Sunday, February 1, 2009

Omnia i910 :: HOW TO


***
If you just want a simple list of links to apps, tips and tricks with minimal comments, scroll to the bottom of this post for "THE LIST."

Tired of trying to cull through thousands of pages of thread posts to figure out how to simply do stuff with your Omnia (or perhaps another Windows Mobile based device)? Well look no farther. I will be posting any information I can glean about my Omnia i910 here.

This won't necessarily be an Omnia (SCH-i910) for Dummies (though it starts out that way), but I will try to include material ranging from primer level to stuff that will be more interesting to those who want to delve deeper. And if you're a noob (like I was) there's plenty of easy info. here.

My frustration started last week when I opened my new Omnia ordered from Verizon (shiny!) and tried to load my contacts from my old EnV VX9900 onto it. I spent three days trying to figure things out. Very frustrating.

So here is "how to" number one:
Swallow your geek pride, and take your old phone to the Verizon store to have them transfer your numbers for free. Like I said, I spent three days trying to do this on my own. When I finally just went into the Verizon store, it took them about 8 minutes and it cost me nothing.
Over the next couple of weeks, I'll post the rest of my findings and thoughts here. There is a simple list of tools, tricks and links at the end of this post, so go there for the quick fix.

***If you just want a simple list of links with minimal comments, scroll to the bottom of this post for "THE LIST."

====================
SOME BASICS
Use the Start menu! I didn't realize until a day or so in that you can click on the "Start" just like in WinXP or Vista (and I felt really stupid when finally I realized). When you click on Start, there is a drop down with many options (that you can customize).

Installing apps involves placing .cab files on your phone. Don't fret. This is very easy. Simply place the .cab file on your phone, either by downloading it directly with your phone from the app's website, or by downloading it to your computer and then moving the file to your phone via Windows Explorer and ActiveSync. I've been placing all my .cab files in the My Storage root folder (just inside "My Storage" without any extra folder).

Now just use the Omnia's "File Explorer" (or other file program like Total Commander) to find the "My Storage" folder, open it, and click on the .cab file. The phone knows what to do from there. It will ask you where you want the program installed (device or My Storage). I suggest installing your apps on the device so they run faster, but if you start installing a LOT of apps, you'll need to use the extra space on your "My Storage."

If you decide you don't like a program/app, uninstalling is very easy. Go to Start > Settings > System (it's a TAB at the bottom of that page)> Remove Programs. Select the program you no longer want and remove it!


====================
You may want to do this immediately:
I quickly became frustrated trying to do lots of things via my Omnia's tiny touch screen interface. Why, oh why don't they have a program to control my phone via my PC?! Well "they" do! MyMobiler rules! It is a simple program that connects your PC to your phone via WiFi or USB and then opens a window on your PC that allows you to control your phone in real time (there is a tiny lag). Finally I can edit my contacts on my phone with my PC keyboard! This is also a great way to learn the ins and outs of your phone via a more friendly input device (your real keyboard and mouse).

====================
Actually, you may want to do this first: get rid of the Samsung Widget.
Click "Start." Click "settings." Click "Today." At the bottom click "Items." Uncheck "Samsung Widget" and get rid of that godawful sidebar for your opening screen. Woo-hoo! Freedom! (Sorry, I've just become completely annoyed by the Samsung Widget sidebar; it's pretty damn useless, as you can't customize what's available, and a lot of what is there you won't use... ever --who cares if you can move the icons around the screen if they're useless?!).

You can now select "Today Screen" as your opening screen. If I don't switch to another shell (like SPB) or a screen/icon program like iFonz (see link below), I will be using "Today 2" for my home screen. More on that later (see the "how to" in the registry editing section of this post).


====================
SYNCING YOUR CALENDAR AND CONTACTS
Microsoft's Active Sync will only sync your contacts utilizing Outlook. Since that's bulls**t, here are a couple of other options:
  • Sync to Thunderbird via Birdie Sync or FinchSync (WinXP only for now)
  • (Not so much a sync, but at least a back up) Back up contacts with PIM Back up application
  • iContacts (I haven't tried this yet, but people seem to like it as an alternative to Windows Contacts --apparently it works well with iDialer and thumbCal, but I haven't tried these yet) [update... I wouldn't really consider this a syncing option... it's just a different contact manager for your phone]
  • To sync your Windows Contacts with your Mobile Device WITHOUT using Outlook (apparently the only way Microsoft wants you to sync contacts), I've created a How To post here.

====================
MAPS and GPS
GPS for the i910 is currently only available via VZNavigator. There are many rumors that it will be unlocked for 3rd party apps during the first half of 2009.

Google Maps... just plug in your number and Google sends you a link that you click. A .cab file downloads to your phone and Google Maps is installed automatically. Currently, Verizon has GPS locked up so you can only use it with VZNavigator. Supposedly that will be changing in the first half of this year.

However, after doing some more searching, I found that Windows Live Search Mobile is pretty much the same thing as Mobile Google Maps... except Gizmodo says that it's much better. You be the judge.

[update] After using it, Windows Live Search is clearly superior for the Omnia (and I assume all other Windows Mobile based phones). It makes sense that an app created by the maker of the entire OS would work better... and it does. For the Omnia, I highly recommend Windows Live Search over Google Maps. It spawns faster, and the tools are more useful. You can even speak locations and Live Search will find them for you. I really look forward to the day that Verizon unlocks the GPS and you can use the "find me" link.
[another update] After a month of actually using Live Search, I'm not so sold. The "traffic" option is often waaaaaay off (it will tell you that your road is free and clear, when in fact things are at a dead stop). The restaurant search doesn't have a LOT of restaurants listed. And the "search for specific locations" function is often extremely frustrating in that you have to manually update what you are searching "near" every time. Very bothersome. I think this would be much better if you could utilize GPS for the "find me" feature (still disabled by Verizon on the i910). So I reinstalled Google Maps and I use that for traffic and maps. I still use Live Search to find movie showtimes and theaters.


====================
HARD RESET

  1. Press the soft reset hole beside your power button (it's very tiny)
  2. Press the CALL and CANCEL buttons at the same time when you see the Samsung Omnia on the screen
  3. The reset screen will appear (yes will hard reset, no will soft reset)
Supposedly, this method does not format your 8GB/16GB hard drive memory (only the system memory). To wipe everything, use the hard reset from the SETTINGS menu as follows (from the Omnia manual):
  1. From the Today screen, tap the right soft key function: Main Menu > Settings > System tab > Hard Reset
  2. The Hard Reset screen displays with the Memory tab open. To reset your phone, tap the Clear all data button.
  3. At the Clear all data prompt, tap Yes.
  4. Tap the QWERTY keyboard icon at the bottom bar on the main LCD screen to open the virtual QWERTY keyboard and enter the Device Lock Code (last 4-digits of your phone number) and tap “yes” in the box.

====================
RINGTONES/NOTIFICATION SOUNDS
Creating New Notification Tones for SMS Messaging

Copy and paste your SMS tones or music to the main WINDOWS folder. The music or tones must be stored in the WINDOWS folder and not any sub folder within it. Go to your sound settings and the new tones should appear in the drop-down for easy selection.

For the following changes, make sure you have enabled viewing of hidden files on your phone.

It seems odd, but WinMo doesn't seem to have an interface to change specific notifications, so you have to actually change the file that is used for the tone you want changed. In other words, to change the sound for when you turn the phone on, simply change the file called "pwr_on.wav". Create or find a sound you like, remove the original "pwr_on.wav" from the Windows directory. (I like to just rename the file as "pwr_on_old.wav" so I can go back to it if need be), and then add the sound you like... but rename the file "pwr_on.wav". I'm also not sure why the phone uses .wav files (larger) instead of .mp3 files (smaller).

EXAMPLE (change Ringer Off sound) : For some reason, the sound the phone makes when you turn off the ringer is INCREDIBLY loud. When you're turning off your ringer, isn't it because you don't want to make a lot of noise? WTF? This problem is easily remedied by changing the "PhoneOff.wav" file in your main Windows directory. You can replace the tone with a sound of your choice or replace it with a silent .wav file for no sound at all.

IMPORTANT NOTE (how to move sounds): When you drag and drop a .wav file to your phone, it will most likely be placed in the My Documents folder. You will then need to find the file in My Documents, click and hold on the file and then choose "copy/move." Select "tree" to see the folder view and then select "Windows." If you named the file correctly, your file should overwrite whatever sound you are replacing (you may need to uncheck "read only" and/or "archive" in the properties of the file you are replacing).

This all seems like a major pain in the butt to just change a sound, but I think this is how you have to do it until Microsoft implements a real sound panel.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT NOTE (where to put your ringtones): If you don't want your ringtones gobbling up your system memory, create a file in "My Storage" named "My Ringtones". You can place mp3's and wav's in this folder and they will show up in the Sounds and Notification settings. They will also show up in your Windows Contact editor (but they didn't seem to show up in the PocketCM contact editor --I assume this could be fixed with a reg. hack).

As I understand it, you can also change where your Omnia looks for the ringtones by editing the Registury thus:

1) Navigate to HKey_Current_User > ControlPanel > Sounds > RingTone0
2) Change "SavedSound" value to your desired directory.
3) Exit registry editor and soft-reset. You are done



====================
EDITING YOUR REGISTRY
(It's often a good idea to soft reset your phone after making registry changes; just use a paper clip to press the teenie-tiny button next to the power button.)
First, BE CAREFUL. You can really screw things up in here. I take no responsibility for you hosing your phone, and I WILL NOT help you get things back to where they belong. That said, you'll need a program to edit your registry. I'm using Total Commander. Open Total Commander. At the root, click on "plug-ins." This takes you to three backslashes in the address bar ("\\\"). You should see three directories: ftp, LAN, and registry. Click on "registry," and you'll see HKCR, HKCU and HKLM. These are what you'll be editing.


To unleash the "Samsung Today 2" option, use your registry editor to drill down to the path shown below; once you get to "Items," you'll need to create the "Samsung Today 2" directory by clicking on the icon at the bottom of your screen with the folder and plus sign. Now double click the "+Add value+" icon (not the text), and then start creating what you see in the list of registry values below. Type in the name first. Then select the "type." Notice most of the entries are "DWORDS" (only "DLL" is a "String"), and the DWORD values are "decimal."

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Today\Items\Samsung Today 2]
"Type"=dword:00000005
"Order"=dword:00000003
"Options"=dword:00000001
"Enabled"=dword:00000001
"DLL"="secst.dll"
"Selectability"=dword:00000002
"Flags"=dword:00000000


After you enter these values, go to "settings" and click the "today" screen. On the "items" tab, deselect everything and check the "Samsung Today 2" box. You're there! Here's a simple list of the Today 2 screen features and how to use them.


Change Scrollbar Thickness (wider is more finger friendly):

Horizontal (bottom) scrollbar:
HKLM\System\GWE\cyHScr = 9 (DWORD decimal)
Vertical (right) scrollbar:
HKLM\System\GWE\cxVScr = 9 (DWORD decimal)



Change Dialer Screen to original default (this hack will save you around 6-10MB of system memory and I think the interface is better)

HKLM/Security/Phone/Skin
Enabled: 1 : change 1 to 0

After a soft reset, your screen should look like this.


Disable Auto Keyboard Pop-up in E-mail or SMS/MMS (man, that gets annoying):

HKCU\ControlPanel\Sip
Change TurnOffAutoDeploy from a 0 to a 1.



Delete Shozu (free up 400k of running RAM plus extra space for program files)

HKLM\init\
Look for Launcher140, containing the string "\Windows\shozurcp.exe"
Delete Launch140.
Delete additional space by removing files:
Delete the ShoZu shortcut file from "\windows\start menu\programs\"
Delete the entire ShoZu folder and everything in it from "\program files\cognima\Shozu"



Record Video in 400x240

HKCU\Software\Samsung\Camera\VideoSize
Change VideoSize to 1653
Available settings: 1652=640x480 1653=400x240 1654=320x240 1655=176x144
Note: you cannot achieve this size setting from within the camera; you can only set the video to this size by editing the registry (until I find a way to add a link) I'm not sure why they didn't include a 400x240 icon on the video size screen, if it's obviously available on the phone.



Change Directory Path for Ringtones
(I actually haven't tried this, so lemme know if it works.)

Navigate to HKey_Current_User > ControlPanel > Sounds > RingTone0
Change "SavedSound" value to your desired directory.



Move Opera cache to "My Storage"
Here's a great little trick to free up some device storage from xsrx over on the Modaco forums.

Something not mentioned, but that I assume is a good idea: clear your old cache first. Open Opera, click the little arrow in the bottom right, go to History, click the trash can and affirm that you want to delete all. If you don't do this first, you'll need to delete stuff from your old cache folder at Application Data\Opera9\cache. Now...
  • Close Opera.
  • Create a folder on your storage card where the cache files will go. I chose \Storage Card\Program Files\Opera\cache4, but I don't think the folder structure or folder name matter.
  • Open \Application Data\Opera\opera.ini in a text editor. [note: this directory was "opera9" not "opera" on my phone; "opera" is just help and skins]
  • In the [User Prefs] section, add the following line: Cache Directory4=[full path to folder on storage card].
  • Save and close opera.ini.
  • Restart Opera. Your cache is now being written to your storage card.
Change your download directory:
  1. Edit the Opera.ini file
  2. Under [User Prefs] change "Download Directory=\My Documents\" to another directory on your device or storage card

More useful space saving techniques (move your default download directory, move your help files, etc...) for Opera Mobile can be found at this post from Download Squad.



====================
THE LIST
====================
(non-free programs are marked with an asterisk)
(things that I use are bold and red)


Back Up and Sync

  • Birdie Sync (for Thunderbird - WinXP only)
  • Finch Sync (for Thunderbird - Windows, Mac, Linux --it's Java!)
  • Gsync (sync your Google Calendar with your phone)
  • Sprite Backup *
  • NuevaSync.com (sync your Google Calendars with your phone calendar -no software to install, works with ActiveSync and your NuevaSync.com online account)
  • OutSync (sync your Facebook friends' profile pics with your contacts)
  • Windows Live (like a second Exchange Server that only works with Windows Live, should be included with WinMo, but can be downloaded to phone if not)
  • Windows Live Mail (Microsoft mail program that installs on your computer to syncs with Hotmail, Windows Live (on your phone), etc...)


Control Your Phone With Your PC



Maps and GeoSearch

Other Utilities

Shell Replacement, Skins and Interfaces (get a whole new look, feel and functionality)

Media Players
  • S2p

Misc. Fun Stuff

Forums

Download Sites (apps)

Other Links


Thing That Don't Work for Omnia Yet
  • Dashwire (back up to the cloud --doesn't support Omnia i900 or i910)
  • Skyfire (mobile browser --doesn't support Omnia's 240x400 resolution) [03-02-09 update: now reported working --thanks, Greg]

*denotes pay (not free) app/service



====================
MY PHONE
(what I've installed, removed, and how I'm currently set up)
====================
  1. Set phone to "wake" only with power button (not face buttons or screen) settings> buttons> wake up tab> "power button only" > uncheck lock device. This prevents pocket dialing. Also, the power button is a great "soft" off. This means I don't need to use any "lock/unlock" apps. After 30 seconds of non-use the screen goes black and I "wake" it with the power button. When I'm done using the phone I turn off the screen with the power button.
  2. Installed Total Commander (file explorer/registry editor)
  3. Installed MyMobiler (control phone with PC)
  4. Altered registry to use Today Screen 2
  5. Resized vertical scroll bar width to 18
  6. Altered "Start Menu" drop down choices (settings>menus) to include most often used programs (easiest immediate access)
  7. Used Theme Changer to choose grey as background color
  8. Altered registry to use older default dialer (saves space, better interface)
  9. Altered registry to prevent keyboard pop-up for Email and Messaging
  10. Installed iDialer (much bigger dial pad, easier to dial with)
  11. Installed Windows Live Search (maps and geo search)
  12. Installed Audio Notes Touch (mp3 recorder)
  13. Installed Windows Daylight Savings 2008 update
  14. Turned off auto-rotate (rotate with camera button now)
  15. Added and changed ringtones and notification sounds
  16. Installed .NET manager (netcfcfg.cab)
  17. Installed 3.5 version of .NET (NETCFv35.wm.armv4i.cab)
  18. Installed HTC emulation for accelerometer functionality (HTCEmu.zip > 2 DLL's installed in the Windows directory)
  19. Installed Lightsaber 1.0 (sue me; I'm a geek)
  20. Installed iFonz (don't know if I'll use it, but it's nice having another "look" available) [removed - Today Screen 2 is good for me]
  21. Removed Shozu from registry (frees up 400k)
  22. Installed Softkey Control Panel applet (v1.4) to remap softkeys [02/18/09 changed "contacts" to "my peeps" and mapped it to PocketCM]
  23. Installed mobile Flash 7 player
  24. Reassigned "menu" key (upper right) to Task Manager
  25. Set up phone calendar to sync with my Google Calendars using NuevaSync.com
  26. [2-12-09] Installed Zumobi/REI snow report app (made for 240x360, so has major problems on Omnia's 240x400) [removed - didn't work]
  27. [2-12-09] Installed PocketMax Spacer cab for Today screen [removed - doesn't work with Samsung Today, can't configure for Today Screen 2 (greyed out)]
  28. Installed PocketCM (contact manager) and Dark Diamond II theme (I like this MUCH more than the iContacts app, it's much more robust --can't wait to try out this guy's keyboard replacement app) See my PocketCM review post here.
  29. Installed Green Button to remap "call" hardware key to PocketCM
  30. [2-27-09] Installed PocketCM Keyboard and wm7 inspired qvga (0.3) skin
  31. [2-28-09] Changed Green Button to link to iDialer (since my soft key already goes to PocketCM)
  32. [2-28-09] Moved ringtones to My Storage. Changed Ringer On, Ringer Off, Phone On, and Phone Off notification sounds.
  33. [3-9-09] Installed SIPchange to set PocketCM Keyboard as default (not totally convinced about PocketCM Keyboard --pretty buggy-- but I'm giving this a shot anyway).
  34. [3-12-09] Moved Opera Mobile cache to My Storage.
  35. [3-12-09] Moved default download directory to My Storage.
  36. [3-13-09] Added SP2 media player... so far I don't like it.
  37. [3-31-09] Phone is hosed. Verizon replaced it.
  38. [3-31-09] Installed CeRegEditor.

64 comments:

Noku Dzu said...

Thank you so much.

Perfect site for us noobs.

I appreciate you taking time to put this together for us.

Regards, Bob

nokudzu at gmail.com

The Invisible said...

Thanks for the thanks, AllMeta4.

Keep checking back, as things are updated regularly. In fact, just yesterday I added a bunch of information regarding changing your sound settings (like ringer off/ringer on, etc...) and moving your ringtones to the My Storage area to save system memory.

Tell your friends!

Unknown said...

The latest version of Skyfire now works with the i910.

Thanks for all the info in one spot.

The Invisible said...

@Greg: thanks for letting us know, Greg. I've updated the post accordingly.

And you're welcome for the "all the info. in one spot." Lemme know if you feel there are any glaring omissions (tips to add).

Anonymous said...

Any ideas on disabling/removing the opera browser?

I hate it, and feel that Windows Mobile, should have IE as the default on it. It is on the phone,. but not even set as a default. I'd settle for just changing that even.

Anonymous said...

Hi Im new at this also but I just cant figure out how to change the icon to make it look like the iphone icons. can you please tell me step by step?

The Invisible said...

@Chew: To set IE as your default, uncheck Opera.

Go to Opera - Tools - Settings - Misc - Set Opera as default browser and deselect that setting.

IE will now be your default.

Actually removing the program gets messier regarding registry settings; I'd just leave it alone.

However, I would suggest taking another look at Opera Mobile. It is clearly superior to IE Mobile for many reasons (size, functionality, etc...).

If you still don't like it, maybe check out Skyfire. People seem to be saying great things about it.

@Michael: if you want your phone to look more like an iPhone (icons and all) take a look at Lifehacker's step by step here:

http://lifehacker.com/software/hack-attack/turn-your-windows-mobile-phone-into-an-iphone-269055.php

You can download a program called iFonz and then there are icons all over the web that you can find and install if you don't like the default ones (which look like the iPhone).

Anonymous said...

whoa. ok like i still have yet to discover what the little circle is next to the earpeice and verizon logo is??! and this stuff is trully amazing and i thank u thank u thank u for your time and input you take into the omnia. ive been searching all over for these answers and more. like games. just oldschool windows games to put in the games folder. rodents revenge!! and one question mainly.... is there a way to hook my usb game controller to my om to play like snes nes and i would of put more time into finding iso's for the fpscp and roms for other emus but i would rather have a controller. ????? this is the only thing holding me back now. lol. i had my om for a month and i finally figured out movies converting. and the feel and dowlonging. well hope to see ya!!

Unknown said...

@George
The circle next to the verizon name using the Samsung Widget's screen it depicts what radios you have enabled. (ie Phone/Wifi/Bluetooth)

Anonymous said...

o. so how about hooking up a controller?

The Invisible said...

@george: sorry, man. I've got nothin' for you in the realm of controllers for the Omnia. Hooking up an external controller would be a pretty tricky piece of code, as it involves harnessing a universal input and then getting it to "talk" with your phone and the software running on it. That said, there may be somebody out there working on it. As you said, there are plenty of emulators to get other things working on mobile devices, so why not a controller?

Currently I'm working on shooting a film (on top of music and a full time job), so my time is pretty tight, but I hope to, at some point, put together a collection of games, emulators and reviews.

Till then: keep rockin'.

Max Caponegro said...

Any other email clients?

The Invisible said...

I just use what's already there... I get there from PocketCM though. Click on the name, click on the address and then it takes you to the default e-mail prog.

I've got Hotmail set up through Windows Live (but only to sync my contacts), and I've got Gmail set up through IMAP.

I use the Exchange Server to sync Google Calendars via NuevaSync.com.

I'll post any other e-mail clients I find, or feel free to leave a link here in the comments if you've got any!

Thanks, Max.

theDUEPER said...

hey cuzo i installed the >dll for the emulator but cant find the HTCEmu.zip where do i getit and how do i make it work together whats the dealey yo help a brutha im tryna play g flow and teeter dig!
thx

vic
vicodamone at yahoo DIG!!

Anonymous said...

I accidentally found a way to update the camera firmware. Go to the Windows folder and look for a file called "CameraInfo". When you select it, the phone says "Updating Firmware...wait 2 minutes". After a soft reset, the camera honestly seems to work much faster and I think the pictures might be a little better, too.

Anonymous said...

where did you find the Record Video in 400x240 hack. I love looking into camera hacks

The Invisible said...

That camera hack came from either the Modaco or XDA forum. I don't think anyone has found a way to replace one of the three default resolution choices with an icon for 400x240 yet, so you would be hailed as king (or at least a demi-god) if you figured out how to do that.

You would definitely be hailed as king if you figured out how to get the panorama feature to shoot in a higher resolution (it currently only shoots in the lowest resolution). That is like the holy grail of Omnia camera hacks.

Anonymous said...

consider it my mission...


Unless you find it ;)

The Invisible said...

Journey well, Nuke. [smile]

Greg said...

Thanks so much for this. The way you explain things is so clear.

One question though. (and i know i'm likely the only person in the world who likes it)

I changed the Dialer gui as you suggest, but the keylock goes away when you do that.

That keylock was annoying, yes, but it also prevented my chubby cheeks from putting the phone on speaker every so often.

Is there a fix to enable that lock again?

thanks,
Greg D

The Invisible said...

Hi, Greg. There are probably better ways to get exactly what you want (a way to get the lock working with this screen), but here is how I deal with the situation...

First, I have my phone set to wake only when I press the power button (the screen and front buttons will not "wake" my phone). This is also great to prevent pocket dialing.

Under Settings> Buttons> Wake up (tab)> select "Power button only."

I advise deselecting "when device is woken up, lock device" unless you want the added security (inconvenience) of having to enter your pin each time you press the power button. Again, I highly recommend turning the lock off for wake, if you're going to be using the power button to wake the device.

Next, under Settings> System (tab)> Power> Calling (tab) set the "turn off LCD after call has been connected for" to 10 seconds.

You'll note that there is a message that "LCD will not turn off automatically while features other than the phone are in use. So fortunately, Samsung had the wherewithal to make this feature work only for a call, which is great.

Now your face won't screw up your calls. The downside is that you have to press the power button to get the screen back on during a call (if, say, you need to use the number pad), but it's a solution that works for me.

You've still got 10 seconds where your face can hit the screen, but I think it's that way even with the screen lock. I'm usually just careful to hold the phone at an angle for the first 10 seconds.

The other solution is to just hit your power button after your call is connected (make sure the call has actually connected). The phone is still running, but the screen is inactive.

I love the ability to use the power button as a "soft off." I never pocket dial, and I think it's a good solution for not face dialing.

Hope this helps!

Alex G said...

great blog..

question..

when using PocketCM Contacts have you been able to set it as the default/pirmary program??

I'll add something, I have installed the Gmail 2.0 app to my Omnia, I know there has been an issue with the .jad error.. Download from the link I provide at the end of this and install.. once installed then download the 2.0 app and install, worked like a charm.

this will install It will install the GC Java Pack 1.2.6, thus allowing your Omnia to update to Gmail 2.0 :)
http://www.4shared.com/file/79733592/bfb033b7/java_and_gmail_omnia.html

The Invisible said...

Hi, Alex.

PocketCM works for me as the default some of the time. There are still times when it goes to the WinMo text message inbox or contact manager. It depends on where I access from... and I haven't been paying close enough attention to know which areas are the problem.

I love PocketCM (and it's better than the alternatives I've seen), but there are definitely areas to see some improvement.

Mostly I just make sure I go to PocketCM (via my remapped soft key) any time I need to do anything contact related (edit info, sms, call, e-mail, etc...).

Thanks for posting the Gmail 2.0 App link.

I've been pretty happy just using the WinMo mail app with PocketCM and accessing Gmail via IMAP, so I'll probably stick with that.

I'm sure there will be people visiting this post that will hit that link though.

I'm sure it will be of interest to "Max" who posted earlier in this thread.

Walter said...

Just wanted to say thanks for putting this all together - it helped me out so much!! Keep up the good work (I have saved this to my favorites)!

george said...

Hey guys. Well i found a bluetooth controller. http://cgi.ebay.com/MSI-Bluetooth-Game-Controller-Game-pad-For-Mobile-phone_W0QQitemZ110323326443QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBluetooth_Wireless_Products?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116#ebayphotohosting But any way ive got bigger problems. This is my 3rd omnia. : l my first the guy told me there was a protective screen on it n i scratched it so i went to pull that screen off nd ya there wasn't one and i pulled the screen off under the earpeice. I paid 50bucks and got a new one. After i paid full retail. Like 630 something. He said he put me on the smartphone package monthly too but he didn't. And also failed to tell me about such. My second om the battery missed up. Well it would tell me the battery is full and turn off the phone. N i couldn't do anything till i rebooted and plugged it up. So they replaced it. My problem now is the battery again. It tells me its full. Then when i click it it says what's on it. If i plug it up it charges but i have to reboot to tell me the battery. If not and i unplug it'll just say its still plugged. Ive noticed all 3 of the omnias ive had get hot when i do. I love this phone. But i don't think itll last 2yrs to my upgrade. Any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

Found a spot where Google Maps is explained for the Omnia!
http://computer-know-how.blogspot.com/2009/02/getting-egps-enhanced-gps-to-work-for.html

Alex G said...

If you have the Verizon i910 from all i've read the GPS is locked down and will not work.. many are working on trying to get it enabled but it looks like we'll have to wait for Verizon to release a rom before the modders can get to it..

Anonymous said...

hey guys. i have a verizon omnia. and i saw samsung has an update. can i not get the update?

Greg said...

Hey, another question.

Is there a way (or app) to allow my Photo Caller ID to show a larger image? Similar to the iPhone?

thanks again.
Greg

The Invisible said...

@greg: I believe S2U2 will do that for you. It's a screen lock like the iPhone has, but it has photo caller ID.

Anonymous said...

I installed both Skyfire and Dashwire and used them with no problem. Although I don't like Dashwire and removed it because you can just sync with google using m.google.com exchange server for active sync. Just set the username/password in server options to your gmail info and your done. Skyfire worked fine for me as well.

Alex G said...

SPB Mobile Shell 3 has leaked, 15 day trial.. its a very slick interface give it a look..

JJ said...

The tweaks on this site are great. I've recently changed the firmware to the latest Samsung firmware and am having trouble tweaking the auto keyboard popup registry hack. Any ideas how to work it??

Anonymous said...

I have be playing with pocket pc for a while now but this is my frist smartphone.I love it and this blog. you told how to get rid of shozu in this blog but how do you get rid of other things that are in programs but not in the Uninstall?
P.S the omnia i910 is bad ass!

Robert said...

Hi There: How can one reassign the "Live!" browser access to another program?. My Omnia has an opera default version that is in Hungarian, I already installed the english version on "My storage", and have working just fine, but have to access it through "Programs". yeah it sucks having 2 versions of the same program installed, but the system won't let me delete the hungarian version. Any ideas?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the work and tips you have put into this site. it semms like you have moved on, but what is here is great.

The Invisible said...

Haven't moved on! Just up to my neck in producing/directing a feature film (it's an unbelievable amount of work). I've posted a couple more Omnia posts (new GPS hack, etc.), but I won't have time to really get back to the blog until around September. Crazy.

You can check out the movie site here: http://LeadingLadiesMovie.com

Thanks for your interest. Glad to be of help!

Anonymous said...

Well at least your well, that is good, thanks for the post and response. Your movie looking interesting thanks for the link. Take care, see you in September.

Greg said...

Another question...

When I have an incoming call, and i either touch "Answer" or press the left button to answer, i have to wait about 4 seconds before talking.

Does anyone else have this problem or a way to fix. I saw somewhere online a way to modify a registry entry, but it wasn't clearly instructed so i decided to avoid it.

thanks again.
Greg

Greg said...

http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=630755&postcount=88

Found a solution.

Anonymous said...

I am truly an illiterate when it comes to computer technology. I do like the modifications you made to your phone and I am trying to mirror some of your changes. I looked into getting Total Commander but I am not sure which one to download. Could you please give me a step by step on which items I need to download so I can make changes. Thank you for your time.

Anonymous said...

I followed the process step by step and my samsung today 2 does not show up in the list when I go to settings>items tab

What might I be doing wrong?

Jbaker said...

I'd like to delete useless crap like ShoZu, but it says it I dont have permission. Why, and also how do i enable viewing of hidden files on the omnia? I like successfuly loaded the today 2 screen; is there a way to make a today screen with only a clock??

augie1 said...

i need a coach. i have a freshly flashed verizon samsung i910. it is making/recieving calls. i have all the correct settings for metro for the sms/mms/ dialing #777 etc... EXCEPT!!! I can NOT get the password "metropcs" to stick when i enter it into the settings. I have a verizon vx6800 "ntc titan/mogul" I had it flashed to metro, and put all the same settings into it, and it's password stayed in place. All is working purrrfect on it. mms/sms/pic&text/calls/gps/instant messaging, etc.. I have been told that on the omni i910, the password has to be edited via computer/usb cable..reg edit.. perhaps. If i knew what/where to edit i feel confident enough to try it. can anyone direct me with good info, as to what software to use, and where in the registry, i need to edit? I have mobile reg editor, and qpst, and active sync installed, as well as tcmdpocketarm total commander for pocket-pc. i really want to get this phone working, someone please come to the rescue. my email is augierockstar@hotmail.com cell# 707-413-8127...augie. and thanks in advance...

Mago said...

Yea, the Omnia is capable of recording videos at widescreen format, 5:3 ratio. Although not standard ratio, this resoluation allows the recorded video to be played in full screen

1. Use a registry editor, go to HKCU/Software/Samsung/Camera
2. Change the value of VideoSize to 1653, and you can now record 400x240 videos :D

1652=640x480
1653=400x240
1654=320x240
1655=176x144

Note: you will need to go to video mode at least once before you could see the registry entries. Changing the setting in the camera will set it back to the original resolution. In addition, the camera setting does not reflect the new resolution.

Yelk said...

Great Blog..
I am in need of a java emulator to run some .jar files. Do you have any suggestions on where i can download one?

Anonymous said...

Another good application to sync an online calendar is Sianix Calendar Sync. I use it with my Windows Live Calendar.

Sameer said...

Great How to for the Omnia!! I was wondering is it possible to get the AccuWeather app on the Samsung Today 2 screen?

Jen said...

i just wanted to say that I have found your website very helpful in learning how to use my new phone! Thanks for taking the time to put all this info out there! Do you know how I can remove word/excel & power point from my phone? I have no use for them and would like to free up some room. Also anyone know why they made this phone so complicated??

Greg said...

Does anyone else have an issue of speed of which you connect a call. For example...
Call rings, I click "Answer" and it takes at least 3-5 seconds to connect the call.

Often I say "hello", and they don't hear me. Then I hear the caller saying, "are you there?"

The experience is the same whether its the Answer button or the send key.

thanks! Greg

The Invisible said...

@Greg: Are you the same Greg who posted that you found a solution to this issue on PPCGeeks on May 15?

If not, I'd give the link in that comment a try.

Greg said...

that would be embarrassing...do you have a link to post so i can see the solution?

The Invisible said...

10 posts up:

http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=630755&postcount=88

Not sure if this is actually the solution you're looking for, but it's what "Greg" posted.

Greg said...

I couldn't find "greg" but i did install the .cab. We'll see if it helps. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Thanks this all worked great for me. I actually dropped my i910 completely under in a glass of Coca-Cola. It was completely immersed. I snagged the phone quickly and dried it thoroughly with a hair dryer on low heat. Amazingly the phone worked but I needed to hard reset to get the phone to work. All of the registry edit hacks you give are great! Thank you!

Unknown said...

Thanks this all worked great for me. I actually dropped my i910 completely under in a glass of Coca-Cola. It was completely immersed. I snagged the phone quickly and dried it thoroughly with a hair dryer on low heat. Amazingly the phone worked but I needed to hard reset to get the phone to work. All of the registry edit hacks you give are great! Thank you!

Sandy K said...

I have learned so much from your page. Thank you.

Can you tell me why there is both a touch player and windows media player on the phone. Can one be deleted?

The Invisible said...

Hi, Sandy. Typical Microsoft! [smile]

I think you can delete touchplayer, but it's rather involved (editing the registry, etc.), so probably best to just ignore it (you can delete any shortcut that annoys you).

The Media Player (and lack of headphone jack) is actually my biggest gripe with this phone... if you scan for all media files, the Media Player insists on placing all your ring tones (any sound file) into your media library, which is completely unacceptable (who wants to hear a ringtone when they put their music on shuffle?).

Anonymous said...

Still enjoying your site Bob, I am now using amaze for gps. So far having found anything better. Thanks for the kickoff to my Omnia I haven't upgraded cause I still enjoy it.

JoeB

patrick said...

Thank you for this I chanced upon to view your blog and found it very interesting. Great ... Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Thank you SO MUCH for opening up my Omnia for me ~ I have seriously hated this phone till today.... you've got a fan for life.

The Invisible said...

Glad to have helped! Keep poking around the blog, and you'll find other useful tips and tricks for the Omnia! Thanks for checking it out.

Unknown said...

Very nice site - thanks.

When I downloaded MyMobiler I get an error message: MyMobiler125_02072010 is not a valid pocket PC application.

Any idea what's wrong?

Anonymous said...

Any idea why when I use MS' Activesync, I'm not able to transfer files to the 8gb "Storage" part of the phone? As it is now, I can transfer about 6 songs, and then it's telling me memory is full.

Also if there's any *Nixers in the house, I could access my memory card on my W395 as it it were another USB drive from Linux, but with the i900, I can't access anything. Does this phone require a "handshake" like the Zune?

Questions being out of the way, thank you for this blog. This is VERY helpful. Nice work.