Customizing SPB Mobile Shell 2.1

[jackljane]

General

After Reading through the posts of some of the great minds in this area I have come to conclusion that this cool little application can be greatly improved. Want to know how? Download and unrar the archives link below in the release section. READ UNTILL THE END OF THE POST BEFORE YOU DO SO.

Credits

I have taken the following ideas on board and would like to proposed a more radical customization efforts:

greatbal - creator some of the most fantastic theme around. Read about his work http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424479.
MikiBest - creator of Customisation Scripts. Read about his work and download http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424933.
Thedumbkid - creator of spbwatcher.cab. Read about this and download http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2028191&postcount=11.

Note: Please inform me if you find your works are used in this effort. I will give you the proper credits. If you find your works here and they are not freeware, please inform me so that I would remove it from this package. Thanks.

My proposal

1. Replace today screen completely with Spb Mobile Shell. This is not exactly a mandatory.

2. Make Spb Mobile Shell as customizable as possible. Users can select their own combinations to make up a theme they like.
a. Language - During first install only. (currently only english read below in collaboration section)
b. Layout
c. Buttons icons
d. Background
e. Analog/Digital Clock icons
f. Weather icons
g. Status
3. Anybody who would like to make customisation can focus on the specific area where they want to change.

4. With multitude of customizations available, user can choose which combination they want to use and thus make it more usable.

5. This eliminate the need to make multiple themes with slight variations.

6. There seem a need for standardization for customization. I will propose it later after all potential problems has been identified.

I will start this effort. Hopefully we can have something usable by next week. Anyone who would like to joint this effort can contact me at jack@binavanco.com or jackljane@yahoo.com. I would love very much for the three name mentioned above to joint me. I think we have something good here that can be fully optimized.

Screen Shots

These are screen shots from my pda. Five pages of the Tabs...

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/05/20/12890250/1_610251865l.jpg

1. Launcher
2. Contacts
3. Now/Lockscreen... Sorry I am Arsenal freak.
4. Diary
5. Undecided ... I will think of something for now it is just a copy of the Original Launcher. If you have any idea please tell me.

I will make a layout that only contain 4 tabs. Removing a copy of Laucher.

This is how I change Launcher buttons nows...

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/05/20/12890250/1_914829846l.jpg

1. Goto Launcher
2. Goto Tools
3. Goto Spb Skins
4. Goto Extra Options... here is the differents now you are presented with choices instead of what you want to change.
5. Goto Buttons
6. Selection Screen... select iphone..
7. Now you have new Laucher buttons.. Imagine doing this with background, clocks, layouts, Weather, Status... :)

Released

1. Beta Released. 22/09/2008 - Discontinued.
2. Beta 1 Release (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?iejgmogjyyc). 24/09/2008 - Still available.
3. Beta 2 Release. 26/09/2008 - Latest.
a. Diff Files (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ttji24ynit2). Replace Old files only. 15MB (Unzip, Copy ShellSkins over old ShellSkins)
b. Complete Package (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?liawj1mzjt2). 22MB
4. Beta 2 Release. 11/10/2008 - Projected date.

Note: If you download the package please give feedback.

Instructions

1. Disable spbwatcher. Very important! if your mobile shell cannot load your pda will try it in endless loop (he he he hapen to me). if you have Spb pocket tools maybe you can start in safe mode. If not (like me), Use activesync, copy original mobile shell to installed folder and soft reset. Just like the "old way" mobile shell customization step.

2. Extract the files and copy to any extra/external storage you have. Don't copy to the internal ram. well you can but space is limited might as well free it for your running apps.

3. If you have run Mortscript before skip this step. If not just click on Mortscript.exe to activate it once.

4. Click at Install_ShellSkins - this script will do the everything or you. And you are done.

5. Open Mobile Shell. Goto Tools->Spb Skins, All available functions are there. Enjoy.

Collaboration

I need help in language translation. If you download this package. And you customize it for your own language please send a copy of the language files to me. I will include it in the package and mentione your name in the credits.

If you have idea you can tell me in this thread.

If you have any part of the Mobile Shell such as layout, buttons, background anything at all also send it to me and this package can be much better.

I know some of the material in the package was originally done by someone. Due to the huge number of meterial in it, I could not properly credits all of you. Tell you what. If you change your material to suit my framework and resend it to me, I will definitely mention your name here.

Finally, Thank you very much for reading, hope your enjoy the download and farewell.

[jackljane]

18-09-2008

Finally, all possible categories of custimization is sorted into their own folders. This effort would make easy it for the user but definitely makes life a bit problematic for the developers/theme maker. Why, there is some standard that must be followed. Theme maker could not just add functions such as buttons or any other visual item by replacing the original files. This would make our effort useless. There will be new upgrades by the Spb MS makers and with such upgrades we would lost our customization after the file being replace with new files that is not yet customize.

Example. We customize layout by changing qa_layouts, inside it we refer to our new 5 tabs instead of 4 tabs by manufacturer. We also change the bitmap icon to add new tab icon in q*_bkg_now ( * = a/p/l ). If this file got replaced, we lost all our layouts. Instead, we create new files q*_bkg_now# ( * = a/p/l, # = 1/2/3/.. ) and refer it to our new layout. Even if the upgrade replace the old files, it won't touch or customization files. If you need to add new functions. Don't do it to original files but use extension files instead.

20-09-2008

Everything is taking shape. It is working but a bit funny. Like navigation button appear all over the place. Lanscape mode not displaying right. And many other discrepancies. The background and layout downloaded from MikiBest only have potrait view files. Decided to make new layout concepts as follows:

Original - 3 Tabs/1 Close button

3 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.

4 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
4 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.

5 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
5 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask
5 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
5 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.

21-09-2008

Created Arsenal Theme.

22-09-2008

5 Tabs series created.

Beta Available.

23-09-2008

Some display bugs. Need to correct.

24-09-2008

4 Pages series finished.
5 Pages display bug corrected.

Standardization of backrgound started. For those that want to know how the standard is implemented. Go to Original or Arsenal in Commons/Background/Original or Commons/Background/Arsenal directory after you unrar it. Each background theme must have qp_bkg_now, qp_bkg_now1, ql_bkg_now and ql_bkg_now1 files. If you have square screen. Rename qp_bkg_now and qp_bkg_now to qs_bkg_now and qs_bkg_now1 respectively. If it doesn't work tell me.

Notes: Do not add any new buttons or background image to the archives. Just replace the images and icons in there to suite your theme.

Old Icons and Backgrounds from MikiBest download will not work correctly. If you happens to change any of the old files in the background directory to follow new standard please send it to me. I will include it in future release.

Connectivity buttons like in the MikiBest download is not yet implemented. They disrupt the skins layout. Buttons go all over the place. Like I said standardization is required.

Beta 1 Released. See first post for downloads and instructions.

New Packaging concept started for next release.

26-09-2008

New layouts. I have merged the layout new and old into the following list:

3 Tabs Now/Contact/Spb Menu
3 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
3 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.

4 Tabs Calendar/Now/Contact/Spb Menu
4 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
4 Tabs/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
4 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
4 Tabs/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
4 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.

4 Tabs Original Menu/Calendar/Now/Contact/Spb Menu
5 Tabs/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
5 Tabs/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
5 Tabs/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask
5 Tabs/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask
5 Tabs/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
5 Tabs/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.

Actually 5 Tabs Now/Speeddail1/Speeddail2/Speeddail3/Spb Menu
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/No Background - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/No Background/No Grid - Doesn't matter what background you pick it will not show Only theme color will show.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Normal Background - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Normal Background/No Grid - Show Background BMP and it Mask.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Saparator Background - Show Hacked Saparator Background, Most background from Mikibest can be applied. Landscape view need to be corrected.
3 Tabs/3 Speeddial/Saparator Background/No Grid - Show Hacked Saparator Background but without grid.

I will not be making any new layouts. I think this should satisfied most everyone needs for layout selection. If there is somethine new that I can think of I will put it here. I am also thinking of replace tab1 in 5 tabs layout. Not sure what to put in there yet.

I have corrected the backgrounds and buttons from the original package by MikiBest. It is now okay to work within my package. I cheated abit though. Because I don't have the time neither the capability to make varieties of tab buttons. I copied them all over the bacgrounds. ;) Sorry guys I am sure someone will replace them with something more interesting soon. And if you did please pass it back to me. So everybody else can enjoy it too.

New packaging is in progress. By the way. People who downloaded the packages please give feedbacks. It would be nice to hear how you guys like it.

07-10-2008

Sorry guys.. I had flue for about a week. It has been a terrible week for me. I have not yet finish repackaging the app. I just started to look at it again. I think I fell sick because of the lack of sleep and tiredness. so, my body defenses against microbs was not functioning well. I am much better not. Hopefully I can get it done soon.

Next Relase date 11/10/2008.

[JokeZony0u]

hm..not to be stomping out your good intentions and all..but you evidently didn't read all the forums about SPB. There's already a little program called "SPB Switcher" or something along those lines that changes the themes of SPB quickly. When tweaked correctly you can add your own custom theme to it too.

[abumhmmd1]

This Z an idea , every 1 LKNG 4 it .

but we hv 2 consider the fact that the themz dn by scanerz contian >> bkgroundz + icons + pagez + clock + otherz
with the relation between them z diff between a them & another .
so , its fair NOW 2 hv just a simple program 2 make the chanc n changng between diff themz eazy .

[g00ndu]

Finally, all possible categories of custimization is sorted into their own folders. This effort would make easy it for the user but definitely makes life a bit problematic for the developers/theme maker. Why, there is some standard that must be followed. Theme maker could not just add functions such as buttons or any other visual item by replacing the original files. This would make our effort useless. There will be new upgrades by the Spb MS makers and with such upgrades we would lost our customization after the file being replace with new files that is not yet customize.

Example. We customize layout by changing qa_layouts, inside it we refer to our new 5 tabs instead of 4 tabs by manufacturer. we also change the bitmap icon to add new tab icon in q*_bkg_now (* = a/p/l ). This file got replaced and we lost all our layouts. instead we can create a new file qz_bkg_now and refer it to our new layout. even if the upgrade replace the old files, it won't touch or customization files. If you need to add new functions. don't do it to common/original files but use extension files instead.

p/s: I made great progress. But can anybody explain to me why my icons and background got messed up after i edited it with Photoshop? The graphics just not showing right. greatbal? Anyone, help please?
It is messed up because the bmp is a 16bit file. You need to save them as R5 G6 B5 format. When saving, you will need to select the Advanced Mode and save as per above format.

Your icons will look nice after that. :)

Hope this helps, and looking forward to your program. :)

Edit: Refer to this post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=378367). Luiggi had done up an icons tutorial.

[crispyj]

Looking forward to this. It would be great to have an app like the HTC Home customizer was for Mobile Shell. I'm not sure what app JokeZony0u is referring to when he says something already exists.

[jackljane]

hm..not to be stomping out your good intentions and all..but you evidently didn't read all the forums about SPB. There's already a little program called "SPB Switcher" or something along those lines that changes the themes of SPB quickly. When tweaked correctly you can add your own custom theme to it too.

I have been spending a huge amount of time on this when I read you post. Are you sure about this? Can you provide a link to it? I will be searching for this app before making decission to continuing my effort. If anybody else have seen it please tell us. I don't want to put off too long if there isn't any such thing as I also fail to find it.

[TauTau]

I think there's a difference between theme switcher, that just switches between completely defined themes, and a program that allows me to customize a theme myself. So the idea still stands good imho. If I can help with my little perl skills, let me know ;)

[jackljane]

It is messed up because the bmp is a 16bit file. You need to save them as R5 G6 B5 format. When saving, you will need to select the Advanced Mode and save as per above format.

Your icons will look nice after that. :)

Hope this helps, and looking forward to your program. :)

Edit: Refer to this post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=378367). Luiggi had done up an icons tutorial.

Thank you so much. I am more code kinda of guy not really good in graphics. I am going to try it now.

[crispyj]

just found this

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424933

[jackljane]

just found this

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424933

Yup, this idea is based on the original ide by MikiBest. But trying to mix and match between options is still not possible. By the way the original idea would be to merged the two concept together. And by sharing informations. A better solutions will emerge.

[scorpion66]

The program by MikiBest gives you so many options already that I cant see how you are going to make anything that will make it better. One issue is stability and if you have thousands of options its more likely to crash or have other issues. If you check out MikiBests web site you will see how proffesional the approach to the software is and the effort put into the program.

Good luck but for me I already have way to many options to play around with in MikiBests program. If you want to use any of my icons in your work then let me know - made a set up for MikiBest of my Iphone Silver icons and they look great in his program.

[g00ndu]

The program by MikiBest gives you so many options already that I cant see how you are going to make anything that will make it better. One issue is stability and if you have thousands of options its more likely to crash or have other issues. If you check out MikiBests web site you will see how proffesional the approach to the software is and the effort put into the program.

Good luck but for me I already have way to many options to play around with in MikiBests program. If you want to use any of my icons in your work then let me know - made a set up for MikiBest of my Iphone Silver icons and they look great in his program.
For 1, replacing the default home screen with the SPB is one good reason. :)

[jackljane]

The program by MikiBest gives you so many options already that I cant see how you are going to make anything that will make it better. One issue is stability and if you have thousands of options its more likely to crash or have other issues. If you check out MikiBests web site you will see how proffesional the approach to the software is and the effort put into the program.

Ha ha ha... Yup, you are right. I don't dispute that MikiBest has done great job with the initial idea and provide us with a great tool. I want to improve on that idea and share with everybody (Including MikiBest). It is a reengineering his effort and reshare. If you love the tools by Miki, by all means use his. If you want to try mine it is okay too.

Good luck but for me I already have way to many options to play around with in MikiBests program. If you want to use any of my icons in your work then let me know - made a set up for MikiBest of my Iphone Silver icons and they look great in his program.

I would love to use your icons sets. I am very bad at graphics. I will contact you later when it is time. For now I am just scrapping from everywhere. And doesn't really has any clear theme that really represent a theme.. wa ha ha.. You know what, if you can, look at my Arsenal theme in the first post. Tabs icons can be better represented by
1. Launcher - Whistle
2. Contacts - Players Jersy
3. Home - Emerite stadium/or Arsenal Logo
4. Diary - Game Schedule
5. Don't know what to put here yet. But I you can propose...

Guys,

I have two pda Dopod and Omnia, different screens sizes. So I guess I have to make the theme/customization that would work for both type of screen QVGA and WQVGA. This is good news for those who want to use MikiBest tools but don't have Omnia. :)

I have made a theme called Arsenal. Customize the original layout file by SPB to include all possible screen sizes. Most of the theme created is very selective for their owner screen size ;). Yup, why bother waste effort for something that you are not using unless you got paid. Lucky for you, I use both sizes... well for square guys (240x240 screen), I have no way of testing it. If you want to try go a head and tell me how it looks.

Updated... 22/09/2008

Sorry guys, Files upload problem. Let me sort it out first. I will try to store it somewhere first and link from this page. Please be patient. I also need some sleep. wa ha ha ha... can't open my eyes now... too tired..

[jackljane]

1. What are done so far. Scripts are getting there. Need fine tuning and cleaning up.

a. Install skin - done
b. Change Button - done
c. Change background - done
d. Change digital clock (classic view) - done
e. Change analog clock (classic view) - done
f. Change weather - done
f. Change layout - done


2. Need reengineering for layout and tab buttons for all other template created previously by our good friends. This requirements needs a framework and for a layout to be presented correctly after every change it has to follow this frame work. Otherwise the files will overwrite each other and not useable for the specific layouts. Or some layout might be missing icons or wierd graphics. ;). I will come up with some sort of standard to follow so anybody interested to creat just button set or just layout or any other option can follow. Now you see, we can have thousands of themplate. once this is done.

3. Skin develop by some of our good friends need to be rebuilt to fit the new framework as well, especially the layout part and tab buttons. Rightnow, I avoid using those layout until i can port it into current framework.

4. Well as I mentioned above, I need help. If any of you have spare time please lend a hand. So that we can profit together.

p/s: I am uploading the file to mediafire... once finish I will update the first post of this thread to include the link.

[JokeZony0u]

well the switcher that they found was what I referring to, sorry for the confusion! I misinterpreted your intentions! Sorry I haven't kept up with this thread either!

[Jye75]

This seems like one of the best places to ask this...

Do any of you know if there is a way to have SPB Mobile Shell show a different alarm such as G-Alarm instead of the SPB Time alarm on the Now screen?

[jackljane]

This seems like one of the best places to ask this...

Do any of you know if there is a way to have SPB Mobile Shell show a different alarm such as G-Alarm instead of the SPB Time alarm on the Now screen?

Well Jye, I am investigating this myself. For the moment, my answer is, what can be shown inside mobile shell are only the functionalities already builtin within mobile shell. You can add links and stuff to external stuff and represent it with icons. But never to loading external function within mobile shell. If I ever found out more about this I will post it here.

Guys, Yes..... I finally manage to upload it. Read the first post (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2653709&postcount=1) for download link and instruction.

[jackljane]

I think there's a difference between theme switcher, that just switches between completely defined themes, and a program that allows me to customize a theme myself. So the idea still stands good imho. If I can help with my little perl skills, let me know ;)

TauTau,

I need all the help I can get. Download the first Beta. Try it and see how you can make it better. I need different perspective. My brain slow down after 5 day doing this... ;).

[jackljane]

Beta 1 is now available... goto first post for information, download and instructions. Enjoy.

[jackljane]

Some of you may have notice that the download size of this package is getting bigger. Yes, as expected this is also the problem from the initial package by MikiBest. My effort is also to correct this. In the future release you only download the package you want to use.

1. Main Package - Basic Theme (required)
2. Layout packages - there will be many subpackages for each layout siries.
3. Background packages - many subpackages
4. Button packages - many subpackages
5. Clock packages - many subpackages
6. Weather packages -many subpackages
7. Status packages -many subpackages

This will solve problem for those of you with tiny bandwidth. And also for theme maker just change packages you interested in. Easier for all of us. I saw many people download but nobody offer any help to me to expedite the development. :(

[sschrupp]

Great idea, I hope you keep moving forward with this.

I'm pretty new to all this WM6.1 and PDAs in general, so I'm stilling trying out everything I can get my hands on. So far SPB Mobile Shell seems the best for me. It definitely feels more polished than many of the other launchers to me, and I really like the functionality of greatbal's Diamond theme with layout H.

To be able to pick and choose elements and just put them where I want would be awesome.

[jackljane]

I have people contact me by mail asking if they can use the script to change themes other than I included. No problem. Follow the steps below.

1. Create a new folder in ShellSkins Folder.

2. Rename it to "Skin_****" replace **** with what ever you like. I recommend you preceed it with "Skin_" just to keep everything standardize.

3. Copy file "Skin_Original" and rename it to what ever you like. Remember to keep "Skin_" infront. Again to keep some organisation.

4. Open the file and replace "Original" with word coreesponding to "****" in step 2.

5. Run the script from pocket explorer once. That is all there is to it. It is easy if you just keep everything standardize.

Hope this will help you guys.

Note: You can still customize buttons, background and all the other custimization items with your new theme but they might not display correctly.