Given the similarities in function and system characteristics to Nokia N-level hand-held devices, Nokia's Hildon Application Framework was selected as the underlying application/UI framework. The UME user interface will look markedly different and be designed with user and OEM customization in mind.
System Characteristics
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Low-power, hand-held mobile device
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Screen dimension: 4.5" to 7"
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Screen resolution: 800x480 up to 1024x600 (expected)
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@512MB SSD, @512MB RAM (depending on model)
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Limited or unknown hardware controls (UI needs to be able to do it all)
Mobile devices are not general purpose desktops. Generally they will have fewer applications than a desktop (~20 instead of 100's). It is assumed that the primary applications would be:
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Browser
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Multimedia apps (music, movie, photo)
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Chat
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Email
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Camera
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Location/GPS
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Games
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Configuration applets
Design
The core components are those found in GNOME Mobile, including GTK, matchbox window manger, and the Hildon Application Framework. The UME Home Screen consists of one or more panels containing panel widgets/applets, and a large open area containing home widgets/applets. The panel at the top is called the "Marquee". It is present when applications are running and contains the application menu applet and close application applet. The number of panel and home widgets is restrained by space only. It will be possible to configure the order and location of widgets. The Maemo UI also has these elements. Below is an image showing these pieces:
Mobile Internet Device UI
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Hide the task navigator (a panel). (/etc/hildon-desktop/desktop.conf file change)
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Create a new panel and place it at the top. (/etc/hildon-desktop/desktop.conf file change)
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Add new plugins to our top panel (application menu and statusbar)
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Change the theme
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Create a home area plugin for navigation.
