UPDATE:
Check out the VIDEODEMO (HD 720p, you'll need a big screen and a decent computer)!
http://caemgen.nl/SlickUI/videodemo/
YouTube-version:
--------
Hello there.
I'm kinda new to XDA, so let me properly introduce myself first:
My name is Kevin and I live in The Netherlands. I'm really into games, music, movies, phones (Android) and design. I work as a graphic/web-designer/video-editor/animator in The Netherlands.
Just recently, I bought a Samsung Galaxy S. I'm quite happy with the device, especially since Samsung released the 2.2 JP6-update and even more so when I decided to apply the latest Voodoo lagfix-release. The device just flies, although there are still some occassional 'freezes' and slowdowns every now and then.
And then my brother came along, yesterday, showing me his jailbreaked iPhone 4 with some awesome Cydia-tweaks. He had a fully working notification bar, live wallpapers, folders in folders, true multitasking, etc. and I got a bit... well, jealous. I'm sorry, but that interface is just soooo nice and smooth.
Just check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DHVaJfWL5E
The way folders work is really nice. And there are a lot of other things that make the phone feel like everything is very well integrated. No delays, no freezes.
So, this made me wonder: Could we, the Android-community, create a Homescreen-replacement app that just BLOWS everything away when compared to the iPhone? The Galaxy S, Nexus One, Desire (HD) etc. certainly are powerful enough.
Maybe a Homescreen-replacement app wouldn't be enough, I guess some ROM-tweaks would be required to make certain things work. But when I see LauncherPro in action (with its silky-smooth homescreen-scrolling), I believe that very much can already be achieved when just focussing on a Homescreen-replacement first.
And don't get me wrong, LauncherPro is already a 'great' app. But it lacks customization and eye-candy. Yes, I'd like even more customization. But what I really miss is the eye-candy. I've got so many ideas for a visually stunning and innovative UI-experience... and I could work out the designs/graphics, but unfortunately I lack knowledge and skill in coding for Android.
I'd love to work on a User Interface with a dedicated group of people that is both visually appealing and functional. Is there anyone here that has the skills/time/motivation to work on the coding-part? Maybe more than one person? But remember, the goal is to make it silky smooth, very functional and highly customizable. Quality is of the utmost importance!
Here's a bit of a sketch I did by the way: Nothing substantial though.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Quick note: The idea for the bar at the bottom is that you can slide it upwards to see all of your apps. In there, you can then rearrange icons. The 5 icons at the top of the full drawer stay visible when you slide it down. In that state you can also slide to the right, like in LauncherPro, so that the next row (5 icons) from your full app drawer is visible and so forth. If you would slide to the left, you would see the bottom row of your full app drawer.
Additionally, you should be able to slide the minimized dock down entirely.
I should probably do an animation to show you, as it's hard to explain.
The new dock using tabs for ALL applications and RUNNING applications, means you can easily see which apps are currently running and switch to them (or close them).
Update: I think I've got a name for the project.
What about SlickUI?
Check out KiteUI, the project is already under way.
TheGrammarFreak said:
Check out KiteUI, the project is already under way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link.
But I must say that I don't really like that approach and the look..
I suggest to take a look at the SDK samples - they contain a lot of useful snippets, classes, etc.
Wish I could help Caemgen, that concept of yours looks great in both form and function!
I'm a lowly App Inventor user though, for now.
I can code a little in PHP and JavaScript, do HTML/CSS and I also have SQL/mySQL experience but until a week ago my Java install was borked so I couldn't install the SDK and still haven't tried. Kind of put off coding development when there is App Inventor because I'll have to tackle Java!
PS - Is that The Crystal Method on your portfolio site?
WOW! That looks great. I wish I could help, but I'm not too good with coding. I just do designing, but it looks like you already got the graphics down. I'll be looking for this to be complete.
BTW, KiteUI looks like it's going to be a while, but both are looking amazing.
Thanks guys! If the ball starts rolling for this project, I could use your help on the visual part to, even if it would be just some advice.
@Subjective Effect: Yes it is! Heard that track in the game Blur and thought it was amazing.
I really like the idea to this... just one thing id personally change is... the middle icon (phone) in that orb i would make a nifty weather widget. i know this is all early stages and that is just a very very early design-idea, but if u do need help with the concept and some ideas, my inbox is waiting would love to help out.
keep up the good work
xxxx
Pinback! said:
I really like the idea to this... just one thing id personally change is... the middle icon (phone) in that orb i would make a nifty weather widget. i know this is all early stages and that is just a very very early design-idea, but if u do need help with the concept and some ideas, my inbox is waiting would love to help out.
keep up the good work
xxxx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I think the phone-dialer is something that should always be in reach.
Also, check out these new sketches:
I would pay 20 bucks for this. I just need one homescreen if this happens. Very user friendly and obviously, Slick!
Looks very cool. PM me if you need testers.
How can i help?
I'd be willing to help. I work as a software engineer (Embedded C and Java systems) and have started looking at Android development recently. I created a simple client app for our remote machine monitoring system. Creating a full home replacement may be a bit above me right now, but i'm willing to help if i can
davehunt83 said:
I'd be willing to help. I work as a software engineer (Embedded C and Java systems) and have started looking at Android development recently. I created a simple client app for our remote machine monitoring system. Creating a full home replacement may be a bit above me right now, but i'm willing to help if i can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool~~ i'm studying software engineering now. still got 2 years for graduation.
Hey Caemgen, I would love to help out, but I am still learning. I think I can contribute a lot if I am given a chance. Shoot me an e-mail [email protected] and fill me in on what you're looking for
Great concept! I hope you can find coders to make this happen. Let me know if you need a alpha/beta tester.
UPDATE:
Check out the VIDEODEMO (HD 720p, you'll need a big screen and a decent computer)!
http://caemgen.nl/SlickUI/videodemo/
davehunt83 said:
I'd be willing to help. I work as a software engineer (Embedded C and Java systems) and have started looking at Android development recently. I created a simple client app for our remote machine monitoring system. Creating a full home replacement may be a bit above me right now, but i'm willing to help if i can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! So far, I've got three coders that would like to help me out with this.
You, Stork66 and another XDA-member that PM'ed me.
It would be convenient to have a place where we can meet up and chat in private to get going. Suggestions? Skype, perhaps? I don't know...
Can you make a bar back on top like iphone because I like it so much. Much easier to navigate better than hardware buttons
HectiQ said:
Can you make a bar back on top like iphone because I like it so much. Much easier to navigate better than hardware buttons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. I'll put that down on the list of suggestions. Thanks.
How did you like the video by the way?
Related
Comic Reader Mobi
by Ty Landercasper
I just realised that its been a whole year since I started this project!
A look back...
A lot has changed (including going commercial) but I thought it'd be fun to go over all the changes
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Ah the difference a graphic artist can make!
Loading and saving
The first iteration of the load menu was quite crude! In fact for most of the non commercial development, I pretty much relied on everyone just opening it through their favorite file explorer and ignoring my built in load completely
Issues arose when people wanted to read a different comic. Since Comic Reader Mobi only remembered the very last one you opened, you'd lose your place! A recent menu was put in, and that worked great as long as you didn't read more than 10 comics. I tried implementing a crude version of bookmarking, but it was extremely buggy, and difficult to manage.
Now adays, everything is built into Comic Reader Mobi. Your place is remembered in every series, and every comic. So you can easily see where you last, and whats already completed. Everything is done automatically, so you never have to worry about again.
Onscreen Controls
Back in my day, we had these fancy things called "Buttons". And boy, it sure was great, because I hardly had to put any thought at all into the onscreen controls!
Just use the action button to change a page, the up and right to change your comic, (or zoom in) and left and right to change pages. Button binding got more sophisticated in the later versions, and in the commercial version you can bind any button to any action, and it even supports overriding the volume, close and phone buttons!
But alas, the days of buttons soon ended, as more and more people started getting the new Touch HD. Without an action button to press, they were stuck with keeping the menu's open all the time and using the clunky menu system. Having to hit "Menu-> next page" over and over. Eventually some ugly onscreen controls were thrown in. They were small, and before I knew how to do transparency. So they either blocked important parts of the comic or were difficult to press on the screen because they were small!
Now we have a whole new menu system which is layed out for all the important actions. Its easy and quick to drag your finger on it to get to the suboptions. Users have the option of always showing the menu bar, or showing super transparent controls. The transparent controls are even draggable now, so if they're blocking part of the text, you can just move them out of the way
Comic Reader Mobi even has a brand new feature with a center hotspot. If you press in the center of the screen and drag within the box, than the onscreen controls will quicly popup and you can easily change pages or access controls that way! Its like being able to swipe to change pages
Lens Mode!
And who can forget the lens! initially created because someone requested a "zoom box" and I didn't know what that meant, the lens has because a powerful feature for letting people read comics without needing to scroll around.
I noticed early on that I was having a hard time reading my comics, because I'd constantly get lost, or not understand what was happening. By being zoomed in and scrolling around, I could read the text clearly, but most of the gags and action scenes were lost on me, because I was unable to see them entirely.
The first iteration of the lens just opened at a set size, didn't have any borders, and believe it or not, wasn't even draggable!
Most of the development was focused on the lens from that point on. A lot of good well as well as bad ones were implemented in order to get it to be usable. Users could change the size of it, on option was added to make it dragable, another one was added so that it would only appear while you were touching the screen(this feature was quickly scrapped), there was even a "lens mode" option where everywhere you touched a dragged a lens would come up(another scrapped feature). It eventually finished with being on tapping the screen to pop the lens up, and you could drag it by dragging the lens, or drag the page by dragging off the lens.
I created a way to detect text on the screen so that the the lens would autosize to the bubble, and I'm constantly improving the algorithm so its more and more reliable.
And now its just as easy to read on the small screen as it is on the large one!
On the iphone side, one of my customers requested being able to change the zoom level, because he was legally blind and the lens was the only way to read comics at all for him! So now Comic Reader Mobi lets you set the zoom level to 2x,3x, or 4x.
The Commercial version also lets you select "Box Zoom" from the buttons, which lets you drag your own custom box to create a lens.
It also has the option to fit to the entire page, so you can draw custom lens anytime you don't have to scroll at all
The Name
Originally deemed "Comic Reader" because my naming ability is not one of my stronger skills. I eventually asked forum members to help me come up with a name, but as it turns out most of them actually liked the name "Comic Reader!" They said it made it easier to find and identify. Someone suggested Comic Reader Mobile, for Windows Mobile, and it instantly stuck. By simply adding another word, it magically changed from a description to a legitimate title!
When I was about to go commercial, I was worried that the "Mobile" part might get me in trouble since it was going to be out for the iphone and Blackberry. So I set out to find a new name. That was when I learned that there was a whole .mobi domain out there, and since it was new, there were actually domains still available! Like a kid in a candy store, I snatched up as many as I could. I was very excited when I realised I could call the program Comic Reader Mobi, and people would be able to get to it by going to http://comicreader.mobi
And that is how the program ended up with what is quite literally the most generic name I could possibly give it
Loading Times
Throughout the development, people complained about the comic load times. Since I only read manga, which is traditionally very small and light files, and only had one or two second delays between pages, I pretty much had no idea what you were all talking about, and just assumed everyone was crazy.
When I started the development of the commercial version, I figured if I wanted to take your money, I should probably look into this issue..
I eventually tested it with an American comic, and it turns out you guys weren't crazy and the loading times were indeed slow! I immediately reworked the loading system, and now the program buffers the next page while you're reading so all the pages changes are usually instant.
Kinetic Scrolling and swiping
The most common feature request has finally been implemented! Now the program features kinetic scrolling, and a great page turning feature!
Final Remarks
Its been quite a ride this past year, and I'm planning on making many more improvements for the next one!
If you'd like to buy it, or read more about it, you can go to my website here:
http://comicreader.mobi
or, if you want to wish me luck, ask any questions, or just feel like populating my forums you can go here:
http://forums.comicreader.mobi
Thanks!
This sounds great but where is the App?
whoops, I remembered to upload the attachment, but didn't realise I needed to add it in the body!
Thank You
thx
thx! nice app
Ive been looking at something like this for awhile! Interested to see how it performs!
Any chance for an update to read .cbr files?
yeah, the next version will support cbr and rar files
Kudos for the program. I like it!
I am waiting for the update for the cbz format. Its going to kick some serious butt. Also is it possible to access files from the storage card? When I am given the access to the open menu, I can only open files that are on the device memory.
Cheers tho.
Ben
It actually will open files on the storage card but only one level deep
so anything in \comics\xmen will not be seen
but
\xmen will be.
I really really don't understand why Microsoft choose to make their open dialog work that way, but there you have it
In the next release I'll have an option to associate comic reader with cbz and cbr files, so that you can open them from File Explorer and get around that.
Ah I see that. Thanks for the tip.
This is a really nice idea btw. I have been using just the included image viewer up until now to read my comics and stuff. I will totally be watching for the updates.
Thank you.
where do you find comics that work in this?
New version is up
As for where you get them... I think you can find comics in all the usual places.
I think DC or Marvel supply some for free, but I don't know for sure. I use it mostly for reading manga.
This program doesn't use a propretary format so it should be able to read any comic file or any rar/zip with images in it.
haha i dont know the usual places i havent downloaded any before
just seemed like a cool idea
Best app. Ever. All it needs is a zoom box, and it would be perfect. Thanks.
Any thought of open sourcing this? You could get some help on features from people. Maybe up on Google Code? or CodePlex.
I was thinking of making one of these myself, but just couldn't get around to getting the initial work done.
Just a suggestion.
Hi thanks,downloading and giving it a go!
now that i got some comics it really is cool
but yea the only suggestion would be speeding up time between pages
even with the manga setting turned off whenever i go to the next page it still starts at the top right
great app, gratz
pls optimize it for hd screen, it should be nice
does it read cbz and cbr too?
Hello
Following discussion and development on AndyZap's GPS Cycle Computer thread, I'm starting this new thread.
It's all about navmi...
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
navmi is a GPS sports application, currently available for Windows Mobile touch screen (professional). It contains lots of DNA from AndyZap's GPS Cycle Computer - and it's now been tested on a few devices including:
- Omnia II
- Diamond
- HTC HD (and HD2 Leo)
- Axim x51v
- Omnia
Current download is shown on navmi.com.
There is currently a 1 dot 1 dot 1 release in Beta testing
Among navmi's features are:
Time and distance tracking
Autopause
Auto lap (auto waypoint) recording
Manual lap recording
Integrated sports photography
Map display – including offline caching of maps
Chart display – speed and elevation
Multiple settings for multiple sports
Training Diary – including lap, map, photo and chart review
Integration with runsaturday online training log and analysis tools
KML and GPX track export
navmi proudly contains:
DNA from the GPS Cycle Computer – by AndyZap – with design by expo7 and special thanks to AngelGR – used under new bsd license
integration with runsaturday.com
mapping by OpenStreetMap served by Cloudmade – used under creative commons license
voice from acclivity on freesound.org – used under creative commons license
sound effects from sowatt and milton on freesound.org – used under creative commons license
extra graphics input from clker.com – used under creative commons license
I hope this is the right place to start this thread!
Omnia II, Diamond, HTC HD, Axim x51v...hmmm...does it work in other resolutioin like WQVGA or QVGA? Looks nice...
hi...im a big fan of AndyZap GPS Cycle Computer...and use it on every occasion, while on the go. unfortunately development seems to be abandoned . so hope you will get best of it and follow his high standards... will watch that development closely.
hsmcd said:
Omnia II, Diamond, HTC HD, Axim x51v...hmmm...does it work in other resolutioin like WQVGA or QVGA? Looks nice...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it does... although I've not tested it on a real device of other sizes yet.
Please do feel free to try it and let me know
the touchHD is wvga and navmi does almost perfect on it.
Switching between apps does bring the winMo taskbar back into the picture tho and consequently that covers part of the function buttons.
Not a major problem.
Tho I did click the winMo 'Ok' button (top right taskbar corner) once and navmi asked whether I wanted to proceed, as logging would be canceled. After clicking 'No' it canceled anyway, toughy...
rhtizzy said:
the touchHD is wvga and navmi does almost perfect on it.
Switching between apps does bring the winMo taskbar back into the picture tho and consequently that covers part of the function buttons.
Not a major problem.
Tho I did click the winMo 'Ok' button (top right taskbar corner) once and navmi asked whether I wanted to proceed, as logging would be canceled. After clicking 'No' it canceled anyway, toughy...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take a look at the switching thing - that doesn't happen on my Omnia when I use Samsung's cube button task switcher thing. What are you using to switch on the HD?
As for the "No" problem... I've just checked the code and it definitely should work OK...
I use Quickmenu to replace the regular startmenu and following your comment I switched back to regular and indeed, no more winMo taskbar pop-over... good stuff!
Wow, been after something like this for ages but havent got round to looking! Will try to get to grips with it before my next snow boarding trip so i can see how far i rode!! Good work!!
HollyWolf, are you the coder of this?
Also, add Samsung Omnia to the list of working phones. Works fine on mine.
digital_biscuit said:
Wow, been after something like this for ages but havent got round to looking! Will try to get to grips with it before my next snow boarding trip so i can see how far i rode!! Good work!!
HollyWolf, are you the coder of this?
Also, add Samsung Omnia to the list of working phones. Works fine on mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent - thanks for letting me know
Yes, I am the coder - I've taken AndyZ's GPS Cycle Computer as a start, merged in lots of code from Runsat and am loving writing code
What use using to write it in and with what language?
Also, is there a "how to use" guide at all?
Cheers
Almost all written in C# compact framework - 2.0.
There's no manual yet - so best to write here or on navmi.com if you have a question.
Thanks hollywoof, sure am gonna try this!
Looks great - gonna give it a try!
thumbs up +1
hollywoof, will there be an option to import kml or gpx files in the future? Would be nice if I could add the runs from RunSaturday to navmi. This way I have totals on my Omnia.
Installed it, looks very nice. Will test it soon while running.
I'll have a play in a bit on the HD2, pity it's snowing so much, I've not got a chance to get out in the velomobile to see how accurate it is.
One thing that is missing from gpscyclecomputer is a seperate EXIT function..
Using winmo 6.5.x versions (with the bottom buttons) you cant close the app, short of using a secondary taskmanager, so if you can include something along those lines (not tried it yet) then that would be great (and future proof it a bit).
I'm intrigued by the lapfunction, how is it going to work? I've tried a couple of other ones in the past, that haven't been quite as obvious as could be.
Especially when racing, I tend to find that pressing something is a no-no (especially cycling at 35mph and above on a 440m velodrome yo can lap quite quickly) and some of the others don't seem to realise that when you go past the place you started logging then that's the end of the first lap.
anyway, glad to see someone has taken on the basics of andyzaps app looking forward to seeing how it progresses.
roma said:
hollywoof, will there be an option to import kml or gpx files in the future? Would be nice if I could add the runs from RunSaturday to navmi. This way I have totals on my Omnia..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
I've written the GPX/KML code for course following (similar to the GCC's implementation), but I'd not thought about syncing all activities/the totals that way - maybe I'll give that a try! I do want to sync photos in as well at some point.
As another alternative I was considering writing a separate runsaturday app...
Thanks for the feedback - you're helping to make the app better
fards said:
One thing that is missing from gpscyclecomputer is a seperate EXIT function..
Using winmo 6.5.x versions (with the bottom buttons) you cant close the app, short of using a secondary taskmanager, so if you can include something along those lines (not tried it yet) then that would be great (and future proof it a bit).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to close the app by:
- " - pausing the activity
- square - stopping the activity
- home - go to home page
- exit - exit
- yes - I really want to exit
But maybe that is a bit too long winded. I'm mainly testing on 6.5 (Omnia II) so I know it works there...
I'm intrigued by the lapfunction, how is it going to work? I've tried a couple of other ones in the past, that haven't been quite as obvious as could be.
Especially when racing, I tend to find that pressing something is a no-no (especially cycling at 35mph and above on a 440m velodrome yo can lap quite quickly) and some of the others don't seem to realise that when you go past the place you started logging then that's the end of the first lap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The autolap currently goes off measured distance - you can set up the autolap distance in the settings for each sport and then the just laps whenever it measures that you've reach the distance.
From personal experience of athletics tracks, I doubt you will get very good performance for cycling around a velodrome - it's just not a nice track for GPS to estimate distance... the estimation errors really build up around the circle :/ For example, I once did a 6 hour track race (normal 400m track) - and my Garmin 301 was almost 10% inaccurate compared to the lap counter. Some of this was due to me not always taking the inside lane, but (looking at the recorded track) most of it was just down to nasty GPS readings. Surprisingly that 10% was an overestimate, not an underestimate. In more normal runs, I think I'd expect my Garmin to be 1-2% accurate?
rhtizzy said:
Tho I did click the winMo 'Ok' button (top right taskbar corner) once and navmi asked whether I wanted to proceed, as logging would be canceled. After clicking 'No' it canceled anyway, toughy...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've now seen this too... looks like a winmo/compact framework issue (as the code looks right) - I'll look into a workaround to fix it!
How do you import map files?? I can't find anything in the prog nor do i understand the folder structure in the maps folder?
Cheers
digital_biscuit said:
How do you import map files?? I can't find anything in the prog nor do i understand the folder structure in the maps folder?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By default navmi uses downloaded maps from an OpenStreetMap server - as selected under Settings->Maps - the default is a fairly easy to read Navmi format served from CloudMade.
If you want these to download live during your ride, then on the "Plotting" page, choose "Auto download maps"
Personally, I tend to download maps offline - before I head out running - I'm on prepay! I do this by connecting to the web over ActiveSync or WiFi, starting an activity (that I never intend to keep), waiting until I get some GPS lock, switching the display to the map page and then scrolling around the UI to download all the areas I want to.
This OSM format maps is the main direction I want to continue moving forwards - it's easiest (requires least effort!). When you use this the structure in the maps folder is split up using zoom levels, then latitudes -it's a structure that's easy for navmi to read, but it's not a structure you want to play with yourself!
Beyond OSM, navmi also supports (adapted from the GCC code) a couple of alternative ways to use maps. To use any of these other methods, you must:
1. select "off" on the Maps settings
2. do not check Auto download maps
3. use File Explorer to ensure that the navmi maps folder is empty
With these 3 steps done... you can create your own maps using your PC - see instructions in line 547 and beyond in http://code.google.com/p/gccv2/source/browse/trunk/GpsCycleComputer/Readme.htm
I know at least one person is currently using GPS Tuner .gmi files with navmi - if you are, then please feel free to post with advice.
Hope that helps - sorry it's a bit long winded!
Stuart
[APP] < CarPal > Monitor maintenance for several cars with autoreminders | v0.91 beta
UPDATE April 4: I decided to stop the development for the WM OS. I sold my WM phones and switched over to Android (N1). I'll continue working on this app for that OS. Sorry to whoever was waiting for updates for WM, and a HUGE "thank you" to guys who provided feedback/requests for features.
The whole idea was to create a modernly-designed application for my Rhodium that would keep track of different maintenance tasks for my car. What makes this app different from the others is that you set how many miles you drive per day (on the average we drive same amount, give or take), that will allow the App to "predict" what your car's odometer shows. Based on that (+ depending on how many days ahead you want the reminder to be) it will throw a reminder telling you about that particular task.
Currently, the project in is beta. It's fully usable, but not yet as easy/convenient/cool as I want it to be. Of course, I expect there to be bugs, but mostly visual, non-critical stuff that I'm still working on. For curious minds, data is stored in CarPalData.xml in the working folder, unencrypted. I decided to keep it that way for easy access and modification.
If anybody wants to tinker with this on his/her own, lemme know, I'll make it open-source.
Update Feb 26: Sorry guys, got a real big project at work right now, no time for on-the-side development... Should free up next week or so, I definitelly want to add some cool new features to CarPal. Thanks for all the feedback - I'll use it to prioritize the new features. Most likely expect the bike support, gas usage/stats and Dutch/Spanish/Italian languages in next release. Hang tight =)
Please send me your translations!
To translate the app, follow these simple steps:
1. Install the app.
2. Go to \Device\Program Files\CarPal\ and grab the CarPalTranslations.xml file from there.
3. Inside the file, duplicate the "English" node, and rename it to your language name.
4. Translate all the strings in your new node, just make sure you keep the node names intact, only rename the contents of the "string" attribute.
5. Send me your file and you'll see your language in the new release!
Features:
Works with any "decent" resolution (Q|VGA, W|VGA, landscape + portrait).
Wizard-based data entry
High-contrast design to be easily visible outside
Keep track of multiple cars in the same app
Create multiple tasks for every car
Automatic reminders based on how many miles you drive per day on average
Add additional details to your tasks, like locations, owners, etc.
New in version 0.91b:
Multi-language support. Comes with English and Russian by default. Very easy XML translation, contact me if you wanna translate it.
New item in settings - can switch languages from there.
Screenshots (made in WVGA):
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Still being worked on:
If you hide the app instead of exiting, it will hide too damn well. hard to bring it back up.
Some visual bugs
Get rid of that horrible icon.
Integrating reminders into system reminders
Testing how well the app behaves when it's hidden (running in the background)
Improving interface to be more clear as to where user is at, etc
Non-touchscreen device support. So far app relies on users tapping on buttons.
Add csv importing funtions
Some easy method of translating interface to diff. languages
Other things on my list...
I'd love some feedback, if you tried it - let me know how it worked for you, and what are your thoughts.
And remember - I keep all data in a separate xml file, so you won't lose any data as the app is updated. So feel free to enter your stuff into the app, just backup the CarPalData.xml as needed.
Kilometers?
Awesome app wish it was in kilometers..
dirtydevious said:
Awesome app wish it was in kilometers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here!
@DarkDvr, would like to translate it in Dutch for you!
Plus, I would like to add my maintenance schedule without having to insert a reminder.
dirtydevious said:
Awesome app wish it was in kilometers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent point, and an obvious one too.. how could I miss it
While I'm adding that to settings, you can still use it fine, numbers are numbers, there's nothing in the functionality that would "care" if it's in actual miles, kilometers or millimeters =)
I'll add that setting today/tomorrow.
jolas said:
Plus, I would like to add my maintenance schedule without having to insert a reminder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mm, good idea. Something like a table of maintenance with all the tasks in it to view/edit?
luckyuser said:
Same here!
@DarkDvr, would like to translate it in Dutch for you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear that =)
I'm working on a language xml file that will allow you to translate it to w/e language you want. Gimme some time and I'll let you know when I'm done.
DarkDvr said:
Mm, good idea. Something like a table of maintenance with all the tasks in it to view/edit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly!
Do not forget CSV support to get all my SciLor's Fuel Blaster users
scilor said:
Do not forget CSV support to get all my SciLor's Fuel Blaster users
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't be too hard, can you upload an example csv? Hopefully with title row, so I know what's what =)
Everything in my SciLor's Fuel Blaster Readme (On the Website)
Would be nice to be able to do an exchange in both tools!
New version - 0.91beta:
Multi-language support. Comes with English and Russian by default.
New item in settings - can switch languages from there.
If you want to translate it, let me know so I can add your language to the install package.
Translation is very easy - install the CAB, then get the CarPalTranslation.xml file from the install directory.
In there, just create a new "Language" node, copy/paste any existing language, and modify the strings. You can test it right there, just launch the App, go to settings, and switch to your language. Remember that app-restart is required.
More stuff is coming in the next version...
very, very interesting! this would be a very useful app. i'm looking forward to it. i am also for a list of regular maintenance that can be ticked for each car, e.g. oil change, tire rotation, wheel alignment, etc., and reminds you of it based on the set mileage, let's say, every 3,000 miles.
joshzzz2001 said:
very, very interesting! this would be a very useful app. i'm looking forward to it. i am also for a list of regular maintenance that can be ticked for each car, e.g. oil change, tire rotation, wheel alignment, etc., and reminds you of it based on the set mileage, let's say, every 3,000 miles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time you can do all of that, except for creating one task for several cars at the same time. I'm still working on that.
If you have just 1 car, that won't really make a difference for you, so you're good to go. For several cars, I'm working on creating a nice table that will let you handle all of them easily and at the same time.
Give it a nice test run and let me know if it works for ya =)
P.S: table functionality is coming next week, most likely.
Thanks=)
Looking forward to try this out.
looks nice
requests (if you please):
- different background (I for one use this for my motorcycle, not car)... if you can't allow us to choose background then at least give two options: (1) MY bike (a BMW R1200GS) (2) a plain background (maybe the popular carbon fiber one)
- ability to import CSV
that's all before I even try it more after I do
View attachment 285099
DarkDvr said:
New version - 0.91beta:
Multi-language support. Comes with English and Russian by default.
New item in settings - can switch languages from there.
If you want to translate it, let me know so I can add your language to the install package.
Translation is very easy - install the CAB, then get the CarPalTranslation.xml file from the install directory.
In there, just create a new "Language" node, copy/paste any existing language, and modify the strings. You can test it right there, just launch the App, go to settings, and switch to your language. Remember that app-restart is required.
More stuff is coming in the next version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Made a Dutch translation for you, but can't get it work. I'm sure you wil fix it.I overwrote the English text in the editor and after that I saved the file again. I do not know what I've done wrongI hope you can add it soon! Could not upload the xml.file, so i did it in text format
TATAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, it works great now!
I add the English file again and now it works
I also commended alongside a few comments or suggestions. Obviously intended positive
- ability to add dealer or servicepoint, contactperson, adres etc.(maybe dealerlogo) or linked with a Pocket Outlook Contact.
- larger field for notes, more information about task/service
- more matching fontsize in userinterface and textinput fields.
Userinterface is a bit to small, text input to big in my opinion.
- task/service planning also possible with scheduling (pocket agenda), not only by km or miles(Most services are km based but also time based)Sound Alerts can also be planned with the Agenda alarmfunction.
- background change or switch for each car or motorcycle(more evident).At aglance you can see more quickly which car ot motorcycle is meant for a service.
- creating a masterlist for service or maintenance with checkbox option.
So that you can create a todo-list from that masterlist for each service, car or motorcycle.
Succes with development!
ok tried it - seems it is missing the most important feature for me - fuel and fuel statistics
anyway keep up the good work, I'll check it out from time to time
nice app... will definitely give it a try...: )
does this app require the GPS to be turned on all the time or do you periodically update the distance travelled?
I used the TouchWiz launcher for awhile, I kinda liked it but missed the customization and standard adw launcher I have grown used to.
However I also found myself really using the TouchWiz Buddies Now widget
http://img.phonescoop.com/img/a/p/25816_605.jpg
http://img.phonescoop.com/img/a/p/25820_605.jpg
Anyone know if there is a non touchwiz widget with the same or similar functionality?
cojonesx said:
I used the TouchWiz launcher for awhile, I kinda liked it but missed the customization and standard adw launcher I have grown used to.
However I also found myself really using the TouchWiz Buddies Now widget
http://img.phonescoop.com/img/a/p/25816_605.jpg
http://img.phonescoop.com/img/a/p/25820_605.jpg
Anyone know if there is a non touchwiz widget with the same or similar functionality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use People Widget when i choose to not use Buddies now. I'm still going back and forth between touchwiz and ADW. i think i'm going to stick with touchwiz now though as it keeps another program from running all the time, since touchwiz runs anyways unless you delete it, but i don't want to chance losing something necessary to the phones stability.
launcherpro plus has an awesome scrollable people widget now, looks and feels as smooth as the HTC one:
google launcherpro (i cant link yet)
Worth the $3, especially when the other widgets come out
buddies now alt
bumping this up because i haven't find what im looking for. I need a Buddies Now alternative. a good one. Im looking more for individual fb updates than i am for a contacts shortcut. I have select friends that i want to track status and updates on, not my entire friends list. Below is what I've used so far with poor results so I need suggestions.
Just for a recap of the strength of Buddies Now, it allows you to put in just the people you want quick access to (not all of your contacts, nor all of your fb friends) AND it give you their status from the widget.
1. Contapps - concept is pretty good, facebook contact merging failed miserably, had to manually link the people i cared about getting updates from. The UI itself is terribly kiddie, with penguins and graffiti style wording. Lastly it does have a widget with two size options (4x1 and 4x2) which automatically just picks up the favorites starred in android. unfortunately i cant seem to get it to scroll so in the 4x2 widget it only shows 8 people, regardless of the fact that i have 15 starred contacts. Not cool
2. My Taptu - this is actually an rss reader but it has the ability to read facebook activity (mostly status and wall posts from what i gather). I havent been able to pick who's feeds I want to receive but the app description hinted that i would be able to. No success yet
3. 6sense - this is another rss feed reader that has facebook activity reading capability. the difference is that its supposed to be "smart" and only show you what you care about based on what you read and respond to (basically your own activity). Theres a bar/meter that monitors how much it understands you, and the more you do in it the "smarter" it becomes. So im "long term" testing this one since I think i have respond to the fb friends posts of the ones i want updates on and ignore others. i have no idea if this will work the way i want it to.
4. Phonebook 2.0 - much like contapps, slightly less kiddie interface, had a higher success rate of contact/fb merging. barely. No widget. may have to play with it a bit, unfortunately, it wants to be your main dialer/contacts app so any phone related duties make you pick between it and the default dialer. Since I only want it for one reason (fb updates for specific contacts only) it is mildly annoying.
5. LauncherPro People widget - well this is a people shortcut. scrollable is a plus. no fb updates. so it doesnt do what i need it to...unless im missing something?
So do any of you have anything you could suggest for what im looking for? Thanks in advance
*edit*
6. AddressBook 2.0 with Facebook Mixin - just tried this and its very odd because it uses plugins called "mixins" to provide additional functionality but the main app force closes as soon as it opens. so the main part of this thing, which i have to have installed in order for the mixin to work, doesnt work. however, the facebook mixin logged into fb, got my friends list, did matches against my phone contacts and i got to choose whether i wanted updates from all friends or just favorites, what i wanted to be updated on (pic uploads, shared links, status, etc) and how often. this is a very strong feature set and more towards what i want but it's a shame the main app force closes (and still no widget).
still bumping this up, still looking for a buddies now alternative. Hoping the community can help me out here.
There's an app on the maket called Socialite. It's a widget/app and separate tabs for twitter and facebook.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
emarsha said:
There's an app on the maket called Socialite. It's a widget/app and separate tabs for twitter and facebook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, if you dont mind me asking,
what clock widget is that?
I WANT..
xtone said:
hi, if you dont mind me asking,
what clock widget is that?
I WANT..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have that clock app..I got it from android theme section, not vibrant but android theme.app and theme section. If you scroll a bit down u will see cowon clock widget.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
xtone said:
hi, if you dont mind me asking,
what clock widget is that?
I WANT..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found it on the Android Apps Thred, called BobClock:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=892404&highlight=clock
emarsha said:
There's an app on the maket called Socialite. It's a widget/app and separate tabs for twitter and facebook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just reading up on it today actually, thanks! It was ported from the LG Ally apparently? Im reading that the beta (the one in the market) is kind of buggy and degrades contact pics, and is difficult to uninstall. If you have it installed can you give a quick 15 second review of it?
jblade1000 said:
I was just reading up on it today actually, thanks! It was ported from the LG Ally apparently? Im reading that the beta (the one in the market) is kind of buggy and degrades contact pics, and is difficult to uninstall. If you have it installed can you give a quick 15 second review of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I use the LauncherPro "Friends" widget, I find the Socialite app a nice change, specially when I want to switch to a different home launcher and the Friends widget isn't available. I haven't had any problems or FC's. Syncs every 5 minutes on auto, or you can manually refresh the feeds. To uninstall, I go to the Settings/Applications and remove from there. The preview pictures come out pixelated, but when you click on the feed, it clears up. I personally like it as an alternative. It's both a widget and application, I like the widget a lot because of the separate tabs.
All in all, it's a nice little app.
Widget Tabs:
Appplication:
Pixelated Preview:
Actual Feed:
^ thanks for the reply! quick question can you pick and choose the feeds you want to "subscribe" to or is it just the regular fb newsfeed of all events and all friend updates?
While cleaning up my internal SD, I accidently blew away my People app. Any idea where I can download it again?
Not sure if you guys use it, but Pulse is a great app for the NC. I used it on my Evo, and it was one of the apps I was looking forward to using on my NC.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/pulse-news-reader/com.alphonso.pulse
not affiliated with developer, just thought its an awesome and useful android app and wanted to share.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Its a great app on the Evo, but still not "tabletized" for larger screens.. Hopefully the widgets are also improved as well for larger screens.
norkoastal said:
Its a great app on the Evo, but still not "tabletized" for larger screens.. Hopefully the widgets are also improved as well for larger screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the same at first, but I actually like it more on the NC now than my Evo. I can now view more articles at once!
I agree .. it's good on the phone, great on the NC ...
It would be nice if they added a size option to scale up the articles in the app and on widgets.. The functionality of the app is hands down top class, but not quite tablet friendly (try adding a widget, you'll see).
norkoastal said:
It would be nice if they added a size option to scale up the articles in the app and on widgets.. The functionality of the app is hands down top class, but not quite tablet friendly (try adding a widget, you'll see).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the widgets were lame on the Evo too, not just the NC. I dont like that it only shows a 4x1 and feeds from 1 source.
And if there is a flash video on pulse, you can open it using skyfire. I tried it on two videos and it works great.
oakof said:
And if there is a flash video on pulse, you can open it using skyfire. I tried it on two videos and it works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had trouble viewing flash videos before, thanks for the tip.
Pulse is the best RSS reader I've found on the nook so far, best part is that it syncs to google reader.
After playing with a LCD density changer app, upping the size of the desktop loses some sharpness but pulse and icons become easier to read and use... Give it a go if you want bigger buttons etc...
My Taptu does much the same thing, you might or might not prefer the interface on that. I like being able to drag to the left to update sources in Pulse, but otherwise they're both good in their own way.
norkoastal said:
After playing with a LCD density changer app, upping the size of the desktop loses some sharpness but pulse and icons become easier to read and use... Give it a go if you want bigger buttons etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesnt LCD Density changer mess up the bottom task bar?
leeh41 said:
Doesnt LCD Density changer mess up the bottom task bar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LCD Density Changer can mess up the bottom task bar, 180 to 200 dpi seems to be about the maximum, after that the notification on the left and the quick change settings on the right, get pushed off screen. I don't know if those settings are optimal for Pulse though, I was checking thread for good news feed readers and saw your question. I haven't tried pulse yet.
leeh41 said:
Doesnt LCD Density changer mess up the bottom task bar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I installed Pulse on my NC at a density of 220. On first impression it seems to fit the screen perfectly. The bottom task bar button that seems a little off at a 220 density, is the left one. The button goes off the edge, but can be pressed. I hope this helps, I've only been at this for 2-3 days and am still climbing the sharpest part of the NC learning curve.
unable to delete resource
Is that only me or anyone else have problem deleting the resources? When touching on the red X in the manage resources nothing happens. I can add new resources fine.
pramalin said:
Is that only me or anyone else have problem deleting the resources? When touching on the red X in the manage resources nothing happens. I can add new resources fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have noticed this on a number of applications, including Pulse... The edges of the NC are a little "touchy" and do not always recognize the tap very well. The same thing happens for me on Pulse trying to tap the two buttons at the top of the screen. If you notice on the B&N proprietary settings screen, the buttons they place at the top corner is much bigger (i.e. and comes down farther) and I never have a problem clicking on it. Of course, it could be that I have sausage fingers...but I don't have this problem on my Droid. Keep trying and eventually it will recognize the press...
I have started using Pulse, and I am addicted to it. It's a great app, and I hope it's updated to have a bit more functionality for tablets.
norkoastal said:
After playing with a LCD density changer app, upping the size of the desktop loses some sharpness but pulse and icons become easier to read and use... Give it a go if you want bigger buttons etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for pointing me towards LCD density I could tell that Pulse was a nice program without it but with it I can actually read the damn thing. Also, Markets easer to view now, the keyboard is easer and zeams icons are not so tiny anymore. That one program did so much. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to use Pulse, or really anything ells on there new NC
So far Pulse is one of the best RSS Readers I've tried so far, but there are two major gripes I have with it.
1. No "Mark all as read" option for sources.
2. Displays only a set amount of articles per feed. If I have more unread, they won't load.
** PS, If these things are possible (and I just can't find them), then please let me know.**
Pulse update today.... Better widgets and a "tablet" setting for larger windows and text... Wooo!!
norkoastal said:
Pulse update today.... Better widgets and a "tablet" setting for larger windows and text... Wooo!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, reading in the app looks awesome now, no more teeny tiny fonts in the boxes.
However I agree, Pulse only offers X amount of recent stories, no way I know of to request more. So you gotta look frequently I suppose.
But it's great to read.. I still find the "back" functionality in it a bit weird sometimes.. Sometimes it brings up the list of current feed stories, sometimes it goes back to the main page with all feeds, other times it goes straight back to home (usually when I hit back twice when it's only wanting it once). Ah well.