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openMSX for Android build 20121217

openMSX for Android build 20121217

by snout on 18-12-2012, 10:46
Topic: Emulation
Tags: Android, openMSX
Languages:

Source: openMSX forum

A new version of openMSX for Android has been released, built on December 17th 2012. Changes in this new version are:

  • openMSX console now works
  • Android keyboard works in the openMSX console but also in MSX basic and other MSX programs
  • The openmsx_system directory is kept in place on upgrade
  • The icon for the launcher screen has a higher resolution
  • Added a section with Android Tips to the setup guide
  • Settings are now saved when exiting openMSX with the Android "back" button

Relevant link: openMSX for Android

Comments (12)

By d-fader

Champion (293)

d-fader's picture

19-12-2012, 09:39

Awesome development, especially in such a short period of time! Amazing (and thanks Smile)!

By d-fader

Champion (293)

d-fader's picture

19-12-2012, 09:44

And for everyone with an Android phone who wants to try it, here's the QR of the APK Smile

Link: http://qrfree.kaywa.com/?s=8&d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msx-plaza.eu...

By Manuel

Ascended (19469)

Manuel's picture

19-12-2012, 23:14

I've been working a bit on the OSD menu (the menu you get when you hit the menu button).

Anything crucial missing in there? What's your top 3 of missing things you really need?

By st1mpy

Paladin (935)

st1mpy's picture

23-12-2012, 14:21

is this just for ARM devices or is there/going to be a x86 Android build as well?

By andrear1979

Expert (97)

andrear1979's picture

24-12-2012, 17:13

I just tried it for a few minutes: excellent job!
I think nothing crucial is missing, but nice additions could be:

- a OSD "run-at-max-speed-while-pressed" button
- a menu to configure the OSD joypad size

By Alex

Master (205)

Alex's picture

29-12-2012, 10:43

andrear1979: the OSD joypad size can be configured on the SDL splashscreen during startup:
-Tap the button "Change device configuration"
-Choose option "On-screen keyboard"
-Change setting "On screen keyboard size" and/or "change size of button images" to change both the OSD joypad and buttons

Note that you can also use the "Change device configuration" screen to change the theme of the OSD joypad and buttons. Furthermore, you can use it to add extra buttons and configure which SDL key event the button will generate. You can then in openMSX bind that SDL key event to any command that you like, like for example changing the speed.

By d-fader

Champion (293)

d-fader's picture

29-12-2012, 13:03

Is this a bit like the difference between Android and iOS? In android you can do anything and everything, but you have to configure it as you like and with iOS Apple helps the user by providing a smooth user experience out of the box, but being less custonizable Smile to make it on topic: i think the joypad size should be automatically sized, maybe via screen size or dpi and a full speed button out of the box would be most welcome I guess? ^^

By Alex

Master (205)

Alex's picture

29-12-2012, 18:22

d-fader:
1) joypad is automatically sized, based on screen size. However, user can choose different settings if he wants to, just like on iOS (yes, apps have settings screens on iOS as well)
2) Due to small screen size of most android devices (e.g. all smart phones), number of on-screen buttons is limited. So we have to choose wisely which ones to put there by default. At the moment there are already 4 default buttons (Fire button A, Fire button B, OSD-keyboard and Console). If enough people think that adding full speed button by default is a good idea, then we will add it by default in a next build. However, I don't want to clutter the screen for all 200+ people who have downloaded the Android port already, when only one person wants to have it. Note that this approach is totally in line with guidelines on usability design; keep interface minimalistic and cater by default for the needs of the majority and not the exception but do give the individual the possibility to tune it to own needs.

By d-fader

Champion (293)

d-fader's picture

29-12-2012, 22:46

Alex:
I have to admit that I have not tested it extensively, because I have an SGS 1 and it's not running very smooth on the device Smile

1) Okay, that's cool, maybe it should be a little bit bigger, from what I recall is that I missed some strokes too
2) I understand Smile - However... Wink I was thinking. What if you remove the 'Console' button and replace that with the 100% speed button and then create an icon on the top right which can then function as pull-down menu with options (like the OSD, choose rom/disk, I dunno, just some actions). The right side would be good, because your right hand will not cover the menu pulled down, so I think that would be awesome Smile

Let me at least say that these are just brainfarts from me, I think the interface is pretty excellent as is. Thanks again.

Edit: replaced OSD with Console (that's what I meant)

By Alex

Master (205)

Alex's picture

30-12-2012, 13:54

d-fader:
I have found a solution in the support forum of the SDL Android port for how to control the placement of the different buttons that are managed by the SDL Android port.

I'll open a new discussion thread in the openMSX forum to further discuss with everybody interested (including you off course) what default buttons should be enabled and where they should be placed

By Alex

Master (205)

Alex's picture

30-12-2012, 15:15

Discussion topic opened. See http://www.msx.org/forum/msx-talk/openmsx/screen-buttons-and...

By Manuel

Ascended (19469)

Manuel's picture

30-12-2012, 16:45

SGS1? I assume that's a Samsung Galaxy S1?
Isn't that powerful than a Gio? It runs really quite smooth on my Gio...