Raspberry Software release True Connect preview |
  |
|
 Dec 12 2005, 21:18
Post
#1
|
||
 The Main Man  Group: Admin Team Posts: 21,247 Joined: 6th November 2002 From: Norwich, UK Member No.: 1 Device(s): HTC Touch HD  |
Friends of MoDaCo 'Raspberry Software' have released a preview version of their 'True Connect' software for Smartphone... i've included the details below - give it a bash and be sure to send them (and post here) some feedback!
QUOTE(Raspberry Softare) Get true control of your Smartphone using the PC mouse/keyboard simply by moving the mouse cursor off the PC monitor onto the connected Smartphone screen.
 Currently a free preview release is available for download from the Raspberry web site and we're looking to get feedback on the product before final release which should be in the next month or so! Benefits: • Creates a natural extension of your PC allowing the user to control and view Smartphone applications/data using the PC mouse and keyboard. • Makes the Smartphone more accessible as the need to enter text via the 12 button keypad is eradicated. • No need to create cryptic SMS messages as messages can be created in full using the keyboard. • Directly share information between the Smartphone and PC or between Smartphone applications via Cut/Copy/Paste. • Look up Contacts and make hands-free calls without the need to pick up the Smartphone. • Thought processes are not disturbed as appointment reminders on the Smartphone can be dismissed using the mouse. • Use the Smartphone as a mini PC by executing and controlling applications on your Smartphone. For example display your favourite personal web page on your Smartphone, avoiding the need to run this application on the PC. • No loss of PC screen real estate - there are a number of phone applications showing an emulation of the Smartphone on the PC screen. True Connect uniquely allows the user to control the Smartphone directly using the PC mouse and keyboard as if it were a second monitor attached to the PC. Features: • Full operation of the PC mouse and keyboard on the Smartphone. • Ability to map PC keys to Smartphone buttons to further enhance ease of use. • Cut/Copy/Paste between PC and Smartphone and between Smartphone applications. • Relative location of Smartphone to PC monitor is configurable. (This configuration sets where the mouse pointer is dragged off the monitor and onto the Smartphone to initiate focus.) • Plug-and-play support. Connect any Smartphone to a PC running True Connect, no additional installation necessary. • Only available on Microsoft Mobile. Who will use True Connect? All Smartphone users who regularly connect their Smartphone to their PC. True Connect will appeal to the business and consumer communities. Some Technical Details: True Connect uses the ActiveSync connection to send mouse and keyboard events to the Smartphone. True Connect uses a PC Client which runs at start-up. This PC Client will dynamically install the True Connect driver onto the Smartphone. The PC client and Smartphone driver manage the mouse and keyboard events on the Smartphone. The process of dragging the mouse pointer off the edge of the monitor onto the Smartphone triggers the focus to switch from the PC to the Smartphone therefore directing all keyboard and mouse event to the Smartphone rather than the device. The PC focus is regained by simply dragging the pointer back onto the PC monitor. Given Smartphones typically do not support point and click input the technical challenge in simulating mouse movements and click detection was initially a significant challenge to this project. Languages Supported: English for the preview, but full releases will include Spanish, French, German and Japanese. Devices Supported: Microsoft Windows based Smartphones. Developed using SPV C550, SPV C500 & SPV E200. Operating Systems: Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 5 For More Info Contact: support@raspberrysoftware.com Don't wait any longer - Download Now! --------------------   |
||
 |
 
|
||
|
Dec 12 2005, 23:10
Post
#2
|
||
 Staff Team Leader Group: Admin Team Posts: 17,229 Joined: 24th November 2002 From: Southampton Member No.: 53 Device(s): C550 I know its old |
It will be interesting to see how this contends with SOTI as I use this onscreen.
After a short play it's certainly interesting but the time it takes to control the phone using the pointer will take longer than just picking up the phone. Also works on the JasJar  but it is slow at the moment.
-------------------- Smartphone and PocketPC History
SPV, E100, E200, C500, C550, C600 (MoDaCo Edition), MPX200, MPX220, MIO8380, Voq Pro, Lobster 700, JasJar, Vario Windows mobile specialist 2009. Windows Mobile Small business retail specialist 2009  New and updated Smartphone History Life's too fast can I get off and walk for a bit? |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 12 2005, 23:24
Post
#3
|
||
 Hardcore Group: Moderator Team Posts: 8,218 Joined: 9th April 2003 From: Coventry, UK Member No.: 4,510 Device(s): HTC Touch Dual / SPV E650 |
As suggested, I'm unable to use the links and shortcuts in Dr Blow's GVc500 homescreen - specifically the Orange, Facade & RJ Shortcuts plugins.
Another thing I've noticed on the C500 is that when in Multimedia Album I cannot click on the individual files (pics or sounds) to play / show full screen. I'm also a little dizzy from following the cursor back and forth !   Also, how to use copy & paste function ? Does it need xBar (or equivalent) installed ? This post has been edited by Disco Stu: Dec 12 2005, 23:26 -------------------- First 48 Hours with a Smartphone ? Go here
Installing skins & other software MoDaCo Plus ! - join here Orange Official SPV Application Unlocking "What shirt am I wearing bro ? Are you serious ?" Jermaine Beckford 14th January 2008 |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 12 2005, 23:51
Post
#4
|
||
|
Hardcore Group: Moderator Team Posts: 8,218 Joined: 9th April 2003 From: Coventry, UK Member No.: 4,510 Device(s): HTC Touch Dual / SPV E650 |
Have just played a game of Bejewelled2 on my Magician.
As stated by the developers there is some flickering of the mouse trail but otherwise fine.....until the screen went off half way through ! Contrary to the problem mentioned above with Smartphone skins, PPC Today screen plugins seem to work. Launch and control of Mortplayer worked perfectly. As did Pocket Breeze and phoneAlarm. The backlight going off is a pain though. -------------------- First 48 Hours with a Smartphone ? Go here
Installing skins & other software MoDaCo Plus ! - join here Orange Official SPV Application Unlocking "What shirt am I wearing bro ? Are you serious ?" Jermaine Beckford 14th January 2008 |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 10:09
Post
#5
|
|||
 Newbie  Group: Posters Posts: 27 Joined: 13th December 2005 Member No.: 162,591 Device(s): SPV C500 |
QUOTE(awarner [MVP] @ Dec 13 2005, 00:10) It will be interesting to see how this contends with SOTI as I use this onscreen. After a short play it's certainly interesting but the time it takes to control the phone using the pointer will take longer than just picking up the phone. Also works on the JasJar but it is slow at the moment. Interesting indeed. I can't imagine they will play nicely, since they will both want the full bandwidth between PC and phone, and also the display memory. Can I ask why you use SOTI if its easier to pick up the phone? For its screen-shot type features rather than controling the phone? |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 10:12
Post
#6
|
|||
|
Newbie Group: Posters Posts: 27 Joined: 13th December 2005 Member No.: 162,591 Device(s): SPV C500 |
QUOTE(Disco Stu @ Dec 13 2005, 00:24) As suggested, I'm unable to use the links and shortcuts in Dr Blow's GVc500 homescreen - specifically the Orange, Facade & RJ Shortcuts plugins. Another thing I've noticed on the C500 is that when in Multimedia Album I cannot click on the individual files (pics or sounds) to play / show full screen. I'm also a little dizzy from following the cursor back and forth ! Also, how to use copy & paste function ? Does it need xBar (or equivalent) installed ? Thanks for giving it a go! To use the homescreen, you could try using the mouse wheel to send up / down presses, or with shift for left / right presses. Usually works OK in areas where clicking with the mouse isn't supported. To do copy and paste, use ctrl-C and ctrl-V. Only works for edit controls though, otherwise nothing happens. |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 10:21
Post
#7
|
|||
 Addict  Group: Posters Posts: 631 Joined: 22nd February 2005 From: HOLLAND!!!!! Member No.: 112,518 Device(s): SPV C500, M500 |
this is so cool... shame you can't actually drag windows from the monitor to the smartphone, like a true second monitor...
-------------------- devices: C500, evil evil M500, C600, Magic Bullet, hole punch, screw driver
So this seal walks into a club..... But.... i didn't eat sweetcorn?!?!? |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 10:25
Post
#8
|
|||
|
Newbie Group: Posters Posts: 27 Joined: 13th December 2005 Member No.: 162,591 Device(s): SPV C500 |
QUOTE(Disco Stu @ Dec 13 2005, 00:51) Have just played a game of Bejewelled2 on my Magician. As stated by the developers there is some flickering of the mouse trail but otherwise fine.....until the screen went off half way through ! Contrary to the problem mentioned above with Smartphone skins, PPC Today screen plugins seem to work. Launch and control of Mortplayer worked perfectly. As did Pocket Breeze and phoneAlarm. The backlight going off is a pain though. The Magician is a Windows Pocket PC 2003 SE device, right? For the first release only smartphones are supported (I know, I know, but you have to start somewhere). For the tech preview we allow PPC, but some stuff doesn't work too well (copy and paste not at all, some cursor drawing problems etc). And I never coded support for turning the backlight on! I just hope the API is available... |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 10:33
Post
#9
|
|||
|
Addict Group: Posters Posts: 631 Joined: 22nd February 2005 From: HOLLAND!!!!! Member No.: 112,518 Device(s): SPV C500, M500 |
QUOTE(pete_at_raspberry @ Dec 13 2005, 12:25) The Magician is a Windows Pocket PC 2003 SE device, right? For the first release only smartphones are supported works absolutely fine on my C500 and M500...... -------------------- devices: C500, evil evil M500, C600, Magic Bullet, hole punch, screw driver
So this seal walks into a club..... But.... i didn't eat sweetcorn?!?!? |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 11:24
Post
#10
|
||
 Diehard  Group: Posters Posts: 424 Joined: 7th August 2003 From: Netherlands Member No.: 12,312 Device(s): HTC S710 |
This rocks
 Don't know yet whether I will be using it a lot but its extremely cool nonetheless :cheesy:
-------------------- First: Original SPV (Canary) > then: SPV-C500 > then: Qtek 8310 and HTC Wizard > then: HTC S710 > Now: Apple iPhone :)
**If electricity comes from electrons, does that mean that morality comes from morons ?** |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 12:42
Post
#11
|
|||
|
Newbie Group: Posters Posts: 3 Joined: 17th January 2005 Member No.: 105,735 Device(s): i-mate SP3i |
Absolulety AWESOME!! I really like this cool stuff for my cellphone!
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 13:15
Post
#12
|
||
|
Staff Team Leader Group: Admin Team Posts: 17,229 Joined: 24th November 2002 From: Southampton Member No.: 53 Device(s): C550 I know its old |
I use SOTI mainly for screen shots but controlling it on the main screen comes in useful sometimes.
As for speed on the JasJar it's slow without SOTI running but that's just the JasJar as it's slow on the communication side. -------------------- Smartphone and PocketPC History
SPV, E100, E200, C500, C550, C600 (MoDaCo Edition), MPX200, MPX220, MIO8380, Voq Pro, Lobster 700, JasJar, Vario Windows mobile specialist 2009. Windows Mobile Small business retail specialist 2009 New and updated Smartphone History Life's too fast can I get off and walk for a bit? |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 17:03
Post
#13
|
|||
 Diehard Group: Posters Posts: 301 Joined: 10th February 2004 From: oxford Member No.: 31,816 Device(s): Mda compact II |
This is the best show off application for the smartphone EVER! slightly pointless i fear, but deafinatly cool
-------------------- -Bluesmudge-
 |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 17:31
Post
#14
|
|||
|
Newbie Group: Posters Posts: 27 Joined: 13th December 2005 Member No.: 162,591 Device(s): SPV C500 |
QUOTE(bluesmudge @ Dec 13 2005, 18:03) This is the best show off application for the smartphone EVER! slightly pointless i fear, but deafinatly cool Pointless? Surely not... Check out http://www.raspberrysoftware.com/trueconnect.htm for some ideas of how it can be useful!
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 19:58
Post
#15
|
||
 Enthusiast  Group: Posters Posts: 208 Joined: 6th December 2002 From: Marylebone, London Member No.: 787 Device(s): HTC Vox |
QUOTE(bluesmudge @ Dec 13 2005, 17:03) This is the best show off application for the smartphone EVER! slightly pointless i fear, but deafinatly cool Really really really cool. Especialy since I have a dual screen setup from before, I can now drag my cursor from the left screen, onto the right screen, unto my mouse. Excellent cool factor, but I must agree with bluesmudge, a little bit on the show-off-without-much-benefit side. (I already have a program to write SMS from my computer.) sina londonistan |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 20:08
Post
#16
|
|||
|
Newbie Group: Posters Posts: 36 Joined: 14th October 2005 Member No.: 153,875 Device(s): c500 |
this is cool, but almost certainly pointless.
it is pretty impressive to show to friends tho. |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 13 2005, 22:19
Post
#17
|
||
 YEEESS!! MoDaCo Plus Rules!! Group: Posters Posts: 923 Joined: 25th March 2003 From: Tampa Bay, Florida, USA Member No.: 3,841 Device(s): T-Mobile USA SDA |
I like it alot and will use it for writing SMS's!
--------------------  - Please help my dear friend Millie if you can. - yoos' myspace! - Current Phone: T-Mobile DASH (Excalibur) - 2 GB Sandisk Micro SD (Transflash) - Cell Point Flamingo bluetooth headset (awesome!) - T-Mobile USA - Old Phones: SDA Music (Tornado) << Audiovox SMT5600 (Typhoon) << Imate Smartphone 2 (Voyager) << Orange SPV Classic (Canary) |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 14 2005, 10:13
Post
#18
|
|||
|
Diehard Group: Posters Posts: 301 Joined: 10th February 2004 From: oxford Member No.: 31,816 Device(s): Mda compact II |
ok i've spent the evening using it, and its moved away from pointless to actually quite useful, mostly for SMS. Im really bad at spelling, so copy and pasteing from word is great. I don't bother with l33t speak in my texts (becuase i have thousands of the things which never get used) so i can atlast speedily write stuff out.
Its perhaps a little slow in places, especially when first plugged in. Having spent part of my degree on computer interfaces / software useability im glad to say the software is brilliant. The PC based software is nicely layed out, and the functions are obvious . . the dynamic picture of the user's desktop is great and would provide great feedback for the user making it easier to imagine how that concept model applys to them, also well done on sticking the microsoft style guide (even if not intentional) keeping your interface similar to other windows apps will be great for your user. Though the pointer speed option i feel should be in a pointer options tabs, or perhaps turn the Keys tab into a control tab and move it there. As there isn't alot in the way of functions in the window its not too confusing, but with more options it might be harder to find as it seems slightly missplaced. OH and some how ( i don't know if this is intentional) but the icon on the task bar opens the settings window with one click. As users will probably have a mental working model of how task bar objects normally work (double click) it may prove to cause accidental opening of the window - though the icon itself is unique, and nicely designed. The operation of the phone side of thing is great. For anyone who didn't know holding the right mouse button down opens an on screen display of the joystick and home keys and allows the user to complete tasks even if they find click and point isn't working (WMP is the best example of this) this is a great feature I think this is brilliant app for showing off, and if you spend enough time with it the benifits become clear - considering the technical problems you must of over come to make this, this software should never fail to impress smartphone users. Future development - well as its a office type of app then perhaps you should incoporate full point and click for the solitare game . . it kind of works with keyboard but mouse would be better. Hopefully this has all been some help for you This post has been edited by bluesmudge: Dec 14 2005, 10:19 -------------------- -Bluesmudge-
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 14 2005, 10:37
Post
#19
|
|||
|
Newbie Group: Posters Posts: 27 Joined: 13th December 2005 Member No.: 162,591 Device(s): SPV C500 |
Thanks bluesmudge!
Some comments: When you say its a little slow, is this enough to be a problem i.e. do you think we should try to speed things up for V2? Its not trivial to do, and would be at the expense of something else, as is the way with software... We spent some time discussing the UI and the dialog layout. Good to hear that you approve, at least in the most part. The single click in the taskbar thing was tricky - some apps behave one way, and some another way (try the network icons, if you have any shown). Glad you like the navigation pad thing on the right mouse button. For the release we have added phone call and hang-up buttons to it, and mapped them to PC keys as well. Future developments: There are some other things to do, like PPC support(!) and extend the areas of click support. For things like solitare, given it has no drag and drop interface it might be somewhat awkward to do! Still, if time allows ... Finally, many many thanks to you and everyone for taking time to try the product and give us feedback. Its extremely useful to get some honest appraisal from people who haven't seen it before. Pete |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Dec 14 2005, 10:42
Post
#20
|
|||
|
Addict < |