This new tutorial from the Windows Mobile Blog, shows how a developer can add a custom icon for their Windows Mobile application.

Content :

1. Start Screen: Resolution / DPI and Icon Size
2. Registry Keys
3. Setup: Static or Dynamic
4. Cached Icons

The new version of TouchFlo 2D a.k.a Manila 2D version 2.0 is out now, Unlike the older version there are no complex steps involved. Its a simple Download and Install the cab to get it. Some things to keep in mind though.

- this is only WWE version, it won’t work correctly with other languages.
- apparently it does not work with WM6.1 , so only WM6.5 at the moment
- if you had any previous version of Manila, don’t forget to uninstall it and do soft reset before installing this version. Also keep in mind that it will keep your personal settings, like people tab photos, weather cities or launcher number of rows/clomuns.
- for those having problems installing be sure that you have all basic applications from HTC + some others like:
+ HTC Album
+ HTC Audio Manager, AudioBooster, Trimmer …
+ YouTube
+ GoogleMaps
- in Settings Tab Wallpaper change and New Mail Setup does not work.

Download Manila 2D v2.0 build 19171723

I came across this neat tutorial on how to cook your This is a grey subject. It deals with the art of cooking your own ROM [ ? ] ( click on the question mark to see the meaning of the word )for your device, thus getting rid of all the junk the mobile operators put in to the ROM. If you have any doubt when some PPC jargons are used you can go through our Glossary ( not the very best but its got a few of the commonly used terms in there ).

To be a Chef [ ? ] you will need
1) a Kitchen [ ? ]
2 ) a ROM [ ? ]
3) a CID Unlocked Device [ ? ]

The tutorial linked below will give you download link to the tools required. Now head over to bytetips.com for the detailed tutorial.

Why bother ? Well 1st of all say good bye to the boring non finger friendly Today Screen and say hello to Titanium home screen, there are a lot of apps made for this new home screen check it out here. Though I was not a big fan of WM6.5 @ the start Microsoft is pusing towards more finger friendly interface and user friendly menu, so they are going in the right direction and we should see a great job from them in the form of Windows Mobile 7, and then we have MyPhone integration, Windows Mobile App store, OTA Updates ??, etc

Check List :

• An HTC Touch Diamond or Touch Pro (GSM only. Folks with CDMA handsets—that’s you, Sprint and Verizon—go here or here.)
• A (free) account at XDA Developers
• A Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM (Lotsa choices here: Diamond, Pro)
• A Windows PC, set up to sync with your handset
• A device flashing utility (Both)
• A bootloader (Diamond, Pro)
• A device radio (Diamond, Pro—Make sure to download from the “Original” list, not the “Repacked” one.)

now follow this easy Guide from Gizmodo

Step by step on how to install the Manilla 2D interface on your HTC QVGA device. I have tried this on my TyTN and it works like a treat all credits to herg62123 from xda-developers. I installed everything but Opera browser on to device memory.

Instruction:
When ever the device says you need to restart after a cab installation , plz restart the device.
1. install M2D-Beta-0.07.cab
Go to START -> SETTINGS -> TODAY -> ITEMS tab and uncheck TOUCHFLO
2. install OX-ManilaCompatibleSharedDLL.cab
3. install ContactFix.cab
4. install 2d_Audio_manager.cab
5. install Audio_Booster.cab
6. install HTCAlbum.cab
7. install OutlookEnhancement.cab
8. install AdobeFlash3.1_plugin.cab
9. install Fullscreen_Player.cab
10. install GoogleMaps_compressed.cab
11. install TaskManager.cab
12. install HTCYouTube.cab
open 13. D Comm Manager folder
13. install 1st D CommManager.cab
14. install 2nd D Comm Manager
open 14. OPERA 1957 folder
15. install Opera_Default_REG.cab
16. install Opera9.5.1957device.WWE1.cab ( installed on to storage card )
Go to START -> SETTINGS -> TODAY -> ITEMS tab and check TOUCHFLO

Go to the home Screen and enjoy awesomeness

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