Maemo 5 themeing on Windows for dummies
Andrew Zhilin and Carsten Munk have collaborated on a guide to producing themes on Windows for those with little-to-no technical experience. I thought it would be it would be useful and motivating if I’ll describe my way of creating themes. I’ve used it to create Marina in Windows but you can use it in any OS I think. Special thanks to Master Carsten “Stskeeps” Munk for all the info and guides. And here we go. The guide doesn't help you draw something attractive, but will help you produce a package which can be installed by other users and made available through the maemo.org repositories.
Video how to on using MSN, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, ICQ and more with the Maemo 5 Telepathy system
All About Maemo has posted a video guide to installing the extra Telepathy components to access most major IM networks using the built-in client. The N900 has instant messaging and VOIP totally integrated into the interface, but officially it only supports this integration with Skype, Google Talk, Jabber/Facebook and Ovi. However, by installing a plugin you can actually add integrated support for many more services including MSN / Live, AIM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, QQ, Gadu Gadu, GroupWise and Sametime.
How to use Facebook Chat via the built-in instant messaging
Facebook Chat has changed to using the open XMPP protocol, which Maemo 5 supports out-of-the-box. Mark Guim has posted a screenshot-laden tutorial on how to configure it without installing any additional software: You can now chat with your Facebook friends directly from your Contacts book without having to download apps or plugins. You can change your availability status directly from the status area on the Nokia N900.
JoikuSpot for the N900
Joiku has announced a beta of their JoikuSpot software for Maemo 5. JoikuSpot allows you to share your cellular data connection over an Ad Hoc WiFi connection. Although power consumption is higher than similar methods using Bluetooth, it is compatible with nearly any device with WiFi. The current Linux Edition release is still in BETA as some compatibility issues related to WiFi stability against some laptop models equipped WiFi chipsets still apply. Production release will ship shortly as the compatibility issues are resolved. Please subscribe for Joiku updates to be informed in person, when the production release is available. The beta is currently available from Joiku's own repository rather than Ovi or Extras.
User interface improvements in fMMS
Nick Leppänen Larsson recently visited Helsinki to meet with Nokia engineers and UI designers to help improve fMMS, the Maemo community's answer to the lack of MMS support in Maemo 5. After a couple of great days in Helsinki last week and a busy weekend I finally had time to implement some of the great suggestions I got. I’m completely stunned by how easy and obvious things are after sitting down with a bunch of great designers. The latest version is currently available from Extras-devel (standard disclaimers and warnings apply), testers and contributors are welcome.
AdFlashBlock-CSS in testing
Jason Carter has released a new ad- and Flash-blocking solution for Maemo 5: I'm proud to announce adflashblock-css's release to extras-devel. [...] I decided to go another route and to provide ad blocking through CSS which should be a lot less... random. [...] I also added a form of flashblock, also done through CSS. When a flash animation is loaded on a page, it will be replaced with a grey square telling you that it's flash and if you click, the flash animation will be loaded and played. AdFlasherblock CSS in currently available in Extras-testing, so intrepid users can install and vote.
WayFinder licences start expiring, not renewable
WayFinder, the mapping application which was shipped with the N810, had a demo mode which granted temporary licences on receipt of a valid MAC address. That licencing server is now offline, meaning that no new licences are being granted. I purchased the navigation software on the 770 and therefore have a perpetual license when I upgraded to the N810? Imagine my surprise when this morning it tells me that my navigation license has expired! I'm also getting a network error when trying to re-input my license key. Full-blown licences, which tended to be valid for 3 years, seem to be unaffected: it would make sense that such licences would not need to connect to the server again. However, once expired, it seems it will be impossible to extend.
EasyPark for re-finding your parked car
Jaap Braam has announced EasyPark, a new application for Maemo that makes it easy to make your way back to your parked car. Easypark is a web-based application that uses the N900 location service to keep track of the location you parked your car. EasyPark is currently available from Extras-testing.