Big Big news today: there are now two new ways to install homebrew apps on your Palm Pre!
First up, the aptly-named "WebOS Quick Install" from our very own Jason Robitaille. It's a simple desktop Java-based app that you can download and install on a Mac, PC or Linux machine. First, install the webOS SDK (Update, version 1.1 has just been released and it uses the Recovery ROM - take a quick look at the notes on the linked post), then you just need to put your Pre into Developer Mode and then run the app on your desktop (Mac users note the small caveat in the readme file). You can drag and drop files downloaded from our Homebrew Apps forum into the app, click install, and you. are. done.
Also new: Brian Jost, better known to us as PreGame, has created an on-device file download and ipk install tool! It's called "fileCoaster"and it works pretty well. All you need to do here is browse to the PreCentral.net Homebrew App Forums on your Pre. If you're logged in, there will be a text field box next to every .ipk attachment - just tap that, copy it, and paste it into this app. Voila - you are downloading and installing homebrew applications without needing the desktop. It works on both the full forums and the mobile version.
Oh, and did we mention that it will download files as well? It does. You just need to punch in the URL of the file and it should download itself into your downloads directly. So far we've tried it with images and MP3 files and it's working fine.
We have even more big changes coming in the Homebrew scene very soon, so keep your eyes peeled. Meanwhile, seems like it would be an awfully good idea to download the WebOS Quick Install app and use it to install fileCoaster.
Yesterday, the command line terminal. Today, new GUI installers both on device and on desktop. Tomorrow: the world! As always, these and all other homebrew apps are beta and so you're installing at your own risk.
Comments
Wow this awesome. This is really going to help push home brew apps to those that are less tech savvy. Thanks a bunch to all developers involved in the home brew scene.
This is fantastic news, I'm super freakin excited.
Installing both now!!! :D
I've been keeping up with the homebrew stuff here on Pre Central but have avoided diving in since I know nil about programming. I have just downloaded both apps and within 5 minutes I have already loaded some homebrew apps on my Pre that are functional, easy to use, and might I say cool looking. Thanks guys.
Very excited for what is to come for this awesome device...keep em coming!!
tested, all seems great! fabulous job brian!
I feel real stupid... How do you copy and paste the link? I click the link, it turns yellow, i got to edit>copy but i can't select copy its faded out.
haha thanks. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know the shortcut for it, I could never figure out what the symbol meant. Never really had need for copy and paste though.
Anyways thanks for the heads up. The automatic download thing works perfectly.
This sounds a bit like a testimonial but what the heck. I used to be a bit worried about messing with my phone to make apps work but this was just way to easy to pass by... THANKS! (to both developers and precentral for keeping me in the loop)
Quick question for the laymen like myself.
How do I delete a homebrew app from my Pre? it is as easy as [orange button] + tap, like the authentic apps??
Yes sir
i figured out how to download a pic from google but how do i see it?? were would it be.. THANKS in advanced
I don't know if its just me or what but this is not easy. I run into problem after problem... When phone is in developer mode it tries install device driver software but can't find with novacom cd which obviously having windows I don't have. There are no clear instructions seems like every site says something different. And once I have this quick install file downloaded on my comp what do I even do with it? Its a jar file it doesn't unzip or extract windows doesn't no what to open it with and I don't see a place on my pre to drag and drop... I see even in developer mode same things I see without, downloads, screencaptures. Ringtones etc....
Edit: and yes I have virtual box, the sdk and java 6, also ran the test in cmd line and it worked.
It's not easy for some, but for the majority, things are running perfectly. The main thing is getting novacom installed and the drivers setup properly (something my app can't do, due to legal reasons).
If you have the SDK installed, you should have Novacom installed. Try running C:\Program Files\Palm, Inc\novacom\dpinst.exe
And in regards to running the jar file: http://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-.Jar-Java-File
Okay I followed the filepath you gave and it said I need a 64 bit version of dpinst. Where can I get that?
Thanks BTW
I have 64bit vista. I have downloaded this and i get an error that there are not any drivers for my device.
Any ideas?
As for downloading files, I wonder if it'll install Palm OS apps into Classic...
Do I need to put my phone into developer mode for the file downloader?
You guys keep amazing me...THAK YOU ALL!!
very cool. yesterday i tried one, don't know the name, but it leaves a green arrow on your desktop for drag and drop install. Oh it's call prebrew i think.
thanks to all the people contributing. I think it would be nice if they had a centralized apps tab for homebrew apps, installers, maybe media managers. may be easier to find stuff. plus give a central place for people to download that way they'll always be getting the most up to date version. Just a suggestion. Mull it over. Then go hell no! lol. One dedicated to wallpaper tab up top would be cool too.
Just want to clear on this the webOs quick install app is not an app on the pre? And if yesDo I need to download web os quick install to get the filecoaster? Can I just put on my pre using the old method
Thank you Brian Jost!
Both amazing apps! Already installed 4apps and updated some older ones. Thanks! I love the palm pre community you guys/girls rock!
Well, this is all good news, but I'm done with homebrew. I installed some apps from the homebrew forums the other day, and then when I did the 1.1 update, I lost functionality of 4 or 5 of my real apps. I had to bring the phone in and exchange it for a new one. So, my new pre will be missing out on all the homebrew fun.
Used webOS Quick Install to install fileCoaster. Both are awesome. I am actually giddy over this Homebrew Boom.
@Mike, I don't know what Homebrews you installed, but there is little chance they are what torpedoed your device. Did you try uninstalling those Homebrews? Did you try reinstalling the apps that broke (if the were from App Cat)? After that, I dunno.
this is too freaking cool!!! so cool its scary. this was some hard work and planning. Great Job...i can't wait to do more and introduce my apps as well
what a day!
p.s. i printed my instructions so i could follow the steps easily :)
so am i right in saying that the vista 64bit problem hasnt been resolved yet?
here is where we have been talkin about it
http://forums.precentral.net/web-os-development/194201-pc-not-recognizin...
I don't mean to be ungrateful, but that doesn't seem to be an easy step and I'm pretty damn good with computers. It still requires you to jump through hoops. Palm should have an app installer already available to users. This is a disgrace. I've owned many phones before and installing apps is a breeze. This is not to the app developers but to Palm. Get an installer to users already.
ohk.. is it possible that anybody can do note "installin homebrew apps for dummies" and send it to my email?!?!?! all this is too brand new and i have no idea wat anybody is talkin bout..
pmagsu@yahoo.com
PLEASE!! NEED MORE APPS FOR THIS PHONE!!!!!!!
Can I get instructions on downloading webos quick install to my laptop and fileCoaster?
I run into a problem when trying to install the homebrew apps onto my pre using WebOS Quick Install. It keeps telling me my device isn't connected when it is? any ideas? The weird thing is, is that i can install apps onto the emulator without any problems.
Do you have your phone in DEV mode? That is a must.
WOW...but where can i find downloads for the Palm Pre?
i am havin major problems please help,,,when i try to use the drag and drop desk top i get java errors i have downloaded and updated to java 6,,,when i try to download the installer on the phone it comes up with a page with alll kind of computer language hellllppppp
I have been trying to do what you guys say an it still doesnt work for me. Can someone help me please!!! My email is hickok80@hotmail.com
THis worked for me. Copied and pasted this advice from Pseudo of treocentral.net. Thank you Pseudo!
1) restart your computer
2) start-> Run -> "services.msc"
3) Look for "Palm Novacom", right click it, and hit 'Start'
sometimes step 2-3 allows you to avoid step 1, but if you didn't do EITHER of these you may run into that error message
what do you do when palm is about to have an update? do you delete all the homebrew apps, or just restore the default tweaks? or all the above?
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