[DEV] TouchFlo Replacement

[rusvdw]

I've been messing around with a managed TouchFlo3D replacement app on my Diamond, and so far my results have proven that it is feasible to completely replace TouchFlo3D with a managed Today plugin app that mimics it exactly (and performs exactly the same too).

Why rewrite TouchFlo3D you may be asking yourself. Some immediate advantages I can think of include the following:


No need to hack TouchFlo3D for tweaks, the source is available
New apps can be directly integrated into the new TF3D
Transparent theme support with no reverse engineering
As it's a new development, back porting to older/other phones should be easy
It's managed, so development is fast and the barrier for entry is much lower


I plan to create an open-source project for this, but I need a bit of feedback from the xda community to see if this is something that people here would want.

Let me know!

[Gochris]

Would definitely be interested. Being managed would be a huge plus for myself to try to learn some of the "touch" stuff that people are doing without needing to learn native coding.

Sounds cool!

[met3ora]

Like ThrottleLauncher?

[anryl]

Waiting for IT :cool:

[ernest33]

Sound good :D...will be a big task ;)...but with control over everything...mmmm:rolleyes:

[nir36]

dude, people have been trying to get their hands on TouchFLO3D for a long time now. Chainfire managed to port it but it's still problematic and unstable. if you managed to create a flexible TF3D you'd be considered to be half a god here :)

[ZED_pt]

Would be great to choose wich app´s i would integrate in TF thats the only thing i dont like in M2D...and if i had the ability to have a tab for custom plug-ins i would be in heaven

One question...would it be just for VGA phones with 3D drivers(diamond,touch pro,etc) like TF3D,or will it be for every WM 6 phone?

[m.schmidler]

Development of Mobile7Ultimate is still up, new progress status update maybe this weekend or next, maybe also something to test for you...and not to forget, VGA support.

But TF3D hacking seems quite interesting as well, since it runs on Polaris as well now ;)

regards,
Martin

[rusvdw]

I'm glad there seems to a need for this. To answer your questions:

The plan is to create a TF3D replacement which mimics it as closely as possible as a starting point. This will include creating a set of touch controls which will make developing plugins and all kinds of touch apps a breeze (and deliver that unified look ala the iPhone).

I don't think the goals are the same as ThrottleLauncher. The aim will be to create a TF3D port that's open for everyone to contribute. I don't know all that much about ThrottleLauncher (it doesn't run well on my Diamond) so I could be wrong.

It will be fully configurable, and I plan to build an "app store" for it like the other platforms have as well. This needs to be easy for every user to use!

At the moment my demo is targeting WinMo 5 and not using any 3d driver specific functions. So it should run on any WinMo 5+ device. Keeping backward compatibility is always a painful thing to do though, so it's something that will need to be considered. Since it will be open-source, a fork for older devices will always be an option.

Are there any developers willing to contribute to a project of this nature?

[shruff]

My device is screaming for a nice UI like TF3D, M2D is really terrific however after playing with Diamond for a day I love the UI but dislike the Diamond itself.
Many ppl Im sure are just waiting for something as nice as TF3D, the other shells are great but M2D and TF3D offer much nicer integrated mutimedia support and simply an enjoyable experience. I cant offer any technical contribution but I'd surely be a donator.

[hanackin]

this sounds really goods.

You have all my support dude :D

[Gochris]

I would like to contribute, I have .net (vb) compact framework development experience. Working on a mobile app for work right now actually. Been trying to do more with using the graphics libraries to create custom controls instead of relying on standard controls.

let me know how I can be of assistance.

[Girvo]

Going to be using ChrisTec's framework for it?

[agentmikeyd]

I'm glad there seems to a need for this. To answer your questions:

The plan is to create a TF3D replacement which mimics it as closely as possible as a starting point. This will include creating a set of touch controls which will make developing plugins and all kinds of touch apps a breeze (and deliver that unified look ala the iPhone).

I don't think the goals are the same as ThrottleLauncher. The aim will be to create a TF3D port that's open for everyone to contribute. I don't know all that much about ThrottleLauncher (it doesn't run well on my Diamond) so I could be wrong.

It will be fully configurable, and I plan to build an "app store" for it like the other platforms have as well. This needs to be easy for every user to use!

At the moment my demo is targeting WinMo 5 and not using any 3d driver specific functions. So it should run on any WinMo 5+ device. Keeping backward compatibility is always a painful thing to do though, so it's something that will need to be considered. Since it will be open-source, a fork for older devices will always be an option.

Are there any developers willing to contribute to a project of this nature?

can you explain the advantages over Wad2.0? I dont understand tflo3d, and am very happy with Wad2.0

Thanks!

[joel2009]

can you explain the advantages over Wad2.0? I dont understand tflo3d, and am very happy with Wad2.0

Thanks!

Touch flow was made by htc..... therefore optimized for our devices. Plus it is just a completely different feel. Personally i like both i go back and forth with them.... when i get bored with one i switch to the other :)


....plus touch flo is "free"

[rusvdw]

Going to be using ChrisTec's framework for it?
Yeah, if it wasn't for ChrisTec this wouldn't be possible (in managed code anyway).

[rusvdw]

I would like to contribute, I have .net (vb) compact framework development experience. Working on a mobile app for work right now actually. Been trying to do more with using the graphics libraries to create custom controls instead of relying on standard controls.

let me know how I can be of assistance.
The core is going to be written in C# i'm afraid, but since the framework will be open and support external plugins, nothing will prevent you from writing apps/plugins in vb.

[Marshall07]

Are there any developers willing to contribute to a project of this nature?

I'd be glad to offer my contribute in my (few) spare time. I've got lot of experience programming in Native C++ and particularly using GDI. And I think I'll have no problems using DirectDraw even if I never used it.

Contact me PM if you are intersted in my help.

Marshall

[shamasis]

Though I am an experienced programmer, I am new to the PPC world. I have experience in .NET CF (C#).

Presently, I am working on creating transparent custom controls (labels, textboxes, etc)

[Gochris]

The core is going to be written in C# i'm afraid, but since the framework will be open and support external plugins, nothing will prevent you from writing apps/plugins in vb.

I don't think I'd have a huge problem doing C#, I've been trying to convince my boss to start (slowly) coding new projects in it. But I can always just help writing plugins or something

[rusvdw]

I don't think I'd have a huge problem doing C#, I've been trying to convince my boss to start (slowly) coding new projects in it. But I can always just help writing plugins or something

That's great! I was hoping you'd go over to the C# side. It's an exciting language to be a part of these days!

[rusvdw]

shamasis: Your help would be appreciated. Part of my plan is to come out of this project with a full set of unified skinable custom controls that can be used to create separate apps that just work seamlessly with the one-hand touch philosophy.

marshall: we definitely need a C++ coder on this as well. I'm using ChrisTec's native to managed framework to make this work at the moment, but i can already see where the native parts are going to need to be extended to allow for better integration.

[rusvdw]

So it seems that this is a feasible project. I'm going to set up the project on CodePlex this weekend and upload what i have at the moment.

I'll post again when it is up. Does anyone have some suggestions for a name and a license? I was sort of leaning towards OpenFlo and a GPL license.

[TheChampJT]

So it seems that this is a feasible project. I'm going to set up the project on CodePlex this weekend and upload what i have at the moment.

I'll post again when it is up. Does anyone have some suggestions for a name and a license? I was sort of leaning towards OpenFlo and a GPL license.

Can't think of a name, but I vote for no "Flo", too many apps have it included.

[Cal-El]

My two cents! Call it Slipstream! I dont know, sounds cool! :-)

[asmugone]

starburst , cant help it, im still a huge farscape fan and slipstream is so used up. lol

:)

[K0mmaT1A]

I vote for OpenFLO,
it's simple, very specific about what it is, and there's no problem searching for it, even though there are a lot of other "FLO" posts, because it's one word.

I wish i could help... my knowledge limits in simple xml editing... but i can skin and beta test... let me know if i can help.

[eddyve]

I vote for slipstream!

[egzthunder1]

How about OSnila (as in Open Source Manila)?

[rusvdw]

SlipStream is quite rather catchy, but not feasible i'm afraid. For one thing it refers to the process of "slipstreaming" xp service packs into a installer cd. Searching for SlipStream on the net will return a huge amount of unrelated results (that's a neat trick when picking names for anything btw, just type it in google and decide if you could beat the top results!). Also, the name is already taken on CodePlex.

Lets have some more ideas! And what about a license choice? That's a pretty big decision too!

[rusvdw]

I wish i could help... my knowledge limits in simple xml editing... but i can skin and beta test... let me know if i can help.

Thats great! Skinning is obviously a big part of this project.

[jerremmie]

slipstream is name for a rim that ROTA made AKA spoon copy rims

[rusvdw]

Ok, took me longer than anticipated, but I've created the CodePlex site and uploaded the initial proof of concept code.

http://www.codeplex.com/openflo

At the moment it's only optimized for VGA devices, but that will change in the future.

Have fun with it!

[artyjeep]

rusvdw,

What are the dev tool requirements for working with this project?
What version of Visual Studio? What .net cf? Others?

I'm interested in contributing but can not open the project. I have VS 2005.

Thanks
Arty

[Rydah805]

When Complete It Will Replace TouchFlo Version 2.0 Which I Have With TouchFlo3D?

[character]

that will be good... also please consider the memory taken by the application thanks in advance

[S.V.I]

I hope the skins can run on PNG's. as bitmaps take a lot of space.
I really like the way Manila handles skins with xml files. you can put the immages anywhere (and change them as you like within the ppc)
I have been having an issue with HTC album hardcoded to run BMP's only. The amount of space I could save!

[rusvdw]

At the moment the project is C# in Visual Studio 2008, but targets CF 2.0.

I initially targeted CF 3.5, but was having issues with the ChrisTec framework.

It may be worth converting the solution to Visual Studio 2005 in order to keep it simpler. I'd prefer using the latest technology though.

What do you guys think?

[rusvdw]

I hope the skins can run on PNG's. as bitmaps take a lot of space.
I really like the way Manila handles skins with xml files. you can put the immages anywhere (and change them as you like within the ppc)
I have been having an issue with HTC album hardcoded to run BMP's only. The amount of space I could save!

It all works with PNG's at the moment, and will do so when skinning support is included. I reckon XML will probably be the best way to handle skinning anyway, so that shouldn't be an issue!

[dmro]

Please, please, make it resolution aware. Or so that you can choose wich resolution to use (qvga, wqvga, vga, wvga, etc).
I have an Omnia and I'm waiting for somethig like this since I got it.

Thank you!

[rusvdw]

I've updated the source to work with Visual Studio 2005. It should be accessible for a larger audience now. I've also renamed the project and namespaces to OpenFlo.

Redownload to get the changes.

[artyjeep]

I had to change the Platform ID in the csproj files before I could open it in VS5. I uploaded the revised files to the Openflo site. The project builds and executes for me now. rusvdw, it's up to you to decide if you want to include these changes or not.

-arty

[ajige]

I have compiled the latest version without error, but can't run the sample on my phone. First it complained about missing MAPIlib.dll which I then added.
Now, if I try to run the exe file I get the error:
"OpenFloTest.ext
TypeLoadException
at
OpenFlo.Plugins.BasePlugin.GetResourceSize(Resourc eType resourceType)
at OpenFlo.Core.ScrollerBar.get_ButtonBarBitmap() at
OpneFlo.Core.ScrollerBar.Paint(etc)"
Any ideas?
I guess I can try an absolute no for the size?
I compiled with SharpDevelop and tried it on my Wing phone (mobile professional 6).
I first had the sample directory under My Documents, but tried it also in Program Files under the "managed today screen" directory (have another plugin using the same framework). Same errors.

[rusvdw]

ajige:

The problem seems to be related to the app not finding one of the assemblies. I deploy with VS2005, so it takes care of all the dependencies for me, I'm not sure what SharpDevelop does.

Make sure you have the following files on your device in the same folder:

ChrisTec.WindowsMobile.TodayScreen.dll
MAPIdotnet.dll
MAPIlib.dll
OpenFlo.Controls.dll
OpenFlo.Core.dll
OpenFlo.TodayPlugin.dll
OpenFloTest.exe

Of course, you also need to make sure you have the Compact Framework 2.0 installed on your device.

Let me know how it goes.

[ajige]

The Open.Flo.Control had not been copied over. So I did, but still the same error message. I have CF 2 and 3.5 on my phone.

[HerrVorragend]

hello,

I've downloaded the sourcecode, converted everything to vs 2008 and recreated the Core-Project (for some reasons it can't be loaded to the solution)... now the complete solution builds correct.

can anyone tell me what I have to do to "stallt" the today-screen-plugin? to test it?

It's done... reading the readme helps! ;-)

[rusvdw]

hello,

I've downloaded the sourcecode, converted everything to vs 2008 and recreated the Core-Project (for some reasons it can't be loaded to the solution)... now the complete solution builds correct.

can anyone tell me what I have to do to "stallt" the today-screen-plugin? to test it?

It's done... reading the readme helps! ;-)

I'm glad the readme helped out a bit :)

For now I would suggest not bothering to install it as a today plugin yet as it isn't usable enough yet. You can just use the OpenFloTest application to run it as a program on your phone while you develop.

[cpt.bert]

Can anyone post a screenshot? or even better? a youtube vid?

tnx

[evilc]

OK, forgive me here for raining on your parade, but I am not sure that I see the point in starting a new project when there appear to be ones that exist that could potentially be expanded to do the job...

How about looking at the XIAMultiTheme (http://www.xiaprojects.com/?section=PDA%20-%20SmartPhone&project=XIAMultiTheme) project?

Basically rlToday, but open source. Plugins can be written for it, so this functionality you seek could potentially be added. AFAIK a TF3D-like interface is already pretty much possible using XMT (See the example manilla theme), and there would be the added benefit that users could write their own interfaces by writing an XML file and supplying graphics.

I have been banging on at the author, Stefanux, to add some functionality to allow us to mimic TF3D's album and contacts page, which I believe would be quite easy - look at the way the running program bit of the example "Nyphone" theme works - extending that idea it should be possible to generate a vertical list of albums or contacts and scroll through them with a new sensor DLL designed for this.

[jonboyuk]

has this thread died?

[ajb303]

Ok, i admit. I'm one of those lurkers that have been constantly gazing at this thread without posting. My bad :D I'm real interested though I have no experience editing. Some feedback :)

[rusvdw]

has this thread died?

not dead, just quiet until there is more to show from the development.

I should be able to put in a lot more time on the project in December, until then expect progress/feedback to be slow.

[rusvdw]

How about looking at the XIAMultiTheme (http://www.xiaprojects.com/?section=PDA%20-%20SmartPhone&project=XIAMultiTheme) project?



I've had a bit of a look at that project and I'm not sure that the goals are quite the same.

Firstly, I don't think that XIAMultiTheme is written in managed code (I can't download the source for some reason).

Secondly, XIAMultiTheme seems more focused on themes than anything else. I envisage OpenFlo to be more focused on integrated functionality.

[jokove]

i really like the idea, dono anythin about programming,
:+(
u have all my support...

[oBADGERx]

I don't have any idea about programming either, but I am behind everyone on this project. I have an Omnia and I've been waiting a long time for a project like this to come along. I'd love to help out in any way I can, like trialing the beta's or even making coffee, haha :D

[computerjunkie]

If you are programming in .Net, I can help out a lot. Let me know. I am very interested in this.

[gregaplummer]

Count me in and expect a christmas bonus my friend. too many bugs with tf3d.

Ill be looking for it.

[johnnyro130]

Can you post your most recent executable files so I can test it. I cannot find it on the codeplex site.

[ff2005]

Can you post your most recent executable files so I can test it. I cannot find it on the codeplex site.

Is this the one? http://www.codeplex.com/openflo

[wacky.banana]

Bookmarked for tracking and donation purposes.

WB

[jonboyuk]

Stil waiting :P

[ajb303]

Dang :D Wish i knew anything about editing source codes lol.

[shruff]

Excuse my ignornace, I found the site and files, however, I have no clue how to use them... Anyway if tf3d or Manila HD is hacked to work in QVGA WQVGA (non HTC device) I'll donate $50 USD. Alternately (Im quite happy with M2D) is there a way to add horizontal gestures to M2D?

[JASTECH]

I may not count for much but what about "IGI" (igee) Improvised Graphic Insertion?

I also can lend a hand testing on Omnia. I can post it on our Omnia only forum at samsung-omnia.org

I used Assembly but not much help now, though I will work on skins ect.

Thanks, JASTECH ô¿ô

[dody]

i plan to create an open-source project for this, but i need a bit of feedback from the xda community to see if this is something that people here would want.

Let me know!

of course all ppc user want it !!!


Good luck!!


Dont make us wait !!!

[JASTECH]

rusvdw, Do you mind if I post the project and what is needed so far on our board? http://www.samsung-omnia.org (http://forum.xda-developers.com/www.samsung-omnia.org)

We have a few good members that might want to help. ( I meant that are good at programming)

Thanks, JASTECH ô¿ô

[Antonioffaxii]

Is this thread dead? Hasn't been a reply for a couple of months...:confused:

[CroatianBoy]

5th November 2008, 07:52 PM

That is the time of the post. The "new" TF3D is not going to happen. i have an Omnia,and I would really LOVE the TF3D on it,but spelomaniac from modacomanaged to get it working like 5fps,really slow and unusable,but it gives us hope.

as for me,for today I use htc home plugin,and for the complete phone experiance,I use SPB Mobile Shell 3. i use a wm 6.5 rom,and im satisfied with what we got. but tf3d is awsome,no doubt about that.

Cheers

Viktor from Omniahub.com