After a long delay, I wanted to see if anyone wanted to do some Beta testing. Sab Watch has been changed quite significantly, and before it heads to the Marketplace, I thought it could use a little more real world testing.
If you're interested, Ill send you a XAP which you can use with no limitations... Just post here with your email. Note that the unofficial contract in the deal is that you provide a little bit of your experience. (Errors that you see, language translation errors, etc). Without further adeu, here's the changelog:
3/20/2011 - Version 2.0
Layout change. Quite a few things have moved around. I am interested in hearing what you think: [email protected]
Trial version added. The trial version is the same as full version, except for ads on main screen and a nag when loading the app.
Multi-Language support. Sab Watch will now identify your language, and change text to work for your language. This is experimental, but testing did not show any problems. If you would like to help translate, please contact me at [email protected]. If Sab Watch doesn't recgonize your language automatically, you can change to a language of your choice by going to App Settings.
Supported Languages:
English
English (United States)
Spanish
German
Japanese
Dutch
French
Quite a few UI improvements.
Much more input validation.
Sab Watch will now save your search history. You can clear the history in app settings.
HTTPS support. Note that you will need a valid certificate, or you'll need to add your server certificate onto your phone.
A great tutorial can be found here:
http://davesimm.blogspot.com/2011/03/using-openssl-to-secure-and-encrypt.html
Price Drop - Sab Watch will now sell for 99 Cents (USD)
Please email me for any requests, support, and questions at [email protected].
http://www.williammelani.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/changelog.html
It also should completely support landscape mode.
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Bought the app, looks great but its a bit difficult to setup. Can you post some sort of guide.
serialtoon said:
Bought the app, looks great but its a bit difficult to setup. Can you post some sort of guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't currently post links, but I made a post about it on williammelani.com which has some pictures which may be helpful in setting up Sab Watch. Alternatively, you can try reading the information below for more help.
Yep, sorry about it, I actually just changed it to a Pivot/AppBar application which makes the configuration much easier.
On the configuration Page, click on the + Icon to add your first server (or a new one, etc)
From here, enter your Sabnzbd Credentials. You can click the blue 'Config Help...' for more detailed information, but the idea is this:
Server Name is a way for you to identify the server. For example, if you want to communicate on your local network when you're at home, you might call it 'home', and another server with a remote IP you might call 'away'.
Then, enter the IP you use to connect to Sabnzbd, as well as the port and API.
You can find the API key for sabnzbd by going to the 'Config' header and clicking on General. It should be a ~30 character long string.
The IP/host is something like 192.168.1.201, or if you have a domain name attached, it might be something like myhomeserver .com.
Back on the configuration page, you can directly enter your NZBMatrix details. You will need the username you use to login, as well as your API key. The API key can be found by clicking on Your Account at the top of the page after you've logged in.
Finally, you can set a server to be your 'default' by clicking the 'check' button. This server will be the one the application tries to automatically connect with when the application is launched.
When you've done all that, you need to connect to the server for the first time.
To select a server, click on the name until it highlights in your accented color. Then the 'Edit Server', 'Delete Server', 'Default Server', and 'Connect (PLAY icon)' will become available to use.
Your queue and history should show up after the first refresh, and continuously refresh based on the value you set on the 'status' page.
The application fully supports Context menus, meaning that in the three large lists (Queue, History, and Search), you can press and hold for a second to bring up a context menu to perform actions on the selected item.
Single clicking any item brings the 'detailed' view, which shows more information about the particular item you clicked on. On the queue page, you're presented with a few buttons to pause/resume the item, delete it, or move it to the top of the queue.
You can also change the category by clicking on either the Category header or the category itself.
History lets you view slightly more detailed history information, as well as delete the item from the history.
Search lets you view detailed results from NZBMatrix, and gives you a button to download to the server. This button, as well as the one from the context menu, will attempt to automatically sort downloads to their respective category.
I will add some pictures soon to help with the configuration. Sorry about that, Version 1.3 in ~ a week will make configuration and layout much easier.
Thanks again for the purchase
In the version currently in the app store, Newzbin is not available, although It was submitted 2 days ago so you should expect it soon.
Gotcha! Looks like i successfully added my Sab server. Thanks! Fantastic app so far!
Thanks I've just spent the last couple hours making the app use the pivot/appbar design, and I can't wait to release it It's much more intuitive and responsive, and the app seems more fluid in general.
williammel said:
Thanks I've just spent the last couple hours making the app use the pivot/appbar design, and I can't wait to release it It's much more intuitive and responsive, and the app seems more fluid in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im looking forward to it!
Check out a preview of Sab Watch 1.3 here: youtube.com/watch?v=VYJpHDeQCyo
New version looks great! Do you know if Sab Watch will work with https, I tried it real quick on my machine and it didn't appear to work. Could easily be a problem on my end though.
Goatmaster said:
New version looks great! Do you know if Sab Watch will work with https, I tried it real quick on my machine and it didn't appear to work. Could easily be a problem on my end though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks !
It doesnt support https yet, but only because I have hard-coded it to use http. Ill try to add it into 1.3 however. NZBMatrix is already using https.
Sab Watch 1.2 Is now in the marketplace!
Sab Watch 1.3 has been submitted to the marketplace. There was a weird goof/bug/something that happened in the 1.2 submission that renamed the app to 'sab watch (app)'.
I have been talking to support, and they advised me that it would be fixed if I submit a new app with the 'Sab Watch' name. If it doesn't fix it, ill just submit the app updates to each
Anyway, since 1.3 is considered a 'new' application, it goes through a more strenuous testing than if it was an update; therefore it might take a couple more days. Expect it by 12/9.
VERSION 1.3
NEW FEATURES
Entire App switched to Pivot/AppBar design. Makes performance on the main page better as it isn't always trying to display every list at once.
Added ability to set Pause Timer for SabNZBd server.
'Status' page renamed to extra. Still not quite sure what to do with it yet, as seems like less important information than anything else. Would appreciate suggestions.
Removed config page. This has been replaced by options on the Application Bar.
You may now set a custom amount of items to display for the Queue, History, and Newzbin Results. This will persist throughout application launches.
You may now set a custom refresh rate for the application. This will persist throughout application launches.
When entering the list of servers with no servers defined, you will now get prompted on how to begin adding your first server.
Clicking on a Warnings on the Detailed Server Information page shows the actual warnings received.
Trying to change the NZBMatrix category should be a little easier to bring up the category selector list. In addition, the selector list should load a little faster.
Added Turnstile transitions to pages.
You can now pick from a list of times to pause the server if you wish. This will make it much easier in most situations. Selectable times are 0 (off), 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 3 hours. You can still enter a number instead if you wish.
BUGFIXES
Certain Help dialogs contained outdated information from old versions, this is corrected and updated now.
Fixed numerous misspellings of the word occurred.
Fixed a bug where if the user left out their port on the server setup page, the port would be changed to 80, and then tell the user 80 is not a valid number.
Fixed some text placement inconsistencies on the Newzbin detailed post page.
Sab Watch now properly urlencodes search queries. I haven't observed any changes in search results, but YMMV.
Category on queue page should now stay at the line below the rest. This should prevent the 'jumpy' behavior you might have experienced, where as soon as it could fit on the previous line, it moved.
Made error messages that show when you attempt to use NZBMatrix or Newzbin without entering login information actually state that there is no information saved.
NOTES
Newzbin only supports 500 results returned. Any number higher than 500 will still return, at max, 500.
Setting the amount of items to display higher not only causes the application to lag while displaying them, but also uses considerably more data downloading the results, and CPU time to format the results. Keep the display amount reasonable to see good performance.
Here's an look at the upcoming Sab Watch 1.4, Which will feature RSS feeds of NZBMatrix, and possibly Newzbin. You can browse the categories in the same way as you can when select a search category.
Edited 12/5:
NZBMatrix feeds have been completed.
I bought it, thanks for your work so far.
Goatmaster said:
I bought it, thanks for your work so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Goatmaster. I sent you a pm about HTTPS; but the problem is basically this:
Windows Phone 7 requires a valid certificate to use https, which means that:
1. You must have a valid certificate on your server.
or
2. You must jump through quite a few hoops to copy a your invalid certificate to special file format, email it, and open the email in IE, verify it, etc.
I don't mind adding it, its not much work, but just getting your opinion on if you'd do step (2). I asked some of the SabNZBd developers what they thought and they told me probably no one has a valid certificate.
Microsoft said:
If I understand correctly you want to communicate with a Web Service that is running on your own computer using SSL over HTTP (HTTPS). If the certificate of the Certificate Authority (CA) that signed the SSL certificate used by the server hosting your Web Service is not in the certificate store of your Windows Phone 7 device you could do the following:
Export the CA certificate to a Base64-encoded or DER-encoded X.509 .CER file.
Send the .CER file as an email attachment to yourself or put it on a Web server so that you can open and install it from the email application or Internet Explorer Mobile on the device .
If there are any intermediate certificates used do the same for those since a .CER file can only install one certificate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: Sab Watch 1.3 is going to be skipped, and 1.4 was sent to the marketplace last night.
This may be a dumb question but would this allow me to start downloads from my phone? I use newsbin currently and I am sure I can figure out sabNzb if it would allow me to search and add things to my download queue. Or is this app just to watch and make priority changes to your queue?
IVIadness said:
This may be a dumb question but would this allow me to start downloads from my phone? I use newsbin currently and I am sure I can figure out sabNzb if it would allow me to search and add things to my download queue. Or is this app just to watch and make priority changes to your queue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you can download things onto your sabnzbd server from within the app.
You setup the server to have your NZBMatrix/Newzbin credentials, and then this app have your credentials too.
It works like this: You search for new content on Newzbin/NZBMatrix, or browse feeds in the new version (comes out today!).
Once you find what you need, you click download in the app, which 'sends' the link to sabnzbd, and it begins the download.
There's a video on youtube in the first page which shows how you'd use the app. It's the closest version to the version that should be out today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYJpHDeQCyo
ok that is awesome, looks like I may be buying this asap becuse this takes care of my remote issues the only time I remote into my pc from the phone is to queue stuff on Newzbin
Cool! I just got the "Approved Marketplace Submission" email a couple hours ago, should the new version should be in there today or at latest tomorrow.
Right now there is a version which works for newzbin currently in the marketplace however. There was a goof with the name so it's called
sab watch (app) in the marketplace, but the new version should fix it.
Cool got it working and it kicks ass thanks for saving me money and being really awesome and updating this thread to answer my questions, also works great with dyndns!!
Related
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Summary:
XDA users no longer have to deal with the hassle of using an inefficient browser to view the forum which provides the liveblood of their devices. Now, the Mobile XDApp gives you options to help eliminate load times and increase your productivity as you view fourms, read and reply to posts, start new threads, upload files, download files, manage your account and more!
Progress towards next release:
Code:
[|||||||||||||||_____] 75%
Latest Nightly: 00230
Updates:
Development is temporarily slowed, as I'll be very busy with work from here until late December. You have to do what you have to do, right? I'm trying to fit the XDApp in as best I can. Development is happening- it's just much slower.
Have a great idea for your own XDA-based application? I'll be releasing LibXDA soon, a .NET library that will allow you to interface with the XDA-developers forum. Check the forums directly from your app, or make a post from your application. Support for .NET and COM inter-ops, so it's extremely easy to use .NET applications, and usable from C++.
(Of course, if you're going to run the application from C++, the library will still suffer that 'managed overhead' that C# programs suffer from.)
---
I'm releasing 'nightly' builds whenever I have time for development. They're pretty much in-progress snapshots, and they're open to the public. I'll be releasing a 'more official' Alpha tomorrow, which means a lot of people will be getting e-mails with passwords. For those of you who want to see the app but don't get an e-mail, you can still run the next nightly (which will probably be further along in development than the Alpha), even though you won't be able to help right away with testing.
Here's the build number scheme, if you want to know:
VXBBB
V- Released Version- the last released major (integer) version at the time of the release.
X- Development 'branch'; 0- Backend Development (utilizing the lite version as a frontend); 1- XDApp Lite; 2- XDApp Professional; 3- Alternate Build (i.e. for testing an extension)
BBB- the build number, which starts from 0 in the version or branch and increments each time I hit the 'build' button
Features:
Complete Features:
-Dynamic multi-screen rendering library supports any screen of any size, shape, and DPI. Tested and works on QVGA, WVGA, VGA, and Square VGA. Theoretically should work with much larger screens, including large-screen RedFly devices/software.
-GZIP compression, which decreases load times by more than 80%. That's more efficient than Opera Mini! See below for compression statistics.
-Full, automatic authentication protocols mean you never have to waste time logging in again!
-Automatic server-side thumbnailing of images for much reduced image transfer.
-Unique 'superheader' view organizes forums, making it easier to navigate the forums!
Features in testing (otherwise polished):
-Full finger-friendly kinetic scrolling in all applicable views.
-Ability to 'filter' the super-headers view, showing only relevant devices.
-Fast encryption for storing user information.
-Non-touchscreen device operability.
Working features (may require polish):
-Complete user-skinability via text-based theme files.
-Finger gestures (on touchscreen devices.)
-View fora (plural forums) including post previews, with much faster rendering times than using a traditional broswer, finger friendly controls, and views optimized for mobile devices.
-Lightning-fast post rendering, both in fully formatted mode and plain-text mode.
-'Lite version' for devices using native controls for slower/older devices.
-Reply to threads and posts, and start new threads from your mobile!
Near-complete features:
-Edit your posts.
-Pre-fetching allows commonly viewed threads to load when you first start the app, completely eliminating load times later.
-Extensible external framework will allow other applications to utilize its features: e.g. allow a user to directly post a bug-report, complete with attached memdump, to a developer's thread.
In Progress:
-Download files and attachments instantly, without even opening a browser.
-Bookmarks!
Pending development:
-Lose connection while typing a post? XDApp has an option to automatically queue your post and finish sending it next time you have a connection!
-Private message handling.
Future releases:
-Wiki view.
-Upload a picture or file directly from the phone.
-Take a screenshot of one's phone, and upload it directly as an attachment.
-Update threads via psuedo-push: trigger notification/update of thread upon recipet of subscription e-mail.
-Real-time update checking; i.e. no need to constantly refresh the thread you're on.
-Full WYSIWYG editing of BB-code post formatting.
-Push-style notifications on private messages and subscribed threads.
-Interconnections with my sensor control project which will allow use of the g-sensor, light sensor, capacitive button sensors, stylus sensor and camera to support various types of gestures and inter activities. For example, use the light sensor to automatically switch to a theatre or meeting-friendly 'night mode'.
[APP] XDApp- XDA-Devs on your phone! Releasing 'Nightly' pre-Alphas. (Latest V:00230)
Most Recent Screenshots:
Rhodium/manila like theme:
(Rhodium Manila-like theme.)
Original XDA Theme:
iPhone-like Theme:
Bounty:
Currently at: $176
jmckeejr: paid! for a fully functioning app with at least abilty to reply to posts without waiting for 5 minutes and trying to chase Opera around to see what I'm typing.
dnieman13: $10
apreichner: $5
codybear: $5 Around $5 if it works with Windows Mobile 6.5 and works better than using the Opera browser
uniqueboy: paid!
krook6023: $15 for a working version with all the bells and whistles described
akp99: $10
Bijdehandje: $35 Exact: € 25 For a working Kaiser version that is a quality and complete app
greeneyemonstruo: paid!
acidbath5546: $10
sinoo: $7 Exact: 5€ for a reliable and fully functional tool
jor3l: $10
x|Lukas|x: $14 Exact: €10
If you'd like to, you can add to the bounty. It's completely optional, as I write applications because I enjoy programming, not for money.
Also, if you'd like, you can donate using the link in my signature (via PayPal). The money will be used to pay for the server I currently use for testing and soon will be using to provide an optimizing, compressing, streamlining proxy to reduce your forum load-times.
Many thanks for generous donations from: ljinsane, uniqueboy, greeneyemonstruo, jmckeejr, mostberg, SoundMind.us
Compression Statistics:
These compression statistics are without any server-side streamlining. (Compression is server-side.)
This page:
Original (uncompressed) size: 129,071 bytes (126.0 KiB)
GZIP Compressed size: 22, 816 bytes (22.3 KiB)
Compression Ratio: 82.3%
Forum index:
Original (uncompressed) size: 304,301 bytes (297.2 KiB)
GZIP Compressed size: 34,894 bytes (34.1 KiB)
Compression Ratio: 88.5%
Many thanks to:
Those who have pledged to the bounty. At the time of your donation, you will be thanked here.
ace10134- who started this whole movement, and is thus responsible for bringing this app to you guys in the first place.
Jenn, who has been unendingly patient while I sit here coding instead of paying attention to her.
Preview Releases:
First Feature Preview (password protected ZIP file, not for general public)
If you're interested in testing 'feature previews', go ahead and shoot me an e-mail ([email protected]) with the subject line "feature tester". Debugging experience helps, but isn't necessary.
Showing a bit of interest here (Plus Im not too bad at reverse engineering )
Good to see progress being made . I'll be sending you an email soon(hope I can help) and I'll get that donation ready
Ok, I got the old thread all set up to be locked.
No one make a post on the old thread!!! I'm waiting for it to be locked, and I want the thread re-direction to be the last post. Thanks to everyone who showed interest/donated/motivated/etc. And the biggest thanks to the developer.
Now keep this thread up to date!!! And a working version to test would be awesome.
Thanks everyone,
Andrew
ktemkin said:
Bounty:
Currently at: $135
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't believe it. I've been lurking around this site for over a year and this is the first time I saw the XDA 'bounty' (I've only recently heard about it at all).
Anyway, this is an interesting concept. I'm pretty much fine with using Opera Mini to browse XDA, but this could potentially turn out great. I hope all the best to you and your work, Ktemkin!
+5€ for a reliable and fully functional tool!
Can't wait to try it!
Looking very good.
I closed the old thread, and stickied this one instead of the old one.
I found this, what you are doing is what they have done.
3Gtan---A great web Browser for forum
unfortunately its in Chinese
Looks promising, well done!
sinoo said:
+5€ for a reliable and fully functional tool!
Can't wait to try it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 Euros is about $7 USD, (7.11540 USD), when you update the bounty.
l3v5y said:
Looking very good.
I closed the old thread, and stickied this one instead of the old one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
topsign said:
I found this, what you are doing is what they have done.
3Gtan---A great web Browser for forum
unfortunately its in Chinese
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to work pretty well, but, unfortunately:
-is Completely in Chinese.
-is Closed Source
-takes up a lot of the screen with useless icons and buttons.
-doesn't support downloads/uploads, or most of the advanced features planned for the XDApp project.
Might be useful for people to use in the interim- if they can figure out how to use it.
---
On a more XDApp-related note, I have a few questions for the end-user:
1) Icons: are they worth the screen space? They would only be 5-6 pixels wide (10-12 on double VGA systems), and they'd appear in the following places:
-In front of posts, displaying the the 'new', 'popular', 'you replied here', etc. icons.
-Real icons for things like quote and edit. Right now, the design is that you quote, edit, reply, etc. by right clicking (click and hold) and selecting that option from a menu. Would finger-sized icons in each post be better?
2) Mobile posts- when posting from the a mobile phone, should the XDApp (have an option to) auto-insert a small icon on each post it makes? For example, a post from a mobile phone might look like:
--
Just checking up on the status of the project. Looking forward to your next ROM release!
is planed a multilang interface? would be cool and i can help with translations if needed
ktemkin said:
That seems to work pretty well, but, unfortunately:
-is Completely in Chinese.
-is Closed Source
-takes up a lot of the screen with useless icons and buttons.
-doesn't support downloads/uploads, or most of the advanced features planned for the XDApp project.
Might be useful for people to use in the interim- if they can figure out how to use it.
---
On a more XDApp-related note, I have a few questions for the end-user:
1) Icons: are they worth the screen space? They would only be 5-6 pixels wide (10-12 on double VGA systems), and they'd appear in the following places:
-In front of posts, displaying the the 'new', 'popular', 'you replied here', etc. icons.
-Real icons for things like quote and edit. Right now, the design is that you quote, edit, reply, etc. by right clicking (click and hold) and selecting that option from a menu. Would finger-sized icons in each post be better?
2) Mobile posts- when posting from the a mobile phone, should the XDApp (have an option to) auto-insert a small icon on each post it makes? For example, a post from a mobile phone might look like:
--
Just checking up on the status of the project. Looking forward to your next ROM release!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I for one like the Icon for mobile post. +1 for the right click option as it will not take as long to load on older devices without the icons.
ktemkin said:
On a more XDApp-related note, I have a few questions for the end-user:
1) Icons: are they worth the screen space? They would only be 5-6 pixels wide (10-12 on double VGA systems), and they'd appear in the following places:
-In front of posts, displaying the the 'new', 'popular', 'you replied here', etc. icons.
-Real icons for things like quote and edit. Right now, the design is that you quote, edit, reply, etc. by right clicking (click and hold) and selecting that option from a menu. Would finger-sized icons in each post be better?
2) Mobile posts- when posting from the a mobile phone, should the XDApp (have an option to) auto-insert a small icon on each post it makes? For example, a post from a mobile phone might look like:
--
Just checking up on the status of the project. Looking forward to your next ROM release!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) - Icons in front of the posts aren't exactly necessary. I guess they could be nice, but I'd rather be able to read more text on the screen instead. The icons are rather small, though, so it's no big deal.
- About the "Quote" and "Edit" buttons...I say that the right clicking method is awesome! Otherwise seeing all of those "Quote" and "Edit" buttons on every single post is repetative. I like your right-clicking method. 1 vote for that.
2) the Mobile post thing is a cool idea, and you might as well have the option. But, a better location for the icon...You know how you can pick an icon for your reply? Such as how I picked the Cool Sunglasses Smiley? If we could somehow replace that with a mobile phone icon, that would be perfectly ideal. But, we'd have to get the Admins to do that. So...I'm for having the option of putting the "Mobile" icon, just like how you showed in the example.
hmm 2 qstions, 1. will have multilang support? and 2. you are doing a server side work or the app donwload the page and then fix it for the phone?
Good to see this is moving right along!!
Icons....are a good question...is pushing a icon that much more functional than right clicking? Icons for for things like quote and edit might give a more ascetic or native look but IMO they would add little to the usability. Icons in front of posts...I really don't care either way...and the Mobile Post thing is a very cool idea....ktemkin...I like the way you think...this app is going to be awesome!
This just keeps getting better and better. Up my pledge to $25 for a little extra motivation.
greeneyemonstruo said:
This just keeps getting better and better. Up my pledge to $25 for a little extra motivation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ktemin should be putting your bounty in the pot soon.
Ktemin (or however you spell that), you should put the bounty in the Thread Title, like it used to be. Well, actually, the bounty doesn't matter anymore, nvm then.
But, everyone, should we have buttons for "Quote", "Edit", etc? Or do you want to access those features by right clicking on the post, and then clicking them? By using the right-click method, we save space. By using the buttons method, we have quicker access. What do you think? (just repeating Ktemin's question).
Hello
We are at the very beginning stage of development of new FaceBook app for WinMo.
If any developer/graphic designer wants to join, please feel free to do so
Please reffer to this google code project site:
http://code.google.com/p/xda-winmo-facebook/
To join the group, PM xda member: joe_coolish
Donations:
Promised Fullfilled
sinoo - $10 + $10
thekrautdog - $5
PS: The poll is from the old post. You can still vote on whether you want a new FB app.
Follow updates on Twitter! Use the #xdafb hashtag to spread the word!
Here is an article on what kinds of feedback we're looking for when helping test the public beta: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9227274
[UPDATED 12/7/10]
BETA 4.1!
**update** If you were caught in the infinite automatic-update, things should be fixed now. Also, I forgot to disable the Compose button in the inbox. It will crash the app if clicked on. Hopefully by friday I can have another version that has this part working
Photo Albums! Pictures can now be viewed in XDAFacebook.
Big pictures will open up in the default browser for the time being. Once I make a good photo viewer, I'll replace that.
Also, the settings menu has a whole section dedicated to photos. Feel free to play with the settings, but numerical values == 0 or <0 will cause the app to crash! There is no safty net for this!
There is a number for concurrent image downloads. This number should be between 6-10. Any more can cause slow down, and less and the effect seems non-existant. I've gone as high as 25 and felt pretty good about it. But I haven't dared push it to the limit!
New albums had a few bugs so I held back on this release. It will be coming soon!
Older Posts! Feel free to browse the older posts I've successfully gone about a days worth of posts back w/o any lag.
Searchable Friends List! I added a search box at the top of the friends search list
Memory Management! Special Thanks goes out to Corwin9S. He helped me look at the memory usage. I reduced the CPU cycles by ~30%. It still takes up about 3-6 mbs of RAM. This is caused by Form Allocations, DLL imports, etc. Most of the space is just allocated space that I can't get rid of. I will try to find more ways to make the RAM usage go down, but from what I've been told by some people at MSFT, this numer isn't uncommon or bad. CPU cycles are what count and that's what I'm trying to optimize
GUI fixes! I finished the drop-downs, so they look a little more professional. I also added the numerical counters. There are still more that can be done on them, so I will continue improving their apperance and performance.
Rollup of bug fixes
And finally SPEED!! This version should be the fastest yet. Rendering times are super quick and load times seem to be back to where they belong.
Instructions for Localization:
Please create a blank language file (instructions are above) and edit ONLY the text in between the quote marks "". The quotes need to remain!
Verify that your text doesn't fly off the screen. Anywhere that the text is too long for the graphic, try shortening the word or pick a different one (if that's possible) if not, let me know (via picture) and I'll make the necessary changes.
Once you have a translated file, save it as <Language>.txt and upload it to your device. Place it in the same directory where you got the Blank.txt.
Please share your translations!
ALSO! Since the app will be transforming and new features will be being added, the translation process will be ongoing.
If you click "Create Blank Language File" and you already had an alternate translation loaded and working, the Blank.txt will only have the new strings in english, so you will only need to translate the changes.
Unfortunately, after a couple of hours searching the web and looking at platform SDKs, I have learned that poking is not supported by the Graph or REST APIs (what I use to interact with facebook). I've been looking, and I might be able to hack something that might work, or I could have the option to support Pokes via SMS. I need your feedback. Which option (or both) sounds the best? Does anyone even Poke anymore?!
Wall posting is very basic at the moment. I will be making an advanced text editor that has more options for posting links, privacy settings, etc.
I also changed the road map a little. Let me know if that works for everyone!
Hope everyone likes the new updates!
I also wanted to make a road map of releases leading up to the final release of Version 1.0:
BETA 4.X
This beta release will focus on posting data to Facebook and making sure everything works well.
This beta release will also include newer GUI pieces, such as Inbox!
BETA 5.X
This beta release will focus on Chat!
BETA 6.X
This beta release will focus on App Completeness! Or making sure all the functionality of a full Mobile Client have been implemented
RC 1
This release candidate will focus on Bullet-Proofing! All minor bugs should be worked out
RC 2
This release candidate will only happen if major bugs are discovered in RC 1
Release 1.0
Hopefully all is well!
That is the road map I have planned. I don't anticipate Beta 3 to be out very long (unless there are major bugs). I want to get to beta 4.X as soon as possible. I also might mix and match But that is the proposed roadmap to Release 1.0!
Devices that this beta has been tested on:
HD2 WVGA
BUGS!!!
Authorization should be working, but using the new URL is a lot cleaner (I think). Go here to authorize directly. Once you see the browser transfered to "Success" then try the application again
Friend names that are really long hang off the edge.
I've fixed this bug for the next release, long names will be clipped with Ellipsis
And the status of this beta is:
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ENJOY!
Skinning instructions
Design instructions:
Download screenshots.zip
modifiy images in favorite image editor (that supports .psd and layers)
post concept image in thread/send us the .psd file
(OPTIONAL) Make skin with concept
Skin the XDAFacebook app instructions:
Download zip file
extract all images and place them in the \Program Files\XDAFacebook\Resources folder
launch application
enjoy!
Ok, instructions on how to skin the app are as follows:
Find the image that you want to replace.
Create new image and give it the specific name.
Special "tags" at the end of the name give the image special features.
copy the images to the \Program Files\XDAFacebook\Resources directory
list of tags:
_alpha this will take the first pixel of the image and make it the images "Alpha Channel". Make sure that the image is solid in that color and that there are no artifacts!
_trans_### where ### is a number (ie 200, 100, 10. Not 001). This number represents the total opacity for the image. The higher the number, the more opaque. Range 255-0.
_trans_png. This only works with 24 bit PNG files!!!! This is also very resource intensive, so make this a last option. This will preserve the images alpha channel. It is the only way to make partial transparencies.
List of files: This list will increase and until final release is up for change!
header 480x50
house 50x50
XFPanelHome 480x552
alphabar 50x648
the dimensions are based on 800x480 res screen. If someone wants to experiment and give me dimensions for other resolutions, please do so!
If you have any questions about where these images are, let me know and I'll tell you
Good luck and send me the zip with your skins and I'll post the best ones here
One more expecting a decente facebook app
At this time I just use opera or skyfire cose the MS app is realy useless for me ....
Happy to see someone here. The worst in official facebook app is there is no event for video or apps.
This would be great. I'm really missing a good Facebook app on my lovely HD2.
+1 for a new Facebook app!
+1
im mortified when Blackberry users asked me about FB applications for WM
+1
Any word on developement?
+1 too
+1
new FB application for WM
New apps FB
+1
the current ms FB not worth to use
I could be a waste of time because the microsoft is developing the app too. If they manage to make the app more usable than the coding of the "new" app was useless.
Guys
Didn't you read my post?
I am not the one developing the app. I am not a developer at all.
I jsut wrote appubator an email asking them to make a new FB app for WinMo (since there was a possibility like this). They have not replied ever since though Maybe they did not like the idea.
Maybe we could something to convince them do do the app OR!
Try to make our own application. This place is crowded with talented and awesome coders and graphics so I think we can definitely put something together. What do you people think?
I am graphic myself - If there are coders who decide to do go for it, I would like to help with visage of the app and the overall design and UI.
Who's in the NewFB_Boat? Any coders?
Introduction to development
Hi,
I've start research on the net and found this.
http://developers.facebook.com/docs/guides/mobile/
Actually there is no SDK for Windows Mobile provide by Facebook only for iphone and android.
But there is a lot of explication about how facebook work.
http://developers.facebook.com/docs/api
So the first thing is to wrote ourself a SDK we can use as a library for our program.
I'm going to search if we can exploit official Facebook library instead.
Dude, you are genius
I wonder why FB guys dont include WinMo...maybe they do not find winmo very profitable?
Maybe somone with good marketing knowledge could shed some light on FB management to make understand why WinMo FB app would be great lol
I ve download everything need to start development. Tomorow i ll take a look at this and post some comment.
i have a funny feeling the only reason they show the APIs for Iphone and Android is because the SDKs are open source.
but i would love a fully functional facebook app that would let me do everything, without the limitations of sense or the WM facebook app
Sopis said:
Guys
Didn't you read my post?
I am not the one developing the app. I am not a developer at all.
I jsut wrote appubator an email asking them to make a new FB app for WinMo (since there was a possibility like this). They have not replied ever since though Maybe they did not like the idea.
Maybe we could something to convince them do do the app OR!
Try to make our own application. This place is crowded with talented and awesome coders and graphics so I think we can definitely put something together. What do you people think?
I am graphic myself - If there are coders who decide to do go for it, I would like to help with visage of the app and the overall design and UI.
Who's in the NewFB_Boat? Any coders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi;
I'm one of the founders of appubator.
I really appreciate your interest in our company. Sorry about not responding to your e-mail. We haven't see it come through - which address did you send it to?
We've been following this thread for a while. In short, a deep, detailed app like FB isn't something that we would do. First of all, we likely couldn't charge for it. If we did, its likely that FB or Microsoft would do one better than us and then we're out the time and money to develop it.
We're more about developing many apps (perhaps 100/year), that are smaller and easier to code, and selling them on multiple smartphone platforms.
If you have any ideas for apps you'd like to see - please visit the site at www.appubator.com. Register and submit your ideas. We're reviewing them more quickly and should be able to get back to you pretty quickly with a go/no-go.
Hello igolfchip
I am glad you have responded.
I have sent my APP idea to this address: [email protected] as it was written in the article about your company.
I fully understand you. Well, at least I gave it a shot
I have only one note though - If MS (or FB) would do a better app than you would, why they still havent made it yet?
Hopefully, we will be able to do something.
@Fredz - glad to hear that This all seems it is moving somewhere
*NEWS* Version 1.12 is up on Marketplace! Version 1.13 with social goodies is coming real soon!
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howdy! I need some feedbacks from you guys
At the time I was coding this app, there wasn't any decent shows tracking app out there, so I decided to give back the WP community a little, hence the born of Prime TV.
[Functionalities wise...]
What's new (in version 1.12)?
65% faster load and resume time
Shake to change tile image (paid users only)
Image gallery for shows
More screen captures/images for episodes
Change default genre for shows grouping
Much more stable saving and loading mechanism
Fail safe mechanism to detect missing shows and automatically re-add them
Grouping options and alphabetical sorting option for tv shows
Live tile notification (paid users only, for now)
News feeds integration (general news on main page, show specific news on show page)
Auto mobilized browser for reading news (faster load time and to conserve bandwidth)
Search for missing high quality background on show page (see video)
The core is pretty similar to other apps.
You can follow shows (US, UK, Anime etc) as long as it's in thetvdb.com database.
My efforts in this app are to make it lighting fast and smooth transitions between pages.
It also supports auto timezone correction, so if you're in Australia but following US series, you'll know when it will air on local time.
In the future releases, I've planned to include
Notification system (Graduated)
Mark as watched (Graduated)
Preview trailer (In current version - beta)
JumpList to group episodes by Season number and/or air date (Graduated)
Support more languages (I only know 5 so I might need help from you guys
Social integration (twitter/facebook)
News integration from tv.com etc. (Graduated)
[So the questions are...]
I'd like to hear some feedback from you guys
What do you think about this app?
As a developer or user, what do you like to see in this app?
Don't be shy, request any features you like! I listen to everyone that has something to say!
You can find version 1.10 on Marketplace, and version 1.11 has been submitted for certification just a moment ago (26 April).
App is fast and the layout is pretty sharp, so points for that.
Some negatives: you need "feedback" to let you know you've added a show after you searched it. Right now you tap it and it adds, but you don't know that till you backed out of the search.
The app crashes in trial on a second launch, erasing my 2 saved shows--not sure if that's a limitation or not.
At $0.99, it's not yet there. You might be better offering a "lite" free version with basics (what you have now) and then a paid $0.99 with notifications, etc. Right now though, TVShow Lite is more stable, useful and free even if yours seems a tad faster and nicer (background image).
Hey malatesta, thanks for the feedback.
Sorry about the crash, I investigated into that and it's a bug.
Version 1.2.1 has been submitted with tons of bug fixes, even faster (framerate from 45 to 58) and better transitions.
I'm thinking of making an ad-supported free version with all current functionalities. And ad-free version with notification, mark as watched etc this week. I'm revamping the search page, adding something like "top shows", and of course the "feedback" you mentioned, thanks!
Also I'm thinking of removing the "aired" section, what do you think?
I played with the trial as well
The overall design is nice and pleasing and i like the backgrounds. I cannot comment on the loading since I could only load 2 shows and that's certainly not enough to say anything about loading time/transitions.
I agree with malatesta, when adding from search, you need some sort of way to let me know I have added it - also I would do away with the tap-add, just have a button that specifically adds, because you can imagine the accidental tapping would add a show and that would be annoying.
Panorama view is fine so far. I would personally expect to have only the most important things in pan view: my tv shows - upcoming - missed/aired (although only useful if i can track/check off episodes) - and maybe new/upcoming tv shows
I would also leave adding and news to the bottom as visible buttons and every other function should be hidden in the ... slideout menu
i like clean panoramas that contain only whats really and immediately useful, so that ^ is why i would not prefer to have a panorama page for every function
also the calendar-type view of the date is fine and i would say 24hr format is better, and it would get rid of the am-pm that sits off to the right
and last, i'm personally against ads i avoid apps with ads (except perhaps only to test and then buy or not), they destroy the whole design of the app, so if you want you can make a trial app with very basic functionality (have a look at other apps to see what is considered basic)
this is especially true since your layout is great and pleasing, any ads would make it look horrible
cheers
@nick109, hey thanks a lot for the comment! I'd like to invite you to be official tester of upcoming releases, what do you think? I develop this everyday it's just the annoying certification process that's slowing it down. But having said that you'd have to have a developer account or jailbroken phone to sideload the app though.
I too avoid apps with ads, I don't think putting ads is the way to go. So I'll consider putting ads seriously, at most it'll only appear in trial mode, definitely no way in paid mode.
Currently I'm implementing "mark as watched" feature, so that aired section could be useful. And also JumpList (like in People app you can select the alphabet and quickly jumping to a group) to group episodes by season number and by air date.
Time formatting is really troublesome here, I'm also changing the format according to user preference, e.g. what you set on your phone (region and languages), so this app will have a consistent look and feel.
Lastly, these days seems like social integration is the only way to make app popular, sadly But I'll make the app more solid before adding news/twitter etc.
Again thanks for your reply.
sure i'll gladly test it as best i can and inform you of any bugs i come across
and yes i will have to sideload it
and speaking of ads, i noticed google has released their sdk for wp7, and their design is actually quite great and fits well with the metro ui
news here
I bought the app (1.0) but it's still telling me i am using the trial version and i am unable to add multiple shows... already tried reinstalling/re-buying, no luck. any suggestions?
General suggestions:
- live-tile support as the "all-white" tile does not look so great (would have payed even more for the app with live-tile)
- fix for the "trial mode not being removable"
- maybe a link to "buy app" from within the app to fix the issue?
- as I have a LOT of shows i follow, maybe some way to rate shows or prioritize these
- confirmation once a show was successfully added
really looking forward to some updates and hopefully a fix to my issue!
cheers!
@nick109, thanks! I saw that as well, will definitely experiment it when critical features have been implemented/improved.
@pencilcase, I'm so sorry! I just investigated into that issue and it was totally my fault, an update (1.2.1) is on the way, i think it'll be approved tomorrow. Fortunately I revamped the trial system, it's still only 2 shows allowed on trial, but it won't have that nasty paid version issue. Again I'm sorry.
Good suggestions @pencilcase, I was thinking of using the settings page to allow collection sorting, like according to added time or rating. I have tested adding 20 shows, including America's Next Top Model which has 15 seasons, and it doesn't slow down version 1.2.1 at all.
I'm working on version 1.3.0, which has "Mark as Watched" and grouping system. Today I even bought a $149 developer library (from telerik) just to improve this app! Hopefully you guys will like it!
i gave the 1.2 version another go, i added simpsons which has a lot of seasons and episodes, and it did not lag, so very good on that
i also added Terra Nova, or tried to, but the app didn't respond by adding it, give it a try and see if it happens to you as well
yes, focus on the critical stuff for now, and in the future if you could keep in mind to have a setting to refresh background on each launch, that would be a nice eye candy
@nick109, currently my implementation is to cross reference thetvdb.com and tvrage.com database to find matching series. So that I could pull information from both databases and integrate them together.
That's actually why some series appearing on the selection couldn't actually be added, e.g. if information couldn't be matched.
I'm thinking to go with tvrage.com, they have more solid database, almost 99.99% uptime. And updating mechanism is simpler, plus I could actually implement video trailer for each episode with that database.
I'm implementing this on version 1.3, and a major UI overhaul is coming!
By the way, what do you mean that refreshing background on each launch? Currently it's getting the background of latest upcoming episode. E.g. if The Vampire Diaries has the latest upcoming episode it'll be the background of that, so at first glance you'll instantly know the latest upcoming episode. And if you delete that show (by tap and holding on "collection"), the background will be refreshed to the next upcoming episode.
ah i see now : )
and yes if from tvrage you could implement trailers that would be really nice!
looking forward to it
hey nick109, check out the preview video below, what do you think?
aha now you've done it! good work. have you sent this for approval yet?
thanks! no i haven't. there's still a couple of things i need to do, like manual timezone adjustment, because i don't live in a country with daylight saving, so i don't understand time property as well as others.
as a user, it'll be very frustrating that a tv show tracking app shows all kind of incorrect time, so i'm working on a page for "settings" to manually adjust each tv show.
at the same time i'm also working on live tile notification what do you think of the mockup live tile image below?
good idea for the time part, should help with non local TV series
The live tile looks great - I suppose it will update the picture too? Else I think the today part is unnecessary since it's understood
The new interface looks quite a lot to TVShow !
I bought 'Prime TV'and 'TVShow' and I prefer TVShow largely because he has already 'live tile' (which are updated every night without restarting the application) and converting local times for foreign TV shows. And it has more feature like : subtitles, translation, recaps, pictures
message edited
theoce2n said:
Howdy! I need some feedbacks from you guys
At the time I was coding this app, there wasn't any decent shows tracking app out there, so I decided to give back the WP community a little, hence the born of Prime TV.
[Functionalities wise...]
The core is pretty similar to other apps.
You can follow shows (US, UK, Anime etc) as long as it's in thetvdb.com database.
My efforts in this app are to make it lighting fast and smooth transitions between pages.
It also supports auto timezone correction, so if you're in Australia but following US series, you'll know when it will air on local time.
In the future releases, I've planned to include
Notification system
Mark as watched
Preview trailer
JumpList to group episodes by Season number and/or air date
Support more languages (I only know 5 so I might need help from you guys
Social integration (twitter/facebook)
News integration from tv.com etc.
[So the questions are...]
I'd like to hear some feedback from you guys
What do you think about this app?
As a developer or user, what do you like to see in this app?
Also do you like thetvdb.com database better or tvrage.com?
[Special treatments for XDA...]
If you guys like, I can probably release beta versions to some testers before it hits Marketplace, working on this alone I just can't seem to catch every bug
Don't be shy, request any features you like! I listen to everyone that has something to say!
You can find version 1.0 on Marketplace, and version 1.2.1 has been submitted for certification yesterday (even faster and more reliable).
I've set up a static website just for viewing pleasure, check it out at http://nineverse.com/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You interested in making an app release thread in the Apps and Games section?
mine seems to not be saving shows i add anymore (FIXED by reinstalling)
any news on the new version with live-tile support? really looking forward to that
theoce2n said:
hey nick109, check out the preview video below, what do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys to steal the design of TVShow...
If you tried to add a new contact number from the call history, then you would know the simple task of saving a contact number is very frustrating. Maybe the windows phone team was busy making an entertainment device and forgot that people actually use their smart-phone to do phone thing. To demonstrate, let go through the step of adding a contact and find out if your hair will turn gray during the process. Here we go.
On the call history, users can touch the unsaved contact number (I use a fake btw) and they’ll be presented with its profile and history. To save the number to a new contact, just touch that floppy disk button to save. No sweat, lets move on to screen 3.
“Uhhh, wait what’s going on here? I just need to save the number for cutie Jane. What’s all this crazy choose a contact stuff?”
That was the though when I first encountered this “choose a contact” screen. The confusion was that I just want to add a new contact, not “choosing” some contact. The cryptic “+” button eventually gave way, but I was on that screen longer than I should. New users will be confused and that’s the first usability issue that doesn’t need to be there. Lets go on to screen 4.
“Huh!? why do I need to edit phone number? Where can I enter the first and last name for Jane? WTFWP7!”
By this step the users just want to enter the name of their contact and be done with. This screen by all means is unnecessary. The contact number just came straight from call history, there is no need to edit unless you manually add a new contact from the people hub. Let move on to screen 5 and see if we can enter the name for Jane yet.
“I still can’t enter the name for Jane yet!!???? FFFFFFUUUUUUUUU ”
Inputting the name, if not earlier, should be shown at this step. But instead the users are presented with this summary information. Screen 5 shows the summary of all the information of the contact and the users can edit or additional information. This screen should be logically shown last. Raged level 100%.
Finally after 7 screens, the users can enter the contact and be done. It’s unfortunately 7 screens too many, the users are left provoked. There has got to be a better way to do this.
I propose steps reduction
On screen 3, the new contact option stands out at the top making it easier for people to figure out what to do as far as saving a new contact or merging it to existing contact are concerned. On screen 4, basic information like name, phone, and email are available for users to easily edit. The phone text box are pre-filled. This concept reduced two screen steps and it’s much more user friendly I think.
Further steps reduction will eliminate the screen 3 altogether. Follow below.
When the users decide to save the phone number from screen 2, they will immediately be shown the edit information screen where they can edit and save a new contact profile. If the users want to merge the phone number to an existing contact, the link button on the appbar is available. The link button will open up the contact list and allow the users to select the correct contact they want to link the new number to.
I think concept 2 significantly speed up the simple task of saving a contact and therefore also decrease frustration. Belfiore, please do this.
For now, people will still have to keep on wrestling with the ridiculously strenuous task of saving new phone numbers.
posted at: http://thucnhan.wordpress.com
New year so I decided to start blogging about windows phone. Going to write about rethinking ads display for windows phone and tiles soon.
Actually I didn't understand why it's more ridiculas process as per you.
Instead of clicking on "New Contact" in your screen, I click "+" on existing design.
You don't have to edit the number in the next screen, but you might need to edit what sort of phone number it's (home/mobile/etc..) and the next screen will give options (which can be made more user friendly, here i accept), but this screen should be there. I don't find myself adding 100 contact everyday. I add new contacts (may be 10) in a week and when I create them, I will be happy to enter complete details or ignore unwanted things.
If you didn't know what the + meant, you could have tapped the ... which would reveal what the icon is for.
That is common behavior in the OS. No less intutive as double tapping the button in the iPhone.
As far as editting. Sometimes you do need to edit. If someone calls from work, it may be one outgoing number but everyone has a direct dial.
(123)555-5500 is what is in call history, but to direct dial you may need (123)555-5518
How do you propose adding several numbers at once?
You get the mobile from caller id, but you also want to add home, work, and home and work email to it
Plus means add. Menus are at the bottom of screens. It doesn't get too much clearer.
I feel the exact same way as the OP. Way too many many steps for such a simple task. Another thing that absolutely bugs the hell outta me is no quick access to the dial pad. I hate having to click that tiny dialer icon on the call history page. I would like a pin to tile feature for the dialer or start on the dialer when clicking the phone tile.
Very humorous post, I feel your pain. Loved your mock ups, wish MS would take note.
vdubskey said:
I feel the exact same way as the OP. Way too many many steps for such a simple task. Another thing that absolutely bugs the hell outta me is no quick access to the dial pad. I hate having to click that tiny dialer icon on the call history page. I would like a pin to tile feature for the dialer or start on the dialer when clicking the phone tile.
Very humorous post, I feel your pain. Loved your mock ups, wish MS would take note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download SmartDialer. There's an app for that.
I feel the same.
Furthermore I really feel bothered by not being able to directly make a new contact out of - by text message - received phone number
As I have to contact and get contacted by quite some new and unknown people every day, it would highly increase the efficiency of my work.
Hope there will be a way to do so, soon.
I like to add the country code properly and the formatting, remove all the (,) and - and replace + with 00. Because the first build of windows phone gave problems with calling otherwise (it would call a wrong number). My settings are on EnUS bc of more features on the phone, but I want my numbers in my local formatting not in EnUS. Hence for me the edit screen works well. Of course you can argue all countries should have all features thus no need for reformatting the number manually.
I like having the edit number screen pop up, because I like to get rid of the "1" that gets placed at the beginning.
I don't see the big deal. The very first time I entered a contact, it was a bit of "oh I see, I push this here", after that, since I'm older than 4 years old, I've remembered how and haven't given it a second thought.
I agree with the OP on this one. In my case, there is also an additional screen asking what service to create the contact on (Windows Live or Google). Necessary, but complicated.
It didn't really dawn on me until I was giving someone who recently got the phone my number and watched them stumble through the process.
stan2 said:
“Uhhh, wait what’s going on here? I just need to save the number for cutie Jane. What’s all this crazy choose a contact stuff?”
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your proposal for "New contact" pseudo-contact on top of the list is non-sense, it breaks design guidelines, and is counter-intuitive. (+) bottom menu icon is there already...
?? Hum ?? It's pretty simple for me.
It seems to me a lot of people are concerning the first three screens, what do you guys think of the rest of the process? That's where all the frustration come for me personally. And my proposals deal mainly with reducing the steps.
Maybe it is just you... Those step are just necessary. I don't mind at all.
???
This is very simple.
Wich steps would u remove ?
1 step gives u the option to add the phone number to an existing one or to create a new one.
The next step lets u choose if its a mobile number or maybe a work number or maybe...
Then u get the option to edit all contact details. Maybe u want to add an email or more.
These steps are totally necessary and they should stay the way they are. The Dialpad klicking should be reduced though.
JVH3 said:
Download SmartDialer. There's an app for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should not need an app for that. A phone should go to the dialer when you lick "Phone" not call history. Apps are good, but they should not be a fix for bad design. Simply give the user an option. What pane do you want the phone to go to when you open up the Hub. I'm sure a majority of people would instantly switch that to dialer, too...
N8ter said:
Should not need an app for that. A phone should go to the dialer when you lick "Phone" not call history. Apps are good, but they should not be a fix for bad design. Simply give the user an option. What pane do you want the phone to go to when you open up the Hub. I'm sure a majority of people would instantly switch that to dialer, too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lick your phone? Disgusting. But yeah, Microsoft should redesign that part. I for one would prefer the dialer opening up on tappig "Phone" with call history as an additional button (could replace the current dialer button then).
This is offtopic anyway.
Topic: I see no issues with adding contacts, to be honest. It's simple and works just fine. All I wish was that one was able to add contact information from within an email (from the footer for example).
I completely dissagree with the OP. The plus icon is very apparent to me. All buttons that add/remove/etc are always in the appbar. Then yes you get the option to add their name, email, set a ringtone, etc. I usually add all of that at the same time. Microsoft actually did research as to what most people what to do.
Tap # -> Save -> Plus -> Windows Live (I have a boat load of emails so lets just say I only live Windows Live) -> Save the actual number (great because we get the option to save it as a mobile, home, home 2, work, company, pager, fax and stuff which is great when you use the tell me service) -> And OMG OH NOES I can add their email and name and address while I'm at it (the world is going to end. what a world. I'm melting.) - > and then Save.
Yes it seems like a lot but who care. Most people only go into the contacts once and maybe twice. It really isnt that hard.
It took me a whole 20 seconds to do what I said above. Added a new number, set it as a work #, added first and last name, saved.
sure haven't said:
I like having the edit number screen pop up, because I like to get rid of the "1" that gets placed at the beginning.
I don't see the big deal. The very first time I entered a contact, it was a bit of "oh I see, I push this here", after that, since I'm older than 4 years old, I've remembered how and haven't given it a second thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely agree with this. I actually don't mind the way Microsoft implemented saving a new contact in the OS... it takes me seconds to add a contact. Hit save > hit + > edit the number if you need to (I don't call international directly so I like to take out the +1) > change number type (mobile or home) > save > add name and/or other info > save and done!
Although, I could see the ease of the "Screen 4" concept. Those are the most edited contact details and to have them on one screen would make it easier. You could email the Windows Phone Team your mock-up and explain your reasoning. Maybe they'll like it too and then you could tell the whole world how it was YOUR idea!
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i am fine with the way the add contact in the wp7... most likely MS want to make sure right info is keyed in to the right place... and one thing at a time the os do not have to check for 10 veriable in the saved info (alpha, numaric, free info boxetc...)
as i am using my out look to add my contact and update them to my windows live account so no issues..
Thanks OP. Im glad I'm not the only one that always get frustrated with adding a new contact everytime.
Only when adding a number to an existing FB contact then its much easier.
PRadio is a Windows 8 Store App for Pandora. Unlike IE, this app allows users to stream music from Pandora recommendation service in the background. It works great on tablets such as Microsoft Surface. This app works only in the US. If you want to use it in other countries you need a US based proxy or VPN software such as openvpn.net
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Features Supported
* Add radio stations via the search charm
* Search for Genre, Album, Artist and Songs
* Delete radio stations via the app bar
* Pin radio stations to start menu
* Play/Pause/Skip songs
* Multimedia Keyboard Support
* Support for snapped view and portrait layout.
* History of Songs Played
* Share Song Information with other applications via share charm
* Provide feedback for a song
* Background Streaming
* Support for touch and tablets
To download the released version please visit the Windows Store and search for PRadio or open the following link in IE.
http://bit.ly/Yt9qT5
The app is only available in the US Store, if you are in another country you can switch to the US Store by going to "Control Panel\Clock, Language, and Region\ Change region."
[Update 12/14/2012]:
If you want to try out the latest version that will be available shortly on the store you will need to sideload the app. This version supports background music streaming on Surface RT even when the device is locked (Connected Standby).
Please follow the instructions given below:
1. Download Pandora_0.0.4.8_AnyCPU_Test and unzip to any folder e.g. xyz.
2. Open powershell as an administrator
3. Execute the following commands in powershell
a) set-executionpolicy unrestricted
b) cd xyz\Pandora_0.0.4.8_AnyCPU_Test
c) .\Add-AppDevPackage.ps1
[Note: Installation process might ask you to login to your Microsoft Account which is necessary to get the necessary certificates from the windows store to sign the package]
If you have feedback on the app, please post below.
What is Pandora?
Pandora Internet Radio, an automated music recommendation service and "custodian" of the Music Genome Project whose service in full is only available in the United States, with limited access in Australia and New Zealand. The service plays musical selections similar to song suggestions entered by a user. The user provides positive or negative feedback for songs chosen by the service, which are taken into account for future selections.
Wow, very nicely implemented for a third-party client! The snapped interface is very good as well. The interface when something *else* is snapped (which means it only has about 1040 pixels of width on the Surface) isn't perfect though (usable, but some stuff gets covered).
I'd be happy to sideload and test a new version.
EDIT: A bit more feedback: the app doesn't handle being backgrounded very gracefully. It will stop playing after the current song. I suppose that *could* be intentional, but it's annoying.
GoodDayToDie said:
Wow, very nicely implemented for a third-party client! The snapped interface is very good as well. The interface when something *else* is snapped (which means it only has about 1040 pixels of width on the Surface) isn't perfect though (usable, but some stuff gets covered).
I'd be happy to sideload and test a new version.
EDIT: A bit more feedback: the app doesn't handle being backgrounded very gracefully. It will stop playing after the current song. I suppose that *could* be intentional, but it's annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the feedback, I just posted instructions to sideload the new version.
It should not stop playing after the current song, this is not intentional. Can you send me the following PRadioInformation.log file which should be present in
%appdata%\..\Local\Packages\28268splashtetra.PRadio_80qntxqrmk3vj\LocalState folder
Sorry, I should correct myself: it won't start the next song if the screen is off. Turning the screen on by itself won't start playing agian, either; you either have to use the media control and hit Play, or log in and have the app at least partially in the foreground.
If you still need the log I'll post it here in a bit.
GoodDayToDie said:
Sorry, I should correct myself: it won't start the next song if the screen is off. Turning the screen on by itself won't start playing agian, either; you either have to use the media control and hit Play, or log in and have the app at least partially in the foreground.
If you still need the log I'll post it here in a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a Surface RT or an ARM based tablet? If yes, I believe it is going into connected standby. In connected standby, windows does not let the app get the next playlist. I need to use a different set of API to support this scenario. As soon as I get hold of an ARM tablet I will add support for this. If this is not an ARM based tablet then please send me the logs.
GoodDayToDie said:
Sorry, I should correct myself: it won't start the next song if the screen is off. Turning the screen on by itself won't start playing agian, either; you either have to use the media control and hit Play, or log in and have the app at least partially in the foreground.
If you still need the log I'll post it here in a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi GoodDayToDie or any Surface RT user,
I have created a new version 0.3.3 of the PRadio which hopefully should work in your machine. Can you give it a try? I do not own one yet so I cannot try it myself.
Instructions are given below.
Thanks
Instructions:
1. Download Pandora_0.0.3.3_AnyCPU_Test and unzip to any folder e.g. xyz.
2. Open powershell as an administrator
3. Execute the following commands in powershell
a) set-executionpolicy unrestricted
b) cd xyz\Pandora_0.0.3.3_AnyCPU_Test
c) .\Add-AppDevPackage.ps1
[Note: It might ask you to login to your Microsoft Account that is necessary to get the necessary certificates to sign the package]
Thanks! Yes, I'm using Surface RT. I'm sideloading your app now and will report later.
EDIT: Works fine! I had to uninstall the current (store) version first, but it preserved my configuration (you using the roaming AppData?) so that was no problem.
The music playback did cut out eventually, but I'm guessing that's intentional (just the "are you still there?" check, perhaps) since it was after an hour or so of inactivity, and as soon as I brought he app forward again it resumed. I'm on a free account, BTW (used to subscribe, but between them not creating a WP7 app and the advantages of Zune Pass instead, I let it lapse).
One piece of feedback: you could put a lot more info on the About page. Version would be good, for example, and I didn't actually see attribution for the CC-licensed artwork, just a mention that it was CC-BY. Other than that, love it!
Seems to be working all nice and proper for me now too, on RT.
Eats far less CPU than letting IE run in desktop mode.
Edit: Every once in a while there seems to be a delay for it loading the next song of 30-45 seconds. Not critical, just noting.
Edit2: More feedback.
1) I can't forward to the next song from the volume menu.
2) It seems to stop playing after an hour and a half or so, on a Pandora One account.
3) It'd be nice if it could remember the last station and start playing on launch
4) Related, it'd be nice if it automatically logged in on launch, not sending you to the login screen. Perhaps a settings option to clear the stored user settings, and make it log in automatically?
5) I suspect this is more of an OS issue, but outputting through a USB sound card and putting the device to sleep causes the audio to become garbled and broken.
6) The formatting seems to be a bit off in portrait mode, the 'Log Out' button on the top clips over the station name, and there's a considerable amount of deadspace at the bottom of the screen (probably a good 1/3 of the screen is wasted)
And, are the advertisements on it yours or Pandora's? If they're Pandora's, it'd be nice if you could detect if it's a Pandora One account.
does this work for cdn. IP addresses? regular pandora won't let cdn IP users
i know on android, you have to use ORBIT something app, forgot the name, and on iphone you use that hot shield free VPN
Thanks for the feedback GoodDayToDie & netham45.
The music playback did cut out eventually, but I'm guessing that's intentional (just the "are you still there?" check, perhaps) since it was after an hour or so of inactivity
>> I know why it fails to play after an hour....Connected Standby, I will fix this in the next release.
>> you could put a lot more info on the About page. Version would be good, for example, and I didn't actually see attribution for the CC-licensed artwork, just a mention that it was CC-BY
I will add version in About page. Currently if you run the app and in taskmanager search pandora.exe, right-click and go to properties you can see the version. I will add attribution too. Good catch!!
>> I can't forward to the next song from the volume menu.
Forwarding is currently disabled as Pandora does limit the number of skips after some time. If a users keeps on skipping he/she will eventually hit this limit and there is no UI to message this to the user. This also prevented my app to be certified in the store so i decided to disable it for now till i figure out a better way to deal with this.
It'd be nice if it could remember the last station and start playing on launch
Good feedback, I will add in the next release.
Related, it'd be nice if it automatically logged in on launch, not sending you to the login screen. Perhaps a settings option to clear the stored user settings, and make it log in automatically?
Currently it should automatically login based on the credentials stored on the machine. Do you want a way to clear the settings?
I suspect this is more of an OS issue, but outputting through a USB sound card and putting the device to sleep causes the audio to become garbled and broken
Interesting....Thanks for reporting it. I would need to get hold of a USB sound card to try this out. Was this on the RT device?
The formatting seems to be a bit off in portrait mode, the 'Log Out' button on the top clips over the station name, and there's a considerable amount of deadspace at the bottom of the screen (probably a good 1/3 of the screen is wasted)
Thanks Log Out button should not have appeared. Will fix it and i will try to make better use of the real estate.
And, are the advertisements on it yours or Pandora's? If they're Pandora's, it'd be nice if you could detect if it's a Pandora One account.
The advertisements are mine...Not Pandora's maybe i can reduce the number of advertisements if that is a big eye sore. Thanks again for the feedback.
cobyman7035 said:
does this work for cdn. IP addresses? regular pandora won't let cdn IP users
i know on android, you have to use ORBIT something app, forgot the name, and on iphone you use that hot shield free VPN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use any VPN software to connect to US based server (I tried openvpn.net although has a data limit) you should be able to use the app to listen to pandora via the app. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
hsalps said:
Thanks for the feedback GoodDayToDie & netham45.
Related, it'd be nice if it automatically logged in on launch, not sending you to the login screen. Perhaps a settings option to clear the stored user settings, and make it log in automatically?
Currently it should automatically login based on the credentials stored on the machine. Do you want a way to clear the settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sends me to the login screen most of the time when I launch it, or if I come back to it if it's been inactive for 5-6 hours.
hsalps said:
Thanks for the feedback GoodDayToDie & netham45.
I suspect this is more of an OS issue, but outputting through a USB sound card and putting the device to sleep causes the audio to become garbled and broken
Interesting....Thanks for reporting it. I would need to get hold of a USB sound card to try this out. Was this on the RT device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm using RT, though further testing shows that I get the same result no matter what music app I use, so I blame the OS.
netham45 said:
It sends me to the login screen most of the time when I launch it, or if I come back to it if it's been inactive for 5-6 hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send me the PRadioInformation.log file which should be present in %appdata%\..\Local\Packages\28268splashtetra.PRadi o_80qntxqrmk3vj\LocalState folder? This should help me understand why it is not saving the password on RT.
netham45 said:
Yes I'm using RT, though further testing shows that I get the same result no matter what music app I use, so I blame the OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you also give details of the USB audio device like Manufacturer, Version etc? I will report this to Microsoft.
Superb app good sir! lives on my second monitor if not just for the cool background
Thanks!
cammykool said:
Superb app good sir! lives on my second monitor if not just for the cool background
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks cammykool!!
why not put it up in the windows store?
The previous version is actually already up there. We've been helping test the next release, at which point hsalps will presumably release a store update.
hsalps said:
Can you send me the PRadioInformation.log file which should be present in %appdata%\..\Local\Packages\28268splashtetra.PRadi o_80qntxqrmk3vj\LocalState folder? This should help me understand why it is not saving the password on RT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to get it to replicate it now. =/
hsalps said:
Can you also give details of the USB audio device like Manufacturer, Version etc? I will report this to Microsoft.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried it with two Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 headsets and a generic unlabeled USB audio card.
so im using a test build?
cammykool said:
why not put it up in the windows store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The store guys are approving the latest version of the app right now (Takes 7 days ). I will update this thread when it is available on the windows store. The older release is already in the store.