**NEWS FLASH***************************************

04/10/2009 – New Verizon i910 ROM leaked! See my post for further information (LINK)

*****************************************************

I recently upgraded my old Motorola Q cellphone with Verizon Wireless. Originally I went for the new Verizon Touch Pro (XV6850). While it is a great phone, I didn’t have the need for the keyboard, thus the added thickness. I traded that in for the Verizon Samsung Omnia i910.

While there isn’t a perfect phone out there and none could truely be the Apple iPhone killer, it does a fairly good job with features.

I won’t bore you with reviews since many places have done a great job with them. You can read several reviews on the phone at one of these locations:

• Phone Areana – http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/Samsung-Omnia-CDMA-Review-review-r_2074.html
• Cnet Shopper Comments – http://shopper.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-omnia-verizon-wireless/4014-6452_9-33399472.html?info=user#info-3
• Cnet Review – http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-omnia-verizon-wireless/4505-6452_7-33399472.html?tag=mncol;lst

What I will focus on is my tweaking of the Omnia to fit my need. In the past 30 days of having it, I’ve done hard reset on this phone over a dozen time. Each time, I swap back and forth between various interfaces such as the original Touch Wiz UI (came with the phone), the HTC Touch Flo (similar interface found on HTC Diamond and Touch Pro), and the Samsung Today 2 (only offer on GSM version of Omnia).

Sample Video Of These Interfaces:

• Omnia w/ TF2D - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zJIk3sH-wQ
• Omina w/ Today 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EGmhNaSKgI
• Omina w/ Original Touch Wiz UI – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4hMzB8i-E4
• Omina w/ iPhone Theme - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJET-n9z2Tg
• Omnia w/SPB Mobile Shell – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mldC0HFx7Q

You can also refer to this poll to see what most people are using.

• http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277849/omnia-compatible-user-interfaces-uis-and-inputs/

Of them, I found the HTC Touch Flo to be the best to my liking. It is sleek, simple, and professional looking. It offers weather, phone book, and program access at your finger tips. The Samsung Today 2 interface is also a good contender as it make the phone usable. I do find the Touch Wiz UI silly, childish, and for teenage to use, so I dont bother too much with that.

Samsung Today 2 For Omnia:

For those who are not familar with the look of Samsung Today 2, here is some sample. You can see a youtube video of it in action (CLICK HERE)

If you are interested in using it, the cab file is located here:

• http://sultanaa.com/awg/CABs/Omnia%20software/21-10-2008/

The file you want to install is “Dr.DoT Samsung Today 2.cab“. This will give you the TODAY 2 interface. Once the cab is installed, you can simply change it in the TODAY icon under the system menu. Or you can use the registry hack someone found recently without having to install the extra cab

• http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=12126581&postcount=318

All is needed is to create a registry entry.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Today\Items\ Samsung Today 2]
“Order”=dword:00000003
“Flags”=dword:00000000
“Enabled”=dword:00000001
“Options”=dword:00000001
“Type”=dword:00000005
“Selectability”=dword:00000002
“DLL”=”secst.dll”

Note: The “Smilepak’s Omnia Performance” registry further down in this page already contain the above registry. If you import that registry, you should have the Today 2 automatically.

HTC Touch Flo / TF2D / Manila 2D For Omnia:

For those who are interested in the HTC Touch Flo (aka: TF2D, Manila 2D, etc.,) there are a couple  very good tutorial on how to install TF2D on the Omnia.

• http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/273892/complete-install-guide-for-manila-touchflo-2d-on-i900/

This was what I had originally used.

• http://www.samsung-omnia.org/how-to/how-to-manilla-2d-on-the-omnia/
• http://winmo.sztupy.hu/m2daio.html

This is what I am using now. It is basically a single cab install for Manila 2D, using “FavoriteSettings” instead of HTC Comm Manager, this allow the flashlight functionality to still be fully operational. If you are planning to use this cab, a must have is the “Favorite Settings” – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277524/goodies-from-hl1/#entry949206

You can follow a discussion on it http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277941/all-in-one-manila-2d-update-19b-installer-fixed/

This will give you the basic theme for TF2D. There are a host of customized themes you could use with that and they are found here.

• http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-rom-discussion/274993/manila2d-mobilematt-themes-for-omnia/
• http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/276720/max-dynamic-manila2d-theme/

In order to use these themes, you would need to have M2DC installed first. Download M2DC from XDA-Developer site here

• http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=427392&highlight=M2DC

Once you install M2DC, copy the entire “zip” file of the theme to the M2DC theme folder. You can then access the theme through the M2DC application.

If anyone is interested in my Omnia Setup, my quick write up could be found here

• http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=12043083&postcount=114

I used several themes, one of which is this one

The theme could be download here: http://www.modaco.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=25856

Thanks to Sector on Modaco for working on these themes. All credit goes to him.

Another good alternative and popular interface is the original HTC Home. It was used in the HTC Touch and Touch Dual. A ported version of it now works on the Omnia.

• http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=12092326&postcount=112

If you are one of those iPhone buff and want the iPhone look, XDA has iFonz available. Function similar to Apple iPhone interface

• Omnia Theme iFonz – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277680/my-ifonz-theme-for-omnia-only/

SPB Mobile Shell Info / Skin

SPB Mobile Shell is a commercial software that takes up less space than trying to use TF2D. It allows you to customize your theme to look and feel very much close to TF2D or even the apple iPhone. Not only does it allow you customize the look and feel, it comes with a weather applications. Which is fairly nice!

You can download the trial version: http://beta.spbsoftwarehouse.com/

• http://mysamsungomnia.wordpress.com/2008/09/19/spb-mobile-shell-skins-for-omnia/
• http://www.samsung-omnia.org/spb-mobile-shell-skins/spb-mobile-shell-skins/
• Omnia SPB Skins – http://www.imarche.net/omnia/index.php
• SPB Customization Guide – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=378367
• SPB As Default Today - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2029338

Recommended Accessories

Jabra BT 3030

I was curious how the A2DP Bluetooth function works, so I went out and purchase the Jabra BT-3030. I have to say, it is a pretty niffty device. It allows me to use whatever headset I want (i.e.: Bose Quiet Comfort 2, Shure Earbud, etc.,).  I’ve used with my Bose QC2 and it worked nicely. The Jabra BT-3030 has a microphone jack, so you can also use it to take calls too. I already have the Motorola H12 and on order the Plantronic 925, so I’ll just use this to listen to music. Useful when I can leave my phone charging or dock at my desk, and still listen to music while I am around about. It is especially great for the gym, don’t have to carry an ipod and my phone at the same time now. It uses bluetooth signal to control the media player on the Omnia. Not too bad!

Jabra BT-3030 Stereo Bluetooth Earphones (Black)

Plantronic 925

I recently had to replace my Motorola H12 because it went bad. This is a nice replacement. Fairly comfortable, the travel case is actual an extended battery mobile charger, and the sound was crisp. You should check it out.

Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece (Black)[Retail Packaged]

Smilepak’s Omnia Registry Performance Hack

I’ve incorporate some of the registry hack found below and a few others into one single registry file for easy apply. You can use any registry editor and import them into your system.

Note: This registry hack assume you have installed Microsoft .NET 3.5 Compact, as it will adjust the registry to enforce it to improve performance.

Revised 01/15/2009: Fixed the reg file, found the cause for touch screen to be lost. I hard reset my phone to test it out and it worked correctly.

Popular Hacks / Tips / Tricks For Omnia:

• Disable EVDO Connection Popup Alert - http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=12314868&postcount=557

Start / Settings / Sounds & Notifications

on the Notifications tab choose Event “Connection established” and uncheck “Display message on screen”

• Increase Incall Volume

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\SoundCategories\InCall]
“InitVol”=4

For anyone complaining about low volume after this fix. Don’t forget on the Omnia headset plug, there is a volume control there too. A lot of people tends to overlook this little control and complain music volume low when listen to music.

• WIFI Tethering - http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/276545/fixed-12-5-08-tethering-on-the-i910-verizon-omnia/

Highly recommend you upgrade and purchase WIFIROUTER latest version to use with this. Otherwise version 0.91 is free for personal use. It will turn your phone into a walking router to tether to your iPod Touch, Laptop, etc.

• Improve Screen Calibration Accuracy – http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=12124701&postcount=315

1. Open your Registry Editor(PHM Registry Editor)
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/HARDWARE/DEVICEMAP/TOUCH/
3. Click on CalibrationData
4. Value Data change to > 519,503 177,881 182,129 847,127 849,872
5. Click OK to save it.

• Hapatic Feedback on all apps function – http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=12102979&postcount=275

This is recommended for those who disable the default Samsung dialer skin. It will give you the touch vibration on the default WM dialer and other applications. For Samsung Omnia user, set the ID = 11 for it to work.

• Microsoft .NET Compact 3.5

1. Download the .NET Compact 3.5 – http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=E3821449-3C6B-42F1-9FD9-0041345B3385&displaylang=en

2. Do Registry Hack to enforce usage of 3.5 – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=373721

3. Goto HKLM\Software\Microsoft\.NETCompactFramework (this is usually the first entry
4. When you open this you’ll see all the .NET installed version change the DWORD value of 2.0.7045.00 from 1 to 0

5. Chang ethe DWORD value of 3.5.7283.00 from 0 to 1.

This is HIGHLY recommended. People have commented good stablity and improvement in their Omnia with this method!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=373721

• Increase Scroll Bar Thickness (for finger friendly) - http://www.howardforums.com/showpost.php?p=12085704&postcount=229

• Increase Font Cache

HKLM\SYSTEM\GDI\GLYPHCACHE\limit = 16384 (DWORD decimal)
To change it back to the default:
HKLM\SYSTEM\GDI\GLYPHCACHE\limit = 8192 (DWORD decimal)
You can set the value to anything you like

• Enable Filesystem Cache

HKLM\System\StorageManager\FATFS\EnableCache = 1 (DWORD decimal)
To disable again:
HKLM\System\StorageManager\FATFS\EnableCache = 0 (DWORD decimal)

• Increase FileSystem Cache

To increase the file system cache:
HKLM\System\StorageManager\FATFS\CacheSize = 4096 (DWORD decimal)
To return the file system cache to zero:
HKLM\System\StorageManager\FATFS\CacheSize = 0 (DWORD decimal)
You can set the value to pretty much anything you like

• Improve Touch Sensitivity

[ H K E Y _ L O C A L _ M A C H I N E \ \ H A R D W A R E \ D E V I C E M A P \ T O U C H ]
” C l i c k ” = d w o r d : set to 2000
[ H K E Y _ L O C A L _ M A C H I N E \ \ H A R D W A R E \ D E V I C E M A P \ T O U C H ]
” D o w n U p ” = d w o r d : set to 750
soft reset required

• Disable Samsung Dialer Skin (save approx 10MB RAM)

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Phone\Skin]
“Enabled”=dword:1, you should change to 0 and reboot your Omnia

http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277040/free-up-some-memory-change-dialler-look/

• Disable Auto Keyboard PopUp (pretty annoying to some)

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Sip]
“TurnOffAutoDeploy”=dword:1

• New Keyboard Layout w/Space Bar Center - http://www.samsung-omnia.org/third-party-samsung-omnia-software/new-keyboard-(full-row-space-bar)/
• HTC Album Screen Fix – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/274336/htc-album-fixed-screen-resolution-for-i900/

For those who uses TF2D and getting the annoying menu floating in the middle of screen.

• Silverbox Email Client – http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1481285

The i900 (not sure about our i910) can use it via this Registry Entry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Samsung\MiniToday
and change silverinbox value to “1″ (without the double quotes).

After a soft-reset, SilverInbox will open when clicked anywhere on the os, instead of default WM Outlook.

• How To Dim Backlight – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/278093/how-to-dim-backlight-lower-lowest-level/

Recommended Software For Omnia:

• Touch Response – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=450256

For Omnia user, set the ID to 11 for it to work.

• Touch Back – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=478407

Features

• Haptic feedback (!) within SIP, DialPad or Both.
• Support for multiple dialers (stock DialPad and iDialer so far).
• Activate feedback On Press, After Press or Both.
• Configurable vibration length (minimum: 1ms)
• Configurable ignore press period (prevent multiple vibrations).
• Start-up automatically on reset.
• Settings persist across resets.
• Omnia user, please set ID = 9

• S2U2 (iphone slide unlock interface) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=464695

• Schap Reg Editor - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=347178
• Iris Brower (based upon Apple Safari Engine) - http://www.torchmobile.com/download/

I like this more than Opera. It process / render images load faster than Opera. Works pretty nice. It is based on the exact same engine as Apple iPhone Safari.

• YouTube Player - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=385227

Not as nice looking as the YouTube that came with HTC Touch Pro / Diamond. But it does work fairly nice and in a way, faster.

• Pandora Internet Radio – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277190/confirmed-pandora-works-for-omnia-does-pandora-work-on-omnia/

For Omnia user, the keyboard doesn’t work properly. One work around is to map the keyboard pop-up to a phyiscal button. This way you will get the keyboard pop up for you to enter in the account information and other stuff. Works great!

• Manila TF2D – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/273892/complete-install-guide-for-manila-touchflo-2d-on-i900/
• Manila Customizer M2DC - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=427392&highlight=M2DC
• Microsoft Live Search w/Traffic and Maps - http://livesearchmobile.com/windows_mobile.htm
• Google Maps – http://www.google.com/mobile/default/maps.html
• Microsoft .NET Compact 3.5 – http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=E3821449-3C6B-42F1-9FD9-0041345B3385&displaylang=en

See the tips and tricks above on registry hack once you have this installed. You will see good improvement and stablity with the new .NET. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=373721

• Google GPhone Barcode Scanner – http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=567669#post567669
• Opera Mini + Google Street View - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=455655
• Torch Flashlight (Turn your Flash into a FlashLight) – http://www.modaco.com/content-page/275325/camera-light-and-software/page/20/

This is especially useful when you use TF2D. For some reason, when using TF2D, the Omnia flashlight function stop working. This will re-enable it. Normally if you use Samsung TODAY 2 or default Samsung interface, you dont need this.

• HTC MP3 Trimmer – http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=402186&postcount=1

Useful, especially when you want to use a MP3 as ring tone.

• Omnia Favorite Setting – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277524/goodies-from-hl1/

Sample Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74fz8YZX0DY

• Free Registry Editor – http://www.phm.lu/products/PocketPC/RegEdit/
• iWeather – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441825&highlight=weather
• Animated Diamond WP Theme -Draft layouts for the 240×400 Omnia – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=401781

• CERegEditor – http://ceregeditor.mdsoft.pl/

Highly recommend this one. It is a Windows desktop application that connects to your phone via ActiveSync and allows you to modify your registry. If you could use Windows regedit, this is just as simple to use.

• Opera Mini + Java – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=455655
• Pocket PC Piano – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=477002

Application Features(Beta Release)
================================================== ==
* Fast Response PIANO KEYBOARD.
* Pretty good Sound Play and have no Delay.
* Full Screen Key
* Vibrate (M490, M495 only)
* 180 Rotate by Motion Sensor(M490,M495 only)
* Led Indicator by C position or F position
* Drag and Play
* 4 Octave(C3~c6)
* configuration by user(will be support)
* QVGA, WQVGA, WVGA support

• Microsoft Live for Windows Mobile – http://mobile.microsoft.com/live/en-us/mobile/default.mspx?wt.dl=1&sid=dc85f4ec06a2b0ecf8b49498e96f28978e4c099f

(Including Windows Live Hotmail, Messenger, Contacts and Spaces)

Get the full Windows Live experience—including e-mail, instant messaging, contacts and more—right on your Windows Mobile phone for free!

RingTones

• HTC Diamond Ring Tones – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2237644#post2237644
• Fox 24 TV Show Ring Tones

24 Digital Clock Tick Ring Tone 24 Lucent Telephone Ring Tone

• Microsoft Total Access Ringtones – http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/totalaccess/personalize/ringtones/default.mspx

Other pretty interesting stuff for Omnia or about Omnia:

• Tethering i900 on TmobileWeb - http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/278231/working-tethering-on-the-i900-with-t-mobileweb-s5-99/

• Stream Local FM to Phone - http://www.thestreamcenter.com/pda/
• Make Your Own TV Out Cable – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/274891/tv-out-cable-how-to-make-it/
• Funny Omnia “Unboxed” You Tube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQlzX7EyIwU
• Free Wallpaper for Omnia – http://www.slashphone.com/wallpaper/detail.php?photo=46620
• More Wallpaper for Omnia - http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/278016/grab-the-best-omnia-wallpapers/
• Replace VZ Omnia Boot Screen – http://www.samsung-omnia.org/samsung-omnia-tricks-and-tips/omnia-guide-to-replacing-verizon-vondafone-boot-animation/
• Modify Omnia Icon and Background – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424349

• The Unwired Video Demo Omnia Interface – http://www.theunwired.net/?item=videoview-samsung-sgh-i900-omnia-gui-and-software-hands-on

• Using Windows Remote Desktop Mobile with Win XP – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/273858/using-windows-remote-desktop-mobile-with-win-xp/

• Patched SECDialer.dll – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/273121/patched-secdialer-dll-no-more-keypad-lock-in-calls/

Disable auto lock when using Samsung dialer skin

• Underclock / Overclock Omnia - http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/274446/underclock-using-xcpuscalar-improves-omnia-lags/

Underclock to save battery, overclock to make it run blazing fast! Works great!

• iPhone Skin For Windows Media Player – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/274827/iphone-skin-for-wmp/
• How To Install Skin Using M2DC – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/275094/how-to-install-a-skin-for-manlla-2d-flash-video/
• Disable SMS Threading – http://www.modaco.com/content/i900-omnia-http-i900-modaco-com/272957/omniathread-messaging-threading-mode-changer/

1) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Inbox\Settings\SMSAvailable 2) Change from 1 to 0 3) Switch off phone for 20 seconds 4) Switch on phone

• Sharing Files From Laptop To Omnia via WIFI – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/279308/sharing-internet-and-files-from-laptop-to-omnia-via-wifi-winxp-to-wm-6-1/
• Taskbar Makeover -http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/279372/taskbar-makeover/

• WIFI Disappear On Omnia – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/277578/the-wifi-on-my-omnia-is-gone-how-do-i-get-it-back/

If you have WMWIFIRouter and your WIFI Disappear, try this 1. Soft reset 2. Do a wmwifirouter cleanup (run it and chose the cleanup if you have this installed) 3. Open programs task manager – now close everything.. wtf is activesync there! ^*(*&)(&^%*$ 4. Open the samsung wifi widget from the samsung today screen (as stated above, drag out, and click)… 5. Turn on wifi. It seems it wont work. 6. Turn off bluetooth, phone, wifi, then turn all back on. 7. After wifi times out TRY AGAIN, as it is trying, SOFT RESET (right away). 8. When it comes back on, immediately try Wifi On again.

• Using Windows Remote Desktop – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/273858/using-windows-remote-desktop-mobile-with-win-xp/

Additional Omnia Reference Threads and Sites:

• Howard Forum Tips Thread – http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1467787&page=1&pp=15
• Samsung Omnia dedicated Site – http://www.samsung-omnia.org/index.php#1
• Modaco Samsung Forum – http://www.modaco.com/category/342/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/
• PPC Geek Samsung Forum – http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=69
• XDA Developer Hacks and Tips – http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=260
• PPC Samsung Tips and Tricks Thread (Thanks syrguy1969) – http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=51532
• Samsung Official Support Site – http://www.samsungmobile.com/support/omnia/index.jsp
• Samsung Omnia Wallpaper Collection – http://www.modaco.com/content/i9×0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/286725/omnia-finest-wallpapers-in-categories/

Please do share what you’ve done with your Omnia! I would love to share them with other people!!

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