[CAB] Xda Utilities + compact floating launcher (TBL-Based)

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Hi, first of all, sorry for my bad english; I´m not a developer, I´m just a enthusiast with very limited knowledge

This is NOTHING new; although CHT provides A LOT of extra features (incluiding a beatiful launcher), but CHT is a TODAY PLUGIN, and their use involves the "exit " the application in the foreground.

After tried too many launchers, I couldn`t find anything with a "System-Utility-flavor" (the feel of actual launchers are like an app more, with a normal window); I searched a launcher capable of appear in top of any window (without completly cover it), with minimal impact in the state of the foreground window...

To explain this, an example is an old misunderstood app; that was SideX
http://www.theunwired.net/?item=revi...pplet-platform

Or this type of app, BUT configurable for a Launcher in "Launch Pad mode", and Alt-Tab task switcher and other capabilities (the launcher offered by this software company is another app, but is a today plugin):
http://www.sbsh.net/products/windows...pc/phoneweaver


Coming back to WM6.5.x, Taskbar Launcher is very good in that sense, but because its development was stopped, no more support, and I could never get rid of a system freeze when I hit in a empty space. However, it has several useful features that can be implemented for other similar apps


Well, so far the closest application to SideX I've found (but fully functional) is a commercial launcher named "Hi-Launcher", from a software company with several years in the the PDA world

I know, someone who has seen, maybe think that it is an application rather ugly and old-fashioned, but I think that with the adequate settings It can be very USEFUL, although with small icons It can be operated with the fingers without issues (the selection can be "dragged" and the desired action only will started once you release the desired icon)

I´m not related in anyway with this software company, only want to show my set of utilities an personal setup, that probably will be useful for someone else. In fact, if anyone knows of other similar application with the same functionality and feeling, please let me know! ( of course, after testing this "pack" )


The provided cab is conformed by several utilities developed for xda members, with a setup adapted with the mentioned commercial app (the cab does NOT includes Hi-Launcher). In summary the two main parts of this "suite" are: The xda freeware utilities preconfigured, and the commercial launcher ( named as "RNS Hi-Launcher" )

---Hi-Launcher personalized menu in WM6.5.x----

FEATURES/XDA APPS


-"Floating" Launch Pad, without interfering any open app (maybe only interfers on pausing video playback)

-Anywhere, anytime the preconfigured functions will be available

-Is included a "start menu" icon (that launch the standard WM6.5.x Start Menu), because in this setup, its purpose tis not to replace the Windows Start menu (this thanks to TBL`s commands)

-As Task Manager, its conformed with xTask, with the most reliable setting for WM6.5.x custom ROMs

-XTask is complemented with uTask, because Ameba doesn´t work well for it

-By default, in the top bar appears the icons of open apps and you can select to activate the desired app (default xtask/xhook brehavior), but it only was possible by delaying the autostart of xHook (because the use of TBL that normally interferes in this feature, but fixed through the delay of initializing xHook) .
If you dont´t want to have the top bar with icons of open apps, please delete the "xHook_delay.lnk" file from "\Windows\Startup"

-arkSwitch is disabled, because xTask with the correct setting (and uTask assistance) work best ; while ameba and akswitch can be reenabled after desinstall this "pack".

-Rotate Screen function, Camera, File explorer, etc, with availability anytime

-Torch icon (netripper´s torch) is complemented with "keepscreen readable" app, allowing to keep on the device (the device goes to sleep only after the programmed time has ocurred, 3 min by default, registry setting) . Of
course, tapping again the torch icon, turns off the light before the programed time.
The registry key is:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\TorchButton\Flashlight Timeout
If your device does not support flash light, simply assign other function to this element in: Start -- Hi-Launcher -- Design the menu , and pick the program that you want.
It does the same with other functions.

-The bluetooth icon turns BT in discoverable mode

-Included virtual d-Pad (avalable anytime from anywhere in the PPC)

-Screen OFF icon

-Many customizable functions/launch possibilities



...Also, this includes a simple but versatile task switcher in Alt+Tab style






TRIGGER METHODS INCLUDED

Of origin, Hi-Launcher can be triggered only by Hard Button key, also a trigger through Start button tap (only Start button in TOP bar, NOT compatible with WM6.5.x builds); and Scren gestures.
At this time, these trigger options are not practical, because lastets devices have few main hardware buttons (unlike the LG Fathom, that has a dedicated Taskmanager hardware button); and the gestures are ocupped by other apps and are not accurate.

.Therefore I decided to find the way to this launcher can be triggered by shortcut, with the aim of being able to use this "suite" and use it as possible, This thanks to vjay555´s vjkeyPress.

Because it, and TBL commands, xTask and a registry key; included in this "pack", this launcher can be triggered by the following methods (default)

-Hitting anywhere in the top bar (HTC Notification and the other functions not lost, because it´s included in the Launcher pad)

-LongPress Send key

-Dragging a line from an empty area of top bar, or dragging a line from start (bottom) windows logo. This NOT interfere with any gesture stored in your device (this is a simple function of xTask)



As mentioned, this all comes preconfogurated, but you always can make your own configurations, just I think this cfg is the starting point to enjoy the great xda utilities.









INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS


-If you installed any task manager, pelase, uninstall it or deactive it (no problem with arkswitch, this cab overrides it in the ROM)

(install both in MAIN memory, NOT storage card)

-IMPORTANT: FIRST Install Hi-Launcher 1.1 (Not provided)
Hi—Launcher is shareware (9 day trial)
www.hilauncher.com

You can play for a while with this software to learn its basic funcionality; but all default settings will be overwritten in the next step. Anyway, is important to open the Hi-Launcher Menu in order to trial period of this app to be activated.


-Install the provided cab (xda Utilities). This file contains THE basic, but useful system utilities for your WM6.5.x PPC (Custom ROM recommended)

-Soft reset (important)

The new launcher brings when you hit the top taskbar of WM6.5.x; Send Key (hold), or drag a line from top bar, or from start (bottom) button ...and take advantage of ease of use and multitasking


Of course, the settings of Hi-Launcher can be personalized even more

EDIT, IMPORTANT: In Hi-Launcher confIguration menu, please don`t change "Menu Trigger" configuration, in order to keep triggering the launch pad with the mentioned trigger methods.

To restore the suggested functionality of Hi-Launcher (just in case), I included a File called "Hi-Launcher reapply settings.zip", not necessary if you don´t change the "menu trigger" setting



Remember, RNS Hi-Launcher is shareware, which implies that after using it for the trial period, you should buy or unisntall, which is reason I also wonder why other BEST alternatives exists, with the same or BETTER posibilities and feeling..






UPGRADING FROM TRIAL TO FULL


-Install or activate Hi-Launcher 1.x full version, then brings an option to keep setting, choose YES

Enjoy

(always you can Backup to file your Hi-Launcher Settings from its menu)









UNINSTALL AND REVERT TO ARKSWITCH/AMEBA


-Uninstall RNS Hi-Launcher
-Go to \TasbarLauncher\tblconfig.exe
-Select "Disabled" (also advisable on reinstallation of this pack)
-OK ( or "back key" )
-Uninstall "xda utilities for HL" (it takes up to a pair of minutes, because the tbl.exe process)
-Soft reset


After this, to revert Ameba and ArkSwitch to default setting, install "Revert Ameba Settings" cab (but I hope that you find xTask most useful with their proper settings)





The credits is 100% to all developers at xda for their hard work; I only cabbed it and preconfigured in a basic mode, I will add the full list of xda theads app used for this.





NOTE: THIS POST IS FOR WM6.5.X VGA/WVGA DEVICES AND "ALL IN ONE" VERSION; FOR WM 6.1/6.5 DEVICES, OR IF YOU DONT´WANT TO INSTALL xTASK, PLEASE SEE THE POST #9





Best Regards

This is for Hi-Launcher ?

Request

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Yes, it´s a personalized menu for Hi-Launcher app, plus some utilities developed by xda members.

Of course; ideally, it would be that this was based on freeware, unfortunately I could not find any other app of this type





This is not only a topic to show a set of preconfigured basic applications, already developed ... but also a sincere request to the community:




REQUEST SECTION:

Functional features:

-Not designed to replace the start menu, because the launcher will be used for the very basic and frequentry used functions/apps
-Relatively small, floating window that does not cover the foreground app (any type of app); and neither change the state of foregroud app or window
-Fast, lightweight
-Integrated App switcher (configurable)
-Autoclose if not action selected (time programmable)
-The LaunchPad must remain visible for a few moments after the desired action is selected, and meanwhile the selected icon is resalted (useful in slow-start apps/functions like screen rotation while cht, to prevent double-tapping that consequently opens another element that is to be drawn)
-Also, the selection must be "swappable", and launch the desired action only at release of the desired icon.
-Very configurable, but no easily accidentally modified settings in daily usage.


Trigger methods

-By shortcut, or command parameters, e.g. "launcher.exe /showpad"
-Only optionally: assigning a rectangular touch-area for triggering (resizeable) in top bar; and don´t interfering with taskmanager and start icons in WM6.1 top bar-type; while in WM6.5.x can be assigned to all the area of top bar (Taskbar Launcher type)


Aesthetics features:

-3D effects are not so important, because the priority of fast and lightweigth feature; but desirable ONLY if it not compromisses the speed and/or compatibility
-Transparency effects, mainly for the pad´s background (semitransparent pad with texture would fantastic!)
-Icon Size: Not too big, to easly accomodate several apps/functions; although larger than Hi-Launcher´s icons

Yes, it´s a large list for a simple-type app, but I think this type of launcher would very useful and universal


By mean hi-Launcher, menu configuration is somewhat difficult to make 3 or more columns designs (therefore the preconfigurated files) ...but meanwhile this app has most of the features listed above.

I wil post a duplicate of this post in the appropriate area, and I promise duplicate this list only this time...


Best regards

Internet connection

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Delete it, i made a mistake, sorry!

do you gone made one for 6.5?
i think is great peace of work

Originally Posted by kromo1

do you gone made one for 6.5?
i think is great peace of work

I wil repack a 6.1/6.5 version, but it involves to forget of the trigger by tapping the top bar, that would lost (because this trigger method depend of TBL, that takes almost total control of top bar taps, affecting the start button and "ok" button in WM6.1/6.5)
I will search a method for get arround the problem

The posibble workaround for this pack in WM6.1/6.5, is find an app that assigns a rectangular touch-area (resizeable) in the top bar, for triggering ANY app (maybe using arkswitch only to trigger Hilauncher ?); or get some type of uTask app, but that works in top bar.

it will be nice
gracias.

Hi, thanks for this setup, I like it But my device is qvga and the icons are too small, is it possible to make the icons bigger?

And also, I only want the launcher with your trigger method (and things required to make them work), can you provide a cleaner cab without other ultilities? (I already have xtask and hilauncher). Thanks a lot

Splitted cabs for max compatibility

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Here are the cabs to obtain maximum compatibility in the most WM6.5.x, WM6.5, WM6.1 devices. However, THE TRIGGER BY HITTING THE TOP BAR WAS ELIMINATED (for compatibility).

Hi-Launcher Still can be triggered by shortcut, also, by means Send Key (hold); and by means the xtask preconfigurated cab, drag a line from a empty area in top bar to activate a buttons where HL can be opened.

The first cab (this post) also places an additional shortcut in the root folder of main memory to trigger HL



The installation procedure is almost the same described in post #1, be sure install all this in MAIN memory:


-If you installed the complete version (post #1), uninstall it

-Install Hi-Launcher (if already not), open its menu in order to learn the basics and activate the trial period (in case)
http://www.hilauncher.com/

-Install "XDA_Util._for_Hi-Launcher_(Simple).cab", to copy the basic utilities and overwrite the default trigger method, being now triggered HL by shortcut

-Optionally, install xTask (two cabs provided: one for WM6.1/6.5, and other for WM6.5.x). This is not mandatory, but xTask is the task manager that best matches with this type of utility. If you install xTask, make sure to deactivate other task managers. In case of ArkSwitch, there is not problem if you use the WM6.5.x Xtask cab
If you decided intall xTask, but dont´t want to have the topbar/taskbar with icons of open apps, please delete the "xHook_delay.lnk" file from "\Windows\Startup"

-Soft Reset



Note: Once intalled the utilities, In Hi-Launcher confIguration menu, please don`t change "Menu Trigger" configuration, in order to keep triggering the launch pad with the trigger method by shortcut (really, the trigger shortcut is an emulation of pressing the "Esc" key, and Hi-Launcher is preconfigurated [in this setup] to react to this "hardware" Esc key).




At this point, the basic components are in your device, but the personalized menu isn´t ready


To get the basic suggested design in VGA and WVGA devices, copy the "Base Menu_VGA_WVGA.*" file to your device and open it. Note that so far, this menu design file seems to work properly only in VGA and WVGA devices. EDIT: The base menu works also in QVGA screens, thanks to bismuth89`s feedback.





..

it will be nice