[APP] XDApp/LibXDA- XDA-Devs on your phone / in your app! (Semi-nightly builds!)

[ktemkin]

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/xdal.png

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme2.png


Summary:

XDA users no longer have to deal with the hassle of using an inefficient browser to view the forum which provides the liveblood of their devices. Now, the Mobile XDApp gives you options to help eliminate load times and increase your productivity as you view fourms, read and reply to posts, start new threads, upload files, download files, manage your account and more!

Progress towards next release:

[|||||||||||||||_____] 75% Latest Nightly: 00230 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4482694&postcount=269)

Updates:

Development is temporarily slowed, as I'll be very busy with work from here until late December. You have to do what you have to do, right? I'm trying to fit the XDApp in as best I can. Development is happening- it's just much slower.

Have a great idea for your own XDA-based application? I'll be releasing LibXDA soon, a .NET library that will allow you to interface with the XDA-developers forum. Check the forums directly from your app, or make a post from your application. Support for .NET and COM inter-ops, so it's extremely easy to use .NET applications, and usable from C++.

(Of course, if you're going to run the application from C++, the library will still suffer that 'managed overhead' that C# programs suffer from.)

---
I'm releasing 'nightly' builds whenever I have time for development. They're pretty much in-progress snapshots, and they're open to the public. I'll be releasing a 'more official' Alpha tomorrow, which means a lot of people will be getting e-mails with passwords. For those of you who want to see the app but don't get an e-mail, you can still run the next nightly (which will probably be further along in development than the Alpha), even though you won't be able to help right away with testing.

Here's the build number scheme, if you want to know:

VXBBB

V- Released Version- the last released major (integer) version at the time of the release.
X- Development 'branch'; 0- Backend Development (utilizing the lite version as a frontend); 1- XDApp Lite; 2- XDApp Professional; 3- Alternate Build (i.e. for testing an extension)
BBB- the build number, which starts from 0 in the version or branch and increments each time I hit the 'build' button

Features:

Complete Features:
-Dynamic multi-screen rendering library supports any screen of any size, shape, and DPI. Tested and works on QVGA, WVGA, VGA, and Square VGA. Theoretically should work with much larger screens, including large-screen RedFly devices/software.
-GZIP compression, which decreases load times by more than 80%. That's more efficient than Opera Mini! See below for compression statistics.
-Full, automatic authentication protocols mean you never have to waste time logging in again!
-Automatic server-side thumbnailing of images for much reduced image transfer.
-Unique 'superheader' view organizes forums, making it easier to navigate the forums!

Features in testing (otherwise polished):
-Full finger-friendly kinetic scrolling in all applicable views.
-Ability to 'filter' the super-headers view, showing only relevant devices.
-Fast encryption for storing user information.
-Non-touchscreen device operability.

Working features (may require polish):
-Complete user-skinability via text-based theme files.
-Finger gestures (on touchscreen devices.)
-View fora (plural forums) including post previews, with much faster rendering times than using a traditional broswer, finger friendly controls, and views optimized for mobile devices.
-Lightning-fast post rendering, both in fully formatted mode and plain-text mode.
-'Lite version' for devices using native controls for slower/older devices.
-Reply to threads and posts, and start new threads from your mobile!

Near-complete features:
-Edit your posts.
-Pre-fetching allows commonly viewed threads to load when you first start the app, completely eliminating load times later.
-Extensible external framework will allow other applications to utilize its features: e.g. allow a user to directly post a bug-report, complete with attached memdump, to a developer's thread.

In Progress:
-Download files and attachments instantly, without even opening a browser.
-Bookmarks!

Pending development:
-Lose connection while typing a post? XDApp has an option to automatically queue your post and finish sending it next time you have a connection!
-Private message handling.

Future releases:
-Wiki view.
-Upload a picture or file directly from the phone.
-Take a screenshot of one's phone, and upload it directly as an attachment.
-Update threads via psuedo-push: trigger notification/update of thread upon recipet of subscription e-mail.
-Real-time update checking; i.e. no need to constantly refresh the thread you're on.
-Full WYSIWYG editing of BB-code post formatting.
-Push-style notifications on private messages and subscribed threads.
-Interconnections with my sensor control project which will allow use of the g-sensor, light sensor, capacitive button sensors, stylus sensor and camera to support various types of gestures and inter activities. For example, use the light sensor to automatically switch to a theatre or meeting-friendly 'night mode'.

[ktemkin]

Most Recent Screenshots:

Rhodium/manila like theme:
http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme2.png
(Rhodium Manila-like theme.)

Original XDA Theme:
http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/screenshot1.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/screenshot2.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/screenshot3.png
iPhone-like Theme:
http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/screenshot4.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/screenshot5.png

Bounty:
Currently at: $176

jmckeejr: paid! for a fully functioning app with at least abilty to reply to posts without waiting for 5 minutes and trying to chase Opera around to see what I'm typing.
dnieman13: $10
apreichner: $5
codybear: $5 Around $5 if it works with Windows Mobile 6.5 and works better than using the Opera browser
uniqueboy: paid!
krook6023: $15 for a working version with all the bells and whistles described
akp99: $10
Bijdehandje: $35 Exact: € 25 For a working Kaiser version that is a quality and complete app
greeneyemonstruo: paid!
acidbath5546: $10
sinoo: $7 Exact: 5€ for a reliable and fully functional tool
jor3l: $10
x|Lukas|x: $14 Exact: €10

If you'd like to, you can add to the bounty. It's completely optional, as I write applications because I enjoy programming, not for money.
Also, if you'd like, you can donate using the link in my signature (via PayPal). The money will be used to pay for the server I currently use for testing and soon will be using to provide an optimizing, compressing, streamlining proxy to reduce your forum load-times.

Many thanks for generous donations from: ljinsane, uniqueboy, greeneyemonstruo, jmckeejr, mostberg, SoundMind.us

[ktemkin]

Compression Statistics:
These compression statistics are without any server-side streamlining. (Compression is server-side.)
This page:
Original (uncompressed) size: 129,071 bytes (126.0 KiB)
GZIP Compressed size: 22, 816 bytes (22.3 KiB)
Compression Ratio: 82.3%

Forum index:
Original (uncompressed) size: 304,301 bytes (297.2 KiB)
GZIP Compressed size: 34,894 bytes (34.1 KiB)
Compression Ratio: 88.5%

Many thanks to:

Those who have pledged to the bounty. At the time of your donation, you will be thanked here.

ace10134- who started this whole movement, and is thus responsible for bringing this app to you guys in the first place.

Jenn, who has been unendingly patient while I sit here coding instead of paying attention to her.

Preview Releases:
First Feature Preview (http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/feature_preview/fp01.zip) (password protected ZIP file, not for general public)

If you're interested in testing 'feature previews', go ahead and shoot me an e-mail (kyle@ktemkin.com) with the subject line "feature tester". Debugging experience helps, but isn't necessary.

[B4PJS]

Showing a bit of interest here (Plus Im not too bad at reverse engineering ;))

[jmckeejr]

Good to see progress being made :D. I'll be sending you an email soon(hope I can help) and I'll get that donation ready ;)

[ace10134]

Ok, I got the old thread all set up to be locked.

No one make a post on the old thread!!! I'm waiting for it to be locked, and I want the thread re-direction to be the last post. Thanks to everyone who showed interest/donated/motivated/etc. And the biggest thanks to the developer.

Now keep this thread up to date!!! And a working version to test would be awesome.

Thanks everyone,

Andrew

[8525Smart]

Bounty:
Currently at: $135

:D

Can't believe it. I've been lurking around this site for over a year and this is the first time I saw the XDA 'bounty' (I've only recently heard about it at all).

Anyway, this is an interesting concept. I'm pretty much fine with using Opera Mini to browse XDA, but this could potentially turn out great. I hope all the best to you and your work, Ktemkin!

[sinoo]

+5€ for a reliable and fully functional tool!
Can't wait to try it!

[l3v5y]

Looking very good. :)

I closed the old thread, and stickied this one instead of the old one.

[topsign]

I found this, what you are doing is what they have done.
3Gtan---A great web Browser for forum
unfortunately its in Chinese

[Mandragore]

Looks promising, well done!

[ace10134]

+5€ for a reliable and fully functional tool!
Can't wait to try it!

5 Euros is about $7 USD, (7.11540 USD), when you update the bounty.

Looking very good. :)

I closed the old thread, and stickied this one instead of the old one.

Thanks!

[ktemkin]

I found this, what you are doing is what they have done.
3Gtan---A great web Browser for forum
unfortunately its in Chinese

That seems to work pretty well, but, unfortunately:
-is Completely in Chinese.
-is Closed Source
-takes up a lot of the screen with useless icons and buttons.
-doesn't support downloads/uploads, or most of the advanced features planned for the XDApp project.

Might be useful for people to use in the interim- if they can figure out how to use it.

---

On a more XDApp-related note, I have a few questions for the end-user:

1) Icons: are they worth the screen space? They would only be 5-6 pixels wide (10-12 on double VGA systems), and they'd appear in the following places:
-In front of posts, displaying the the 'new', 'popular', 'you replied here', etc. icons.
-Real icons for things like quote and edit. Right now, the design is that you quote, edit, reply, etc. by right clicking (click and hold) and selecting that option from a menu. Would finger-sized icons in each post be better?

2) Mobile posts- when posting from the a mobile phone, should the XDApp (have an option to) auto-insert a small icon on each post it makes? For example, a post from a mobile phone might look like:

--

http://www.edbisson.com/images/iconCellWh.png Just checking up on the status of the project. Looking forward to your next ROM release!

[jor3l]

is planed a multilang interface? would be cool and i can help with translations if needed

[zelendel]

That seems to work pretty well, but, unfortunately:
-is Completely in Chinese.
-is Closed Source
-takes up a lot of the screen with useless icons and buttons.
-doesn't support downloads/uploads, or most of the advanced features planned for the XDApp project.

Might be useful for people to use in the interim- if they can figure out how to use it.

---

On a more XDApp-related note, I have a few questions for the end-user:

1) Icons: are they worth the screen space? They would only be 5-6 pixels wide (10-12 on double VGA systems), and they'd appear in the following places:
-In front of posts, displaying the the 'new', 'popular', 'you replied here', etc. icons.
-Real icons for things like quote and edit. Right now, the design is that you quote, edit, reply, etc. by right clicking (click and hold) and selecting that option from a menu. Would finger-sized icons in each post be better?

2) Mobile posts- when posting from the a mobile phone, should the XDApp (have an option to) auto-insert a small icon on each post it makes? For example, a post from a mobile phone might look like:

--

http://www.edbisson.com/images/iconCellWh.png Just checking up on the status of the project. Looking forward to your next ROM release!


I for one like the Icon for mobile post. +1 for the right click option as it will not take as long to load on older devices without the icons.

[ace10134]

On a more XDApp-related note, I have a few questions for the end-user:

1) Icons: are they worth the screen space? They would only be 5-6 pixels wide (10-12 on double VGA systems), and they'd appear in the following places:
-In front of posts, displaying the the 'new', 'popular', 'you replied here', etc. icons.
-Real icons for things like quote and edit. Right now, the design is that you quote, edit, reply, etc. by right clicking (click and hold) and selecting that option from a menu. Would finger-sized icons in each post be better?

2) Mobile posts- when posting from the a mobile phone, should the XDApp (have an option to) auto-insert a small icon on each post it makes? For example, a post from a mobile phone might look like:

--

http://www.edbisson.com/images/iconCellWh.png Just checking up on the status of the project. Looking forward to your next ROM release!

1) - Icons in front of the posts aren't exactly necessary. I guess they could be nice, but I'd rather be able to read more text on the screen instead. The icons are rather small, though, so it's no big deal.
- About the "Quote" and "Edit" buttons...I say that the right clicking method is awesome! Otherwise seeing all of those "Quote" and "Edit" buttons on every single post is repetative. I like your right-clicking method. 1 vote for that.

2) the Mobile post thing is a cool idea, and you might as well have the option. But, a better location for the icon...You know how you can pick an icon for your reply? Such as how I picked the Cool Sunglasses Smiley? If we could somehow replace that with a mobile phone icon, that would be perfectly ideal. But, we'd have to get the Admins to do that. So...I'm for having the option of putting the "Mobile" icon, just like how you showed in the example.

[jor3l]

hmm 2 qstions, 1. will have multilang support? and 2. you are doing a server side work or the app donwload the page and then fix it for the phone? :)

[krook6023]

Good to see this is moving right along!!

Icons....are a good question...is pushing a icon that much more functional than right clicking? Icons for for things like quote and edit might give a more ascetic or native look but IMO they would add little to the usability. Icons in front of posts...I really don't care either way...and the Mobile Post thing is a very cool idea....ktemkin...I like the way you think...this app is going to be awesome!

[greeneyemonstruo]

This just keeps getting better and better. Up my pledge to $25 for a little extra motivation.

[ace10134]

This just keeps getting better and better. Up my pledge to $25 for a little extra motivation.

Ktemin should be putting your bounty in the pot soon.

Ktemin (or however you spell that), you should put the bounty in the Thread Title, like it used to be. Well, actually, the bounty doesn't matter anymore, nvm then.

But, everyone, should we have buttons for "Quote", "Edit", etc? Or do you want to access those features by right clicking on the post, and then clicking them? By using the right-click method, we save space. By using the buttons method, we have quicker access. What do you think? (just repeating Ktemin's question).

[ktemkin]

This just keeps getting better and better. Up my pledge to $25 for a little extra motivation.

Thanks! Bounty updated.

hmm 2 qstions, 1. will have multilang support? and 2. you are doing a server side work or the app donwload the page and then fix it for the phone? :)

To answer your questions:

1) Yes, it will support language files, so you won't have to do more than edit a text file to translate it.

2) It can do both server-side streamlining and on-phone rendering.

[jor3l]

oh cool, i have some ideas ^^.. show only the title (as a list) and show the info like pages, last comment, num of answers and that stuff when the user touchs (click-expand) also something like 'slide to read' :D ... and one more question, how the bounty works? would like to donate :)

[ktemkin]

I'm looking to get the core program out first; then I'll spend plenty of time improving the interface. I hope to release all of the controls I've developed for Kinetic Scrolling to the public so we can see more great touch-based applications.

[ace10134]

oh cool, i have some ideas ^^.. show only the title (as a list) and show the info like pages, last comment, num of answers and that stuff when the user touchs (click-expand) also something like 'slide to read' :D ... and one more question, how the bounty works? would like to donate :)

Bounty works as such...

----Example----
Hey, sounds like an interesting concept. You've got my support in the form of $15, hope it helps!!

And then the developer, Ktemin, will update the first post, adding your donation value to the "bounty". You don't have to pay anything upfront. It's just a promise. Once you're requests are met, and the program is finished, then you have to pay up though. Understand? Just reply again with ur donation amount, and Ktemin will update it all, thanks!

[ktemkin]

Ktemin (or however you spell that)

'ktemkin' is short form of my name: Kyle Temkin, so just Kyle will do if you want to refer to me.

Almost have a feature preview completed for you guys to mess around with. Disabling features now as we speak so I'll know what subsystem any glitches apply to.

I'll post a password protected ZIP file here, and send the password out via e-mail/PM to people who requested to be included in the feature tests.

(ZIP files are hardly secure, but I'm not exactly afraid that someone's going to bruteforce their way into my feature preview.)

[ace10134]

'ktemkin' is short form of my name: Kyle Temkin, so just Kyle will do if you want to refer to me.

Almost have a feature preview completed for you guys to mess around with. Disabling features now as we speak so I'll know what subsystem any glitches apply to.

I'll post a password protected ZIP file here, and send the password out via e-mail/PM to people who requested to be included in the feature tests.

(ZIP files are hardly secure, but I'm not exactly afraid that someone's going to bruteforce their way into my feature preview.)

Okay, Kyle. Lol. My name's Andrew.

Sign me up as a tester! PM me, I suppose. Thanks! looking forward to testing!!!!!!

[ktemkin]

Well, I was hoping to have it out tonight, but the stupid Windows Mobile emulator has decided to give me all kinds of connection troubles. As I'm too tired to debug the stupid emulator right now, I think I'll head to bed and get that feature preview out tomorrow.

The features I will be targeting in this feature test are mostly automatic DPI-scaling, kinetic scrolling, and XDA-developers login/session management.

[jor3l]

hehe thanks ace, 10$ if works :D

and add me to the list please :)

[Bijdehandje]

I would like to test the XDApp if that's possible.
Would love to play with this goodie :D so plase add mem to the list if testers.
Keep up the good work.

[ktemkin]

First feature preview is up! See the third post in the thread. It pretty much just lets you log in and view the first page of a forum- I've disabled most of the other features so testers can concentrate on:

-Feel of kinetic scrolling, button clicking.
-Connectivity and speed, including server-side compression.
-Login- does it show your viewed posts correctly? Does your login work?
-DPI scaling- does it display correctly on your device? Especially on devices with weird screen sizes and shapes.

I'd really like to hear what you think (preferably here), especially if you find anything that looks, feels, or acts wrong. I've hidden the button that displays the toolbar and disabled gestures so you can't run into anything unimplemented.

Those of you who were chosen for the feature test will be receiving an e-mail/PM with the zip password soon.

[ace10134]

First feature preview is up! See the third post in the thread. It pretty much just lets you log in and view the first page of a forum- I've disabled most of the other features so testers can concentrate on:

-Feel of kinetic scrolling, button clicking.
-Connectivity and speed, including server-side compression.
-Login- does it show your viewed posts correctly? Does your login work?
-DPI scaling- does it display correctly on your device? Especially on devices with weird screen sizes and shapes.

I'd really like to hear what you think (preferably here), especially if you find anything that looks, feels, or acts wrong. I've hidden the button that displays the toolbar and disabled gestures so you can't run into anything unimplemented.

Those of you who were chosen for the feature test will be receiving an e-mail/PM with the zip password soon.

Yayyy!!! Trying it out soon. This app will be cooked into my ROM when it goes final! And that's some fancy ZIP encryption, lol. You're too secure. But whatever, I'm on the list!

[greeneyemonstruo]

First feature preview is up! See the third post in the thread. It pretty much just lets you log in and view the first page of a forum- I've disabled most of the other features so testers can concentrate on:

-Feel of kinetic scrolling, button clicking.
-Connectivity and speed, including server-side compression.
-Login- does it show your viewed posts correctly? Does your login work?
-DPI scaling- does it display correctly on your device? Especially on devices with weird screen sizes and shapes.

I'd really like to hear what you think (preferably here), especially if you find anything that looks, feels, or acts wrong. I've hidden the button that displays the toolbar and disabled gestures so you can't run into anything unimplemented.

Those of you who were chosen for the feature test will be receiving an e-mail/PM with the zip password soon.

Everything listed worked great for me! Only 2 personal preference comments:

1. The scrolling seemed a bit sensitive to me or maybe it just scrolled too fast because my eyes couldn't keep up.

2. I logged in using the touchscreen keyboard and it covered the password box and pressing up and down just moved the cursor left and right. Plus when I logged in the keyboard remained on screen.

Only error I got was when I pressed the top bar but that is probably because it was disabled.

It looks great!

[ktemkin]

Everything listed worked great for me! Only 2 personal preference comments:

1. The scrolling seemed a bit sensitive to me or maybe it just scrolled too fast because my eyes couldn't keep up.

2. I logged in using the touchscreen keyboard and it covered the password box and pressing up and down just moved the cursor left and right. Plus when I logged in the keyboard remained on screen.

Only error I got was when I pressed the top bar but that is probably because it was disabled.

It looks great!


Yeah, if you read the update on the first post you'll see that I had the kinetic scrolling sensitivity up really high as I was using the emulator.

I'll have to code to fix the SIP covering it- I'm assuming you have one of those incredibly huge diamond/rhodium keyboards at work?

As for the top bar, I'm not sure what's causing the error, as I don't have the app open, but I probably forgot to unbind an event that I removed for the feature test.

I'm really interested in how fast everything seems to load for you, and if you ever have any circumstances in which the program seems to get stuck 'loading forever'. Another tester mentioned this to me, but I haven't been able to confirm or reproduce the events.

[greeneyemonstruo]

I'll have to code to fix the SIP covering it- I'm assuming you have one of those incredibly huge diamond/rhodium keyboards at work?

Yes I do. :p Otherwise, my big thumbs would be getting me nowhere fast.

I'm really interested in how fast everything seems to load for you, and if you ever have any circumstances in which the program seems to get stuck 'loading forever'. Another tester mentioned this to me, but I haven't been able to confirm or reproduce the events.

Load times were amazing compared to opera! On average, login was at about 5-6 seconds and browsing the forum ranged from 3-5 seconds! However, I was able to replicate the "loading forever" situation. When I tried to login while my phone was connected to my computer, it would hang on the login screen. After I minimized XDApp and brought it back up, I got this message: XDApp seems to be having difficulty connecting to XDA..... XDApp appeared to still be loading but I hit cancel and the program closed.

[Bijdehandje]

I just can say.....WOW

Speed is good
Rendering seems good
Only issues which i could find are: (*= known issue)
*1 Scrolling speed is a bit to fast/sensitive. (i like fast and sensitive but this fast and senitive is a bit to much :D)
*2 When clicking the upper bar the app crashes
3 I could not read a post. when i tried to access a post it turned yellow and nothing happends after that. From that moment it seems really sluggish (slow) as if it crashes any minute or hangs. when i try to scroll down after that it goes really slow until i press the back button. After pressing the back button it works like it should be again.

Two things (personal)
Is it possible to build in a back button which can be pressed any time in stead of first scrooling all the way down to find a back button?
Maybe the look of the upper bar is prettyer when it's the 6.5 style (glass look)(just cosmetic for a later stadium)

Overall:
I like the speed
Login time takes only a second or 2 or 3 @ my device
loads really quick
rendering is good
The looks are great (I really like the blueisch look but that's just personal)
Overall overall :D A realy good job so far

[faria]

First all wow! Great piece work.
As mentioned by other testers the scrolling is a bit too happy.:D


I also had the " XDApp seems to be having difficulty connecting to XDA" message, but then i found out the reason was that i had another instance of the app already logged in.

By touching the top bar i also get this error;

XDApp6.exe
NullReferenceException


at XDApp6.view.list_ItemTapped(Object source, FingerTapArgs e)
at Scroller.KListControl.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WnProc(WM wm, Int32 wParam, Int32 lParam)
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WnProc(WM wm, Int32 wParam, Int32 lParam)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control._InternalWnProc(WM wm, Int32 wParam, Int32 lParam)
at Microsoft.AGL.Forms.EVL.EnterMainLoop(IntPtr hwnMain)
at System.Windows.Forms.Application.Run(Form fm)
at XDApp6.Program.Main()



Another thing....

in the special boards there is no moderator forum, is this app limitation ? As a moderator this would be a must.

Future feature request;
Maybe we could have an option to select the forums we want to watch.

Thanks for your hard work, from the moderation team and the xda users.

Can’t wait for the next update!

Regards
Faria

Ps;
Test Device
HTC TOUCH PRO2 " RHODIUM"
STOCK WWE ROM

[ace10134]

Future feature request

Maybe we could have an option to select the forums we want to watch

I think that's already planned. You can look at his planned features list, it tells you how they're coming along. But I second that idea too, it's cool.

[Bijdehandje]

Another two things...

Cannot find the CP (control panel) Seems like the same sort off issue that Faria was talking about. It just isn't there.

It seems i can not shut the XDApp down. It spins at the background and can only be killed with a task manager sort of program.

[faria]

Another two things...

Cannot find the CP (control panel) Seems like the same sort off issue that Faria was talking about. It just isn't there.



yes that is correct.;)

[ktemkin]

@Bijdehandje:

The User CP hasn't been implemented yet, so that's why you can't find it. I've also disabled menus/toolbars, which had the 'exit' option.

You can't read a post because I've disabled that ability in this feature preview. My post-rending engine is incomplete as of yet.

@faria:

Touching the top bar is fixed. That was supposed to trigger something I'd removed from the Feature Preview as it wasn't finished. I just forgot to remove the trigger.

As for the Moderator forum, I don't know why that isn't showing up, as I can't see the Moderator forum to debug. I believe what's happening is that different formatting is causing the Regexp to miss the forum title.

Can you attach the source to what you see as the forum index when you log in? That would help me match my regexp to any unique formatting the Mod forum might have.


--

I have a bunch of modifications I'd like to make tonight and tomorrow, and then I'll release an updated feature preview that I hope will work better.

[DaveTheTytnIIGuy]

I basically have the same thing to say as everyone else, which is:

Scrolling is a tad too sensitive; the app can't seem to distinguish panning and scrolling from each other.
Touching the top bar crashes the application.
App is very fast.
Login seems to work fine for me, but there's really no indication of whether I'm actually logged in or not, since I still can't post, change options, or reply to PM's in this version.
Overall, I would say that this is very promising for a XDA-Developers mobile client. Thanks,

Dave

[ktemkin]

The primary way to tell if you're logged in would be to check to see if the appropriate threads are marked read. For example, check this thread on your PC, and then see if it's marked read on your device afterwards.

[faria]

@Bijdehandje:

The User CP hasn't been implemented yet, so that's why you can't find it. I've also disabled menus/toolbars, which had the 'exit' option.

You can't read a post because I've disabled that ability in this feature preview. My post-rending engine is incomplete as of yet.

@faria:

Touching the top bar is fixed. That was supposed to trigger something I'd removed from the Feature Preview as it wasn't finished. I just forgot to remove the trigger.

As for the Moderator forum, I don't know why that isn't showing up, as I can't see the Moderator forum to debug. I believe what's happening is that different formatting is causing the Regexp to miss the forum title.

Can you attach the source to what you see as the forum index when you log in? That would help me match my regexp to any unique formatting the Mod forum might have.


--

I have a bunch of modifications I'd like to make tonight and tomorrow, and then I'll release an updated feature preview that I hope will work better.
check Pm.....

[jmckeejr]

1) Icons: are they worth the screen space? They would only be 5-6 pixels wide (10-12 on double VGA systems), and they'd appear in the following places:
-In front of posts, displaying the the 'new', 'popular', 'you replied here', etc. icons.
-Real icons for things like quote and edit. Right now, the design is that you quote, edit, reply, etc. by right clicking (click and hold) and selecting that option from a menu. Would finger-sized icons in each post be better?

2) Mobile posts- when posting from the a mobile phone, should the XDApp (have an option to) auto-insert a small icon on each post it makes? For example, a post from a mobile phone might look like:

--

http://www.edbisson.com/images/iconCellWh.png Just checking up on the status of the project. Looking forward to your next ROM release!
I sort of like the icon in front of the posts, but I can certainly live without it. Someone had mentioned a back button easier to reach, would it be possible to have a hidden toolbar sort of like opera(I suppose it could be disabled for testing after reading the next quote)? I'm all for having more screen space, but I feel it would be more productive to have some easy navigation buttons somewhere whether they be hidden or invisible or just nice icons.
First feature preview is up! See the third post in the thread. It pretty much just lets you log in and view the first page of a forum- I've disabled most of the other features so testers can concentrate on:

-Feel of kinetic scrolling, button clicking.
-Connectivity and speed, including server-side compression.
-Login- does it show your viewed posts correctly? Does your login work?
-DPI scaling- does it display correctly on your device? Especially on devices with weird screen sizes and shapes.

I'd really like to hear what you think (preferably here), especially if you find anything that looks, feels, or acts wrong. I've hidden the button that displays the toolbar and disabled gestures so you can't run into anything unimplemented.

Those of you who were chosen for the feature test will be receiving an e-mail/PM with the zip password soon.

My feedback:
I havent really been able to test :( I logged in successfully this morning and was able to view the page, but something happened and my device started to move like molasses. I closed the app(at least to my knowledge) and went to work. Went to try again at lunch time but everytime I tried to open the shortcut I made or the .exe nothing happened. Gave up till a little while ago. The app does not show up on HTC's taskmanager, but after opening in DotFred's Taskmanager the XDApp opened as soon as taskmgr opened :confused: So I have been trying to log in again, but it keeps timing out on the can not connect screen. I havent tried on wifi yet, so not sure if its due to insufficient reception or what. After hitting retry it stays on the "difficulty connecting" until I open taskmanager and kill the process. After hitting cancel I get an error. Here is a small snippit of the error:
XDApp.exe
ArgumentNullException
Value can not be null
Parameter name: input

at
System.Text.RegularExpressions.Regex.Match(String Input)
at
System.Text.RegularExpressions.Regex.Match(String Input, String Pattern)

There's lots more, but if you dont need it I'm not going to post the whole thing. So I will continue to try and log in or at least view the page without logging in to test scrolling and whatever else I can. Thanks for all your work on this.

[krook6023]

The primary way to tell if you're logged in would be to check to see if the appropriate threads are marked read. For example, check this thread on your PC, and then see if it's marked read on your device afterwards.

Everything looks really good...very promising app. Again it is better than I was expecting for a early alpha. Here is what I found;

Not sure the Login is working for me I can't see a way to see if a thread is read or not...I assume it would be bold font? (If that is the case then the login is not working for me). I enter my username and my PW and it appears to work but I am not seeing any bold threads/forums.

Scrolling could be better but...I like where it is going....but it seems pretty easy to click the wrong forum...it would be nice if the forum you click would turn a color and maybe require more pressure, longer or a double tap to open it.

Graphics look good on my VGA Touch Pro in both portrait and landscape.

Also I experience the top bar casing an error but that is the only way I can exit the app with out having to hard reset before it will work again. Said a different way if I exit the program with the task manager...it will not load the program if I try to reopen it. Nothings happens when I try to open it...I have to soft reset before it will open again.

How do you plan to incorporate the gestures?? there are a lot of great possibilities (i.e. swipe left to go back... etc)

Can't wait to see more...and really nice work!

[ktemkin]

Okay, a lot more work has been done on the interface, and I'll be doing some more tomorrow. I've replaced the windows mobile hourglass with a bottom bar that displays a loading animation and relevant status messages. Much more informative.

As for whoever asked if I could do an opera-like hidden bar, that's already being implemented.

I've also created an all-new Rhodium-based theme for the application, done major work on the kinetic scrolling (mostly sensitivity and accuracy updates), and am looking into the problem that causes Microsoft WebRequest components to randomly fail.

Most of the problems I've heard have been fixed, and I should have an update to this feature preview out in a day or two. After that, I plan on having a feature preview to test gestures, toolbars, and menus.

Screenshots for you guys:

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme2.png

What do you think?

[ace10134]

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme2.png

What do you think?

OMG Kyle, that looks wonderful!!! Sooooo sorry that I can't test the app out yet. My ROM that I cooked doesn't have NetCF 3.5, apparently. Or, which version does your app require? I'm guessing 3.5.

[DaveTheTytnIIGuy]

When I went to check threads I had read on my laptop in the mobile client, I noticed exactly what krook6023 did, which is the absence of Bold to indicate unread threads.

Also, I had a question about a possible future feature; Do you think that there will be xda-wiki support eventually? It's not really a huge deal to me, but it would be kind of a nice feature to have eventually.

And BTW, the Rhodium theme looks amazing. Thanks,

Dave

[jmckeejr]

I like that theme. Should fit in good with a lot of other things.
I finally got logged in, it was having a hard time connecting. Scrolling is difficult as already mentioned. Loading Forum views is fine, but once it gets to a forum that has actual posts it seems to silently crash. The scrolling became unresponsive, and I was unable to exit. Killed the process with DotFred's Taskmanager(any reason it does not show on HTC taskmgr?). You have made good progress, cant wait to see more.

[Bijdehandje]

WOW... you know how to make me smile dude

I really like the "new" look. First i loved the blue-ish look but you convinced me with the new manilla/rodium look :D
If you keep on going to make this progress i might even raise my part of the bounty because i really think it's worth it!

Keep up the good work!

Cheers

[jor3l]

realy nice, awesome, fantabuloso! increible! espectaluraristico xD.. but im still waiting for my phone lol will test soon, also, please send me the pass :D thanks

[krook6023]

Screenshots for you guys:

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme.pnghttp://www.ktemkin.com/xda/rho_theme2.png

What do you think?

Theme looks great! Look forward to testing the next release.

[teorouge]

1) Yes, it will support language files, so you won't have to do more than edit a text file to translate it.

I'm in for Italian translation, let me know when I can do that! Love this app! ;)

[jor3l]

Spanish translation here :D

[ace10134]

I finally tried the tech-preview...

Scrolling through the forums is REALLY slow and laggy on my under-powered Wing. Scrolling through the forum categories (the first screens) is fine, but then once I go into a forum category, like Developement and Hacking, scrolling becomes so slow it's unusable.

I guess my T-Mobile Wing phone just can't handle it?? Or is the final release going to be less graphically intense?

And the loading times are pretty decent over my Edge connection (about 10 seconds, I'd say). I'm not sure if the log-in's working, since I can't really scroll through the forums to see if they're read or not (due to slowness).

[ktemkin]

I wouldn't say the Wing is underpowered, as it runs just fine on my HTC Wizard testing device. There's not that much of a difference, processor-wise, in rendering one view from another.

I also haven't gotten a chance to optimize, as I'm not completely sure what's going to be in the release version.

I could increase efficiency by about 90% by utilizing CF's build in controls instead of rendering everything by hand, but then the behaviors of those controls would be what manifested to the end user. In layman's terms, this means that pre-6.5, there would be no kinetic scrolling without TouchFLO.

I could increase buffering, but that would inflate memory footprint by a good deal in exchange for the program using less CPU cycles.

I've done a bit more UI-wise, and I think I might spend a few hours trying to perfect the feel of the app.

---

Currently, my method for accessing toolbars and menus uses both gestures and 'corner taps'. For example, right now, tapping the bottom right-hand corner of the screen shows the toolbar, which displays three icons appropriate for the current view, as well as a 'menu' button.

The disadvantage of this method is that it's unintuitive; the advantage is it doesn't take up any screen space.

[ace10134]

I wouldn't say the Wing is underpowered, as it runs just fine on my HTC Wizard testing device. There's not that much of a difference, processor-wise, in rendering one view from another.

I also haven't gotten a chance to optimize, as I'm not completely sure what's going to be in the release version.

I could increase efficiency by about 90% by utilizing CF's build in controls instead of rendering everything by hand, but then the behaviors of those controls would be what manifested to the end user. In layman's terms, this means that pre-6.5, there would be no kinetic scrolling without TouchFLO.

I could increase buffering, but that would inflate memory footprint by a good deal in exchange for the program using less CPU cycles.

I've done a bit more UI-wise, and I think I might spend a few hours trying to perfect the feel of the app.

---

Currently, my method for accessing toolbars and menus uses both gestures and 'corner taps'. For example, right now, tapping the bottom right-hand corner of the screen shows the toolbar, which displays three icons appropriate for the current view, as well as a 'menu' button.

The disadvantage of this method is that it's unintuitive; the advantage is it doesn't take up any screen space.

Oh contrair! Windows Mobile 6.1 has scrolling built in! I can confirm that the 21051 builds of Windows Mobile 6.1 HAVE scrolling that MICROSOFT created. That's why when I cook ROM's, I don't ever cook in TouchFLO, since Microsoft's scrolling is far superior.

But I say, if it's not too tough, make two versions. One for people running the older versions of 6.1, and one for people running newer builds, sounds good?

[jmckeejr]

I finally tried the tech-preview...

Scrolling through the forums is REALLY slow and laggy on my under-powered Wing. Scrolling through the forum categories (the first screens) is fine, but then once I go into a forum category, like Developement and Hacking, scrolling becomes so slow it's unusable.

I guess my T-Mobile Wing phone just can't handle it?? Or is the final release going to be less graphically intense?

And the loading times are pretty decent over my Edge connection (about 10 seconds, I'd say). I'm not sure if the log-in's working, since I can't really scroll through the forums to see if they're read or not (due to slowness).

Dont think this is device specific as I experienced the molasses effect when viewing Forums with posts. Categories is ok, except once I touch the screen it scrolls without end. But the developer saaid he was testing on emulator so had sensitivity on high.

[ktemkin]

I am currently seriously considering switching my (managed) kinetic scrolling code (which uses System.Drawing.Drawing2D) to unsafe/DirectX/OpenGL-ES in order to increase code efficiency.

It'd take a lot of time, but I might be able to squeeze a lot more out of older devices, too.

[ace10134]

I am currently seriously considering switching my (managed) kinetic scrolling code (which uses System.Drawing.Drawing2D) to unsafe/DirectX/OpenGL-ES in order to increase code efficiency.

It'd take a lot of time, but I might be able to squeeze a lot more out of older devices, too.

Hmm, well it'll be usable at least! Remember that most WM6.1 builds have the same scrolling engine as WM6.5, so you could just let WinMo control the scrolling.

[ktemkin]

I just made a few changes to the update rates, increased buffering just a little (should be a difference of ~10kb), and restructured the rendering order.

I'm just testing for smoothness on newer devices, and if it does not adversely affect smoothness on newer devices, I'll post it for you to test on older ones.

[ace10134]

I just made a few changes to the update rates, increased buffering just a little (should be a difference of ~10kb), and restructured the rendering order.

I'm just testing for smoothness on newer devices, and if it does not adversely affect smoothness on newer devices, I'll post it for you to test on older ones.

Ok, I'll test it. Tell me once you post it.

[ktemkin]

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/feature_preview/olddevice.zip

There are probably a bunch of glitches (especially related to dragging into the corner- I haven't finished the code for that yet.) as this is a live development 'snapshot'- i.e. I was right in the middle of coding when I zipped this up and posted it.

Same password as the last archive. I'd appreciate anyone with an older device (Wizard, Wing, etc.) test it to see if the 'molasses effect' is gone.

[ace10134]

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/feature_preview/olddevice.zip

There are probably a bunch of glitches (especially related to dragging into the corner- I haven't finished the code for that yet.) as this is a live development 'snapshot'- i.e. I was right in the middle of coding when I zipped this up and posted it.

Same password as the last archive. I'd appreciate anyone with an older device (Wizard, Wing, etc.) test it to see if the 'molasses effect' is gone.

Still just as slow on my Wing for scrolling :(

Dude, I say that you just let Windows Mobile control the scrolling. Do you not like that idea?

[ktemkin]

That reduces compatibility only to those with 6.5, or with a finger-scrolling 6.1 ROM. What about the other 70% of our users?

[ace10134]

That reduces compatibility only to those with 6.5, or with a finger-scrolling 6.1 ROM. What about the other 70% of our users?

Well all new 6.1 ROM's have the exact same scrolling engine as 6.5. But yea, I guess there are lots of users that are on the Stock ROM's which never had TouchFLO. So, then you could do this...

But if it's easy to do, you could make two versions of the app. Is it easy just to strip out the scrolling and release that version too?

[ktemkin]

Which builds of 6.1 have 6.5's controls, anyways? That seems like a pretty radical change for Microsoft to build into 6.1.

I'll have to see how WM6.5's scrolling handles, anyway.

[ace10134]

Which builds of 6.1 have 6.5's controls, anyways? That seems like a pretty radical change for Microsoft to build into 6.1.

21051 builds. I can confirm that. Previous builds might have it too, I guess. I don't have a drop of TouchFLO on my phone, and it scrolls by default.

[ktemkin]

Ace, I've built one more for you / (old 200mhz QVGA device users) to test before I give up on my personal method of kinetic scrolling. This one utilizes Controls instead of rendering the objects from a custom interface. Try it out.

[ace10134]

Ace, I've built one more for you / (old 200mhz QVGA device users) to test before I give up on my personal method of kinetic scrolling. This one utilizes Controls instead of rendering the objects from a custom interface. Try it out.

Hah, ok, I'll try it out. Maybe you should just admit that your kinetic scrolling fails! Or maybe I should just get a better phone!

[ktemkin]

Oh, hell, I forgot to tell you. In order to access these unique methods of scrolling, you should tap the XDA-Developers logo on the login screen. That will pop up the debug menu, which features the two different new scrolling methods. Duh >.<. Stupid me.

The newest one is 'Show Native Fakes', the last item on the list.

[ace10134]

Oh, hell, I forgot to tell you. In order to access these unique methods of scrolling, you should tap the XDA-Developers logo on the login screen. That will pop up the debug menu, which features the two different new scrolling methods. Duh >.<. Stupid me.

The newest one is 'Show Native Fakes', the last item on the list.

Oh. Was that true in the last (scrolling test) version, too? Cuz I didn't do that.

[ktemkin]

Yeah, it was, but it doesn't matter. Try the newer version and let me know if it's faster.

[ace10134]

Yeah, it was, but it doesn't matter. Try the newer version and let me know if it's faster.

It's scrolling better, but it's still rendering a little slow when scrolling. You can see the lines rendering across when it scrolls. It's more usable at least. I wanna try the WinMo scrolling one though, just to compare (if it's not too tough to do!)

[ktemkin]

I honestly don't think it's worth doing. On my original kinetic scrolling method, it's the rapid rendering of the items as they move that slows down older devices, not the scrolling itself.

Allowing windows to handle the scrolling wouldn't fix the issue- it would still have to re-render the entire panel each time. Utilizing controls/pre-rendering makes the application use about 3mb of RAM at once, which is ridiculous.

As long as I continue to use managed code to render fluid kinetic scrolling, I'm caught like a rock in a hard place between CPU usage and RAM. I'm going to cut down on that as much as I can- no matter what actual scrolling method I use.

[ace10134]

I honestly don't think it's worth doing. On my original kinetic scrolling method, it's the rapid rendering of the items as they move that slows down older devices, not the scrolling itself.

Allowing windows to handle the scrolling wouldn't fix the issue- it would still have to re-render the entire panel each time. Utilizing controls/pre-rendering makes the application use about 3mb of RAM at once, which is ridiculous.

As long as I continue to use managed code to render fluid kinetic scrolling, I'm caught like a rock in a hard place between CPU usage and RAM. I'm going to cut down on that as much as I can- no matter what actual scrolling method I use.

Yea true. What code does PointUI use? C++, right? Not managed? So that's what makes it faster and smoother?

Well just keep on working on it, you're doing well. I love the new theme color, and the status bar at the bottom is great. Can't wait till more versions come out!

[ktemkin]

Okay, yet another testing version is available that should hopefully correct the molasses effect in the original kinetic scrolling. If this doesn't work (it really should) I'll convert this section to 'unsafe' (unmanaged) code.

Same password, you can tap the logo and 'view fake posts' so you can skip the loading process if you'd like.

I've reduced the rendering function from 50+ function calls (theme lookups, etc.) down to just 15.

I sure hope this works.

[ace10134]

Okay, yet another testing version is available that should hopefully correct the molasses effect in the original kinetic scrolling. If this doesn't work (it really should) I'll convert this section to 'unsafe' (unmanaged) code.

Same password, you can tap the logo and 'view fake posts' so you can skip the loading process if you'd like.

I've reduced the rendering function from 50+ function calls (theme lookups, etc.) down to just 15.

I sure hope this works.

I don't have to click on the "XDA Developers" icon on the login screen to go into a different scrolling mode on this one? I only get "Display Fake Posts" and "Show Stack Trace" when I go to that menu. I'll try it without doing anything special, and then report back.

[ace10134]

I don't have to click on the "XDA Developers" icon on the login screen to go into a different scrolling mode on this one? I only get "Display Fake Posts" and "Show Stack Trace" when I go to that menu. I'll try it without doing anything special, and then report back.

Yea, I think there's supposed to be an option there, like I said. When launching into the app the normal way, scrolling is like the original version. Did you forget to add the option?

[ktemkin]

No, you shouldn't need a special option- it's built in. And that version is so stripped down it runs flawlessly when under-clocked to 50mhz on my old Wizard.

I can only conclude that your device doesn't have the RAM to run this without constantly swapping pages (and it doesn't use that much RAM to begin with), or has another incompatibility. Perhaps I'll make a very watered-down version for you later. Unless you can figure out that it's otherwise, I'll have to conclude that the problem is your device/configuration and not the XDApp.

If you're running another ROM at any point in the near future, try it then.

Everyone else can expect the update to this feature preview by the weekend.

[Bijdehandje]

Just buy a new device dude. :rolleyes:
There allot of devices second hand for not that much :p
People buy faster pc's to spin newer software instead of claiming at the developer to build it lighter

[ace10134]

No, you shouldn't need a special option- it's built in. And that version is so stripped down it runs flawlessly when under-clocked to 50mhz on my old Wizard.

I can only conclude that your device doesn't have the RAM to run this without constantly swapping pages (and it doesn't use that much RAM to begin with), or has another incompatibility. Perhaps I'll make a very watered-down version for you later. Unless you can figure out that it's otherwise, I'll have to conclude that the problem is your device/configuration and not the XDApp.

If you're running another ROM at any point in the near future, try it then.

Everyone else can expect the update to this feature preview by the weekend.

Hmmm. Well I only have about 20 MB free RAM, so not that much. I'll be testing the app again in different conditions, etc. But, I will also be getting the Wing II (Touch Pro 2) in 13 days!!! So then I'll be able to run it, thank god.

[ktemkin]

More progress (see first post)! The toolbar/menu system is working great, as well as gestures and 'corner taps'. I'll discuss more on that when I get the updated feature preview out either tomorrow or this weekend.

[Bijdehandje]

Sounds great :D
I'd love to hear from you when we can take it for a test spin.

[lpsi2000]

I am interested on testing the app as well, if you can include me in the next round that would be great.

[ktemkin]

Just when I was about to have the updated Feature Preview ready, my computer decided to hibernate... and not wake up. Apparently, Visual Studio decided to trash my Project file (.csproj), which now apparently contains all zeroes.

None of the actual code was lost, just the file that tells Visual Studio where the code is, but this has irritated me enough that I think I might postpone tonight's work on this until tomorrow.

I might have another surprise for you guys in the works, though.

[jamezelle]

Just when I was about to have the updated Feature Preview ready, my computer decided to hibernate... and not wake up. Apparently, Visual Studio decided to trash my Project file (.csproj), which now apparently contains all zeroes.

None of the actual code was lost, just the file that tells Visual Studio where the code is, but this has irritated me enough that I think I might postpone tonight's work on this until tomorrow.

I might have another surprise for you guys in the works, though.

sounds good i like suprises

[ktemkin]

Okay, everyone. Here's the little surprise I have planned for you.

Go to: http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/

What you're looking at is actually the back-end to the new Windows Mobile 6.5 XDA Developers widget! It also happens to function as a web-based mobile solution for accessing the forum. It's not done, but it only requires a few more hours of work, and then it'll be fully operational!

Not sure if it'll look horribly huge on QVGA; I haven't tried it. I know it looks horribly huge on the PC, but horribly huge there converts to finger-friendly on a VGA device.

Why am I working on this instead of the actual XDApp, you ask? The answer is pretty simple: this will take only a short period to complete, and it'll fill the gap while I work on the tedious process of (efficiently) rendering selected pieces of HTML for the forum's post view.

I also am going on vacation starting on Wednesday, and I didn't want to leave you guys without some finished product.

This 'widget' should be done this weekend- and should greatly speed up accessing the XDA developers forums.

Everyone, check out how the first couple of page layouts look on your phone and let me know if I can make any improvements.

[dare2know]

http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/viewForum.php?id=240&title=General%20discussion..

i have tested on ELFIN.. it is nice..i liked the interference...
Resolution ; 240x320 . 6.5 rom, and EDGE connection
keep that good work going on..cheers

[ace10134]

Go to: http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/

Funny how you managed to make a good XDA mobile website within a week or so, while XDA hasn't had one since it was made! You're the boss man. I can't wait for my new phone so that I can use the app! I guess us Wing users can use the website until we all upgrade phones.

[hkultraman]

would be good if support pagination and login

Okay, everyone. Here's the little surprise I have planned for you.

Go to: http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/

What you're looking at is actually the back-end to the new Windows Mobile 6.5 XDA Developers widget! It also happens to function as a web-based mobile solution for accessing the forum. It's not done, but it only requires a few more hours of work, and then it'll be fully operational!

Not sure if it'll look horribly huge on QVGA; I haven't tried it. I know it looks horribly huge on the PC, but horribly huge there converts to finger-friendly on a VGA device.

Why am I working on this instead of the actual XDApp, you ask? The answer is pretty simple: this will take only a short period to complete, and it'll fill the gap while I work on the tedious process of (efficiently) rendering selected pieces of HTML for the forum's post view.

I also am going on vacation starting on Wednesday, and I didn't want to leave you guys without some finished product.

This 'widget' should be done this weekend- and should greatly speed up accessing the XDA developers forums.

Everyone, check out how the first couple of page layouts look on your phone and let me know if I can make any improvements.

[ace10134]

would be good if support pagination and login

That's cuz it's not finished. He's just asking us to tell him what we think of it.

Pagination = Pages. Had to look that one up.

[ktemkin]

Widget almost finished! Supports everything up to viewing posts. (http://ktemkin.com/xda/viewPost.php?id=540504)

All I need to add is a reply form (~30 min of work), finish up my script which prettyfies people's posts for mobile devices, and add the GUI 'chrome' javascript to the widget container. The GUI chrome will be what lets you navigate forward and backwards between pages easily, return home, reply, etc.

Then I can add a few embellishments (user CP, private messages); but I'm not going to add too many to the widget, as that's what the real application is for.

To whomever said it would be better if it supported login- it already does.

[ace10134]

Widget almost finished! Supports everything up to viewing posts.

All I need to add is a reply form (~30 min of work), finish up my script which prettyfies people's posts for mobile devices, and add the GUI 'chrome' javascript to the widget container.

Then I can add a few embellishments (user CP, private messages); but I'm not going to add too many to the widget, as that's what the real application is for.

The GUI chrome will be what lets you navigate forward and backwards between pages easily, return home, reply, etc.

Sounds sweeeeet!!

We'll miss you while you're on vacation, but it'll be fun to play around with the web version.

[ktemkin]

Incidentally, if any of the admins read this, I'd like to talk to you about this mobile 'widget':

1) Obviously, it'd run a lot better on your servers than mine. Once it's tried and true, I'll be happy to give you the sourcecode; it shouldn't require any modification of vbulletin if you want to mess around with it. (It just establishes a socket to the server and uses regex to parse the data it receives- so naturally it'd work fine pointed at 'localhost'. Bit more complicated if you have virtual hosts on the same IP, but same principle.)

But, more importantly:

2) By parsing your data and displaying it in mobile format, the scripts essentially filter out your advertisements. As advertisements provide a lot of support for a website like XDA, I'd like to incorporate ads for you guys in there somewhere. I'm not sure if that'll really work while the scripts are on my servers- but if you want, you guys can send me some (preferably mobile-formatted) ad code to display on widget pages, or something to that effect.

I just want to make sure you guys don't lose out on anything.

3) There are some issues while the script is running on my server. Any abuse (spamming, etc.) would be logged on my server instead of yours- and the requests would come from my server's IP address. Having requests from many users bottlenecked through a single IP address is absolutely unideal. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

[ace10134]

2) By parsing your data and displaying it in mobile format, the scripts essentially filter out your advertisements. As advertisements provide a lot of support for a website like XDA, I'd like to incorporate ads for you guys in there somewhere. I'm not sure if that'll really work while the scripts are on my servers- but if you want, you guys can send me some ad code to display on widget pages, or something to that effect.

I just want to make sure you guys don't lose out on anything.

Ah man, it sounds so nice without advertisements!!

But yea, you should really be working with the admins. I'm suprised they haven't done anything.

[jmckeejr]

I'm surprised none of the admins have anything to say about this app which in essence is an app for them(or their site anyway). Feel like there shopuld be more interest in this as it would make communications easier among developers in return increasing productivity.

[knytphal]

Excellent job on the mobile app (and the website widget)!

I'm looking forward to following more progress on this.

[MikeKnoop]

Any chance you could parse whether there are new posts in the forum and bold the text if so? Mobile site looks good!

-Mike

[ktemkin]

It should be doing that already, if you log in. It does for me, anyway. Log in and then try going to http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/session.php - it'll show you what the server sees when it views this thread. See if it shows you as logged in in the top right hand corner.

Cheers,

Kyle

[jor3l]

hehe the widget looks nice.. just hope the traffic on your site can support that php/html parse.. also add a onClick="window.location='newurl.php'" for each row so you dont have to click the text to get the page (or click the image with the aref) and you should contact an admin and see if you can work with the DB, less data and traffic for your site and XDA :D

[ace10134]

hehe the widget looks nice..

Yea, Kyle, I'll have to try out the Widget on my Wing. I bet it can handle that since it's just a web app.

And yes, our Wing does run WM6.5, lol. It can at least do that!

[jor3l]

Yea, Kyle, I'll have to try out the Widget on my Wing. I bet it can handle that since it's just a web app.

And yes, our Wing does run WM6.5, lol. It can at least do that!

lol :O im still waiting for my Kaiser :D:D:D (10 working days tomorrow :S)

[ace10134]

Wait, Kyle, did you even release the Widget for 6.5?? People are saying that it looks nice, but I think they're meaning to talk about the web page.

I didn't see you release it anywhere. But It'll be sweet once you do release it.

[JohnQ]

would be a great app!
stitched

[ktemkin]

Wait, Kyle, did you even release the Widget for 6.5?? People are saying that it looks nice, but I think they're meaning to talk about the web page.

I didn't see you release it anywhere. But It'll be sweet once you do release it.

Well, WM 6.5 widgets are just Internet Explorer windows without the UI, and with some scripting extensions, so I guess it's fairly safe to say 'the widget looks nice' even if you don't have it.

And yes, our Wing does run WM6.5, lol. It can at least do that!So does my Wizard- slowly.

Whenever DNS propagates, my xda-developers mobile site will be available at the more appropriate "xda-developers.mobi". ^_^

[ace10134]

Well, for some reason, when I try to visit your mobile XDA website from my WinMo6.5 phone, the page doesn't load! I even clicked on the direct link, but nothing. Strange thing is that I'm typing this from my phone's browser, and its working fine. Really weird.

Oh, and, release the Widget!! That'll be pretty cool.

[ktemkin]

What browser are you using? IE6-on-6? Or 'Pocket IE' (i.e. IE4)? Or another?

Any what URI are you using?

[ace10134]

What browser are you using? IE6-on-6? Or 'Pocket IE' (i.e. IE4)? Or another?

Any what URI are you using?

Using the Internet Explorer from WM6.5, so I think that's IE8.

And used the link that you said. I typed it in, I clicked on it directly, but the page just doesn't load. It's weird.

Go to: http://www.ktemkin.com/xda/

[greeneyemonstruo]

So I assume the the widget web version is only IE? I loaded it with opera but had a few issues. Certain posts were missing and I had to select forums by zooming in and selecting the word.

[ace10134]

So I assume the the widget web version is only IE? I loaded it with opera but had a few issues. Certain posts were missing and I had to select forums by zooming in and selecting the word.

There is no web widget version yet. That's just a mobile website.

And you should be having problems, since he hasn't finished the mobile site yet. He just wanted feedback on the look and feel of it.

And Opera just renders it differently, I guess.

[ktemkin]

If you find any missing threads, it's possible there's a hole in my regexp. Please post the specific thread ID. (Name/location is okay, too.)

[greeneyemonstruo]

There is no web widget version yet. That's just a mobile website.

And you should be having problems, since he hasn't finished the mobile site yet. He just wanted feedback on the look and feel of it.

And Opera just renders it differently, I guess.

When I read about widgets a while back I thought they were just a mobile-friendly webpage installed on the device to work hand-in-hand with the new IE. Thats the only reason why I assumed it was IE only. Of course I have been wrong before.

If you find any missing threads, it's possible there's a hole in my regexp. Please post the specific thread ID. (Name/location is okay, too.)

I only caught it because it's my most visited page here on XDA :) The strange thing was I saw it on IE but not in Opera...

Thread ID: 536751

Location: Raphael>Raphael ROM development>|RAPH|ROM|6.5|WWE| ★ EnergyROM 'Aurora' (SYS 23016) ★ | Built on August 1st |

I'll be sure to keep an out in case there are others. BTW Awesome work!

[ktemkin]

That's really weird; I can see Aurora just fine.

[greeneyemonstruo]

That's really weird; I can see Aurora just fine.

:confused: Well I just tried it again and it is there...but I swear it wasn't there before! Maybe I put my contacts in the wrong eyes again. Sorry for the confusion.

[hkultraman]

Well, WM 6.5 widgets are just Internet Explorer windows without the UI, and with some scripting extensions, so I guess it's fairly safe to say 'the widget looks nice' even if you don't have it.

So does my Wizard- slowly.

Whenever DNS propagates, my xda-developers mobile site will be available at the more appropriate "xda-developers.mobi". ^_^

if you check MSDN, you find that widgets can be more advanced

- can have your own menu item (for us may be we can create menu items which serve as shortcut to our favouritessub-forums, or create new thread
- widgets also has the ability to save information on your device.

check here http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd721906.aspx

[ace10134]

will if you check MSDN, you find that widgets can be more advanced

- can have your own menu item (for us may be we can create menu items which serve as shortcut to our favouritessub-forums, or create new thread
- widgets also has the ability to save information on your device.

check here http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd721906.aspx

Yep. I knew they were more advanced, I just didn't feel like explaining. And you know more than me anyways.

So the Widget would be pretty good, with saving info on the phone, that would be a cache, right? And save the forum categories, too. Could be real good, but not as good as the true app.

[ktemkin]

Well, I could build in a cache, and etc- but it's not worth spending the time on right now. I might later- but for now I'd rather focus on putting those same features into the app.

Major backend/frontend progress: http://www.xda-developers.mobi

-Image support; images are automatically mini-sized and compressed for mobility.
-Better restyling of posts for mobile (will be completed tomorrow.)
-You can now navigate from page to page using finger-friendly controls. If you're looking for a large 'forward'/'back' button, those are hidden in the chrome of the widget.
-You can now tap in the background of a cell instead of the text itself.
-Primary Backend is done. This means that there are functions for the essentials- reply, new post, etc, and GUI's just need to be developed for these pages.

[ace10134]

Well, I could build in a cache, and etc- but it's not worth spending the time on right now. I might later- but for now I'd rather focus on putting those same features into the app.

Major backend/frontend progress: http://www.xda-developers.mobi

-Image support; images are automatically mini-sized and compressed for mobility.
-Better restyling of posts for mobile (will be completed tomorrow.)
-You can now navigate from page to page using finger-friendly controls. If you're looking for a large 'forward'/'back' button, those are hidden in the chrome of the widget.
-You can now tap in the background of a cell instead of the text itself.
-Primary Backend is done. This means that there are functions for the essentials- reply, new post, etc, and GUI's just need to be developed for these pages.

WOW sounds great!!! I've gotta flash back to 6.5, then!

[dadeadman]

The rhodium one looks pretty good.

[crissg]

Sorry if this is a known issue, but the mobile site just hangs when I tap "Login". If I tap "Skip Login" it proceeds right to the Main Menu.

Great progress otherwise! I'm looking forward to the app/widget!

Thanks!

[B4PJS]

Just a quick one, am I being daft or is there no jump to new post button? Really helps for those long threads (Da_G's 6.5 kitchen is a killer to try and search through to find where you left off!)

[ace10134]

Just a quick one, am I being daft or is there no jump to new post button? Really helps for those long threads (Da_G's 6.5 kitchen is a killer to try and search through to find where you left off!)

Mmm, we do need a "Unread" button.

But remember, guys....This isn't near the final release!!! It's just a little web version that'll help us survive the wait while Kyle is on vacation. You can say that it's just an Alpha. It's not meant for primetime, yet, exactly.

[gotz]

Looking very good :D

try now :D

[ktemkin]

Sorry if this is a known issue, but the mobile site just hangs when I tap "Login". If I tap "Skip Login" it proceeds right to the Main Menu.

Great progress otherwise! I'm looking forward to the app/widget!

Thanks!

I don't know how it could be 'hanging', but I've put a little bit of a buffer routine for browsers that don't accept forwarding. Try it now?

Edit: I'm delaying the release of the widget until tomorrow, as I seem to have to jump through flaming hoops blindfolded in order to convince vBulletin my app is not an evil, nefarious spam-bot. I want to make sure I don't make vBulletin angry.

[crissg]

I don't know how it could be 'hanging', but I've put a little bit of a buffer routine for browsers that don't accept forwarding. Try it now?

Edit: I'm delaying the release of the widget until tomorrow, as I seem to have to jump through flaming hoops blindfolded in order to convince vBulletin my app is not an evil, nefarious spam-bot. I want to make sure I don't make vBulletin angry.

What I meant by "hanging" was that nothing happened after the tap. I tried it out again this morning on both browsers. Iris let me login, PIE didn't. PIE did go to the main menu if I tapped "Skip Login" just like yesterday.
Rendering is much better on Iris as well.

Looks Great!

[hkultraman]

there is an Open Source app which allows desktop Windows Mobile widget emulation

http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=6585

http://wmpoweruser.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wbwidget_thumb.jpg

[ace10134]

Oh yea, so I thought the widget was going to be released yesterday? Am I missing something? (no rush)

[ktemkin]

I'm on a different time zone that you, so I still have a few more hours; but I'd like to do a bit more testing before I release it (javascript, etc.).

Care to bear with me?

[valkryomnia]

I'm excited. Cant wait for this to be fully finnished... or atleast available. The site looks great, I'd donate if I could (Its the thought that counts, remember? k, maybe not.). Anyways, great job, keep it up.

[ace10134]

I'm on a different time zone that you, so I still have a few more hours; but I'd like to do a bit more testing before I release it (javascript, etc.).

Care to bear with me?

Lol, bearing with you. I'm cooking ROM's myself, so I'm keeping busy. I can wait.

[ktemkin]

Okay, it's ready for release now, but I've had a few, so I'm going to release it tomorrow once I've verified I haven't done anything stupid.

[ace10134]

Okay, it's ready for release now, but I've had a few, so I'm going to release it tomorrow once I've verified I haven't done anything stupid.

Ahh, you just keep on tugging that juicy steak away from us at the last minute!!

[witch1]

The mobile version if the site is nice. Can't wait till you release the app and widget!

[ktemkin]

This is a test post from the XDApp. More data in a sec.

[ace10134]

This is a test post from the XDApp. More data in a sec.

Thanks for teasing us once again :(

[ktemkin]

I apologize for this double post, but it is necessary for testing.

[ace10134]

I apologize for this double post, but it is necessary for testing.

Apologize to my hopes. They have been crushed, realizing that I'm not gonna see a release tonight. lol. It's cool. Good to hear it's working!

[ktemkin]

You're not going to see a release tonight? Oh. How tragic.

For everyone else, you can try the widget at:

http://www.xda-developers.mobi/widget/prebeta.widget

Just run the file on your device! You'll need a WM6.5 phone with widgets enabled. If you have a WM6.5 phone without widgets enabled, you can enable widgets with this cab. (http://www.xda-developers.mobi/widget/widenable.cab)

The widget isn't in it's final stage, but most of the updates should be launched server-side and will appear on your handsets instantly upon starting the widget.
I've disabled the Left and Right soft-key menus, as on one of my four testing devices, there's a small glitch with the menus that causes Opera to open.

The menus will probably appear back on your devices tomorrow or Sunday, hopefully without any re-download/install of the widget 'core'.

If your WM6.5 doesn't like the widget format, try renaming it to "xda.wgt".

Try replying to this post from the widget! ^_^
(Reply won't show up unless you're logged in.)

[ace10134]

You're not going to see a release tonight? Oh. How tragic.

I'm not going to. It's 12:36 AM now, so I guess I get to see it this morning! That works for me. Trying it out in a few min...

[DaveTheTytnIIGuy]

Nice widget! My only complaint is the scroll bars. It may be because I'm on QVGA, but everything is about twice as wide as the screen, so there are scroll bars. But, it was the same in IE6 on 6, so I kind of expected that, and I think that's probably more a server side issue. Overall, I like the widget, it's much more conveniant than opening Opera or IE6. Unfortunately, I can't test post to this thread from now because I'm in the Czech Republic for the moment, and don't want to spend a ton of money on a few kilobytes of data, so I can't tell how that'll work.

Dave

[ace10134]

Nice widget! My only complaint is the scroll bars. It may be because I'm on QVGA, but everything is about twice as wide as the screen, so there are scroll bars. But, it was the same in IE6 on 6, so I kind of expected that, and I think that's probably more a server side issue. Overall, I like the widget, it's much more conveniant than opening Opera or IE6. Unfortunately, I can't test post to this thread from now because I'm in the Czech Republic for the moment, and don't want to spend a ton of money on a few kilobytes of data, so I can't tell how that'll work.

Dave

QVGA problems, as he was talking about...

http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=213916&stc=1&d=1249718419http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=213917&stc=1&d=1249718419http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=213918&stc=1&d=1249718419

[ktemkin]

That'd apparently be because Screen.Resolution doesn't work all that well in JavaScript under IE6on6. Right now everything's being dynamically size-doubled for VGA. I just have to write some Javascript to turn that off on QVGA screens.

I'll have a fix tomorrow. ^_^

[ace10134]

That'd apparently be because Screen.Resolution doesn't work all that well in JavaScript under IE6on6. Right now everything's being dynamically size-doubled for VGA. I just have to write some Javascript to turn that off on QVGA screens.

I'll have a fix tomorrow. ^_^

sounds freakin amazing!! About to post my Mobile post, in a sec.

[ace10134]

But, the image compression works really well! and, this is usable on my Wing! (Typing from my Wing right now). Very cool!

I wonder...Can I be bold??? I hope so.

[ace10134]

cooool, bold works from mobile. I'd expect that, but thats good!

One thing though, u probably already know it...After replying to a post, you're taken back to the main categories section. Idk, I guess that could make sense. The only reason I didnt like it was because I wanted to look at my mobile post instantly to see if the bold worked. so, I dont really care where it redirects after posting.

1 more thing...When typing large mesasges, I have to scroll down for EVERY line I type, because I run out of box space, lol. That's IE's own fault for not handling text boxes well, isnt it? Ok, going to bed now. End mobile post!

[ktemkin]

The "taking you back to the category view after a post" was a glitch- it should be eliminated.
[Edit: Yep, eliminated. There's a tiny issue where you need to page forward if the post starts a new page, but I'll fix that in a bit.]

Preliminary QVGA support has been enabled; tell me if it fixes things on your devices.

I'm not sure what you mean by the Internet Explorer's text-area thing; if you elaborate, I might be able to trick IE into working well.

Here's the roster for tomorrow/Sunday:

-Implement strategic session checking to ensure remote session hasn't expired.
-Make it easier to log out.
-Allow user to start new threads.
-More optimization/work on the 'Deviceify' library, which alters post formatting to better fit on mobile devices.
-Softkeys/menus.
-Two or three post previews in writePost.php; buttons for bold, italic, underline. (Post preview?)

[optiknerv]

The prebeta release is not working on my diamond running 6.5 Widgets are enabled because i have msn weather working fine and another widget i tried last week worked fine. It installs successfully but when i run it it just runs a blank page. says xda mobile on the task bar and have exit and menu softkeys. Just blank lol. :confused:

[zenkinz]

I dont' find the download link for the application, am I missing something? Thanks.

[Bijdehandje]

I dont' find the download link for the application, am I missing something? Thanks.

That's because it's still in developement.

[zenkinz]

That's because it's still in developement.

thanks, guess the title is misleading.

can somebody who has the feature preview access pm the password? the developer is probably busy he has not replied to my email yet. thanks..

[krook6023]

This is a great widget Kyle...THANKS

[DaveTheTytnIIGuy]

Preliminary QVGA support has been enabled; tell me if it fixes things on your devices.


It seems that despite the "?QVGA=yes" appended to your xda mobile site's URL when on IE 6 on 6, there still is no change. Oh well, posts still show up pretty well, it only seems to be the login screen (there may be more size issues on pages that I haven't tried, but once again: Czech Republic, expensive data, etc).

Dave

[ace10134]

The prebeta release is not working on my diamond running 6.5 Widgets are enabled because i have msn weather working fine and another widget i tried last week worked fine. It installs successfully but when i run it it just runs a blank page. says xda mobile on the task bar and have exit and menu softkeys. Just blank lol. :confused:

That's because you didn't follow his instructions! You must install the .CAB to enable adding widgets, first. Get it HERE (http://www.xda-developers.mobi/widget/widenable.cab), and then run the .WIDGET file.


I dont' find the download link for the application, am I missing something? Thanks.

Yes, you are missing something, and apparently everyone else is, lol. The Widget for WM6.5 has been released to everyone. Go to this URL with your phone's browser: http://www.xda-developers.mobi/widget/prebeta.widget

Save or open that file to your phone. If it doesn't work opening that file, then you need to install the CAB first, HERE (http://www.xda-developers.mobi/widget/widenable.cab)


Kyle: What I mean about the text box: When you're typing in a text window, just like I am now on my PC, there is a scroll bar that controls the text box window, AND a scroll bar that controls the entire page. Well, on mobile IE, the scroll bar for the text box, that one doesn't automatically scroll down. That means, each new line that I type out, I have to manually scroll it down to see it. Understand it now?

[ace10134]

QVGA Screens, again....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214018&stc=1&d=1249749694http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214019&stc=1&d=1249749694http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214020&stc=1&d=1249749694http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=214021&stc=1&d=1249749694

As you can see, our window is still boxed in. But, the text size within threads has greatly improved! Categories sizes are still large. Login screen is still too large. And, I noticed that the Reply button isn't working anymore. I just get a white screen. Anyone else?

[climber1872000]

well the widget seems to be working fine except for the fact that I am unable to login. If I input my user name and password then hit login nothing happens. If I tap on the skip login button it will allow me to access the site but of course I am only allowed to view the site and cannot post anything because I am not logged in.

[ace10134]

well the widget seems to be working fine except for the fact that I am unable to login. If I input my user name and password then hit login nothing happens. If I tap on the skip login button it will allow me to access the site but of course I am only allowed to view the site and cannot post anything because I am not logged in.

Login works fine for me. Maybe you didn't let it load long enough. There's no progress bar, so just let it sit for a bit.

[climber1872000]

Login works fine for me. Maybe you didn't let it load long enough. There's no progress bar, so just let it sit for a bit.

Still not letting me login. I let it sit for 5 minutes and still nothing happened.

[valkryomnia]

Looks great from the screenies.

Any chance of this coming out in the future compatible for wm 6.1 phones?

[ace10134]

Looks great from the screenies.

Any chance of this coming out in the future compatible for wm 6.1 phones?

You'll have the full App, which is better than a Widget. Only thing is that u need a decent phone. My T-Mobile Wing/Herald doesn't run it :( It only can handle the Widget.

[ktemkin]

I'd love to fix the QVGA issues, but I can't really do much testing without my QVGA devices, which are at home.

I'm also considering writing a program that'll allow pre-6.5 devices to run 6.5 widgets. (using the old IE).

[ace10134]

I'd love to fix the QVGA issues, but I can't really do much testing without my QVGA devices, which are at home.

I'm also considering writing a program that'll allow pre-6.5 devices to run 6.5 widgets. (using the old IE).

I can test QVGA for you, for now, if you'd like.

And that'd be very cool if you wrote a Widget engine for the old WinMo. But that's wayy over-the-top! You are an over-achiever.

[ace10134]

How are we going to make links re-direct to the mobile XDA-App/Website/Widget??? Like, when I go into my phone's email, and I click on a link to an XDA forum, so it'll take me to the mobile site. How are you gonna accomplish that hurdle?? Do you think a MortScript would work for that? I think a MortScript could work for something like that, but I'm not a fan of MortScript, either. idk.

Also, how are you gonna handle the terrible loading speeds of XDA that we occasionally experience? lol. XDA isn't even loading on my desktop right now. If you solved XDA's server issues, then I would give u all the money I have. But, that's not your problem. If you got mobile site re-directing working, though, that would be incredible.

[valkryomnia]

You'll have the full App, which is better than a Widget. Only thing is that u need a decent phone. My T-Mobile Wing/Herald doesn't run it :( It only can handle the Widget.

Oh, thanks!
I searched the thread... where can I get the app? (not the widget)

[ktemkin]

I was just informed that my server apparently became unresponsive at approximately 10:58am this morning, and a restart was requied.

I've been out of cell service all morning, so I was't there to asses what happened. I just got back, and apparently some of the node's configuration is now misaligned. This will probably result in a short period of downtime for the XDA Widget and Mobile site.

I'm still on vacation and on my phone while in transit, so I don't know how much debugging I can do. I'll be debugging from my phone in the interim.

How are we going to make links re-direct to the mobile XDA-App/Website/Widget??? Like, when I go into my phone's email, and I click on a link to an XDA forum, so it'll take me to the mobile site. How are you gonna accomplish that hurdle?? Do you think a MortScript would work for that? I think a MortScript could work for something like that, but I'm not a fan of MortScript, either. idk.

Firstly, no MortScript. There's no reason a user should have to install a seperate piece of software.

Secondly, I'm primarily NOT going to support clicking forum links OS-wide. You'll be able to copy-paste the links into the app to get to the page in the XDApp.

Future versions may include "open with XDApp" right click plugins for Opera/'Pocket Outlook'.

Also, how are you gonna handle the terrible loading speeds of XDA that we occasionally experience? lol. XDA isn't even loading on my desktop right now. If you solved XDA's server issues, then I would give u all the money I have. But, that's not your problem. If you got mobile site re-directing working, though, that would be incredible.

I'm not made of magic. I could cache everything- but that would be terribly costly on the server and would still require the user to wait until XDA has timed out to display the cache. Not worth it.

[ace10134]

Oh, thanks!
I searched the thread... where can I get the app? (not the widget)

There is no app out yet. Its a Pre-Beta. You can PM the developer (Ktemin) if you'd like to test it.

Kyle, yea, I agree, no mortscript. I dont like that program much, either. BUT, it got Opera Mini as my default browser, so I'm happy with it. But copy/paste could work fine, I guess. And, someone will write a mortscript for it, then, I bet. But I think the better solution is as you said...the right click menu. Yet...all of this isnt necessary if the app can handle your new threads. I just would need a way of getting to my new threads, and right now, the best way is through e-mails. Don't worry about this now though, that can be one of the final features.

And don't worry too much about this "work" while you're on vacation.

[ktemkin]

Okay, first of all, the server error was apparently caused by a fault in LXAdmin, which is like a 'budget' version of cpanel. I didn't have to pay anything for it, but a stiff breeze would knock it over. Apparently restarting the server for the first time in months was that breeze. It had erased my virtual hosts configuration file, which is what differentiates the "xda-developers.mobi" site from the "ktemkin.com" site.

It also decided to erase the ktemkin.com site, for good measure, as leaving me any semblance of an easy fix would have been an act of tact and mercy.

After rebuilding the vhosts file, LXAdmin, in it's wisdom, deleted it again, so I deleted LXAdmin. Then, I reformatted the server, and moved from CentOS 5 to Debian Lenny; mostly, because of how much I love APT. I decided to leave nothing to fate, and installed every piece of software the server needed by hand, manually. The back-end server architecture is radically different than what I had before; it should be much more speedy and secure.

And I only wasted like three hours doing it.

---

Of more direct relevance is a general reply to the hundreds of you who requested to be feature testers:

I only send out passwords when I make a release. I have the information I wanted from the first feature test; the next feature test will be based on modified technology. There's no use getting feedback on problems already solved.

I am on vacation until this Wednesday, then I have work-work to make up for the next few days after that, but I will be releasing a second feature test soon. Many of you will be included. Just because you have not immediately received a password does not mean you will not be a part of the test.

If you've sent me a private message instead of an e-mail, note that I check my e-mail first when looking for feature testers.

--

A little bit of progress has been made on the widget; I plan on releasing an device-side upgrade to it tomorrow. Several upgrades to the mobile site and server-side of the widget will be pushed out tomorrow.

[FarBeyond]

When using the .mobi site on my Raph(Fuze) with Opera I find the bottom of the forums arent accessible because of Opera's zoom button at the bottom of the page. Any way you can add some extra room at the bottom of each for this?

[hoosbude]

How does one get to page 4 onwards? All i see is:

1 2 3 ... 666 667 668

I can only access the first and last three pages !!!

[ace10134]

How does one get to page 4 onwards? All i see is:

1 2 3 ... 666 667 668

I can only access the first and last three pages !!!

How can one say...PRE RELEASE!!!

Lol. He's obviously going to fix that. An over-the-air update is coming tomorrow or the next day, as he said. Maybe it's already fixed.

[ktemkin]

When using the .mobi site on my Raph(Fuze) with Opera I find the bottom of the forums arent accessible because of Opera's zoom button at the bottom of the page. Any way you can add some extra room at the bottom of each for this?

I can definitely fix this! I'll do it tonight. Stupid Opera should do it itself.

How does one get to page 4 onwards? All i see is:

1 2 3 ... 666 667 668

I can only access the first and last three pages !!!

Thank you for reporting this! I don't care if it's pre-release; there are bugs and I want to find and quash them. That's the point of a test, isn't it?

It's designed to show the page before and after the current page; it does this for higher numbers, but has a problem with specifically page four.

Thanks again, I never would have noticed. I'll fix it tonight- shouldn't be more than a minute change to the code. Expect updates tonight/tomorrow, both to the mobile site and widget.

Development on the App starts again this coming weekend!


---

Update: I have a lot of these features done, and in testing. I also have a new layout model that separates the mobile website into two views:

1) QVGA/Text/Non-Touch/Opera-Friendly - uses real links, and is laid out like a real mobile site with small text and buttons for d-pad navigation
2) VGA/Scalable QVGA/Widget- uses a layout more like the current form, except modified to work with QVGA screens as well and with widget soft-keys.

More updates in the new version of the widget:

1) Page loading indicator- it would have been nice if the widget engine had a built in one I could have enabled.
2) Better screen size matching- get rid of the scroll-bars and the border around them.

Should be released soon. I'll be traveling for a bit, no time for testing, but I'll definitely get it out ASAP.

[ktemkin]

http://www.xda-developers.mobi/downloads/beta.widget

Beta for the widget. More server-side updates to trickle in later tonight/tomorrow/Thursday.

I think you'll find it's much more screen-space efficient. (No scroll-bars, no ugly margins.)

[ace10134]

http://www.xda-developers.mobi/downloads/beta.widget

Beta for the widget. More server-side updates to trickle in later tonight/tomorrow/Thursday.

I think you'll find it's much more screen-space efficient. (No scroll-bars, no ugly margins.)

http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215405&stc=1&d=1250053421 http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215406&stc=1&d=1250053421 http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215407&stc=1&d=1250053421 http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215408&stc=1&d=1250053421

Lookin good! ;)

Still have that "boxed in" feeling on QVGA. I noticed that it's more like a white border around the actual page. When I scroll to the right (or down), the "border" goes away. So, that'd be just a quick tweak on the web code? hopefully? Lol. It's very minor though. I'm quite happy right now :)

I'll post some more screens below.

[ace10134]

Hmmm...Replying still isn't working. I tap reply, and it doesn't ever load. Yes, it doesn't load. And when accessing the site through Opera Mini, replying brings up The Server Timed Out page.

Other than that, I like using Opera Mini more, since it's faster! lol. Keep up the good work.

[jmckeejr]

Kyle: What I mean about the text box: When you're typing in a text window, just like I am now on my PC, there is a scroll bar that controls the text box window, AND a scroll bar that controls the entire page. Well, on mobile IE, the scroll bar for the text box, that one doesn't automatically scroll down. That means, each new line that I type out, I have to manually scroll it down to see it. Understand it now?

I second some type of auto scrolling when typing a reply. This is the reason I hate using Opera to reply sometime. I remember l long time ago I did have Opera folowwing the cursor when I was typing on my old Kaiser, but cant seem to find a build that will do it anymore on my Fuze :(
Kyle: I figured I would get this out of the way, since I see you are actively trying to make this work out. Here is my promised donation: Confirmation number: 5LH81389C8640142V
I will be happy to donate more once we get a bit further in development. I actually havent tested anything in quite a while(been busy figuring out these new build changes M$ has implemented). If you are making any calls to PocketOutlook(not sure why you would but just in case), be aware that after build 23024 it seems something has changed and most programs that make that call are not working. I hope that M$ makes a change on their part so that software developers dont have to pick up their slack. Seems with new builds come more incompatability, so be prepared.

[ktemkin]

Thanks much for your donation! Updating from the Widget right now (on my mobile while on a bus.) I'll fix the relevant posts when I'm on a real computer.

Firstly, I've fixed the problem with the reply function- it was a sloppy little mistake that caused an infinite forwarding loop- it checked for QVGA, forwarded to the QVGA version, but didn't properly tell the server session the device was QVGA. This resulted in it checking again- and forwarding again. The actual code issue was that I re-used a block that contained a "?" when I should have used a "&".

Secondly, in response to the changes in newer builds: I'm mostly shying away from the changing features. I'll work on those parts when I know what WM's going to do with them.

Thirdly, testing updates on my own server right now. Should push to you guys probably Friday. If you're using Opera Mini/Mobile/Iris/Whatever instead of the widget itself, you'll be getting a UI more optimized for browsers soon. If you want the widget UI, you can visit http://www.xda-developers.mobi/widget/.

I suggest you use that for now- it displays a bit nicer on devices right now.


Update: Woah! Definitely needs php's stripslash and htmlentities(). Will put that in later.

[acc49ers]

When I try to install the widget I get an error saying "Error updating the Software Management Database." I also cannot uninstall the old widget. Is there a reason why I am getting this error?

[greeneyemonstruo]

I'm going to follow suit and send my promised donation as well. You have already met my expectations for this project. I'm confident you won't take the money and run :p
Confirmation number: 490768078Y1183505

It is amazing what you've developed in a little over a month. Keep going above and beyond expectations and I will continue to donate. I'm excited for the things to come!

[akp99]

When I try to install the widget I get an error saying "Error updating the Software Management Database." I also cannot uninstall the old widget. Is there a reason why I am getting this error?

Gonna have to +1 on this... :(

[climber1872000]

When I try to install the widget I get an error saying "Error updating the Software Management Database." I also cannot uninstall the old widget. Is there a reason why I am getting this error?

I didn't have that problem. I was able to uninstall the old version and install the new version with no problems. Although, i am still unable to login with my user name and password.

[krook6023]

I installed and used the last widget...then flashed a new ROM and I am using the new widget...both work fine for me...since I flashed (hard reset) I have not tried uninstalling...that might be the hang up. In general I wanted to say that the widget is working pretty well. I find my self using it alot. Nice Work!

[ktemkin]

Gonna have to +1 on this... :(

That'd be a problem with your build of WM6.5; not much I can do about that. Did you guys run the enabler cab or not?

[acc49ers]

That'd be a problem with your build of WM6.5; not much I can do about that. Did you guys run the enabler cab or not?

I did run the enabler cab. I can install other widgets just fine and I even had the previous xda widget installed. Just can't install the new one. It could be the ROM I guess. The current ROM I am using is below.

[akp99]

That'd be a problem with your build of WM6.5; not much I can do about that. Did you guys run the enabler cab or not?

Same - I did run the installer... damn...

[Bijdehandje]

I have tried to install the enabler allso and after that "installed" the widget. But when i try to start the widget i get a blank screen.

I tried this on a 21500 build 6.5. I know there are several newer builds but most of them don't work as fine as i find the one which im using right now.

Any solution?

:Edit:
I forgot to mention... Im using IRIS as my default browser but allso tried to set IE as my default browser and still it gives me a blank screen.

[ktemkin]

How many of you like surprises?

[ace10134]

How many of you like surprises?

I guess only I do :rolleyes:

(And I got my Touch Pro 2, so I get to use the app and it'll scroll like normal! My new phone is boss, and your app will be extra-boss with my phone. Suprise me!)

[graey]

I guess only I do :rolleyes:

(And I got my Touch Pro 2, so I get to use the app and it'll scroll like normal! My new phone is boss, and your app will be extra-boss with my phone. Suprise me!)
Nope, I do too:p

[Zahurtex]

Me Too!;) I guess.

[ace10134]

Me Too!;) I guess.

The suprise is that there is no suprise...lol

[DatDereX1]

I hate surprises

[ace10134]

so, what's the suprise?? Is this it...

-Unique 'superheader' view organizes forums, making it easier to navigate the forums!

I didn't see that on the front page before.

Or is the suprise that you have been editing and posting all from your phone? I've been doing that with Opera Mobile, lol.

[ktemkin]

Nope, that's not the surprise. It's much, much better than just a single feature. Look at the stuff that's done or almost done.

As for an ETA for this surprise, how about... this week?

[ace10134]

Nope, that's not the surprise. It's much, much better than just a single feature. Look at the stuff that's done or almost done.

As for an ETA for this surprise, how about... this week?

It's lightning fast? 80% faster? I thought that was already done. I'm not seeing anything, lol. Edit: Where's Waldo? :)

Is it just that a more complete app will be released this week?

[ktemkin]

-'Lite version' for devices using native controls for slower/older devices.

That's in the 'near complete' category. That means the backend for the full version is a lot further along.

Expect the lite version this week, if all goes well. It'll let you post, view, edit, and everything, all lightning-fast from your device.

[ace10134]

That's in the 'near complete' category. That means the backend for the full version is a lot further along.

Expect the lite version this week, if all goes well. It'll let you post, view, edit, and everything, all lightning-fast from your device.

Oh, I thought that was just like those ones that I was testing earlier. Lol. That's no suprise to me. I got my TP2, so I'm blazing fast now. But, I'm sure my old Wing community will be happy to hear that! I'll tell them once it's released.

But you are really doing a lot, to please everyone. Website, Widget, App, Light-App, etc. This is really incredible. There is honestly no better developer. This is amazing. Thanks for it all!!

[ktemkin]

Lite version is 70% up and running on WM6.1 and earlier; WM6.5 lacks touchscreen control in the post view due to (possibly non-finalized?) changes to the .NET controls in 6.5. (Certain controls do not display scroll bars, but also lack touch scrolling.).

I think I'll be able to work around it by utilizing the COM interop, in the mean time the D-pad works fine.

Optimistically, one could see an alpha on Monday night and a beta by the end of the week.

[Bijdehandje]

I like suprises allso allthough i don't think it isn't a suprise anymore huh :rolleyes: LOL

[ktemkin]

Post-view is working like a charm in the lite app, and it's miles faster the mobi site, Opera Mobile, or even Opera Mini.

I'm hoping for an Alpha for all my testers tomorrow, which means I'll be sending out quite a few testing invites.

If you've sent me an e-mail about the app- one that's unrelated to testing- I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back to you yet. I've been absolutely flooded with XDApp related e-mail.

Now that the core functionality is almost done, I'd love it if you guys would tell me which features you think are the most important- these are the ones I'll be developing first.

[krook6023]

...Now that the core functionality is almost done, I'd love it if you guys would tell me which features you think are the most important- these are the ones I'll be developing first.

Great news...can't wait to test the Alpha...I have some ideas for features bit I will hold my tounge until I test the latest version...thanks for your work.

[ace10134]

Viewing your unread posts is a must for me. That'll act as a replacement for e-mail messages from XDA. So, I'd say that that would be the next step for the app. Agree/disagree??

[danthman2000]

Viewing your unread posts is a must for me. That'll act as a replacement for e-mail messages from XDA. So, I'd say that that would be the next step for the app. Agree/disagree??

+1 for View Unread. Also favorites, or something, like to jump to your most viewed threads?

[ktemkin]

Viewing your unread posts is a must for me. That'll act as a replacement for e-mail messages from XDA. So, I'd say that that would be the next step for the app. Agree/disagree??

I just finished creating a view that shows you all of your new subscribed threads. That should pretty much be a 1-to-1 replacement with the XDA notification e-mails, right?

I'm looking into the best way to execute a "posts since last visit" view as we speak.

[ace10134]

I just finished creating a view that shows you all of your new subscribed threads. That should pretty much be a 1-to-1 replacement with the XDA notification e-mails, right?

I'm looking into the best way to execute a "posts since last visit" view as we speak.

Yep, it'll be a 1-1 replacement. I'm happy :)

But idk about the jumping to your unread post. I'm fine if it just scrolls down, and maybe has the post's background color set to a deeper silver or something, to differenciate from unread? I'll be happy if it just auto-scrolls to the unread post. That should be fairly easy??

[dannio]

cant wait, thank heavens for people like you guys!

[ktemkin]

Okay; I was going to spend the time describing the look-and-feel and etc. of the 'lite' version to you guys, but I decided it was a waste of time to write all that out when I can simply show you. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=217578&stc=1&d=1250568516)

So here's a demonstration of the XDApp Lite- not to be confused with the actual full XDApp- which is basically the XDApp without all the pretty GUI chrome. I committed that the lite branch would use only device controls- no custom, processor-intensive kinetic scrolling goodness.

The backend (a few classes, primarily xda.cs, the class that interfaces with the forums themselves) and a bit of the front-end is common to the full XDApp, so it's logical for me to be developing the Lite branch first- it lets me target functionality before I worry about appearance.

The ZIP is completely password-free; it just contains one demo *.EXE to run on your device. The program itself is pre-alpha and has a few glitches, most of which I already know about. When I release the full-featured beta in a couple of days, they should be ironed out, and you can report whatever you find.

Here's a summary of (some of) the known issues:



Post-view is not completely compatible with WM6.5. I committed, when I made the Lite version, to use only device controls, and the WebBrowser (PIEHTML) control has some odd 'features' on 6.5. They removed the scrollbars (good!) but have yet to implement touch panning (very bad!). I can solve this by doing a few interop 'hacks', but I've yet to implement them. You'll have to scroll the Web-browser with your device's d-pad or arrow keys.
A lot of features are disabled (replying, new posts, editing) as I haven't had a chance to test them. They'll be shown off to the beta testers in a couple of days.
I've yet to override the WebBrowser's right click menu. As the HTML content it displays is generated by the application backend, clicking "Refresh" will display a blank page. (This is because the WebBrowser control does not have a URL- and thus refreshes about:blank). You can refresh the page in-application using the 'Navigation' menu.
The previous and page next buttons may not work properly in several cases. This has been fixed in builds later than the one I'm posting. The 'jump to page' works fine, but may have an initial value of '0'- this is actually the same glitch, which has been fixed.
A few images don't automatically adjust for VGA. (This is because I've neither provided VGA images or enabled pixel doubling.) This is no way affects usability.
When "Jump to First Unread Post" mode is on (default), it jumps to the top of the page with the first unread post, not the first unread post itself. I'm not sure if I want to leave it this way, or fix it with a Javascript and anchor.

Make sure you log in to try it- the initial screen once you log in should show any new Subscribed posts. If you haven't logged in, or there are no new subscribed posts, you'll be sent to the superheader view.

Enough blabbing, I'm going to get some rest. Try it out and tell me what you think. Then, you can imagine how much prettier it'll be with that nice, Rhodium GUI I showed you. :-p

[ace10134]

Very perfect, I love it. Especially how you're instantly taken to your unread threads. I love that.

Once you enable the quoting, repling, and all, that'll be awesomee!! And I look forward to the sexy, full version, which will run on my new phone.

But good work as always! (I've been replying from my phone through Opera Mobile quite a bit recently. It's not bad. I even have a Ctrl button on my phone, AND inserting links, pictures, etc work from the phone! That would be the ideal FINAL product of the app, being able to do all of that from the phone. But no rush, this is coming along way better than the Slide2Send app! :) )

[anaadoul]

Very good job you are doing here, we really appriciate your effort.

if i can be in any help please PM me, i'm a C# senior consultant and i would be glad if i can help even if a little.

Keep up the good work :)

[cyberpunk627]

can't wait for the full version!! right now browsing xda is a pain on a mobile device.. :(

[valkryomnia]

Just downloaded the demo version.

In the final version, will we be able to scroll with the stylus or only the scroll bars?
If not, it might be an improvement if you added an option to turn scrolling with the stylus, and selecting text on or off.
Also, will the app have an icon in the final version, or remain without one?
Lastly, I get an error when I try to jump pages.

I know the app isnt done yet, and most of these issues you are currently looking at and working on, but just decided to post these issues incase you didnt know.
Thanks, great work.

[ktemkin]

The next few posts I make will probably be tests of the XDApp. Posting from the app is already working pretty well.

[krook6023]

The next few posts I make will probably be tests of the XDApp. Posting from the app is already working pretty well.

Lucky! I can't wait fot the next realse...:)

[ktemkin]

This is a simple test of the advanced reply options.

[ace10134]

This is a simple test of the advanced reply options.

That doesn't seem very advanced. I can do better than that from my phone!

I
Owned
You

[ktemkin]

That's hardly advanced. That's more like... annoying. :-p

[ace10134]

That's hardly advanced. That's more like... annoying. :-p

Well, writing an un-formatted response isn't very advanced. I consider advanced as inserting links, making words bold/italics, adjusting font size, etc. I never use those weird fonts though, LOL. I just felt like being super-advanced there.

So the app's coming along nicely? The "full" version will be awesome.

[ktemkin]

Yeah, the app is definitely coming along nicely.

I consider formatting and etc. to be pretty basic- not at all advanced- because those are handled by the XDA-developers server.

The advanced stuff I was testing was a method of encoding that would allow posts to be compressed on the upstream, saving valuable kilobytes of data.

Clicking internal links in posts should work now; they should be handled by the XDApp if they're XDA links or sent to an external browser if they're not.

I'll have a public release out as soon as I feel it's ready. Might not be for a few days; I just keep adding small backend features and optimizations.

[ace10134]

Yeah, the app is definitely coming along nicely.

I consider formatting and etc. to be pretty basic- not at all advanced- because those are handled by the XDA-developers server.

The advanced stuff I was testing was a method of encoding that would allow posts to be compressed on the upstream, saving valuable kilobytes of data.

Clicking internal links in posts should work now; they should be handled by the XDApp if they're XDA links or sent to an external browser if they're not.

I'll have a public release out as soon as I feel it's ready. Might not be for a few days; I just keep adding small backend features and optimizations.

I get the meaning of Advanced now, sounds good.

That public release sounds really good. You always make releases real polished, so it'll be nice to get my hands on it! I guess I can wait a few days...lol.

[ktemkin]

<!-- message -->
<div id="post_message_4372325">That's hardly advanced. That's more like... annoying. :-p</div>
<!-- / message -->


Testing the reply feature.

Edit: I knew I forgot something!

[ktemkin]

Testing the reply feature.

Edit: I knew I forgot something!



C#'s encoding seems to be having trouble with this. I wonder what's going on?

Edit: It was nothing, I'm just crazy. ^_^

Replying is working great.

[ktemkin]

C#'s encoding seems to be having trouble with this. I wonder what's going on?

Edit: It was nothing, I'm just crazy. ^_^

Replying is working great.



Okay, one final test, then I can stop talking to myself.

[slovoflud]

Okay, one final test, then I can stop talking to myself.
Please, continue...

[ace10134]

Please, continue...

LOL :)

So are we looking at another test release today? Or there's still more stuff you're gonna make brilliant?

[ktemkin]

No, no test release today, but here's the newest thing from my /bin/Debug folder, if you want to toy around with it. It's literally taken from right in the middle of development, so there's bound to be a ton wrong with it that's not going to be present in the next test release.

[ace10134]

No, no test release today, but here's the newest thing from my /bin/Debug folder, if you want to toy around with it. It's literally taken from right in the middle of development, so there's bound to be a ton wrong with it that's not going to be present in the next test release.

Replying is pretty cool. Working well, its interesting. Keep it up! This will be great once finished. I'll see if I find any bugs with this new preview, but so far so good! No inserting links yet, but whatever. This is pretty good.

[ktemkin]

Inserting a link is just text.

If you think it'd be useful, I can put in a toolbar with buttons easily. I just don't see the point of wasting screen space on another toolbar- perhaps menu options?

Development's going to be slow the next few days as I'm moving into a different apartment next Friday.

[ace10134]

Inserting a link is just text.

If you think it'd be useful, I can put in a toolbar with buttons easily. I just don't see the point of wasting screen space on another toolbar- perhaps menu options?

Menu options, yes.

Or even better, make use of the phones that have a "Ctrl" button on the keyboard. Just like in Opera Mobile, when you press Ctrl+B, it makes it bold...etc. That would be really conveninent (I gave up spelling that word).

I primarily use bold, italics, and Font Size, plus links, of course. But those options in the menu would be good, probably under a sub-menu like "Formatting", so it doesn't get too cluttered.

[DatDereX1]

Menu options, yes.

Or even better, make use of the phones that have a "Ctrl" button on the keyboard. Just like in Opera Mobile, when you press Ctrl+B, it makes it bold...etc. That would be really conveninent (I gave up spelling that word).

I primarily use bold, italics, and Font Size, plus links, of course. But those options in the menu would be good, probably under a sub-menu like "Formatting", so it doesn't get too cluttered.

maybe it should have a spell checker too ;)

[ace10134]

maybe it should have a spell checker too ;)

That was from my PC ;)

But spell checker would be cool, but you definitely don't have to do that. Maybe in the final final version. Well actually, XDA does have a spell checker in it, but it's dependent on another program. Idk, do what you want with that.

[sheennick123456]

That was from my PC ;)

But spell checker would be cool, but you definitely don't have to do that. Maybe in the final final version. Well actually, XDA does have a spell checker in it, but it's dependent on another program. Idk, do what you want with that.

or you can simply use T9 on your phone

[ktemkin]

Ack! My windows install has decided to no longer boot. Hopefully I didn't lose any files.

Right when I'm about to move, too. More updates when I have time. Reinstalling windows now.

[krook6023]

Ack! My windows install has decided to no longer boot. Hopefully I didn't lose any files.

Right when I'm about to move, too. More updates when I have time. Reinstalling windows now.

M$oft...what a love/hate relationship we have...

[ace10134]

M$oft...what a love/hate relationship we have...

Or it was probably the hardware that caused the problem.

But lets all hope that the data isn't lost, pleaseeee!!!!

[ktemkin]

It seems like nothing pertaining to the XDApp is gone. (I managed to save the Visual Studio 2008 folder.)

That would have set me back a few days.

[orb3000]

Thanks a lot for this great app!
Keep up the good work!

Cheers,

[ace10134]

Updates? I almost forgot about this thread. Wait, you only posted yesterday, and I'm already feeling lost without you writing in some updates? lol. Keep on working on it, and don't worry if you're busy with other things, I'm flodded with school work too.

It is amazing how far you've gotten with this app, though. Very incredible. This forshadows how great your final app/widget/website will be!

[ktemkin]

Just finishing my moving now; I have Visual Studio working under VirtualBox now, so development should resume fairly soon.

Next in line for development: attachments- you need to be able to download those suckers, and fast! I wonder if I can work some kind of server-side compression on CABs, too.

[VizagDude]

This would be an AWESOME wigit for us DXA Additcts. Great job pal... Thanks for your efforts... I would definitely donate for this cause in the next few days...

[Bijdehandje]

I smell a new bounty raiser :D

[daguerrotipo]

mistake...

[Bijdehandje]

hi
How was for instal a .cab file in a kitchen??
Thanks

The final is still in development so i asume you'll have to wait.

[ktemkin]

Once I've reached the beta stage, I'll start releasing CABs as well as just ZIP files; and when I release the RC stage, I'll also include an ervius-compatible OEM package.

I'm also considering including an oldschool-Today (possibly Titanium, too) plug-in that lists your new posts, and checks at a set interval. What would you guys think of that?

[Bijdehandje]

I'm also considering including an oldschool-Today (possibly Titanium, too) plug-in that lists your new posts, and checks at a set interval. What would you guys think of that?

The Titanium plugin sounds like music to my device....uuuhm... i mean ears :cool: In other words....I like it... A Lot :D

[greeneyemonstruo]

It's always a great when the developer suggests more features than the users.

Titanium plugin would be awesome. A manila tab would be awesome too but I'm sure if creating custom tabs has been figured out yet. However, after seeing all the magic here, I wouldn't be surprised if a beta manila tab came out next week :p

Keep up the good work!

[ktemkin]

Well, I'd lie and say it's right out impossible that I'd make a manila tab, as I don't know Lua, but every time I say that I wind up learning the language as I go and proving myself wrong. Programming's actually really easy once you learn how to design algorithmically, and once you understand the underlying hardware.

For now, for a Manila tab, you can simply install MTP (Manila Today Page), which lets you host normal Today plug-ins in Manila. It's "very beta", but it works well enough.

[ace10134]

Well, I'd lie and say it's right out impossible that I'd make a manila tab, as I don't know Lua, but every time I say that I wind up learning the language as I go and proving myself wrong. Programming's actually really easy once you learn how to design algorithmically, and once you understand the underlying hardware.

For now, for a Manila tab, you can simply install MTP (Manila Today Page), which lets you host normal Today plug-ins in Manila. It's "very beta", but it works well enough.

Yep, it's the learning that drives many people away, lol.

But you know, if you could just write a whole new Operaing System for us, along with the XDApp, then I think we'd be happy. ;)

So the app, it's coming along nicely? Have you been able to work on it again? Or are you still setting stuff up after the computer crash? It was too bad that your computer crapped out briefly, lol.

[ktemkin]

So the app, it's coming along nicely? Have you been able to work on it again? Or are you still setting stuff up after the computer crash? It was too bad that your computer crapped out briefly, lol.

I finished setting up after the crash, but I just moved to a new apartment, and that took time. I was hoping to get some work done, but it's 2 AM already and I haven't been able to start. I have Monday off of work, so hopefully I'll be able to get some work done then.

[ace10134]

I finished setting up after the crash, but I just moved to a new apartment, and that took time. I was hoping to get some work done, but it's 2 AM already and I haven't been able to start. I have Monday off of work, so hopefully I'll be able to get some work done then.

Sounds good! New apartments are fun :) And do NOT start working on it at 2 AM in the morning, LOL, that's no fun.

[ktemkin]

Work has resumed! The next 'nightly' build should be out soon, with some new things I've been working on:



Much improved support for 6.5's native controls. The app should be able to make smart decisions about when to use managed/unmanaged/native controls windows by handling windowing messages itself during thread rendering/display.
The application will finally be "HiResAware", which, in my case, means I've actually taken the time to design higher-resolution icons so I can disable pixel doubling.


Edit: I'm having trouble with 6.5's native DisplayClass control (the web browser); it starts by default in with selection mode on, which means no touch scrolling. I've been trying to create it using the NOSELECTION flag, which will allow kinetic scrolling, but C# doesn't seem to like creating the instances I need in that way. I'll have to research why it's not working more in the morning.

If anyone has any experience / sample code that utilizes the WC_HTML / DISPLAYCLASS that specifically utilizes the NativeWindow class, I'd be very interested to see it. Now, I'm going to head to bed.

[jdshifflett]

i'm so excited about this release. im working on a wm6.5 smartphone (tmo Dash) im glad this is goona hit beta release soon :) keep up the good work app developers are the soul thing that keeps wm from being considered absolute