AutoOffExtender v1.0 - 100% automatic!

[yoovee]

(My own app, but it's FREEWARE, so I hope it's ok)

AutoOff is when your device shuts itself off automatically after a specified period of user-inactivity, in order to conserve battery power.

AutoOffExtender can detect when your device is powered on after being off for less than a few seconds, and extend the auto-off time for that session, assuming you need more time to watch the screen with no action.

AutoOffExtender restores this setting to its default value when your device is gone off.

http://images.palmgear.com/software/screenshots/160x160/62989.gif
http://www.palmgear.com/?xyz=62989

I've just updted it to version 2.5:

If extending, you may now choose a beep, confirmation-dialog, or no alert.
AutoOffExtender can be configured to ignore power-off by button.
You may now Extend/Restore by holding a hardware button.
Still FREEWARE :D

[jjesusfreak01]

Thats a cool idea, detecting when it auto offs we dont want it...

[PinCushionQueen]

Nifty little application!! Thanks :D Works great on my TX except for one thing... The "Go To Prefs" button doesn't take me to Prefs. The screen just flashes and I stay in AutoOffExtender. Other than that it's great!!

Thanks :)

[yoovee]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! :)

PinCushionQueen, I made a change to try and make it work on your device.
If you have the time, please try it from here: http://planet.nana.co.il/yuvmel/AODiags.zip
1) Delete AutoOffExtender from your device first.
2) Install the file "AutoOffExtender_PrefsNormalLaunch.prc" from the zip.
3) If there's no difference, please post back the results of "AODiags".

If the location is "0", could you tell me please the exact name of the preference panel that changes the auto-off settings on your TX? (I normally look for "General"...)

Best Regards,
- Yuval.

[PinCushionQueen]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! :)

PinCushionQueen, I made a change to try and make it work on your device.
If you have the time, please try it from here: http://planet.nana.co.il/yuvmel/AODiags.zip
1) Delete AutoOffExtender from your device first.
2) Install the file "AutoOffExtender_PrefsNormalLaunch.prc" from the zip.
3) If there's no difference, please post back the results of "AODiags".

If the location is "0", could you tell me please the exact name of the preference panel that changes the auto-off settings on your TX? (I normally look for "General"...)

Best Regards,
- Yuval.

The new version worked :D It took me into the main Prefs screen. I set the auto-off in Prefs/Power on my TX. But going to the main screen is fine by me:)

[yoovee]

Thank you for your help PinCushionQueen ! My program is updated on PalmGear :)

[yoovee]

Unfortunately the title won't change - I've updated my freeware once again (just small improvements, it worked fine already!) - details in the first post. Enjoy :)

[antoinepierre]

If you want to talk about your soft in french. (http://forum.palmattitude.org/index.php?showtopic=34937&hl=)

[PinCushionQueen]

I can't get the new v1.5 to install? :confused: I've tried disabling and uninstalling the previous version but I still get a reset everytime I attempt to install the new version. After the reset - I can see a name for AutoOff Ext. but the icon is missing and when I tap on it I get an error "Cannont Launch due to System Error"

I'd really like the beep when it's enabled so let me know what's wrong please :)

[yoovee]

My bad! Sorry, meanwhile try to reset while holding the 'up' button until reset is finished (this will do a warm-reset with nothing in background), goto the palm's original launcher & delete my old version. Do a normal reset, and try to install the new ver.

Please tell me if it went right. I apologize for the inconvenience, I'll try to update PalmGear shortly too.
Thank you for reporting this!

[Dan_Aykroyd]

Hey!

Haven't tried your app yet but, I wanted to ask you... is there a way to HACK or something the STANDARD Power Preference menu to add another option to the "30 Seconds/1,2,3 Minutes" that says "Never" to never shut off?

Thanks.

[PinCushionQueen]

My bad! Sorry, meanwhile try to reset while holding the 'up' button until reset is finished (this will do a warm-reset with nothing in background), goto the palm's original launcher & delete my old version. Do a normal reset, and try to install the new ver.

Please tell me if it went right. I apologize for the inconvenience, I'll try to update PalmGear shortly too.
Thank you for reporting this!

Ok... the warm reset -> delete -> soft reset -> install worked :D

You might want to specify a warm reset on PalmGear though. You just have instructions to disable/delete then soft reset prior to install. I had tried that earlier before I posted and it didn't work. The instruction you provided above did work
:D

[yoovee]

The instructions I provided on PalmGear are in addition to a 'silent update' (lol, I always resented these updates!) that is suppose to eliminate the need to do a reset at all. I'm not sure it works for all people, thought it DID work for some...
Sorry for the hassle & thanks again - I'm glad everything is ok now :)

[yoovee]

antoinepierre - I can't read French, but I appreciate every publication - thank you! :)
Dan_Aykroyd - Yes, there's definitely is, but it's most unrecommended - that's why I invented AutoOffExtender - it won't risk your power consumption when left on (or being powered by 3rd party) unconsciousnessly...;)
Everyone:
You're welcome to test v2.0 (no visible changes beside a small icon - just code optimization) before it is going public - Released & updated on PalmGear - see 1st post (I had several beta testers this time...:o )
Enjoy!!!:D

[Dan_Aykroyd]

:O

Really...? I know... probably Palm doesn't put that option cause thinks that 'end users' are STUPID! And to avoid problem, it JUST HAS to go off...

In any case... I'd still LOVE to have that option; precisely one that, when installed, the only thing that would do is to add a "Never" option in preferences (before the '30 seconds' item) and set the power not to go off. Also, keeps between sessions / resets.

Could you PLEEASEEE do something like that? I ASSURE you that many other users would love it to; even if you want I could create a thread just to ask that and you could check how many would like it...?

Thanks in advance yoovee.

[yoovee]

Actually such thread sounds interesting...go for it! ;)
But anyway, I wasn't suggesting anything about anyone of course, I'm just trying to be a "responsible" developer...lol - no offence, yeah?
I can tell you this - it really is simple to make - if you won't find anything shortly, I can make it myself, but after my exams period...I'm a student & I'm going back to the university's dormitories today, so I'll take a break from coding.
Feel free to publish your ideas in here - I'd love to hear them even if I can't code all of them :)
Cheers,
- Yuval.

[Dan_Aykroyd]

Yes, please, Ill love you everafter, if you could do something as simple as that (just adding that freaking option).

In fact, I'd probably make you my God after that! :D

I sure haven't find ANTHING like that; yes, some other apps that control the shutdown timer but they didn't 1) save between sessions 2) weren't incorporated in the Power preferences 3) didn't always work

So... if you please... when do you exams end? ;)

Thanks.

[KenSong]

Does not work on my LifeDrive. I had the Prefs set to 30 secs to try and though I have AutoOffExtender set activated, my LD still go off after 30 secs. Any idea why.

[dmitrygr]

Tell me, did you read what the program does and how it works?

[Dan_Aykroyd]

yoovee, you say that what I ask, can be done EXACTLY? I.e.:

- Add a "Never" option in the Power Prefs above the 30seconds item
- This option will make it always on (the device)
- Will keep between session / soft resets
- Will appear as a deleteable program in the delete list of the launche
- Will be <10 Kb (just kidding! :D)

Thanks, I was just curious...

[KenSong]

Tell me, did you read what the program does and how it works?
Hi dmitry, yes, I understand how it works. After auto off, if I on the power manually in less than 15 secs (default), my LD should stay awake for 10 mins (default) when AutoOffExtender is activated. However, in my case, it still auto off after 30 seconds (Prefs setting). :confused:

[yoovee]

Hello KenSong,
Have you tried an off/on cycle inside AutoOffExtender's main screen? The "Current" label should automatically update & reflect the prolonged auto-off timer value if you have done that within the specified number of seconds.
May you have another 3rd-party software on your palm that could mess with the auto-off timer too? Think of background/maintenance applications you've installed - profile managers, battery savers, etc.

Anyone with a LifeDrive please,
Could you confirm such problem? Do you have another (hopefully better) experience? Please comment, thank you!

Dan_Aykroyd - Anything but the first feature is simple - the value you'll see inside Prefs/General will be overriden anyway.

[KenSong]

Hi Yoovee,

Yes, I tried that too just to be sure. I do have other application that handles auto sleep time, but they need to be activated via stroke (EasyLaunch5) or DA (AOCtrlDA/CoolDA) so I doubt they are the culprit. I wonder if there are any LifeDrive users who can get this to work. Thanks.

[dsaroff]

Hi Yoovee,

Yes, I tried that too just to be sure. I do have other application that handles auto sleep time, but they need to be activated via stroke (EasyLaunch5) or DA (AOCtrlDA/CoolDA) so I doubt they are the culprit. I wonder if there are any LifeDrive users who can get this to work. Thanks.

Works on my LD.

[yoovee]

dsaroff, thanks for the feedback! :)
KenSong, any chance you solved this yet? :confused: If not, try the new un-released version maybe (and tell me please - does the Current label in AutoOffExtender reflects an extension, or does it not?!? I realize that the actual timing is wrong for you, but I need to know that the readings are correct for my app please, thank you) - the new app-quit feature may help solve things out...:o

Everyone! :D (especially Dan_Aykroyd ;)), please - you're welcome to try the non-official-yet v2.1 from here:
http://planet.nana.co.il/yuvmel/AutoOffExtender21.zip
And tell me your experience (works/doesn't, AND how the installation went - remember to disable/delete the old version first! :cool: )
AutoOffExtender v2.1 new features:
+ Always extend if '0' in 'seconds'
+ Verifies on every app quit (OS5+)

[KenSong]

Hi yoovee. Sorry to say this version still does not work for me. My LD still time off as set in Prefs. Thanks for the follow-up. No the current label does not reflect it. It stays as set in Prefs.

[yoovee]

Hi yoovee. Sorry to say this version still does not work for me. My LD still time off as set in Prefs. Thanks for the follow-up. No the current label does not reflect it. It stays as set in Prefs.
Sorry to hear so. I really don't know what is the problem :( - it must be something on your device configuration, as it does work for another LD owner...:o

Anyway, since it doesn't solve things out anyway, I'm putting on hold the entire v2.1 update (the app-quit notification, not being configurable for the moment [and probably won't ever be, for simplification], is way too superflouos for what my app is trying to accomplish anyway...:cool: ).
However, not to let kind users such as Dan_Aykroyd down, I DID publish a 2.0a update (see first post on this thread for details), having the 0-seconds-always-extends feature :D
Enjoy.

[KenSong]

No problems yoovee. Sometimes that happens. As long as the majority of LD owners can get it to work, I am just an odd case. Probably a software conflict. Thanks for trying.

[Dan_Aykroyd]

Hey, I'm back here!

Haven't tested the new version yet, but I'm gonna try!

I read your post saying that the first feature wasn't easy... that was what I supposed and the reason I asked if it could be done... :(

Thanks!

[yoovee]

Hey Dan_Aykroyd,
What you want about the system's preferences is not only a bit more complicated than usual, but it could break my program's compatabilty for certain OS versions, and it would certainly break any sensible coding guidelines... Besides - it's too much work for a purely asthetic feature, and don't forget AutoOffExtender is freeware ;)

But you really shouldn't be disappointed: v2.0a with '0' (zero) in both fields, will give you exactly what you wanted! :)

[Dan_Aykroyd]

yes... I'm thankful for that!

The only thing I was wondering in the first post, was not to add this functionality to your already nice piece of software, but to make a standalone application that would do what I asked... exactly that, adding that option.. and nothing else.

Is it possible? Is all I want to know... :)

Thanks.

[lhandra]

i think i need an option to make AutoOffExtender did not play sound but i still don't want my system sound on the preference silent, kind of annoying a little bit about the sound.
No offense ok for developer coz i like this freeware tool. Keep on going :)

[yoovee]

lhandra, v2.3 does that.
Everyone, v2.3 does much more...:) - see 1st post!

[yoovee]

Moderators, can you please change the topic to something more general like:
AutoOffExtender - 100% Automatic, Safe & Intelligent.
(program version updated once again...)
Thank you :)
- Yuval.

[lhandra]

lhandra, v2.3 does that.
Everyone, v2.3 does much more...:) - see 1st post!
Thank you very much yoovee

[maceyr]

The link to the 2.1 beta is no longer valid. Anyone have another link? Oops. Looks like there's a version 2.4. BTW, anyone else have problems extracting the zip file from Palmgear? I always seem to get one file that has no extension and can't get the file.

BTW, on a Treo 650, the Go to Prefs takes me to the Phone App.

Looks like that "Never" feature is not on this version. But then, I use AlwaysOn to set it to turn on forever.

At least, this app can override the Treo glitch that tends to get the Palm to turn off after 30 seconds, even when the default is set to 3 minutes.

From what I see so far, it's great! Just wanna try the new beta.

[+Kardboard+]

Incredibly useful on my Treo. Thanks!

[yoovee]

maceyr, thanks for the feedback.
I removed beta 2.1 from my server because of the availability of newer versions :)
I just tried to d/l from palmgear - works fine when you actually click the "Download" button on the final page (it could fail if waiting for their automatic script...)

'Goto Prefs' will be removed in a future version - you can already override it using the menu option 'Configure' (where you can also shut off the extension sound).

An 'always-on' feature is indeed implemented & even documented on the menu's help!
Basicly, you just need to put '0' in both fields to have AutoOffExtender disable the auto-off timer and verify it on every startup of the device. If you wanted beta 2.1 because of the 'verify at every app start' and you really think that you need that feature over the simple device-startup one, I'll consider to add it again (although you should check which of the programs messes with the timer & take care of it there - if that is indeed the case).

EDIT: Thank you too, +Kardboard+ ! :) I appreciate every feedback.

[dukeja]

Just want to say thank you so much!!

I have been looking for this kind of "smart" software for a long time. The original idea is that a software may have customized auto-off setting for individual software. But this seems works even nicer.

Would it be possible to make it even smarter? For example, if I turn the machine back on in 15 sec after auto off, then the auto-off setting is bumped up to 3 min (customizable). Then, if it is not long enough, I still need to turn back on machine later, it will be bumped up to 5 min (customizable increment).

Just an idea. Thanks again for your work!!

Duke :)

[yoovee]

Hi Duke, thanks for your feedback and suggestion!
I'll consider your idea for a future version :)
(Actually, I've been thinking about something more straightforward for a while - I'll inform you all once I verify its possibility)
Regards,
- Yuval.

[chroozer]

doesn't solve the VZ90 screen auto-off problem... shame :(

[yoovee]

doesn't solve the VZ90 screen auto-off problem... shame :(
Hello, what do you mean by this "problem" please? Is this a known problem of the VZ90 that you tried to solve with my software?
If you could please elaborate more on that (the symptoms of that problem, how did you tried to solve it before AOE, what does AOE report on its main screen...) - it may help me to rectify such problems in future (if it's indeed on AOE's side).

Thank you,
- Yuval.

[chroozer]

the VZ screen has an inactivity auto-off setting (max 3 min) which, it seems, your program cannot override. Don't be too disheartened though, no other programs of the like can override it either ;)

[yoovee]

Just updated to version 2.5 (see 1st post)

[FerdFerd]

Is there a chance for a high resolution icon? (I know consumers of freeware ought to try not to be demanding. ;))

This has become a very useful part of my Palm arsenal. Thanks for doing it!

[mrp123]

Just updated to version 2.5 (see 1st post)
I really like the manual extension feature by pressing a holding a button. Quite handy. However, it doesn't work completely on my LifeDrive, 2.0 update. Your program (version 2.5) responds correctly to hard key press/holds for keys 1 through 4 and the 5-way button. But it does not respond to power button presses/hold which is where I need it. The LifeDrive simply powers down like it thinks it should after I let go of the button. I even hold the button for an extra, extra long time in a vain attempt to make it work, though I know that really won't help. Can you fix it? I'm willing to test your fixes.

I also have another feature request. I like the option for visual confirmation that your program worked. It's inappropriate to use sound where I work. My preference is to not have the extra step to close a dialog box confirming that I received its visual confirmation that it worked. I'd prefer either it displaying a small message that goes away on its own or blink the screen in a unique way. Anything visual that does not require further intervention from me is fine. You can certainly leave the option in for other people that asks the user to confirm/deny the program working.

Thanks for your work!

[yoovee]

Is there a chance for a high resolution icon? (I know consumers of freeware ought to try not to be demanding. ;))

This has become a very useful part of my Palm arsenal. Thanks for doing it!
The official reason for not having an h-res icon is file-size.
The additional reason is lack of talent/time/motivation to draw one...

I'll tell you what - if it bothers you THAT much, d/l BIRD from ppcompiler.org, create a new resource DB with an icon resource inside. Make sure to choose 144 DPI if you really want it to be hi-res, and try to comply with the current low-res version of AOE's icon.

If the result is not too big and only if I'll like it too, it'll be included in AOE's next version with your name on the d/l page...deal? ;)

mrp123 - you're totally right, however - I have no clue how to deal with it (maybe one of the developers here can tell why won't these new devices broadcast a vchar notification when 'Power' is pressed...) - thank you for your willing to help testing, but I've already done loads of tests on another freeware of mine, called "PowerBright" which suffers from the same problem (it's PG d/l page elaborates more on the compatability).

[FerdFerd]

The official reason for not having an h-res icon is file-size.
The additional reason is lack of talent/time/motivation to draw one...Both are perfectly good reasons, which I am happy to accept. (I have my doubts about the talent part, though. :) )
I'll tell you what - if it bothers you THAT much, d/l BIRD from ppcompiler.org, create a new resource DB with an icon resource inside.That would take me somewhere I've never been before. Might be fun, but I have my doubts that I am up to this. But I'll look look into it.

Again, thanks for your efforts here. This is by far the best available solution to needing to extend the auto off period on occasion.