• From: Indiana, USA
  • Registered: Feb 28, 2007
  • Posts: 189

Topic: What is RedGear?

This brief summary is for those who've joined the discussion late and are wondering: what is RedGear anyway?

RedGear is best viewed as a kind of upgrade for the device. Once installed, it allows many newer programs designed for Pocket PC and Windows Mobile devices to be run with little to no user intervention. It bridges many of the platform differences between Handheld PC and Pocket PC, as well as many of the version differences between CE 3.0 (HPC2000) and CE.NET. On the other hand it is not a full upgrade, and therefore will provide only limited relief for drivers and other low-level programs which support CE.NET only.

RedGear began as my initiative to get the Opera web browser running on my Jornada 728, which sorely needs a new web browser. After finding success, I decided to expand and create a full compatibility layer allowing many other newer programs to operate. Since that time it has gone through many stages, and presently it allows to run WM2003 programs which could not be run previously in addition to earlier software for Pocket PC 2000/2002. RedGear also does not modify any files, and thus is compatible with most license agreements.

Some programs which I have personally found to be working on RedGear include Opera, Minimo, Netfront (web browsers), wmIRC, zsirc (irc clients), GPS navigation software, etc. These are simply programs which were of special interest to me, and I have not yet engaged in thorough testing as yet.

Releasing a version for ARM-based CE 3.0 (HPC2000) devices is the top priority, followed by versions for CE.NET 4.1 and CE.NET 4.2 devices. Following this, versions for MIPS/SH3 devices and/or HPC Pro devices may be researched and considered.

Please feel free to post any other questions you may have.

  • Registered: Mar 1, 2007
  • Posts: 12

Re: What is RedGear?

Hallo kirk, thanks again for your work.

Many people (and I for first) are waiting for this upgrade from several months.

I don't want to compell you but, please, consider the possibility to release the actual version and give following upgrade to the buyers.

  • From: Missouri
  • Registered: Mar 13, 2007
  • Posts: 5

Re: What is RedGear?

The RedGear app sounds almost to good to be true but I'm awaiting the roll-out nonetheless.  A quick query:  Will the addition of this "layer" affect the SoftMaker Office package for CE?  I am a great fan of transparency - the less I have to know to use my 720, the happier I am.

  • Registered: Mar 13, 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

Hey Kirk.  Will X86 be considered among those Processors?  wink

  • tdg
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: Apr 3, 2007
  • Posts: 1

Re: What is RedGear?

Just purchased a Jornada 720 and would purchase this software to allow for better experience. Please let me know when its ready and I'm in

  • From: Indiana, USA
  • Registered: Feb 28, 2007
  • Posts: 189

Re: What is RedGear?

RedGear should not affect Softmaker or other products designed for HPC. It is certainly the goal that it is transparent to the user.

  • Registered: Feb 28, 2007
  • Posts: 5

Re: What is RedGear?

hey glad you're back!! we've been worried.

(will you visit irc again? smile )

anyway what i wanted to suggest, could you sell the opera fix separately until redgear is finished? i've been getting so many requests for opera and i have to turn people down.. sad best i could do is tell them to send you an email (i did stress they should not send a PM)
oh and they of course own cenet devices, i mean cenet 4.2, not hpc2000, so i'm talking about the existing fix.

thanks.

Last edited by cmonex (Apr 17, 2007 at 7:25 pm)

  • Registered: Mar 1, 2007
  • Posts: 2

Re: What is RedGear?

Hey Kirk,

Just checking how progress is going. Also want to express support and appreciation for your work. Looking forward to purchasing RedGear!!!

  • From: Missouri
  • Registered: Mar 13, 2007
  • Posts: 5

Re: What is RedGear?

There has been much silence of late concerning Redgear.  Are you still planning on a release in the near future?  I will be a buyer.

  • Registered: Mar 16, 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

I am excited about the release of Redgear. Would you be able to give us an update on its status? I hope everything is going well with you and your family. I think you got a lot of us concerned about you now.

If you get the chance let us know how you are doing.

  • Registered: Mar 1, 2007
  • Posts: 12

Re: What is RedGear?

Is tihis project still active? If not wouldn't be correct to warn all users that subscribed this forum with the announce of an upgrade of HPC2000?

  • Registered: Mar 16, 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

Yes, but Kirk has been so busy that he hasn't had the time to work on it. We just have to be patient and wait.

After all he does have to earn some real money, right? wink

  • From: Missouri
  • Registered: Mar 13, 2007
  • Posts: 5

Re: What is RedGear?

Dear Kirk,

Just to let you know, after the rather nasty comment in the hpcfactor forum, I am still sticking with you and the RedGear project.  It's your call when (and if) to release so don't let the b******s grind you down.

  • Registered: Sep 13, 2007
  • Posts: 4

Re: What is RedGear?

Looking forward to RedGear and what it can do to increase usability on my Jornada 728.  Thanks for your efforts!! :-)

  • Registered: Oct 2, 2007
  • Posts: 1

Re: What is RedGear?

Hey, Kirk, Nice Going! Red Gear could be a real addition to our HPCs! If you need any help, though, don't hesitate in asking!

  • wyrm
  • Member
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  • Registered: Mar 31, 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

I just saw the youtube video: VERY nice! I'm really looking forward of using RedGear on my Jornada!

  • Registered: Oct 15, 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

Thanks for Gizmondo support Kirk ,i look forward to testing this week when my new Gizmondo arrives

I posted info on http://www.gizmondoforums.com/forums/in … &st=20

Added to Projects area also http://www.gizmondoforums.com/forums/in … 51&hl=

Last edited by hagisbasheruk (Oct 16, 2007 at 10:10 am)

  • Registered: Oct 15, 2007
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

I just purchase a mobile pro 900c last night and should have it delivered within the week, add me to the Mobile pro 900c testing aswell if you like.
Cheers from Stevie

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gizmondo and Mobilepro 900c owner

  • Registered: Mar 1, 2007
  • Posts: 5

Re: What is RedGear?

Hi Kirk, how is the testing going?
When you plan to release will there be a predefined list of compatible software?
Just want to know as the lack of syncing with Ilium PC software and my current setup is getting me down. sad

  • Registered: Jan 17, 2008
  • Posts: 1

Re: What is RedGear?

Hi Kirk

I just discovered your website - are you still looking to release RedGear...?  I'd buy a copy.

  • From: Indiana, USA
  • Registered: Feb 28, 2007
  • Posts: 189

Re: What is RedGear?

RedGear is being sent out to beta testers (finally). I hope for a short beta period, however I have the following plan. There are a couple of features that need to be implemented yet, and then I will let a limited number of people "preview" the beta, at a reduced price.

  • From: Missouri
  • Registered: Mar 13, 2007
  • Posts: 5

Re: What is RedGear?

Still patiently waiting knowing that you want to distribute the best product you can craft.  I note that Redgear has been listed in your download table.  I assume that the 0.9.0 suffix indicates a "not quite ready for prime time" version hence the lack of download access.  When it does become available, don't forget me.

OldGuy

  • Registered: May 10, 2008
  • Posts: 1

Re: What is RedGear?

hi

will the redgear browser support foreign langauges as hebrew (i have fonts program that i  can run before running the browser, it works with pocket word so i guess it should work with the browser) ?

another question - what capabilities the opera browser includes ? javascript, java, video streming (youtube), flash etc.

i see that a long time has passed since you announced your software but it is still non accessible maybe you you can release a the current and non stable version limited in use time so we can try it ? if it's ok i think people will pay for this even if it is not perfect...

  • Registered: Aug 2, 2008
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

Hi

I've had a Jornada for over a year now and think its the best! I remember seeing one back in 2000, thinking I would love one, 7 years later, still better than any PPC around. Heard about  Redgear early last year and thought what a great idea, and I would love to see Opera browser working on a Jornada 720. please let me know when its being released or even could I buy/try the Beta? I agree with hadaralon people would definately buy it now.

  • Registered: Aug 2, 2008
  • Posts: 3

Re: What is RedGear?

Hi

As I have no knowledge of any technical stuff, could you tell me, do you need to have RedGear running first to install programs on for example a Jornada 728? as I have tried to install opera 8.65 quite a while ago and it wouldn't install at all and gave a lot of unable to install messages is that normal without RedGear?. Also a game like Age of Empires should run ok?

Regards

Chris