Epocware’s Handy Shell is the ultimate revolution of 3rd party UI alternatives,it does change the whole look of the S60 User Interface(Especially for non E-series devices) to meet the top most requirements of a smartphone,the features it lacked from E-Series and the Windows Mobile.I’ve been using it from its very fisrt beta days,and its truly a marvelous UI modification.Honestly saying I’m now addicted to it,feel like there is a hole in S60 with out it.There were so many reviews,blog posts written on it,and I also wrote about it.But today I’m gonna do something bit different,Don’t know whether I’m the rightful person to come up with this but just thought of putting out whats struggling inside my mind.I have no idea how this would work or even make sense to the developers,but this is all my own thought built up along with the inspiration of Handy Shell and few other S60 applications,like Smart Settings,EQ Alt Tab,Handy Task Manager,S60 3rd edition FP2 and also the Windows PC operations.I don’t know whether this concept modification would ever released but as a blogger I thought of doing my best to make S60 more closer to consumer.
So this is it,I’m gonna express some suggestions for modifying the Epocware’s Handy Shell in illustrative form.This is what I want it to be in the Next Update,
I’ve made some changes in the Standby Screen,
1.Options Softkey Function is replaced by a set of customizable applications(Lets Call it to be a Start Menu),preferably the ones you have as Active Stand By Apps.The functions offered in the Options menu is moved on to the topmost Fixed app slot in this Start Menu.Where a dual function is offered Lock Keypad and Option Menu Functions.See the Illustration below.
Click on the Image to view in Full Size
Click on the Image to view in Full Size
And the latter part of the Menu is adjustable with required applications and can be accessed with just pressing the relevant number key after launching the start Menu.
This Flsh Slideshow illustrates the Startmenu functions.
Advantages of this,
- The Left soft key is effectively used to yeild more productive output.
- Easy access to applications or Menus even Sub Menus and further more instantly from the Stand by Idle screen mode.
- Lesser number of Keystrokes Required.
- Keypad lock is made easy.
- Can Stack more applications than the usual Active standby mode(Subject to change with the screen orientation used)
2.Few Changes have been introduced to the Shell standby Screen with some additional features.The Main change is the Active Standby application pluggin location is replaced with a “Scrollable Taskmanager Pluggin”
Click on the Image to view in Full Size
Advantages,
- You will not encounter memory overloads that arises due to the Shell screens Automatically appear feature,resulting high number of simultaneously running applications,And some times repetitive application launches,I’ve written about this here.
- The user is always aware of whats running in the background and can access the recently used applications instantly.
- The Scroll Function overtakes the list limitations,a feature present in S40 devices.
3.A new Tabbed Pluggin is introduced to bring the missing features of the Shell window like Share online,WLAN Scanning,Search online also a new one called Memory info and Calendar entries field is also embedded to it.And the priority field will be automatically popped into the front panel.
Advantages,
- Effective Space Usage.
- Gives the total control over the default Standby Screen,as there is nothing missing in this.
- Share online lovers will see there comments and WLAN access is just a keystroke away.
OK, so this what my suggestios for the next Handy Shell Update,but I don’t have any contact with Epocware so don’t know will this make any difference.So if any one out there can help me to reach them I appreciate it greatly.Also please Let me know what you think about this by comments and participating in this Poll.Whatever it is all are warmly welcome.
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