Barcode scanner, offline (no internet connection needed) - Windows Phone 7 Software Development

Hi guys.
Who wanted a free barcode scanner? Here we are...
No network connection needed; app based on zxing library and Kevin Marshall's (from Clarity Consulting, can't remember his blog url now) code.
I just slightly modified the original code and added a few (probably useful but not sure ) services.
App interface is very simple: run application, focus on barcode, and wait until code is recognized. Touch handset screen to run recognition again.
Buttons description:
- "Save" saves captured barcode to jpeg;
- "Bing" and "Google" used for barcode web lookup (probably this part needs more work)
- "Mail" and "SMS" used for sending recognized code text.
Enjoy!
UPDATE 1: v 1.1, auto focus added;
UPDATE 2: v 1.2, orientation-less UI added, project moved to opensource at googlecode: http://code.google.com/p/barcodescan/
UPDATE 3: v 1.2.1, slightly changed autofocus logic, now works better on HTC. Download link: http://barcodescan.googlecode.com/files/BarcodeScanner.xap
UPDATE 4: v 1.2.2
- barcode search improved;
- added HTC detection, changes in autofocus logic;
http://barcodescan.googlecode.com/files/BarcodeScanner_1.2.2.xap

Is this a marketplace app?

sensboston said:
Hi guys.
Who wanted a free barcode scanner? Here we are...
No network connection needed; app based on zxing library and Kevin Marshall's (from Clarity Consulting, can't remember his blog url now) code.
I just slightly modified the original code and added a few (probably useful but not sure ) services.
App interface is very simple: run application, focus on barcode, and wait until code is recognized. Touch handset screen to run recognition again.
Buttons description:
- "Save" saves captured barcode to jpeg;
- "Bing" and "Google" used for barcode web lookup (probably this part needs more work)
- "Mail" and "SMS" used for sending recognized code text.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to get it to do anything. It says 'Scanning...' and I'm trying different distances to codes, but nothing ever happens. Any pointers?

Is this limited to any country or is it just reading out what the barcode says?

OK, lets go through step by step:
- it's not a marketplace app and have no chance to be published 'cause it uses undocumented camera API; you should download and unpack attachment and sideload the app;
- if you can't capture the barcode, try better lighting. Also, move a handset to autofocus camera. In my tests the scanner captured 100% of barcodes: from books, computer part boxes, foodstuff...
- it's not limited to US 'cause (I believe) the barcodes are international. And yes, it's just reads the barcode; however you may bing or google results, in the most cases search engines able to find product/book description or specifications.
It's a very basic scanner; if someone can recommend online API/service to parse barcode value, I can add it to the program (but I really do not want to spend much time for this)

It technically works but the issue is lack of AF or Macro access.
On my Focus, it only works if I scan a barcode off of my PC (do an image search for one) --then it's super fast and quick.
Books, CDs, etc. do not work, regardless of lighting or distance--I suspect because the camera is not trying to AF. Any work around to that?

I've tested first on HTC Surround - work perfect (I can prove). But you've right about Focus'es bad autofocus (LOL, sound nonsense - "Focus have no autofocus"!).
Will see what I can do... Any other suggestions or wishes (about barcode lookup, UI, etc.)?
P.S. Fixed (reload version from the first post), now working good on Samsung Focus.

sensboston said:
I've tested first on HTC Surround - work perfect (I can prove). But you've right about Focus'es bad autofocus (LOL, sound nonsense - "Focus have no autofocus"!).
Will see what I can do... Any other suggestions or wishes (about barcode lookup, UI, etc.)?
P.S. Fixed (reload version from the first post), now working good on Samsung Focus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boom.
Working great on Focus now. Nice job. Think I'll try an LG next... bwahaha
As far as changes, no none right now. I'm sure what other apps use for barcode price comparisons--but perhaps a tie into Amazon or eBay would be good. Too bad you can't just jack into ShopSavvy's system with it, lol. If I think of any, will post back.
Edit: Working on LG Quantum too!

sensboston said:
I've tested first on HTC Surround - work perfect (I can prove). But you've right about Focus'es bad autofocus (LOL, sound nonsense - "Focus have no autofocus"!).
Will see what I can do... Any other suggestions or wishes (about barcode lookup, UI, etc.)?
P.S. Fixed (reload version from the first post), now working good on Samsung Focus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, 1.0 wasn't upside down, but 1.1 is upside down on my Focus. Anyone else see this?

davux said:
hmm, 1.0 wasn't upside down, but 1.1 is upside down on my Focus. Anyone else see this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Fine on my Focus. It does work with accelerometer, you sure that isn't it?

Works well on my HD7! Great job! Hopefully it will tie in with Amazon and save previous searches within the app etc

sensboston said:
Hi guys.
Who wanted a free barcode scanner? Here we are...
No network connection needed; app based on zxing library and Kevin Marshall's (from Clarity Consulting, can't remember his blog url now) code.
Enjoy!
UPDATE: v 1.1, auto focus added;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any interest in releasing the source? I may have some time to improve upon this a bit, but I'd rather not start from scratch (or step on any toes re-creating virtually the same thing).
malatesta said:
Nope. Fine on my Focus. It does work with accelerometer, you sure that isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call, I was holding it strangely every time I opened it before. It works great.

davux said:
Do you have any interest in releasing the source? I may have some time to improve upon this a bit, but I'd rather not start from scratch (or step on any toes re-creating virtually the same thing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not? I'm really do not have time for that project...
Here we are: http://code.google.com/p/barcodescan/
Send me a PM with your gmail and I'll add you to the project contributors. Do not forget comment each commit, increment solution version and promptly build community release (and upload xap to the project's download page!) - and you allset
BTW, there are many things to improve: better UI (completely orientation-less), additional functionality - commit found barcodes to database etc. etc. etc.

Please review and follow these rules, it appears you aren't following them, you most likely aren't following the template. So fix it quick . It is not a harsh criticism, it is just for consistency and better for the user. PM me for help or support!
If this post is here and your thread is closed, it means that you aren't following them and your intentions are for gain only.​
~~Tito~~

problem htc hd7
how do i copy this scanner programme to my htc hd7
i really hate this phone i had a htc touch pro 2 and it was far better can someone help me out here and also if some one can teach me how to customize personal ringtone would be great

Thx for the code. Really usefull to learn from this
Sometimes when you scan a barcode and touch the screen to start again. After a few seconds it stops and shows the last barcode again.
It looks like the UI thread is catching up scanning some images. How to get rid of this?

ajhvdb said:
It looks like the UI thread is catching up scanning some images. How to get rid of this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I don't have a time for that application now but it should be significantly refactored.If you want you may join the project and continue development, we can share some ideas for app improvement etc.
As for problem u described, you should play with the different capture resolutions or give some hardcoded "pause" to recognition library Also, MS camera API (still not officially allowed) is not documented and very poor... However it's a great field for experiments and hacks

Thanks! That works great on my HD7.

~~Tito~~ said:
Please review and follow these rules, it appears you aren't following them, you most likely aren't following the template. So fix it quick . It is not a harsh criticism, it is just for consistency and better for the user. PM me for help or support!
If this post is here and your thread is closed, it means that you aren't following them and your intentions are for gain only.​
~~Tito~~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please follow up on this!

sensboston said:
Sorry, I don't have a time for that application now but it should be significantly refactored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not that experienced in multiple threads. Do you think the problem is in the Zxing lib?
Looking at the code the Zxing lib should have a completed event from which you can restart or show the image.
This code works but is racing and racing in the UI thread and after finding a barcode and restarting it looks like something from a buffer is used..
Code:
private void GrabFrame()
{
Dispatcher.BeginInvoke(() =>
{
if (_Camera != null && CameraVisualizer.Visibility == Visibility.Visible)
{
WriteableBitmap wb = new WriteableBitmap(640, 480);
_Camera.GetCurrentFrame(wb);
wb.Invalidate();
ScanBarcode(wb);
wb.DisposeIfPossible();
GrabFrame();
}
});
}

Related

[XAP] LG ScanSearch (patched for all models)

Hey everyone
Saw a few people were looking for a patched version of the ScanSearch application that ships with LG phones (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=912217). I popped open reflector and modified it enough that it now launches on my non LG device.
[LINK]
@mods: if you want me to take the link down, please edit this out. PM me if the link disappears
Cheers
Oh, just so you know, you will have to use this tool to install it. You will need to tick the "Replace assembly signatures" and "Remove DRM" options for it to work correctly.
now thats a great app, thanks
Here are links to:
ScanSearch
Toolbox
Photo Stylist
LooknType
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10623038&postcount=34
All apps I have tested yesterday on my OMNIA 7.
Deploy them with Xap Deployer V1.4 and mark the checkboxes...
Can you patch Panorama Shot too?
hm, it always direcing to east is bad..but otherwise its a great app...perhaps you can fix the issue of it always facing east?
Yes in scan search, compass does not work on hd2 hd7. stays in one direction.
Should be possible to make some kind of bridge that intercepts the calls to the non-existent LG driver and return it meaningful compass data, right? I don't quite have the knowledge to do it myself, but if you can mess with it enough so that it doesn't check if it's on an LG phone, it should be possible to direct it at a different DLL...
I don't get it, it's missing all the features but one.
The app can also scan CDs, books, movie posters, bar codes, etc. and none of that is here. It should have a list of icons on the left hand side to toggle between these, yet when installed on HD7 and Focus, it's all gone (I have LG Quantum too, so I can compare).
malatesta said:
I don't get it, it's missing all the features but one.
The app can also scan CDs, books, movie posters, bar codes, etc. and none of that is here. It should have a list of icons on the left hand side to toggle between these, yet when installed on HD7 and Focus, it's all gone (I have LG Quantum too, so I can compare).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This functionality might have been implemented in an update? The only XAP I got to patch was the v1.0.0.0 ripped from the ROM. If you have a newer XAP, and post it, I'll be all to happy to update my site and post.
Strike that, I did patch the latest version. Will look into it.
Patched it, download from the same URL as before. It was a carrier check, meaning that only certain US Carriers could access those features. Now granted all devices the same supportedFeatures value.
If someone has a way of getting the orientation of other devices, I'm happy to give it a go, see if I can tweak it to a degree.
doesnt work, additional features are still not available for barcodes etc.
won't install on my focus
There's a Samsung Compass Homebrew library out there, which might be usable for this app with a bit of hacking. I've never tried it, though. Download the source for the "Functional Webserver" and it's in there.
as there is a htc compass app out now there, too.
someone interested in making a scansearch app with support for all devices?
ScanSearch is nice... Panorama shot is man oh man... so much better. I would say of the bunch its is the best... Also I get a manifest error...
ryotgz said:
won't install on my focus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine either now it appears - Resign File with valid WP manifest...
jessiethe3rd said:
ScanSearch is nice... Panorama shot is man oh man... so much better. I would say of the bunch its is the best... Also I get a manifest error...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah panorama shot is awesome app
why is none else able to code such thing...
wheres the files?
Works on my Dell Venue Pro....
Thanks : D
Edit: it loads, but it lok like it hasn't got access to the compass, because moving the phone does not move the compass in the scansearch app...

Special Marketplace for WP7 applications

Hi there,
I found today a website which contains all applications for WP7. You can use specific filters like language, price and category. You can also get statistics about WP7 apps. I think it's better than wp7applist because very simple and intuitive. It's easier to find applications.
http://www.windowsphoneapplist.com
Very nice, I like!
Thanks for sharing!
Great place !
thanks for sharing
Similar sites for WP7 apps
CyKin said:
Hi there,
I found today a website which contains all applications for WP7. You can use specific filters like language, price and category. You can also get statistics about WP7 apps. I think it's better than wp7applist because very simple and intuitive. It's easier to find applications.
http://www.windowsphoneapplist.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like clone of this site http://www.monsmartphone.net/marketplace/
I don't like them both because out of date information in WP7 programs descriptions, screen shots.
There is also no information about the date of the application update.
Both http://wp7applist.com/ and http://www.marketplacebrowser.com contains more adequate information about programs, but not good for browsing.
They very good when you want to read info about the particular program.
http://www.appsfuze.com/ also has filters by category, free or paid app.
Good for browsing, but I'm not sure in their statistics info.
Also out of date info related to the applications screen shots.
Wrong text formatting in app description.
Of course, all above IMHO
Please keep discussion threads out of the app release section
I will move this to WP7 General.
~~Tito~~
Yet another site for WP7 apps
I've found another site for WP7 applications:
http://wpappshub.com
IMHO it is not so good for apps browsing, but contains actual information about published or updated programs.
s_v_l said:
It looks like clone of this site monsmartphone.net/marketplace/
I don't like them both because out of date information in WP7 programs descriptions, screen shots.
There is also no information about the date of the application update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello s_v_l,
I'm in charge of development of monsmartphone.net & windowsphoneapplist. I've attached importance to your post and the main bugs are corrected. All apps are now updated directly. The update job will take about 24 hours, so tomorrow you will see the good prices & informations. If you have any suggestion, pm me
MrDesch said:
Hello s_v_l,
I'm in charge of development of monsmartphone.net & windowsphoneapplist. I've attached importance to your post and the main bugs are corrected. All apps are now updated directly. The update job will take about 24 hours, so tomorrow you will see the good prices & informations. If you have any suggestion, pm me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi MrDesch,
You're the only one of the owners of WP7 sites who responded to my criticism.
Thanks.
I present my point of view, as a developer.
We both have a common goal - give the user the ability to make the right choice by the shortest way.
Currently there are near the 7600 applications on the WP7 marketplace.
Very good, but most of them weak and a great risk WP7 marketplace transformation to the garbage place.
I am disappointed with Microsoft in this regard.
I will not even talk about the lack of moderation of false feedback, about black PR, etc., etc.
Sorry for off topic.
More details about your sites tomorrow in PM.
Thanks again.
here is another one
http://wp7.apphab.com/
i like to use http://wp7applist.com/
webwalk® said:
here is another one
http://wp7.apphab.com/
i like to use http://wp7applist.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://wp7.apphab.com/ good.
Contains actual info about applications.
IMHO need New,Update,Free,Paid,Price Change view by category.
windowsphoneapplist has been updated. What do you think about the new design ?
MrDesch said:
windowsphoneapplist has been updated. What do you think about the new design ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks good, in WP7 style
Some problem with the text overlapping at the upper right corner.
The main problems:
1. The out of date information in the app description and screen shots.
2. Wrong info about pricing!
Actual info about my app:
http://wp7.apphab.com/gps4me-by-sergei-v-lepitko/
Your info
http://www.windowsphoneapplist.com/gps4me-a4094.html
Also I can suggest add filter for paid applications too for better browsing.
For example I'm interesting on paid applications only and want to browse them in different category.
(BTW if you check both Free & Trial you will discard ~50% applications)
Thanks for your feedback s_v_l !
What kind of problem did you have with the text overlapping ? It works for me with ie, chrome and firefox.
I found the bug (the last I hope ) It's now corrected. Sry Sry !
Good suggestion for paid apps.
MrDesch said:
Thanks for your feedback s_v_l !
What kind of problem did you have with the text overlapping ? It works for me with ie, chrome and firefox.
I found the bug (the last I hope ) It's now corrected. Sry Sry !
Good suggestion for paid apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Text on the background image overlaps the top banner and right menu block.
See attached screen shots for home window and product window.
I'm using Firefox 3.6.13
2. IMHO download button should be detached from the ads block,
because end user may be confused by the info on that ads.
(this is against google rules related to the ads placement)
Also would be better to make accent on download button by color (light green).
See my other screen shots for product download section and my suggestion with detached button.
3. Price info fixed, but info in the program description and program screen shots still out of date.
s_v_l said:
1. Text on the background image overlaps the top banner and right menu block.
See attached screen shots for home window and product window.
I'm using Firefox 3.6.13
2. IMHO download button should be detached from the ads block,
because end user may be confused by the info on that ads.
(this is against google rules related to the ads placement)
Also would be better to make accent on download button by color (light green).
See my other screen shots for product download section and my suggestion with detached button.
3. Price info fixed, but info in the program description and program screen shots still out of date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Ok thanks
2. I don't think it's a problem for Google. The ad is just highlighted but for me there is no confusion. Good idea for the button.
3. Have you updated the numbers of the version ?
MrDesch said:
...
3. Have you updated the numbers of the version ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s_v_l said:
...
Actual info about my app:
http://wp7.apphab.com/gps4me-by-sergei-v-lepitko/
Your info
http://www.windowsphoneapplist.com/gps4me-a4094.html
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See differences both in textual app description and screen shots.
It's done !
MrDesch said:
It's done !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much better than initial view.
App description has been updated properly.
Good idea with "video" section and clickable links in description.
Some problems still exist:
1. Incorrect screen shots update, see attached images.
a)your screen shots set;
b)original screen shots and their order, as they published on WP7 hub (7 items)
2. And text overlapping looks not good (third image in attachment)
Some words about app submitting logic on the WP7 hub.
When developer submit new application or update app to the new version all published data could be changed.
After publication on the WP7 marketplace developer has the ability to correct price information only for current publication. All other data remain the same.
Thanks
All images are in your cache browser. You have to clear it to see the actual screenshots. The text overlapping is alse corrected. It's not perfect but it looks better on high resolution
Yes, I know about that. Thanks s_v_l

Multitasking on wp7

Have a look at this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jipqNtc_PPU&feature=player_embedded
Our own developer Jaxbot is up to his tricks again, and this time, it's paid off: Finder of a hack that brought instant resuming to Windows Phone 7, he has been developing a full fast app switching/multitasking solution for Windows Phone 7.
Shown in the video above, the preview of the application is triggered by pressing the half shutter button (pressing the camera button halfway, not to the point where the camera would launch), and allows the user to jump between desired applications. The applications run in the background to a degree, as shown with the timer, and no time is required to bring the applications back from their background state. It's all very technical, but rest assure that he will be sharing some more details in the future.
Keep in mind the application is a preview-the interface and how it functions may very well change before release, and no release date is available. But if you're interested in having it on your device, share some thoughts about how you think it should look, function, etc, in the comments below.
Without further ado, watch the video above for a demonstration of fast app switching on Windows Phone 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source
Yeah, checked the article out yesterday. Hopefully he'll be releasing something to everyone soon. It's the one thing I'm dying without No third party alarms (as the one MS provides kind of blows) and all this resuming nonsense is becoming slightly annoying.
That looks pretty slick! Would love to see this one in the wild soon, now if I could only get Pandora I would be set.
kwill said:
Yeah, checked the article out yesterday. Hopefully he'll be releasing something to everyone soon. It's the one thing I'm dying without No third party alarms (as the one MS provides kind of blows) and all this resuming nonsense is becoming slightly annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its still work in progress, there are limitations... people work as hard as they can to overcome these limitations and make it work for all devices.
Currently I believe its not possible to automatically find the titles of the running apps, so they are manually added (hardcoded) however they can find the paths to the files... so the remaining thing is getting access to the files in these paths to extract the title and tile image.
However what you see really works, its real and should work with every app once this is accomplished.
Marvin_S said:
Its still work in progress, there are limitations... people work as hard as they can to overcome these limitations and make it work for all devices.
Currently I believe its not possible to automatically find the titles of the running apps, so they are manually added (hardcoded) however they can find the paths to the files... so the remaining thing is getting access to the files in these paths to extract the title and tile image.
However what you see really works, its real and should work with every app once this is accomplished.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the insight on the operation and the obstacles they have to overcome. I'll be monitoring for any progress or assistance I can provide. Although, I'm sure my non-expert help won't be of much help.
kwill said:
Thanks a lot for the insight on the operation and the obstacles they have to overcome. I'll be monitoring for any progress or assistance I can provide. Although, I'm sure my non-expert help won't be of much help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can monitor here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1006331
and here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1021135
btw I have nothing to do with the developments, I was just excited by the news and kept contact with Jaxbot who made this app/video with the code wrapper provided by fiinix
Looks great! I like the idea of a half shutter press. Very elegant solution.
Want that app!
Is this app on the video released?????? I can't find any link to download, although it was introduces about 2 years

Kin Twom (Original OS) [Pros and Cons]

Pros
-The Spot (Ability to "copy-n-paste" contacts/links/images/videos into e-mail/sms.)
-Search has ability to search internet (bing)
-Better Camera Quality (Better FPS and Quality) [unconfirmed]
Cons
-Discontinued Loop, Microsoft discontinued the Cloud which powers the Loop
-No Calculator
-No Calendar
-[reverting in general] deletes EVERYTHING off of your device
-Non-Functioning Kin Studio (FaceBook/Twitter)
-Non-Functioning RSS Feeds (Requires working Loop Server)
-Non-Functioning Help (Doesn't load website)
-Phone Set-up doesn't finish (use SHIFT+ALT+L to skip)
-Spot's function to Upload doesn't work (Requires Facebook/Twitter working..)
Other Notes:
##PROGRAMMITT menu has following changes:
-Import contacts only has option to import contacts, no export.
-Other menu (USB MODE) has only 2 settings for USB, PPro and USB Pass-Through. Also no option for logging.
Web Browsing Changes:
-Youtube doesn't play saying "rtsp://v1.cache1.c.youtube.com/*random stufff here* This link's protocol isn't supported."
-MP4's don't play.
Settings App Changes:
-Ability to enable "Location Services"
-Ability to Auto-Sync (Doesn't work)
-Ability to Update Phone (Doesn't work)
-Phone settings has ability to turn on Roaming and set it to particular network (Channel A, Channel B, or Preferred network)
-No ability to set phone's brightness.
-App Setup (Includes Social networks [don't work], E-mail [Exchange doesn't work], and browser [Has ability to change between optimized or desktop browsing experience].
Thanks to: fazi13, and myself TROLOLOLOL.
I've noticed that "loop" acts as a web page... Maybe Original KinOS is exploitable. Can someone run tests on Original OS? I have a feeling that it has a weakness.
We dont really know what the inner differences are yet, so who knows.
The only thing that could help is the case where the original OS had some kind of exploitable app/config.
And you can always disable the air data thing. I never had it enabled (although i didnt use the phone to call).
johnkussack said:
We dont really know what the inner differences are yet, so who knows.
The only thing that could help is the case where the original OS had some kind of exploitable app/config.
And you can always disable the air data thing. I never had it enabled (although i didnt use the phone to call).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I guess i'll downgrade and check it out. I really need RSS feed, im tired of using google reader.
I meant that i used the airplane mode and i dont have CDMA coverage, so beware of what you do. I couldnt be charged cause of no network.
johnkussack said:
I meant that i used the airplane mode and i dont have CDMA coverage, so beware of what you do. I couldnt be charged cause of no network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But there's no Kin Studio.. How can I be charged for transferring data to something that doesn't exist?
Pros
-The Spot
Cons
-Discontinued Loop, Microsoft discontinued the Cloud which powers the Loop
-No Calculator
-No Calendar
-[reverting in general] deletes EVERYTHING off of your device
-Non-Functioning Kin Studio (FaceBook/Twitter)
Basically, all you really get is the Spot which helps you send photos and videos a bit. But, no calculator or calendar application is very annoying. AND, your device may NOT be compatible with downgrading. Please visit forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1049473 for more information about device downgrade compatibility.
Updated OP with info I have collected and Info that was given to me.
Antonpup said:
Pros
-Better Camera Quality (Better FPS and Quality)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quality?
How's that decided?
greenlndr said:
Quality?
How's that decided?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app runs alot smoother. And Quality is done by comparing two pictures. One taken on 1.0.1 OS and one taken on 1.0 OS.
I will be upgrading today. I can take a few sample pics and see accurate comparison.
I would like to see the comparison so can you post them up?
4LC4PON3 said:
I would like to see the comparison so can you post them up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I havent done the comparison yet. I looks better quality. But i will do compariso pictures today.

[TOOL] AppThwack - Easily test apps on real devices we host

Hi, I'm Trent and I co-created AppThwack, a service for on-demand automated testing of Android apps on real devices. Basically, you upload an apk and a couple minutes later you get screenshots and logcat dumps from actual phones and tablets we host.
Beta Users Needed
We're currently looking for devs to join our private beta. You can message me or sign up on our website and I'll get a beta code to you shortly. We're trying to stress the system and make additions/adjustments so the service is as useful as possible for developers.
Current Features
Real phones and tablets: About 20 high- and low-end devices and we add a few more every week.
Fast: See results in real time. Full test runs on all devices takes a minute or two to complete.
Selectable default tests: Install, launch, UI Monkey, Cleanup
Configurable tests: For example, specify the number of UI Monkey events and seed the randomizer
JUnit including Robotium support via uploaded test packages
Screenshots in portrait and landscape on all devices
Logcat and filterable logcat viewer
High-level results sortable by device or test
Full stack-traces for any exception that occurs
Future
We're working on adding more test frameworks like monkeyrunner and more default tests, particularly performance tests that measure battery consumption, CPU usage, etc. We're also adding more data visualization and charting so it's easy to see what some of the gathered statistics mean.
We plan to launch soon, but the beta program will remain in effect even after that. The service will follow a freemium model. Again, the beta is free and we're going to keep it in place even after we eventually launch.
Inter-device automation
Our back-end supports device-to-device automation, so if you have an app or scenario that you'd like to test that involves multiple devices or interaction with other devices, even non-Android devices, let me know. We're looking for people to help us develop how this service will be exposed.
Edit: I can't post links, but if you search for "appthwack" you'll find it. Btw, I've apparently lurked since October, 2008. Yikes.
Just wondering will this support of testing apps that require root?
Also any chance we can see like a live pic of the device when it installs the app and opens it?
Sent from my VS910 4G using xda premium
motodroidfreak said:
Just wondering will this support of testing apps that require root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now it does not and all of our phones are as close to stock as possible. I'll look into making it an option so we automatically root before your app installs and then un-root after the tests are complete. Root opens up some new possibilities, both good and bad, so I'll need to think about it.
motodroidfreak said:
Also any chance we can see like a live pic of the device when it installs the app and opens it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! The launch test takes a screenshot in both landscape and portrait. You can see all screenshots sorted by device by clicking "By Device" or "By Test" and clicking the "Screenshots" link in the blue box at the top.
Screenshots also show up in each launch test log so you can see the context as the shot was captured. Logcat dumps show up in the same place (Link from the blue box at the top will open a filterable and highlighted log viewer).
Alright thanks I'll try it out tonight
Sent from my VS910 4G using xda premium
Holy cow. Didn't realize such web service existed.
I just signed up and currently having a look around. Is it possible for me to join the beta? Thanks!
Is it possible for a "free" upgrade for my account? Heh just asking
EDIT : Created a new project. Then I'm stuck. The "Runs" tab is empty.
EDIT again : Oh.. uploading had error previously. Uploading again.
Very interesting project. Good luck to your team and I hope I can be a good beta tester
Realy interesting, for us, almost of our apps needs root access, so please think about adding root to your service
Test on my Sensation
Will test on my sensation
test
nullFactory said:
Hi, I'm Trent and I co-created AppThwack, a service for on-demand automated testing of Android apps on real devices. Basically, you upload an apk and a couple minutes later you get screenshots and logcat dumps from actual phones and tablets we host.
Beta Users Needed
We're currently looking for devs to join our private beta. You can message me or sign up on our website and I'll get a beta code to you shortly. We're trying to stress the system and make additions/adjustments so the service is as useful as possible for developers.
Current Features
Real phones and tablets: About 20 high- and low-end devices and we add a few more every week.
Fast: See results in real time. Full test runs on all devices takes a minute or two to complete.
Selectable default tests: Install, launch, UI Monkey, Cleanup
Configurable tests: For example, specify the number of UI Monkey events and seed the randomizer
JUnit including Robotium support via uploaded test packages
Screenshots in portrait and landscape on all devices
Logcat and filterable logcat viewer
High-level results sortable by device or test
Full stack-traces for any exception that occurs
Future
We're working on adding more test frameworks like monkeyrunner and more default tests, particularly performance tests that measure battery consumption, CPU usage, etc. We're also adding more data visualization and charting so it's easy to see what some of the gathered statistics mean.
We plan to launch soon, but the beta program will remain in effect even after that. The service will follow a freemium model. Again, the beta is free and we're going to keep it in place even after we eventually launch.
Inter-device automation
Our back-end supports device-to-device automation, so if you have an app or scenario that you'd like to test that involves multiple devices or interaction with other devices, even non-Android devices, let me know. We're looking for people to help us develop how this service will be exposed.
Edit: I can't post links, but if you search for "appthwack" you'll find it. Btw, I've apparently lurked since October, 2008. Yikes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to test the tool, can you share with me..
Tested
Tested the tool, seems too good..
Suggestion : In-case if you want to reach maximum number of developer. Allow developer to use has free.
IDEA : You can request developer to post about you're tool on there app page, website & play store... As you're giving the tool as free you will get enough number of people to view & use the tool.. if the developer agree then you will allow him to use the tool for free of cost..
As a developer am ready to use the tool & post about you in my app & other places too...
This is a great tool, just uploaded an apk of my app that's in my signature and it worked, with a couple of NullPointers from the Play Store's licence service. That shouldn't happen, and doesn't on any of my devices, so I suspect it's an issue on your end. Any idea why?
HTML:
java.lang.NullPointerException at com.google.android.vending.licensing.LicenseValidator.verify(LicenseValidator.java:99) at com.google.android.vending.licensing.LicenseChecker$ResultListener$2.run(LicenseChecker.java:228) at android.os.Handler.handleCallback(Handler.java:605) at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:92) at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:137) at android.os.HandlerThread.run(HandlerThread.java:60)
HTML:
FATAL EXCEPTION: background thread java.lang.NullPointerException at com.google.android.vending.licensing.LicenseValidator.verify(LicenseValidator.java:99) at com.google.android.vending.licensing.LicenseChecker$ResultListener$2.run(LicenseChecker.java:228) at android.os.Handler.handleCallback(Handler.java:608) at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:92) at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:156) at android.os.HandlerThread.run(HandlerThread.java:60)
Borland
We are using Silk Mobile for end to end applications testing. Do you ever used this tool?
What an interesting service! I'll look into this from work tomorrow.
Not having used this at all, the first things which do spring to mind are:
-streaming realtime logcat
-a (skype?) connection with live streaming video of the app running, so you can see layouts/animations etc.
Anyway, I'm going to check this out tomorrow!
Quinny899 said:
This is a great tool, just uploaded an apk of my app that's in my signature and it worked, with a couple of NullPointers from the Play Store's licence service. That shouldn't happen, and doesn't on any of my devices, so I suspect it's an issue on your end. Any idea why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for checking out the service. My immediate guess it that this is caused by the absence of a default Play account. Many devices have no account as one of our supported frameworks, calabash, removes accounts upon cleanup after script completion. On the plus-side, if you were to write scripts you should be able to add a temporary account from the test itself.
Highly unlikely you'd hit this bug in a real world situation, but it is a bug nonetheless.
Really awesome service! Can't test it for the moment as it doesn't support root apps, but this is really a great concept :good:
Maybe you could build a superuser permissions manager which would grant root access but makes sure to keep /system mounted as read-only, this way no harm could be done to the devices and us root apps devs could use your awesome service.
I actually got quite a few ideas, you could delete the mount binary in /system/xbin and use it in an internal appthwack app's private data, so that it's the only app able to call this binary and thus to mount /system.
I'd definitely subscribe to AppThwack if it had root support.
If you want help with developing this kind of secure root environment for the testing, I'd gladly contribute.
EDIT : Strangely enough, I just tested it with my app (which asks for root in the launcher activity, so I really didn't expect it to work) and had 0 failures, 75 pass.
How comes ? Have you already added root support ?^^
Either way this is really cool, I'm going to spread the words and most likely subscribe a paid account :good:
Is there somewhere we can see pictures of your device lab? Gotta be one hell of a device museum you got over there^^
Androguide.fr said:
Really awesome service! Can't test it for the moment as it doesn't support root apps, but this is really a great concept :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the kind words!
EDIT : Strangely enough, I just tested it with my app (which asks for root in the launcher activity, so I really didn't expect it to work) and had 0 failures, 75 pass.
How comes ? Have you already added root support ?^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty interesting. The only two rooted devices are a couple running CM. I'll look into this further, and if you have any ideas I'd love to hear them as well.
Either way this is really cool, I'm going to spread the words and most likely subscribe a paid account :good:
Is there somewhere we can see pictures of your device lab? Gotta be one hell of a device museum you got over there^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet, I really appreciate it. As soon as I have the number of posts to do so I'll post a pic of the lab.
Some things can not be automated, like scanning a QR code or reading/writing to an NFC tag. Do you plan on adding "manual tests" for a fee?
This would be really great to test apps on specific hardware.
worldtiki said:
Some things can not be automated, like scanning a QR code or reading/writing to an NFC tag. Do you plan on adding "manual tests" for a fee?
This would be really great to test apps on specific hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the question! Our primary focus is on automation. There are existing test houses and services that will execute manual tests like those you describe, but of course because of the manual component they're slow and expensive.
We often push folks to break their testing down into more granular chunks. For instance, verify you can take a picture and deal with the image, even if it's not the QR code or whatever your app usually consumes. This will find problems with simply using the camera and resulting image location. Now, have a separate test that processes a photo of a QR code, but feed the image in as part of the test. This removes the camera component from the analysis part, meaning it's now possible to benchmark the image analysis algorithm on all devices.
With a combination of a service like ours where you test very, very quickly on tons of devices, you can now do some more UX/end-to-end tests on a handful of devices yourself. This hybrid approach is great for finding the vast majority of issues before release.
nice post
Realy interesting, for us
Awesome tool !
No Developer can test his/her app on many devices. But your tool ... A W E S O M E ! ... I Used it yesterday to test two of my new apps ... Found some error is my app on certain devices which i'd have never found without AppThwack .. :good: :good:

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