How Do I Modify The Home Screen?

[juni]

OK, I just got a wm5 smartphone device - and being who I am I want to modify it :). Is there for example a WA2 program for smartphones? And how do you create your own themes? :)

(Yes, I am a total newbie to smartphones - I couldn't even get MMS to work with the finnish Elisa service provider :( ).

[Mike Temporale]

OK, I just got a wm5 smartphone device - and being who I am I want to modify it :). Is there for example a WA2 program for smartphones? And how do you create your own themes? :)

(Yes, I am a total newbie to smartphones - I couldn't even get MMS to work with the finnish Elisa service provider :( ).

Hi Juni! Welcome to the Smartphone world. :mrgreen: I'm guessing you got a really cool Christmas present. ;)

I've always liked the work you did for the Pocket PC and I can only imagine the fantastic stuff you'll be able to pull off on the Smartphone.

The Smartphone home screen is pretty different than the Pocket PC. At least when it comes to customizing it. Baiscally, the home screen is made up of an image, and an XML file that tells the phone where to place each of the controls. The XML file contains a listing of objects, and each object has a X and Y co-ordinate that tells the phone where to place it on the screen.

I think most people would agree that Kleinweder (http://smartphone.kleinweder.ch/downloads/index.php) makes the best home screens on the internet. Take a look at what he does.

To install a home screen, just copy the JPG and XML to the Applications Data\Home folder. If the home screen is a CAB file, you'll need to copy it over to the device and run it from there.

Please keep us informed of your progress and creations. And, if you have any more questions (I'm sure you will) just ask. ;)

[Mike Temporale]

On a side note - I created a new thread for your post. I thought it would be better if we started a fresh thread for this topic. ;)

BTW, What phone did you get?

[juni]

I'll be testing that :). I got the Qtec 8310 and I must say it is a very nice device - best phone I ever had. :)

[Kris Kumar]

I'll be testing that :). I got the Qtec 8310 and I must say it is a very nice device - best phone I ever had. :)

Cool! I badly want to get one. I love the black professional styling. 8)

So I believe the Qtek 8310 aka i-mate SP5 are now available.

[juni]

Yes, it is cool. The screen is great and it seems very fast. I also like the built-in wifi :).

[w411y]

http://www.modaco.com/Tutorial_Creating_XML_homescreens-t233425.html
Theres a tutorial for yah :wink:

[Mike Temporale]

http://www.modaco.com/Tutorial_Creating_XML_homescreens-t233425.html
Theres a tutorial for yah :wink:

Hey w411y, that's a great tutorial. Nice job! Thanks for sharing the link.

[juni]

Great! I realize designing screens for smartphones is very different from ppc today screens (but you seem to have much more control over the look). :)

[encece]

Nice tutorial w411y!!!!!!
I'll refer others to it whenever they ask for tips on getting started in homescreen design.

[zrdan]

That's an awesome tutorial....thanks for taking the time to put that together.

[w411y]

Here's a better version of the previously posted tutorial.. http://www.modaco.com/Homescreen-guide-for-beginners-t236832.html

I will soon finish the 'plugin resource'. From here you will be able to copy and paste an example of the XML for every plugin :D

[Kris Kumar]

Here's a better version of the previously posted tutorial.. http://www.modaco.com/Homescreen-guide-for-beginners-t236832.html

I will soon finish the 'plugin resource'. From here you will be able to copy and paste an example of the XML for every plugin :D

Thanks w411y, that's a pretty comprehensive tutorial. I am running into some problem with the home screen rendering, let's see if your tutorial can help me out. ;-)