View Full Version : Question for those who are developing programs.
Morfesto
01-09-2009, 14:44
Now that you have used the SDK and started working on programs, looking at the O2's system files does it look like someone would be able to recode it to change the interface or add/modify some functionality?
I hear that the O2's os is linux based?
The O2 is linux based. It would be possible to replace the firmware, but the main problem we have is drivers. We would need drivers for the touchscreen (which may be propriatary) and possibly for the DSP. We would basically need to start from scratch as we dont have any source. Overall, I dont find it very likely.
The O2 is linux based. It would be possible to replace the firmware, but the main problem we have is drivers. We would need drivers for the touchscreen (which may be propriatary) and possibly for the DSP. We would basically need to start from scratch as we dont have any source. Overall, I dont find it very likely.
I agree with arcanos on this. I don't think the drivers for the DSP would be too much trouble as there appears to be many examples out there for the Davinci line of chips. For example, Linux now has native drivers built in for Davinci. We could probably get there for the touch screen by trial and error, but not sure of the value.
The SDK is still quite limited. I'm hoping that some of our efforts can be used by COWON as they release updates and expose more of their code base. The real issue, I think, is whether we continue to use Linux framebuffers rather than some form of GTK+.
I have been working on an alarmclock application for a few weeks now. I've been doing this not so much for the intent of developing a wiz-bang application, but to help drive out extensions, features, libraries, etc. that will help the community in general. For instance, fonts. We can play with freetype and bitmap fonts, but until we have a more flexible approach to using them, we might just as well stick with bitmaps as was done in the stopwatch example code. If you want to do windowing of any nature, something like GTK starts becoming a necessity.
BruceBanner
01-13-2009, 13:45
With firmware 1.19 being a let down i'm starting to agree with some other members out there that we can't rely on firmware solving our annoyances with the o2. You guys who know what yer doing with the SDK are our last hope! I would like to know how much work and effort is involved on your part in making these little programs. I feel you guys should be rewarded accordingly for your efforts.
Realistically, do you see a day in the near future where you might be able to crank out a few useful apps?
The main problem being that development for the O2 at the moment is a bit of a pain. Though, to be fair, with the exception of the iPod touch no other player that I know of has released an SDK. Archos actively prevents people from writing apps for their devices.
Right now we lack libraries necessary to do lots of common things, so development is slow. For example fred's alarm clock app. Developing that for any other platform would be a couple day job at most, likely. So far the apps for the O2 have been quite simple.
Another limiting factor is that we're developing just for fun in our freetime. If you're serious about giving us money as you've mentioned in the iAudiophile forums, I'm sure most of us wouldnt be against that. We could all set up paypal donate links or something.
Maybe we should start collaborating a bit more closely? Over IM or some such? That may speed things up a bit.
cmillermo
01-13-2009, 16:44
Just pitching this idea in, should we maybe make an IRC channel dedicated to this? So that all the developers could communicate together in one simple area.
An IRC channel would work well, though there wouldnt be many people to populate it.
It would likely just be 3ish people for the time being unless other non-developers were interested in joining in and discussing the future of the O2 and userapps. Maybe a more general Cowon O2 related channel? Either way, its a good idea and would likely be helpful.
cmillermo
01-14-2009, 14:13
I created the channel its called CowonO2 ill be on normally from about 4 30pm ish to about 9 or 10pm every week day(new york time) if someone could make a bot for the channel that they could keep on it would be great so that it could always remain open. I'm relatively new to IRC so if anyone knows how to keep a channel open even if no ones on it respond to this.
I created the channel its called CowonO2
What network is it on?
I'm relatively new to IRC so if anyone knows how to keep a channel open even if no ones on it respond to this.
Most networks have so-called "services", bots that belong to the network and allow you to own a nickname / a channel / send memos / etc.
The commands /msg ChanServ help and /msg NickServ help should explain everything in more detail.
Guys, my work is anything but regular - hence my irregular response times. I couldn't commit to a regular time, but am more than willing to keep kicking in where I can.
Well since CMillerMo doesnt seem to be replying, what server would you guys suggest for hosting a channel on?
cmillermo was on Freenode yesterday (where I speculated the channel would be, since that is the network used by Wikia), but we didn't get to talk. If we stick to Freenode, I suggest using ##cowono2 instead of #cowon2 (a single "#" is only allowed for official channels).
cmillermo
01-16-2009, 14:31
Sorry, my Internets been kinda weird lately, its been lagging insanely but its all fixed up now :)
So, yes the channel was on freenode although pegahic has now taken over :)
I agree with changing it to ##CowonO2
I probably wont be on the channel much this weekend though :(
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