Blog | CompuGeek Software: Releases

WHS Mobile v1.5.4.0

Brent Friedman — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:40:00 GMT

The next version of WHS Mobile is here, this brings embedded icons, fixes foreign characters, fixes the alert number in the app icon, and more.

Change Log

Fixed: Spaces in user names with streaming. Had left some code out by mistake.
Fixed: Japanese/Chinese characters in files and folders making the folder/file not load properly.
Added: Uploading an image from your iPhone’s storage or camera will not ask for a file name anymore. Instead, the name is auto-generated from the date and time.
Added: Embedded icons for shares, folders, and most file types. Share and folder icons can be overridden with a “folder.jpg” file inside said folder/share.
Fixed: Handling of folders with mp3s if a folder.jpg file was not found as well (would show an error in the Event Log).
Added: Swipe to the right to show a “delete” button in the file tab. Tap to delete or swipe back to the left to hide.
Changed: XML to JSON in an attempt to speed up browsing.
Changed: Application badge (number) not clearing as it should. Made the app clear the badge on start. Was originally supposed to do that when the notification was cleared on the WHS.
Changed: Thumbnails are resized keeping the aspect ratio (again)
Changed: Optimized memory usage and fixed some leaks
Changed: Made some other tweaks as when I changed from XML to JSON.

Check www.whsmobile.com for the add-in.

WHS Mobile v1.5.3.4

Brent Friedman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:25:00 GMT

What started out as a minor update for iPhone turned into a more substantial update. With three major changes, push notifications; being able to create shares from the device; and video streaming, this version is worth the update.

In addition to the changes below, I am also half way done implementing (just need to add it to the iPhone UI): creation of users and their shares, editing share name and description, and changing user permissions on existing shares.

Alerts from push notification will show the title and body of the alert. However, I have not yet implemented the health/notification viewer so the “View” button will only launch the application. If you have any problems with push notifications, please let me know (bug [at] compugeeksoftware [dot] com) so I can fix any problems that arise. I was unable to test the distribution build of the push notifications due to the required change in certificates. Although, it worked just fine in the development certificate and build.

In this version, you cannot edit the share permissions after creation so make sure to add any needed accounts with the proper none/read/write access right after creation (permission dialog will automatically pop-up right after you create the share).

Change Log

Fixed: If you enable or disable a user, the image would not update to show the changes (e.g.: gray to show disabled)
Fixed: Image downloading would throw a strange error.
Fixed: "Download" button would show up when you tapped a file.
Fixed: Some problems with symbols and streaming.
Fixed: Problems with commonly used symbols in file and folder names.
Fixed: Some other minor things.
Added: Push notifications of server alerts.
Added: Ability to create new shares and set the permissions.
Added: Ability to play unprotected .mp4, .mov, .m4v, and.3gp video files.
Added: Ability to play unprotected .m4a audio files (untested).
Added: Ability to create folders.
Added: Ability to delete folders.
Added: Ability to view .txt files.
Added: Ability to set the port to connect on.
Changed: The thumbnail now stretches to fit the 64x64 pixel block instead of aspect ratio resizing.
Changed: Redesigned the users tab to be more aesthetically pleasing - the first tab to be redone in that fashion.

Check www.whsmobile.com for the add-in.

Screen Shots

WHS Mobile 1.5.3.1

Brent Friedman — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:04:14 GMT

I am very, very, very sorry for my lack of online activity regarding technical support, communication with the Windows Home Server community, and other queries. However, I am going to save that discussion for another post.

WHS Mobile v1.5.3.1 is just a small update for the iPhone client and won’t have any bearing on those that use the Windows Mobile client. This update fixes a bug that crashes the client when many files and folders are loaded into one parent folder. For many people, this was the music and/or photos shares. Another issue that I have fixed with this version is streaming certain mp3s that were being detected as the wrong bitrate. I was working on a re-write of the windows Mobile client as well as a web client for users without an iPhone/iTouch or WM. However, those changes weren’t ready in time for this release.

I am working on some new features for iPhone, including: Wake-On-LAN, more control over streaming, redo photo viewing, add swipe back and forth (gestures) to switch images, and the possibility to do remote desktop in-conjunction with a free 3rd-party iPhone application.

I was looking into making my own remote desktop module to go with WHS Mobile, but I figured it would better to not re-invent the wheel.

Anyway, please update your iPhone via the iPhone’s AppStore and then uninstall the add-in. Once that is done, install the new add-in version.

Download the updated Console add-in.

ScanIt

Brent Friedman — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:31:41 GMT

I made this back in 2008 but never went on to releasing it. This is an add-in for people that have HP Scanners or HP multi-function printers attached to their WHS. I had originally made this because I needed a fast way to scan images using my USB attached HP PSC device. This does require you to install the HP drivers and software on the WHS so the add-in can use the scanning engine. It may work with non-HP devices but you’ll have to install the manufacturer's drivers and software (instead of HP’s).

I do not have any screen shots or installation instructions because the last time I touched this was back in 2008 (excluding rebuilding and packaging it as an MSI). I will not be supporting this add-in because of the vast array of scanners and hardware.

Download

WHS Mobile v1.5.3

Brent Friedman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:04:46 GMT

The WHS Mobile v1.5.3 update was approved by Apple. This update brings some UI improvements, no more waiting for a folder’s thumbnails to load, fixes uploading, and enhanced security, added support for high-bitrate mp3s, added document viewing (PDF, HTML, XLS, and DOC formats), and search has been redone. I also fixed the space error and I believe that non-English Home Server’s should now configure correctly with the add-in.

The Windows Mobile side has had a few improvements, asynchronous thumbnail loading like the iPhone, bug fixes, and Smartphone edition (non-touch screen devices) support. With the Smartphone edition, uploading and downloading is currently not supported because I have to re-write the prompts for it.

Documentation

Windows Mobile documentation coming soon.

iPhone Docs – Remember to port forward 8169 TCP using your router

Download

Windows Home Server Add-In (PP2+)

Windows Mobile Application (5.0+)

Apple iPhone and iPod Touch (3.0+)

Easily download the Windows Mobile version by using Microsoft Tag to snap a shot of the tag below:

Notes

Do not follow previous workarounds listed on this site as they are for older versions of WHS Mobile. If you need help email me at: support [at] compugeeksoftware [dot] com

I have not gotten this to work with Japanese and Chinese characters just yet but I am working on it.

I do have some future ideas that I’m planning out, such as Wake-On-LAN.

WHS Mobile v1.5

Brent Friedman — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:47:42 GMT

You’ve been waiting for it. WHS Mobile has hit the Apple AppStore!

WHS Mobile is the only application of its kind for Windows Home Server. It allows for simple remote management of your Home Server while on the go. You can manage files stored in the shared folders, stream media, manager users, modify ports forwarding to your Home Server via UPnP, start/stop FTP sites with FTP Manager, and remotely access your home computers from a Windows Mobile device. You can even use your Apple iPhone with WHS Mobile. WHS Mobile for iPhone allows direct media transfer to and from your home server. You can search your shares using the Home Server's Windows Search index for speedy results directly on the iPhone. Stream mp3's individually or as an album quickly and easily. Remote computer access isn't currently possible on the Apple iPhone due to the absence of a native Remote Desktop client on the platform. FTP Manager support will be available on the iPhone in the next release of the application. User impersonation allows you to let specific users access shares and features based upon their Windows Home Server account. WHS Mobile is a powerful and unique add-in for Windows Home Server that expands your access onto your Windows Mobile and Apple iPhone devices.

Just a note, the remote access feature is in the process of being redesigned so it is disabled in this release. The Windows Mobile client does not yet work on Smartphone (non-touch screen) models. Documentation is currently in the process of being written. The server and Windows Mobile software to go with the iPhone app can be found below.

People that have donated $10 or more will soon receive an email asking if they want a copy WHS Mobile for iPhone. If yes, they will receive a coupon for a free copy of WHS Mobile.

Update: If you have not already, please read this regarding the v1.5.3 update and how to install. The version on this page is not guaranteed to work.

Changes

Here are the major changes from the release for jail breakers up until now:

Search feature added
Streaming mp3s with a bitrate greater than 320 kb/s will no longer crash the application
Added bunch of code to prevent crashes
UI face lift
Upload images from your camera and photo gallery!
Pan and zoom image previews
Fixed a lot of random bugs
Multiple user compatibility – User impersonation limits and regulates access
Is available via the AppStore!

Here is what has changed for Windows Mobile:

Some compatibility issues
Changes for usage with 1.5 and multiple logins/users
Windows Media Player will launch when streaming WMA.
Mp3s can be previewed on Windows Mobile 6.0 and above

Screenshots

Screenshots for iPhone can be found in the WHS Mobile AppStore page.

Here are the Windows Mobile Screenshots:

Downloads

Windows Home Server Add-In (PP2+)

Windows Mobile Application (5.0+)

Apple iPhone and iPod Touch (3.0+)

Folder Icon Pack (for share icons – place respective folder.jpg in a share and set file to be hidden)

TV Manager v1.5 Preview

Brent Friedman — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:44:00 GMT

It’s been a long time since I last updated TV Manager, with school and other projects keeping me busy. I’ve decided to release a preview build of TV Manager version 1.5. Mainly to get it out the door and show what I have. I’ve added and changed a lot of things..

Changes:

Fixed deleting recordings via web interface or deleting shows from Media Center and then viewing the web interface - would mess up Shows.xml
Fixed share not being created after install - causing service to crash and install to appear to fail
Fixed not showing all options on client. Still requires being configured with full Administrative privileges (changing settings).
Fixed bug in web interface causing an error message to show instead of the page content.
Fixed Compatibility with WTV.
Fixed some glitches with the Email Notifications options in the settings tab.
Added a new interface for clients.
Added show thumbnails to the web interface.
Added sorting to the web interface.
Added an about dialog to the client.
Add the "All" item in the web interface to show all the saved recordings.
Added moving recordings at midnight under client settings.
Added a client service, recordings will be moved even if a user is not logged in.
Added right click menu to the new client interface (Contains options Play and Delete)
Added a Series catalog feature that lets you print a catalog of all your recordings.
Added Windows 7 features (jumplists, progress bars, pin-able taskbar item).
Added WTV converter for Comskip, allowing commercials to be removed from WTV recordings (Windows 7 Only)
Added an option to move recordings at a specified time (assuming the client is turned on).
Added an SDK so users can write plug-ins for TV Manager (read the documentation for more information).
Re-Added Original Air Date.
Re-Added ComSkip option -- May cause problems.
Re-Added the Home Server Console tab – The play option might not work yet.
Removed accidental time zone from Original Air Date column in Web Interface.
German and French translations implemented into web UI and client.
Easily deploy client via the web interface or the Home Server Console tab. It auto-detects the language/version of the installer to use.
The client application can now detect your remote access domain (via it’s SSL certificate) and will load that to prevent SSL error messages.
The client now requires .NET 3.5 to run.
The home server add-in now requires Power Pack 2 to function.
The client and server can detect your “Recorded TV” share’s name (for non-English versions).
Probably more..

As you can see, I’ve made a lot of changes and improvements. I’d like to thank my beta testers for their help and patience. Screenshots can be found in the docs. The iPhone application will be out in the coming months (I hope).

Download

Documentation

Update: When you try to change settings on a client with Vista or Windows 7, the client may crash. As noted in my third change, the client as to be run as Administrator to change settings. UAC won't let it otherwise. I am only adding this update because some people didn't read the whole change log.

WHS Mobile v1.0.5.5

Brent Friedman — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:36:00 GMT

Here’s a quick update for WHS Mobile. This fixes some of the problems people have been having, and adds streaming features.

Changes

Fixes:

Accidental leftover debug code
Installer problems
Fixes WM client’s positioning code (hopefully)

Adds:

MP3 streaming on the iPhone client – You’ll notice “[Play Album]” add the end of a folder listing where mp3s exist, and a new option when you select an mp3 file.
WMA streaming for the Windows Mobile Client – Click preview when a WMA file is selected. Unfortunately, Mobile Windows Media Player doesn’t support streaming mp3s.

Note:

If you have “Enable Remote Access to PCs” checked, and you have problems connecting to the WHS. Try unchecking the box, and restarting the service. Also, that feature is only for Windows Mobile (and can go crazy if it doesn’t detect a UPnP enabled gateway/router).

iPhone Setup

If you haven’t already, jailbreak your phone and then install this patch.
Download the IPA file and run it.
Sync the device
On the device, go to Settings –> WHS Mobile.
Type in the WHS domain (only yourname.homeserver.com, no http://) and the password.
It’s now okay to launch the WHS Mobile app.

Download

WHS Mobile Home Server Add-In

WHS Mobile Windows Mobile Client

WHS Mobile iPhone Client – If it downloads as a zip file, rename the extension to .ipa (or just use another browser, it downloads properly in Firefox)

Screenshots

WHS Mobile v1.0.5

Brent Friedman — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:52:53 GMT

WHS Mobile v1.0.5 includes a new iPhone client! The iPhone client has most of the same features as it’s Windows Mobile counterpart. Excluding uploading files (coming soon), image/music previews, and remote computer access.

New Features for Windows Mobile

Restyled launch screen - Touch friendly + bigger icons.
Reszies the home screen depending on screen size or orientation.
Remote Desktop forwarder - Forwards the RDP port using UPnP for each client PC if enabled, then accessible by the WM6 remote desktop client. Ports are changed every hour, use the WM client to get the port for a specific PC.
Preview mp3's and images before downloading - mp3 preview is WM6 only.
Bigger image thumbnails when thumbnail browsing is toggled (turned on by default).
Customizable share and folder icons – Create a folder.jpg file in said share/directory.
Location bar – Shows the current location on the server. Can be disabled under Actions.

New iPhone Client

I’ve made an iPhone client for iPhone and iPod Touch users. There is one down side, it requires a jailbroken iPhone. The only reason it requires one is because Apple has a $99 (one time) fee for submitting an app to the Apple App Store. I’m making this for free, why should I pay $99 to share it? So I decided that until I have the money to buy it, it will be accessible to users that have jailbroken their iPhone/iPod.

Notes:

For downloading files that aren’t images, the file is stored in /private/var/mobile/Applications/{RANDOM_GUID}/Documents on the device - (the GUID is different every install, so you’ll have to go through each one until you find the downloaded file. The only reason this happens is because the SDK limits access to a sandboxed directory. I can’t download a file and store it a root directory. I can with images because there is a function to save images to the saved images album.
Browsing to a folder with lots of images takes a bit to load the view. This is because I had the choice of downloading the thumbnails before loading everything or having slow performance when scrolling (because it would download and load the thumbnail for visible files in the list). I chose slow initial loading time.

Requirements

A jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch with firmware version 3.0
The MobileInstallation patch (aka AppSync). Instructions to download and install it are here.
A Windows or Mac computer with iTunes setup to sync your device.

iPhone Setup

If you haven’t already, jailbreak your phone and then install this patch.
Download the IPA file and run it.
Sync the device
On the device, go to Settings –> WHS Mobile.
Type in the WHS domain (only yourname.homeserver.com, no http://) and the password.
It’s now okay to launch the WHS Mobile app.

Download

WHS Mobile Home Server Add-In

WHS Mobile Windows Mobile Client

WHS Mobile iPhone Client – If it downloads as a zip file, rename the extension to .ipa (or just use another browser, downloads properly in Firefox)

iPhone Screenshots

DVD Manager v0.0.0.30 Alpha

Brent Friedman — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:57:00 GMT

DVD Manager v0.0.0.30 has arrived.

What’s New?

Re-use your old folder rips by ripping to a file from an existing folder rip.
If you don’t have a DVD drive inside of your WHS, now you can rip using your client PCs! The DVD Manager client installs much like the add-in for WHS but can run on your client PC and rip the DVD to the same share you set in the add-in’s preferences. Currently there isn’t way to monitor the percent complete but you can run this on as many PCs as you’d like (the log is merged on the server, so you can view that if need be), even ripping at the same time. The client also requires AnyDVD or DVD34 to decrypt the DVD and the Windows Home Server Connector software installed.

Screws Tightened

Rips to a video file sometimes had the wrong audio track, that has been fixed in this build.

Upgrade Instructions

Install as you would normally but also add a Windows Firewall Exception for the local subnet on port 9790 TCP.

Client Install Instructions

Install like a normal application.
After install go to Windows Run (Windows Key + R), and type in services.msc
Find DVD Ripper, and double click the list item.
Go to the Logon tab, choose This account, and type in your WHS user name,
Enter the password into the password box.
Click OK.
Restart the DVD Ripper service.
Close Services, and enjoy.

Download

DVD Manager Add-In
DVD Manager Client