Noob question on homescreens

[Guest TalentedFool]

Just got my first ever smartphone - nice SPV c500s.

Have done quite an extensive search (least I think I have) on how to create the homescreens.

From what I have read they are all XML based and can be done using CAB files which shouldn't be a problem but has anybody got any good instructions on how to create them and what should be populated within the file?

Cheers 8)

[Guest drblow]

The homescreen itself is a collection of images and an xml file. The xml layout tells the screen what plugins will display what text, and what background images. The CAB file is an installation file, and is not a necessity - especially as a beginner! :D

The best place to start is to download a skin file you like, then take a look at the xml file, and the images. Have a look at the MS whitepaper on plugins, and there is a ton of info on this forum if you use the search function, about how to customise the homescreen. But the best way is to just start messing with the xml & see what happens!

You could try the ruttensoft homescreen designer, but it does seem a bit limited in a creative way to me - and it doesn't use the e200 plugin, which is also on your C500, which is still the most useful thing on my phone!

Hope that helps abit. ;)

[Guest TalentedFool]

Thanks drblow - started to do that last night. Looks pretty simply

Also downloaded a few emulators to start coding on.

From what I've seen on here theres not many ways to effectivly use the media player as a good player. Might have a look to see if there are any tools on the WindowsCE SDK from me MSDN and see what I can come up with

Ta anyway

[Guest drblow]

erm ... the emulators won't help you for coding xml. I just open the file in notepad & edit it.

Not entirely sure what you are on about regards the media player tho!? :shock: