[Q] [IDEA] Android phones as PC/Mac's Application Helper.....(sort of..) for $20? - Android Software Development

Hello Everyone,
I'm a graphic designer.. and I (for some reason ) am so sure this is possible on an Android phone... but the question is.. is it worth their time? i hope my $20 dollars and other possible donators... can help answer that question!!
Here's The Concept: (sorry for the long essay)
I would like to use my android's touch screen to be my little helper when i'm on my graphic programs... either photoshop/illustrator.. even my html programs.. i would like a dedicated screen with Tools and Options that i usually use...
This could be done in many ways.... one would require a "server" application and displays the shortcuts according to the App in focus...
or...
You can make android as the HID thing (Sorry!! Thats as technical as i can get..)....so it sends "macros" to photoshop ... but this doesn't really require a server cuz HID thing shud be multi platform?? if i'm not mistaken...so instead of detecting.. there would be applications we choose which will show the appropriate buttons....
Here's one example: Photoshop
While one Photoshop, I would like Cuboid Buttons for Basic Tools(Marquee, Paint Brush, Eraser, Move tool..... ) on an array of screens and with fixed items like the "Undo" or "Layers" "Characters"... which will bring up the proper dialogue...
I'm willing to donate 20$ to the person who can do this ... i hope others can feel my frustration and want to help too... so we can get this going...
Plus.. there is a "Clingo" accessory for phones that can attach any device to any monitor!!! from the looks of it... it could very well work with my idea!!
Thank you for taking your time reading my big essay!!! (sorry)

I may not be a developer for android, but I know that if anyone does it, it'll cost them more than $20 of their time...

I think you should learn the key shortcuts or buy a keyboard with extended keys that you can program.

@DKuntz2 i know it will be more than 20 dollars... thats why i started my donation at 20 ... whoever is feeling like donating to this cause... can hopefully make it worth for the developer....
@jobarjo Yeah, I already know the keyboard shortcuts ... but theres alotta features on the photoshop that are not possible through a simple keyboard shortcut... and besides.. i only used Photoshop as an example, this can be implemented with Word Processors... Web Browsers.... Full screen Media player with controls on the side... I don't know theres alotta potential...
i just hope people find this 'donation' worthy as i do.... a guy can hope right?

It sounds like what you really need is the Optimus Maximus keyboard; http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/

Thanx.
but I am already familiar with the optimus..and that it can change the whole keyboard to pictures...anyways i just thought the guys would want this on their android phone.. rather than wasting $2400 US on that.!!!
I hope ill be able to make this on Google's App Inventor...
Peace.

solidkundi said:
I hope ill be able to make this on Google's App Inventor...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't.
You need a "server" application on the computer which you can make or interact with a GAI app.
You also may need to interact with Photoshop in a way because its not just sending keyboard shortcuts because some tools don't have that.
I am unsure if you need to make a photoshop plugin for that or you can call some functions in the photoshop.exe.(I don't even know how my 3DConnexion SpaceNavigator calls the functions and such in Photoshop)
Google apps doesn't allow this functionality and I am unsure if it ever will(and even if it will it won't be soon)

well that sucks doesn't it...
thanks for that.. i hope i'll be able to make something out of google inventor ... i have soo much ideas... but they're all either novelty or something very specific to me...

This would be really useful, but hard, the way I see it you could do it using HID:
An android App that communicates as a slave device to a desktop machine.
Could use bluetooth and pretend to be HID but you'd have to write the HID layer from scratch in java as Android only does HID as the master (and even then only in CM6)
This would send keypress events which may be enough for some apps, but generally you'd need to map those events to some other combination of actions, under windows a combination of http://www.autohotkey.net/ and http://www.autohotkey.net/~Micha/HIDsupport/Autohotkey.html may do the job.
Implementing HID under Android would be the had part (for me). The rest would need to be configured per-feature-per-app

I do know there are several keyboard applications availble so keyboard shortcuts and keypresses aren't really the problem.
I am just unsure how you would link into photoshop tools without key combos.

You can get for iphone, good idea saves a lot of time

If someone is skilled enough to edit this to something with a Tools gui or allowing to asign a picture and hotkey to a button on the screen and pass on the hotkey to the server..
http://code.google.com/p/remotedroid/
And maybe remove the mouse functionality or put it in a tab.

I think ... we can make an "Action" file.. for most of the commands... and then send the respective keystroke .... that could work also..... and like u said have tabs
but i wudn't need mouse in there...

Related

Finger-friendly Homepage!

I'm working on a new concept for a homepage for all touch devices.
I know it's not the greatest idea of all, but I really think it's good enough to have some value.
I wont release all details as I have a decent amount planned, but here goes...
http://neotelos.com/mobile/
Works great in opera beta and firefox, PIE is very underdeveloped and I've had issues...so no support at the moment, but may come in the future.
So far it's only a preview of what is to come, I'd like to know what you guys think so far.
I've even seen alot of touch PCs and Tablets emerging, and hope to aim towards that audience too!
Got it working with keys now
I can't wait to get this done...I'm also making this so I have something nice for even my own homepage.
nice idea...
what do you intend to put in there ?
I confess - I don't see the point in this, you're using an onhover effect wich won't be activated in a mobile - because theres no such thing as on hover on a touchscreen.
Sorry, I may be being ignorant.
interesting, the page is working on opera. in qvga mode, the font is oversize.
Napbree said:
I confess - I don't see the point in this, you're using an onhover effect wich won't be activated in a mobile - because theres no such thing as on hover on a touchscreen.
Sorry, I may be being ignorant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im no mobile web developer (although I've done my fair share of sites), but isn't the onhover property applied when the user taps the link? at least I think that's what is does in the iphone
Yes, is true.
The only issues that I haven't found a way to overcome:
1) Override context menu
2) Capture drag action
I plan on making a user-customizable CMS (Content Management System) and hope to just keep adding features over time.
My first goal is to allow users to setup accounts which they can customize links and content to their liking.
Like I said, it's nothing major, just something that might come in handy as there aren't many good web portals designed for mobile.
Edit:
Oh, yeah, it doesn't use hover, it actually grabs when the mouse moves and calculates actions...for a number of reasons I chose this method, may not be the most oiptimal but I find it to be more compatable.
When a user taps the screen, or even ends a drag, when the pressure is lifted mouse movement is activated. Not to mention it works with arrow keys and overrides the scrolling, so it can be used with devices w/o touchscreens.
Neotelos_com said:
Yes, is true.
The only issues that I haven't found a way to overcome:
1) Override context menu
2) Capture drag action
I plan on making a user-customizable CMS (Content Management System) and hope to just keep adding features over time.
My first goal is to allow users to setup accounts which they can customize links and content to their liking.
Like I said, it's nothing major, just something that might come in handy as there aren't many good web portals designed for mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think having the whole login account would be overkill, unless the user does not delete his or her cookies after each session
Neotelos, this is a very cool idea, but why don't you team up with whoever made Touch-innovation.com and develope it with him? he created it not a long while ago and it would be much more productive if you guys did that together instead of creating a whole new one (just a thought )
nir36: Not too bad of an idea, I've his site before and it's a nice start. Just that this is a web design geared for mobile devices, not resources for them. Maybe I'll shoot him a message and see if he wants to form an affiliation, who knows.
mbarvian: There's a few ideas I have, one would be just to use a simple URL for a basic start page, with configuration password protected. ex: somewebsite.com/somehomepage.php?user=myusername
nir36 said:
Neotelos, this is a very cool idea, but why don't you team up with whoever made Touch-innovation.com and develope it with him? he created it not a long while ago and it would be much more productive if you guys did that together instead of creating a whole new one (just a thought )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried contacting Nathan over there, but even though he remains active, I have yet to receive a response.
I don't see that his site is the busiest and if he can't even respond to messages as a courtesey, i don't think i'll be working with him. thanks for the advice though.

(LAST CHANCE TO VOTE) need some idea's

10/16/08--
It is 12:00 central time (17:00 GMT I think) and I will close voting at 5:00pm Central Time (22:00 GMT) today. So that leaves you just 5 Hours to make your vote. I will try and post the winner up here later tonight, or you can check yourself at www.gudensoft.com.
Thanks!!
10/14/08--
First, thanks for all the great ideas. I would love to develop all of these if I could, but we have to decide on just one of the programs! So, Since I couldn't add a poll to this thread, I added it to HERE.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!​
I bet I know which will win, but who knows? The poll will end Thursday or Friday (depending on if it is a close race or not).
Thanks
Gudy
10/10/08--
Hey guys,
I want to know what cool program, functionality, or software you would like to see created. I am a .net programmer (among others) and would like some ideas of projects you would like to see. I would like to stay away from a graphic intense program and involved games, so think functionality, usefulness, fun, etc. If I get some good ideas, I will then add a poll, vote on the best one, then build it. I will release it under my donationware license which means it will be free. Right now I am finishing up my Golf Gps program (and will continue to support), but will start this project once we get it deceided. So Shoot me your ideas!
Gudy
cool a programmer who need ideas
I have proposed something here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=434925
though it would maybe not appear as a grateful program for a developper ( a toolkit for other programs), it could be a good way to have a large diffusion through many config panels in different programs
it was just an idea
Wishlist
Hi,
Maybe simple for .NET, but for me impossible to do (without performance/battery penaulty) with basic4ppc or mortscript. And thats all I can handle.
What I would like to have is a program that enables me to execute programs when specific events occur. I'd like to know when AC power gets connected/disconnected, when there is a change in screen orientation, and when a headset gets connected/disconnected and so on. Maybe even when an internet connection through WIFI is available/unavailable.
Also I'd like to know is a specific BT device is connectable/conneted. I'd like to know if a specific WIFI network is connectable/connected. I'd like to know if I'm at a specific location. All event driven, without a performance consuming programing loop or battery drain.
Yeah, all or even some of those options would make my digital mobile life so much easier
Good luck huntig for input, if you ever get bored contact me and make me happy
Cheers,
Cacti
le_cactus said:
Hi,
Maybe simple for .NET, but for me impossible to do (without performance/battery penaulty) with basic4ppc or mortscript. And thats all I can handle.
What I would like to have is a program that enables me to execute programs when specific events occur. I'd like to know when AC power gets connected/disconnected, when there is a change in screen orientation, and when a headset gets connected/disconnected and so on. Maybe even when an internet connection through WIFI is available/unavailable.
Also I'd like to know is a specific BT device is connectable/conneted. I'd like to know if a specific WIFI network is connectable/connected. I'd like to know if I'm at a specific location. All event driven, without a performance consuming programing loop or battery drain.
Yeah, all or even some of those options would make my digital mobile life so much easier
Good luck huntig for input, if you ever get bored contact me and make me happy
Cheers,
Cacti
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doable, handy, not a massive undertaking, I like it! Not sure I would go the .net route on something like this, as really a GUI is not required (except for settings maybe) and the overhead is large with .net. Certainly will add it to the list. Keep them coming!!
t0k0m0k0 said:
cool a programmer who need ideas
I have proposed something here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=434925
though it would maybe not appear as a grateful program for a developper ( a toolkit for other programs), it could be a good way to have a large diffusion through many config panels in different programs
it was just an idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be pretty difficult unless all of developers used the same programming langauge/technique. The only real feasable way I see this working would be developers using a common set of graphics. That would be more of a graphic undertaking instead of programming. I do like the idea, but pretty hard to impliment.
Thanks
Gudy
I would love to see something like Launchy for launching apps and files etc. as well as quick search of various types online. I'm guessing the on the fly search would require too much processing power, but if it's doable it would be awesome.
http://www.launchy.net/
I'm interested in new ideas too. I also use B4PPC.
Here's a few ideas:
-A tamagotchi, really. I was about to try this out tonight but Paint hates me.
-An app launcher like PetitLaunch on PalmOS. It's something that can pop from any app (hardware button) and when you type in extra letters it filters which apps are shown. I got this started and I can give you the files if you want.
-Pursue the development for Tippy. The source is on Nicbou.com/downloads if you want it.
-A time clock. A friend of mine notes down how long he works to make sure he doesn't get screwed and it takes him several minutes every week. He doesn't have a Pocket PC but maybe someone would be interested in something that tracks the hours you work and calculate the salary. I almost did this too.
And don't forget to share the source! If you need any help with B4PPC I'm here
galt said:
I would love to see something like Launchy for launching apps and files etc. as well as quick search of various types online. I'm guessing the on the fly search would require too much processing power, but if it's doable it would be awesome.
http://www.launchy.net/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds simular to the app launcher listed in the next post, seems like there is a theme going on here, you all need some sort of good app launcher.
Gudy
I'd like the Launchy features for search-on-the-fly off on board apps and file launching, but ever more for different site searches (google, maps, wikipedia, live, youtube, Amazon, etc).
N1c0_ds said:
I'm interested in new ideas too. I also use B4PPC.
Here's a few ideas:
-A tamagotchi, really. I was about to try this out tonight but Paint hates me.
-An app launcher like PetitLaunch on PalmOS. It's something that can pop from any app (hardware button) and when you type in extra letters it filters which apps are shown. I got this started and I can give you the files if you want.
-Pursue the development for Tippy. The source is on Nicbou.com/downloads if you want it.
-A time clock. A friend of mine notes down how long he works to make sure he doesn't get screwed and it takes him several minutes every week. He doesn't have a Pocket PC but maybe someone would be interested in something that tracks the hours you work and calculate the salary. I almost did this too.
And don't forget to share the source! If you need any help with B4PPC I'm here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to look up tamagotchi, either I am too old, or just out of the loop to know that 10 million of these things were sold! Wow! That could be fun, but would take a pretty fancy AI type system to really be fun.
A form of Tippy is already out there, 1-calc has some of the features built in already.
A time clock could be cool, maybe a stop watch type thing perhaps?
Never used B4PPC, I mainly use C# and Visual Studio. It looks like the old Visual Basic for desktops. And last but not least, depending on the project, I more than likely will release the source.
Thanks!!! Keep'em comin!
Gudy
File Explorer Needs Help
Has anyone wanted to see a preview image in explorer's folder??
I'm not talking about fexplorerext2. although it is a fantastic enhancement; it takes a long time to load the preview immages.
I have a better idea (well, actualy MS thought of it first)
THUMBS.DB
for every folder that has an image file, this dll is created to replace cache of images. this way ou do not have to load it everytime and scale them down for thumbnail view. it is already there specificaly for each folder.
This alows the explorer to show a preview of the first image in the folder (or last created/accessed)
This is whatt I think WinMo is lacking - windows. lol.
I do not care much for the tabbed browsing. it hurts my head. too much scroling and not enough info. Icons work better I think, and waste less space on an already small screen.
well, that's been on my wishlist for a very long time. a dll that ataches to the already existing explorer making it work better.
Thanks for workin g on something new
program that makes led lights flash when phone rings would be nice
Interesting...I will have to think about how to tackle that. It would basically take a new file explorer (like total commander). This might be a bit larger than I want to tackle, but will research it a bit before ruling it out.
GUdy
bedaweed said:
program that makes led lights flash when phone rings would be nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be very difficult as not every device handles the leds the same. Also, not every device has the same leds (color, # of, etc). I think No2Chem has a int. driver, but think it is only for the titan. Would be cool though...
Gudy
a system-wide launcher dock program like that on the velocity 103 PPC..
here's the URL for the review and video of the app (and the phone)
-------------------------------------------------------------
a new top bar replacemeent/notification system much like the "android Notification Drawer" it can replace the bubble (multiple) notifications icon when you got multiple and simultaneous notifications.. and also make it finger friendly (unlike M2D, no need to go back to homescreen to check email/sms previes and also calendar events, calls, etc.. also unlike big taskbar - from the touch phones, this'll have previews)
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7qbPa1O8Ys&eur (at the 2 minute mark) , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy-YcGNyJds
mjg7876 said:
Interesting...I will have to think about how to tackle that. It would basically take a new file explorer (like total commander). This might be a bit larger than I want to tackle, but will research it a bit before ruling it out.
GUdy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fexplorer2 is basically a dll that works with the original file explorer context menu. there is a small exe that overwrites the original explorer to make it think that the explorer"s context menu has already been opened.
in a way it maybe possible to write a new dll and two exe
EXE 1 to replace the file explorer
EXE 2 to make thumbs db
DLL (conte4xt menu that alows to view as thumbnails/list etc ; as well as launching the second exe to make a thumbsdb)
maybe you can get some help from Hou Ming, the guy that made that program before.
it would be cool if you could get some of the old emus like pocket gba and pocket snes with window 6.1 I know i would be happy.
le_cactus said:
... when AC power gets connected/disconnected, when there is a change in screen orientation, and when a headset gets connected/disconnected and ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been looking for a program that would stop the music (S2P, Audio Manager, or WMP etc...) if during playback of the music the headset is removed. Or for instance, when the device is on vibrate and you connect headset, it automatically changes profile to normal or something.
Another one is when I dock my device (or connect AC basically), I'd like clock program (or home screen, or photo slideshow, etc...) to come up automatically.
A feature that I miss from my older phones is the ability to set them to beep every minute during a phone call.
Now these are very general and not specific features. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me!
Thank you,
SiNAra
ytsejam_ said:
a system-wide launcher dock program like that on the velocity 103 PPC..
here's the URL for the review and video of the app (and the phone)
-------------------------------------------------------------
a new top bar replacemeent/notification system much like the "android Notification Drawer" it can replace the bubble (multiple) notifications icon when you got multiple and simultaneous notifications.. and also make it finger friendly (unlike M2D, no need to go back to homescreen to check email/sms previes and also calendar events, calls, etc.. also unlike big taskbar - from the touch phones, this'll have previews)
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7qbPa1O8Ys&eur (at the 2 minute mark) , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy-YcGNyJds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The launcher on the 103 looks a lot like manilla, I know it is diff, but to me it seems mainly by presentation, not functionality. I do however like the notification top bar like that on android. Not sure how difficult taking over the top bar would be. I will do some digging.
S.V.I said:
Fexplorer2 is basically a dll that works with the original file explorer context menu. there is a small exe that overwrites the original explorer to make it think that the explorer"s context menu has already been opened.
in a way it maybe possible to write a new dll and two exe
EXE 1 to replace the file explorer
EXE 2 to make thumbs db
DLL (conte4xt menu that alows to view as thumbnails/list etc ; as well as launching the second exe to make a thumbsdb)
maybe you can get some help from Hou Ming, the guy that made that program before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give me a link to this? The only thing I could find (quickly) was sketchy at best. Still seems a bit much, but would like to know more about this Fexplorer2 thing before nuking the idea.
Gudy

Free applications as per request

Hi all
I am a software developer and I am interested in developing smartphone applications on my spare time (and I have a lot) for free.
What I need is ideas…. Meaning, me my self has HTC Diamond and all of my application needs is modest but I am sure that you guys probably have more needs then I do and …. My be you can help me help you … so bring on the ideas (… just not themes and all of this kind of applications).
Thanks
csharpcoder4u said:
Hi all
I am a software developer and I am interested in developing smartphone applications on my spare time (and I have a lot) for free.
What I need is ideas…. Meaning, me my self has HTC Diamond and all of my application needs is modest but I am sure that you guys probably have more needs then I do and …. My be you can help me help you … so bring on the ideas (… just not themes and all of this kind of applications).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good.
Okay, I've got a request:
I need a little program, which is the same like BluePower which switches BT on when connecting to AC but a little bit more extended.
So, 2 things are very needed:
1. A popup which asks if BT should really switched on (YES/NO; Standard: YES)
2. This prog should recognize if a BT-device is connected so BT should stay on when loosing AC-Power
That's for now
-Lycox
- how about an application that converts any selected email or sms into an appointment
simple but very very usuful
photo uploader
hi, i'm looking for a program to upload, pictures/photo's/video to my own website. like, you make a picture and then you can select to upload it to your own specified website. maybe also the posebillety with gps position and some comments. don't know if it's possible.
pls think about it!
grtz heyk
hey i m looking for photoeditor for elfin can u made it
Really cool would be, to have an small app like g-profile, which for example turns on wi-fi on an fixed placed at an fixed time.
for example i come home, it recognizes this gsm singnal, and wi-fi turns on.
or i get to work, its not yet my breakt and it turns the volume to just vibra. than my break starts and volume turns up.
gprofile can do such thing but just with one reason, gsm OR time, i would need both
i want if you fancy making a simple but functional hard key program swapper so i can change the hardkeys setting easily to other programs.
thanks for the offer wish I could do this.
I wouldlike to log calls in contact notes like agendasfusion.
callcalendaris close but buggyand logsonly incalendar.
a weather app like weatherpanel where wallpaperis live radar
a calculator app with running tape, and a transparent keyboard
looks like youre gonna be busy!
i was thinkin recently of working with someone to make some palm pre-like apps
the fluidity of the apps on that device ive seen in preview vids and the wonderful use of the small screen real estate (no top and bottom bars, minimal buttons), is something that is almost necessary on screens like my htc touch (same screen size as the palm pre)
so, i would provide all the graphics for these apps, just need a developer
i think so far pocketcm contacts has contacts/sms covered.. very smooth scrolling, with a skin i can acheive the same simplicity and great use of fullscreen view on a small screen as i whippd up in this photoshop mockup:
i think what winmo needs is a good email interceptor app.. there are none that are skinnable to the extent of pocketcm contacts or as fluid, and then an image viewer (see palm pre screenshots of that app here -simple but very useful-:http://www.engadget.com/photos/palm-pre-official-ui-shots-1/1290333/ you can find videos all over) and a similar calendar app
most needed is the email app
if you could develop trust me.. you would have an insane following of obedient users
weve been looking for one for a long time, but its never come thru
if you make it, ill provide graphics!
think about it
htctoucher
What about a application, an actual good and working application that lets you create group distribution lists for email groups in your contacts similar to how the blackberry allows you to do it from their contact list and be able to use the group listing whether creating a new email or forwarding an email. I am shocked that this issue hasn't been addressed sooner.
dexstar said:
i want if you fancy making a simple but functional hard key program swapper so i can change the hardkeys setting easily to other programs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try http://ae.inc.ru its called AE Button plus and its free
Woah man ur gonna be real busy
I like to be simple so........how about an application that will turn a picture into the real thing, like sayyy; Jessica Alba
fatso485 said:
- how about an application that converts any selected email or sms into an appointment
simple but very very usuful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1k
Complete lack of integration between calendar + contacts and email + contacts is very disheartening!
My problem is that I do a lot of presentations, and all the presentation pointer/remote apps out there cannot meet my needs in terms of simplicity. All of them require me to run a server app on my PC.
I have used one in Palm that emulates a bluetooth HID keyboard/mouse, meaning it can do anything that your mouse or keyboard can do. The app requires to have virtual keys for Ctrl, Alt, Del, Function keys.
Link to the BlueRemote software
http://www.palmgear.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=software.showsoftware&PartnerREF=&siteid=1&catid=16&area=software.category&searchtitle=Wireless%20%2F%20Networking%20%2F%20Communications&searchterm=&step=1&orderby=sales&direction=asc&userid=0&prodid=124035
Suggestion
fatso485 said:
- how about an application that converts any selected email or sms into an appointment
simple but very very usuful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe a suggestion, in Microsoft Office, If we copy/paste or drag-drop email to Calender, then it becomes an appointment.
Maybe this could help you in some thinking...
ASh
Papi Jump
Hi!
My idea is to make a game, similar to Papi Jump (a great game for iPhone) - you can see the game on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQxltToeNXo . It's an arcade game - you control a jumping ball with tilting your device.
It would be great if could make this game work for Windows Mobile.
Since we're all tossing stuff into the "wishing well", I can add something too
An application that would scroll RSS feeds on Home screen in Manila.
Of course, such an app isn't hard to make, the RSS Hub saves its channels into simple files - the problem is how to incorporate it into Home screen.
Well, I got an idea for that as well! Recently a small program called Personalizer showed up that enables us to change the network provider name into anything we want - that would be the perfect place for RSS scroller to show up! And since there already exists a way to modify this data, I suppose it would be possible to use Personalizer as backdoor for the feeds to show up in that text filed!
Even if they wouldn't actually "scroll", I think they could be made to change every 4-5 seconds.
fatso485 said:
- how about an application that converts any selected email or sms into an appointment
simple but very very usuful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+2
Or how about a Config-Editor for FingerPoint? ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=499734 ) - so there's no more need to edit the XML Config File manually?
How about an application that reminds you to drink water and tracks how much water you have drank per day. As everyone should know, the average male should drink 3 to 5 liters of water everyday and ladies should drink 2 to 4 liters.
How about a litle app that:
1-Reminds you to drink
2-Allows you to input how much water you have drank (when reminded or manually)
In the long run, you could monitor how much water you consume on a monthly,qaurterly ,biannually and yearly basis.

[Ideas] Windows Application Skinings [Long - Rant Material]

Hey guys,
I've hadmy HD a while and think it is by far one of the better phones I've used. Though like many reviewers and people have said the interface could do with a face-lift of sorts.
It just occured to be that maybe this would give the HD more appeal and with XDA being the largest resource of designers and coders for Windows I don't see why it can't be done.
Basically here are a few of my ideas, not all of them are applicable and I'm not a programmer as such and nor do I know the major workings of Windows mobile and I know there are alternative applications for these things but some of us just want a new skin not a new program.
Ok let the ideas flow:
SMS/MMS: This one I truly find depressing. I don't feel there is a need for a seperate program but if someone could just skin the display it would make sending messages that extra bit more 'entertaining'. I know people here dislike the iPhone I don't blame them but just have bubbles around threaded messages could really make a difference and improve communication. If I recall a lot of these edits can be doen through XML files. I've seen a cab which increases the size of the message box so it looks like atleast some change is possible. So adding more colour and imgry I think would be of benifit here.
Calendar/Tasks: Both I feel could do with a major new modelling but I use Calendar Touch so I've found my alternative. Though I think just making the display match Outlook on the PC a bit more of just making the buttons and fields bigger if possible would make the applucation more usable.
WMPlayer: I've tried MortPlayer and Pocket Player, the former crashed my HD as it wouldn't unistall so I had to hard-reset and the latter I left was good but just needed to appear more complete (some menus didn't match the styling of the player skin - also very confusing to use at times). Enter good old WMP, I enjoy using the skins already available, but the menus are still small and the fact I have to click the song then 'Play' I think is backwards, where on earth is double click! Is it possible to skin the menu to be bigger and look more user friendly?
These are obviously my thoughts and opinions but what I'm look/hoping for is for someone to code something that modifies these problems. Ofcourse this is open to discussion and people please do discuss.
haha, I had the exact same idea. I thought of some htc style cover for the wm interface and new apps for sms, notes, calendar etc.
going to move my thread to this section, will probably get more attention.
WONDERFUL!
It's good to see people with on a similair though pattern.
Any views, opinions or ideas?

Under Dev - CAD application for Android

My team has been vigorously working on a CAD application for android. I will post some screenshots of the tool if anyone is interested, so please let me know.
It's currently being tested and developed using a Motorola Droid running 2.0.1. Although we can run the emulator and test different screens using it, we find great difficulty in knowing if the "feel" is nice on a smaller screen.
Anyway - current features that are working:
Objects: Line, Circle, Ellipse, Rectangle, 3 Point Arcs, Text Areas
Drawing Modes: Orthographic (including 45s), Grid On Off, Snap Mode On Off (Endpoints, Centerpoints, Midpoints, Quadrants)
Other Things: Undo, Redo, Erase, Modify (reshape & move), Pan, Layering System, Linetypes, Colors & Text Sizes.
In The Works: Zoom (Option for Pinch), Configurable Toolbar (Add/Remove Tools), Export to DXF & Linetypes.
We are looking for a few people that would be willing to get in on a "PRIVATE Beta" to assist us with the continued development. We have our day jobs, so this is a project that when we have time to work on, we do. However, we do spent quite a bit of time working on it .
Anyway - We want to be picky about the testers, simply because we need to have a nice round group of people. Not plumpy, just round. We need a couple guys that are good with input, finding problems, etc. And we also need a few that dont know anything about CAD and can help us to see if the average joe can figure it out.
We also need a couple good mathmeticians or programmers. Or even one would do. We are having some trouble computing certain boundaries (ellipses to be more precise) that we need to understand so that we can build in other commands like Trim or Extend. (Plus our select option on ellipses is a bit hokey, but knowing how to find an ellipse will solve that for us)
For now, the only assistance I can give you is through the board here, and help you get started. The tutorial will come soon, once we get the basics figured out as to how we want to make it really work.
Anyway - To make a long story even longer - let me know if you might be interested. I would be more than happy to post some screenshots if you like of its current state. So let me know if you are interested.
Thank you very much for sticking through the long a$$ read, or even for skipping through to the "thanks" is enough for me.
That being said - LMK! Thanks!
A capacitive touch screen doesn't seem a good candidate for controlling a smooth CAD experience. However on second thought, when coupling together this technology with a trackball, the possibilities really open up. Harness these well and I know you'll be onto something here.
Post some screens to show everyone the progress of your development and I'll let you know if I'd be interested in testing.
Cheers
Well if your looking for anyone with CAD knowledge, I have a degree in engineering with CAD, and Pro Engineer. I don't have much time to devote to beta testing, but I do have time every now and then. I run a ION with 1.6. Good luck on your software!
(Unfortunately - my account has not been enabled for posting outside links or images - so this is the best i can do for you until that is enabled)
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/11.jpg
Above is a screen shot with a couple drawn elements, and the right side of the toolbar tools.
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/09.jpg
Above is a screen shot with a couple drawn elements, and the left side of the toolbar tools.
There are a handful of more screenshots posted up on my site, the links are as follows:
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/01.jpg - Layer select screen
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/02.jpg - File Operations
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/03.jpg - Display Settings
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/04.jpg - Samle Help Screen (Line)
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/05.jpg - Snap Settings
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/06.jpg - Color Picker
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/07.jpg - Snapping to Midpoint
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/08.jpg - Selection of Ellipse
talon-designs.net/android/andcad/10.jpg - Text Input Screen
That should be plenty of screens to keep interest.
@Lancealot - Thank you very much, and I completely agree, that when we started this, there was some doubt as to how precise you could actually be using a "touch based" screen. The good news, through playing with it, and given ability to set tolerances based on the size of your "touch area" as well as snapping options, we found that you can actually be quite precise.
Ill fiddle with it a little today, put together a drawing and give you a nice example of something that can be made with this.
Keep in mind, this is a work in progress, and although much of the functionality that is currently built into the tool, is at a "finished" state, there is certainly room for input and comments from others that may find use in this tool.
Anyway - here are the screenshots as promised, let me know if you have any further questions.
(Again - sorry about the inconvenience on the links)
(edit to update image types to jpg instead of png)
@zul8er - we are certainly interested in your input. Check out the screenshots and let me know if you are still interested. We dont need a huge commitment, but anything that you might be able to provide would certainly be a big help.
Android 1.6 is the minimum OS currently supported. We need to do some work on the graphics to go as far back as 1.5 to compensate for screen size, and we intend on doing so.. Just not at this current time.
I would be interested in trying out your CAD program. I've been doing CAD for ove 10 years now, started with AutoCAD but have been using Solidworks for the last 8 years.
In addition to using the touch screen for input, will you be able to enter X and Y coordinates using a keyboard or virtual keyboard?
What format will it save the files? DXF, JPG, or what?
Noob Squared said:
I would be interested in trying out your CAD program. I've been doing CAD for ove 10 years now, started with AutoCAD but have been using Solidworks for the last 8 years
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Seems there are more and more of us creeping out of the woodwork on a daily basis
Noob Squared said:
What format will it save the files? DXF, JPG, or what?
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Currently the file format is a proprietary format. But we are currently (today actually) working on saving out to a DXF format to be able to reload your files into AutoCAD or other supported softwares.
The ability to import is also in the works, but will require some massaging on the users end to make sure the DXF file is not binary etc. (MTEXT may not be supported either)
Noob Squared said:
In addition to using the touch screen for input, will you be able to enter X and Y coordinates using a keyboard or virtual keyboard?
Click to expand...
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We have toyed with the idea of being able to put in specific dimensions on objects, and also work with x/y coords, but at this time, it only supports point to point drawing. We arent completely sure if we intend on building a "FULL ON CAD" application, or an application for people to use to simply get an idea of what they need to do for a job. The other key, is to keep the application at a price range that is reasonable for people. Most "PocketCAD" applications run around 50 bucks a copy - and rightfully so. To keep the tool at a reasonable range (below 10 or 15 dollars) it may need to be a bit lighter weight than those. Most people cringe at a 2.99 app..
IF we could devote our time 100% i am sure we could build a really nice full blown cad app Unfortunately as with most of us, the day job prohibits some of that time.
Its a WIP I'll put you on the list. Thanks for the input.
Are you looking for beta testers?
Hi, are you looking for beta testers. I'm a long year CAD user, and I'm sure I can help with the app development.
[email protected]
Have you tried using some of the java based cad software as a source for your project? There are many and some might be open source.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/ycad/
Yeah I am still interested. It will be neat to play with and see how it works. The coordinate input is a good idea, also, ever play with Pro Engineer? They have a cool way of building an initial drawing. You just sketch, regen, and then input your dimensions to make the object to your liking. Makes things a lot faster and easier to edit a shape if changes need to occur.
I dont know how in depth you want to go, or if that idea can be used.
My email is [email protected]
Nice
Give me a couple more days to get a good product out for you guys to test. Currently we are cleaning up a few little "we'll get that later" issues, and should be good to go by mid/late next week.
Thanks for providing the contact info, I will shoot you a message through email shortly.
Thanks agian for the interest.
@zul8er: nice. Look forward to hearing how you like the feel of it. I havent had a chance to play with ProE, as AutoCAD has been my forte for the last couple decades. Ill see if i can any kind of demo for ProE, and get an idea of how it works. Who knows Anything to make it easier for everyone is a good thing.
But yah - the indepth thing is the issue. We keep tossing with ideas and putting them "on the list" in case people start asking for them. I guess it just depends on how people really want to use this tool. (and of course, how much time we can continue to devote to it) - bah i hate day jobs
I enjoyed the screen shots that were posted. Any idea whether you guys will support rendering/raycasting, or physics with inverse kinematics? Either way it looks great; Sign me up!
haha Not sure if we are going to go the IK way. Maybe as a different project, something more suited to 3D, but for this app, we are only intending on running the 2D route.
My lack of knowledge about the OpenGL portion, really limits us with regards to 3D implementation. I spent a good 3 days just trying to get ahold of loading in a 3D model.. Still never got there (or would have probably released a 3D model viewer first).
At any rate, its hard to say where this will go. It mostly depends on the overall interest i suppose. Its certain that the sky would be the limit, if time were as available as the sky
But cool.. Glad I was able to keep your interest.
Currently (as I type even) I am finishing up all of the help documentation for the app, the inline tutorial, and what not.. A couple more days on the file handling (DXF in particular) and should be set to go for a BETA run. ('couple more days' - like we all havent heard enough of that)
@lancelot - can you send me your email address via private message? That way I can do the BETA communications through there (link to files etc). You are welcome to email me as well:
support AT talon-designs.net
cheers!
Hey, I'm a high school student that has just started learning CAD, does that count as average Joe? I'd love to help beta test, I really want android to overpower iPhone 3.0 lol. My e-mail is [email protected] I use g1 with cyanogenmod 1.6...so idk if that qualifies. But anyways, Good luck!
This really sounds promising. In the last few weeks, I really had the need for a good drawing software on my mobile device. But my Tytn II lacks of power. As I soon will get the Desire, I will hopefully have a quite powerful device for all day use (my Tytn II really sux atm). And because I have the re-occurring need of a drawing app, this could be it.
I mean I don't need it for simple drawing, but for constructing things CAD style and on the go Graphics of furniture or something with measures and all that stuff.
Hey guys.. just wanted to pass you an update on status (which is so much more than I seem to be getting from Verizon on the 2.1 update).
Small rant, but its done now.
Ok - status..
DXF Export is working now, supporting layers, linetypes, colors, and elements throughout the drawing. Am having some issues with getting ellipses to export via DXF (and im not alone - faulty specs are at fault), and that combined with the other issues regarding the math behind finding ellipse edges, we decided to comment out the ellipse alltogether for now. Not that it wont be back, but having so many rules with "you can do this to anything - except an ellipse" left us with no other choice.
It's coming back, just not right now.
We have saving and opening completed (simple proprietary ascii format, but it works for what we need it to do).
Zoom is currently partially working (difficult to complete the recalculation on the elements, but its really close) touch events for zoom are coming up as well. Maybe a pinch zoom even, considering that all devices are getting the 2.0+ upgrade - but we will see.. We dont want to keep anyone excluded from being able to use the tool.
@Balrog82 - we have definately taken this tool a long way since its initial conception. We hope to be able to bring more features that are more "CAD Specific" to the application, and will if it becomes a tool that gets used. We want to release it initially as a "basic" drafting tool, and see what kind of input we get. If we see that a lot of people are using it, and would like the ability to put in dimensions the same way that cad does (within limits) we will certainly look into it.
That being said - I hope the tool is still something you would be willing to try out. I find a lot of enjoyment with working with a tool at its early conception (started using paint shop pro at version 1.42) and now its on to version 14 or something and owned by corel. I just kinda get into that sort of thing, and hope that you all will do.
Good thing is, we hope its a draw to the tool, we plan on releasing it at the market both as a free version (no saving abilities) and a full version at a low price. As the tool grows, the price may increase a bit.. Keeping of course the original buyers at a place that they can keep updating the software at no cost to them. We think that will help the advancement and development of the tool quite a bit.
Anyway - It is right around the corner for initial testing. Please to all interested - send me a PM with your contact information (just an email would be great) I am going to see if i can start a private discussion here to invite you all to as well.
@Lancealot - i got your PM.. Am very happy that you are interested in helping. Expect to hear from me again soon..
Until we can see a working model of this app, I thought I would throw out an app that has some great drawing capabilities. The paid was is called "Picso" by Tiki Move, but I used the free version to try out; it's called "Picso Lite".
It's not a CAD app, but it's different from the other Paint apps on Android in that it has tools the other ones don't. It has the usual tools a CAD user would need, such as Rectangles/Squares, Circles/Ellipses, and Lines. You can change the colors and widths of these entities.
What I like about your program is that it has snaps, and the tools are on the bottom of the screen so they are easy to get to: /talon-designs.net/android/andcad/07.jpg
A feature Picso needs is a Zoom tool so you can zoom in to an area and draw whatever you need to and then be able to zoom full screen. It also needs a text tool. Since there is no dimension tool, you could put a text for the dimension.
P.S.,
I want to try your app, but I am only posting this to show how someone else has put these tools on their app and also to have a comparison on ease-of-use. One other thought, you mentioned the files your CAD app will create will be proprietary file types. Will you be able to save-as .jpg or .png so you can email or text-message a sketch to someone? That way if your on-site you will be able to send someone back at the office whatever it is to explain your ideas, and also they would not have to have an Android phone to view it.
Idea sounds great. Good luck with it!
Sorry for being away for so long.. but we had something going on that we had to attend to..
http://developer.att.com/developer/index.jsp?page=event&id=6.3_v1_9700324
More news as it allows.
Android Category Winner
Talon Designs, AndCAD
This application allows users to create simple geometric shapes, combined with notes, to describe plans associated with the art, architecture, engineering and manufacturing industries. Many of the tools familiar to CAD users are incorporated into this utility, meaning that fluent CAD users will feel right at home using this tool. However, the interface for this tool is simple enough for even the most novices of users to understand. This enables certain users (Contractors, etc) to be able to take notes while on a job site and associate them with vector elements within the drawing.
talondesigns said:
Sorry for being away for so long.. but we had something going on that we had to attend to..
More news as it allows.
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AT&T Open Call-Apps for All! Contest
Thank you to all the participants in the 2010 AT&T Open Call—Apps For All! Contest. This year's contest was filled with many great entries. AT&T reviewed over 90 applications this year ranging from games to business applications. The winners from each category will receive $10,000 and co-marketing opportunities with AT&T.
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Did you get $10,000?

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