New application: Enhanced Calculator for S60
Tue, 2008-08-19 14:49
Hello and welcome to Enhanced Calculator for S60! My name is Jarmo Lahtinen, and I work in S60 Java organization with a wide range of Mobile Java related projects.
Have you noticed that even in the latest S60 devices the calculator application is very simple and limited in features? And have you noticed that in Series 40 devices there is a much better calculator application? The calculator in Series 40 devices is a Java application, and we started to think here about replacing the current S60 native calculator with this one. So, I took the source codes of the original Series 40 application and updated it a little bit. The end result is here, Java calculator application for S60 devices!
The original application was made for certain devices with certain screen sizes. So, I have made changes mainly to the UI of the application. Currently there are some limitations in using this application. It runs properly only in devices with QVGA screen (240x320 or 320x240 pixels), in other cases you should get an error message and the application will be closed. I have tested this in several S60 3rd Edition, 3rd Edition FP1 and 3rd Edition FP2 devices, those with QVGA screen should be ok for this application. However, if you have any problems with the application, post your comments here!
Best regards,
Jarmo Lahtinen
Chief Engineer, Java Applications
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Editor's note: yes, this is the app promoted by Nokia Conversations two months ago, when it was still in Nokia internal testing phase, in our sister initiative Alpha labs. As Jarmo explained above, this is not (yet) an official R&D project with clear commercialization plans. But personally, I believe we should seriously consider replacing the standard S60 calculator app with this Series 40 calculator. What do you think about it yourself? -Tommi
Comments
It's a nice add-on for sure, but in reality a built-in app has to be native, right? No intent to diss Java here, but S60 is Symbian C++, and that's not going to change. Shouldn't be too hard to port this into native code, if there is a need.
1) % calculation is totally wrong. Should be as per comment #32.
2) Additional menu would be better if its cycle mode. For example, i can double click "*" to access 1/x, triple click to access "%", 4 x click to access "X2", etc. Now i have to click "*" then use the navigation.
3) Possibly to enable single click and double click on navigation to swap between multiply and %, etc. Leave the additional menu for Memory and History function other less use functionality.
Funciona bien en un N95 8Gb ,
un saludo
Ok so it looks good. But it's Java. Nuff said...
, Espen
I notice there's an update on this today, 20th, what exactly has been updated in it, known bugs?
The S40 calculator is a big improvement on the s60 one -which, quite frankly is rubbish.
I personally use Calcium now for my calculator needs, it's got a nice looking interface and is just faster to use, much faster.
In my opinion: Buy the rights to Calcium and make that the default calculator for S60. OK it doesn't have the scientific stuff, but how many people really need it that often?
Rather than re-invent the wheel, just use their application. It's miles ahead of the s60 version, and looks better and is more intuitive than the s40 version.
Is there a way to add period to interest rate in loan calculator. It is useless if one can use only integers
I tried the app on my E65. You can feel that the app is a Java app, not a native appliction by looking at the interface. Moreover, it is a bit less responsive compared to other calculator solutions. Personally, I didn't like it. It is highly unlikely for a person to use a phone for scientific calculations. I guess you better focus on standard calculator mode. Improve the the interface, make it run faster, find a better way to control and later on integrate it to our phones with a software update.
Hi, how do I perform a percentage calculation on it, whenever I press 100 + 21 % I'll get 0.21 as a result. Maybe I am stupid. But with the old one I got 121 as it should. Also in the interest rat calculator how do I insert 8.75 % ? I can only insert a full percentage point. 8 or 6 etc. but not 8.75. I an using on a N82, if that helps?
Greetings
one other thing, on my phone it doesn't look like the screenshot, the background is all white, maybe the screenshot is for a native application they're working on, since java apps don't use the theme as a background.
Jarmo: re how the % works. This is not the way it works on calculators!!!
On a calculator if you do 100 + 20% you'll get 120 which is 100 + (100*0.2)
There's no point of having a % button if it's only dividing the number by a 100!
yeah, i installed the update, but it doesn't feel different.
even the problem with the background on fp1 devices isn't fixed. maybe it's just some bugs or small fixes, but it's nothing important.
Interesting variation on the native s60 calculator. Feeback as follows:
1. Far too slow to start up - needs to be native S60 app to correct this.
2. I entirely agree with comment 32 about the % key. The suggested solution in comment 28 is just not how normal calculators work, and there is little point in having a % key if all it does is divide by 100.
3. I agree about the "Clear" menu key - just use the dedicated "C" key - stick with the standard interface - don't invent a new , inconsistent one.
4. Why is the asterisk key not the decimal point key? This is the decimal point or special character key in other S60 apps. Again - best to stick to the interface people know.
5. I don't find the use of the asterisk key to bring up other funtions at all intuitive. It has two pointers or arrows on it as the indicator of what it does - but I think that this is misleading - or at least It's not at all obvious to me what it's supposed to convey. By using the "C" key for clear, you could then use the right soft key for toggle to other functions, which would be far better and clearer in my view.
6. Having pressed the star key, the "Select" (left soft key) on my n95 doesn't select - it just takes you back to the basic interface - the same as the back key. A fault.
7. MOST importantly - I'm amazed that no-one has mentioned the "till roll" scrolling functionality of the native S60 calculator, that allows scrolling through previous entries and calculations to as to check that they were entered correctly. This is very useful and I don't want to lose this functionality.
It's also a very good use of the space available on the screen. Currently a lot of the upper space in the screen is completely unused as the app is currently designed - which is a waste.
If you have any serious thought to replace the S60 calculator with this one, then please add this functionality to scroll though previous calculations. If you really don't want to add this, then please keep the current calculator as well. This feature is one of the key reason why I use the calculator on the phone in preference to other calculators.
I like the new calculator it is a vast improvemet but the way it handles % has to be looked at. The calculator in the N95 works out the % just fine. A history would be handy as in the Handy-Calculator version.
Enhanced calculator is much better than the standard s60 calculator but.........
1)Even after reading the reply in #30, I would still say port it to native app as it would reduce startup times and make the app faster and more responsiive
2) Give the user the flexibility to set up the exit confirmation.
3) even if u stick to java, make th app skinnable to the current theme.
4) FINALLY PORT IT TO SIS... SIS is still installed as a java app but atleast it runs faster guys.
After 20 characters the letters disappear to the left on e51.......\
make the letters move one line up
keeping teh clear or backspace key pressed on e51 does not delete the characters...
the performance is really poor
sorry i meant ccalc*, it's developed by the same person, and both are great apps.
@qasim:
you should really try the cclock application, it's a very advanced scietific caluclator with pretty easy gui, it's probably one of the best freewares that i've seen.
try it and tell me what do you think.
Nigel: Standard calculator can omit a lot of functions, however if something is called "scientific" then it should be advanced. I look forward to this calculator. I would like to use it since scientific calculator is something I really miss.
Yes, x^(1/n) can solve a lot. Also e is possible to compute. Other stuff as well. But why not to have it? The UI can handle them.
I like it, it worx on my 6300 (v06.01) :D
But my original calc can do sin and cos too... it's just looks better only, i think.
Nice app, well done! It deserves a bigger icon. :-)
This is just the initial beta people. Would you really have preferred if the beta team decided not to launch it because it was written in java, or maybe if they made you wait a couple of months while they ported this to a native Symbian app? Besides, it's likely that this will remain a java app, so any developments and improvements can be put back into the S40 platform.
I know that this is just the initial beta, so is there a plan to support 352x416 devices later on at some point or not? Currently, I use calcium for basic stuff, and the Solution graphic calculator app for formulas. I tried NiceCalc a while ago, it sometimes crashed, but the interface was very easy to use.
On a side note, any news on the Nokia Audiobooks app? It never got an update after it's initial beta release. It's got alot of potential, but is missing out some important features, like the ability to define chapters using the desktop app.
Here are my thoughts on the new calculator:
First of all I think it's a great improvement over the original s60 calc, and I really appriciate the sci functions. In my opinion it starts up quick enough on my N95, so no complaints there from my side.
One thing that bothers me is the fact that you have to change between the normal ens sci calc, when you could just add the sci functions to the other button page of the regular calculator. That way you'd have a quick calculator for the easy stuff and be able to access the higher functions when needed.
But the most important thing that I'm missing is the calculation history. I would very much like to be able to scroll back and possibly copy some numbers from previous calculations.
Thanks for this beta. I will install for a test and waiting for the filan release.
Thanks for the feedback you have sent! There seemed to be quite a lot of problems in running calculator in E71. I have now fixed most of them. Now the scientific calculator is working much better. I will post a new version (v. 1.08) of the calculator here soon.
- N71-related fixes:
- screen is cleared before changing button panel in standard calculator
- star and pound keys work in standard calculator now without shift key too
- number keys work without shift key in both calculators
- - and + keys work in scientific calculator from the keyboard too
- Now you can have 7 characters in loan calculator's interest rate text field, for example 5.12345
It is said in many comments, that the exit confirmation is not needed. In my opinion, it is good to have it. Without it it is very easy to exit accidentally the calculator. I will also try to make the clear key to continuously clear numbers, when it is repeatedly pressed.
Regarding item 36 I also want to be informed what has been altered / added with the first update of August 20th, 2008.
It isn't working on my Nokia E70. I get an error message that the screen size is'n't supported
Edwin
can't you just give us the option to activate exit confirmation or not.
Thank you for improving the calculator on S60. It's really necessary.
The exit confirmation seems to me reasonable if the exit button is also used as clear button. But why not using the phones normal clear button (C button) which has the same effect at the moment? Then there will be no more need for the exit confirmation. Furthermore it would be nice if it's possible to clear the whole screen by keeping the C button pressed for a certain period of time (as it was in SMS editor on the first Nokia phones).
I also don't think that the scientific calculator will be used that often but nonetheless it's nice to have one. I would have been glad several times to have one right in my pocket. For me the scientific calculator is one reason why I installed your calculator. So keep it alive!
Another question: Is it your intention that the standard calculator doesn't prioritize multiplications/divisions over additions/subtractions? 2+3*4 results in 20 (in scientific calculator it results in 14 which is correct).
Final conclusion: There is space for improvements but this calculator is already much better than the installed one.
Save Page shortcut?
===================
there isn't one right now in the Nokia web browser on E71.
I like to visit sites and save pages for offline reading.
But u have to dig thru Tools and scroll down to Save Page command. Tedious after a while.
Can Nokia developers come up with an update on the browser that allows for one-button save?
Great!
But some minor bugs on the menus for N78 as the colors of the selected items gets black and imposible to be read on my theme. I don't know if this is normal or you can set it to work with the default theme.
TA
I just noticed operation symbols look inconsistent in size and a sort of misplaced by grid from the edges. X is quite bigger, but it's just a minor.
Hopefully, input of value could be filtered according to the required number of digits.
Also, please think of a way how to retain the original length of display panel of s60 calculator, as browsing to previously entered values and output are sometimes useful when reviewing your inputs.
Lastly, improve the speed in launching the application.
Oh this is very welcome. the S60 calcultor is embarassing for it's lack of functionality.
this is a massive step in the right direction.
TBH i think if nokia are to consider including this in future f/w and products they should actually develope a proprer s60 app. the problem with with the java app is that it looks like an app and not part of the phone.
the key applications with in the phone need to look like part of the phone, a lot of people don't realise that s60 is a fully multitasking opperating system and don't want to.
Bug: my N95-2 has auto screen rotation enabled. the calculator looks weird in landscape.
Instalei o aplicativo,mas como exibir as fun
Why Java?. Can be ported to C++?
Thanks for the comments, here comes answers to some of the questions:
- The interface on landscape screens is really not perfect, the whole UI was built on portrait screen in the first place, so for making it look better on landscape screens would have required major changes in the code
- About the delivery format, there is really no need for packaging the application to a sis file. If it were in a sis file, you would still need to install it like any other Java application.
- Why this is Java app? Well, because Java applications are easier and faster to develop and maintain and because we had a ready-made Calculator MIDlet for Series 40 phones! And no, there is currently no plans for native C++ version. Java is perfect for smart phones! :)
- Comments 15 and 27: Transparent background is not working in S60 3rd Ed. FP1 yet. in S60 3rd Ed. FP2 it works. And we have been discussing about an updated version, which would use SVG graphics, but there is no decision made about this yet.
- Comment 23: N80 has different screen size (352x416), it is not currently supported. But I can try to take a look, if the support for that screen size could be done easily.
- Comment 24: The Exit command was added, because without it it was really easy to exit accidentally from the application.
- Comment 28: % means per cent and 21% means 0.21! If you want to add 21% of 100 to 100, you should do something like this: 100 * 21% + 100 in standard calculator. And decimal point can be selected by pressing "*" and then selecting ".".
It's a Java app because it's been ported from Series 40, and S40 is not Symbian-based.
The usability is improved, but better would be transformed into an S60 native application, not Java. Java apps have slow startup and responding times.
Also of a note - now I see a need to update the Media Player UI styling according to this Calc UI styling, which I welcome, and it's rather nice and familiar to WMP11.
I would chose UP for "*", DOWN for "/", RIGHT for "+", LEFT for "-".
Isn't this more intuitive?
Look at Calcium: http://www.mtvoid.com/calcium/ - it is very convenient for simple calculations.
The interface looks ugly on the landscape display of my E71.
Moreover, it was not clear that you have to press the function key to get the functions associated with * and #.
Last issue: if you choose * to access other functions and then you press "back", there is an overlay of icons - sorry but I don't know how to express this in a correct english ;-)
@multipetors
i totally agree with you, but i really like this app, i wish they would make it symbian native and after the update they will replace the existing s60 calculator, like they did with the maps.
I like it, its nicer than the original Calculator on my N95-2, but why is it a java app? or is this just temp until you sis sign it and is it your intension to replace the integrated one once out of beta?
So as you see by the comments this needs to be a C++ native Symbian application. Leave Java for non smart phones :)
I have an E71...this looks nowhere as impressive as Calcium. the landscape screen is at least 25% empty. Also it is not convienent to press function and then the * and # keys to navigate around.
Also the exit confirmation is very annoying.
Its a great idea but you have a lot of work to do still
N80 gets punished because it has a better resolution screen?
why it's not SIS ? :(
Great features, great UI, miles ahead of the standard S60 calculator... but wait, java??
Java is slow to startup, the transparent background doesn't work in FP1, and it looks ridiculous out of place with non-black themes: http://junk.fwrnando.com/Screenshot0078.png as it uses png graphics, and not theme adapting svgs. The icon is just bad too, as it isn't a svg.
Take a page out of Handy Calculator: fullscreen, theme adapting, vector icon. in summary; native. http://junk.fwrnando.com/Screenshot0079.png
Besides, what's with the exit confirmation?
About freakkin time ! Its been the same ever since the 7650 right until now with the N78.
I like it, its nicer than the original Calculator on my N95-2, but why is it a java app? or is this just temp until you sis sign it and is it your intension to replace the integrated one once out of beta?http://pi8.vpilotku.ru/index.html
is new upgraded calculator has the same features as the one in S40 devices today. With the above screenshot You can appreciate the transition in the GUI. It has limitations on the GUI and certain screen size support (i.e. QVGA screen 240
is new upgraded calculator has the same features as the one in S40 devices today. With the above screenshot You can appreciate the transition in the GUI. It has limitations on the GUI and certain screen size support (i.e. QVGA screen 240
i agree all these things would be useful, but i just think that at this stage they're just tring to do a successful prt of the s40 application. rather than develope a new application.
wrong calculations for loan calculator?
E51 model
loan amt: 1000
int rate: 36
period : 12
1000*0.36*12/12=360
1360/12=113.33
nokia=100.46?
I have tried it on my N75 and it works great! I much prefer it to the standard Calculator, which is very clumsy. The only strange thing is that the Menu Icon is very tiny. I also find the "Exit confirmation" annoying.
Hi all,
And thanks for the continuous flow of feedback here! I have made a couple of changes to the calculator, based on the feedback. It seems, that many of you didn't like the exit confirmation dialog. On the other hand, I see it as a good usability feature. So, my proposed solution is this: now you can use it or switch it off (by choosing "Yes (Never ask)" option from the menu). Also now, if you press "C" repeatedly, also characters are deleted repeatedly. One more change, I have added some localized string files, for the following languages: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Turkish. Note, that the exit alert is not localized! Keep sending feedback and let me know, if these changes make this application better! By the way, it might take some time, when the application is available here. It's version number is 1.09.
i just realized you can avoid the exit confirmation by pressing the red key as opposed to options/exit
@baz - nokia uses diminishing computation
I installed it on my E71-1 (german device).
If I want to dial number 3 I have to use the function key. All other numbers work without the functon key. Because I have the same problem with calcium, I think it's a firmware issue. The native calculator works OK in this aspect by the way.
Sorry, English is not my native language
Just installed the new Calc program and theirs 2 things to mention:
1) LOVE the loan calculator feature! :S
2) Slight Bug on my N95. If I start the Calc in Landscape mode (The Buttons in Scientific mode are 5 across). If switch to Portrait mode (to enter numbers) the buttons are not adjusted to be 4 across, this causes the last column to be pushed off of the right hand side of the screen.
The opposite happens if I start in it portrait mode, the buttons stay 4 across in either mode.
It should be possible to have it adjust the buttons to suit the mode in which it is displayed.
still the percentage is useless ...
Baz-
to clarify this 'diminishing computation' - consider the last month, you'll only owe about 100, so in that month you'll only be charged 36% of that, not the initial amount of 1000.
Well - I really welcome the idea of new S60 calc. This one is definitely a nice app. BUT - it's java and I would rather use cCalc (native SIS) than Java one. Please, if you are realy serious about S60 replacement - just *replace* the old one - do no add a Java one. Don't get me wrong - this one is nice, but the delivery of this thingie... Well...
1. The instruction and load calculator become dark(from white) when I move the cursor
and it is unreadable because my background is in red color,.
2. About the alert asking whether to exit or not.
I chose "dont not ask before exit" already
Is there any options to call it back ?
3. Could you add a comma to separate 3-digit number?
I just wonder many calculators do not have it
any reasons?
Thanks
I'd also like operations priority for the Simple mode. And a bug - the Calculate label disappeared for the Loan mode (the entry is there - empty menu line) and it actually stopped working.
Nice application, but when will the E90 be supported?
The calculator on the E71 does not cover the entire screen giving it a wierd look.
application doesnt work with my N96,give error when open the application ,secondy how to put bothe the downloads in one directry
There are some nice alternative calculators out there like this:
http://www.linjadesign.fi/s60calc/
I agree with OldWolf (91) - My N96 have the same exception error.
The calculator cannot use numbers in a scientific format! Hyperbolic functions are missing. Exponential function (or at least e) is missing. Statistical functions are missing. N-th root is missing. It is not possible to compute in a complex domain. It is not possible to use grads. A comprehensive list of physical constants would be very useful.
how about you solve the nth root problem by using x^(1/n)
i think the functionality is reasonable fo ra calculator at this level.
I think that the financial calculator is great, it is the first one that I have seen for a mobile phone. It would be even better if took two more parameters:
1. FV - future value of the annuity
2. Payment type - whether the payment is in advance or arrears. Currently it is arrears.
The underlying caculation to use these two parameters is relatively simple, and this would make the calculator much more useful. (I could throw away my HP 12C!!)
This other slight issue is that it does not allow entry of a decimal interest rate - whole numbers only.
Enhanced calculator doesn
Just tried installing this on an N96, and it came up with an unhandled exception error: -
Arithmetic
java.lang.ArithmeticException
/ by zero
I want Help me options
Strange, why the calculator doesn't accept decimal comma for interest? There is a big difference in car loans between 3.1 and 3.9 :-)
Now make it available for S60 2nd edition too. Its really useful app.
Great to hear that the new Calculator is a Java application. In my opinion this is one of the steps in the right direction.
But, for me there is only ONE scientific calculator: MathU Pro from Creative Creek. So, even my Nokia E51 will have an improved calculator in a few month, it will not be as comfortable and powerful as MathU Pro is. And this is why I will not be able to replace my PalmOS driven Tungsten T5 completely by the Nokia E51 in near future :-(
Maybe Creative Creek will sell a S60 version of MathU Pro in (far) future. I will ask them for their plans.
Markus
it is not working on my brand new N96 --> @NOKIA: please solve this problem soon because the calcualtor is very useful!
the calcuator don't work good on the E71 phone.
1. number key 3 don't work,
2. calculator sign like -,+ works sometimes
3. calculator signs *,/,= works never
4. if you touch by a mistake an alpha key, you get it on display but the calculation stucks.
sory this programm is a good idea, but not for every phone.
the E71 is a business phone with out a satisfied calculator.
the Key 3 problem is by some othe programs to (like calcium)
Works on n96 if started in landscape you will then while running be able to switch to portrait
> why is it a java app?
Didn't you read Jarmo's post? The point was that he had just ported the S40 calculator to S60, and shared the result here with you.
can the stop watch be ported over from s40 too. I was disappointed to find it (and the calculator) missing on my N82.
Thanks
it's a great add to your mobile.try ir
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Is it possible to calculate the logarithm with base other than standard 10?
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The number 3 key is not working on E71 with German keyboard layout. Number 3 is working if Y key is pressed but the Y and Z keys are exchanged on German keyboards. Language settings of the mobile is not relevant.
yu5hi
its really helpful..thanks God i have found my lost calculator!!:)