Hey guys, we're always looking to pick a better default theme for Rockbox. I'm sure you've all seen the default by now. What you may not know is that it was user created, from this very thread, and there's always the possibility to improve or even replace it.
A few basic rules:
1) It must work on all targets. This doesn't mean it needs to look identical on all targets, or even have exactly the same information (for example, if the screen is small, you could leave off next track information if you chose to include it). It just needs to have a similar visual "feel" between versions. It can even use different fonts on each target. Note: To be considered working on targets with LCD remotes, it MUST include a RWPS.
2) It must be wholly original. All art must either be your own work, or must come from sources that would allow redistribution under the GPL. This means that you can't use images from other firmwares, and you should not try to make it look like Windows Media Player, Winamp, or any other of your favorit things.
3) The idea is for Rockbox to have an intuitive interface that shows it off. Try to keep it mostly simple, but 'pretty' (as you see fit). That being said, if you feel some complexity helps show it off, go ahead, but the overall feel is that if it's too cluttered to be easily readable, that's frustrating.
4) It should load quickly. Try to use as FEW individual images as possible to get your point across. Each extra file adds to load time. We want this to put forth the best foot possible. Increasing the boot time doesn't do this.
The theme does not have to say "Rockbox" or use the Rockbox colors or anything like that, but please remember, it is trying to be the Rockbox default theme so don't put anything in there to suggest anything not-Rockbox, like a favorit band or what not.
Remember that if you are chosen your real name will be included in the credits, and your work will be released under the GPL or a creative commons license that is compatible (the exact licensing isn't guaranteed yet). Because of this, please don't submit your work if it's not acceptable.
We haven't chosen an ending date for this. Yet. It may also be ongoing, as there's no reason not to change defaults if one that seems more suitable arrives.
Prebuilt win32 simulators for testing on different targets can be found here:
http://rasher.dk/rockbox/simulator/To submit a theme, post the completed theme to the patch tracker as a single .zip containing all versions of the WPS. It should also meet any additional guidelines here:
http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/SubmitWPS You should also include an image showing screenshots of each of the versions (single image please with all screens in it).
There is no "prize" for this contest, beyond perhaps having your theme chosen as the new default. As well, any themes submitted may be chosen to be included as part of the standard build, or an "Extras" package, like the fonts, with the "official" themes.
Themes should use one of the official fonts, or a font from Rasher's set. If you must use another font, make sure to choose one with a compatible license.
Iconsets are not necessary, but are allowed, following the same license conditions.
Feel free to link to that image from this forum thread as well once you have submitted.