Hi all,
If you've read the text that USED to exist here before, scratch that. Big Thanks to @Sunius1 for clarifying what I thought was a win. Due to this, I DID find something interesting in regards to the ExtensibilityApp class (Windows.Phone.System.LockscreenExtensibility.ExtensibilityApp). I happened to also find a hidden capability "ID_CAP_SHELL_DEVICE_LOCK_UI_API" (Seems to be a locked CAP because it only works on Emulator. I get a deployment error on my if I try including this capability). I suspected that these two worked together, but I wanted to make sure of this.
Before we get started, read through the documentation from this site: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/lib...lockscreenextensibility.extensibilityapp.aspx.
We have the following methods:
BeginUnlock
EndUnlock
GetLockPinpadHeight
IsLockScreenApplicationRegistered
IsSystemOverlayApplicationRegistered
RaiseToastNotifications
RegisterLockScreenApplication
RegisterSystemOverlayApplication
UnregisterLockScreenApplication
UnregisterSystemOverlayApplication
EDIT: After the release of the Live Lock Screen app, my speculations about the ID_SHELL_CAP_DEVICE_UI_API capability and the ExtensibilityApp object were correct. Thanks to @jessenic for finding out a good bit of info on this with me.
It seems that in order to get this working, we have to add an Extension to the WMAppManifest.xml
<Extension ExtensionName="LockScreen_Application" ConsumerID="XXXXX" TaskID="_default" ExtraFile="Extensions\\LockAppExtension.xml" />
In the LockAppExtension.xml:
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<x:Extension xmlns:x="urn:LockApp">
<AppID>AppNameForLockScreen</AppID>
</x:Extension>
As usual, Microsoft doesn't really give us much in terms of documentation.. Probably because it isn't meant to be used by the normal developer Confirmed: For now we have to actually ask for permission in order to use the cap. As to whether we'll get that granted? Who knows....
All of these methods have no parameters at all, but I can almost guarantee this has to do with having an application that can control the lock screen.
This thread will be for efforts in breaking this open and seeing whether we can create lockscreen applications..
Homebrew Lockscreen Apps:
Lockscreen App by @-W_O_L_F-
There are actually two Windows.winmd files in Windows Phone SDK, one for Silverlight 8.1 apps and one for Jupiter 8.1 phone apps (located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Silverlight Kits\8.1\ and C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Kits\8.1\). There's only one the phone. And some APIs support only one app type (it's phone limitation it seems: faking .winmd file results in Platform::InvalidOperationException, saying you cannot use that API from this app type). That explains why the one on the phone has more APIs available than either of for single app type.
As for LockscreenExtensibility - it's documented, just not available for Jupiter apps:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/lib...ows.phone.system.lockscreenextensibility.aspx
Sunius1 said:
There are actually two Windows.winmd files in Windows Phone SDK, one for Silverlight 8.1 apps and one for Jupiter 8.1 phone apps (located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Silverlight Kits\8.1\ and C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Phone Kits\8.1\). There's only one the phone. And some APIs support only one app type (it's phone limitation it seems: faking .winmd file results in Platform::InvalidOperationException, saying you cannot use that API from this app type). That explains why the one on the phone has more APIs available than either of for single app type.
As for LockscreenExtensibility - it's documented, just not available for Jupiter apps:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/lib...ows.phone.system.lockscreenextensibility.aspx
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Click to collapse
Well that is very good to know! Thanks for the clarification. The best part is that I was actually able to compile without receiving an error (somehow).
I found something that may be of use in order to get the LockscreenExtensibility working (I just tried on a Silverlight 8.1 app and got access denied).
<Capability Name= "ID_CAP_SHELL_DEVICE_LOCK_UI_API"/> <----. Can't be used OOTB
EDIT: I just tested this in the Emulator and it really IS the capability that the LockscreenExtensibility needs in order for it to work.
snickler said:
I found something that may be of use in order to get the LockscreenExtensibility working (I just tried on a Silverlight 8.1 app and got access denied).
<Capability Name= "ID_CAP_SHELL_DEVICE_LOCK_UI_API"/> <----. Can't be used OOTB
EDIT: I just tested this in the Emulator and it really IS the capability that the LockscreenExtensibility needs in order for it to work.
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I assume this is the thing Rudy Hyun used to create the lockscreen app at Build?
TheInterframe said:
I assume this is the thing Rudy Hyun used to create the lockscreen app at Build?
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Click to collapse
I speculate that this is what he's using. I bet there's more going on that we have yet to figure out. It also could be that the base class EXISTS, but the full implementation isn't available yet. Who knows.
snickler said:
I speculate that this is what he's using. I bet there's more going on that we have yet to figure out. It also could be that the base class EXISTS, but the full implementation isn't available yet. Who knows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, Yes that makes sense. I wonder if there are any other "half-baked" API's in the SDK?
Edit: I Know it sounds stupid but honestly I think we should have a thread dedicated to finding odd API's (Just found one: Windows.Phone.System.SystemProtection, nothing terribly useful though)
TheInterframe said:
Ah, Yes that makes sense. I wonder if there are any other "half-baked" API's in the SDK?
Edit: I Know it sounds stupid but honestly I think we should have a thread dedicated to finding odd API's (Just found one: Windows.Phone.System.SystemProtection, nothing terribly useful though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are also some hidden APIs in the current SDK for 3D Touch-enabled Apps!
From WP Central:
Some of the features include APIs for gestures, side interactions and even heat maps.
Crazy stuff.
Believe it or not, some of these APIs for developers are in the current SDK, they're just not visible. What this mean though is developers will have access to this 3D Touch technology for their apps. It also means that Microsoft will have a small batch of third-party apps supporting this 3D Touch technology on launch day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
source: http://www.wpcentral.com/microsofts-next-flagship-windows-phone-november-3d-touch
Yea, even though those 3D touch APIs may be available, they're not particularly useful, as they require special hardware to work.
Sunius1 said:
Yea, even though those 3D touch APIs may be available, they're not particularly useful, as they require special hardware to work.
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Click to collapse
That is true. Sort of of a side question though, has anyone made a OEM account and looked over the API documentation there? There maybe some useful things we could learn about WP and maybe further a jailbreak for all WP devices....
TheInterframe said:
That is true. Sort of of a side question though, has anyone made a OEM account and looked over the API documentation there? There maybe some useful things we could learn about WP and maybe further a jailbreak for all WP devices....
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Click to collapse
API isn't much useful as long as you cant really use most of functions due to policies.
ultrashot said:
API isn't much useful as long as you cant really use most of functions due to policies.
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Click to collapse
Ah, Yes that makes sense....
http://www.wpcentral.com/joe-belfiore-announces-new-updates-sheds-details-lock-screen-app
Sounds like there will be a dev preview update to enable lockscreen functionality quite soon. Joe also mentioned keeping the lock screen in memory. So 512 MB devices won't get the functionality soon....
Good stuff. Another question: can apps show the action center? Because I want code an app to show notifications on lockscreen. Thanks
Marocco2 said:
Good stuff. Another question: can apps show the action center? Because I want code an app to show notifications on lockscreen. Thanks
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something to force the volume/music control on the lock screen to automatically open would be really useful as well
Updated first post with some more data since the Live Lockscreen App debuted yesterday. There's more I didn't get into, but I want others to dig in and find out
I suppose we can only speculate how it works at this point, but if I had to guess, it goes like this:
1. You have 2 projects in your LockScreenApp solution, one for the application to register the lockscreen, and the second one for the actual lock screen application.
2. The former would use ExtensibilityApp APIs to register the the second one, coupled with the manifests so it's all "valid".
3. The second application is just a another app that is able to process input and draw whatever it wants on the screen. That would explain why there's a delay at it starting when you press lock screen button while the phone is sleeping (probably it's a time for .NET to startup? Direct3D app should be able to start much faster).
Although this is only speculation, I think this makes sense, because that's how background tasks work on Windows, at least. I wonder though, why Microsoft is not releasing the APIs to be used in public - are they afraid somebody will make a lockscreen application that will drain the battery fast or something?
Sunius1 said:
I suppose we can only speculate how it works at this point, but if I had to guess, it goes like this:
1. You have 2 projects in your LockScreenApp solution, one for the application to register the lockscreen, and the second one for the actual lock screen application.
2. The former would use ExtensibilityApp APIs to register the the second one, coupled with the manifests so it's all "valid".
3. The second application is just a another app that is able to process input and draw whatever it wants on the screen. That would explain why there's a delay at it starting when you press lock screen button while the phone is sleeping (probably it's a time for .NET to startup? Direct3D app should be able to start much faster).
Although this is only speculation, I think this makes sense, because that's how background tasks work on Windows, at least. I wonder though, why Microsoft is not releasing the APIs to be used in public - are they afraid somebody will make a lockscreen application that will drain the battery fast or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think its that but most likely the fact that the API is un-optimized, some of the facts you stated (i.e. Slow start up, documentation is lacking) etc... The fact the OS needs to be updated to show a section telling the user what lock screen app has taken over (since the setting page doesn't now)
Edit: Remember what Joe said about keeping the lockscreen in memory and 512MB devices might not be supported for that reason? Yeah seems like they aren't doing that since you can see the resume time for the lo screen is wayyy to much
Sunius1 said:
I suppose we can only speculate how it works at this point, but if I had to guess, it goes like this:
1. You have 2 projects in your LockScreenApp solution, one for the application to register the lockscreen, and the second one for the actual lock screen application.
2. The former would use ExtensibilityApp APIs to register the the second one, coupled with the manifests so it's all "valid".
3. The second application is just a another app that is able to process input and draw whatever it wants on the screen. That would explain why there's a delay at it starting when you press lock screen button while the phone is sleeping (probably it's a time for .NET to startup? Direct3D app should be able to start much faster).
Although this is only speculation, I think this makes sense, because that's how background tasks work on Windows, at least. I wonder though, why Microsoft is not releasing the APIs to be used in public - are they afraid somebody will make a lockscreen application that will drain the battery fast or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. Two projects: One is the settings page, which is the main entrypoint of the app when it's opened from the start menu and the second one is the actual lockscreen app.
The settings page uses the ExtensibilityApp APIs to register the second one as a lock screen application. That second application is another 8.1 Silverlight app that uses a LockScreen_Bridge WinRT component that has native access to read what is shown on the lockscreen from the WP Settings item.
It then uses some storyboards to make it do different things as you're swiping up and down on the LayoutRoot grid. It does use a timer so that's where that little lag comes from.
The only background stuff it's doing is latching on to system events ("Start button being touched for example").
I can see where MS would be protective of this. They DID say that they would be releasing a public version of the API at some point. I'm hoping it's not one of the situations that leaves it public only when they've approved you to be able to use it.
It does suck that it's restricted to 8.1 Silverlight though. I could see some Music Apps wanting to take advantage of the lockscreen like this.
snickler said:
You are correct. Two projects: One is the settings page, which is the main entrypoint of the app when it's opened from the start menu and the second one is the actual lockscreen app.
The settings page uses the ExtensibilityApp APIs to register the second one as a lock screen application. That second application is another 8.1 Silverlight app that uses a LockScreen_Bridge WinRT component that has native access to read what is shown on the lockscreen from the WP Settings item.
It then uses some storyboards to make it do different things as you're swiping up and down on the LayoutRoot grid. It does use a timer so that's where that little lag comes from.
The only background stuff it's doing is latching on to system events ("Start button being touched for example").
I can see where MS would be protective of this. They DID say that they would be releasing a public version of the API at some point. I'm hoping it's not one of the situations that leaves it public only when they've approved you to be able to use it.
It does suck that it's restricted to 8.1 Silverlight though. I could see some Music Apps wanting to take advantage of the lockscreen like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite interesting...!
The API in itself is quite powerful, custom lockscreens with weather animations are possible! http://wmpoweruser.com/wp8-1-live-l...amazing-lock-screen-weather-animations-video/
Related
Is there some kind of technical limitation of Android that prevents this most rudimentary of features of a computing device with a screen?
I'm on my second Android phone (from Hero --> to new Desire) and after 5 years with Windows Mobile I not only have zero regrets, I just pity anyone still stuck on WM... but enough of that ... at least there are screen shot apps! I just don't get it at all. It can't be that nobody has asked for one. So, what is the limitation of Android that prevents something so simple as a screenshot to be generated?
Sign me,
Frustrated in San Francisco
Oh what the hell, while I am at it, I might as well show off svetius's newly available YOUTUBE embed code here at XDA -- which -- shhhhh!!!! --- it's a big secret, only I alone am supposed to know about it.
PHP:
[media=youtube]xxxxxxxxxx[/media]
where xxxxxxxxxx = the video file name in the URL after watch?v=
I don't think there is any technical problem, I think it just wasn't added to official API yet. Yes, I know it should.
And if you are in urgent need of doing some screenshots, then you could take quite awkward, but working for non-rooters, approach: take screenshots on your PC using Android SDK.
I agree it should be much easier to just take a simple screenshot. Where can we ask google to add this function?
DBBGBA said:
Where can we ask google to add this function?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could star this issue:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=6547
I don't know, wouldn't that be a pretty big security issue?
A screenshot app is good for nothing if you can only take screenshots of the app itself. So it has to have access to screen captures of any app.
Now I'd just write some service running in the background waiting for key presses and taking a picture every time. When you type in passwords, the default option is showing the letter for a small time.
That should be sufficient to get user passwords. I would not want software that can do this on my phone.
I know open home has a screenshot feature you enable by the camera button. Maybe someone can rip the code from there and make a separate app?
erronr said:
I know open home has a screenshot feature you enable by the camera button. Maybe someone can rip the code from there and make a separate app?
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Click to collapse
The home replacement apps only take screenshots of the home screen (OpenHome, dxTop).
You can easily use Droid Explorer on a Windows PC to do screenshots.
As the title states, suggest away.
direct sync to outlook .pst
What the [email protected]#$% was MS thinking by leaving this out? Even the iphone syncs to outlook.
mightyeric said:
direct sync to outlook .pst
What the [email protected]#$% was MS thinking by leaving this out? Even the iphone syncs to outlook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jesus, how many times is this going to be brought up? The function is NOT there, and it was known BEFORE any device came out. Quit the *****ing and get a phone that supports it, or move on.
Anyways, I'd like a good sports app like Sportacular that has notifications when games start, during and after with the scores. Fantasy updates with custom rosters would be great too.
Not sure what the SDK will let you do, but is it possible to develop an app that can be pinned to the start page, that toggles 3g/wifi/bluetooth? I know we can just drop in to the Settings menu, but I would pay for an app that put those three in one easy place.
I would also like an app that rotates, like a slideshow I guess, all sorts of images from the various Xbox games I've been playing across the tile. That would look cool on the start page. Maybe it does a Bing image search to find the images to rotate, etc. I'm not a developer, but it was something I thought of earlier today.
dougp.me said:
Jesus, how many times is this going to be brought up? The function is NOT there, and it was known BEFORE any device came out. Quit the *****ing and get a phone that supports it, or move on.
Anyways, I'd like a good sports app like Sportacular that has notifications when games start, during and after with the scores. Fantasy updates with custom rosters would be great too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is comming in dec development almost done..
The direct sync with outlook is not possible with the WP7 SDK. That would have to be incorporated into the Zune sync software. The WP7 is meant to be a cloud device so I don't see this coming anytime soon.
The idea about toggling the radios is also not possible im afraid. The SDK does not give developers any direct access to the hardware like that. Hell, we can't even adjust the volume.
rruffman said:
this is comming in dec development almost done..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
love to see more on this...
JMackey said:
The idea about toggling the radios is also not possible im afraid. The SDK does not give developers any direct access to the hardware like that. Hell, we can't even adjust the volume.
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That really blows. Just thinking about what various iPhone and Android apps can do easily, it seems this platform is much more closed than even iPhone's. The key to both Android and iPhones success has been as much the developer community as it has been the solid hardware the apps run on, maybe even more so the developers. The new WP7 hardware seems solid enough so far. If MS doesn't open up the SDK to a greater array of components, this will just continue to lag behind, even fall farther behind.
...Hoping someone can cook up some nice WP7 ROM's
ability to take any music file and assign it as a ringtone!
an independent youtube app that doesnt simply goto a web page. Also bein able to watch high def on 3g, and not only on a wifi connection.
TOA Duck said:
an independent youtube app that doesnt simply goto a web page. Also bein able to watch high def on 3g, and not only on a wifi connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's already one in the Marketplace for free. You have to have the YouTube app installed to use it, but it allows for searching, etc. from within the App.
prubin said:
ability to take any music file and assign it as a ringtone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is supposedly coming in January according to reports this morning. See: http://www.wpcentral.com/rumor-january-firmware-update-wp7-include-custom-ringer-support-more
(Sorry, forgot to multi-quote.)
not sure if you can make do this or not, but I would like to be able to connect to hidden networks. Also be able to use the device as a wifi router.
Could it be made downward compatible? It would be nice to be able to run some of my already-purchased software.
As an alternative, the single-largest bummer of making this switch for me will be loss of the two coolest apps I have EVER had – “Pocket Earth”, and “Pocket World” by Bluepoint Studios. These apps, especially Pocket Earth, were stunning! I don’t know their status, but if you could buy the rights and the code and somehow rewrite them for WP7, I suspect you would do very well.
I need programs which are NOT web-dependent. Dictionaries, translation programs, an atlas, etc. which are device-based. Traveling internationally is where one needs the language converters and I work a lot on the plane. I’d prefer to give up space in the device than to continually pay for international data.
Best of luck,
Dave
Battery indicator showing remaining strength in percentage or bars.
A recorder...
There are a few out there, but I need it to either have voice activated start/stop, or stop/start control from my bluetooth. I am a sports photographer, and if I can describe what is on a picture that I take right after I take it, it is much easier to do my captioning when I get home. But I don't have time to take the phone out of my pocket and start/stop after each play.
It seems a lot of the suggestions are things to do with hardware. The only hardware access the SDK gives developers is the GPS, Accelerometer, and the radio. We don't even have direct access to the camera. (When an app takes a picture, it opens the camera app then sends the taken picture back to the app).
riceboyler said:
There's already one in the Marketplace for free. You have to have the YouTube app installed to use it, but it allows for searching, etc. from within the App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will we ever be able to watch high quality youtube vids over 3g. Now you have to be on wifi. I know on iphone the vids are HQ over 3g.
1) Something that bypasses Exchange-enforced password entry. Android has it; and frankly, PIN enforcement is a meaningless layer of security that does nothing more than inconvenience the end-user.
2) Something that let's you copy synced Calendar entries and Contacts to the Phone instead of forcing them to exist in the stupid cloud. <--I would pay good money for this. Again, something that Android let's you do that I like.
Edited to Add:
3) An app that keeps the phone on and unlocked. I don't like this forced lock/timeout thing, I'd prefer to have complete control of when it is locked and when it isn't.
1) A Remote Desktop Application compatable with MS's current RDP services
2) Something that periodically rotates the Logon Screen Picture
3) Something that would quickly display Battery Life, Used/Remaining Storage, etc...
- MEK
So after searching google and pretty much everywhere, I STILL haven't been able to find a clear answer on multitasking.
In wp7 I hated the fact that every single time I would open an app, it would restart from the beginning. Yes, I know you could hold the back button and then click on an app to go back to where you were, but I don't like doing that. I'm used to android where I can just click on any app from the home screen and it'll take me right back to where I left off.
A month ago I tried the lumia 900 and took it back after 2 days because of this. In WP8, I heard they brought real multitasking, but I still haven't been able to find a clear answer to my question...if I'm in an app, go back to homescreen, and then click on the app from the homescreen again, will it restart the app (where it looks like you opened it for the first time after a reboot), or will it put me right back where I left off?
Also, is there a good google voice or youtube app yet? I was using govoice but hated the fact that I actually had to open the app to see if I had any new messages.
Thanks.
I believe apps can be coded to fast resume from the home screen. I think the Facebook app does this but I havent tried it. Apps would need to be updated to add this support tho
from what ive read its possible but the current apps that are out have to be updated to add that feature
It depends on the app.
There is really no way around it.
The Android multitasking is unnatural. In windows/linux/whatever, when you press the icon of an application, it usually opens a new window.
WP8 has a feature Fast App resume, the app needs to be updated to make this feature work, you can read about it here
http://mindre.net/Article/Windows_Phone_8_Fast_app_resume
There is no true multitasking in WP8 except for Navigational apps AFAIK.
Well then, no wp8 for me. Thanks guys.
DirectX games also do not stop updating in the background.
Never seen the fuss around multitasking. The multitasking model works as far as I can see on most devices. You background a music player and it carries on playing.
iOS's system used to annoy, double clicking, touch and hold followed by repeatedly closing apps.
On Windows Mobile people used to complain about the close button not closing the application (it would run in the background). Now when you do close an application people are moaning it doesn't run in the background.
deadwrong03 said:
from what ive read its possible but the current apps that are out have to be updated to add that feature
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this confused me... why does the app need any update, when its the OS that does all the fore/back ground stuff? did I misunderstand you?
I'll agree with the op , Microsoft needs to clarify what its new OS does in the commercials instead of a dance routine.
ohgood said:
this confused me... why does the app need any update, when its the OS that does all the fore/back ground stuff? did I misunderstand you?
I'll agree with the op , Microsoft needs to clarify what its new OS does in the commercials instead of a dance routine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple, a phone is a battery operated device which needs a more careful considered approach to multitasking.
When you background a game that is running what should happen? (a) it carries on running, (b) it pauses or (c) it saves its state and closes down.
You have to ask yourself these sort of questions when building the application for a phone, the OS can't make that decision since it doesn't know what is the correct answer. So profiles are added to the OS and the developer of the OS selects one of these profiles.
So a downloading tool would continue to download, a music player would play music in the background, a game would pause or save state and an IM client would either carry on being connected or switch to push notification.
ohgood said:
this confused me... why does the app need any update, when its the OS that does all the fore/back ground stuff? did I misunderstand you?
I'll agree with the op , Microsoft needs to clarify what its new OS does in the commercials instead of a dance routine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the reason you are even considering the WP vs Android fight is due to multitasking.
Android has "real multitasking" and that makes it unstable, prone to random crashes, and generally not as smooth as WP.
On top of that, the WP environment does not allow for applications to do things behind your back. Your privacy is more secure with WP than it is with Android, and i like that.
mcosmin222 said:
Android has "real multitasking" and that makes it unstable, prone to random crashes, and generally not as smooth as WP.
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Click to collapse
Do people still actually believe this?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
vetvito said:
Do people still actually believe this?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those who have a clue...yes.
The correct answer is "both"
Regarding the question about resume vs relaunch, to the best of my recollection from reading the WP8 SDK notes 12 days ago, the answer is as follows:
1. Existing apps written for WP7 will continue to work as-is. That is, launching the app tosses away the app's back stack and gives the user a "fresh" copy of the app.
2. Apps written for WP8 can indicate that they support resume on relaunch in their "manifest" file. When this is NOT indicated, the WP8 app behaves as the WP7 apps do: launching an app launches a fresh copy; backing into an app reconnects you to that app's back stack/history.
3. When a WP8 app indicates that it can handle resume on relaunch, the already running app is brought to the front, reconnected to its back stack, and has the main page of the app pushed on to the back stack. It is up to the developer of the app to decide which of three things happen at this point:
3a. Blow away the previous back stack (to simulate WP7 behavior);
3b. Pop off the "main page" item that the OS just pushed onto the back stack to effectively return the user to the last viewed page in the app;
3c. Neither, leaving a fresh copy of the main page in screen and the old back stack still present. This is a bad idea because it looks like the user restarted, but the old context is still there.
I'm at an airport now and don't have access to my dev box or SDK docs. Someone with such access can likley find the information in the WP8 SDK documentation (although not on the "What's New" page).
thanks manicotti.. that's the best explanation yet.
that other guy that above that wanted to argue about stuff... I just don't know what to say.
Look here...
http://mindre.net/Article/Windows_Phone_8_Fast_app_resume
This might be the answer to you're question
Sent from my HTC Titan on Deepshining 2.0 Rom using Board Express
gilesjuk said:
On Windows Mobile people used to complain about the close button not closing the application (it would run in the background). Now when you do close an application people are moaning it doesn't run in the background.
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Click to collapse
So true, so true.... I can still hear the HD2 user pool complaining...those were the golden days...
Side note: the "fast app resume" when launched from Start was actually possible on WP7, but its use wasn't permitted in the Marketplace (it's an option in one of the manifest files). Apparently that restriction is now lifted for WP8, but Marketplace apps that want to use it will need to be updated (very simple change, though) to set that option.
im trying to disable metro.in the register but there isn't RPenabled to disable it.
i want to remove it.so it goes straight to the desktop just like windows 7
I'm pretty sure this was removed in the official release.
JihadSquad said:
I'm pretty sure this was removed in the official release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it was removed.
Learn metro, its actually pretty good once you get the hang of it with or without the touch
It was in fact removed well before release. "redpill" (what is controlled by the registry value you seek) is an MS-internal test mode for secret and/or experimental features. It's been present for at least a few previous beta products too, covering things like Win7's new taskbar. Only the very first public build of Win8 used the Redpill switch; everything after that had it built in.
There are third-party apps which disable TIFKAM (The Interface Formerly Known As Metro) to a lesser or greater degree, but I can't recommend any of them as I don't know what they actually do to the system. Personally, I just move the mouse to the lower-left corner (where the Start button appears usually), and then Right-click followed immediately by a Left-click. That will take you to the desktop from anywhere. Another way to do it is hit [Win]+d, the "Show Desktop" shortcut from previous Windows versions still works on Win8, and if you aren't on the desktop it will take you there.
To boot to desktop, change
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell
from "explorer.exe" to "explorer.exe /select,explorer.exe"
There are other ways w/o involving external software, one of which is to set up a task that runs on desktop. To find out, Google.
As far as disabling Metro altogether (ie the hot-corners), use any of the common 3rd-party fixes like Classic Shell. They work fine. Then you'd have basically an improved Win7 with some new features.
Unlike the "embrace change" advocates here, I think the user should decide if he wants to use Metro.
Good tip on the Shell registry change, thanks!
Thanks for the shell reg change, nice find. But we do have a choice to use metro or not, MS isn't a public service made to suite our needs, its a private company that can do as it wants, whether that is what we want as users is a different story, the best way to to affect change on private companies is to vote with your wallet so to speak. I'm not arguing that metro is better or anything there are issues with win 8, but as it stands there is a choice, an buying something then complaining it isn't what you want is perhaps a little silly, an we wouldn't do it in any other market cept the movie industry of course! Nope, MS will have your money an they won't be to bothered about anything else.
Sent from my Samsung Focus S using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
>it stands there is a choice, an buying something then complaining it isn't what you want is perhaps a little silly
The OP asks if there's a way to boot to desktop, not whether he wants Metro. Please restrict the editorializing and proselytizing to appropriate threads. Thanks.
BTW, credit for the reg edit goes to another in the Win8 Dev subforum. It's a compact variation of starting a desktop task (the task in this case being Explorer itself). Explorer's parameters are below for those interested. You can vary the results by experimenting with different combinations:
/n: Opens a new window in single-paned (My Computer) view for each item selected, even if the new window duplicates a window that is already open.
/e: Uses Windows Explorer view. Windows Explorer view is most similar to File Manager in Windows version 3.x. Note that the default view is Open view.
/root,<object>: Specifies the root level of the specified view. The default is to use the normal namespace root (the desktop). Whatever is specified is the root for the display.
/select,<sub object>: Specifies the folder to receive the initial focus. If "/select" is used, the parent folder is opened and the specified object is selected.
Usage examples here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/130510
Guys no need to go into the shell!!
Get this app called pokki(search on google) .Install it.Once you install it click the pokki icon on desktop.Then check the boot to desktop option.If you want you can also get back the start button,thereby saying goodbye to metro altogether.
Hope this helps....
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e.mote said:
>it stands there is a choice, an buying something then complaining it isn't what you want is perhaps a little silly
The OP asks if there's a way to boot to desktop, not whether he wants Metro. Please restrict the editorializing and proselytizing to appropriate threads. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
e.mote said:
Unlike the "embrace change" advocates here, I think the user should decide if he wants to use Metro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...I was referring to your post above, its irrelevant we think it should do, it is what it is. There's no need to get all uppity about it. Once again, thank you for the interesting find.
>>Unlike the "embrace change" advocates here, I think the user should decide if he wants to use Metro.
>...I was referring to your post above, its irrelevant we think it should do, it is what it is. There's no need to get all uppity about it. Once again, thank you for the interesting find.
You should work on your reading comprehension. I said "the user should decide," not what I think Win8 should or shouldn't be. And you're welcome.
I'm using the classic shell add on:
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/
It allows one to bypass the Win 8 UI and go directly to Windows. Plus it puts the start menu back in. I personally see no reason to try and disable the Win 8 new shell; just ignore it and stay on the desktop.
The only exception is that the new UI has some settings on my ultrabook that are not present in the Desktop interface (like controlling the GPS).
stevedebi said:
I'm using the classic shell add on:
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/
It allows one to bypass the Win 8 UI and go directly to Windows. Plus it puts the start menu back in. I personally see no reason to try and disable the Win 8 new shell; just ignore it and stay on the desktop.
The only exception is that the new UI has some settings on my ultrabook that are not present in the Desktop interface (like controlling the GPS).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I found ClassicShell to be buggy and unreliable. It frequently caused Explorer to crash.
I used Start8 through the trial and it seemed decent enough (I didn't crash hourly), but by the time that it expired I felt that Metro was just fine and didn't bother.
mrappbrain said:
Guys no need to go into the shell!!
Get this app called pokki(search on google) .Install it.Once you install it click the pokki icon on desktop.Then check the boot to desktop option.If you want you can also get back the start button,thereby saying goodbye to metro altogether.
Hope this helps....
Thread Closed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or install start8
Verstuurd van mijn GT-S5660
netham45 said:
To be honest, I found ClassicShell to be buggy and unreliable. It frequently caused Explorer to crash.
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Click to collapse
I have it on one system, and although I haven't noticed it to cause any stability issues, I found Start8 to be more refined.
In any case, here are the top start menu/metro avoidance programs:
Classic Shell
Start8
StartMenu7
StartMenu8
Pokki
ViStart (linked but not recommended because it tries it's best to install all kinds of 3rd party toolbars)
netham45 said:
I used Start8 through the trial and it seemed decent enough (I didn't crash hourly), but by the time that it expired I felt that Metro was just fine and didn't bother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found just the opposite. I tried Metro for a while and just found it didn't do anything objectively better than the start menu, and the hot corners kept getting in my way (several of my programs have a lot of tools/buttons at the corners and edges and I was continually activating the various hidden menus). I tried Start8 and it works perfectly.
Theres an app called "FxxkMetro.exe" (actually spelt like that). It's designed to "seek out" and terminate all running instances of Metro, completely disabling it.
.... It doesn't matter what models you have... but when you tilt your phone to landscape (either way), i'm hoping to see the tiles rotate and be able to scroll either left or right. Now, that would be a great addition as far as feature-wise. Also would like to see a freedom to change or customized accent colors of each tiles to your liking - this would be suhhhweet! Additionally, it would also be nice if we could add or customize wallpapers in the background besides having them Black or White but i think that could compromise a bit of battery life but shouldn't be a major deal. Also wouldn't mind seeing different apps for Lock Screen aside of having to swipe up...
Anything else or ideas that you guys would love/like/hope to see!?.... Take a crack at it!
Yeah, that's not gonna happen; well at least anytime soon. MS just doesn't care what we want, all the care about is about what they want.
I would simply like to see Windows RT instead of Windops phone. Same hardware, why not same OS and apps?
It's not the same hardware.
Custom Notifications
Custom sounds for messages, for different senders, for notifications, and would like to see live apps popping out if there is a change.
sinister1 said:
Yeah, that's not gonna happen; well at least anytime soon. MS just doesn't care what we want, all the care about is about what they want.
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Click to collapse
I feel like I already heard that from Iphone owners. :3
Maybe they don't add -yet- more features to make what is already there as stable and efficient as possible ?
Sent from my LG-P970 using Tapatalk 2
I still prefer MS over Apple, but I'm not going to give them a pass on this kind of lockdown crap. WP8 is a good utility / tool OS, but there's no reason it couldn't be a general-purpose OS, and yet MS actively fights against that possibility.
Xbox Music Pass in Poland, led light notification, App instalation from SD card, root XD
Install To SD Card
Update App from SD Card
Seperate volume levels for notifications and music
Import bookmarks to IE
More stable FB chat
Skype integration to Message & Phone Hub
Mobile data monitoring (for every device, not just some carriers)
Toast notification logger
Remove "Help & Tips" possible
Select where to "save contact" (Microsoft Account only atm)
Less store restrictions (same app available everywhere on iOS or Droid, but not WP8)
Auto-upload photos to 3rd party (Box.net)
Edit ascii emoticons
End "Nokia Only" non-nokia apps - eg Mass Effect Infiltrator
SD Card & USB Storage Explorer App
Enable and "encourage" global purchase - buy app on WP8, use it on WP8, RT or Win8
Force re-check for apk files on SD Card (so no eject or reboot req)
As for auto-uploading to other Services than SkyDrive. Microsoft won't implement Providers for other Services but WP8 is already able to be Extended in that regard using Apps. So if you have a Box.net App it could Register as an Auto-Upload Provider and you could then configure it to be used instead of SkyDrive.
So basically: the OS supports this right now, it's up to developers to implement it.
CruciasNZ said:
Less store restrictions (same app available everywhere on iOS or Droid, but not WP8)
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Click to collapse
Can't say about iOS, but Android does have regional restrictions - Google Currents was limited to certain countries for quite some time. And there are device restrictions which prevent installation of some phone-based apps on a tablet (buy the HD version for an extra $$$), the target Android version is also restricted (hello Samsung and HTC who almost never upgrade devices to the latest Android version).
CruciasNZ said:
Enable and "encourage" global purchase - buy app on WP8, use it on WP8, RT or Win8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows RT/W8 apps are different from WP8 because of a huge difference in screen sizes. It's pretty easy to port apps between WP8 and WinRT, but requires some effort from developers who probably won't give you a free product for the other OS. That's how it's currently with Android apps. When the first iPad was first announced people were making fun of its 2x scaling of iPhone apps or running apps in 1:1 resolution in a tiny box in the center of the screen. So even is MS allow this the results won't be pretty. Syncing between phone and desktop/table would make sense though - IE on Win8 syncs favorites, but IE in WP8 doesn't.
zlogic42 said:
Can't say about iOS, but Android does have regional restrictions - Google Currents was limited to certain countries for quite some time. And there are device restrictions which prevent installation of some phone-based apps on a tablet (buy the HD version for an extra $$$), the target Android version is also restricted (hello Samsung and HTC who almost never upgrade devices to the latest Android version).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O yeah, there are tons of apps my Nexus 7 cannot get in New Zealand; but it can get textPlus and heyWire, but my WP8 cannot because they are region locked. I want MS to encourage people to make equivalent apps with equivalent region restrictions, right now the markets a bit of a joke from New Zealand
zlogic42 said:
Windows RT/W8 apps are different from WP8 because of a huge difference in screen sizes. It's pretty easy to port apps between WP8 and WinRT, but requires some effort from developers who probably won't give you a free product for the other OS. That's how it's currently with Android apps. When the first iPad was first announced people were making fun of its 2x scaling of iPhone apps or running apps in 1:1 resolution in a tiny box in the center of the screen. So even is MS allow this the results won't be pretty. Syncing between phone and desktop/table would make sense though - IE on Win8 syncs favorites, but IE in WP8 doesn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I am aware of such limitations having had a go at making WP7 apps. I said enable and encourage, not force - if a developer wants to offer it then they can.
sinister1 said:
Yeah, that's not gonna happen; well at least anytime soon. MS just doesn't care what we want, all the care about is about what they want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost, its the carriers and OEMS at have ms bent over backwards, ms will do as they told, just not from us
Sent from my Arc using xda app-developers app
I would love them to allow more control over background tasks, the ability to attach any code you want to that task, the ability for processes to properly run in the background (over resume) or lock screen, and the ability to access the music library on demand with more control!
Separate volume controls for media and ringer.
Custom live tile update intervals.
Custom notification sounds.
Landscape mode(won't happen).
Use of entire screen for tiles. Wp8 leaves narrow bars on lumia 920 now.
Jail breaking support for Cydia like apps.
Widgets. Better than live tiles for music apps.
My single biggest gripe is AUDIO PROFILES!!! When I plug in a set of headphones, I expect the OS to remeber what settings I had them on when I last plugged them in...Conversely, When I unplug them, I expect the system-wide audio to auto-magically rever to what I had it set to BEFORE I PLUGGED THEM IN!!!
sinister1 said:
Yeah, that's not gonna happen; well at least anytime soon. MS just doesn't care what we want, all the care about is about what they want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they added every feature that any old idiot came along and requested, you'd end up with a big old mess.
You'd end up with Android.
"Ending up" with the most popular mobile OS in the world, which is well on its way to being the most popular consumer OS for any form factor, isn't a terrible thing... they should be trying to make a better Android, not trying to make a better iOS. The ways in which WP8 is better than Android right now are almost completely compatible with adding in more features (or, often enough, not locking out so many features that would otherwise already be present)!
MikeyMike01 said:
If they added every feature that any old idiot came along and requested, you'd end up with a big old mess.
You'd end up with Android.
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Click to collapse
Well said.
My only one hang up was no custom text tones. I know it's pretty inane to get upset over, but considering I could make a text tone for phones made 6 years ago, I don't see why this wasn't a feature for all smartphone OS's from the start.