NStarter by Nomiel
Please note that this app is unsigned. You must sign it yourself before you can install it (please don’t post here asking me to sign it) using this guide or similar.
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It seems like private developers are more and more productive lately as we’ve been seeing several great apps popping up from all over the globe. Of course most of them are delivered to us unsigned which poses a problem for those who of you who still haven’t gotten the hang of the signing process. Beyond that, Symbian Signed is experiencing all kinds of problems lately so getting a developer certificate isn’t always easy anymore. If you’re in the majority though and signing an app is something that is now second nature, I have a great new utility that you’re really going to love.
NStarter is an awesome little utility by the Russian developer Nomiel that - in a nutshell - gives you 12 new hotkey shortcuts that will launch any app on your device with a simple (simultaneous) press of two buttons. The app also includes one additional little treat; integrated reboot functionality that can be assigned to any shortcut. (Note that reboot does not yet work on the E50)
The only setting in this app other than shortcut assignments is enable/disable autorun. Of course to take full advantage of NStarter you’ll want to leave autorun enabled.
NStarter uses the [pen] key (or shift key on full-keyboard devices) along with keys 0-9 and # or * for the launch shortcuts. If you use another app that utilizes one of those shortcuts I recommend leaving it blank. For example, I use both [pen] + * and [pen] + # for other apps so I have not assigned them as you can see above. Beyond that, operation is self-explanatory. Simply select the shortcut that you would like to assign, find the app that you would like to assign to it, and press OK.
You can use this wonderful little utility to launch any installed app on your device from any screen; not just the standby screen. NStarter runs completely in the background and takes up very little RAM so it is great for any device. Also worth mentioning, there is a 13th static shortcut ( [pen] + C ) that will bring NStarter to the foreground.
I’ve seen plenty of people comment that they would love to see additional shortcuts on their S60 3rd devices. If you’re one of those people, then join me in thanking Nomiel for this great app!
UPDATE: This version (1.01) is confirmed to be incompatible with the N95.
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UPDATE: Download link updated to v1.02.
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UPDATE: Download link updated to v1.03 - Change log:
1. Added changing of writing language by pressing hot key. Changing works everywhere, not only in input boxes. Language changes between selected language and English in cycle. Tested on E60, E61.
2. N95 now supported. (tested on sw version 11.0.026 and 10.0.018)
update: found a bug: to activate new language you must reenter editor field.
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UPDATE: Download link updated to v1.04 - Change log:
1. Fixed bug with Pen-menu opened after changing language in editor field.
2. Added option to switch bluetooth on or off.
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UPDATE: Download link updated to v1.05 - Change log:
1. Fixed bluetooth switching
2. Added profile switchingÂ
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Ever since I stumbled upon your blog from google...you have me hooked on :) Your reviews are to the point and site layout is clean & cool..
Keep up the good work..cheers
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I'm glad you like it! Nomiel certainly did a great job. :)
@Hardeep
Thanks so much for your kind words!! It means a lot to me that you are enjoying my blog and that you find it useful! I don't maintain this blog for the money (as you can see I don't post any advertisements and I'm not sure that I ever will), I do it because I enjoy it and I get to talk to interesting people and deal with some very talented developers.
Thanks again and I hope you keep coming back!
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Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention! Wow, these files are all so tiny and you guys have already used up my 10GB of bandwidth this month! lol
I've just upgraded to a premium box.net account with unlimited downloads so give that link another try and it should be fine. ;)
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Thanks dude!!!
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And thanks to Nomiel for creating this great must-have app!
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I just can't believe that Nokia failed to create a shortcut for switching input language! On my N95 I needed 5 different key strokes just to switch language.
Well, you made my day!
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Would it be possible to make it work on other v4 phones - those without the "pen key" like 6290?
Zach, have you got contact with Nomiel and could you possibly tell him about this little dream of mine?
Please x 6
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thanks guys, and zach, i love your site, it's been a huge help for me getting started in the world of s60 (i was a cingular blackjack user.. and am so glad to be using symbian now)
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I'm actually on vacation right now but why don't you send me an email and we can discuss this further. ;) Btw it's never a good idea to post your IMEI in public.
zach {{at}} mobile9 {{dot}} com
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Newest Nokia phones like 6120 Classic or 6110 Navigator don't have Pen key.
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another option .. letting the user chose his basic key ..
TNX
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Would be a pity if there's no new version coming, since there will be more and more Nokia phone without 'Pen' (edit) key and there seems to be some bugs too (notifications do not display anymore since firmware upgrade on E50).
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What exactly is the error you're getting? If it's not running at all it may be locked up at boot (this has happened to me). Try launching it from your menu and then minimizing it. If that works, just add it to the startup list in PowerBoot (even though it autostarts already) and that should resolve the problem.
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I've checked now and the samething is happening to Best taskman, probably Nokia broke some api those programs used =\
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Since the last firmware upgrade on my E50, Nstarter no longer shows notifications when launching apps :-(
I'm using this software to have shortcuts for bluetooth, french/english language switching and reboot; Phone shortcuts by Tektronic has an ugly UI (like all their softwares by the way) and isn't as well thought as Nstarter (plus it isn't freeware), so it's not an option for me...
I think I could live without the notifications, but I would like to know if the bug was introduced by the firmware update or if it's something on my side...
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Well, as I said before, I should be able to live without it. Thanks for helping nonetheless everybody, SiMo rules :-)
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why? my settings in phone are - soft install - all, cert check - off
thanks
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ok i see.how can i get signed one?
because i`ve got only - NStarter_v1.05_unsigned.zip
?
thanks
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i`ve thought that free is for free...hehe
never mind..
thanks
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anticipate any revisions. There is another similar app available on
Handango though I can't recall the name.
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Or a similar application that can switch between writing languges with a single key stoke?
Thanks!
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