HTC Tilt 2 Phone Hacks
I find keeping a log of what software and changes I’ve done to the phone is very handy in case of a hard reset or even getting a new phone.
First a couple apps:
BeyondPod
I’ve been using BeyondPod for more than 3 years now on the Samsung Blackjack. The touchscreen interface on the latest version makes it even nicer. Note, all your podcasts are automatically downloaded via 3G or wifi, whenever and where ever you want depending upon the schedule you set. None of this docking/ITunes nonsense.
There were a few hacks I had to add for WM 6.5, from the BeyondPod release notes:
- On some Pocket PC devices (for example on AT&T Tilt) scheduled tasks my not start reliably (or not start at all). This has to do with a device registry setting that specifies the time allowed to launch scheduled tasks while the device is in standby. The key is under: HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\Timeouts. If you set both: “BattResumingSuspendTimeout” and “ACResumingSuspendTimeout” to something like 60 the tasks should start correctly. (original value was 5)
Skyfire and Opera
Opera came loaded on the phone by default. I upgraded to the latest Beta and for some reason it didn’t appear to use the WiFi when it’s connected. Skyfire and IE perform noticably faster, though I installed the final release today and did not notice any improvement. I was a big Skyfire fan when it first came out, but now I find it a little slow. Note Skyfire runs a full-blown browser on a proxy, and then essentially uses their own RDP protocol to display the output on the phone.
TCPMP
The version of TCPMP I was using on the Samsung was broken by WM6.1. Luckily, the folks at XDA came through again, adding a ton of different codecs while they were at it. It seems there are quite a few versions out there maintained by different folks with different specialties.
Regedit STG
This is a signed version which is needed to unlock the phone (a little easier to unlock than a IPhone). Cut & paste from Robert Peloschek’s blog:
- Simply put the *.zip file with the regeditSTG.exe in it with ActiveSync into a folder on your phone (but not onto the memory card).
- Unzip the file with the *.zip program that comes with your phone.
- Now start regeditSTG.exe and change the following Registry Keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Policies\Policies\00001001 = 2
-> Change the value data from 2 to 1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Policies\Policies\00001005 = 16
-> Change the value data from 16 to 40
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Policies\Policies\00001017 = 128 (mine 36)
-> Change the value data from 128 to 144
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \Security\Policies\Policies
-> Add new value “0000101b”: Dword = 1
After you have done all these steps close Regedit STG with the task manager (TaskMan) of your phone and reboot. That’s it. Your phone is now totally application unlocked.
After doing this, I still can’t change the phone registry using CERegEditor, but I was able to back it up.
Google Maps
This is by far the best touch screen app.
Performance Hacks
I installed Advanced Configuration Tool as recommended here. Not you first need to install .Net CF 3.5 as well.
Had to hand install NetCF 3.5 since the MSI wouldn’t do it on Windows 7. I then changed the following settings:
- Change file system cache to 8MB
- Change file system filter cache to 131072
- Change Glyph cache to 32KB
Internet Tethering
It seems that AT&T now charges an extra $30 a month for tethering. Since I had this capability with the Samsung for no extra charge, I assume I’ve been grandfathered in since it works great for me.
Many thanks to jh20001 for the tethering and data speed improvements. I was able to get 3Mb download according to Speakeasy:
Download Speed: 3301 kbps (412.6 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 363 kbps (45.4 KB/sec transfer rate)
You’ll need the XDA membership, though there is a ton of good stuff there if you’re an HTC user.
