When will SideShow drivers be available for my Windows Mobile 5 device?
I'm dying to run SideShow gadgets on my WinMo 5 pocket pc. When will drivers be available and will there be any hardware-related restrictions on what type of gadgets will run?
Thanks,
Scott
Answers
We (Microsoft) had an internal prototype that we started showing back at MEDC 2006 for Windows Mobile. Currently we are evaluating our options for productizing this.
At CES, we were demoing an implementation from i-mate for Windows Mobile, and as far as I am aware they are still expecting to be able to release this in Q1. Those guys have done a pretty good job on it, too :)
Dan
Thanks for all your interest in seeing a SideShow application for Windows Mobile devices! As Dan mentioned earlier, we're still evaluating whether to release such a product. We'll be sure to let this forum know when a decision has been made.
There are two main components you would need to enable SideShow gadgets to run on WM devices: a Windows Mobile application to display SideShow data from the Vista PC and a PC-side driver that sends SideShow data from the Vista PC to the device.
Huat Chye Lim
All Replies
Hi Scott,
The Windows Driver Kit has some excellent samples to help you get started on writing your own SideShow drivers. With the new User Mode Driver Framework it is now much easier to write your own drivers.
As for hardware restrictions. There shouldn't be any at all. It really all depends on how much of the specification you (or the 3rd party) is willing the implement. Standard SCF gadgets don't require any complicated transfers so sending via Bluetooth/WiFi is simple enough.
With any SideShow implementation there are 2 major components. The driver provides the communication with the device and the device itself must take the SideShow commands sent from the driver and parse them to however you wish to display them. If you implement two-way communication then there are no limits to what you can achieve with SideShow. You can even go as far as making your own gadget type if you find SCF limiting!
-james
James,
Hi. Are you saying that it's trvial to create our own driver for WM5 to support SideShow on mobile devices that use WM5?
Would it be possible for you to link to some references showing some examples for creating a driver for WM5?
thanks.
I wouldn't say it is 'trivial' but it is certainly easier than it used to be to make a driver.
If you download the WDK (available on Microsoft Connect) you can see the sample Windows SideShow driver.
I am assuming a working knowledge of C++ (although in theory it is possible to create a C#/.NET driver). Getting the sample driver up and running is fairly simple but it does not connect to any specific hardware (you'll need to fake it via "Add Hardware") but once you have a device listed then you can enable the debugger, set a few breakpoints and watch it go.
See: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/aa939012.aspx for more high-level info on how to do it.
The WDK is quite a large install but the amount of samples it contains are impressive.
-james
Microsoft have previously shown a Windows Mobile SideShow device.
So the 1st question is whether Microsoft plan on releasing the driver and the device side rendering app for Windows Mobile devices. If they are planning to do so in the 'near' future then it doesn't make sense to go and write a driver and client side rendering app.
If however Microsoft state that they have no plans to release a Windows Mobile SideShow driver/app then it would make sense to take a look at the WDK in terms of writing a user mode driver to communicate with a Windows Mobile device and also write the client side app running on the Mobile device to accept the data stream and render it on the device.
So can Microsoft indicate what their plans are?
Cheers
See: http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1076255&SiteID=1#1125748
Dan Polivy (Windows SideShow developer) explains that i-mate may be releasing a PPC renderer.
-james
We (Microsoft) had an internal prototype that we started showing back at MEDC 2006 for Windows Mobile. Currently we are evaluating our options for productizing this.
At CES, we were demoing an implementation from i-mate for Windows Mobile, and as far as I am aware they are still expecting to be able to release this in Q1. Those guys have done a pretty good job on it, too :)
Dan
3GSM is over, i-mate announced their ultimate line with sideshow driver and it seems to me that they won't release this driver as a separate download instead only bundling with this new line of windows mobile phones.
I really hope Microsoft decides to release such a driver and please consider us for betatesting if such a product is indeed on its way.
Regards,
Peter
- I'll second that request. I have seen plenty of interest from users of WM5 devices (PDAs and smartphones) who would like to use the devices as sideshow remotes for Vista Mediacenter. I see this as a killer-app for sideshow. There's a huge number of existing Windows Mobile devices out there, either with 802.11g or Bluetooth connectivity, which would benefit from a sideshow driver/client
As an aside, what's the correct terminology for what would run on a WM device to enable it to run sideshow gadgets? Is it a "client" or a "driver"?
Regards,
F. Thanks for all your interest in seeing a SideShow application for Windows Mobile devices! As Dan mentioned earlier, we're still evaluating whether to release such a product. We'll be sure to let this forum know when a decision has been made.
There are two main components you would need to enable SideShow gadgets to run on WM devices: a Windows Mobile application to display SideShow data from the Vista PC and a PC-side driver that sends SideShow data from the Vista PC to the device.
Huat Chye Lim
I can't understand Ms logic with SideShow ... it's obviously a HOT feature of Vista. I'm sure you know Engadget :
http://www.engadget.com/search/?q=sideshow
The comments show that SideShow is a WOW factor of Vista!
And what about Imate momento review :
http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/25/hands-on-with-the-i-mate-momento-70/
Yet, the biggest problem of sideshow right now as they say is the lack of sideshow gadgets.
Why won't people create gadgets for Sideshow ? One simple reason : no device in hand. I have created a couple of sidebar gadgets, let's face it, I didn't created them for the community ... the gadgets I made where made for my own interrest ! I shared them because I think it's the right thing to do to create a great community, but I would never had created a gadget if I couldn't find an interrest in it (I have a work, I code gadget in my free time).
And I know I can't find an interrest in creating a gadget for an "Sideshow emulator" ... don't worth my time, I will just create a gadget in the sidebar.
So now you have this driver that run under Windows Mobile and you are wondering if you should release it or not ? Even an alpha version would make me create Gadgets like crazy (would love a remote control for media center/traffic map/alarm clock on my PDA!
And then I see this from on10 in the "Vista Week" : http://on10.net/Blogs/laura/vista-gadgets-running-on-windows-mobile/
Regular sidebar gadget with Windows Mobile ? are you kidding me ? Do microsoft want to kill sideshow ?
And the guy in the video DARE to say that this feature comes from the IPhone ? When Sideshow is like 1.5 years old ? To have someone from Ms to say that this feature is a copy ?
Let me say this : I have no "love" for Ms. I love some of your products, I love Vista, I love WHS, I love the Sidebar, I love the 360. But what I HATE from MS is all the missed opportunities ... and Sideshow is one of the most outrageous missed opportunity for me ! From the day Vista launched, you should have released Sideshow driver for WM, Zune, 360 ... I should wonder on which of my gadgets I should run Sideshow (my PDA ? my cellphone ? my MP3 player ?) !
Please start to realise you are on a gold mine !
Sorry for my english, it's not my mother language
Atomusk,
Thanks for your feedback and passion. I think you've listed some great reasons for releasing a SideShow on Windows Mobile application. As you say, I agree that it would greatly expand the number of potential SideShow users, and it would also encourage more developers to write SideShow gadgets. Also, thanks for your passion around SideShow. Here at Microsoft, it's quite exciting to see our users feel so strongly about a technology we've developed, and it's one of the things that motivates our team to continue making SideShow better.
Do keep in mind that the prototype application we showed at MEDC last year is exactly that: a prototype. It's buggy, doesn't support all gadgets in all scenarios, and the UI is not graphically rich. If we were to publicly release this application, we would want to address all of these issues, and that's a significant amount of work. We need to evaluate this work against all the other (also exciting) projects we're considering doing with SideShow this year.
That said, don't be surprised if we decide to do this - I agree with the reasons you've listed above and I think it would be great if we did release this application. Expect to hear more from us about this in the MEDC 2007 timeframe.
I would like to second atomusk's message, ever since I heard about sideshow i was thinking 'that would be awesome if i could get my HTC TyTN working as an sideshow client'. To hear that its possible, just made my day!, i'd be willing to pay for the software for the PPC (if any 3rd party developers are listening!)
There are countless different possiblities for all types of differnet Sideshow gadgets which could be useful!
Come on MS (or even a 3rd party devloper) Make us happy and release a driver/application to enable PPC to be a side show device.
Microsoft team:
Any updates on the availability of a sideshow client for Pocet PC/Windows Mobile (2003, WM5) devices?
You guys are sitting on a fantastic app here, which would significantly increase the value of both our Vista Media Center systems as well as our Windows Mobile devices. Come on! Launch something! Even if it's beta code, we want to get our hands on it!
Regards,
F.
Actually, at MEDC last week we did officially announce that we will be supporting Windows SideShow on Windows Mobile! It didn't quite make the headlines, though
Unfortunately no word yet on when we'll have an external beta, but we hear the feedback and are doing our best to get it out.We're currently planning to support both Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Moble 6 devices, connected to the PC via Bluetooth.
We'll be sure to post more updates when we have them!
Dan
YAY!
please howabout 2003SE support. Im sure there are a few of those lying around that can be given a new life. Maybe even as a retail app.
That's excellent news, Dan. I'm looking forward to an external beta!
FYI, If you're looking for early testers, I volunteer! I'm running Media Center over Vista Ultimate, and have Windows Mobile 5 as well as 2003 devices, w. Bluetooth AND 802.11 connectivity to the Vista system.
Thx,
F.
That is excellent news! Here's looking forward to the external beta!
like wise if you need early testers i'm more than up for helping out. I have a HTC TyTN running Windows Mobile 6 Professional. I've got the device synced with two Vista machines, my work laptop (Vista Business via the sync cradle/usb connection) and home desktop (Vista ultimate via bluetooth).
Very much looking forward to progress being made on the mobile driver
- yeah, I'd very much like to test this too
Great news.
Any reason to limit the connectivity options to Bluetooth? I'd like to see support for pretty much any connection type, in particular via the USB connection when cradled/connected to my desktop PC and via WiFi when for example the PDA is out of Bluetooth range from the PC but within in WiFi range, e.g. PC in office room and sitting with PDA in lounge.
Cheers
I think SideShow would be a perfect opportuinity for Microsoft to show support for legacy devices with SideShow. Granted, Pocket PC 2002 devices have exited support, but these devices also for that reason would make perfect SideShow devices. They have limited use as modern PDAs, yet have all the hardware and software needed to communicate with Vista and SideShow.
Of course, Microsoft can say "the door is always open for a third-party to support older Windows Mobile versions"... but it appears that actually doing that is much harder than Microsoft has inferred. i-Mate still hasn't shipped their much-talked-about SideShow support, and MS is just-now getting around to talking about a beta for WM5/WM6 devices.
I think the most prudent course of action would be for Microsoft to ship support for WM5/WM6 SideShow clients, and then go back and adapt from that code for 2002/2003 devices.
Let's not forget, allowing people to take their old PDAs out of storage, and use them as SideShow devices, would add millions of users to SideShow overnight. People would even be running onto eBay and picking up older 2002/2003 devices just to use them with SideShow. Now, Microsoft may want to sell OEMs on dedicated SideShow devices, but the platform is at-risk of being dead before it takes off... so I still think that it would be better for Microsoft to add 2002/2003 support (even unsupported support) rather than drag things out for a third-party to do it much later.
I would also be able to help ms as a beta tester... im running Vista Premium, HpH5550 with WM2003se (unfortunately) and Ive got both USB, Bluetooth and WiFi connections to my PC and PDA
I also agree to earlyer post that this Is a briliant way to expand the use of both old and new PDAs, but also SideShow.. It migt also help you guys (MS) to sell a few more Vista DVDs.
which is only a good thing- I'm testing a bunch of devices (e.g. TyTN, S620, MTeoR, Advantage X7500) running Windows Mobile 5 and soon Windows Mobile 6. I would really love to test the SideShow application(s) an/or driver(s) you have aswell.
I can connect over Edge/3G/HSDPA, WLAN, USB-cable or Bluetooth. - I am also interested in SideShow on WM5 / WM6. I have an HTC TyTN (Cingular 8525) and would love to control my Vista MCE with it....
- I would be interested in testing as well I am running an HTC att 8525 abd can connect via bluetooth, wifi, edge, and usb
- You can count me in on a beta to. I am running Vista Ultimate i386_64 and have a HP iPAQ h2210 running PPC2003 SE. I know its old but sideshow would be a great use for these old devices. I used Rudeo Media Center Controller to controll my MCE PC with my iPAQ before I upgraded to vista. Rudeo doesn't support Vista so I would love to have that functionality again in vista.
Come on guys! We hav been waiting for this for a long time!- Are there some News?
When Plan microsoft to Release any new Drivers oder Software?
If you search Betatesters, i whant to test. I have Vista Beta Account.
Herby Dan Polivy - MSFT wrote: Actually, at MEDC last week we did officially announce that we will be supporting Windows SideShow on Windows Mobile!...We're currently planning to support both Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Moble 6 devices...
The WM 5/6 requirement is most likely due to the devices writing to NVRAM and would continue to work even after full battery drain. Not that this matters much with sutch little information trickling down the lines.
- Hello Microsoft Sideshow team, any news on this? Is there a beta available yet?
Many thanks and keep up the hard work! Any news on this?
The new SDK seems to ge a good step in this direction too. Portrait QVGA and Bluetooth support I mean.
Peter, hi.
Elsewhere in this forum I posted about the Ikanos Consulting renderer for Windows Mobile 5 and 6. This is currently in an early beta and we're inviting testers to join in (beta at ikanosconsulting dot com). The first release was last Friday, and this included glance support over Bluetooth and GPRS - for a cool out-of-the-home SideShow experience. We will be issuing updates frequently over the next couple of weeks, so send us an e-mail and we'll add you to the list of beta testers.
More info on my colleague James's blog here and on this forum here
Best regards,
Matt
Ikanos Consulting
Hi Matt,
Thanks, it looks interesting and I will take a look at it.
But I am also interested in when the Microsoft implementation will come out that Dan talked about a long time ago.
Regards,
Hey,
Thanks everyone for your interest. Yes, SideShow for Windows Mobile is still in internal beta
. An external beta is upcoming, and we'll be sure to contact you guys when it's released. We're not announcing a date just yet, but thanks for your patience, we are very much looking forward to getting into your guys' hands!Toby Muresianu
Software Design Engineer in Test, Windows SideShow
Thanks for the update, I'll have to keep an on this thread.My thought is having a small handheld device that basically acts like a scrap of paper (of which I keep many in my shirt pocket
) It would be connected via Bluetooth to my Tablet PC that I carry with me everywhere. I could jot down notes, keep track of time and use it to check appointments. If the device is my PDA/phone, then I don't really need to interface with email.
To me, the absolute KEY to the usefulness of a product like this to the non-techie masses, is the ease with which to use it. If I pick up the device to write on it, and I have to pick through multiple layers of menus and *** to find my app, then you will have lost me. I need to grab the device, jot something down (or speak into a recorder) and THEN figure out what I want to do with the info. Have a context sensitive menu come up after I accept the input to decide where to put it (notepad, one note, calendar, email, MindMatters, whatever.) I have a WM6 phone, and I really don't like having to futz around with the menus and the goofy little pictures to get to my app. I wish I could customize the launch sequence!
As a long-time tech, I see the coolness of the technology, but in order for this thing to be wildly successful, it has to be easier to use than a Kindle
Oh, and Microsoft, PLEASE GET OFF THE DIME AND RELEASE SOMETHING. Google and Apple are eating your lunch. It seems that the perfect is the enemy of the good. And realize that the first two releases from MS are typically throw-aways. This technology could be the killer app. Get it out there!
Randy
Hi,
Today at Ikanos Consulting we announced the launch of Go Gadgets Beta 2. This will allow any existing Windows Mobile 5/6 device to become a Windows SideShow device.
We have posted a video that demonstrates the software: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzQKXat8rOY
Currently we support Bluetooth/USB/WiFi connectivity to provide a fast remote control experience between the PC and the device. We also support 3G/GPRS connectivity to allow the device to connect to Windows SideShow from anywhere.
As matt mentions in a previous post, if you would like to join our beta, please email beta _at_ ikanosconsulting.com and we will provide access to the latest bits.
Regards,
- Thanks for the information James, email sent
- is there any new information on this. I've just got a Vista machine with bluetooth and I have a WM5 device and am very interested in this.
Haydn:
In addition to the native MS renderer option, you can sign up for our Windows Mobile SideShow renderer beta at:
http://www.controlthink.com/thinkremote/
Click on "sign up now" or jump down to the bottom of the page. We're awarding invites on an ongoing basis.
Chris
---
Chris Walker, VP/CTO
ControlThink
HELP ME PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sorry I probably should explain. I don't know how to write code. I know enough to have my dell laptop running vista connected to my 8525 and my lgvx9400 through a kensington bluetooth adapter that cost me $40. I did this because i was excited about sideshow, which at this point i am not sure even exists or if it is some mythical dragon. please someone just tell me does it exist and can i use it on my windows mobile 5 device to control my media center from my 8525. i have a bluetooth audio gateway hooked up to my home reciever and it would be great if i didn't have to run back to my laptop every time i want to change a song !!
Has this project died a death? It's now going on 7 months since we last heard anything official from MS about Sideshow on WM. Not even a beta yet?
This tech has the potential to be absolutely awesome and is surely the best use of Sideshow there is.
Even Third party devs have gone quiet - I applied for a place on the Ikanos beta waaaaaay back in December and nothing. What's keeping MS from getting this out there? Even if only in beta!
Please!
THANKS FOR UPDATING US GUYS
Ok, I read about this on another website, the beta is finally out! Get it here........
Hav fun guys!
