Database Users

iPhone Installer-ish repository

One of the most important things that makes iPhone appealing for the end-user is the famous Installer. Although jailbreaking your device is not something Apple wants you to do, everyone does it, and it was one of the main reasons that iPhone became so popular.
An end-user who wants goodies for his phone does not know how to search online for applications, choose the best, download, copy, and install... Installer saves you this hassle by providing a one-stop location to download (virtually) any application you might want, using the iPhone itself, making it extremely easy for the user.
Is there a similar application for WM? If not, can't we start it XDA-Developers and build a general public repository for freeware applications to promote the applications of developers here in the forums and contribute the WM software community? The application would have to be widely advertised and not just included in custom ROMs by default, so that people who don't know how to install custom ROMs can get a copy of this application easily.
This is a proposal to the developers to start a new application, not a request for an already available one. I don't have the required development skills for it.
[Was this discussed before? Can't find a trace]

I agree!
Since the new 2.0 FW came out I have been using my iPhone again. I actually still prefer my Touch even with the new exchange support. The installer (app store and Cydia for now) on the iPhone is amazing. While I know how to install apps, think about the new WM user. If they had an installer program that could be downloaded and installed from a site (here?) and then have access to installing programs like S2U2, S2P, PCM Contacts, Keyboards, or even pay products like SPB MS, UL, etc. Potentially the program could also monitor for updates, so when A_C (the great!) comes out with a new update, the user would not need to be checking this forum and happen to see the thread with the update, it would be notified by the application on the device (when they launch the installer app). Skins could be available, the possibilities are endless - the iPhone has proven that.
As far as the application itself, I am no programmer, but it seems like it would be fairly easy to create a program that would look for a list of cab files on a website directory, download the list and allow the download and installation of the cab file. Yes, No?

I agree, this would be very useful. Currently I use Ubuntu Linux, and downloading and installing programs is this easy, because of repositories. I just search for a program using a package manager, and I'm given a list of programs that is relevant to my search. Then I simply have to click and install. I've seen this on the iPod touch, and it is very useful and quick

I just found that someone proposed a similar idea at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=396486.
However, the approach is not logical as someone has proposed using a thread filtering algorithm instead of creating an actual repository.
Anyway, isn't any developer interested?!

I was looking for something similar since ages. However, the best bet I think (in terms of ease of development) would be to setup a ppc-friendly website with freeware cabs available. Ofcourse, not an ideal solution but should do the trick. How about something like an AppStore for ppc devices ?

A web site won't serve the purpose. There are several web sites out there already. A Windows Mobile application will make it completely different. It can serve as a UI for a cab manager (much like *nix apt-get or other package managers: Installer, Cydia, App Store). The point is reaching the end-user through the phone, not a web site, not the PC.

z_rudy said:
A web site won't serve the purpose. There are several web sites out there already. A Windows Mobile application will make it completely different. It can serve as a UI for a cab manager (much like *nix apt-get or other package managers: Installer, Cydia, App Store). The point is reaching the end-user through the phone, not a web site, not the PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, even if someone managed to make such an app, in idea it would still be needing a working internet connection to download the cabs. So in a way it is as internet dependent as a website. However, I agree that such a software would be cool but difficult to develop.

Isn't one of the features of the installer app that users can add repositories from all over the place,but still have a unified interface at the end of the day? A website could not achieve that.
Surur

In the meantime why not set up an rss feed from eg: http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ and you are at least halfway there.

Skymarket - Windows Mobile app store coming “this fall”
http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=819
The answer

-removed- will announce full launch soon.

hmmm... isn't a wiki the easiest answer?
everyone can modify it and it has enough structure to make it as deep as folks want and search is built in.
and it can be quite fast on mobile if no graphics.

if I see itunes not wanting to start up every other week because there is another update, I'm going to simply uninstall it.
There is already an paa like this in our phones .. the MS version that does not do ****. if anything, all it would take is have it register the programs installed on the ppc, and have the ms version search for updates in the middle of the night while we sleep. the only thing though: the developers have to put a link for the updates in the about section. this would help MS update check those websites for updates, instead of having someone putt all the labor hours collecting cabs. the developers can do it them selves everytime they make an update just like posting it on a thread.
Unfortunately, MS does not have much on their website other than promotional advertising for their own product.

it will be hard work but very possible. considering all the custom roms out there, not many cabs can be installed with just a tap of the stylus. there will be dependency issues, memory issues, etc. but anyway, check out Device Update of CrC's roms for hermes. it's a small repo for his rom. cool, aint it?

gotvitamink said:
I agree, this would be very useful. Currently I use Ubuntu Linux, and downloading and installing programs is this easy, because of repositories. I just search for a program using a package manager, and I'm given a list of programs that is relevant to my search. Then I simply have to click and install. I've seen this on the iPod touch, and it is very useful and quick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly this.
Makes many things much easier.

[X] WApps - A windows mobile "appstore"

I got the idea to make a application finder software for Windows Mobile. Specially designed to HTC Diamond, with many G-apps & games and other nice apps. It's under development now, and i will release one screenshot for you.
This app will not be just an styled IE-frame, like many "appstore" like apps that have been released before.
19. October 2008:
New Screenshot of the start screen.
Development stopped, becouse of the Gecko project.

I think this is a phenominal idea. The idea that went around recently was an internet based solution through ie explorer and it just was not device friendly. To have a device based solution is much more sensable. If you could create a server that developers could upload their most recent programs too that would be the best.
Maybe contact the system admin on this site and see if he will give your program to access the sites FTP server or something. Then a user could use your device based program that would seemlessly connect to the interenet in the back ground, poll the server for software, sort it and place it into a thumb friendly interface on the phone by which it could be sorted into categories of games, utilities, themes, programs etc etc....
Of course the admin would have to create those categories on the site's side and the developers would need to upload their program to the correct one but I think everyone has been in such a need for this that they would be willing to do it without much arm twisting.
Or, you could create device user interface that interacts with Orb.com... But then you would have to get the updates of programs and upload them to ORB for your program to work. But ORB does already have a sorting feature that your user controls on the device could be made to access for sorting etc. It even has a video section that a user could download tutorials of different programs that someone took time to make.
All just ideas. Some you may find good or not. I am excited to see a device based program though. It make user intereaction easier.
Curious G.

yes
Its a good idea, keep working on it

seems to be a nice idea

I like the idea but this really depends on what will be offered / how updated the actual site behind the store application is. Have you had any thoughts on that yet?

i second that.
at this time i browse via opera tho xda to download stuff... but having a app that simplifies things would be even better...
maybe all the downloads here could be managed and put upto "youre" server in an automated way..

I remember seeing this article a few weeks ago about Microsoft creating their own app store.
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/n.../job-advert-reveals-microsoft-skymarket.phtml
Either way, it's certainly a good idea!!

I forward the notion. An app that has all the apps at hand for easy download by category would kick some serious asss..
If I can help in any way let me know.
Greetings to all.

Love this development. Maybe this progress will open up eyes on new skilful programmers and we will see an increase of good looking apps and games. Not that I don't just love the things going on here at xda. But the more the merrier, right? The only complaint that I might have on this forum is the all the threads with wallpapers and especially the ones with half-naked women...But that's me...
So an app store (or two) is going to make it easier for us to sort out what we are interested in and only that.

If needed count me in I can help develop..

Great idea.
In the spirit of AppToDate, which I found worked very very well. But with YouTube-app like interface, all connected to database were latest apps can get installed.
Great idea!

I'm working to figure out how to connect to MySQL from a windows mobile based device, does anyone here know?

double post****

i think if these two threads could be incorporated
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=428480
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=433913
that would be a good way to do storage
each developer could use have there own account and then whenever they updated there app they update the wapps link via web or give it like some type of flash capabilities that would be really great
or there could be a generic account that ever one uses to upload too
looks like this is in the works http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=436127
maybe some collabo might be nice

Nice project!! GoOd Luck!!

If there was a way to advertise this app when it gets made. the diamond would sell millions

Why not just modify a RSS feed reader?

niikoo said:
I'm working to figure out how to connect to MySQL from a windows mobile based device, does anyone here know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe Sqlite is more accurate for a mobile device ?
And you just download the sqlite file available on a server, this way requests would be very fast.

masterbox said:
Maybe Sqlite is more accurate for a mobile device ?
And you just download the sqlite file available on a server, this way requests would be very fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, every time you start it will update from the web or you can click on a button to update (or an 'update every x minutes' function

please keep up the hard work!!!!! love to see this appstore happen!

[APP][23JUNE2009] - Zero Dollar Store (App Store for Windows Mobile)

So I got tired of waiting for Windows Mobile 6.5 and a "real" app store for Windows mobile and started working on one of my own. It is very early in development right now, but feel free to give it a spin. If you are a developer and want to add an app to the few test pieces I have in there head to:
http://grebowiec.net/wmappstore/index.php
- June 23, 2009
New Category list display - easier to read/click
Progress bar for thumbnail loading (good for big categories like GAMES)
Added about screen so you know what version you have (built in updating coming soon)
Added tons of test apps (some downloads fail...sorry)
- June 16, 2009
First version uploaded
Long delays after some clicks, be patient

Sounds like this has some potential
will test it out right away!
p.s. i love the name

very good idea !!

Works pretty well.
Maybe we could work together? I made this site: http://thewingster.com/default.aspx

Not to sound harsh but how many of these apps do we need? There are quite a few similar apps out now, some more polished than others.
While I agree that competitive products are always key to innovation, too many products of the same line flooding the market can lead to a sense of over stimulation and paralize the possible success of that line. Take a look at Windows Mobile itself as an example.
An "App Store" is probably one of the few exceptions where a plethora of choices is NOT the preferred path to success. Rather, having one or two major options (MS's version plus a community driven one) are probably the best way to see a successful tool for the Windows Mobile community.
I say if you're going to try and do something like this, either make sure it stands head and shoulders above all other products so that your program and corresponding website are THE places to go to for apps, or use your talents in helping the already existing similar apps get to that status. Otherwise, at this rate, Windows Mobile will never have a "App Store" that is on par with Apple's.
Whatever you chose to do, good luck in your venture.

pndragon said:
Not to sound harsh but how many of these apps do we need? There are quite a few similar apps out now, some more polished than others.
While I agree that competitive products are always key to innovation, too many products of the same line flooding the market can lead to a sense of over stimulation and paralize the possible success of that line. Take a look at Windows Mobile itself as an example.
An "App Store" is probably one of the few exceptions where a plethora of choices is NOT the preferred path to success. Rather, having one or two major options (MS's version plus a community driven one) are probably the best way to see a successful tool for the Windows Mobile community.
I say if you're going to try and do something like this, either make sure it stands head and shoulders above all other products so that your program and corresponding website are THE places to go to for apps, or use your talents in helping the already existing similar apps get to that status. Otherwise, at this rate, Windows Mobile will never have a "App Store" that is on par with Apple's.
Whatever you chose to do, good luck in your venture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What other mobile app stores are there? I know there's that one that is through the website, but any that are actual programs on our phones??

Great idea, I will be very happy to support Your project

ace10134 said:
What other mobile app stores are there? I know there's that one that is through the website, but any that are actual programs on our phones??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's device update.

Please let me know if you tried to add an app. There was a bug on that page that didn't get all the data submitted.

ace10134 said:
What other mobile app stores are there? I know there's that one that is through the website, but any that are actual programs on our phones??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Device Update by CRCinAU (Steven Haigh)
Like ZzFDKzZ said
Gecko by Nicolas Bouliane
XDA Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=436127
wApps by niikoo
Never got off the ground as far as I know...
Pocket Download Manager by ciobo
XDA Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=475532
OpnMarket by joel2009
JAK Portal by kareem9nba
XDA Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=471576
and of course, the two from major software distribution websites:
InHand from Handango
PocketGear, Inc.'s App Store
See what I mean?

pndragon said:
Device Update by CRCinAU (Steven Haigh)
Like ZzFDKzZ said
Gecko by Nicolas Bouliane
XDA Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=436127
wApps by niikoo
Never got off the ground as far as I know...
Pocket Download Manager by ciobo
XDA Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=475532
OpnMarket by joel2009
JAK Portal by kareem9nba
XDA Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=471576
and of course, the two from major software distribution websites:
InHand from Handango
PocketGear, Inc.'s App Store
See what I mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of those are dead.
PocketGear is just a website and doesn't have an update utility built in.
Handango is mostly paid apps and no update utility.
This new app store sounds like it could work better, and as long as it actually gets going, it could work.
If you want to complain about too many similar apps, go to the Slide2Send thread, they want to make another "light" SMS app. We already have like 10 sms apps, we don't need another. Please tell them that!

Well, last night I wrote a quick RSS parser to load in some free apps from freewarepocketpc.net. There are about 140 apps up there now for testing. I will be releasing a new version today (I hope) with a few more features.

New version is up. Enjoy. Info in first post.

Deviceupdate only gives me errors and won't launch.
OpenMarked works slow without indicators
but yours work flawlessly on my device. Sometimes slow but, gee, it has to download stuff! Your appstore is already my preferred choice. Add some grfx, tidy the category list (maybe a list, not icons and make it fit to screen) and voila!
Tell me if you need some grfx
THANX!

great idea i just install and test
like the device update but don't have some apps, and not updating for newest version
opnMarket i got problem with this
need to try this one

New Google Maps Available With Layers 3.2

Check out fuzemobility for more info
http://www.fuzemobility.com/google-maps-for-mobile-now-with-layers/
Or go to http://www.google.com/mobile/products/maps.html#p=default
Release notes (version 3.2)
Below is a list of new features and fixed issues for Google Maps for mobile available in version 3.2 for Symbian Series 60 and Windows Mobile devices.
Installing
Install version 3.2 for Symbian Series 60 and Windows Mobile devices by going to http://m.google.com/maps in your mobile web browser. To ensure proper device detection, use your phone’s original, native browser, such as Internet Explorer Mobile on Windows Mobile devices.

WinMo app is not there anymore (page removed)

gmm 3.2.0 cab
I don't know why google makes it such a pain in the balls to get gmm cabs but here it is.

thanks mate

the link is dead...
never mind, it worked a couple of minutes later...

ya the link on their website for it isn't working.
Anyway it's nice they updated it with the new features.
Now if they would just give us lowly windows-mobile users that google-voice app that they released for everyone else.....

Sweet!
Having traffic accident info is EXACTLY what I have been hoping for.
Good F'n job Google!
Now if they can just integrate weather updates based on cell tower/gps location it would be brushing up against perfect.
(And yes I know Live Search/Bing already does this.)

don't work on Diamond2???

braulioleonardo said:
don't work on Diamond2???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You installed to Memory Card, right?
As the website said, you have to uninstall, delete any files in the Program Files/ folder for Google Maps, and then restart your phone, and then re-install.
I hate Google's impossible links. Annoyingggg.

What I'd really like to see is Google Earth!!!

Old faithful said:
What I'd really like to see is Google Earth!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I'm already waiting for Google Seas or Space.

thanks for the heads up. downloaded and loving it. especially since they updated transit info this might be the best thing to happen to city dwellers

d0ugie said:
I don't know why google makes it such a pain in the balls to get gmm cabs but here it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can always count on you to deliver the goods when the manufacturer can only provide a 404.
Cheers Mate!

ace10134 said:
Really? I'm already waiting for Google Seas or Space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Galaxy would be absolutely fantastic ... you have no idea how much of a pain it is to find directions to Omicron Persei 8.

hilaireg said:
Can always count on you to deliver the goods when the manufacturer can only provide a 404.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know das' right my man, I deliver! Can't claim I've got the fastest connection in the world (dsl...) but my server's had 100% uptime since I flipped the switch on for blownfuze back in december.
In google's defense you don't want to be giving out your new hot software to people unless you're sure you're giving them the right version for their phone's OS and with all these different browsers for all phones and I guess it's getting hard to tell what kind of phone they've got based on their http user agent. Almost everybody who uses winmo phones are not like us, don't flash new roms of new builds of different winmo releases, don't use leaked betas of browsers... still, why not let people download from their computer like everyone else who distributes software. For example, here's a user agent that just hit my server log:
"Opera/9.50 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.2.13216/574; U; en)"
Hard to tell which OS that guy's running and google doesn't want to release crappy java versions of gmm anymore.
Doug

I hear ya.
Via devices ... makes total sense.
Via PC however, which is the only way I download CAB's, Google could save themselves tons of issues by following the lead of other manufacturers ...
Drop-Down List 1: Device (or O/S)
Drop-Down List 2: Language of GMM to download
Button: Download
... done. It's simple and requires no complex auto-detection, just a PC user who can read.
At least that's how it's done, I'm told, on Omicron Persei 8.

d0ugie said:
You know das' right my man, I deliver! Can't claim I've got the fastest connection in the world (dsl...) but my server's had 100% uptime since I flipped the switch on for blownfuze back in december.
In google's defense you don't want to be giving out your new hot software to people unless you're sure you're giving them the right version for their phone's OS and with all these different browsers for all phones and I guess it's getting hard to tell what kind of phone they've got based on their http user agent. Almost everybody who uses winmo phones are not like us, don't flash new roms of new builds of different winmo releases, don't use leaked betas of browsers... still, why not let people download from their computer like everyone else who distributes software. For example, here's a user agent that just hit my server log:
"Opera/9.50 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/4.2.13216/574; U; en)"
Hard to tell which OS that guy's running and google doesn't want to release crappy java versions of gmm anymore.
Doug
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DUDE! We run similar sites! Except I support the T-Mobile Wing while you're all for the Fuze. But I've gotta say my site looks better: http://thewingster.com/
Hehe. That's cool that we ended up doing the same thing though!
And Screenshots of the new Google Maps: http://thewingster.com/googlemaps.aspx

Taken Directly from Googles maps page:
Supported Phones
Google Maps for mobile works on most phones, including those that run the below platforms. You can always download Maps to your phone using your cellular connection -- just visit m.google.com/maps on your device's browser, or send yourself a text message using the button at the top of this page. Some mobile phones also support the ability to sideload Google Maps onto your phone.
Android
BlackBerry
Java
Windows Mobile: Download Binary
Symbian S60 3rd Edition (most new Nokia smartphones): Download Binary
Palm OS: Download Binary
iPhone (pre-installed)
If you're not sure whether your phone runs one of these platforms, just try sending yourself a text message to get Maps. It will probably work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So they do offer an easy way to download the cabs...

Yup ... site I usually go to ... looks like they fixed the broken links - no more 404.

Looking for a kiosk style ROM, no apps, block on new installs

hi.
i'm wondering if anyone has developed an absolute bare-bones ROM for the HD2. the intended use is for field auditors and the only thing i want them to be able to do is launch their auditing app and use the calendar. the sim will be data only so it won't support calls anyway. it's a single purpose device and they will have a monthly data allowance that i don't want to use up with browsing / personal use etc. i hope to remove (or block) all apps, basically just keep the Today screen and i would deploy my app via Visual Studio / USB. can anyone point me in the right direction? i searched around the HD2 forums for 'kiosk' and 'block' and 'uninstall' but everything i found was feature-rich instead of feature-less.
thanks in advance

How do you plan to restrict app installations on a WM phone ? CleanEx series roms are pretty bare...in any case all ROMs will come with some basic apps which are required for day-to-day functioning

hi, thanks for the reply. i know the phone is designed for everyday usage, so browsers etc are standard issue. and obviously i can never be 100% sure that people won't install an app, but i want to put in whatever measures i can to deter novice users, e.g. removing file manager, Market, etc. it's a business-only single-purpose project and i'd like to customise the device as much as possible for that. am i looking at cooking my own ROM?
cleanex looks like a good start, thanks.

timmer3 said:
hi, thanks for the reply. i know the phone is designed for everyday usage, so browsers etc are standard issue. and obviously i can never be 100% sure that people won't install an app, but i want to put in whatever measures i can to deter novice users, e.g. removing file manager, Market, etc. it's a business-only single-purpose project and i'd like to customise the device as much as possible for that. am i looking at cooking my own ROM?
cleanex looks like a good start, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
best move forward, PM the cooks.

I am not sure, if this is what you are looking for, but.... couple of years ago I did sold and deployed Kiosk mode from SPBsoftwarehouse. it was 500 licences/installations. it was used on tytnII/kaiser PDA. they used only one application for remote database, even phone, wifi and other functionalities was disabled. it worked like a charm. I dont know, what they added to newer versions of kiosk mode SW, but maybe it will help you. it is not free and for sure not cheap, but it works and it exist test/demo version
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/kioskengine/
EDIT> right now they have three products,
SPB Kiosk Engine
SPB Kiosk Explorer
SPB Kiosk Terminal

thanks for the replies. just in case anyone else is interested, i found a codeproject article that explains some of the challenges.
the SPB software has some reported performance problems but it does have an attractive feature list.