MoDaCo - Automatic Application Update Check (AppToDate)

[Mark Crouch]

Paul over at MoDaCo is starting to get some interest in a new application he's developing - basically it involves developers providing some XML with their installer that ties in with some similar XML on the applications' download page on their web server.

When a new version is released, the XML on the download page is updated, "AppToDate" will check the download server and you'll be able to see that a new version is available.......

AstraWare, Developer One and SK-Tools have already expressed an interest in making their software work with "AppToDate".......what are you waiting for!?!?!

I'll stop babbling, this is what Paul posted over at MoDaCo "AppToDate" (http://www.modaco.com/Lend-support-generic-u-t258878.html)

I have a dream! OK, so it's not quite as ground breaking as some other dreams of our time, but it's a dream none the less. It goes something like this...

I have a whole bunch of software on my device. Probably 15 apps at least. I also write software, which is downloaded by a fair few people, both commercial and free. I like to ensure that my software on my device is up to date with the latest versions, and it's a right pain in the ****. Not only that, I'd like my end users to have the latest versions installed to get the best possible experience... and to facilitate that I have to write a custom update checker into each of my applications. Fine for big apps, not great for quickly rustled up apps or tweaks.

But there could be another way. http://content.modaco.net/imagewell/Updater.png

What if you could have an application that lived on the device, that wasn't tied to any one application or vendor, that could check for updates for everything installed on your device? IMHO, that would be awesome. A dream. For such an approach to work, you'd need a few things...
Someone to write the update application, and to develop it. A community project perhaps?

The update application MUST be FREE for end users and developers
The update application MUST be easy for developers to plug in to
The application needs to be used by end users!
Freeware developers need to use the application!
Commercial developers need to use the application!
Now here comes the audience participation part - if you are a user, would you like to see such an application? If you are a developer - either freeware or commercial - would you like - and would you use - such an application? Make your voice heard here, and if there's an appetite for this, let's make it happen! I'll be updating this topic to list developers who would like to be involved.

Oh, I forgot to mention... I've basically written the update application! It's simple, has plenty of scope for future development, can update itself (of course) and in order to be used by a 3rd party, just needs an XML file dropped into the updater directory from your install CAB, and a current version XML on your server!

Beautiful! The response to this topic will determine how much time I spend on getting it production ready

P


Lend your support to this - with all the updates for various applications flying around, it's an almost impossible task to know if you're running the latest and greatest version - hopefully it will grow into a REALLY useful tool.

Thanks for listening :D

Mark.

[famewolf]

This would also work well for new versions of everyone's favorite rom's....




Paul over at MoDaCo is starting to get some interest in a new application he's developing - basically it involves developers providing some XML with their installer that ties in with some similar XML on the applications' download page on their web server.

When a new version is released, the XML on the download page is updated, "AppToDate" will check the download server and you'll be able to see that a new version is available.......

AstraWare, Developer One and SK-Tools have already expressed an interest in making their software work with "AppToDate".......what are you waiting for!?!?!

I'll stop babbling, this is what Paul posted over at MoDaCo "AppToDate" (http://www.modaco.com/Lend-support-generic-u-t258878.html)



Lend your support to this - with all the updates for various applications flying around, it's an almost impossible task to know if you're running the latest and greatest version - hopefully it will grow into a REALLY useful tool.

Thanks for listening :D

Mark.

[paulobrien]

Beta version suitable for app developers, ROM chefs and 'cabbers' now at http://apptodate.modaco.com

Free of course for developers AND end users, and I know at least a couple of chefs who are planning to cook it into the ROM (I'll be offering an OEM package early next week to supplement the existing CAB).

Come on over and get involved, let's get everyone supporting this! :D

P

[Ather]

Great work modaco..will look at it

[Chainfire]

WMWifiRouter will support this with the next release.

[paulobrien]

I have now releaed a version with the necessary configs to enable ROM update notifications.

ROM chefs: please contact me if you have any questions re: cooking into the ROM and notifying your users of updates!

Note that via the stats mechanism, you can watch how many people are checking for updates on your ROM!

P

[Ather]

Hey modaco..im cooking my ROM so i would like to use your wonderful app in it..kindly PM me the instructions or post it here..i would also like u tell me how to integrate stats mechansim

[paulobrien]

Check your PM! :)

P

[l3v5y]

Sounds like a great idea, but one slight problem I have with it is: if the app is not hosted on it's own website, what can be done?

I haven't had time to dig any deeper than reading this, although I'm now going to look at the "Official site" and see what info I can get.

[paulobrien]

All you need to be able to host is 1 XML file somewhere! :)

P

[l3v5y]

Now... How can I get this into a ROM?

[paulobrien]

- Get the CAB from here: http://www.modaco.com/content/AppToDate/267096/Download-AppToDate/
- Extract the AppToDate.exe
- Put AppToDate.exe in \Windows
- Create your ROM XML file (see below)
- Use initflashfiles to put your XML file in \Application Data\AppToDate
- Host your ROM file online in the URL you put in the XML

When you update your ROM, simply increment the version number in the online XML, and people will see the notification!

When you have this done, let me know and i'll give you your stats URL!

Here's what the XML (e.g. l3v5y.rom.1.xml) will look like:

<application>
<name>l3v5y's ROM</name>
<version>1.0</version>
<description>You are using the first release ROM version. Keep checking back for updates!</description>
<versionurl>http://www.mysite.com/apptodate/l3v5y.rom.xml</versionurl>
</application>

And when you have an update available, change the online version to:


<application>
<name>l3v5y's ROM</name>
<version>1.1</version>
<description>Current ROM version is available from http://www.mysite.com, and includes the following changes over v1.0....</description>
<versionurl>http://www.mysite.com/apptodate/l3v5y.rom.xml</versionurl>
</application>

Remember when building your ROM to grab apptodate as late as possible, as there are regular updates atm (altho, when you put it in ROM, it will still auto update itself anyway!)

[paulobrien]

Remember to load up your XML in IE on your PC to check it's correctly formed.

P

[paulobrien]

If you have CAB extensions to your ROM of course, it's a great way to keep those up to date for users too (and again, get some stats)

P

[l3v5y]

Just making sure the exe didn't need to Go somewhere special, I can get xmls to work thanks to UC provisioning! Does the updater itself need an XML ( could unpack the cab and see but it's too late for that timewise) ?

Who wants to host some xmls? Or maybe I should just get a site...

I'll see to that stuff tomorrow, or is that today?

Thanks for the standard and I hope it gets used lots 'cause it'll save me a lot of time!

[l3v5y]

Quick question: does the checking/downloading system work with FTP or just HTTP?

[Ather]

Just to remind you..anchillus was also working on a project related to Windows Updating..but i dnt know what happened to it....

[paulobrien]

AppToDate doesn't need it's own XML.

I imagine HTTP only is the best bet.

Get yourself a free account here and you'll be sorted: http://www.zymic.com/free-web-hosting/

:)

P

[paulobrien]

Here's anichillus' post:

http://www.anichillus.net/index.php?topic=33.msg%25msg_id%25

Which isn't really related per se. I like his idea tho, that would be cool!

P

[l3v5y]

Thats some mighty fine marketing! And the "conformation" e-mail has crashed outlook...

[gman8966]

Dont know if I'm missing something, but I install the .cab and when I run it I get the error:

"The unexpected error has occurred in apptodate.exe"

[l3v5y]

I'm just finalising my ROM release, but it should be up later today, with this system embedded and working...

[l3v5y]

Dont know if I'm missing something, but I install the .cab and when I run it I get the error:

"The unexpected error has occurred in apptodate.exe"
Were you connected to the internet?
Were there any XML files to check updates? Actually, that shouldn't matter as it will check itself anyway...
Tried a soft reset?

[Ather]

Just one question..if i make a cabfile and want my users to know when theere is an Update...would the user has to have A2D Installed in his device ??

[l3v5y]

To use the AppToDate system, I would assume so... You could include the exe itself in the cab, so that users will have it anyway...

[Ather]

Thanks for the Heads up..will do that

[l3v5y]

My only problem so far is that I have cooked a shortcut to AppToDate.exe into Programs/Tools when AppToDate updates itself, it creates a new shortcut under "Programs" The old one remains where it is and I now have two shortcuts to the same thing.

Little pointer for people: the path for the xml check is case sensitive. Not a problem except for the fact I didn't realise the first time and had to change the name on the internet...

[Ather]

Here is an OEM Package for A2D..If you dont know how to put it in your ROM..Read this Post carefully http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2120987&postcount=12

[paulobrien]

Thats some mighty fine marketing! And the "conformation" e-mail has crashed outlook...
Eh?

Confused!

P

[paulobrien]

My only problem so far is that I have cooked a shortcut to AppToDate.exe into Programs/Tools when AppToDate updates itself, it creates a new shortcut under "Programs" The old one remains where it is and I now have two shortcuts to the same thing.

Little pointer for people: the path for the xml check is case sensitive. Not a problem except for the fact I didn't realise the first time and had to change the name on the internet...
The path is case sensitive if your web server is case sensitive!

P

[gman8966]

Were you connected to the internet?
Were there any XML files to check updates? Actually, that shouldn't matter as it will check itself anyway...
Tried a soft reset?

Yes, I am connected to the internet, even tried installing when connected. No change.

Let me see if I am right. To check for updates, I can simply install this cab and it will check for updates to supported programs correct?

Edit: Program now works with modaco's update.

[l3v5y]

You install the cab and then run the AppToDate exe.

[paulobrien]

New version posted (http://donald.modaco.com/apptodate/apptodate.cab), fixes crash if \Application Data\AppToDate is not present.

P

[l3v5y]

Now to get the updater to update itself...

I'm just uploading my ROM now. The xml itself is hosted here: http://l3v5y.zymichost.com/AppToDate/iProphetApptodate.xml

Whoops... Wrong link (capitalisation etc...)

[l3v5y]

Found a little bug! If there are no updates, and you accidentaly click the "update" button, it crashes stating:

NullReferenceException at MoDaCo.$.$()

This might be due to the fact it's not connected I'll test that and report back.

[paulobrien]

Yup, in the Beta stage a lot of the error handling is disabled for bug-tracking, I will enable it all in a build v soon.

The update button should be greyed if no updates, hmm, will check it out in the morning :D

P

[l3v5y]

This happened when both the update checks (my ROM and the apps own) "failed" as my device was not connected to anything.

[paulobrien]

Yeah, you need an internet connection!

P

[dbb]

the application runs ok on my orbit 2.

how do i get it to recognize programs to update?
i have no data installed and that is not recognised

[l3v5y]

Each program that is compatable with this will place an xml file in \Application Data\AppToDate. If the version of no data you have is not recent enough to support this, it won't get updated...

[paulobrien]

Added a test OEM package to the developer guide:

http://www.modaco.com/content/AppToDate/267098/Developer-guide-how-to-include-AppToDate-support/

P

[l3v5y]

Will AppToDate download any file other than a CAB? I'm just thinking about potential applications for this program including what was posted in the thread about paypal donate functionality.

[paulobrien]

At the moment it only does CABs, but over in the AppToDate forum (http://apptodate.modaco.com) i'm happy to take any suggestions re: future functionality.

It is in pre-release Beta after all!

P

[hagisbasheruk]

A2D reminds me of a program on the PSP called InstallOtron by Fanjita and his crew,it has been adopted by loads of developers and makes choosing and upgrading software a pleasure,it connects to the PSP Homebrew Database (http://www.psp-homebrew.eu/) to download/upgrade to the latest software.
I look forward to Ather90's Qtek2020 rom with this and UC added and will keep a keen eye on AppToDate

[paulobrien]

Congrats to the Athena Project for a very successful AppToDate ROM inclusion! :D

P

[paulobrien]

Now this is neat ;)

P

http://www.revver.com/video/858524/apptodate-ota-rom-download/

[Ather]

OMG :eek: ...finally

is it available for download

[l3v5y]

I agree with ather90s question! Although, given what you said at the end of the video, it's already there. How can we implement it?

A question of my own though: will it work with older devices? As of yet, I have seen no viable way to flash my Prophet using the SD Card except using a raw data dump that can only be used as a backup, and can't be copied directly...

[paulobrien]

It just needs chefs to add support.

It should work with any device with HardSPL according to Olipro (who I have been chatting with about the project)...

P

[Ather]

will it work with older devices?

i am also wondering about this..if it will work on older devices..it well let manu users with Broken connectors Flash Latest Roms

[pananza]

Great idea. Would you conisder to extend to install new applications as well? I'm thinking of applications not already on the device. A list of various applications sortet by category would be nice. The hacked iPhones has something like that already, and it's a fast and convenient way to get new apps and update your existing ones.

You would then need to host a library xml file of some kind somewhere and have some sort of way for developers to apply for having their app added.

[paulobrien]

Yes, this is planned!

P

[l3v5y]

It just needs chefs to add support.

It should work with any device with HardSPL according to Olipro (who I have been chatting with about the project)...

P
How does one add support?

[paulobrien]

Developer guide will be online soon.

Basically...

- include my OEM package
- add a small XML on device and online
- when you need to update, update XML online and put NBH online

:D

P

[l3v5y]

What xml tags are needed? Is it something like <nbhurl>? or something more complex and inventive?

[Dtrieb]

Would it possible to set manual the Path were the Cab files store?

Because i have an Omnia (Samsung I900) in germany an i would like to stor the cab's at "Interner Speicher"

Thx man for this great App !!! :D

[sinoo]

Would it possible to set manual the Path were the Cab files store?

Because i have an Omnia (Samsung I900) in germany an i would like to stor the cab's at "Interner Speicher"

Thx man for this great App !!! :D

It's an amazing tool.
I believe that the cabs aren't stored. After downloading and installing them, they are deleted!

[markkohfm]

you can configure it to make it store cabs on storage card under options.

[Dtrieb]

you can configure it to make it store cabs on storage card under options.

Didn't work here!

[Noonski]

I'm on a Crusade ;)

Wouldn't it be nice if Google Maps Supported (small thing for Google to incorparate) AppToDate.

And who kows this might make ohters take this initiative more seriously.

So Have a shot and vote for the idea at Google Ideas:
http://productideas.appspot.com/#9/e=cf&t=AppToDate

[Ather]

nice noonski, casted my vote :)

[Bodisson]

Installed this app, but it's constantly stuck on updating itself... AppToDate ver. 2.081218

[vigin]

Installed this app, but it's constantly stuck on updating itself... AppToDate ver. 2.081218

just like the Borg :eek:

Great app btw, love it

[Bib_x]

I have installed the newest version of agenda one 2.3.9039 on my device and uptodate always wants to update it. But i use the same version which is displayed in apptodate (2.3.9039). Its the newest version...

Can i fix this manually?

[Bib_x]

No idea? Please help!


Can i change this in any file? Maybe in an XML?

[arturobandini]

Hello,

I have been reported by some users (French non officiel HTC forum http://htc-touch-diamond.forumactif.info/softs-f25/app-to-date-pour-etre-toujours-a-jour-de-ses-applications-t7115.htm) that AppToDate lists Diamond TF3D Config as "Out of date" even if when the latest version (0.6.7.1.) is already installed.

It seems there is a problem with Diamond TF3D Config....

Could anyone help or have an answer ? :)

Thanks.

[Bib_x]

The same problem occurs with Agenda One. These are the only Apps wich are displayed, even all apps are up to date.

[wolframio74]

so nice its there a way to translate it, or create a mui file or something (i want it in spanish :D)


btw, its there a way to check the updates CAB on an URL, i mean i have a folder on my server with CAB 1, CAB 2, CAB 3, CAB etc... apptodate can check that directory or an XML on that URL and dispaly a list of downloable CABs or updateds CAB drom the installed apps on the ROM?

[harry_d]

Hello,

have the newest version of apptodate on my polaris and got always message error "unexpected error" in apptodate.exe Resource File "Microsoft.VisualBasicresources" not found.

Can Anyone help?

ciao Harry