[Q] WP7 downgrade to WM 6.x - Windows Phone 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've been asking for this question for sometime, but maybe here I can get an answer.
The thing is that I do like this piece of hardware, but WP7 is just not working for me. It feels to me like I have a phone that is limited only to functions that I could have with 10 year old phone, or like having NOKIA 1400.
It's locked phone, limited to basic phone-mail-facebook functions. Apps are rubbish.
Instead of WP7, having WM 6.x on this phone would be great. So, is there a way to downgrade to WM 6.x?

if you own a HD2 it is possible to rollback to win 6.5, but on a native win phone 7 device it's not possible

But, if HD2 can switch to WM, why is impossible for other native WP7 devices to downgrade? Can it be possible to make dualboot?

mendoza1 said:
But, if HD2 can switch to WM, why is impossible for other native WP7 devices to downgrade? Can it be possible to make dualboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Omia 7 love dowgrade to wm 6.xx love ... love... pls!

mendoza1 said:
But, if HD2 can switch to WM, why is impossible for other native WP7 devices to downgrade? Can it be possible to make dualboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because HD2 isn't a native WP7 device.
XDA Windows Phone 7 App

airwa1kin7 said:
Because HD2 isn't a native WP7 device.
XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well DA! I do know that HD2 is native WM6, but if it is manageable for HD2 to switch from one to another, than similarity in some aspects do exist. I do refer to that similarity as a starting point for downgrading form WP7 to WM6.x.
Can a fact that it is possible to upgrade from WM to WP help in developing it's downgrade?

mendoza1 said:
Well DA! I do know that HD2 is native WM6, but if it is manageable for HD2 to switch from one to another, than similarity in some aspects do exist. I do refer to that similarity as a starting point for downgrading form WP7 to WM6.x.
Can a fact that it is possible to upgrade from WM to WP help in developing it's downgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only way to do that is if the bootloders on wp7 devices are hacked and modefide to acsept difrent os's
but i think you need to stay with this device a litle longer
imho it has the best UI for a mobile device out there
as for the apps that will come in time...
for exsample all i ever wanted from wp7 was a proper multy protocol messenger and now we have it IM+ rocks
also as soon as mango hits you wont be complaining as much cos most of the apps will be getting more functionality then the other oses put together... and i dont even want to know what MS has in store for the next upgrade
so my edvice is sit tight cos its gona be a wild ride from here on out... i just hope you have a non carier branded phone

Like lathera said, it's a bootloader thing. HD2 has HardSPL, which is a hacked bootloader that allows flashing of unsigned ROM's. Plus it has a user made bootloader over that to allow flashing of ROM for other OS's. The bootloader is highly tied into the OS. It's not to say it can't happen, it'd just take a developer(s) to complete these tasks to make it possible.

Windows Phone 7 is not for people who like to keep on playing, flashing with their devices. I have Android now and thats all you do. You waste your time with playing around (launchers, custom roms etc) and one day you get tired of it. I just want an OS that works and not an OS that i have to tweak to make it work.
If you want Windows Mobile 6.5 you have to get an HD2. Good luck with that and soon you will realize how crappy it is.

i just cant understand how can u preffer windows mobile 6.5 over windows phone 7.. hell.. the support on windows mobile 6.5 is till tomorrow.. and besides i doubt that anyone would want to develop a bootloader to run 6.5. that OS is so "past tuesday" it's and old thing that will remain only on pocket pc (like my Motorola Symbol).. which has 6.1 by the way, and it lack simple fuctionality like kinetic scrolling.. not the mention the SUPER UGLY interface.. but afterall it's your choice..

Yes, I do realize that WM is so last Friday. But feeling is claustrophobic when running WP7, it is all locked up.
I do consider to switch to HD2, but in the mean time there is no harm in asking around about future prospects for WP7.
There are a number of things that I miss in WP7, and it made me to consider switching back to the WM6. The moust obvious reasons are numerous apps that became essential over the time for me, settings that could be changed, smartphone dial, file explorer, support for various file types (not just basic multimedia extensions)... Don't see what is last Tuesday in that, mate.

lathera said:
the only way to do that is if the bootloders on wp7 devices are hacked and modefide to acsept difrent os's
but i think you need to stay with this device a litle longer
imho it has the best UI for a mobile device out there
as for the apps that will come in time...
for exsample all i ever wanted from wp7 was a proper multy protocol messenger and now we have it IM+ rocks
also as soon as mango hits you wont be complaining as much cos most of the apps will be getting more functionality then the other oses put together... and i dont even want to know what MS has in store for the next upgrade
so my edvice is sit tight cos its gona be a wild ride from here on out... i just hope you have a non carier branded phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running the latest Mango beta and it is much more functional; but it still seems to me that this platform is more about social networking than enterprise tasks.
That aside, how do I get IM+? I don't see it on the marketplace.
Finally, especially with good IM we need third party SIP support. I miss Swype terribly; these hundred words alone would have taken a fifth of the time on Swype.

Here is a link to IM+ http://www.freewarewp7.mobi/download-im-all-in-one-messenger.html

That's the bizarrest thing ever. I realize that WP7 is still missing a few features (nearly all of which are returning in Mango very shortly), but there is no way I'd ever go back to such an archaic OS as WM6 or even iOS

Good News
Dark Forces Team released HSPL for our WP7 devices
[DFT] HSPL / RSPL for HTC WP7 First Generation
so is it possible to flash WP6.5 to our WP7 devices?

mendoza1 said:
Yes, I do realize that WM is so last Friday. But feeling is claustrophobic when running WP7, it is all locked up.
I do consider to switch to HD2, but in the mean time there is no harm in asking around about future prospects for WP7.
There are a number of things that I miss in WP7, and it made me to consider switching back to the WM6. The moust obvious reasons are numerous apps that became essential over the time for me, settings that could be changed, smartphone dial, file explorer, support for various file types (not just basic multimedia extensions)... Don't see what is last Tuesday in that, mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree.. not having smart dialing and the unability to download a simple mp3 file over the internet is really frustrating.. but hey i just saw that cotulla released HSPL for windows phone device.. no there's some light in the tunnel.. and it's not from the incoming train there just might be some possibility to put WM or any other OS to our Windows phones.. so i guess our phones (HTC) are about to pick up the torch from the HD2

lukmanhakim08 said:
Dark Forces Team released HSPL for our WP7 devices
[DFT] HSPL / RSPL for HTC WP7 First Generation
so is it possible to flash WP6.5 to our WP7 devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that is for only flashing WP7 roms.
To get WM6.5 you would need the equivalent of MAGLDR on the HD2. Just get yourself an HD2 and then play with WM6.5, Android and WP7. Hardware is just as good as any wp7 handset.

It's not possible

goldbyte said:
It's not possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything is possible. Wait any months.

It's nice to see this topic alive, again.
Thanks everyone for the answers. It has been a while since this topic gave me hope for a better future if WP7 devices, but as time went by I have switched back to Windos Mobile 6.x device. It is a shame that this OS was, and is, a dissapointment, for me. Hardware that WP7 devices have, although exellent by all means, was shadowed by ill-made OS on the epic scale. I have enjoyed surfing the inernet on 7 PRO, but it was only that that was made for a highest grade, everything else (about software) was, and is, pure rubish.
Now, I have HD2, and although I miss real keyboard, I can manage to do my daily tasks as usual. Internet surfing experience is about 1/4 better on 7 PRO, but: Images on HD2 are better resolution (yes 7 PRO has 5MP camera, but it is far behind HD2s), much more programs and tools on standard ROM (which I use the most, and there for need), better file management, etc.
I do hope that it would be possible to install programs on to WP7 device, or, better yet, to have WM6 on WP7 device for it's own benefit. As the euphoria started with relasing WP7, on the start, and WP7 devices could be purhased anywhere, now the picture is all different, it is very hard to find a store with WP7 device.
And, for the conclusion, knowing WP7 and WM6, I wouldn't migrate to WP7 at all.
Best of all to ya!
Marry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Related

Likelihood of an Android Rom for HTC current phones...

We all have read about HTC wanting to be the first to come out with an Android handset. But my question is this, what is the likelihood of HTC having official roms of Android for some of the other current phones (IE the Kaiser, Touch, and Titan).
Just wondering if my TILT is going to be (officially) stuck with Windows Mobile for the next 2 years.....
same question i want an answer for.... i really wanna rid myself of this slooooooo wm os....
Official version put out by HTC? Doubtful.
Various cooked versions put out by the good people here at XDA? Almost certainly.
Exactly. There's no way HTC would cannibalize their success with an hipothetical Android based machine by offering this ROM for other devices.
But, of course, cooked ROMs are possible. The key factor here is hardware compatibility and drivers. If the official HTC Android ROMs are tied to some specific chipset and only have the drivers for that, you're out of luck.
Why is everyone so anti wm. I love it. There are advantages to having an os with an api so close to the desktop, ie many developers because its easy to learn.
I don't mind WM too much. Hey, we knew what we got when we bought our phones didn't we? I would like the choice of android however. Choice is always good and maybe it'll be better than what we have now. I'd say unofficial releases of Android for popular devices are likely. Just like we got unofficial WM6 releases.
As much as I think WM can be improved, i;d like to actually see and use android before I anoint it as a savior to smartphone/pda users.
Anything can look great in a controlled demo on YouTube. Let's see someone live with it for a week and then decide if its truly a replacement.
The iPhone UI, while quite impressive, still can't do half of what the WM phones can today. Yet the media love to say its the greatest thing on earth. I'm happy the iPhone Ui inspired lots of new WM development, but in the end, I still have a WM phone. And have bought to devices since the iPhone went live.
Want to run Android on Kaiser?
Check this out - running in an emulator via haret...
http://www.androidonhtc.com/kaiser/latest_builds
WinMo >>>>>> all other mobile operating systems....
jonsnowboard said:
Check this out - running in an emulator via haret...
http://www.androidonhtc.com/kaiser/latest_builds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haret is not an emulator, it´s a bootloader. WM shuts down when you boot Android with Haret.

Windows Mobile on Android is it possible?

Hi, I'm on Sprint phone carrier and I really want the HD2 phone, but I don't want to switch to another carrier, but Sprint said they are going to release HTC Supersonic phone which suppose to have same physical specs as HD2 but AMOLED screen and !no! Android! I don't want the android! I've been using WM since age of 5! I don't know what to do, so depressed. If it could be possible to dump HD2 rom and put it on HTC Supersonic... that could be cool... please tell me if something like that is at least theoretically possible.
It's incredibly unlikely, if not impossible, to put Windows Mobile on a device that didn't ship with it. In fact, no one's ever done it before, because it's way to difficult. The biggest problem is that Windows Mobile lacks a HAL, meaning that the kernel must directly support the hardware. This means that Windows Mobile ROMs are highly device dependant, and will not work on other devices for which they were not made for. In short, it's not going to happen. You'd have better luck purchasing a popular HTC Windows Mobile device and hoping someone ports Android to it. Sorry...
It's not possible to run Windows Mobile on Android devices. While there has been ports to do the reverse (Android on WM) like AndrOMINA, the hardware has to support Windows Mobile (which some CPUs don't) and the SPL (Secondary Program Loader) has to be configured to boot the WM ROM.
Android devices have their NAND Chips divided into various partitions, however WM has it all-in-one partition (correct me if I'm wrong).
Why do you want Windows Mobile on an Android device? Unless you know your techie stuff, pay Microsoft for the Windows Mobile source code, compile and test it on your Android device, not to mention the tasks of flashing, rooting, etc.
In other words, if you want Windows Mobile, go buy a WM phone that's out on the market today. Otherwise, if you get an Android phone, get used to android.
Windows Mobile will eventually die, while open source goodness will march on. (This is just my personal opinion, I don't hate Windows Mobile, but it's closed source and you can't do as much as you can with Android).
Cheers.
Coburn64 said:
Windows Mobile will eventually die, while open source goodness will march on. (This is just my personal opinion, I don't hate Windows Mobile, but it's closed source and you can't do as much as you can with Android).
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ran Android on my phone and played around with it... i didn't really liked it because it's not as customizable as windows mobile. Like I changed the registry on my phone and now I have free tethering on Sprint where I have to pay something like $40 to use it... on Android I simply couldn't find the calibration tool because my touch screen is a little messy. I have nothing against Android or Iphone OS, but I preffer Windows Mobile more for it's customizability so to say. Also I have perfect set of software for it that I only going to use... I hope windows mobile will survive and continue living... also i hope android will progress too.
depawlur said:
I ran Android on my phone and played around with it... i didn't really liked it because it's not as customizable as windows mobile. Like I changed the registry on my phone and now I have free tethering on Sprint where I have to pay something like $40 to use it... on Android I simply couldn't find the calibration tool because my touch screen is a little messy. I have nothing against Android or Iphone OS, but I preffer Windows Mobile more for it's customizability so to say. Also I have perfect set of software for it that I only going to use... I hope windows mobile will survive and continue living... also i hope android will progress too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do people hate WinMo though?
Its pretty great and the experience is good, if you talk about WinMo in a Iphone or Android forum they will act like you said a forbidden word and vice-versa.
Ace42 said:
Why do people hate WinMo though?
Its pretty great and the experience is good, if you talk about WinMo in a Iphone or Android forum they will act like you said a forbidden word and vice-versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because YOU use winmo. What's not to hate?
Ace42 said:
Why do people hate WinMo though?
Its pretty great and the experience is good, if you talk about WinMo in a Iphone or Android forum they will act like you said a forbidden word and vice-versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, that's true... I can understand those people, it's simply because they don't know all the features of WinMo and all smooth experience of Iphone or Android is a big + for those OS, after them you look at WinMo as a shabby and old-style OS, but... I like this feature on my phone for example: If i don't have my phone with me or it's charging in the bedroom i can simply access it over the internet and just drag'n'drop whatever files i need! Or login to my phone and check my messages, not even getting up from the couch or touching the phone!
This is a great + of WinMo and a grat - of other platforms. Other phones have cool stuff too like Google app store and Iphone store...
JAguirre1231 said:
Because YOU use winmo. What's not to hate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't actually use the phone, I just put Roms on it for my brother.I may play around with it though. I've owned a Iphone, touch pro and now have a Dream.Can't wait for that X10 though.
Ace42 said:
I don't actually use the phone, I just put Roms on it for my brother.I may play around with it though. I've owned a Iphone, touch pro and now have a Dream.Can't wait for that X10 though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally waiting for the dragon/bravo, a 4in. screen just seems TOO big. There's good big, then there is TOO big, the x10 is verging on TOO big. Great for typing, not so much for fitting in pockets.
Even if its not possible to run full blown Windows Mobile on an Android device, is there a way to emulate Windows Mobile within it? I have a large catalog of medical programs from WinMo that aren't yet available for Android and I really wish I could still use them. They're so useful, I'm half tempted to carry my old Tilt around without its SIM card. I would certainly pay for a program that let me use these old programs on my Android device and I believe others would too.
Coburn64 said:
It's not possible to run Windows Mobile on Android devices. While there has been ports to do the reverse (Android on WM) like AndrOMINA, the hardware has to support Windows Mobile (which some CPUs don't) and the SPL (Secondary Program Loader) has to be configured to boot the WM ROM.
Android devices have their NAND Chips divided into various partitions, however WM has it all-in-one partition (correct me if I'm wrong).
Why do you want Windows Mobile on an Android device? Unless you know your techie stuff, pay Microsoft for the Windows Mobile source code, compile and test it on your Android device, not to mention the tasks of flashing, rooting, etc.
In other words, if you want Windows Mobile, go buy a WM phone that's out on the market today. Otherwise, if you get an Android phone, get used to android.
Windows Mobile will eventually die, while open source goodness will march on. (This is just my personal opinion, I don't hate Windows Mobile, but it's closed source and you can't do as much as you can with Android).
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question, have you ever used a windows mobile phone? For the record WinMo is already dead, it died at 6.5 and likely isnt coming back in any form. We have windows phone 7now which is an entirely different OS altogether but has nothing to do with WinMo other than the distributor. Windows mobile is the single most customizable phone operating system out there. It's the only one you can customize every single aspect was. The main problem with it is you have to customize it before its really functional. Windows phone, though it lacks customization has a nicer UI than android or iphone by default and is capable of running much more powerful applications than android. I mean pick your poison but at least go into a conversation knowing what you're talking about but android though open is nowhere near as open as windows mobile.
... ... ...
My 3.8 inch screen fits well in my jean's pocket, or you can get a holster!!
depawlur said:
Haha, that's true... I can understand those people, it's simply because they don't know all the features of WinMo and all smooth experience of Iphone or Android is a big + for those OS, after them you look at WinMo as a shabby and old-style OS, but... I like this feature on my phone for example: If i don't have my phone with me or it's charging in the bedroom i can simply access it over the internet and just drag'n'drop whatever files i need! Or login to my phone and check my messages, not even getting up from the couch or touching the phone!
This is a great + of WinMo and a grat - of other platforms. Other phones have cool stuff too like Google app store and Iphone store...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention, along with all the good things WinMo is and does, is the excellent battery life. I have been using Android ROMs on my HD2 since they were available, and I also have OEM Android phones, and I recently...like a coupe days ago...re-flashed a WWE WinMo ROM back onto my HD2...hadn't used WinMo in like forever...and the battery life is just purely pleasing. It's so much better than the best Android phone I've ever used.
The biggest issue with WinMo are the apps...or lack thereof. All of the popular apps are missing and what apps there are seem crappy compared to the other systems. The social apps and social integration in WinMo are horrible. But the best thing I've found for WinMo to keep using it is Uno. LOL...the WinMo version of Uno is by far the best and is actually playable. Most other WinMo games are unusable.
And for WinMo not being open, whether that means the OS, I don't know, but there are tones of customs WinMo ROMs available and the system is actually more open than Android, in my opinion. Had MS stood behind WinMo and supported it for getting app devs like they are with WP7, they would have the best system going. But this brings to mind that WinMo isn't modern like the others are. It doesn't even natively support capacitive multi-touch display tech. That may have played a big role in MS abandoning it in favor of a ground-up new OS.
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bconover93 said:
lol. you'd hate the Galaxy Nexus' 4.65" screen then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Necro bumping ftw?
I love Windows 10 Mobile, love Android too. Both OS have - and + Android is open source that can be customized anytime, anywhere. Windows Mobile cannot be customized because it's not open source and only Microsoft can add and remove things in it. W10M is best Windows for mobile devices, you can buy a Lumia device, for example Microsoft Lumia 950. It's the best Lumia I ever seen and works soooo cool
I used a Windows Mobile device for years and only recently made the switch to Android. I had to do it because of the apps, they just aren't on WM.
Keep in mind Android is highly customizable. When I swapped I used a Windows-esque launcher with squares and a metro design to ease the transition. You can do other things as well to make it a very similar experience, at least in my opinion.
If you really want to stick with WM, and I can't blame you, go for the Nokia Lumia 950. The hardware and specs are pretty high end.

HD2 or Nexus One?

Help me choose!
Usage:
1. Watching video, mostly movies, without the hassle of converting formats, etc.
2. Browsing with the best experience possible
3. Cool things like on the HD2, i.e. Playstation emulation, bluetooth peripherals, USB Host functionality etc.
4. An easy to understand file system. I'm uncomfortable with Linux, thus my hesitation with Android.
Time I want to keep the device:
About two years. I want something reliable and something that won't bore me after a while.
Thanks for any help you guys provide.
I hope you are aware that you've already made your own choice.
Everything you've said is hinting at the HD2 already. Do you need us to reassure you that you are doing the right thing? It's really just a phone OP. Get the one you want. Don't let anyone else tell you what is right for you or tell you what you should want.
PoisonWolf said:
I hope you are aware that you've already made your own choice.
Everything you've said is hinting at the HD2 already. Do you need us to reassure you that you are doing the right thing? It's really just a phone OP. Get the one you want. Don't let anyone else tell you what is right for you or tell you what you should want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually am completely sold on the HD2, however the fact that in those two years that I'd want to keep the deivce, Android will probably be all the rage and we'd have the HD2 completely outdated without any WP7 support. That is my only concern.
hackm0d said:
I actually am completely sold on the HD2, however the fact that in those two years that I'd want to keep the deivce, Android will probably be all the rage and we'd have the HD2 completely outdated without any WP7 support. That is my only concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's your point?
You already stated that you're uncomfortable with Linux. And you pretty much want the HD2.
You can't have everything in this world. Pick one, use the device, enjoy the device and get your money's worth out of it. If you want WP7 support, wait one more year for the HD3. I'm pretty certain by then you'll have a 1.2 Ghz dual-core 4.5" screen monstrosity with a 2000 mAH battery pack running Windows Phone 7.
Whatever it is, do not buy the HD2 under the assumption that XDA will definitely port WP7 to it. To be more precise, buy a device for the features it has now, and don't bank on features that may or may not come.
What does uncomfortable with linux mean?
See if you can have a play with a decent android device and see if the usability improvements over winmo is worth it?
hackm0d said:
I want something reliable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's your answer. Keep away from Windows Mobile.
hackm0d said:
I actually am completely sold on the HD2, however the fact that in those two years that I'd want to keep the deivce, Android will probably be all the rage and we'd have the HD2 completely outdated without any WP7 support. That is my only concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for Leo, definetly the fastest device out there.
Don´t worry about upgrading to WP7, it will be possible for sure with the great Chefs and Devs from XDA
Android is nice and some are looking for it because it´s new...on my opinion is nice but immature and limited for now.
I´ll stick to WM for a while.
orb3000 said:
Don´t worry about upgrading to WP7, it will be possible for sure with the great Chefs and Devs from XDA
I´ll stick to WM for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree that xda will port it... But I dont think it would never reach a level that you can use it on a daily basis...
See android on wm devices... They have ported on many devices ( more than an year of work) but not fully fn for use on a daily basis ... Unless i missed something
Have to disagree
I have HTC Universal who originally was designed to run WM5 and now I am using it at it´s 100% capacity with WM6.5.
I don´t see why it can´t happen the same to Leo upgrading just one generation to WP7, it has the power and as I said the great minds here @XDA will sor it out for sure
Andorid example is completely another stuff, to port one OS to a completely different build device, that is limited for now but perhaps later will be full and stable, who knows...
orb3000 said:
Have to disagree
I have HTC Universal who originally was designed to run WM5 and now I am using it at it´s 100% capacity with WM6.5.
I don´t see why it can´t happen the same to Leo upgrading just one generation to WP7, it has the power and as I said the great minds here @XDA will sor it out for sure
Andorid example is completely another stuff, to port one OS to a completely different build device, that is limited for now but perhaps later will be full and stable, who knows...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, but WM5 uses the same WinCE 5.2 kernel that 6.x and 6.5.x have, so porting WM6.x to WM5 is very easy because everything is well documented, and everyone knows WinCE 5.2 inside and out already. The drivers, the bootloader, the file system, and everything else are all compatible because it's the same exact kernel. It's a whole different ballgame when you have completely different OS kernel (WinCE 7) that nobody here knows indepth, which has specific hardware requirements and most likely needs a completely rewritten SPL, drivers, etc. and uses a completely different file system, and ROM update system. It's not going to be easy, if even possible at all, to port WM7 to the HD2 without getting the internal Microsoft builds they're testing on the HD2 (which will never be publicly released). What I'm trying to say is, don't get your hopes up on a WM7 port.
@OP: As others have said, you've basically made that decision yourself. Android is based on Linux, so if you don't like Linux, don't go with Android. If you get the HD2, get it because you like the features it currently has, since you will likely not see new ones besides a somewhat functional port of Android and some backported software from newer WM6.x phones. The HD2 will probably stay the way it is now, so only buy it if you're willing to stay with the same everything for the next few years. That being said, all the devices you listed are very popular, well made devices, and I don't think that you could really be unhappy with your device no matter what you get. I do know, if it makes any difference to you, that a PSX emulator was shown on video this week running on a Nexus One and USB host functionality was ported specifically to the Nexus One as well.
DaveTheTytnIIGuy said:
Ah, but WM5 uses the same WinCE 5.2 kernel that 6.x and 6.5.x have, so porting WM6.x to WM5 is very easy because everything is well documented, and everyone knows WinCE 5.2 inside and out already. The drivers, the bootloader, the file system, and everything else are all compatible because it's the same exact kernel. It's a whole different ballgame when you have completely different OS kernel (WinCE 7) that nobody here knows indepth, which has specific hardware requirements and most likely needs a completely rewritten SPL, drivers, etc. and uses a completely different file system, and ROM update system. It's not going to be easy, if even possible at all, to port WM7 to the HD2 without getting the internal Microsoft builds they're testing on the HD2 (which will never be publicly released). What I'm trying to say is, don't get your hopes up on a WM7 port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are right, but still have my hopes
Something for sure can be done
The thing is though, I will not have an always-on internet connection on any of these phones. Even then, it won't be 3G, it'll be EDGE or GPRS. From that standpoint, how much functionality of each of the phones will be reduced? Android has the push e-mail, social integration and app updates that need internet to function. Do you think without internet much of the functionality of the homescreen and Android itself (over Windows Mobile) is negated?
Why not the dell streak? It just came out in the UK, it has a 5" screen, which is great for videos. Also, ZodTTD is working on a PSX emulator and the streak should be getting a 2.2 upgrade within a few months (sooner with the root progress over at modaco). Engadget review.
hackm0d said:
The thing is though, I will not have an always-on internet connection on any of these phones. Even then, it won't be 3G, it'll be EDGE or GPRS. From that standpoint, how much functionality of each of the phones will be reduced? Android has the push e-mail, social integration and app updates that need internet to function. Do you think without internet much of the functionality of the homescreen and Android itself (over Windows Mobile) is negated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edge or GPRS works great for things like facebook updates or email. WinMo is old and will not be receiving new games or programs. Also, you dont need the facebook feeds and other crap android has. I rarely use them.
Okay I waited on buying the phone today and probably will not until I have a definite conclusion. Please, if anyone with any of these phones answers this I would mighty appreciate it. I am only doing this because WM will soon be outdated and this is my chance to jump onto the Android bandwagon. If I can be convinced that any of these phones can perform as I am used to in Windows Mobile, I'll switch with the feeling that I've bought something future proof.
Questions for Android users:
1. If you have customized Windows Mobile, how is Android in comparison? Do I need to have a comprehensive knowledge of Linux in order to customize it? In WM you usually just install a CAB file or edit a registry entry. Is it the same in Android, or easier?
2. How is movie watching on the screen? Does it look good for a two hour or so movie or would I have to squint?
3. Same question as above for web browsing. Any Flash support? Can I read an article online without any squinting?
4. Is utilitarian app availability (e.g file managers, task managers, CPU speed editors, etc.) as good as Windows Mobile? This is one of the more important ones.
5. How is the camera in either Android devices? I'm going to do a lot of video capture, and as such how are the results?
6. Is there any sync software available (such as WMDC w/ Windows Mobile) for Android that performs similar things, i.e. backing up all memory, contacts, pictures, etc.?
7. Which of these devices has had better community progress? The Nexus has been hacked to have USB host functionality and lots of custom ROMs are being developed. By a community support perspective, which one is better supported? The Desire or Nexus One?
hackm0d said:
Help me choose!
Usage:
1. Watching video, mostly movies, without the hassle of converting formats, etc.
2. Browsing with the best experience possible
3. Cool things like on the HD2, i.e. Playstation emulation, bluetooth peripherals, USB Host functionality etc.
4. An easy to understand file system. I'm uncomfortable with Linux, thus my hesitation with Android.
Time I want to keep the device:
About two years. I want something reliable and something that won't bore me after a while.
Thanks for any help you guys provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your point 1 leads me to advise you to get the HD2, but honestly I think it is too big for a phone.
I'd go with the Nexus One anyday. Froyo just made it even better.
hackm0d said:
1. If you have customized Windows Mobile, how is Android in comparison? Do I need to have a comprehensive knowledge of Linux in order to customize it? In WM you usually just install a CAB file or edit a registry entry. Is it the same in Android, or easier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you doing the customizing yourself or installing a cab file? For android we install apk, zip files, or we apply a metamorph. That may sound hard but trust me it is very easy. If you like to make your own there are plenty of guides online.
hackm0d said:
2. How is movie watching on the screen? Does it look good for a two hour or so movie or would I have to squint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N1 has an amazing screen and everyone I know can not believe how sharp my movies are.
hackm0d said:
3. Same question as above for web browsing. Any Flash support? Can I read an article online without any squinting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One the N1 with froyo, yes.
hackm0d said:
4. Is utilitarian app availability (e.g file managers, task managers, CPU speed editors, etc.) as good as Windows Mobile? This is one of the more important ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if not better.
hackm0d said:
5. How is the camera in either Android devices? I'm going to do a lot of video capture, and as such how are the results?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video on any cellphone is not going to be the greatest, but I am very happy with my camera.
hackm0d said:
6. Is there any sync software available (such as WMDC w/ Windows Mobile) for Android that performs similar things, i.e. backing up all memory, contacts, pictures, etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a gmail account you are in the google "cloud" so all your contacts will be fine. Titanium Backup is a great app for everything else.
hackm0d said:
7. Which of these devices has had better community progress? The Nexus has been hacked to have USB host functionality and lots of custom ROMs are being developed. By a community support perspective, which one is better supported? The Desire or Nexus One?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N1 easily. It is very easy to unlook and with no risk of bricking. The Desire on the other hand is something you have to cross your fingures and hope you get lucky even if you do everything right.
Thanks jz9833, that's the desire ruled out.
btw what WM device have you used before the Nexus that makes you say this?
hackm0d said:
Thanks jz9833, that's the desire ruled out.
btw what WM device have you used before the Nexus that makes you say this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had a Wizard, Tilt, Fuze, and Tilt 2.
It was really hard for me to leave the WM enviroment, but once I did it I never looked back. The only things I miss are native office mobile apps. The ones android comes will only support viewing and not editting. Since I rarely used this on WM it's not an issue for me but could be for some. There are some apps in the market for this though.
Also you will need to download a file manager, but there are plenty of great options.
Divx files are no supported for now. You wil need to convert all video files to an mp4 format which sucks, but you will not regret it.
hackm0d said:
Thanks jz9833, that's the desire ruled out.
btw what WM device have you used before the Nexus that makes you say this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the WM Hermes & HD. After trying the Nexus, I have never looked back. Maybe someday I'll try WM7 if it ever get's here?

The best next-gen OS for hacking/technophiles- Goodbye WinMo6.5

Now with the advent of "Windows Phone 7" it seems the hackers/technophile/cooks choice of os, the venerable "Windows Mobile 6.5" is entering the realm of obscolesence as did the classic Palm OS.
It's a shame as support and app development for 6.5 is already getting pretty scarce as everyone jumps to new OSes. Granted that 6.5 is an aging system based on an even older base, but at least it does what I want it to do.
The new version 7 seems like version 1 of iOS and seems like a revolutionary new system but at the same time a big step backwards in functionality, at least what I am used to with 6.5. I got hooked on WinMo with it's seamless Outlook integration and amazing customizability. Android is great but it is plugged into Google and their services but if you don't use them then it is a pain. Blackberry is nice, built on top of WinMo's Activesync idea with Exchange server, but ultimately far too simple for my phone needs.
Anyhow I have relegated myself to accepting the death of my phone OS of choice, but I am unsure which OS should be my next one of choice. Handsets aside because nowadays there are very similar form factors for each OS, save for the ever fixed iPhone.
So what do you guys think, what is the next OS of choice post WinMo 6.5?
edit:I forgot to add webOS to the list, could the mods add it please?
I'd be inclined to say Maemo 5 or WebOS.
I'm pretty sure WebOS even tells you in the instruction manual how to root it! But it could be on par with Android.
As for Maemo, there is a large, clever developer scene there.
khsbenny said:
I'd be inclined to say Maemo 5 or WebOS.
I'm pretty sure WebOS even tells you in the instruction manual how to root it! But it could be on par with Android.
As for Maemo, there is a large, clever developer scene there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maemo looks very interesting, but is it really suited to put onto my phone? Seems more geared towards internet or multimedia devices rather than actually on a phone.
Is there a place where you can find builds for HTC Phones?
maemo is good for technies.
the ultimate solution for geeks(but only for them) is neo freeruner though
WM in any version
possibilities are infinite
orb3000 said:
WM in any version
possibilities are infinite
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are not counting "Windows Phone" OS as Windows Mobile right?
Yes I am, in other words WM or WP but will stick to Windows (at least for a year or so, later will see...)
In a year or so I plan on switching to either Android or WebOS, depending on the handsets out at the time. Maemo also looks pretty good. I'm over windows mobile now, mostly I want a phone thats perfectly reliable in every curcumstance and has better battery life. I like customisation but I would go without it if it was necessary. What I will miss is the stylus, I like to scribble out notes on the run.
phony said:
So what do you guys think, what is the next OS of choice post WinMo 6.5?
edit:I forgot to add webOS to the list, could the mods add it please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For customization and functionality? I would say Maemo probably tops the list in sheer potential, but frankly, I would advocate Android for pragmatism. Android has a much larger developer base (which includes the XDA forums here), it is much more established and has a larger app library, and, more importantly, it has the strong support of Google.

Why WP7 on HD2 ? I would rather have WinMo 6.5 on HTC 7 pro ...

Hello World,
I really don't understand why, but I know there are some people that want WP7 on their "old" devices like HD2 and that some great gurus on XDA are working hard to do it
Yet personally I just hate WP7 and I would like to know if the opposite initiative exists or would be possible : I would like to have good old WinMo 6.5 on newer hardware
I'd love to have something with at least 1 ghz horsepower like HD2, a big capacitive screen but also with a hardware keyboard like desire Z or HTC 7 pro ... running WinMo.
Do you know if there are some hacking attempts to make work wm 6.5 on new devices designed for wp7 or android ?
Cheers,
Nibbler.
Doubt it, WM is about the only OS versatile enough to launch a different OS altogether. I personally wouldnt touch 6.5 again with a 10 foot pole, I dont want to modify my phone for a week before it gains some functionality.
There are plenty of people, like myself, who would love to trade our HD2's for an HD7. Different strokes.
z33dev33l said:
Doubt it, WM is about the only OS versatile enough to launch a different OS altogether. I personally wouldnt touch 6.5 again with a 10 foot pole, I dont want to modify my phone for a week before it gains some functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you will find android is just as able to launch a diffrent os .... linux based os's like ubuntu can be easly launched from android
Linux on top of linux isnt that impressive... and linux itself is kinda a letdown as is. I mean I know that its capable of a bunch of cool additional features but just like android you have to tinker with it for forever before it's usable.
uberamd said:
There are plenty of people, like myself, who would love to trade our HD2's for an HD7. Different strokes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give it time and I'm sure there will be plenty of people you can swap with
Old?
LOL, it´s funny how now we are used to call "old" to a year old device
I prefer Leo because I can switch between Android and WM and soon with WP7 and that´s the freedom I want on a phone.
Doubt WP7 will have the option to load WM but if I´m wrong probably then and only then I should consider it.
I agree, I would love to have the "option" to put 6.5 on a WP7 phone...just gota figure out that flash card thing !
Just because every app for 6.5 is not available for WP7 yet and won't be for a long time, basic stuff like RDC is not there yet and I need it.
z33dev33l said:
Doubt it, WM is about the only OS versatile enough to launch a different OS altogether. I personally wouldnt touch 6.5 again with a 10 foot pole, I dont want to modify my phone for a week before it gains some functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on both points : WM is the most versatile mobile OS ... and yes most of the time you have to tweak it a lot. Yet from my point of view, WM as a core and some graphical user friendly interface above like Sense gives to the user "the best of the two worlds" : a powerful and tweakable machine but also user friendly out of the box
orb3000 said:
Old?
LOL, it´s funny how now we are used to call "old" to a year old device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also double quoted "Old" in my post
DavidinCT said:
I agree, I would love to have the "option" to put 6.5 on a WP7 phone...just gota figure out that flash card thing !
Just because every app for 6.5 is not available for WP7 yet and won't be for a long time, basic stuff like RDC is not there yet and I need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely
Now that I´ve tested WP7 on my leo I must confess I prefer Windows Mobile
Read my article tomorrow in the Portal to know more
Just to try to clarify my thought :
even if certainly difficult, would it be possible or totally unthinkable to "cross-flash" let's say a tweaked HD2 rom, with some touch pro 2 keyboard drivers cooked inside, over a HD7pro or Desire Z machine if the hardware between HD2 and HD7pro/Desire Z are quite similar ?
orb3000 said:
Now that I´ve tested WP7 on my leo I must confess I prefer Windows Mobile
Read my article tomorrow in the Portal to know more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also think WM is just 10000 better and more powerful than WP7
Personally I just don't understand why WP7 is making such a buzz ... and even inside the techno-geeks people community
What makes me sad it is not that m$ has made WP7 ... (if some people are willing to pay to have a uglier and not customizable OS with less features, it's after all their choice ) ... what makes me sad is that WM a much more capable and versatile OS is dying
orb3000 said:
Now that I´ve tested WP7 on my leo I must confess I prefer Windows Mobile
Read my article tomorrow in the Portal to know more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One day working with WP7 on a hacked device gives you a firm base to run a compare of the two? I don't think so mate, that would be poor journalism at best.
Lord.Nibbler said:
I also think WM is just 10000 better and more powerful than WP7
Personally I just don't understand why WP7 is making such a buzz ... and even inside the techno-geeks people community
What makes me sad it is not that m$ has made WP7 ... (if some people are willing to pay to have a uglier and not customizable OS with less features, it's after all their choice ) ... what makes me sad is that WM a much more capable and versatile OS is dying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, I agree except the uglier part. People for the most part arent members of XDA developers. Who wants a phone that you have to tweak for days before it becomes something functional? Maybe an XDA member. Who wants a phone that you still have to bust a stylus out sometimes to hit some menu options? Maybe an XDA member. I would trade all of that in any day for the most fluid UI, intelligent keyboard, and music interface on a phone to date.
The reason for this is ......... just because.
The HTC HD2 is an awesome phone, that should be the basis of any number of other phones. Its very hackable, its stable, it works well, its epically user-friendly and it doesn't have any significant downsides. Its also very easy to change the bootloader on and we've seen the effectiveness of MAGLDR and other options.
Asking why is sort of like asking why Linux exists. It exists because its something people find useful and interesting. Some people find it awesome to hack, some find it great to use. Most don't know about it and never change their phone in any way.
I'm personally waiting to see iOS4 running on the HD2. That will be interestingly epic.
Probably the reason is WM6.5 is pretty much dead, and WP7 isn't. You aren't going to see any new apps or new development for WM6.5. All the latest apps are going to be for iPhone, Android, and WP7.
It's kind of a shame, I think 6.5 seems quite fluid and finger-friendly on my Touch Diamond running Energy ROM. However, none of the games and apps I have for iPhone and Android are available for WM6.5.
z33dev33l said:
Eh, I agree except the uglier part. People for the most part arent members of XDA developers. Who wants a phone that you have to tweak for days before it becomes something functional? Maybe an XDA member. Who wants a phone that you still have to bust a stylus out sometimes to hit some menu options? Maybe an XDA member. I would trade all of that in any day for the most fluid UI, intelligent keyboard, and music interface on a phone to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just two points :
- In fact uglier or not uglier is just a matter of taste, so I wont argue on that even if I found the WP7 interface horrible ... The real point that is really ugly is that fact that m$ is becoming dictatorial and decided to prevent people to have the right to change it or customize it to suit their needs Personally I will never pay for an OS that will prevent me to do what I want to do. The OS must suit my needs, not the contrary
- And as for the tweaking ... if you take a phone like the HD2 WM+Sense, you have a pretty good power over user friendliness balance, certainly far far better than any of the WP7 devices...
zedd_D1abl0 said:
The reason for this is ......... just because.
The HTC HD2 is an awesome phone, that should be the basis of any number of other phones. Its very hackable, its stable, it works well, its epically user-friendly and it doesn't have any significant downsides. Its also very easy to change the bootloader on and we've seen the effectiveness of MAGLDR and other options.
Asking why is sort of like asking why Linux exists. It exists because its something people find useful and interesting. Some people find it awesome to hack, some find it great to use. Most don't know about it and never change their phone in any way.
I'm personally waiting to see iOS4 running on the HD2. That will be interestingly epic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you've maybe misunderstood me : I don't ask "why HD2 ?" because I also think it is by far the best smartphone on the market even today or why hacking which is more and more logical and legitimate when major companies try to restrict features as much as possible just to try to sell you a shiny new new revolutionary "copy & paste" upgrade a few month later...
My point is : for now I won't change my HD2, I don't think that I will find a better phone on the market in the near future...
I mean, hardware is improving and some really nice 1 ghz+ sliding keyboard like HD7 pro will be soon available... but for me WP7 is just a wobbly dumbphone OS that will prevent me to buy such phone.
But HD2 won't last forever ... so I was just trying to know if there would be a chance that the creativity of the xda gurus could be orientated to try to keep alive WM on newer hardware, as m$ certainly won't do it, as it is more profitable for them to push forward Wobbly Phone 7
GnatGoSplat said:
Probably the reason is WM6.5 is pretty much dead, and WP7 isn't. You aren't going to see any new apps or new development for WM6.5. All the latest apps are going to be for iPhone, Android, and WP7.
It's kind of a shame, I think 6.5 seems quite fluid and finger-friendly on my Touch Diamond running Energy ROM. However, none of the games and apps I have for iPhone and Android are available for WM6.5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it's even better on a HD2 than on a diamond
The fact is that even if WM6.5 is dying ... there are still a lot more apps on WM6.5 than WP7 and you also find apps on WM that you won't find on Android or iPhone.
And developers are stopping to develop on WM6.5 because they think that there is no future...
But maybe if WP7 sales are very low, and power users still try to keep alive WM6.5 and show that they won't accept this forced regression ... maybe m$ will change their minds and they will give us back some power features, customisation and compatibility with WM6.5. After all, WP7 core is still windows CE based so it is just an artificial and arbitrary tie up.
They ditched all the easy access for a UI that's not terrible without a stylus. Fair trade in my opinion. I like 6.5 but I didn't like building up my hd2 with custom everything before I could call it functional. Complain about c & p all you want I never used it. I did however use the keyboard, the menus, the dialer, the SMS programs, email integration, etc. None of which could be considered useful if even functional on 6.5. I'll take an os i don't have to mod to make it awesome over one i can mod in a number of ways any time.

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