intent® Java™ MIDlet Manager help

Introduction
What is a MIDlet?

How to
Installing MIDlets

Installing MIDlet suites

Installing MIDlets/MIDlet suites from a memory card

Installing MIDlets/MIDlet suites directly from the Internet

Installing MIDlets from a PC

Re-installing MIDlets

Running MIDlets

Stopping MIDlets

Managing your MIDlets/MIDlet suites

Customising your display settings

Viewing MIDlets/MIDlet suites as a list

View current MIDlets/MIDlet suites

View recently used MIDlets/MIDlet suites

Viewing MIDlets/MIDlet suites in groups

Changing the display name of your MIDlets

Upgrading MIDlets/MIDlet suites

Uninstalling MIDlets/MIDlet suites

Other information

Managing your groups

Default groups

Associating a MIDlet/MIDlet suite with a group

Moving MIDlets/MIDlet suites between groups

Creating a Group

Renaming groups

Managing MIDlet security

Error messages

What is a MIDlet?

MIDlets are Java™ applications that can run on mobile devices. Your PocketPC is a Java enabled device.

MIDlets are written for the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) of the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME). This is a technical specification, and does not influence the type of application that can be called a MIDlet. For example, you will find MIDlets that are business applications, communication programs, games and utilities.

You may encounter references to both MIDlets and MIDlet suites. In many cases these terms are used interchangeably. A MIDlet is a program that conforms to the MIDP specification. A MIDlet suite normally consists of a .jad and .jar file and is a collection of one or more MIDlets bundled together. Some MIDlets may be distributed just as .jar files, but it is important to use both file types if a .jad file has been supplied as this contains additional data about a MIDlet suite. In practice, MIDlets are always distributed as MIDlet suites, whether they contain a single program or a collection of applications.

The intent Java MIDlet Manager (JMM) has been developed to enable you to install, run and delete MIDlets and/or MIDlet suites on the PocketPC platform. You can use the intent JMM to view, select, run and stop any MIDlet installed on your PocketPC.

Installing MIDlets

You can access the intent Java MIDlet Manager from the Programs menu. The MIDlet Manager displays a list of installed programs in the MIDlet Manager window. You can select any of these applications using the stylus.

Installing MIDlets/MIDlet suites

You can install new MIDlets/MIDlet suites in a variety of ways. They can be:

- installed from a memory card
- downloaded from the Internet directly to your PocketPC
- downloaded from your PC using the USB cable and/or docking station
- beamed to your PocketPC using Bluetooth or infrared

Installing MIDlets/MIDlet suites from a memory card

MIDlets/MIDlet suites can be installed from a memory card inserted directly into your PocketPC. To do this ensure that the MIDlet files are in the root (top level directory) of your memory card and choose:

Menu > Install

This opens the Install screen within the MIDlet Manager window, which contains a list of all available MIDlets/MIDlet suites on your device. You will see a series of MIDlets/MIDlet suites represented by grey icons. You can select any of these with your stylus and choose Install from the menu. You will be prompted to confirm your choice.

Installing MIDlets directly from the Internet

You can install MIDlets/MIDlet suites directly from the Internet using Internet Explorer in conjunction with the intent Java MIDlet Manager. Connect to the Internet and locate a MIDlet/MIDlet suite you wish to download (this is normally a .jad and a .jar file). Select your MIDlet/MIDlet suite and download it. You will be asked to confirm that you wish to download the relevant files before the download begins. A progress screen is displayed whilst the files are being downloaded. You may cancel the download at any time.

Once your download is complete, the intent Java MIDlet Manager automatically starts and prompts you to install your new MIDlet/MIDlet suite. You must confirm that you want to proceed and the installation of your MIDlet/MIDlet suite is completed. Alternatively, you can cancel the installation at any time.

Installing MIDlets from a PC

You can install MIDlets/MIDlet suite onto your PocketPC from your PC using a USB cable, the optional cradle, infrared or Bluetooth. MIDlets transferred to your PocketPC using infrared, Bluetooth, or as e-mail attachments are automatically saved in the My Documents directory. To install MIDlets via a physical connection use Windows Explorer to copy your MIDlet file(s) from your PC to any of the following temporary locations listed below, from where they can be installed by the JMM.

Pocket PC memory
`Mobile Device\My Pocket PC\My Documents\My MIDlets`

Storage card
`Mobile Device\My Pocket PC\Storage Card\`

Once the file(s) have been copied to your PocketPC, you must install the MIDlet/MIDlet suite. To do this choose:

Menu > Install

This opens the Install screen, which contains a list of all available MIDlets/MIDlet suites. Select one and choose Install from the menu. You will be prompted to confirm your choice.

Optionally, you can remove the MIDlet files from the temporary location you used earlier. To do this navigate to the Install screen, select the MIDlet you wish to delete, wait for the tap and hold menu and choose Delete. You will be asked to confirm your choice by selecting the OK option. The MIDlet is then deleted from your PocketPC.

Re-installing MIDlets

You can re-install MIDlets/MIDlet suites. To do this, choose the MIDlet, select Upgrade and select the MIDlet/MIDlet suite from the list. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to proceed with the installation, then prompted to confirm that you wish to re-install the MIDlet. The confirm screen displays information about the old and new versions of your MIDlet; you must confirm that you wish to proceed by choosing yes. You will then be asked whether you wish to keep the application data and security settings for your MIDlet. These may contain personal data (such as high scores for a game) or configuration options you have chosen. If you wish to preserve these choose the yes option. If you choose the no option, you may have to re-enter some information and/or adjust your security settings.

Running MIDlets

The JMM enables you to run MIDlets/MIDlet on your PocketPC. You can leave MIDlets running in the background whilst you perform other tasks on your PocketPC. You can have multiple MIDlets running at the same time. The only constraint is the total amount of memory available on your PocketPC.

To run a MIDlet open the MIDlet Manager window and select the MIDlet/MIDlet suite you require. Your MIDlet/MIDlet suite will open within the MIDlet Manager window.

You can always return to the MIDlet Manager window by selecting the MIDlet Manager from the Programs menu.

Stopping MIDlets

Some MIDlets have an exit or stop command within their menu structure. Their manufacturer determines the location of this command. You can also stop your MIDlets using the JMM. You can stop individual MIDlets or all of the MIDlets currently running.

Stopping a MIDlet/MIDlet Suite

To stop an individual MIDlet navigate to the Running MIDlets screen:

Show > Running

Select the MIDlet you want to stop, wait for the tap and hold menu and choose Stop.

Stopping all MIDlets

To stop all the MIDlets on your PocketPC navigate to the Running screen:

Show > Running

In the Running screen choose:

Menu > Stop All

Once your MIDlets have been stopped, you are returned to the MIDlet Manager window.

Managing your MIDlets/MIDlet suites

Inside the MIDlet Manager window you can manage different aspects of your MIDlets/MIDlet suites. You can use this to personalise your display options, see which MIDlets/MIDlet suites are running or have been most recently used. You can organise your MIDlets into groups and define custom groups. You can manage the default settings for MIDlets, including security settings.

Customising your display settings

You use the Sort By menu to personalise your display options. This has 2 settings:

- Name (A to Z)
- Size (small to large)

Viewing MIDlets/MIDlet suites as a list

You can set your MIDlets/MIDlet suites to be displayed as a list by selecting:

Show > All

View current MIDlets/MIDlet suites

You can use Show > Running to display the MIDlets/MIDlet suites currently running on your PocketPC. You can also return to a MIDlet which is running by selecting it from this screen.

View recently used MIDlets/MIDlet suites

You can use the Show > Recent option to display up to your 9 most recently used MIDlets.

Viewing MIDlets/MIDlet suites in groups

If you have associated your MIDlets/MIDlet suites with groups you can view them by groups. The group names will appear at the end of the Show menu.

Changing the display name of your MIDlets

You can change the displayed name of any MIDlet on your PocketPC. However, you cannot change the names of MIDlet suites. To change an individual MIDlet’s name select the MIDlet, wait for the tap and hold menu and choose Rename.

Enter the new name for your MIDlet in the dialogue box and press OK to confirm, or Cancel to abort. You will see your renamed application in the MIDlet Manager window.

Upgrading MIDlets/MIDlet suites

You may be able to upgrade certain MIDlets/MIDlet suites using a network connection. The availability of this feature is determined by MIDlet manufacturers/distributors and their licensing arrangements. You must be connected to an appropriate network for this feature to be available - for example a corporate intranet or the Internet. To upgrade a MIDlet in this way, select it and choose Upgrade.

Uninstalling MIDlets/MIDlet suites

You can remove MIDlet/MIDlet suites from your PocketPC’s memory. To do this ensure that the MIDlet/MIDlet suite is not running, then select the MIDlet/MIDlet suite in the MIDlet Manager window and choose Uninstall.

You will be asked to confirm your decision by selecting the Yes option. The MIDlet is then erased from your PocketPC's memory.

Note: You cannot uninstall a MIDlet from a MIDlet suite. You must uninstall the complete MIDlet suite.

Other information

- System Info: Displays information about the currently used space. If the manufacturer has limited the total storage space for MIDlets, the limit and the amount currently available is also shown.
- About: Displays JMM version information.
- Choose Network Type: Enables you to choose your connection from the available list.

Managing your groups

Groups provide a way of organising your MIDlets/MIDlet suites around common tasks. Default groups have been configured for your convenience. You can use these, or create your own groups to meet your needs.

The use of groups is entirely optional, but if you wish you can assign your MIDlets/MIDlet suites to a group.

Default groups

You can assign your MIDlets/MIDlet suites to different groups. You can define your own groups. By default there are 5 groups defined:

- Business
- Comms
- Games
- Media
- Utilities

You can configure up to 7 groups on your PocketPC, and any of these can be renamed to reflect your own preferences.

You can adapt existing groups to meet your needs, and add a further two groups. Once a MIDlet has been assigned to a group, that group’s name will appear on the Show menu, and you can choose any group and view the MIDlets in it.

Associating a MIDlet/MIDlet suite with a group

You can have up to 7 groups on your PocketPC. You can associate your MIDlets/MIDlet suites with any of these, by selecting a MIDlet and choosing Group. The MIDlet Manager window contains a drop down box with a list of group names. You can choose one of these and select OK, or create a new group by following the steps in Creating a Group.

Moving MIDlets/MIDlet suites between groups

You can move your MIDlets/MIDlet suites between different groups. You can assign MIDlets/MIDlet suites to any group. To move a MIDlet/MIDlet suite between groups select the one you want to move and choose Group. The MIDlet Manager window contains a drop down box with a list of group names. You can choose one of these and select OK, or create a new group by following the steps in Creating a Group..

Creating a Group

To add a new group select a MIDlet/MIDlet suite and wait for the tap and hold menu. Then choose Group. Inside the Manage Groups screen choose the New button, use the soft keypad to enter the name for your new group and choose OK when you have finished. Your MIDlet/MIDlet suite is now associated with your new group.

Renaming groups

You can change the name of any of the groups on your PocketPC. You can do this by choosing the Rename button under the Manage Groups heading in the MIDlet Manager window. Enter the new name for your group using the soft keyboard and choose OK when you are finished, or Cancel to abort. Then choose OK. You will see the renamed group in the Show menu.

Managing MIDlet security

You can adjust security settings for each MIDlet/MIDlet suite by selecting a MIDlet and choosing Security. Note that some features may not be available for all MIDlets/MIDlet suites.

Security Option | Description
Net Access | Determines whether a MIDlet/MIDlet suite can access the Internet
Local Connectivity | Enables a MIDlet/MIDlet suite to access services such as RDA and Bluetooth. Refer to your PocketPC manual for the features available on your handset
App Auto Run | Enables a MIDlet/MIDlet suite to run at specified times, or any time
Messaging | Determines whether a MIDlet/MIDlet suite can send and/or receive SMS messages
Multimedia Recording | Enables a MIDlet/MIDlet suite to record sounds and images. Refer to your PocketPC manual for the features available on your handset.

Error messages

When the JMM encounters problems with a MIDlet/MIDlet suite, it displays an error message. Below is a list of error messages you may encounter, and their meaning:

Message | Meaning
Either RAM shortage, or insufficient space on the filesystem | Insufficient memory available on your PocketPC
Network out | No network connection available
The jar size does not match that specified in the jad | The installation information provided by the MIDlet manufacturer is inaccurate
The jar manifest does not match the jad | The installation information provided by the MIDlet manufacturer is inaccurate
Invalid Java application descriptor (jad) | There is a problem with the installation file provided by the MIDlet manufacturer
Invalid Java archive (jar) | There is a problem with the installation file provided by the MIDlet manufacturer
This Java application is not compatible with this device | One of more features required by this MIDlet is not available on your PocketPC
Unable to verify digital signature | There is a problem with the security information provided with this MIDlet suite
The suite requested permissions it may not have | There is a problem with the security information provided with this MIDlet suite
Push registration failure | There is a problem registering this MIDlet on your PocketPC