A kludge to fix dead keyboard and front buttons on Xperia X1 (HTC Kovsky) running Android (CyanogenMod 6.0) without using the touchscreen:
NOTE: This is basically a touchscreen free adaptation of forum member matejdro's excellent post here. Check that post first if you want to credit someone.
Here's a (hopefully) simple and helpful Xperia X1 (HTC Kovsky) guide for binding the reloading of keyboard/button kernel modules to the long-press home action via the physical camera button. This has only been tested with CyanogenMod 6.0 build from neopeek and seandean's v4b "advanced" kernel.
WARNING!: You must be very careful with this, since reloading these kernel modules while the keyboard is still functional will most likely result in an instant reboot. In other words, if you accidentally hold the home/camera button for too long after you follow this guide, then you might reload the keyboard kernel modules unintentionally and cause a reboot. Perhaps it might reboot even if the keyboard has died, but I've been lucky. Proceed at your own risk; no guarantees whatsoever.
When the keyboard and front buttons die on Xperia X1 aka HTC Kovsky running Android, the camera button at the side is still functional and so is the power button. This keyboard malfunction is apparently a common problem with many of the kernel builds available for X1 and makes Android's 24/7 use a bit problematic.
By default the camera button seems to map to "HOME" at least on neopeek's "Only T E S T E R S [New CM6.0 Full + Barebone][29-11-2010]" Android build with seandean's v4b "advanced" kernel.
If your kernel has the keyboard support built as modules "microp-keypad" and "microp-ksc", then the keyboard can be re-enabled by reloading those kernel modules.
Of course this is just a kludge and the preferred method would be to fix this problem in the kernel(?) code. This workaround at least makes further debugging less painful when you can actually type something on the device without ssh or USB. You could resort to using the touchscreen if that feels more natural. As a side effect the camera button can't be used for anything else, but since support for X1's camera is still a bit lacking this procedure might be acceptable for now.
All the apps that we'll use here are available for free.
1) Install GScript (http://code.google.com/p/gscript-android/ or search the Market for GScript lite)
Start GScript and add a new script with "su"-privileges. You could name it e.g. "Restart keyboard".
Type this to the command field without quotes: "rmmod -rv microp-keypad; sleep 1; rmmod -rv microp-ksc; sleep 1; insmod -v /lib/modules/microp-ksc.ko; insmod -v /lib/modules/microp-keypad.ko"
2) Go to Settings > CyanogenMod settings > Input settings > Long-press home settings.
Check "Use custom application".
Press "Select custom application" and scroll down to GScript and select it.
Now choose the custom script "Restart keyboard" you just created.
Unfortunately this makes the list of recent applications unaccessible with long-press home action, but we'll fix that in the next step.
3) Since we'd still like to retain a list of recent applications, install Task Switcher (com.shisho.taskswitcher) from Market.
Now the first press of "Home" brings up a list of recent applications and 2nd press functions as default Home-action.
So even if the keyboard becomes unresponsive alongside with the front buttons, we can still use the camera button at the side of the device like this:
a) Long press to reload keyboard/button modules so that they work again
b) One click to show a list of recent applications
c) Double click to get default "Home"-action.
With this kludge, at least for me, Xperia X1 aka HTC Kovsky becomes suitable for daily use with Android.
Thanks to all the developers and testers!
thanks jolkz! good job!! has anyone tried with another kernel?like v3?
thanks!
keyboardman said:
thanks jolkz! good job!! has anyone tried with another kernel?like v3?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using the Gscript lite for a month for now and everything works fine on FRG83(v3a kernel).
viper. said:
I have been using the Gscript lite for a month for now and everything works fine on FRG83(v3a kernel).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find the modules in those directories..
I'm using FRG83!
Where you find them?
viper. said:
I have been using the Gscript lite for a month for now and everything works fine on FRG83(v3a kernel).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks!
im using now with v4 kernel and...
always is in landscape... how i fix that?
i have to always slide the keyboard and then slide again to rotate the screen in vertical mode!!!
keyboardman said:
thanks!
im using now with v4 kernel and...
always is in landscape... how i fix that?
i have to always slide the keyboard and then slide again to rotate the screen in vertical mode!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya i have d same problem how to fix dat?
jolkz said:
A kludge to fix dead keyboard and front buttons on Xperia X1 (HTC Kovsky) running Android (CyanogenMod 6.0) without using the touchscreen:
NOTE: This is basically a touchscreen free adaptation of forum member matejdro's excellent post here. Check that post first if you want to credit someone.
Here's a (hopefully) simple and helpful Xperia X1 (HTC Kovsky) guide for binding the reloading of keyboard/button kernel modules to the long-press home action via the physical camera button. This has only been tested with CyanogenMod 6.0 build from neopeek and seandean's v4b "advanced" kernel.
WARNING!: You must be very careful with this, since reloading these kernel modules while the keyboard is still functional will most likely result in an instant reboot. In other words, if you accidentally hold the home/camera button for too long after you follow this guide, then you might reload the keyboard kernel modules unintentionally and cause a reboot. Perhaps it might reboot even if the keyboard has died, but I've been lucky. Proceed at your own risk; no guarantees whatsoever.
When the keyboard and front buttons die on Xperia X1 aka HTC Kovsky running Android, the camera button at the side is still functional and so is the power button. This keyboard malfunction is apparently a common problem with many of the kernel builds available for X1 and makes Android's 24/7 use a bit problematic.
By default the camera button seems to map to "HOME" at least on neopeek's "Only T E S T E R S [New CM6.0 Full + Barebone][29-11-2010]" Android build with seandean's v4b "advanced" kernel.
If your kernel has the keyboard support built as modules "microp-keypad" and "microp-ksc", then the keyboard can be re-enabled by reloading those kernel modules.
Of course this is just a kludge and the preferred method would be to fix this problem in the kernel(?) code. This workaround at least makes further debugging less painful when you can actually type something on the device without ssh or USB. You could resort to using the touchscreen if that feels more natural. As a side effect the camera button can't be used for anything else, but since support for X1's camera is still a bit lacking this procedure might be acceptable for now.
All the apps that we'll use here are available for free.
1) Install GScript (http://code.google.com/p/gscript-android/ or search the Market for GScript lite)
Start GScript and add a new script with "su"-privileges. You could name it e.g. "Restart keyboard".
Type this to the command field without quotes: "rmmod -rv microp-keypad; sleep 1; rmmod -rv microp-ksc; sleep 1; insmod -v /lib/modules/microp-ksc.ko; insmod -v /lib/modules/microp-keypad.ko"
2) Go to Settings > CyanogenMod settings > Input settings > Long-press home settings.
Check "Use custom application".
Press "Select custom application" and scroll down to GScript and select it.
Now choose the custom script "Restart keyboard" you just created.
Unfortunately this makes the list of recent applications unaccessible with long-press home action, but we'll fix that in the next step.
3) Since we'd still like to retain a list of recent applications, install Task Switcher (com.shisho.taskswitcher) from Market.
Now the first press of "Home" brings up a list of recent applications and 2nd press functions as default Home-action.
So even if the keyboard becomes unresponsive alongside with the front buttons, we can still use the camera button at the side of the device like this:
a) Long press to reload keyboard/button modules so that they work again
b) One click to show a list of recent applications
c) Double click to get default "Home"-action.
With this kludge, at least for me, Xperia X1 aka HTC Kovsky becomes suitable for daily use with Android.
Thanks to all the developers and testers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It said 'can't read '/lib/modiles/microp-ksc.ko': no such file or directory. and 'can't read '/lib/modiles/microp-keypad.ko': no such file or directory. What's the problem?
nickel1109 said:
It said 'can't read '/lib/modiles/microp-ksc.ko': no such file or directory. and 'can't read '/lib/modiles/microp-keypad.ko': no such file or directory. What's the problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you fully reinstall?!
rmb fat32 versions means to delete all android files and re copy them before starting from the top (of copying the archives files to root ... choose monster or turbo ... copy over... if you see two module files delete the one that is not what you copied)
ext2 and cwm versions means reinstalling from npkboot folder's install.exe and then begin (if still not working, please do reformatting adding files of android and npkboot.) then start...
Excellent tutorial!!!
Related
This is what many touch pro/fuze owners want to have - ability to get full control over their keyboards.
This is for Raphael only! Do not try to install this on other devices!
Do not ask me to make a version for other device since my remappers are driver dependent and this can be very and very complicated without real device (if possible at all).
So, what is it ? It's a modified keyboard driver with configurator application for keys setup. Any key (yeah, i mean ANY, including Home and Back keys) can be reassigned to perform desired actions. Keys on a QWERTY keyboard are not an exception, they might be remapped too.
If any key has an action configured and is defined to be processed by my driver extension, it wouldn't go into the system. That is to say no one program even like AEButton will see key events processed by my driver.
Driver extension also can vibrate on any key press.
Modified drivers were tested on many ROMs based on different OEMs, so they would work in most cases.
Thanks dcd1182 for CDMA version testing.
Features:
Different event types supported: single, double and triple clicks, long presses
Two modes of key mapping: three actions per key or direct key mapping
Key repeats in direct key mapping mode
Actions sequence repeats in actions mode
Key combinations using FN modifier
Default key behaviour action - you won't loose key's default behaviour if you just want to add double click or long press to it
Different key behaviour depending on foreground process/window class/window text
Multiple rules for each key to provide different behaviour for each application you want
Multiple actions for each event
Different predefined actions:
Run program
Key press emulation
Send symbol/text to active window
Close active window
Switch to window by class/text
Terminate data connection
Wi-Fi toggle
BT toggle
Screen rotation
Power management (screen power toggle, suspend, reset)
Exceptions lists which are used to deny key remapping depending on foreground process/window class/window text
Configurable long press and double click duration
Configuration import/export in configurator
Changelog is located here.
Configurator UI localization support information is located here.
Requirements:
- .NET CF 2.0 (for configurator app)
- WM 6.1/6.5 compatible
Usage:
- Install SdkCerts.cab
- Install RaphKbdControl_XXX.cab
- Soft reset
- Check if keyboard works by pressing hardware buttons and seeing if they do their work, if not - uninstall cab, this wouldn't work on your current ROM
- If it works - go to the control panel and find "Keyboard Config" on a System page
How to define key processing:
- Run configurator (Control Panel -> System -> Keyboard Config)
- Press Menu -> Add key
- When dialog asking you to press key appears press and release desired key
- Set up needed options in key setup dialog and press OK (left softkey)
- In configurator's main window press left softkey "Update settings" to let new configuration take place (reboot is not needed, coz new settings will work immediately after saving)
What to do if keyboard doesn't work after uninstallation of this software:
- in any way stop device "KBD1:"
- for example, you can use Dotfred's TaskManager - navigate to Devices tab and find the KBD1: string, then press Stop
- delete files \Windows\keypad.dll and \Windows\kbdcntrl.dll
- soft reset
How to add new button to Buttons applet and get it working:
- add or copy existing key [HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Shell\Keys\40CX], where X is 1-6
- under this key add next values:
* Name - display name of the button in list (doesn't matter what you write here, it's only for you)
* Icon - path to icon for this button
- goto configurator and define an 'emulate key press' action for any button you want and set these values here: key code - 'App X' and check 'Win' checkbox - only in this case button will work
- save settings and enjoy newly created button
TODO:
- optimization
- Shift+?? key combinations support (if there would be requests on this)
- more actions
- other useful things
- your suggestions ?
Backup before installing of modified driver is strongly recommended.
Be careful when downloading the cab, make sure you choose the correct version suitable for your device.
Also, here is small collection of AltTab programs attached.
You can use any of them assigned as 'run program' action to desired key to switch between running programs.
well im going to try this right now, thanks
tested and works great.
side note: under the todo list adding different key behaviours depending on active window would be great
thanks
Push!
What a great app ! Couold you try to add something like multi-pressd ?
Glad to see something like this come along.
Curious, any plans to integrate with the Buttons applet found in Settings?
Cheers,
Again, excellent work!
luciusz said:
Couold you try to add something like multi-pressd ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean key combinations ? I will think about it.
hilaireg said:
Curious, any plans to integrate with the Buttons applet found in Settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Although buttons applet and my extension do similar work, they work in different ways, so it's not possible to integrate them at this moment.
It is very cool program.
But it is not work with russian keyboard on official Rom
Or it's my mistake?
after uninstall app and soft reset do not work hardware keyboard,
and keys: on/off device (on the top side) and loudness (on left side)
What can I do?
Cool tool!!! If you implement to configure different behaviour for different programs that would be really nice!
Wow; this really does sound like the tool I was hoping for. (The hardware keyboard and the home/back etc keys? Perfect!)
Sadly, seems like the rom I am using (MightyROM5, for CDMA and Sprint) wasn't one of them... oh, well. If anyone else with CDMA has a ROM and tries this successfully, though, I'd love to know so I can try a different one.
For me, the hardware keys worked again after an uninstall and soft reset. (To turn the screen back on after it fell asleep while I was doing this, I had to hold the power key down as if I was going to force it to turn off, only longer than normal -- just a FYI if someone else has the same issue.)
ldrn said:
Sadly, seems like the rom I am using (MightyROM5, for CDMA and Sprint) wasn't one of them... oh, well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you send me keypad.dll (hope CDMA version has the same name as for GSM) file from your ROM ?
is there a way to make a tab key ? i really would like one . i hate having to touch the screen to change entry feilds on the internet ,usually when i log into xda or myspace or anywhere that has a forums ..... i use it tons on my computer and thats pretty much my only complaint about the fuze keyboard ...NO TAB !
tarkim said:
Could you send me keypad.dll (hope CDMA version has the same name as for GSM) file from your ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the keypad.dll from MightyRom 4.16 (CDMA):
Two requests:
1.
Please let me execute .lnk files also, not only .exe files
2.
I cannot use arguments when calling exe files. Please support arguments when calling exe files in the next version.
Thanks for listening!
Oliver
gmanfuzing said:
is there a way to make a tab key ? i really would like one . ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
owilsky said:
Two requests:
1. Please let me execute .lnk files also, not only .exe files
2. I cannot use arguments when calling exe files. Please support arguments when calling exe files in the next version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All these would be implemented in new version which I'm currently working on. Wait a few days and you'll get it
mcw
tnx for driver, will se what I can do
Nice!
Will this app let me remap the Volume Up/Down to Scroll Up/Down?
tarkim said:
mcw
tnx for driver, will se what I can do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thank you for taking a look at this! (And thanks Mcw for posting it.)
kusbainian said:
Will this app let me remap the Volume Up/Down to Scroll Up/Down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
ldrn
i've analyzed CDMA keypad driver that mcw posted here, it's 90% similar to GSM version
i will patch it in a free time like my one, but i haven't a CDMA device to test it so you will need to test patched driver
Amazing app, exactly what I dream about, thanks!
I would also like to propose some more functions than just running app with keypress, like for example closing window, closing app, opening start menu, etc...
And, if anybody knows standalone symbols keypad replacement, with your superb program we can get rid of this problem: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3911050
I have an issue with this app, dunno why but only my storage card is available to search exe from, I'm unable to search exe from main memory, how comes?
Thanks
Touch X INFINITY
SCREENS WILL COME LATER..
But if anyone out there who like my work could find it in there heart to make a small donation i would be forever greatful!
Support ME (Smaberg) to buy a New X1, so i can continue develop ROMs for the X1 CLICK HERE
Touch X INFINITY 2.0B ULTIMATE X-TREME _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Go here to download latest build
new in 2.0
many, many and many small fixes
added new internet explorer (request)
added new Drivers to fix lag (i hope my testers where right and theese work), there will come a cab with old drivers if this aint working.
added the custon notification manager (request)
and some more i won't tell
NEW in 2.0B
New agps app.
Totaly new drivers
New build
and many files changed
Fix for manila tabs in Touch X INFINITY 1.2 - View attachment manila_tabs_fix.cab
Go here to see an optional "start menu", this one is great...
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/launchpad/LaunchPad.php
ten charaters needed agian
Thankyou
Thank you!
Will give it a spin as soon as possible!
downloading now
will flash in a bit
am using this now. havent tested much but i noticed when it boots theres a mortscript error msg. something to do with titanium plugins?
and i like the wm6.5 start menu icons but the scrolling can be smoother.
photo swiping under photos and videos tab is laggy.
after disconnecting from pc, the two touch options on the bottom is stuck on all the tabs.
on the left is All Programs and right is Remove. they dont change according to the tab. i hv to restart TF3D to get it back to normal.
What's new about this ROM? Any improvements?
flashing it at the moment. i am so bored i need to play with my x1.
I tested Windows Media player with some clips created with Super and the video rendering sometimes slows to quickly catch up. This didn't happen in the previous version.
I've heard about tools for speeding up access to the memory card. Maybe that helps.
Also the soft keys gets stick to "all programs" and "remove" after you change from the programs tab
Other than that.. omg fast ROM
... testing further after reflashing ....
The first time I selected "Settings" I could see the soft button "All Settings", but when I selected it, I ended in the Communication Settings menu, repeatedly.
Back at the Home menu, I tried Settings again, but this time it only shows "All Programs" soft button. Clicking on it generates no action. I can't find a way to go to All Settings.
sinchi said:
... testing further after reflashing ....
The first time I selected "Settings" I could see the soft button "All Settings", but when I selected it, I ended in the Communication Settings menu, repeatedly.
Back at the Home menu, I tried Settings again, but this time it only shows "All Programs" soft button. Clicking on it generates no action. I can't find a way to go to All Settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
similar bug to what i reported, seems to occur on all tabs, but most reproducible on program tab for me.
I noticed in the first version some bugs:
1. when you open most apps like message, opera, contacts and etc, when you press the upper left portion (inbox, url adress, search contact) it takes you to the app shortcuts/home of wm 6.5
2. camera button does not work
3. the lower left shortcut(all programs) on standby mode does not work and does not change when you switch between Touch flow apps like messaging, email, fave people, etc.
Overall awesome ROM as always
pacm23 said:
I noticed in the first version some bugs:
1. when you open most apps like message, opera, contacts and etc, when you press the upper left portion (inbox, url adress, search contact) it takes you to the app shortcuts/home of wm 6.5
2. camera button does not work
3. the lower left shortcut(all programs) on standby mode does not work and does not change when you switch between Touch flow apps like messaging, email, fave people, etc.
Overall awesome ROM as always
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera hard button works for me. Once to activate the camera and once to take a picture.
... more testing ...
I installed latest Skype and it worked almost fine calling to a normal phone, except that when the screen goes black (for energy saving) the conversation was interrupted.
I had to press the power button to resume. After that, I had to keep touching the screen to keep the conversation alive.
sinchi said:
... more testing ...
I installed latest Skype and it worked almost fine calling to a normal phone, except that when the screen goes black (for energy saving) the conversation was interrupted.
I had to press the power button to resume. After that, I had to keep touching the screen to keep the conversation alive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable that feature in the WinMo Setting, isn't it?
Or delay the time before it will go in Standby
What's the difference between 1.2 & 1.1?
New drivers/tweak improvements or bugfixes?
Anyway it definitly looks promising ;-)
Keep up the good work, Smaberg
i stick to ur roms..i flash this one immidiately now..
yep fast and awesomely done. bravo!
i have wait looooooog time!thank you smaberg
Hi,
After I updated to the latest EnergyROM my HW keyboard stopped functioning correctly.
Instead of getting numbers when I pressing the row of the numbers I get symbols such as @ if I press 2, _ if I pess 3 and etc.
If I press 1 it takes me back to the start menu.
If I press / I get ?.
If I press FN it takes me to the Calendar screen.
If I press SMS/MMS it takes me to the Contacts screen and etc.
If I press CAPS the FN light turn on and etc.
How can I solve this strange problem?
PLEASE HELP ME!
This is on the very first post.
If you own a Touch PRO, use the "Keyboard Selector" application under Utilities > Tweaks (after you flash the ROM) to select the "Pro" keyboard layout. The ROM comes with the Fuze layout enabled by default.
I suggest you close this thread once your done.
[email protected] said:
If you own a Touch PRO, use the "Keyboard Selector" application under Utilities > Tweaks (after you flash the ROM) to select the "Pro" keyboard layout. The ROM comes with the Fuze layout enabled by default.
I suggest you close this thread once your done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That should do a trick!
OK, problem solved, you can lock the Thread. Thanks!!!
OK, problem solved, you can lock the Thread.
Thanks!!!
Since the vibrant doesn't have a secondary input like most android devices, it's even more vital that we have unfettered access to the keyboard and its soft arrow keys. Unfortunately long pressing the menu button in some applications (notably the browser) brings up SEARCH rather than the keyboard by itself. That means no arrow keys for text selection or link highlighting.
This has been discussed previously in general at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=776792
How difficult would it be to remap the long press of the menu key to bring up the keyboard by itself?
After researching it some on my own, it looks like I need to come up with a way to call showSoftInput() from one of the softkeys. It'd be ideal if I could get that to happen on menu long press, but if that's too far buried in proprietary configuration I'd settle for replacing the google voice search app mapped to the Search button long press.
Anyone have any tips on mapping system functions to a hardware key normally used for app launching? The lack of any keyboard in the browser is seriously inhibiting my ability to use this phone.
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
fit333 said:
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, buth then you have to use dxtop. *non fan of dxtop*
fit333 said:
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dxtop takes over the long press of buttons only in the home screen context, and it doesn't use any of them to launch the keyboard. Plus there's no way to configure any of it so it's not really the same at all.
What I'm looking for is to alter one of the long press actions in a system-wide way to launch the soft keyboard.
cbisquit said:
After researching it some on my own, it looks like I need to come up with a way to call showSoftInput() from one of the softkeys. It'd be ideal if I could get that to happen on menu long press, but if that's too far buried in proprietary configuration I'd settle for replacing the google voice search app mapped to the Search button long press.
Anyone have any tips on mapping system functions to a hardware key normally used for app launching? The lack of any keyboard in the browser is seriously inhibiting my ability to use this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried emailing Anderweb? ADW launcher intercepts the home button. You might be able to do something similar. It might only work on the home screen though, as his app is running there. For a system wide thing you might need to mod the underlying OS files, framework maybe? I'm not sure where that stuff launches. You could try asking one of the Cyanogen devs, they might have found it. They add stuff to the power button long press menu at least.
Certain apps (Visual Task Switcher and Itching Thumb) remap the search and home buttons to open themselves. I imagine this same idea could be used for the menu button, but I've never seen it.
I don't always complain, but when I do, I #BlameWes
some success...
Well I got a little app to work at opening the keyboard on long press of the SEARCH key. I don't want to override the home function, which is what ADW for instance does. The only other button that has an available intent as far as I can tell is search. This is my first java anything, so I wouldn't expect much out of it (it may not even work on anyone's phone but mine) but maybe someone with better android chops can use it as a proof-of-concept for what I was thinking. Install it and when you long press the search key you can choose "Search for Keyboard!"
One pretty major caveat... the swype soft cursor doesn't act anything like I'd wanted when I was envisioning this. There's no "execute" button that works like a click, so while you can use the soft arrows to select links it's not gonna do you much good. Also there's no way to effectively use "select text" in the browser. Concept 2, if I ever get around to it, would probably be more like a replacement touchpad area below the current application window.
i would like to see an app to remap long press menu on my i9000, anyone has success? thx
Another reason to ditch Samsung firmware and use AOSP-based ROMs, like CyanogenMod or MIUI.
FYI, nearly every "ROM" made for Galaxy S phones are Samsung firmware. They're not built from source like ROMs for other decent Android phones, they are just original Samsung builds being modified like nuts. And they use the same Samsung framework (though usually customized for themes and removing of annoyances like battery-full popup), and usually still include most of Samsung's stupid fixes that make their Galaxy S system software the most different in structure compared to any other Android system.
By using AOSP firmware like CyanogenMod and MIUI, these problems (like menu-button keyboard binding getting screwed up by Samsung) don't exist, because they were never present in official Android release. When problems do come up for AOSP, they get fixed quick because the source code is actually available.
Summarized process of development:
Samsung-based ROMs: What's broken or runs like ****? Try to fix it. Hack hack hack, hope it works, if it fails try again. Submit to XDA
CyanogenMod (in general): If there is a problem, try to fix it. Write code, build, test. Make sure it works before putting it in "stable" branch. After that think of brand new useful feature to implement, code it, bug test a lot, request it to be used in official releases or just make your own CyanogenMod-based ROM with your own enhancements, like BiffMod for the HTC Dream.
Btw, the reason why Samsung put this keybind is because the original international Galaxy S doesn't have a dedicated search key, so they set the search function up with the menu button. Our problem is that Samsung was a lazyass and forgot to change back that binding to the original for the Vibrant, which does have a dedicated search button and doesn't need the menu binding to search.
But aosp roms have other problems like poor 3d performance and no gps/compass. If the issues get worked out, I suspect many devs will be switching to aosp builds.
WinStart V2.4
Features
Task manager (close/view background apps)
Icon's image and name can be changed
Icons can be moved
Background image can be easily changed
Text color of icon can be changed
Lock feature
Quick list of recent programs
Possibility to order icons by name and type
Icon's name can be hidden
What's new?
WinStart can be assigned to any key
Long press on top icons are now working
Square background image possibility
New animation
Possibility to disable the background image (for old devices, the speed gain is real)
Scrolling function rewrited (I hope you will tell me if it's better or worse!)
Various bugs fixed (folder with dots are correctly printed, quick links and background windows are now correctly handled, landscape correctly handled, no more gap between icons...)
Download explications
Please go to my website !
Cant open file
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
You're right, wrong cab...
I edited the first post, you should be able to test now !
Performance on Rhodium
[EDIT]
I am using the full version now, which shas an option to disable the original start menu, which saves alot of memory.
Performance is great on the Rhodium
[/EDIT]
I wanted to try it on the Tilt 2, because it is a memory starved device.
There is no memory advantage to using this over the normal start menu.
It looks nice, and the recent program list is great.
But for the Rhhodium, memory is critical, so I will go back to using the Panel Stat menu cooked into Energy ROMs.
It would be nice if the free version would have had the graphic transitions when opening folders. It looked cool on the demo that was done on an HD2, but, other devices, such as my Tilt 2 or my Fuze, are slower.
I would want to see that performance before purchasing. If I could see that I would consider purchasing it for my Fuze.
But, as far as the memory usage. I can't use it with my Tilt 2. It consumes more memory than having the original start menu.
The full version can disable the original start menu, so you can spare approx 30 Mo in RAM.
The demo was done on an HD (older than Tilt2) and no problems. I think it will be smooth for both (Tilt2 and Fuze), but I'm not sure of that!
I can't create a demo version with graphic transitions, too much work...
As you are a "productive and contributing member", I can give you a serial... Send me a PM if you are interested!
petititi said:
The full version can disable the original start menu, so you can spare approx 30 Mo in RAM.
The demo was done on an HD (older than Tilt2) and no problems. I think it will be smooth for both (Tilt2 and Fuze), but I'm not sure of that!
I can't create a demo version with graphic transitions, too much work...
As you are a "productive and contributing member", I can give you a serial... Send me a PM if you are interested!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
While testing the full paid version, I am very impressed.
I have more memory available than before, when I was using the Panel Start menu available in Energy Roms.
This start menu is great.
Starts faster.
More responsive.
Better transitioning graphics.
Graphics are very smooth on my Tilt 2.
And the most recent program feature is really nice to have.
This is definitely worth the money.
Thanks for this feedback
WinStart with CHT Softkeys
First of all very nice!!
I purchased the full version at your referenced site.
I am having a problem. I use CHT 2.0 on my NRGZ28 ROM, and I use the CHT Softkeys. I cannot get WinStart to pull up the start menu using the "StartMenu" CHT softkey. If I disable the CHT softkeys, the the normal StartMenu icon works fine.
Within CHT SoftKeys, there are ways to set key assignments:
"Run path" which prompts me to enter an application to run. WinStart is not a listed application.
"Command Line" which prompts me to "enter command line parameters". I don't know what to do here?
Is there a way you can get this to work with the CHT SoftKeys?
I have CHT2.0 too, but I never used the SoftKeys...
I take a look and come back to tell you how do this.
WinStart with XDA_UC
Thank you...while waiting...I'll ask another question.
I flash ROM's a lot when new versions come out. I use XDA_UC to install my various apps that I use. WinStart will DEFINITELY be one.
My question: On a fresh install with a new ROM, is there a registry key or something that I should install along with the cab to get the initial "fresh-install" parameters - username/password information - automatically applied?
OK, so it's not as easy as I thought... I try something but it work only the first time... What I do :
In HKCU\Software\HTC\Manila
>Set CHT.Softkeys.KeyCustom1.Path to: \Program Files\winstart\winstart.exe (no quotes or anything else)
In CHT editor, set icon1 to custom1... But as said before this will work only the first time.
I work on this and in a few days (I hope 24h), I will post a new version.
For the second question, you will have to save these two values :
HKLM/Software/Manila_WinStart/licenceKey and HKLM/Software/Manila_WinStart/password.
You can also export the entire HKLM/Software/Manila_WinStart/ key to save your settings too... If this is not an option for you, tell me via PM, I will send you a patcher...
Winstart / Softkeys
petititi said:
OK, so it's not as easy as I thought... I try something but it work only the first time... What I do :
In HKCU\Software\HTC\Manila
>Set CHT.Softkeys.KeyCustom1.Path to: \Program Files\winstart\winstart.exe (no quotes or anything else)
In CHT editor, set icon1 to custom1... But as said before this will work only the first time.
I work on this and in a few days (I hope 24h), I will post a new version.
For the second question, you will have to save these two values :
HKLM/Software/Manila_WinStart/licenceKey and HKLM/Software/Manila_WinStart/password.
You can also export the entire HKLM/Software/Manila_WinStart/ key to save your settings too... If this is not an option for you, tell me via PM, I will send you a patcher...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello - I appear to have the same issue as WMG316. After installation and reboot. I can go to \Program Files\WinStart\ and run ConfigWinstart.exe. I select DEBUG, Stop Service, and then Start Service, Back, Save. At this point the Hard and Softkeys work properly until the next reboot. I have not put any WinStart in my Startup folder.
I hope this helps get closer to a long-term solution. I really like this app and it is still worth the money.
petititi said:
OK, so it's not as easy as I thought... I try something but it work only the first time... What I do :
In HKCU\Software\HTC\Manila
>Set CHT.Softkeys.KeyCustom1.Path to: \Program Files\winstart\winstart.exe (no quotes or anything else)
In CHT editor, set icon1 to custom1... But as said before this will work only the first time.
I work on this and in a few days (I hope 24h), I will post a new version.
snip...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...I had tried that and came to same conclusion...only works on the first try!
Hopefully you'll get that worked out so CHT SoftKeys can be used!!
I look forward to the update.
How to Backup "Renamed Icons"
Another question. I have renamed a few of the icons in the start menu. I cannot locate where these changes are saved. Is there a way to backup these settings for subsequent ROM flashes?
wmg316, you can export registry key HKLM-Security-Shell-Startinfo-Start , which contains data about all links: their position, icon, name & visibility..
Start Menu Hardware Key on Rhodium
Maybe a bug?
Since disabling the CHT SoftKeys I have had no problem initiating the Start Menu with the default soft key. I am still in hopes that you will fix that issue though!
My problem...when I try to use the hardware key start menu on the Tilt 2 (Rhodium) it does not work.
I can get it to work by following these steps:
Use Start Menu soft key to go to Start Menu
Select Menu, Options
At this point the option to "Hook the windows hardware key" is checked...I uncheck this...then check it again and select save
After this process, the hardware key works.
After a soft reset, the hardware key does not work and I have to go through the aforementioned steps to get it to work again.
Yes,I think this problem is the same as CHT softkey (they emulate an hardware keydown).
So I think in a few hours these two bugs will be corrected !
The problem is now solved...
I work on an option to save/restore the settings so I will change the version number of first post when finished.
For now you can install the attached file which correct the bug but don't include the option to save/restore settings...
petititi said:
The problem is now solved...
I work on an option to save/restore the settings so I will change the version number of first post when finished.
For now you can install the attached file which correct the bug but don't include the option to save/restore settings...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed to work:
I uninstalled v2.1 and soft reset
I installed v2.2
Turned on CHT Softkeys
Tested CHT Softkey start menu - worked
Tested hardware key start menu - worked
Soft reset
Tested CHT Softkey and hardware start menus again - worked
Thank you!!
You guys work fast! The issue with the hardware and CHT Softbar starting was my only real issue with this. I bought the paid version and love it. Thank you.
The only other minor cosmetic thing I have noticed is that when you first open the program, it leaves some odd artifacts on the screen as you run it the first time. For example, after a soft reset, the first time I open the menu, I can't see my task bar on top, I see a part of my CHT hometab. Once I close it, it works great for all other openings.
Also, when you click on a program, the animation works fines to zoom the icon at me, but once it is done, the screen briefly jumps back to the start menu background showing me just the icon I clicked on until the program actually opens.
Like I said, purely cosmetic, but I figured I would mention them. Again, thanks a ton for the program, it is by far and away the best start menu I have tried. Light years ahead of even the default WM one.