Samsung’s Armani redo, the F480, as you might have noticed it’s running a new OS. The UI — called TouchWiz — is based off of the company’s Croix interface (which apparently was rushed out to compete with the iPhone), and will be used on all of the upcoming finger-touch phones from the manufacturer. The cats over at Phone Scoop had a chance to go one-on-one with TouchWiz at Mobile World Congress, and they’ve put together a pretty informative video that shows off the UI doing its thing. The inclusion of a new widget system, expanded menu options, and overall speed bump make this OS a notable step up from Samsung’s previous offering.

Source : engadget.com

Here is a short section of the review of Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 from mobile-review.com

The reason for this unwillingness to demo the phone’s features has much to do with the restrictions put in by Microsoft’s, in fact, Sony Ericsson showcased only what they had built upon the OS itself. Missing OS version from the official press-release, plus a very vaporous release date “in 2H 2008” are two pieces of one puzzle that is all yours to solve. The fact of the matter is that the handset carries the OS version that is to come after WM 6.1 (which is demoed at this 3GSM too, being hyped as some sort of a breakthrough, while in fact it is not– its change log is about one page long, of course if you omit all tiny and insignificant details). The leak of info on Windows Mobile 7, that took place not so long ago, stated the release date of this OS as “sometime in 2009”. We gave its new features a good run-through in our dedicated write-up on it, so you should better read it as well. However, due to a couple of reasons, back when we were writing the piece on Windows Mobile 7, we could not tell you that certain feats dubbed as the WM 7.0’s exclusives are just carry-overs from the previous OS version, which is due out this summer or a tad later, with first devices running on it slotted for late September or early October. Nevertheless, we all know how vaporous release dates of operating system are, so there is absolutely no guarantee that a month from today they will still have it scheduled for summer. It is important to note that WM 6.5 (a name I made up a second ago just for convenience – this OS has a different index and codename) is the largest overhaul of the WM interface over the past years, as it introduces gesture-based navigation, revamped music and video players, support for 3D accelerators and several other amenities. Those who will be lucky enough to bump into a Sony Ericsson’s manager carrying the XPERIA X1 and persuade him to demo it will be able to see some of its features in action, and the truth is, they look pretty good. And in our turn, we will be waiting for another “leak”, as I have a feeling that someone won’t be able to hold back much longer and will post screenshots of the new OS, although, taken with a different device.

So are we looking at a new release before WM7 ? Apparently the OS has been given a major overhaul. Will keep you all posted as more specs come out

Source : engadget.com

It’s here, the XPERIA X1 QWERTY from Sony Ericsson. Yes, full QWERTY to make the most of that Windows Mobile 6 operating system. SE’s new XPERIA brand will focus on multimedia and mobile web communication. The X1 then, brings a 3-inch wide VGA (800 x 480) touchscreen display, 3.2 megapixel camera (with photo light), A2DP Bluetooth, aGPS, WiFi, and microSD — just 400MB on board. On the phone side you’ve got quad-band GSM/EDGE, and 900/1700/1900/2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (or 850/1700/1900/2100MHz in what must be a US-bound model). Navigation is accomplished via touch, arc-sliding QWERTY, 4-way key and optical joystick. Now just replace that Internet Explorer Mobile browser with Opera Mobile 9.5 or Skyfire and the 110 x 53 x 16.7-mm X1 is ready to live up to its potential. You know, when it ships in “select markets” in the second half of 2008.

here is a glimpse of the device in action

Program Title: SCLPC++
Recent Version : 0-051
Purpose : A unique Cube Launcher coded in C++ and using the EdgeLib framework library that uses OpenGL also , gives a HTC Touch interface to non Touch WinCE phones
Author : Slither2006
Graphics: PoorlyDuck
Start Date : 5th January, 2008
Source : xda-developers.com

Added in SCLPC++ 0-01

* Current Memory consumption 2-3mb…lol similar to flash…I know it’s steep but the performance is incredible!
* All ORIGINAL animations have been created.
* Stylus Navigation complete
* 2.28mb When minimized.
* press center joy button to quit
* Runs so fast on my 3600i device that I had to set the maximum frames per second to 30….and even that is a bit too fast.
* No Screen tearing on ANY animations.
* Smooth animations ABSOLUTELY SMOOTH
* on a 500mhz INITIAL load time is around 2 seconds.
* on a 500mhz minimize and restore is INSTANT!
* Runs on Windows Mobile 2003, WM05 and WM06 Operating Systems!!!
* Framerate is set to 30fps and can be increased in future versions if slow on particular devices.
* Animations can be customized to whatever you want!
* Menu’s can be customized to whatever you want!
* Locked to Portrait Display orientation. Will run normally even if your phone is in landscape
* It has been tested to work fast on a 201mhz HTC Gene D600 device

Added in SCLPC++ 0-02

* Created 2 Tahoma bitmap fonts in sizes 18pt and 10pt.
* Text can be changed on EVERY MENU!
* Text can be positioned ANYWHERE!!!
* All this is done by editing a file called “TextList.ini”
* All Buttons except contact face buttons work
* Buttons can be configured by editing a file called “ProgramList.ini”

Added in SCLPC++ 0-03

* Fade translucancy effect with the background being your today screen.
* Directional Control (Left & Right Rotate, Down minimizes, Centre/Select button closes)
* When you minimze it remembers and returns you to the last viewed menu!!!! As requested.

Added in SCLPC++ 0-04

* Contact Faces fade in and out when pressed.
* In version 0-03 I noticed i got the D-Pad Left and Right the wrong way, I’ll correct it in this version.
* Call a number INSTANTLY NO DELAY!!!
* Fix Backlight support for devices that go dim when the application starts
* ShellExecuteEx Fixed
* Slow down startup and close animations for viewing pleasure
* Add Contacts function for WM05 & WM06 (NOT WM2003 This must be done by editing the ContactsList.ini file)
* Remove Contacts function for BOTH WM05 & WM06 AND WM2003
* Added Contact press flicker effect
* Added MainScreen Black Font but is a little bold
* Prompted to add picture or not when adding a contact
* If a contact is selected and you choose not to add a Picture then it adds their name and a transparent silhouette image.
* Any Image is resize NOT TO SCALE (that feature will come later)
* And MANY little minor changes and bug fixes.
* For WM05 & WM06 ALL CONTACTS ARE SYNC’D WITH OUTLOOK CONTACTS MOBILE NUMBER ONLY!!!!!

Added in SCLPC++ 0-05

* Re-wrote the whole cube
* Created a 2D/3D Engine
* Uses OpenGL to render a REAL 3D Cube not a fake one
* Fixed BackLight Issue
* Fixed Contact 9 issue
* Added a new “TouchMenu” which appears when a contact face is pressed
* Added Email/SMS/Home/Mobile/Work for each contact
* Added Sliding transition for the “Touch Menu”
* Added Picture scaling for pictures you select as the contacts display picture
* Improved Downswipe sensitivity
* Added the 4th Applications page
* Changed the ProgramList.ini so the 4th Menu buttons can be configured
* Added the SCLPC++ Logo to the top face of the cube (can be changed by user)
* Whole cube is completely skinnable even the fonts.
* Added Transition Fade effects including a crazy rotating cube as it opens and closes
* Added nicer button presses for the Contact faces.

Added in SCLPC++ 0-051

* Fixed the Applications page as its program variables were backwards
* Wrote proper detailed instructions for 0-051
* Swapped the Buttons for the left and right cube rotation
* Fixed the Mobile/Home/Work problem
* Added a prompt to alert you when a contact doesn’t have a certain number. ie “There is No Home number saved for this contact in Outlook”
* Created a nicer looking icon instead of the please donate one
* Increased rotation speed and decreased the time it takes to fade back to the cube after closing a launched program.
* Reduced sensitivity on Minimize cube as it was too sensitive for some devices.

Bugs Found:

* Background Picture bleeding on some applications that open.
* The WHOLE SCLPC++ Folder MUST be placed here : /Application Data/SCLPC++ or adding a contact WILL NOT WORK!
* Because of an absolute path in the cube it must be stored on the device not on a SD card….although you can configure it on the Device then transfer it to your SD card and it has been reported to work this way.

Still Left ToDo:

* Compile this with the Full Edgelib Library!!!

Supported Devices List:

* Wizard G3
* Hermes
* Trinity / HTC 3600
* HTC 3600i (my device) WM6
* Kaiser with WM6.1
* Atom O2 Flame WM5 & WM6
* xv6700 WM6.1
* xv6800 WM6.1
* Kaiser WM6
* If it works on your device 100% then let the dev know so he can narrow down the bugs for other users.

Problems with these Devices:

* LG so far
* All VGA devices
* All 240×240 devices

SCLPC++ 0-05

Install instructions are provided in the zip file

iTask 0.9

INTERFACE :

INSTRUCTIONS :
-You need to install Mortscript, and flash Player 7 to use this. (NOT flash lite)

Mortscript
Flash7 PPC

-You have to put the iTask.exe file in the root of your device, and the folders there as well . The root is where the windows folder, program files folder is.

So it should look something like this:

\
\itaskmort\
\itaskpics\
\itasktext\
\program files\
\windows\
\any other folder\
\itask.exe

-Input.txt is where you do all modification. It is wise to have all 3 folders on your computer as well for easy modification, and then copy over to ppc.
All buttonimages are adressed in this file by numbers from 1-X, from the top left to the bottom right. Same with text, executelinks etc.

-Buttons should be 40×40 pixels. iTask gives the button roundness and shade, so you don’t need to add that. Background images: 240×320 pixels.

-All jpg files MUST be NON-PROGRESSIVE. Keep the file sizes low.

-For the flash interested crowd, replacing the jpg file with a swf-file should work, as long as it’s still called it’s original xxx.jpg name. Using the same size is recommended. To use any form of _root command is not recommended.

-Poweroff: Slide finger from left to right, from the far left side of the clock in “Main menu”.
-Device lock: Opposite direction of poweroff

READ THIS ( release notes from developer ):

iTask 0.9 : Added many internal applications (they will get prettier later)
iMaps (loads big maps be patient), miniCal, Bubblebreaker, tetris, puzzle,snake,pingpong,credits.
Many small fixes, including hw-buttonlock on slidetounlock.
NOTE: to use your old input text file, copy the added text on the bottom part of the new input.txt file to your old, so that you don’t have to rewrite all.

0.9. Upgrade 1 : Fixed the mainexec12 bug. Rewrote Weatherapp, so now you manually update, instead of live update every second. Press bottombar to update weather. Slide navigation between weatherfeeds.
-NOTE: Replace itaskmort-folder and itask.exe

0.9. Upgrade 2 : Replace/add files in the respective folders. 3 apps in iprogs have changed position, so just name them again in input.txt. You still need upgrade 1 before “installing” upgrade 2. iSat: My second Map application, with satelitte and hybrid images, search, and rotate 360 map, zoom, pan. YouTube Alpha. It works, but, very slow, very laggy picture, sound works good.

Icontemplate : it’s a zip file with psd file so you can easily make jpg icons that fits perfectly. Put your pictures underneath the “shown area in itask” layer

Frequently Used Acronyms in PPC World

The contents of this page are mainly from xda-developers.com and wikipedia.org , the aim of this is to put of most of the jargons found in the PPC world in one place. If you find I have missed out something here plz do let me know by using the contact form .

.CAB Files : Cabinet - is the Microsoft Windows native compressed archive format. cab files are files used to install programs. cab files are similar to what you might know as .exe files from your PC. cab files can be downloaded directly to your Hermes with Wifi or GPRS, you can also transfer them to your Hermes using File Explorer on your PC. cab files are not supposed to be unpacked/unzipped on the PC. Copy the intact .cab file as you downloaded it directly to your Hermes

ActiveSync :This program by Microsoft is what we all use to connect to our computers at work or at home. It allows contacts, tasks, emails and Calendar events to be synchronised with Outlook aswell as such things as media and favorites. In Windows Vista this has been replaced by the Windows Mobile Device Center. In addition ActiveSync allows browsing of the device in Windows Explorer.

AKU: Adaptation Kit Update - they usually patch up existing bugs and enable several new features. Each newly released AKU pack retains fixes found in previous versions of AKU. Starting with Windows Mobile 5 Microsoft began a policy of updates similar to that of the desktop windows. Rather the replacing the whole OS some functionality may be added. For example AKU 2.0 introduced push mail. These updates are distributed through the OEMs and are given to the consumer in form of ROM updates. Note that OEM may choose not to create an update with the latest AKU for their devices. Getting an AKU for your phone is like getting the SP2 (Service Pack 2) for your Windows Xp.

Application Unlock: Most Windows Mobile devices only allow you to load applications that have an acceptable digital signature. If you try to edit the registry or load an application it will give you an error. Application Unlocking removes this barrier and allows you to install any application or edit the registry to your liking.

Baked ROM : that the original shipped complete ROM (CE, Extended and radio) has been modified. A Baked ROM could have a CE ROM from one operator, a Radio stack from a second operator, an Extended ROM from a third operator or even a “cooked” extended ROM.

Bootloader : The bootloader is the first thing to load once you turn on the device, this does the job of booting up the device hardware and loading various items into memory before the ROM starts in the device. The bootloader is also responsible for enabling the flashing of new ROMs and other components such as the Radio and the Ext_ROM. Two modified bootloaders for the Hermes are HardSPL and SSPL. To enter the bootloader, press and hold the OK and POWER buttons while inserting the stylus into the reset hole on the bottom of the Hermes.

Chef / Cook : Its a term coined by the developer community to refer to people who build custom ROMs ( ie; people who cooks ROM ). Personal favourites are : Jasjamming and Schaps

CID lock (aka vendor lock): Carrier Id - put on your device by the manufacturer to prevent installation of a ROM not released by them. Commonly used in the form `CID-Unlocking`. If you purchase your phone (example) from 3Mobile (3Mobile is the ‘carrier’), your phone will only accept 3Mobile ROMs (the carrier’s ROMs). If you want to flash ROMs from other carrier, you’ll need to CID-unlock your phone, so that your phone will accept other ROMs. All bootloaders (apart from HardSPL and SSPL) will only allow a ROM with the correct CID to be flashed onto the device. A device which has been CID unlocked will have ‘SuperCID’ which allows ANY ROM to be loaded onto the device, SuperCID also unlocks the Ext_ROM and allows it to be mounted. Note: In general, the phrase ‘unlock your phone’ usually refers to SIM-unlock, not CID unlock.

Cooked ROM : means that the ROM has been modified with other files

CustomRUU: is an RUU (Rom Upgrade Utility) which has support for all SPL versions including HardSPL and SSPL.

Device Lock : The device lock is a today screen plugin that locks all the buttons (and the touch screen) until you unlock it, it will allow you to answer calls. To use it simply tap the ‘device unlocked’ today item and it will lock the device, to unlock press the left hand soft key and tap the unlock button on screen.

Dopod 838 Pro / i-mate JASJAM / O2 Xda Trion / HTC TyTN : all of these are essentially the same deice

ExtROM: Extended ROM - is the section of the ROM which the distributor of the phone (eg O2, T-Mobile, iMate, etc) store their customization (eg Today theme, ring tones, extra software) data. In WM5, the customization data will be automatically installed after the initial configuration (after every hardreset), just after the security section. In most cases, ExtROM can be unlocked to allow users to store/build their own customizations that will be automatically installed upon every hardreset.

Firmware: This is a piece of software that is stored in a device to make it function. It is, unlike ordinary software, usually semi-permanent and resides in a non-volatile storage area which is unaffected by “hard resetting” a device. The term usually refers to low-level code that controls individual hardware components such as a radio rom.

Flashing : a ROM is the process putting a new ROM on your device or otherwise know as upgrading.

Hard Reset : Switch the device off. Press and hold the Left SOFT KEY and Right SOFT KEY, and at the same time, use the stylus to press the RESET button at the bottom of your device. You will be presented with a menu saying ‘press R to reset, X to exit’. If you press R, your device will be set back to factory default settings. Hard Reset will delete all data you have put on the device: Programs, Settings, Mail, SMS, MMS, etc., so be careful and make a backup before doing this. After a hard reset, you will have a complete clean new install of Windows Mobile on your device. Data on \Storage Card & \Extended_Rom folder will not be deleted

HardSPL : This modified bootloader (by Olipro) allows a much safer flashing process to take place since it reduces the chance of permenently bricking your Hermes device. It also removes the need to CID Unlock the device since it ALWAYS reports SuperCID when flashing.

IPL: Initial Program Loader - It boots up SPL. Its the bootloader for PPC, much like the BIOS is the boot loader for your PC. Note: IPL/SPL are highly hardware dependent, flashing the wrong IPL/SPL is much more serious than a flashing the wrong ROM. It may be noted that, sometimes a ROM package also contains the IPL/SPL which will be flashed into your phone. Hence be extra careful what you are flashing. Note: although a ROM may also contains the IPL/SPL

OEM : Original Equipment Manufacturer - is a company that supplied equipment to other companies to resell or incorporate into another product using the reseller’s brand name.

OS: Operating System - the platform software for your phone, much like the Windows Xp/Vista for your PC. Upgrading the OS is like, in PC terms upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista. Os for PPC are WM2002, WM 2003, WM2003SE, WM5, WM6

PIE : Pocket Internet Explorer - is the default browser that comes with the Windows Mobile Operating System.

PPC : Pocket PC - is a hardware specification for a Personal digital assistant that runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system.

Program memory: The non-persistent memory part of WM5, which is used for all the temporary memory requirements, much like the RAM of your PC. A soft-reset or flat battery will erase everything from the program memory. You can’t adjust the ratio of Storage memory and Program memory in WM5 like WinCE2003.

Radio: commonly used in the form `upgrading the Radio/GSM` - in the field of ROM upgrading. The `Radio` is essentially a ROM that controls the phone function part (as oppose to PDA function part) of your phone. Upgrading this `Radio` software may have effect on your phone reception quality, battery life (optimized phone function), signal strength, etc.

RIL: Radio Interface Layer -

ROM: Read Only Memory - commonly used in the form of `ROM upgrade`. The ROM is the firmware/software, which controls everything on your phone. ROM itself usually comes in a package, with IPL/SPL, OS, Radio, and ExtRom. However, in most cases, `upgrading a ROM` usually means just the OS and the ExtRom, as these are the obvious/visible part of an ROM upgrade.

RTM : Release to Manufacturing or Ready to Market.

RUU: ROM Upgrade Utility - Its the s/w used on your PC to do a ROM upgrade for your PPC

SIM: Subscriber Identity Module - commonly used in the form `SIM unlock`. Some phones are locked to the specific telco from which you purchase your phone, eg you can’t use a locked 3Mobile phone with a Vodaphone SIM/smart card. To use SIM card from other telco, you need to SIM unlock your phone. Note: In general, the phrase ‘unlock your phone’ usually refers to SIM-unlock, not CID unlock.SIM Unlock: Use any carrier’s SIM in the device.

SIP : Software Input Panel - for devices that does not have a hardware keyboard the SIP is used to enter data on to the PPC eg: the software keyboard, Symbol Pad, Block Recoganizer, etc . Note : SIP can also stand for Session Initiation Protocol , check the wikipedia entry SIP as a voice over IP protocol.

Smartphone : Pre WM6 class, Smartphone is defined as a mobile phone which offers advanced capabilities like that of a PC. It will not have a touchscreen as compared to a Pocket PC. With the introduction of WM6 all mobile phone devices running Windows Mobile are no classed as Windows Mobile powered Smartphones

Soft Reset : Put your stylus in the hole in the lower left corner. Soft Reset will reboot your device just like when you reboot your PC. No data will be lost, under normal circumstances.

SPL: Secondary Program Loader - Loads the actual OS.

SSPL : is a modified bootloader (by Des) which is loaded into RAM when run, this allows us to overwrite any aspect of the ROM, Radio or Bootloader far easier than using mtty.

Storage memory: The persistent memory part of WM5, where all the files and documents are kept, much like the hard disk of your PC. Data in the storage memory is unaffected by soft-reset or a flat battery. You can’t adjust the ratio of Storage memory and Program memory in WM5 like WinCE2003.

SuperCID : by CID unlocking your device the value of the CID is changed to SuperCID . This allows the flashing of ANY ROM to the device regardless of the carrier and also unlocks the read/write capability of the Ext_ROM.

Touch Cube : usually simply referred to as the Cube. It is a 3d navigation interface created by HTC that uses their TouchFlo technology. The interface was introduced with the HTC Touch and has since been used in several other devices. It has also been ported to devices that pre-date the Touch.

TouchFlo : This is the HTC version of the flick-to-scroll technology often associated with the iPhone. This is not to be confused with the Touch Cube which is another HTC technology. It was 1st seen in HTC Touch.

TouchFlo 3D : this was code named ” Manilla ” and is another HTC technology , its an extension on to the today screen to give the user a finger friendly approach to using the PPC. It was 1st seen with the Touch Diamond.

UI : User Interface - some notable examples would be TouchFlo, PointUI

USSD : Unstructured Supplementary Service Data - is a capability of all GSM phones. It is generally associated with real-time or instant messaging type phone services. There is no store-and-forward capability that is typical of ‘normal’ short messages. Response times for interactive USSD based services are generally quicker than those used for SMS. Its used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network eg: *123# for balance etc.

USIM : Universal Subscriber Identity Module - is an SIM for UMTS mobile telephony running on 3G mobile network.

WindowsCE / WinCE : aka Windows Embedded CE since version 6.0 Microsoft has stated that the ‘CE’ is not an intentional initialism, but many people believe CE stands for ‘Consumer Electronics’ or ‘Compact Edition’;The first version, was known during development under the codename “Pegasus”.

WM: Windows Mobile - the OS of the PPC

WM Classic : Windows Mobile Classic - the OS for PPC device without a phone.

WM Professional : Windows Mobile Professional - the OS for Phone enabled device with a touchscreen (formerly Phone Edition).

WM Standard : Windows Mobile Standard - the OS for Phone enabled device without a touchscreen (formerly Smartphone).

WWE Edition: World Wide English Edition - Its usually appended along with new ROM releases , to show that its a ROM that will have English as the default Language

WDA : Wireless Digital Assistant - This is the term that Hewlett Packard coined with their new 928 WDA Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition which integrates a cell phone with a Pocket PC.

XDA : Extended Digital Assistant - This the term that O2 coined with their new Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition which integrates a cell phone with a Pocket PC.

XIP : Execute in Place - The execution of a program stored in ROM or flash that is run directly from the location where it is stored. The execution does not require the program to be copied into ram before execution. This reduces the amount of ram that an application requires since it does not all have to load into RAM.

Special Thanks : awarner (MVP) @ MoDaCo