Requested Features for MegaLauncher 4.4

[Utes Rule]

Here are my features that would make ML 4.x an even better launcher that it already it:

1. Ability to toggle status bar
2. Ability to customize colors for time bar, date bar, etc.,
3. Ability to read background images from memory stick
4. A built in file manager

Anyone else have any wishes for future versions of ML?

Also, anyone know if any of these features may be in the works?

Thanks!

p.s. I really don't want to hear "ZL already has all these features, blah blah blah."

[rhart00]

Originally posted by Utes Rule
Here are my features that would make ML 4.x an even better launcher that it already it:

1. Ability to toggle status bar
2. Ability to customize colors for time bar, date bar, etc.,
3. Ability to read background images from memory stick
4. A built in file manager

Anyone else have any wishes for future versions of ML?

Also, anyone know if any of these features may be in the works?

Thanks!

p.s. I really don't want to hear "ZL already has all these features, blah blah blah."

have you tried emailing megasoft2000? I don't think requesting here is going to do you any good.

Also why don't you want to here "ZL already has all these features, blah blah blah"??? are you descriminating against ZL?

[YTTAN]

why need a built in file manage and make it bigger in size? Is it necessary to be monkey see monkey do while ZL have it? Try something diff. to make it worth for the price.

I personally wish that they can allow individual no. of column on different folder. Some folder allow bid icon some allow small icon. Greater limit on no. of column in each folder.

Discuss issue here will help to spread the ideas to more people knowledge and Megasoft2000 will know it sooner or later .

CF driver is the good example.

[DanT]

Fix the Back button hold to Power Off Clie. It works only if the screen on apps other than ML4.3 for my case. However, if that is just unique to my case, I apologize for posting it here and you all please ignore my comment.

[DanT]

Originally posted by YTTAN
why need a built in file manage and make it bigger in size? Is it necessary to be monkey see monkey do while ZL have it? Try something diff. to make it worth for the price.

Why not if they can add file manager for less than 136kb (footprint of FileZ)?  If the file manager includes view preferences of both internal and external cards (currently FileZ can only display saved and unsaved preferences of the internal card, RAM&ROM), I can remove SysTool (13KB), LeftOvers (17KB), and Cleanup (14KB), less icons cluttering the screen, and make ML more competitive with other launchers.

[sebring]

Originally posted by DanT
Fix the Back button hold to Power Off Clie. It works only if the screen on apps other than ML4.3 for my case. However, if that is just unique to my case, I apologize for posting it here and you all please ignore my comment.

Dan, You have stumbled onto one of my main complaints about ML. It takes full control of the jog dial and back button so you can't use them to multi-function. Since I have a NR, it is important for the few buttons that are always available to be able to multi-function. I like to use SlowLaunch to add apps to the Jogdial and backbutton. ML allowed this up until the release version of V4.

This brings me to another of my main complaints. They are unresponsive. I email them about this shortly after V4 came out and still have heard nothing from them.

[poisonberry]

A hot sync button would be quite cool (for non dock-based syncs).

For me one requested feature would be to *not* load it with too much. At the moment it has a clean look and powerful simplicity that I really like. It does what it does and doesn't look cluttered. Everything works and looks good: whereas to me the in-many-ways-cool zlauncher just gets messy on screen. I'm quite happy to swap to another app to do file stuff: of course if MegaSoft would like to make a good-looking app that combines the functionality/simplicity respectively of ClieFiles, Systool, Filez and Superutility, then... cool.

[sebring]

Originally posted by poisonberry
[B]A hot sync button would be quite cool (for non dock-based syncs).

B]

ML does have a hot sync button in the Palm OS tool menu, lower right corner.

ZL's interface can be as clean as you want. All the way down to just a screen of application icons.

[DanT]

Originally posted by poisonberry
A hot sync button would be quite cool (for non dock-based syncs).

EasyLaunch does that.  I just finger swipe from Home (App) button to screen left and the HotSync will automatically run (not just displaying the HotSync button).

The hide category tab is useful too.  I hide the "All" and what I call "Buttons" where I put all apps that can be launched with hard buttons or finger swipes in the Buttons category.  This way I have less clutter on the screen of each category tabs.  I'm glas ML added that functionality in the 4.x versions.  If they can be locked also that would be perfect!

[DanT]

Originally posted by sebring


Dan, You have stumbled onto one of my main complaints about ML. It takes full control of the jog dial and back button so you can't use them to multi-function. Since I have a NR, it is important for the few buttons that are always available to be able to multi-function. I like to use SlowLaunch to add apps to the Jogdial and backbutton. ML allowed this up until the release version of V4.

This brings me to another of my main complaints. They are unresponsive. I email them about this shortly after V4 came out and still have heard nothing from them.

Sigh :(

In the case of non NR user, I guess ML wants me to get use to tapping that top-right corner on/off button with stylus if I don't want to wear out the power button, which starts showing the age (the letter "o" looks like "u" as the paint chipped off due to frequent nail pressing).

[Utes Rule]

I just sent an email to Megasoft2000 (<support@megasoft2000.com>) asking them to consider adding the above mentioned features to future versions of ML. They've been good in the past at responding to me so I'll pass along any info I may get.

I would suggest that all of the ML users out there email them too, with any feature requests you may have.

p.s. The reason I didn't want to heary any "AZ rules, ML sucks" talk is because I have tried the newest version of ZL and while it is very customizable, I still prefer ML 4.3 (plus I've already paid for ML way before 4.3 and can't justify spending more money for another launcher). ML is GREAT in my view!

[YTTAN]

sebring,


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by sebring,

ZL's interface can be as clean as you want. All the way down to just a screen of application icons.
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ML can be as clean as you want it -just a screen of appl icons too but in the greater/better ways as it can show up to 99 application at one glance even without the need of scrolling up and down long before zlauncher able to do that.

[YTTAN]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by DanT,

The hide category tab is useful too. I hide the "All" and what I call "Buttons" where I put all apps that can be launched with hard buttons or finger swipes in the Buttons category. This way I have less clutter on the screen of each category tabs. I'm glas ML added that functionality in the 4.x versions. If they can be locked also that would be perfect!

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Excuse me, I think you had not read the manual or use ML not long enough.
ML able to hide the icons and folders with full of useless appls or all folder last year.

[YTTAN]

Utes Rule,

I had try ZL too.

You had mentioned that

1. Ability to toggle status bar - ZL can't do that too. only able to toggle top/bottom/tool/control bar only which ML had the similar functions too.

2. Ability to customize colors for time bar, date bar - can be done in ML skinmaker.

[DanT]

Originally posted by YTTAN
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by DanT,

The hide category tab is useful too. I hide the "All" and what I call "Buttons" where I put all apps that can be launched with hard buttons or finger swipes in the Buttons category. This way I have less clutter on the screen of each category tabs. I'm glas ML added that functionality in the 4.x versions. If they can be locked also that would be perfect!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Excuse me, I think you had not read the manual or use ML not long enough.
ML able to hide the icons and folders with full of useless appls or all folder last year.

Isn't that what I said in the post?&nbsp; My point to that message is it would be nice if the hidden folder can be locked too, because currently with ML4.3 anyone can open the hidden categories by simply going to Menu, Utils, Show hidden categories.&nbsp; If you want to hide them, why not also have the ability to lock them.

[YTTAN]

oh i see. I had misunderstanding your intention.
But I thought those hidden icons is useless then need to be hide. I myself do not required to lock those appl that is useless to me.

[Utes Rule]

I got a response this morning from Maxim about my requested future features for ML and he said "Hi,

Thanks for your suggestions. This is interesting and I'll try to
release
some of your suggestions in the next release.

Best regards,

Maxim A. Shumilov

Hope to see some of these things in the next version some time soon!

Thought I would pass this along.

[DanT]

YTTAN, if they are useless, why don't you get rid of them? Clear up the limited RAM or MS spaces, clear up the clutter,&nbsp;out of sight out of mind (Feng Shui). If they are there, obviously they are still valueable to you.

Having both hidden and lock are just an added protection. Some people may need them, some people don't. Having this option adds value to the launcher. There are some confidential and private info that you don't want other to probe into. If a folder is visible and locked, it will attract curiosity, someone (e.g., your kid who wants to play a games in the Clie) will get attracted to it and try to unlock it. If it is hidden, what you don't see won't attract attention and only you know where it is and how to unlock it.

[DanT]

Originally posted by Utes Rule
Thought I would pass this along.

Great! Thanks!

[hogs]

Here are the few feature I would like to get in one of the next release of ML4.
- possibility to import category setting of the default launcher (not to have to sort all progs each time ...)
- having one or more buttons that you can configure the prog you want to launch.
- Better dev. tool for skins with some explanation (without having to get codewarrior...)

and the most important is to keep the ML spirit !
There is a place on the market for many different launcher. Subjective feelings are also part of the selection criteria ;-)

[YTTAN]

DanT,

I would like to remove it but nobody can done at this moment. Unless you want to challenge with Jacksprat's developer just like Ayasin's CF driver against Sony developer.

The following applications is I hide it and being replace by better 3rd parties applications as follow:

1.Address - agendus
2.date book - agendus
3.To do list - agendus
4.sound uiltity - useless to me
5.ms backup - useless to me
6.default launcher - megalauncher
7.calculator - megacalulator
8.flash player - useless to me
9.memo pad - wordsmith / handstory
10.photo album - acid image
11.photo editor - useless to me
12.clie file-old one - mcfile / megalauncher
13.clie viewer - acid image
14.card info - mcfile
15.SMS - mobilesms
16.Welcome - useless to me

All above is useless and no need to be lock. I do think that lock function may use it on those 'unhide' appls which are more appropriate in this case.

[DanT]

I see. Hopefully Brayder will solve that as JackFlash for OS5 is done. That would be nice.

I put the following files in the "Protected" ("locked") category to "child proof" or "Palm clueless proof" my Clie so to speak:&nbsp; JackSprat, JackSafe, JackFlash, HotSync, Backup, Applications, MSBackup, MSImport, PiDirect II, Prefs, Security, FileZ, and McFile.&nbsp; They are all still in the "All" category, so what is the use of "locked" category if someone can get to them from the "All" category?&nbsp; If the "All" category can also be locked or the apps in the "locked" category&nbsp;would not be listed in the "All" category, then I can see the usefulness of the "locked" option.&nbsp; Hopefully this option can be added to the next version.&nbsp;

[YTTAN]

Actually you can hide the 'all' folder as well.

[DanT]

Originally posted by YTTAN
Actually you can hide the 'all' folder as well.

I did that if you read my post.&nbsp; What I tried to explain there is that if you hide the "All" category, which also contains the apps in the "Protected" (or locked) category, and someone can easily unhide the hidden "All" category by simply tapping Menu, Utils, Show hidden categories, then what the hey the "Protected" category is good for?&nbsp; Might as well don't bother about the security password and just use the hidden categories.

[TheSpies]

Originally posted by Utes Rule
This is interesting and I'll try to
release
some of your suggestions in the next release.

Thats the same thing they said when i asked if they were going to add the archive feature back into it (ver 4.0 at the time).

[DanT]

What's the difference between Archive and the Trash can?

I can see the usefulness of Archive if it resides in MS just like Magic Bin would do.

[tanker_bob]

In 3.2.2, Archive compressed the files stored there. Trash Can just stores the uncompressed files, so isn't as space efficient. Archived files were still in RAM, not on the card.

[DanT]

Does ZL have Archive?

[tanker_bob]

Just a trash bin. The docs don't mention anything about compression. Since I back up all the time with BackupBuddy, I don't mess with the trash bin. If I think I'll need something on the road, I just move it to an archive directory on my MS--manual archiving, sorta. :)

[DanT]

I have the same setup in MS (/Palm/Archive), so the missing Archive option in ML4.3 has not really bothered me. Never use Trash bin either, since the files are still taking up RAM space. Have no need of Magic Bin app for the same reason (I meant it's just too easy to move files in around, no need to spend $ for that).

[tanker_bob]

Originally posted by DanT
I have the same setup in MS (/Palm/Archive), so the missing Archive option in ML4.3 has not really bothered me. Never use Trash bin either, since the files are still taking up RAM space. Have no need of Magic Bin app for the same reason (I meant it's just too easy to move files in around, no need to spend $ for that).
Exactly. :D

[sadrik]

I'd like to see multiple-VFS support for MegaLauncher. It appears to only see the VFS Launcher directory for one VFS card at a time.

This is a bit of a show-stopper for me, or soon to be.

[DanT]

Sorry, your point does not go through my thick head. What other launchers do that? Please give me an example of what you want ML to do.

[sadrik]

Well, when I have MS and another VFS card installed at the same time, the Clie Launcher lists applications in both VFS' /Palm/Launcher directories. But ML only lists one VFS volume's /Palm/Launcher -installed apps at once.

[DanT]

Ah, you're talking about running 2 external cards at the same time like MS and CF in your NX? Would any third party launcher like ZL, Yishaw, LX or SilverScreen, be able to do that?

[sadrik]

When I remove my MS card, ML 4.3 finds my apps on my other VFS just fine. Pop MS back in and all its apps show up but my other VFS apps disappear from ML. :(

[tanker_bob]

ZL's file manager will see both cards in the latest beta and you can move stuff between them, etc., but I don't know about two Launcher directories at the same time. I don't have any way to test that.

[YTTAN]

As I say, Use Mcfile better. As you can see 2 card without even install any patch. It is more stable too.(my opinion)

[YTTAN]

There is one lousy poem created by me.

Launcher is launcher.
File manager is file manager.
Jpg viewer is Jpg viewer.
Doc reader is doc reader.

Yishow got 4 in one.
zlauncher got 3 in one.
ML got one only but it is pure one. (my opinion)

Does anyone understanding what I'm trying to say?

[DanT]

YTTAN, I agree with you for&nbsp;adding a file manager into ML with the current setup is not a good idea, unless it can be secured with a password. The reason is because file manager is a sensitive area to be messing around with by Palm clueless people, like those whom you let them play games&nbsp;in your Clie. Currently, I removed MSGate out of ROM and added McFile in RAM, and FileZ in MS. Both 3rd. party file managers are under locked category tab.

If someone accidentally hard resets the Clie, there won't be any file manager to mesh around with and only I know how to restore the RAM from MS.

The Clie is now "child proof" so to speak. All of the sensitive apps like: Applications, Backup, FileZ, HotSync, JackFlash, JackSafe, JackSprat, McFile, MSBackup, PiDirectII, Prefs, Security, CryptoPad, Yaps, would require the second password to get access to.

ML4.3 has already a very good security as far as not letting us to exit the MegaLauncher unless we enter the password, because once we are on the default launcher, all of the apps that reside in the locked category tab and the hidden tabs are exposed.&nbsp; Launching Applications&nbsp;will bypass that security and exit MegaLauncher w/o entering the password, so it needs to be in the hidden category tabs and/or locked category tab.&nbsp;

[DanT]

I made additional security measure to deactivate "Palm OS applications button" by going to Menu, Options, Customize bottom bar..., Bottom tool bar group4, and select:
1. World Time button
2. Test Center button
3. Unused button
4. Unused button
This way, when the right bottom tool bar is tapped, the popup window is only showing Test Center and World Time buttons.

The Palm OS option has no use for me anyway as:
1. Palm preferences (Prefs) - it needs to be secured as it contains some sensitive shortcuts and settings
2. HotSync - already setup in EasyLaunch
3. Off &amp; Lock - already included in Palm OS 4.1
4. Soft reset - already have Reset DA (1KB)
5. Exit MegaLauncher - explain in previous post.

However it only hide the option and&nbsp;those who know how to use ML would get around this little obstacle.&nbsp; Hopefully the next version would have&nbsp;improved&nbsp;security measure, which could be&nbsp;a&nbsp;niche of this launcher.

[DanT]

Originally posted by sadrik
I'd like to see multiple-VFS support for MegaLauncher. It appears to only see the VFS Launcher directory for one VFS card at a time.

This is a bit of a show-stopper for me, or soon to be.

Sounds like ZL 3.0.1 is the answer to your prayer if you haven't put down $$ for ML, I meant.

[avega]

My only request for future versions of Mega Launcher:

SMALLER SIZE!!!! :D

[YTTAN]

Not bad DanT, You can understand my lousy poem. You do have your good point for file manager. I agree with your security idea.

And Yes! size does matter in my only 11mb OS 5 device. ML seem like taking a lot of space. If it can give user a option to take out some function and reduce it's size that will be nice too.

The following Palm OS option has no use for me as well:
1) LCD test.(test center)
2) Favourites List / recent list / common list
3) Beam view
4) trash bin

[DanT]

Yea, many of those options I don't use either. For cleaner look, I minimize the bottom bar icons. If I want to use any of the options, that is what the Menu button is for. Why should I clutter the screen with buttons? If the options can be disabled and ML can reduce footprint w/o them, that would be a nice option indeed.

Come to think of it, I hardly use the favorite, recent, and common lists either since I use McPhling. If I'm in an app and want to see the ML favorite list, I have to tap App (Home) button, then the favorite (heart) button, two taps (if the bottom bar is not minimized that is). With McPhling, I just finger swipe from App to Menu (one swipe) and listed 14 apps/DAs instead of just 10 apps.

Other options that I don't use are small icons view, Advanced view, Info view, Trash view, Beam view, Test center, World time, and Palm OS applications.

[DanT]

Originally posted by DanT
I put the following files in the "Protected" ("locked") category to....They are all still in the "All" category, so what is the use of "locked" category if someone can get to them from the "All" category?&nbsp; If the "All" category can also be locked or the apps in the "locked" category&nbsp;would not be listed in the "All" category, then I can see the usefulness of the "locked" option.&nbsp; Hopefully this option can be added to the next version.&nbsp;

I have to take back of what&nbsp;I said previously.&nbsp; After reintalling the ML4.3, all of apps in my 'Protected' category are no longer displayed in the 'All' category.&nbsp; :D

For those who are curious about the&nbsp;the lock category security, I attach a screenshot of mine:

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=441

Sorry MegaSoft2000. :o

[sebring]

Originally posted by tanker_bob
Just a trash bin. The docs don't mention anything about compression. Since I back up all the time with BackupBuddy, I don't mess with the trash bin. If I think I'll need something on the road, I just move it to an archive directory on my MS--manual archiving, sorta. :)

I like to keep both ML and ZL on my device, although I primarily use ZL. I don't like to delete ML because reinstalling it also requires re-categorizing everything (a pain). Leaving it on my Clie takes up about 1.5mb, that I can use for other things, like Mapopolis maps. The way I solved this was to FlyZip ML and all it's DB into one file that is about 1/3 the size of the unzipped ML. Then I manually move this 500+kb file to MS to a directory called "zipped". This gives me quick access to ML, when I want to play with it, at a 0 RAM cost. Besides the MS space savings, also much easier moving the one ML Zipped file to MS than trying to find all the ML files and move all of them to MS. Anytime I want to use ML, just copy the zipped file back to RAM, unzip it with FlyZip and it's ready to go, with categories and all preserved. If I plan to use ML for an extended period, I just Zip ZLauncher the same way.

For security purposed, FlyZip also can create self-extracting, password protected zip files. DanT you could zip and password protect the files you don't want people fooling with and save space at the same time.

[DanT]

:cool:

I'll give FlyZip a shot.

Does ZL have lock category like ML?

[*YellowRose*]

Originally posted by sebring DanT you could zip and password protect the files you don't want people fooling with and save space at the same time. WHAT!?!??!?!?

DanT ~ YOU ACTUALLY LET SOMEBODY ELSE TOUCH YOUR CLIE???

Nobody better EVER touch MY clie.;) :D

[DanT]

Originally posted by *YellowRose*
WHAT!?!??!?!?

DanT ~ YOU ACTUALLY LET SOMEBODY ELSE TOUCH YOUR CLIE???

Nobody better EVER touch MY clie.;) :D

My wife is hooked on Bejeweled!, but she doesn't care about CLIE or PDA.&nbsp; So I have to be nice to her if I want to get any dessert.&nbsp; But I'll be watching my CLIE like a hawk when it is in her hands.&nbsp; ;)

[sebring]

Originally posted by DanT
:cool:

I'll give FlyZip a shot.

Does ZL have lock category like ML?

DanT, no ZLauncher doesn't have a locked category, just hidden categories.

[DanT]

Sebring, FlyZip is a cool program, but I hold off in spending $10 until such need arises. Thanks for the tips.

Hmm, ML is still have a niche in launcher market afterall.

[williamwck]

Zlauncher's size is too big. I need a smaller size of MagaL.
1. Add Memory Graph in top bar.
2. Date>Time>Day of Week change to cycle view in top bar.
3. Cancel built-in file manager - include advanced view and info view. (Because i have Mcfile/FileZ)
4. Favorites List and Recent List and Common List join into One List.
5. Cancel Test Center and World Time Clock.

[tanker_bob]

Originally posted by williamwck
Zlauncher's size is too big. I need a smaller size of MagaL.

Actually, I have them both in their newest iterations (but only use ZL) and they have the same memory footprint (within a K or two) with all features activated (background, skin, icons, configuration databases, etc.)