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PocketPC as MIDI controller?

This may be a stupid question, but is it possible to send real-time MIDI data over the USB link between PPC and computer (or via a wifi SD card for that matter)?
I've been playing with this Clanger Theremin app that turns your PPC touchscreen into a musical instrument of sorts - movement on the X axis changes pitch, movement on the Y axis changes volume.
It would be great if the entire touchscreen could be set up to send changes in MIDI values to a program running on the PC, also using the X and Y axes. Once MIDI data can be transferred, you could play the tuba via your PPC, or scratch virtual records like a dj, or really do just about anything.
There's already a program in development that allows you to do this with a Wacom drawing tablet (http://www.livelab.dk/tablet2midi.php), but a drawing tablet is already set up via USB to be a human input device or whatever you call it, so I wonder if the link between tablet and computer is at all similar to that between PPC and computer.
So would something like this be possible? Or is this just a pipe dream?

Wouldn't you just create a server on the desktop and get the client to connect to it through the Activesync network connection or bluetooth personal area network? The server would then have to behave like a MIDI device which might be the hard part. Would the PocketPC client produce MIDI events or send simpler x/y coordinates to the server which would then generate MIDI events?

this is a bloody excellent idea!!!
i can never have enough x/y pads!!!!!
anyone fancy a crack at it?
it should be pretty simple!
should have the option that when its touched it activates a switch (simple NOTE ON when pressed/ NOTE OFF when released). ive got annoyed with many xy pads for that reason!
i have a friend who may find this pretty easy.. sadly my code skills in that area are lacking severely.
i suspect he is too busy though..
i am quite liking the idea of the server/client method, with the ppc sending the data to a server that then converts that to midi data...
perhaps even a clever card export style driver emulation.. (only requires a pc driver instead of server program)
assignable hardware buttons!! great for activating effects..
anyone got any ideas?
edit: had another idea

great, i'm glad somebody else likes this idea! I guess the question is - how do you get a project like this started? I also don't have the coding experience that would allow me to make this myself.
Could I (or we, if there are more people that want this made) offer some sort of bounty for a finished app? Is there any system in place online for doing something like this? Something where you give a list of necessary specs and then post a reward for delivering a working app?
I certainly couldn't offer heaps, but if a bunch of people got together who wanted this and chipped in a bit of money each, perhaps it might motivate somebody to spend some time creating the thing. Programmers: how much would it take to convince you to spend some time creating something like this?
Or, if any experienced coders out there have a couple of ideas on how to do this and could point me in the right direction, perhaps I could do some research and eventually build this myself. As it is right now, I don't have a clue as to how to begin - can you send data of any kind down the USB link? Or over bluetooth, or wifi? What language should be used to program this?
Otherwise, if you're already interested in making a pocketpc into an x/y controller, and have the skills to do it, I can tell you that it'll be greatly appreciated.. Maybe I should post this topic outside of the Magician forum, as something like this could be useful for anybody with a pocketpc that has a touchscreen.
Anyway, I really hope that this can someday happen, it would be wonderful if it could. Perhaps focusing on MIDI data is a bad idea - if the touchscreen could be used to control anything on the PC then it might appeal to a wider range of users (and programmers). Imagine using your touchscreen via bluetooth to control Winamp from across the room, just moving your thumb up or down to raise or lower volume. I'm sure there are a huge variety of other uses that could come in handy as well. Assignable hardware buttons would be amazing...

There is already plenty of software that allows you to control your PC via your PPC (pocket VLC, winamp remote etc etc etc) but this doesnt neccesarily help matters.
If you have to have the controller on the screen of the host machine... you may as well be using a damn mouse.
I suggest a complete midi send system that will make the ppc work as if it is a real MIDI controller. This way you can use it as a system of control for elements that wont be controlled by devices you can have on-screen.
Im going to look into this later, im just about to do some important house related things
keep the ideas coming

[Q] Help - Need to prepare a tablet for use by a disabled person

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.

[MOD REQUEST] launcher-type "dashboard" via gamepad?

Wow, I haven't been on XDA forums since forever!
Sorry if this is not in the right thread, but I really am not sure where to start for this, but XDA-Developers is an awesome and active community, and you guys usually get the job done. If no one here can help, perhaps someone could point me in the right direction of a website or forum to request for this sort of thing?
Ok, What I am looking for is someone willing to create a program that acts as sort of a launcher/dashboard type thing for windows. This program would basically be launched at the push of a button, and allow for a customizable set of options to appear anywhere within windows, most notably in games, and to be navigated via controller. I am thinking of something similar to the Xbox 360 controller's "guide" button, or PS3's "PS" button. both bring up a menu with options for convenience, and I am surprised to have not found anything like this for PC Gamers. I personally have an HTPC setup where my machine is hooked up to my tv, and having this sort of feature would be a great addon for my setup!
So basically, pressing the "home button" on said controller, would bring up a pop up menu, allowing options such as launching a customized program/utility/etc (perhaps a quick way to launch steam, or even steam big picture mode); being able to shutdown, restart, or even sleep PC; shutting off controller (if its a wireless controller of course); or even an option to reassign controller inputs, similar to how PS3 allows (probably again specifically for wireless controllers); or even allowing quitting of the currently running game/program. Of course these are just some options that could be done, as I'm sure others could think of even better ideas than myself.
Obviously, I know nothing about programming myself, so I have no real skill to do this sort of thing, but if a developer or someone willing were to be able to make something like this, and it work pretty good, id be more than happy to donate to the person. I know PC gamers can be vastly different from one another, so someone else's need (including myself) would probably seem rather silly and pointless to another. Im sure desktop gamers would not find much use for this. But then again I think there are others that would, and I personally think HTPC gamers specifically would appreciate a program like this. Again, I don't know much about programming, but I would assume creating a simple but customizable pop up menu would not be too difficult. I think the hardest part would be finding the function call for the xbox guide button, and whatever commands to call to turn off said controllers. But creating options like custom program launcher, shutting off pc, etc, are probably a lot easier. I personally use PS3 controllers via Bluetooth, but they just emulate a xbox 360 controller on my pc, so I think my only difference would be a command specific to PS3 controllers to turn off said controller.
Anyone else think this is a good idea? I've asked several of my gaming peers whom all seem to agree this would be a cool idea to be able to have. This could technically bring a more console-like experience to PC gaming as well. If no one here is interested, or able to help, I would much appreciate anyone willing to direct me to another website or forum that possibly could help me? Much thanks guys! Let me know what you think.

Any takers? Anyone? Someone at least give me an idea of where else I could go to request something like this? thanks

I don't think there is a way to intercept the guide button being pressed on an Xbox controller easily, but steam big picture somehow does it so it must be possible.
Otherwise it wouldn't be the hardest thing in the world to do.

There's a program called "xboxext" by a djpety that utilizes the guide button by popping up a window allowing you to turn off your Xbox controller.
I haven't had any luck in getting a reply from him, but it seems he has managed to figure out how to get the guide button to work. Apparently its an undocumented API call, which is probably the same thing big picture mode in steam uses.
Either way, if someone were able to create this particular utility using another button, it would be a great start. Long term goal would be to allow function via guide button, but it could be any button for the time being.

Hmmm.... Anyone?

[Q] Sixaxis can't be the only one..

So, short story shorter, I bought the Red Samurai bluetooth controller from gamestop today, and it's alright enough, but I was wondering if there were any apps out there like the Siaxis app that lets you map the buttons to actual areas of the screen - but for what I have. I can't imagine that this type of program only exists for one controller. I've just spent the last 3 hours trying other apps such as the BluezIME, and trying to search on here, but I feel like I'm at a dead end. Any suggestions?
Thanks.

You could manually edit key layout file for it
http://source.android.com/tech/input/key-layout-files.html
You would need to find out vendor and product numbers, if the file wasn't created by default, so you can make one. Otherwise it just uses generic file.
That's all I got, there's some testing ahead of you, I've never heard of your controller before.
Maybe you can just use the existing PS3 or X360 files and rename them to fit you controller.
Try it, and by all means, post the results for others to use

Alrighty, thanks! I'm looking forward to tinkering. The Red Samurai is like, gamestop's exclusive bluetooth controller. I'm surprised I couldn't find more on it.

I can't use the letter "Q"

I have an Android box, well, I have about 5 but this one is the fastest and the rest are in storage, and all seems to be working pretty well except...I can't find any way to type the letter "Q." Not upper case, nor lower case. Not using the on-screen keyboard, nor my external mini keyboard. I can't use it in web browsers or search bars on system settings menus or file browsers or anywhere else I can think to try it.
All the other letters an numbers seem to work fine. The modifer keys seem to work as well, as far as I can tell (the mini keyboard has some shortcut keys I have no guide for so I can't be POSITIVE they are fine but there haven't been issues). The box is a media center, but I haven't really set that part up. I'm currently living in a motel and its the closest thing I have to a computer, so I've been using it for general purposes like browsing, YouTube, and unfortunately WRITING which my current job requires. Thankfully, I found a file with an uppercase and lowercase "Q" in the filename so I can cut and paste but that's really cumbersome.
The box has a root-switch in the settings that I haven't messed with. It also has an on-screen keyboard that won't go away when I use the external keyboard - but I can live with that. It doesn't seem to recognize the external keyboard as an actual keyboard and it might be because it uses an RF receiver instead of bluetooth.
I came here because my dad said it might be a problem with the motherboard and if that's the case I'm going to be cutting and pasting until I can find housing. But on the off chance that there's any way around it, you guys would be the ones to figure it out. I've been untangling the idea in my brain for how to maybe set up a macro for about the last half hour. I have external keyboard helper pro purchased also if that's of any help. Dunno. If you have questions for specifics I will help as best I can. Sorry if this is an odd or out of place Q. haha ... Q
Thanks guys
Its all I can afford to work with right now so I gotta do what I can