Julien Schapman, notable Windows Mobile and now Windows Phone 7 hacker/developer, has released public betas for his WP7 homebrew apps: Windows Phone device manager and TouchXperience. Since they’re still classified as betas and because the homebrew world isn’t always the most stable, you’ll want to proceed with caution. If you haven’t heard of either of these apps yet, check out the list of features and watch the videos below to see what they can do for you. Then head over to the TouchXperience forums to get all the details, like requirements, list of supported devices, and, of course, the downloads.
Note: both require a developer unlocked device. Also, be sure to read all information and warnings provided by the developer.
Windows Phone Device Manager features:
- Applications management: view, install/uninstall homebrew applications
- File management: explore device, exchange files with your phone
- Sync files, folders and favorites with phone
- Send to Windows Phone (to send files, apps, ringtones, web links in one click)
- Detailed device information (CPU, ROM, RAM, storage, network, battery, OS,…)
- Add and manage custom ringtones
- Send SMS, E-mail, notes directly from PC (without needing cloud services)
- Take screenshots of the phone
- Programming sends notifications to phone
- Shared clipboard with PC and phone
- Integration with Windows explorer (drag & drop, copy/paste, view apps icons and details)
- Integration with Control Panel (Device Stage, task links)
- Nice integration with Windows Vista/7 (jumplists, widgets, aero effects,…)
- Initiate connection from PC or phone
- Wireless connection support
- Auto pairing (no need to enter PC or phone IP address)
- Notify phone applications updates
- Applications backup
- Use your phone as a remote control (control mouse, keyboard and navigation in Windows Media Center)
- Open marketplace for non-commercial applications (if developers are interested)
TouchXperience for Windows Phone features:
- Create custom menus
- Add folders, apps, contacts, websites, maps, documents, and many other widgets
- Organize applications & games
- File explorer
- Multitasking support
- TouchXperience port taking benefit from Metro UI
- Panorama background customization
- Contact manager
- Communication manager
- Profile manager
- Task manager
- RSS reader
- Web radios
- Interactive backgrounds
- Integration with Facebook and Twitter
- DLNA support
- Network drives support
- Skydrive support
- G-scrolling support
- Windows Sideshow support (if MS let me create drivers and services)
- Live tiles support
Instructions:
- Download Windows Phone Device Manager and launch WPDeviceManager.exe
- Plug in your phone, it should detect it automatically, if not click Connect in menu
- The first time you connect your phone Windows Phone Device Manager will automatically install TouchXperience
Requirements:
- Registered or unlocked Windows Phone 7 device
- Windows Vista or Windows 7 32/64-bit
- .NET Framework 4.0
- Windows Phone Developer Tools
It currently supports the following devices:
HTC HD7, HTC 7 Mozart, HTC 7 Trophy, HTC 7 Surround, HTC 7 Pro, HTC Arrive, HTC HD2, Samsung Focus, Samsung Omnia 7, Dell Venue Pro, LG Optimus 7, LG E900, LG C900.
Source: TouchXperience via WMPU
