[Q] Newbie questions (Sorry!!) - Dell Streak 7

Hail the Mighty Lords of XDA!
I have heard that XDA forums are the great fount of wisdom when it comes to mobiles/smart phones, tablets and the like, and have come as a novice seeking guidance from the masters. I beseech you to have patience with my (currently) limited knowledge and in return, I will do my best to learn as quickly as I can.
I know very little at this point (though I have found the Glossary and Terminology pages at the Wiki) but I don't mind doing my own reading and stuff if y'all can point me in the right direction. A big part of it right now is just that I don't know who or what is trustworthy, except that you guys have an excellent reputation
I recently got a Dell Streak 7 WiFi only from Amazon.com (no T-Mobile connections or apps.) I'm really loving it, but there are a few things that I would love to be able to change if I can figure out how. Here are the ones I'm most interested in at the moment:
REMOVING PRE-INSTALLED APPS: There are several apps that came with the device that I have no desire to use and would like to remove. I understand that this will involve "rooting" the device, but the instructions I've found on how to do that are confusing and I've seen references to apps that are supposed to do it in one-click, but the reviews have been mixed and its hard to tell if the instructions or apps are for the Streak 5 or Streak 7
SETTING DEFAULT PROGRAMS: My Streak came with 2 email programs (a "generic" one and Gmail) as well as a generic browser. On the home page at the bottom of the screen is a widget that has an email icon, the thingy you touch to get to all the apps on your device and a browser icon. Is there any way to assign a specific e-mail client and specific browser to those buttons?
ASSIGN ICONS TO FOLDERS: When I make a custom folder, is there a way to assign an icon to it as a visual way of identifying it?
GET T-MOBILE'S QIK VIDEO CHAT: While my Streak isn't connected to T-Mobile, they are the company we use for our cellphones. I like the Qik video client T-Mobile installed on our MyTouch4G phones and would like to be able to use it on my Streak as well (so I don't have to maintain separate video chat friends lists and make sure everyone has the right software.
If you've actually made it this far, first off, THANK YOU for your patience I'm sorry it's so long, but I just wanted to get it all out there to start with.
Any other suggestions are more than welcome, as well as links to any other references.
Thanks!
Kriselda Jarnsaxa

Related

Novice Wing Modder with Some Questions....

Hey folks, I got my Wing a couple of weeks ago and I love it. I had a treo before, and this makes me much happier. I had gotten into modding the UI a bit and playing around with the best combos of third-party software on my old treo, so I started playing with my Wing. Well, I've gotten probably mid-level with my technical modding competency thus far. I'm comfortable with most progs and mods I've found below actually flashing the ROM, and I'd think about that too, but I've gathered that most of the TF roms out have trouble on the Wing. So far, I'm overclocked to 260, tweaked some stuff in the registry, installed the HTC Touch UI minus the cube and all that, but I'm not quite happy. So, I have some questions:
On the HTC Home 5 tab skin:
1. Is there any way to put custom icons in the launcher area? Not just style-wise(though that would be good), but that link to things that aren't on the list? I'd really love to but a button that would take me to "settings" in there, like the one that takes you to "programs". I have a few other ideas too.
2. On the weather tab, I know there is a way to add cities to the "select city" list by getting the city code off of accuweather.com and changing the registry, but I can't figure out how to get the code for my city when I look it up on the site...I search it, and it comes up, but where is the code?
3. I put the HTC black theme on here, but I wondered, are there any others available? I know I've seen a blue one, and I think I've seen pictures of an HTC Touch that had a red theme....
Other Stuff:
1. I tried to up my page pool to 6mb like it says in the "all you need to know" thread, but the preparation app wont work....I install it, but nothing happens after that....I can't find it to open or anything else...Is installing it enough?
2. Is there any way to keep wm6 from putting the recently used programs on the start menu?
3. Is there any way to change the two links on the bottom bar that the soft keys are mapped to? Not change what the keys are mapped to, but like, change "Calendar" to "Settings" or "Contacts" to "Messaging", for example?
4. Is there anything out there that would let me navigate my phone with my finger? I know certain programs have this capability, like Opera Mobile's latest beta and PocketCM(which I use), but I'd like it on all windows that require scrolling....
Apps:
1. Anyone know the best app to use to stream radio and/or tv on my phone?
2. What's the best way to watch youtube? I wouldn't ask, but I've found like three or four different threads/articles on ways to do it, and I don't know which I should use. I prefer to use Opera as my browser, but I can use PIE now and then, if the process actually lets me watch it in my browser....
3. Can ya suggest any good games?
Well, thanks in advance for any help you can give. I've been trolling here for a while, so I know there are some very smart people here and I have faith. Sorry for asking so much, and forgive me if I should have broken this up a bit into different threads, but I'm trying to perfect my phone, and this was basically what was left on my list....Any other tips on how to achieve my goal of making a nice, clean, finger-friendly UI and putting the picking the best apps would be appreciated too.
Peace.
Ok, I figured out the HTC weather thing, and the today softkey thing, so I'm good there. Any help on the rest?
I can cover a few for you but any more's gonna cost ya....
flash your phone with either of the touch roms out right now and you will be able to finger scroll in nearly all applications.
try avotmv, or search using google for similar programs for streaming videos(avotMv includes youtube as well as google).
Many streams to tv stations can be opened with WMP directly which makes it alot easier to connect to them by saving them as PIE favourites. You just need to find 'em first, I would suggest doing that from your computer first.
I've recommended Flux Challenge before, ill do it again...apart from that I don't run too many games from my pocket pc. Seal Volleyball is kinda fun too.
Maybe some others can assist you with the rest
cheers

Lurker Looking For Help On Programs And Other Stuff

Well i have lurked for a while but finally posted as i am really struggling. I have a orange branded kaiser tilt, i have installed,Home Customizer and swapped the clock but everything else is still above me,there a couple of things id like help with if anyone can preferably free as i am kinda skint after buying my kaiser >< ? Listed below many thanks:
On the main kaiser screen i have got contacts and calendar i want to get rid of calendar and swap it for something else is this possible ? .
A good wifi app that will show me unsecured hot spots that i can jump onto when out and about ? Just installed WIFIFOFUM2 but it doesn't allow you to connect the the hot spots ?
A method of swapping the kaiser menu so that the 4 square thing were you can put your fav contacts to something else or make it so when i click it it brings up the text or call thing instead of just ringing them ?.
And anyone got any other suggestions of apps i should install ? id like to totally customize my home screen but i am really not sure on how to do it ?
I know most of these questions have probably been asked before but i struggled to find them in search so any help appreciated many thanks
You have got to be kidding! Everything you asked has been repeatedly asked and answered. Why do some many of you people think you have just asked the most original, brilliant question. Search some more. Read and be educated. Stop being such a lazy a$$.
I fully understand your anger but its what to put into the search box to bring up the result i am after that is what i am having difficulties with anyone care to enlighten me ?
I'm not angry at all. Just perplexed at the lazy people who come on the forum and ask the same questions over and over again.
Use the link in my signature, below. It is a better way to search the site. Then get creative in your search terms.
For example, if you want to know about changing the calendar then type in terms like- replace calendar bottom of screen- and you will get this, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_q=replace+calendar+bottom+of+screen&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&num=10&lr=&as_filetype=&ft=i&as_sitesearch=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.xda-developers.com&as_qdr=all&as_rights=&as_occt=any&cr=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&safe=images
Try that a little and I am sure will get the knack for it.
Of course, please read the stickies and the Wikis.
foreverfaithless said:
On the main kaiser screen i have got contacts and calendar i want to get rid of calendar and swap it for something else is this possible ? .
A good wifi app that will show me unsecured hot spots that i can jump onto when out and about ? Just installed WIFIFOFUM2 but it doesn't allow you to connect the the hot spots ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Schaps advanced config<< look in the link in my sig.
2. wififofum << put that in your search and you'll find it.
The new iPhone is out and I think it might be a perfect fit for you. Then, you can go to an iPhone forum and post interesting questions!
Or, you can keep your phone and learn how it works by reading and playing with it???
The only thing I can suggest that you install on it is a search application. MSN and Google make one that is easy to install and you can find the Google App here:
http://www.google.com/mobile/

Is it ok that I'm completely overwhelmed?

I literally just bought my at&t tilt today, and when I bought it the guy I got it from suggested I come here to do some digging on modifying/personalizing my Tilt to my liking. Now, I'm somewhat of a computer nerd. I can work through most issues with my PC without having to call customer service or hit up forums or anything. I have no experience with pocket PCs or windows mobile however.
I've read the multiple notices here advising to read around first before asking dumb questions, but I have to say that I'm still completely lost and don't even know where to begin. I really don't have complicated intentions, I'm almost 100% satisfied with the phone as-is...regardless, I still just have no idea what to even start with, so I figured I would just throw that out there and hopefully get pointed in the right direction. Hopefully I'll be able to take it from there, but the tutorials, wikis, and FAQs that I was advised to browse through first (and I apologize if I'm just not seeing it, again I'm a WM noob) just aren't getting me there.
All I'm really interested in doing is changing my home screen. Other things I want to do I don't even know if it's possible to do so, or if I even have to download anything!
So maybe just one more shove in the right direction?
Try This
This is not going to change your rom......This will give a new look totally...I think you'll like it...Install it from your desk top
Peace
Mike
You should get a good start at the wiki here:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Kaiser
IMO You can't beat SPB Mobile Shell even though you have to pay for it, it's well worth it.
deXtrous said:
IMO You can't beat SPB Mobile Shell even though you have to pay for it, it's well worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree here
pointUI
Wisbar advance (check out the skins for this app..)
If you know a bit of XML try RLtoday
oh, and search for "Ultimate launch" on the forum...
ummm check out the second link in my sig.
I'm in the same boat as you. There is so much information here, it's quite overwhelming. I want to get the most out of my device, but I just don't have he time to really get into it.
Well you have to start somewhere, so just say where you want to go.
Would you like to make the phone look different?
Would you like to add your own ringtones?
Themes?
gps stuff?
roms?
seriously look at the second link in my signature.
I suggest that you use it for a while to get used to it, then read, then try changing it. Just my 2 cents.
I'm guessing your question is more basic than the answeres provided. If you just want to change your today screen, check out the "Today" applet under "Settings" on the start menu. You can choose from a variety of default plugins, and some of them have options you can change (simply click the options button if it's enabled). As you install more apps, they may have Today Screen plugins as well.
DO NOT GO THROTTLE LAUNCHER.... i like the guy that developed it but it has become obsolete with manilla 2d, personally i stayed away from flashing for a long time but now that i have started i'm addictted it provides alot better preformance from your ppc, i would highly recommend it
my favorite rom right now is the garmin dk4 manilla just make sure you read up before, its not that complicated once you get the hang of it. biggest thing is make sure to flash hard spl before you flash anything else
Here's some advice from someone who has had pocket pc's for a long time. I am also half a century old, so this advice comes from experience and not theory.
Keep your Kaiser/TyTN II/Tilt, whatever it is, as stock standard as possible. Do not flash new roms etc etc. This is the cause of most problems here unless you are really clued up on this, which it seems you are not at the moment. I won't even try it.
There are many third party apps out there and in here which will not affect the normal functioning and enjoyment of your device. Most of them are freeware.
Today themes are dime a dozen, heck, you can create your own with freeware apps like ThemegenCE (Desktop app which creayes the Tsk file for your device theme and even TKCreator which is a theme creation app directly on your device I (Also freeware and more basic than the former).
You need Total Commander, a freeware File Explorer much better than than one shipped wth the device. Quickmenu 2.7 makes using the device a pleasure and hardly requires the stylus. This provides a task manager, drop down menus, controls for device utilities like bluetooth, wifi, soft resetting etc. You also need Mortplayer which is the best MP3 player and is freeware and of course TCPMP with flashvideo bundle for video clips/movies/flash video from websites etc. This all for free. Heck, here are even freeware GPS apps for navigation out there, eg Amaze GPS and Nav4All, or just go full hog and buy the best like TomTom. TodayAgenda is a Today Plugin for calendar appointments and is one of the best and totally free. S2U2 developed by A_C from XDA is a cool screen saver/slide to unlock app which is free and highly customisable with animated gifs as wallpaper etc.
This would be a good start for you.
Regards,
MAC
MACkjam said:
Here's some advice from someone who has had pocket pc's for a long time. I am also half a century old, so this advice comes from experience and not theory.
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Click to collapse
I am also more than half a century old (now grand father !) and I agree with MAC advices !!!

Android specific apps

Will only specific apps run on android? Its just my mate wants to get Freecaddie on his Hero, and I have it on my Touch HD. I have checked on the website but not sure whether to try and put the winmo cab on and run that or will it mess the phone up... any help greatly appreciated..
I'm not a programmer so I could be completely wrong, but I don't think that will work. That's like trying to run a Windows program on a Linux machine - unless the developers specifically made a Linux version it just won't work. Probably the best thing for your friend to do is look around on the market for that application or a similar one.
(And before a Linux defender comes to correct me - yes, I know you can get windows emulators that run in Linux, but I'm not aware of those existing for phones.)
Ia m may get flamed here, but i am sure , a windows moblie app will not run on a linux based os, unless some one has made W.I.N.E (linux geeks like myself will understand) for andriod then No sorry !!
Steven__ said:
That's like trying to run a Windows program on a Linux machine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not just like, that's exactly the case here
@Milesjasjar
It won't work. As another poster mentioned though, search the market. I've found apps to do most things (apart from a really good calendar app!!!)
P.S. Good luck for Saturday, hope the Saints do it. It's about time.
martint235 said:
I've found apps to do most things (apart from a really good calendar app!!!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If what you don't like with the HTC calendar is that it displays all events on the monthly view in exactly the same way, you can try the Pure Calendar widgets (dev's website here). The 'Grid' one displays a coloured bar at the top of each day in a monthly view, its length representing how long the appointment is and the colour which calendar it's part of. It loads data from Outlook and Google calendars without trouble. The dev also makes an agenda style widget, but I haven't used it. Unfortunately you have to pay about £1 for either.
Hi,
Thanks I'm already using Pure Calendar and have the Grid too. I agree it's the best available at the mo but having just moved over from WinMo I'm waiting for someone to release a major app like Pocket Informant. Unfortunately developers seem wary as they are not sure people will be willing to pay £20 for an Android app (although I would be if it's good enough!)
M
Cheers for the responses guys.. at least I know what to expect when i get my own hero... I keep looking but still not ready to make the jump, guess I am far to comfortable with the Winmo UI. But the gap is closing on the usability.. as long as i can import everything from outlook, and find a free golf program then i might make the jump sooner..

Would like to Dev for W8, have ideas, more places to start?

Hello All,
I have two small App Idea's that I want to implement on the Windows Phone 8 platform. The problem is I'm a little unsure where to start for resources.
The issue however is that for all the Dev resources MS has given us, they mostly start at weird points and has no or little impact on where I want to, or figured one should start. So stuff like, setting up a DB, or Using an Azure Server etc.
If not that, most other help I've found have been off point starting as well. XDA's own vids start off with OAuth etc, which are all great, but I'm not even near there yet for what I want to do.
Most other guides, like even MS's own recent JumpStart videos all hop and skip over certain things. So you're following along (Or I'm trying to) and they jump forward, skip tasks and pull out pre-done code so I assume I need different foundation before I can jump in at their stage.
So, I have my idea of what I want to do, buttons, calculator, lists. But I don't know how to start from some basic things. And I am a little reluctant to jump in to what they have for WP7 cuz I don't want to use anything that's been deprecated.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Check out LinkedIn. I started a group a long time ago for Windows Phone developers and enthusiasts. It's filled with programmers, Microsoft people, and there's lots of good references and people to ask.
McHale said:
Check out LinkedIn. I started a group a long time ago for Windows Phone developers and enthusiasts. It's filled with programmers, Microsoft people, and there's lots of good references and people to ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, any specific link to this LinkedIn... I gotta admit, I never thought of LinkedIn as a place for help in this kind of thing...
As an update though, I already have started on the app I had in mind and now have some specific "How-do-I" questions, but undure where to post these. Thanks again however.
Here's the group. There are some pretty active members who are programmers.
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=124767
-Mc
As weird as it may sound: I would suggest you get a beginners book on programming C# on the Desktop. That way you should learn to program from the ground up and get a solid foundation on how the language works (classes, properties, attributes, events, etc.)
Everything else later on is different libraries you will use. That is what most of the introductory videos are about. They show you which classes you use for certain functionality, how you properly wire everything up so it works together.
When you have the basics of how C# works (and most current programming languages like Java but also Objective-C or C++ share the same concepts although there are differences) the best way would be to start with a small project and ask questions when you get stuck or first have a look at StackOverflow if the same question has already been asked and answered.
Teaching someone how to program from the ground up in a forum only rarely works in my experience. But the previous poster might have had different experiences.

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