, multi tasking works fine
But anyhow, im not going to bother replying to it all as you seem to have completely made your mind up without really understanding what its all about
dazza9075 said:
oh, your here as well, thanks for the constructive feedback, I trust you are using the feedback options within Win 8 to provide MS with your deep insights in to the workings of their BETA product that you asked to test for them
Oh, and Desktop isn't an app, its the desktop, its no different than before and ive not found anything that doesn't work yet strangely enough as i said on the other thread, multi tasking works fine
But anyhow, im not going to bother replying to it all as you seem to have completely made your mind up without really understanding what its all about
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I stopped giving feedback when they stopped listening to and implementing the most trivial QoL changes in their products.
The Desktop doesn't even have a functioning start menu comparable to Windows Vista or 7 yet you somehow feel compelled to believe it's functionally identical.
Fine is in the eye of the beholder. Being thrown from Desktop to full screen metro apps and only being able to multi-task Metro apps by pinning one to 1/4the screen is a terrible compromise bordering on laughable.
Oh, and have you tried using Windows 8 on a non-touch laptop with only a Trackpad? Laughable...
N8ter said:
I stopped giving feedback when they stopped listening to and implementing the most trivial QoL changes in their products.
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Then why bother downloading it, its for testing purposes only
you have this so unbelievably wrong