Hello, I was wondering if there was a Linux-based OS I could install on my phone (like Android, except that I hear that Android doesn't support a lot of phones yet). I am quite disappointed with the interface Windows Mobile 6 gives me and it isn't very touch friendly, and doesn't provide simple (and quick) ways to access things.
I am mainly looking for one with a much more usable interface and a decent set of applications (that either comes with it or is available with it).
Any further information on this would be appreciated.
Edit: any general information on any hacks/programs I can install to improve the general UI of the whole phone would also be appreciated. I've also heard about Windows Mobile 7 - when will it come out, and will it be a free upgrade?
I reckon WM 7 will be released in 2010, so that'll take a while.
WM 6.5 seems to be more finger friendly (the bigger start menu, etc. NO personal experience with it different from seeing today-screen and start menu on a flashed hermes), but just running M2D/TF3D on a WM 6 device already improves it by a lot.
Also, which OS you can install is limited to your device, it might be useful to mention which one you have.
Ok, My phone is a Dopod 383 Pro. It has many names sometimes it's called a HTC something, an I-Mate something and so on, but I call it a Dopod 383 Pro.
How do I get WM 6.5 on it?
What about M2D or TF3D, what are they?
noidtluom said:
Ok, My phone is a Dopod 383 Pro. It has many names sometimes it's called a HTC something, an I-Mate something and so on, but I call it a Dopod 383 Pro.
How do I get WM 6.5 on it?
What about M2D or TF3D, what are they?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get WM 6.5 (BETA) on it by flashing your ROM. I'm not experienced with this, so for more information about flashing you should check out the stickied posts.
M2D (Manila 2D or TouchFLO2D) and TF3D (TouchFlo3D) are today-screen plugins by HTC, which give a bar with tabs at the bottom of your homescreen. Here's a youtube video to give you an idea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjMAUprcFqc&feature=related
The difference between M2D and TF2D is the name, and the difference between those and TF3D is that TF3D has some more fancy animations and such, but requires more of your devices CPU power making it a bit slower.
I believe you have to flash your ROM for this aswell, with a ROM that has 1 of them built in, but I'm not entirely sure.
One thing - Before flashing, Read all information about it you can find. If you fail, things can turn nasty.
Hope that helps
noidtluom said:
Hello, I was wondering if there was a Linux-based OS I could install on my phone (like Android, except that I hear that Android doesn't support a lot of phones yet). I am quite disappointed with the interface Windows Mobile 6 gives me and it isn't very touch friendly, and doesn't provide simple (and quick) ways to access things.
I am mainly looking for one with a much more usable interface and a decent set of applications (that either comes with it or is available with it).
Any further information on this would be appreciated.
Edit: any general information on any hacks/programs I can install to improve the general UI of the whole phone would also be appreciated. I've also heard about Windows Mobile 7 - when will it come out, and will it be a free upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can install 6.1 or even 6.5 and maybe linux, just do a search on your correspondent subsection here:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Hermes
For example, if you enter on Universal section you can see linux for Uni, and there are also for other devices
Good luck,
Rather than looking for a new OS, why not change how it looks via WAD2, SPB Shell etc?
Related
Hi,
While I am waiting for my MDA Pro to arrive, I have been reading a lot in the Universal section (have a BA myself).
May I ask for some valid reasons why someone would want to use homebrewed WM6 releases instead of official/customized WM5?
I do understand the fun it is to try out new things, but is it really worth it? I did not find many posts that would clear this question.
Thanks,
vma
WM6.0...
The new look and a lot faster device...
Is there any feature that won't be available with WM6, that did work fine in WM5?
Thanks,
vma
Video call isn't working yet.
Rolud said:
The new look and a lot faster device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, WM6 may or may not work for you and may or may not do it for you. Try it. You can always go back to WM5. Most people don't.....
Well .... the simple answer is that I did a lot of searching and reading, and finally tried it out for myself.
I asked this very question a while ago right here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1130569&postcount=88
And came to the follwowing conclusion:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1155497&postcount=89
In the conclusion, the thing about the Bluetooth Stack / Voice Command - it was actually Voice Command that was the problem and this issue was fixed in Jrwightmcps' 2.02.00 WWE http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=297256
Crossbow ONLY!
Tell you the truth... i see the new WM6 is better eye-catching GUI not to mention the enhancement in the functionality and other usability such as email related functions. I know that MS wont just upgrade for no obvious reason nor for desktop OS compatibility.
Yet i reckon i wont -never- go back to magento! Crossbow ONLY!
@nvatvani:
Indeed your posts where the only ones I read, that contained some usefull info about the subject.
No offense to all the other members of course!
I was simply wondering about what to do when my MDA Pro arrives: replace the German firmware with a WWE WM5 one or go straight ahead to WM6 without even looking at WM5.
Also, I had some problems with my Blue Angel, when I tried WM5 on it: it may have been a coincidence, but one day after the upgrade the screen went mad and totally messed up. Only 1 Hardreset in about 100 tries would bring it back to normal for some period of time and even reflashing it with WM5 or 2003SE would not make it work normal again. The screen would get messed up suddenly for no particular reason. At the end I had to send it in for repair, which was actually a good thing, as I complained about the loose stylo and bad working hardkeys, all within warranty. I got a new key-pcb, backside and they reflashed the device with 2003SE. I posted this issue in the BA forum, but got no usefull hint. This means I am a little scared of upgrading to unofficial releases.
Other than that, I have no problems with flashing, as I do that on my other hobby (satellite receivers) frequently, including JTAG-operations for repairing bricked devices. The same applies to games consoles. (Note: I do not sell or benefit commercially from that activity and my goal is not to get illegal software or TV - not that you guy's get the wrong idea about me).
Anyway, thanks for your replies!
Cheers,
vma
What Windows Mobile 5.0 AKU 2.0 has and Windows Mobile 6 (the cooked ones, having tried them all) doesn't have, according to my experiences:
1. Videocalling - at least not a proper one
2. Bluetooth Dial Up Networking (the DUN profile)
3. Wireless Modem (yet some WM6 ROM's have it, although without shortcut in the start menu)
4. Cyberon Voice Dial by default (some WM6 ROM's have it by default, others will need a 500kB CAB to activate it)
The reason why I went back to "good old" WM5 is mainly the reliability. Ok, the OS may be a bit slower here and there, but it has all the functionality (e.g. videocalls and Bluetooth DUN), and NEVER hangs. It just always works and that's what I desperately need right now.
---
The things Windows Mobile 6 has for me that 5.0 hasn't which I miss the most:
1. High resolution browsing in the normal Internet Explorer (I don't want to use alternatives)
2. HTML email support
3. The impressive speed of the OS
Applications like WM6's Windows Live and the superb Remote Desktop Client are also available for WM5, so I don't need to miss those, otherwise I sure would, and then I might have sticked with WM6.
The new sounds and GUI are great, but I don't really miss them, since that's not a true functional thing.
Having WM5 up and running again, without freezes and memory leaking and with full HTC Universal functionality, is enough for me to be happy with it and to stick with it. If there ever will be a ROM that actually ADDS Windows Mobile 6 on top of all of this (without a single registry tweak or CAB fix needed), then it's the time for me to upgrade again.
If such a ROM will ever see the daylight, since it won't be officially available for the Universal, I don't know. I think the HTC X7500 (Athena) will be there sooner (April 2007 over here), and that one will have a official WM6 upgrade for sure. That'll be my next one, so until then: WM5 for my Universal!
So far for my opinion.
why do I use WM6
vma said:
Hi,
While I am waiting for my MDA Pro to arrive, I have been reading a lot in the Universal section (have a BA myself).
May I ask for some valid reasons why someone would want to use homebrewed WM6 releases instead of official/customized WM5?
I do understand the fun it is to try out new things, but is it really worth it? I did not find many posts that would clear this question.
Thanks,
vma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I used them all and later delteted them after 5 2 hours. They leak a lot, ram is at minimum and useless third party applications, and a lot fo thing sodn't really work or missing (I just want a vanill aone without 3rd party applications).
Except for one rom, Darkforce, it is fast and furious, and so far I have using it for two days; battery usage is good, and no leaks. However, no video calling, and no way to set com ports for bluetooth devices. any1 has this problem?
However, common to all ROMS, no video calling, old calculator, speed dial messed up (some work and some don't), wireless connection bubble missing (yes you can install a cab but I don't want to do that).
<Mind you, contrary to other reports, I never had any freezes with any rom.
The thing that attracts me is HTML in email, High resolution mode in explorer, better remote desktop connectivity.
So I thhink I am sticking with DarkForce ROM, so far so good.
Thx
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on running such an active worldwide community all linked by just one devotion to technology. This is my first post though I have been following this forum for a while. I am getting a new Tornado ( The deal was unbeatable!!) and I am pretty much excited.
I am searching for a cutting(/bleeding) edge ROM or even a Kitchen to spice up my new Tornado and I am prepared to learn the tricks and tools required to have a fully-functional and bug-free ( I hope I can, with your help!) 6.1 ROM having all the important and offering good usability and functionality to the end user ( ME! ).
So, what do you suggest? I am prepared for a steep learning curve, that usually accompanies this kind of a quest
My Opinion ...
I use actualy BlacKura Wm 6.1 Profesional rom. I like the fonts, are small, and the resolution is like PC screen. I wass able to install SPB Menu Shel 2.14, what i like most, + is a Office build in. What is verry useeful at least for me.
Lacks? Hmmm there are some aplications specialy donne for SP (smartphone) what tell me it can't been instaling on this device, what i understand because this rom is not designed for SP.
If u actually try this rom ( remeber to free your aplication lock) , remember u have a fake cursor ( like a mouse what u can use with joystick ) , what can be enabled by pressing home key for 3 secs ( that one what enable the Start menu)
Other ROms ( beleve me i wass tryd almost all) i dont like, the fact are kinda WM5 ( big fonts , menu like anyother cell without WM ).
Regards Camelia .
Touchscreen?
Actually even I am looking for a ROM with a small font size. And judging by what you say, the ROM supports the programs written for a touchscreen device, right?
So how do you operate the cursor, I mean how do you click or drag? Is this method fast? I found out that the ROM is fast, but I could not get the way it works. So please shed some light on this.
If you like profesional ROMs, try also kamikadze's
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=455950
It is great looking, small font. As for how to use professional ROMs that are ment for touchscreen devices, as kingoldstyle suggested, use SPB Menu Shell application, it allows you to move through menus very quickly using number buttons. Also, sursor can be activated and moved with a joystick, not so fast and comfortable, but I rarely use it with mine phone, only when I need to set alarm. Other than that, I dont need cursor.
Shell?
Thanks a lot for your reply.
And where can I get the Shell?
Apps
Should I install touchscreen or smartphone applications in this ROM?
And what is the performance benefit when compared to the Smartphone ROM?
Will the Professional ROM support Point UI in the Faraday?
You can try them all. Some touchscreen applications are difficult and slow to use, so its up to you to decide what you want with your phone. I use smartphone applications mostly. I installed professional ROM because I like the good look of it (in combination with spb shell). The ROM is very fast, I didnt measure their performance, because when I installed it for the first time I just loved it. Some people here say its faster.
Check your PM.
I tested Point UI Home 1.51 on my Qtek 8310 (HTC Tornado) with WM Professional ROM and works great and I don't need use FakeCursor.
I think that, Professional ROM is faster than Smartphone ROM on HTC Tornado. I use Professional ROM on my smartphone about 9 months and I wouldn't return on smartphone ROM.
Thanks.
Thanks a lot, everybody.
I shall upgrade as soon as it reaches me.
Oh, the wait!!!
Qazer said:
I tested Point UI Home 1.51 on my Qtek 8310 (HTC Tornado) with WM Professional ROM and works great and I don't need use FakeCursor.
I think that, Professional ROM is faster than Smartphone ROM on HTC Tornado. I use Professional ROM on my smartphone about 9 months and I wouldn't return on smartphone ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried SPB shell, and if yes, do you find PointUI better, and why?
Goran_: for me is better Point UI than SPB Mobile Shell. Point UI is faster and nicer for me.
Hiya's, I found this site while looking up info on the HTC cruise as I have just received a hand-me-down Cruise from a friend (had a very old nokia..). This is a major upgrade for me (it has a 2 camera's unlike my nokia which has none). I am keen to get the most use from the phone as possible and at the moment it seems to be going ok but having read a couple of the forum messages it seems that there are various upgrades that can make it a better phone.
I have been accused of being a semi-ludite when it comes to using technology so would appreciate any advice on what can be upgraded as far as the operating system and other programs are concerned. I have used the CoPilot program this morning and think is is the greatest thing since individually sliced and packaged cheese..
The settings on the phone indicate it is ROM 1.26.710.1 WWE (date 12/17/2007), Radio Version 1.58.21.23 and Protocol Version 25.65.30.04H.
If any advice is forthcoming, please keep things as simple as possible or I will have to get one of my neighbors kids to come over and explain..
Cheers
Ian
Welcome to the wonderful world of a touchscreen windows mobile device.
Of course there are a lot of things you can improve, thousands of programs are waiting to be installed and so on.
IMHO the most important thing is: If you are satisfied with your current system DO NOT change it. If everything is running smooth there is no need to flash a new operating system or radio. If you notice slowdowns during using the device or if the radio in your area is not running perfect you should flash the latest upgrade from HTC. They are offering WM 6.1 (WM = windows mobile, the operating system) and a new radio. Its very easy to flash but you will loose all your data on the device.
If you don't like your today screen, you can check some replacements, Mobile Shell is one of it:
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/mobileshell
And if you like this shell you can change its look with upgrades like this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3904948&postcount=2513
Of course you can flash one of the Roms created by one of the devs. You will find an overview here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=521961
But you should be aware that many of these roms are using stuff from other devices like Manilla, this might cause problems. And you have to be very careful if flash a self created rom, its not that easy like flashing an original HTC rom.
Last but not least you have to think about the way you want to use your device. If you just need a phone you need nothing else. If you want to read ebooks like wikipedia you need a reader and so on. Here you can find tons of programs for your device:
http://www.handango.com/homepage/Homepage.jsp?storeId=2218
You will also find a lot of freeware apps here:
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
And a very important thing is: Backup your device often if you are trying different applications, you are having a windows device
For a list of recommended software check my signature.
All are freeware except iGO, and easily found on this forums (or links from here lead to authors pages).
And welcome to Polaris owners club...
Thanks very much for the replies..
It seems to be going ok at the moment. I am not too sure whether it is slow or not (nothing to compare..) but opening an application only takes a couple of seconds so I am happy with that. I have been using it primarily as a phone (of course) but have been using the camera like mad. I even made one of my friends give me a video call..very cool...I have tried to use the voice commander application but it doesn't seem to want to do anything and eventually just says "Goodbye" and closes. I am going to look at the list of applications at some of the website that are list above and see what is available.
Cheers and thanks again..
IJ
I have recently seen alot of ROMS for WM6.5 and they all look the same from the screenshots.... ugly!
I mean what is with all the HUGE text listed down the screen, am I the only one who thinks this is a stupid setup? What happened to the Start Menu and clean today setup?
Are people just updating to WM6.5 just 'cos its 6.5, or do you actually like the look of it? Please give your opinions on WM6.5, and more importantly what is the difference between WM6?
I am using WM6.1 on 2 of my devices as I like the Today Screen feel and the way everything is set out. I am contemplating putting 6.5 on a device just to test it out, is it really worth it? is it customizable to make the home screen not just BIG words down the screen? maybe a clock even lol.
thanks everyone for your opinions.
i think it looks great.
As long as you have good apps installed to cover nasty WM UI no matter if you have 6.1 or 6.5
I personally do not like the honeycomb, but I do like that the hole UI is more finger friendly
Let´s see the WM7!! hope they really impress us
I like it because its 6.5 that .4 of more awesome 1337ness!!!! lol.. I actually just like the better slightly larger menu buttons. the new start menu is neither here nor there for me.. I don't like titanium, it has potential, but till you can have more than one link on click per panel it is pretty lame to me.. seems to take more effort to get to my necessary apps with it than without it.. I have been using wad2 on my last few flashes. My device is i910 Omnia, with the BlazingWolf 7.1 rom.
On my observation, the main advantages of WM6.5 over WM6.1 are:
RAM Managemenet: In WM6.5 I never need to run the apps to clear RAM. Any time I quit a program, the RAM will be released imediately.
Power Consumption Controll: The battery life is noticably enlonged copare using WM6.1, on same load.
Connectivity: One example is on WM6.1 any time I'm using Internet Sharing I need to manually switch phone band to WCDMA to ensure stable fast data connection. And if I forget to switch it back to GSM or Auto after finished the Internet Sharing, phone calls on 3G mode will drain the battery very fast. But on WM6.5, I noticed that I don't need to switch phone band again, just leave it as Auto. The OS is so smart that it knows what time to switch to what band. Example, when I use internet sharing, it will stay at 3G for most of the time. When I make or receive a phone call, it will switch to GSM immediately after the phone connected.
Finger Touch Experience For this I don't explain more, it's just much more comfortable on finger/stylus responds.
Third Party Apps Interface: Well I'm not a developer, but from the changes on some registry structure, I can definitely tell that WM65 will be more friendly to third party application developers.
These are very core elements of a mobile os. The progress of wm65 on these points is obviously noticable.
But because the change of the core. It causes a big problem on legacy apps compatibility. People find that a lot of apps running well on wm6 just can never run on wm65.
But I think currently both Microsoft and third party software vendors are working tight on this issue. At least for most part of popular softwares, we can find a wm65 compatible version now. But for some speciall software, we can not find it if the developer did not upgrade it.
For sure, there are certain advantages of using 6.5 over 6.1. (The advantage is not only 'skin' things that you can see it, more important is on the 'core'.)
Hence your choice just depend on what softwares you're using. If for all your 'must-have' softwares you can find a WM6.5 compatible version or its replacement, why not use WM6.5.
Edit: I don't like the Titanium & the headache to customize it either. I just disabled it & leave an 'empty today', but with HButton, I can reach all frequently used apps within one single touch.
The RAM used by Titanium is 3.5MB+, compares to HTC Home @1.5MB+, & M2D @ 7MB+.
I like the looking of Honeucomb,(for showup only), but I also use QuickMenu, which is more functional.
Must to say that above experience are from the single ROM I've used only, maybe there are performance variaties on different ROMs & devices.
And at last, one of my most favarite part is the new PIE, it definitely can display whatever a desktop ie does except only one tab allowed.
I like 6.5. I find it runs pretty well on the kaiser, and I prefer its look to the old Windows 3.x interface found in the older versions. Plus, the finger scrolling is superb. And if you don't like the honeycomb, there are other start menu layouts, one example here. WM6.5 is just a band-aid to hold us over until WM7, but it's still a step in the right direction for Microsoft.
Dave
Yes, I think i will be waiting for wm7, but i just can't help myself any longer and I am going to take the plunge to wm6.5 on my Elfin or Wizard just to give it a go, I think it should run well on the elin with the RAM it has and without really checking out the custmizations, my assumptions is basically on the interface on standard screenshots i have seen.
thanks for the input guys, only a flash will i be able to add further opinions, as i am a heaver modder, and would need this to offer proper insight into the OS.
I've bounced back and forth between a couple 6.1 and 6.5 ROMs. I use TouchFLo because I hate 6.1's today screen and Titanium is pretty bland. I think that the current touchflo manila 2.1 is about the best you can get for WM6.1 currently, but I don't think manila 2.1 is streamlined for WM6.5. I feel like I'm taking a step back in integration and fluidness when I use Touchflo 2.1 and WM6.5. Not much, but it just seems off. This leads me to think that the new manila 2.5 is HTC's update to bring that integration and fluidness to WM6.5. The specualtion is that manila 2.5 is going to be for the new Firestone. While that is probably true, HTC has also mentioned that the new Topaz and Rhodium will get WM 6.5 upgrades. I would like to assume that this upgrade will also include manila 2.5 because if I feel that WM6.5 and TouchFlo 2.1 is lacking a complete feel then I would take that HTC has also noticed this. Yeah, I'm rambling I know. Just my thoughts. Bottom line on WM6.5 is that it seems like Microsoft just made a piss poor attempt at skinning there relic OS. That just pertains to the aesthetics though. I know there were unseen changes that do have their benefits.
(Sorry for all the "I feel and I would assumes", just ponderings)
I am just wondering what will be happen to HTC when windows mobile 7 is out ? Right now, we have the great Manila, which is in my opinion much more important for my daily use than the underlaying mobile OS. So I don´t care about windows mobile 6.1 or 6.5 it is not important for me, I need just ANY windows to use all my windows mobile tools. But everey new version of manila is the great new development at the moment: New tools, new usage, new design ! I could say for years with 6.1 when htc would update manila fast and steady. I have no problem to have nearly all tools twice, one from windows mobile and one from htc, for example calculator, contacts, calendar...
But what happens when v7 will arrive and Microsoft did everything new and hopefully better ?
First: If the ned design and UI is really great, we don´t need manila anymore. I don´t belive this but maybe it will happen and there is a problem for htc, because nobody wants manila and they are back thrown to just a hardware manufacture.
Second: Windows 7 UI is not so good. In this case we need manila, but we are still in the same situation than today: Everything is double on the device, one time from MS and one time from htc, which is not the best solution in terms of hardware resources, speed and funcionality compared to other mobile phones.
What do you think about this future ?
hans
Okay....
Just so I understand this clearly, your primary worry is regarding Manila's compatibility with Windows Mobile 7.
First: Yes, it's true that if the new Windows Mobile 7 is great, then Manila will be less needed, but I find that doubtful. Unless Microsoft copies Manila directly, then there will still be those who needs HTC's unique interface for whatever reason.
Also, I'm not sure if you realize this, but developing Manila actually cost HTC money. Companies often develop an interface for WinMo (Manila, Touchwiz, etc) because it is to hide the ugly original interface and to improve productivity. If they no longer have to do this, it would actually save them money. Hardware is, in fact, HTC's primary method of making money (after all, they don't sell Manila; it comes free).
Second: Yes, if WinMo 7's interface is not good, then more resources will be needed for the OS and the secondary interface, but the performance drop may not be as great as you think. One of the things about Windows Mobile 7 is that it is supposed to better utilize modern hardware, which will make it far more efficient. The increased resources needed will probably be more than offset by WM7's increased efficiency.
Secondly, if, for some strange reason, the combination of WinMo 7 and Manila ends up being too resource heavy, I really don't see this being a huge issue as hardware will inevitably be improved to handle any extra needed resources. Or XDA will end up taking care of any slack HTC has (and if the past few years have been any indication, there will be plenty of slack on HTC's side).
After all, one must remember that the WM6.1 stock ROM with HTC Manila is not exactly the fastest thing in the world.
Perhaps this is a little too much optimism, but I don't think we need to worry about WM7's interface. MS have been making a lot of great interfaces lately -- Win7, the Xbox 360, and the Zune all have extremely nice interfaces. WM7 is a big deal to MS, and I'm sure they're giving a lot of resources to developing a good UI. WM6.5 may seem like a disappointment, but all indications seem to be that 6.5 was purely a low-priority patch job.
As has been said, HTC will probably be BETTER off if they DON'T have to reskin the OS. Maybe instead they can spend those development resources on useful add-on tools instead of basic functionality.
And if the core WM7 UI is lame and HTC DOES feel the need to step up, I bet it'll be possible. MS knows that customization is practically the one thing they really still have over the competition, and I doubt they'll squash that.
What makes me optimistic is also that WinMo 6.5's titanium does not look so bad to me, as well as the new locking system...
Even if it does not provide as many functionnalities as a good old manila, it's still some improvement over the classic naked WinMo look and feel. What do you think ?