Database Info

Smartphone software recomendaions:

Hi all
Wondering if all the smartphone users could post here the names of any software they find they couldnt live without with a short description and a link to download.
I mean like essential apps/games/home screen layouts and stuff
thanx

duke_stix said:
Hi all
Wondering if all the smartphone users could post here the names of any software they find they couldnt live without with a short description and a link to download.
I mean like essential apps/games/home screen layouts and stuff
thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously you just didnt realise what you just typed.
i'm sure you know there are tons of sites already doing this.. rating "software" and recommending software.. and no need of such waisted threads.
here's a link to begin your quest for recommended software.
www.download.com <- filter to mobile software (top rated, popular) .. ofcourse there are more sites on the net that does this better.

hey
lol. i can assure you i am aware of what i type!
my intentions were to eventually setup a CAB file repository for MS Smartphones here on xda-devs which can be accessed via our smartphones over wifi! i am working on compiling a list as we speak however i am having trouble finding some good freeware apps and will end up having to post 'trial' versions

Over the Air install site

I've started a new site, http://www.otainstall.com, that is designed to let you quickly install apps from PocketIE on your phone. I originally posted it over at ppcgeeks and the users there seem to be pretty happy with it.
It's password protected for now, just to keep the volume limited a bit. You can log in with the password 'blahblah'.
It's pretty new, so please let me know any bugs that you find. Also note that you should be able to upload apps to the site so that others can download them.
I'll be taking suggestions on category name improvements, etc..
Let me know what you think!

Nice idea! One thing that might be useful is a "Back" button embedded in the page: Make it better for full screen browsing.

Double Awesome
Thanks a lot. What exactly can I upload?

kingdmc said:
Thanks a lot. What exactly can I upload?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are categories on the site, but generally anything is allowed as long as it's not copyrighted material. Ideally it should be a cab file or an executable that can be easily installed over the air.

Great idea for one stop shopping. Just an observation, how will you control duplicate entries or different release versions of same app? I can see it getting very ugly and unfriendly to the end-user very quickly. Just looking at programs and applications I already see two versions of spacer there and varying naming conventions and use of description. Haven't tried search yet, but maybe that helps sort that out...if you know exactly what you want (and the right keywords are called and published either in description or app file name).

tmknight said:
Great idea for one stop shopping. Just an observation, how will you control duplicate entries or different release versions of same app? I can see it getting very ugly and unfriendly to the end-user very quickly. Just looking at programs and applications I already see two versions of spacer there and varying naming conventions and use of description. Haven't tried search yet, but maybe that helps sort that out...if you know exactly what you want (and the right keywords are called and published either in description or app file name).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is definitely revision 1 of the site, so I'm taking all these suggestions and will be rewriting based off them. It's quite a bit more popular than I initially expected, so I'm pretty happy that everyone is enjoying it.

I was thinking of something like this, but more on an application repository type. Take the idea from linux / Ubuntu's application repositorys, where it can download, install, and keep up to date at all times as things are added and fixed.

If you could get this to work together with something like MoDaCo AppToDate it would be an awesome pair of apps...

looks promising, good luck with the site!

Non-market .apk file database proposal

Hello everyone. I've a sort of proposal for the developers here, but before I get into that let me first briefly introduce myself:
I'm a communication designer for print, user interface, and illustration that completely advocates everything Android. I've been lurking the Dream development forums here for quite some time, trying to keep up-to-date with the latest ROMs, apps, etc., etc and I fully appreciate everything that goes on here and the endeavors that you devs put yourself through. Amazing stuff, really.
One thing I've noticed is that there are a slew of third-party / beta apps all over these boards, and other places on the internet as well. More often than not, I find myself scouring the cloud just to find a link for these non-market apps, and I usually get referred to them via some obscure site through another site. Despite getting the .apk file or ROM in the end, the process can get to be a bit tedious; especially for incoming users and those new to the Android platform.
My proposal is this: A website with a simple and clean user interface that has direct and succinct navigation with the purpose of consolidating and listing third-party / beta non-market applications into an easy access database. This website database would link these applications and have them be easily downloaded and installed via the Android browser, without having to mount the device.
I've actually come up with a fully-functional concept site, did the branding and everything for it, and also registered a short domain name for quick access while on your G1 or whatever Android device.
Navigate to: http://anda.pk to see what I had in mind, and how the overall layout/concept of the site would work.
I uploaded several .apk files I had backed up as examples for you to see how the database section would function. I also took into account the resolution of most Android phones and made the .apk application database section fit perfectly in the Android browser when in portrait mode right when you the load the site to ensure the best possible user experience when installing these third party apps. When you scroll to the right, you'll see info on what the site is about, and in the footer there are links to the FAQ, the about section, contact, etc.
I had also noted in the about link in the footer that the applications hosted on the download section are in no way accredited to the site, and that credit goes to their rightful developers. My being a communication designer has had the idea of peer collaboration engrained, and as such I give credit it where credit is due.
That said, I hope you guys here and the developers collaborate with me on on this site, possibly help contribute apks, and agree to them being hosted. If anything, I do hope you just embrace the concept, which originally was just going to be a reference for myself and my friends whom I've turned away from the iPhone, S60, and WinMo in favor of Android. I figured since I know the Android community is only going to get bigger, this website concept of mine could be a decent resource to have bookmarked.
Appreciate you reading this wall of text! Do hope to hear some feedback, so let me know what you guys think. Thanks!
Cheers.

I think this is a fabulous idea...automated version control would go over very well -- i.e. yum update
you should post up bits that you need help with and have folks contact you.
also..I love the logo!
question: do you propose a rating system or a review prior to listing type of approach or something new to keep this resource trustworthy?

Been following this on SA and twitter and it's a great idea.
Having the devs here on board would be a fantastic way to get something solid on the go. It's the kind of thing that can really help android become more hackable and useable for the average user...and it just make things easier for the rest of us.

Sounds good to me.
thelilliandivide said:
the applications hosted on the download section are in no way accredited to the site
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Credit and accreditation are different things. To be accredited is to be given credentials or official approval. I think you meant "credited".

Sounds like a GREAT idea.
My opinion: The color scheme hurts. Love the logo.

i like the logo and the idea. I think the site should be more mobile friendly, or even better, an application for android that can work like the official market. I could help with that part if an application is going to be built.

camalot said:
i like the logo and the idea. I think the site should be more mobile friendly, or even better, an application for android that can work like the official market. I could help with that part if an application is going to be built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i second that.. it should also have update checks if possible

I was going to complain that I didn't like your site layout, but in portrait mode you only see the left side which lists the apps. I like it.
One thing you might have to be leary of is dealing with apps that are considered warez unless your going to spend the time to verify every app that is uploaded or there has to a method in place.
As well there should be some kind of version control in place. You know what works on 1.1 and what works on 1.5. Obviously almost everybody within the next few weeks/months should be on 1.5, but will all the older apps run on 1.5 or does it really matter or does anybody care? The downloader will care.

CBowley said:
Sounds like a GREAT idea.
My opinion: The color scheme hurts. Love the logo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seconded. The text is much too light. A darker charcoal shade would be much better.
If the site gets an apk wrapper (a la FBook) version checking would be rather easy. Set up the directory tree something like this /downloads/WiFiTether/1.2.3.apk and just have the apk compare filenames. If the file names don't match, it needs to install the update.
EDIT: Now following your progress on twitter.

Some solid input. I'll play around with the color scheme and make some changes later this evening once I get back from class. And I actually do plan on making a mobile wrapper eventually, but as it stands as far as the concept layout goes, the site is best used when in portrait mode for easiest functionality. The rest of the site is to be considered supplemental. I do however, have a lot of things I eventually want to integrate; application tags, search, possibility of user uploaded apk files, etc. But for right now, I'm trying to keep the general site as simple as possible to make the workload on my end less stressful (graduating in 2 weeks).
bahnburner said:
If the site gets an apk wrapper (a la FBook) version checking would be rather easy. Set up the directory tree something like this /downloads/WiFiTether/1.2.3.apk and just have the apk compare filenames. If the file names don't match, it needs to install the update.
EDIT: Now following your progress on twitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did not know how that version checker worked. Thanks. I'll re-work the apk directory scheme akin to that later tonight for when I do eventually get the wrapper up.

thelilliandivide said:
Did not know how that version checker worked. Thanks. I'll re-work the apk directory scheme akin to that later tonight for when I do eventually get the wrapper up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not necessarily how most version checks work, but that's the simplest method I could think of, and probably one of the easiest to implement.

alapapa said:
I think this is a fabulous idea...automated version control would go over very well -- i.e. yum update
you should post up bits that you need help with and have folks contact you.
also..I love the logo!
question: do you propose a rating system or a review prior to listing type of approach or something new to keep this resource trustworthy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! And I feel I might need some help in the future as far as implementing the features that I want to get working. But I'm not quite sure I understand your question. Are you referring to how I choose which applications get posted onto the site?

i'm a graphic designer and web designer, i'll throw in a helping hand if you want, pm me or whatever.
(think about an android based layout to bring it to the phone like Cough*cydia*cough

very cool and much needed
Xda-dev is great, but there is alot of stuff thats not on the market and they have shown to bow down to the tmobs pressure(ie: tether app) so another place to get apps would be great, and your weppage is beautiful and looks like it would be very finger friendly on the g1, but there is a basic model in linux of repositories(which is about what ur doing) and a simple app to d/l them maybe somebody could just make a market.apk with a modded addy, depending on how much is known about the market and its inner workings... it would be nice to do it as it has been always done....but as I stated above your webdesign is very nice and would work well in the native browser(im heading there now on my g1)
bhang

not a bad idea. I think this is great for all verified apps that are pulled from market...

I really like this idea. Go for it.
Just one (stupid) remark about the logo... it's like it has a big nose and a :-| expression... sorry

apetit said:
I really like this idea. Go for it.
Just one (stupid) remark about the logo... it's like it has a big nose and a :-| expression... sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I just noticed that actually. Now it's all I see. But yeah, I'm hoping to have a few more apps to upload by the end of next week. Revisions to the site are imminent once I get out of this last class.

I love the idea. One bookmark to check up on all the good non-market apps will be much easier than having several bookmarked threads.
Some applications may benefit from having tags such as [beta], [stable], [experimental], [contains-ads], etc.
As others have mentioned once/if user uploads are implemented an app approval system will be crucial to keep the spam at bay. I can see this really taking off.

im a supporter

zgmf-x322a said:
im a supporter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 this sounds like a great idea, there was something like this for apps for the dash,mda & sda.

How do I find the applications I want?

Hi,
I'm new to HTC, and windows mobile. I'm having great difficulty in finding apps that I want, how do I go about finding them until the XDA marketplace is up and running?
I'm currently after an ebay app if there is one, and also a converter app. Also I've read somewhere that there's an app/cab file that allows any program to be in landscape or portrait, but I can't remember the name. Think it was gyrator or something but I can't find it, any idea?

snerkler said:
Hi,
I'm new to HTC, and windows mobile. I'm having great difficulty in finding apps that I want, how do I go about finding them until the XDA marketplace is up and running?
I'm currently after an ebay app if there is one, and also a converter app. Also I've read somewhere that there's an app/cab file that allows any program to be in landscape or portrait, but I can't remember the name. Think it was gyrator or something but I can't find it, any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't help you with the ebay app, but you want BsB Tweaks to allow rotation in applications, or try PLToggle (in my sig below).
For the ebay app, I'd recommend searching in the windows apps forum (in general), rather than a phone specific forum.
Hope this helps

snerkler said:
Hi,
I'm new to HTC, and windows mobile. I'm having great difficulty in finding apps that I want, how do I go about finding them until the XDA marketplace is up and running?
I'm currently after an ebay app if there is one, and also a converter app. Also I've read somewhere that there's an app/cab file that allows any program to be in landscape or portrait, but I can't remember the name. Think it was gyrator or something but I can't find it, any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
using the search function found this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=603880&highlight=torch+app

lakeman said:
using the search function found this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=603880&highlight=torch+app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, some useful cabs on there
I'm really looking forward to the dedicated "app" store being developed on here

snerkler said:
Thanks for that, some useful cabs on there
I'm really looking forward to the dedicated "app" store being developed on here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate, before you do buy things .. search .. search .. search! this community has a lot to offer and there is bound to be a freeware that can do what you are looking for.
Of course when all fails default to buying the app. If you find what you are looking for consider donating to the hardworking developers here.

sakiin said:
Mate, before you do buy things .. search .. search .. search! this community has a lot to offer and there is bound to be a freeware that can do what you are looking for.
Of course when all fails default to buying the app. If you find what you are looking for consider donating to the hardworking developers here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have searched and can't find what I want so end up asking, but then feel a nuisance

Hi Snerkler,
Searchng on XDA is not easy (I should know). Use this tool, which should give you a fighting chance...http://www.google.com/advanced_search?q=+site:http://forum.xda-developers.com&hl=en&lr=&as_qdr=all.
Also look here ..http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
And if you google "windows mobile apps" or "free windows mobile apps" you will be surprised what you can find!
Unfortunately we don't have an app store like that other device; however there are thousands of apps out there.
Just thought of another 2 sites:
Clove....http://www.clove.co.uk/
Handango....http://www.handango.com/homepage/Homepage.jsp?storeId=2218
If you are stuck after all this then do one thing.......send me your phone and pack it all in.
Good luck chap
WB
PS PM me if you need more info but don't want to look stupid on here. However you have been getting loads of help off people here which is good; no one's told you to get lost yet or to RTFW (read the wiki (lol)).
Must be your excellent Karma. Do enjoy exploring the world of Windows Mobile.
WB

wacky.banana said:
Hi Snerkler,
Searchng on XDA is not easy (I should know). Use this tool, which should give you a fighting chance...http://www.google.com/advanced_search?q=+site:http://forum.xda-developers.com&hl=en&lr=&as_qdr=all.
Also look here ..http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
And if you google "windows mobile apps" or "free windows mobile apps" you will be surprised what you can find!
Unfortunately we don't have an app store like that other device; however there are thousands of apps out there.
Just thought of another 2 sites:
Clove....http://www.clove.co.uk/
Handango....http://www.handango.com/homepage/Homepage.jsp?storeId=2218
If you are stuck after all this then do one thing.......send me your phone and pack it all in.
Good luck chap
WB
PS PM me if you need more info but don't want to look stupid on here. However you have been getting loads of help off people here which is good; no one's told you to get lost yet or to RTFW (read the wiki (lol)).
Must be your excellent Karma. Do enjoy exploring the world of Windows Mobile.
WB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for your help, I'll check these out when I have some time

snerkler said:
Thanks for that, some useful cabs on there
I'm really looking forward to the dedicated "app" store being developed on here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey
could you point me in the direction of where that is being developed
thanks

There's a nice app store app you can get from http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-opnmarket.html that contains some of the xda initiatives (along with other developers creations). Otherwise just look through the forums for your device.
And of course there's Microsoft's own 'marketplace' app store for which there should be a 'Marketplace' app already installed on your phone (or you can go to
https://marketplace.windowsphone.com/default.aspx if you want to view it in a web browser (note that it doesn't work well if you're using Opera (despite that being on many flagship windows mobile handsets) - nice one Microsoft ).
Ian

Thanks Ian,
just installed Omarket, very impressed with it so far.

Good free website builder?

Wasnt quite sure were to ask, so i just posted here.
Hoping someone can help.
Anyone know of a website that will allow me to create my own website with simple building tools, i.e. does not require me to know code or html. And is free or cheap? Thank you for any help.

Andromendous said:
Wasnt quite sure were to ask, so i just posted here.
Hoping someone can help.
Anyone know of a website that will allow me to create my own website with simple building tools, i.e. does not require me to know code or html. And is free or cheap? Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try Skylium (completely free). I have my web there and I didn't have problems in one year. Without banners and ads. With a lot of utilities: joomla, php, mysql...
Saludos
M110A2

Thanks for the quick response however, it seems to be all in Spanish...

Yes it's in Spanish, but it has a lot of services.
During a lot of years I had the web in 000Webhost (English), but it gave me some problems. You can test it.
I had another web in Aruba.it (not free, but cheap, and several languages). But I don't remember if it had building tools.
Saludos
M110A2

Probably the best site I've used is wix. It's super easy and looks awesome and everything is easy enough to edit with a little bit of practice.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, ill give em a shot

Wix is nice, but lots of ad and very proprietary (can not extract your data and move it somewhere) and you must pay to have your own domain name etc
In the same spirit you have jimdo and weebly which are less markettingly aggressive
jimdo.com
weebly.com
And Silex, which is free, open source, no hidden costs, but with far less templates (you are supposed to start your site from a blank page)
silex.me

Wix is my fave!

Thought I'll update this website for the times. My favorite website builder is hPage ( https://www.hpage.com ). I have created two websites there already and it's really good. I love all the features and it's very affordable too compared to other website builders.

Andromendous said:
Wasnt quite sure were to ask, so i just posted here.
Hoping someone can help.
Anyone know of a website that will allow me to create my own website with simple building tools, i.e. does not require me to know code or html. And is free or cheap? Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to use Wix, I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Wix is my fave

Andromendous said:
Wasnt quite sure were to ask, so i just posted here.
Hoping someone can help.
Anyone know of a website that will allow me to create my own website with simple building tools, i.e. does not require me to know code or html. And is free or cheap? Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I suggest trying sites.google.com. I know that this is a google, and maybe you don't want to share data with them.
I use it for ~4 sites and I don't know much code (except some HTML things), and it didn't ask to know it. Yeah, you can add HTML blocks yourself. But all can be done through interface.
I will not publish any links to the examples, because you can find through your favourite search engine yourself.
Google gives a "domain" like "sites.google.com /view/{name which can be configured before and after publishing}"
If you don't want that, try services for DDNS like noip .com or just shorten a link to the page you want (for example, bit .ly does that).
I also use Jimdo and it only annoys in some places where google's service is better (like >100 fonts (Jimdo offers only one, similar to Times)).
Give them a try.
HTH,
Anonymous