Greetings fellow portable-appers!
(UPDATE: PortableApps.com Platform 2.0 Beta 5 has been released, so now you can try out many of these features today.)
As we've had a lot going on both publicly and behind the scenes lately in the countdown to 2.0, I figured the best topic for my inaugural blog posting would be a preview of the upcoming 2.0 platform. For the new users, the PortableApps.com Platform is the glue that lets you tie all your apps together. It currently consists of the PortableApps.com Menu; which has the ability to install and uninstall apps as well as manage your icons, check your drive for errors and more; and the PortableApps.com Backup Utility which allows you to backup and restore your documents, portable app data (bookmarks, email, settings, etc) and your entire portable device. The 2.0 platform is adding an array of new features including a brand new theming engine, file associations, portable fonts, categories and other icon arrangement options, an integrated updater, platform extensions, FULL Unicode support and more. Today, we'll be exploring a few of the new features that will be appearing in 2.0, many of which will appear in Beta 5!
Read on for more details on PortableApps.com Platform 2.0...
PortableApps.com Updater - Keep All Your Apps Up To Date
The next beta will see the first public appearance of the new PortableApps.com Updater. The updater can automatically check all your apps in PortableApps.com Format and let you know which are out of date. When out-of-date apps are found, you'll see a notification and list of them as you start the PortableApps.com Platform, at which point you can uncheck any you don't wish to update, click Cancel if you don't have the time to update right then, or click Next to have it automatically download and install all the updates. The PortableApps.com Updater works directly with the PortableApps.com Installers that all the apps are packed in so all the updates can install without prompting you for additional information, automatically installing the same options as before (additional languages, etc) and not reprompting you to agree to a license you've already agreed to (freeware, etc). A screenshot of the update prompt is shown below:
New Theming Engine, Over 30 Built-In Themes, And New Aero Theme
The next beta will also see what should be the final version of our new theming engine. This new theming engine makes customizing the look of the PortableApps.com Platform even easier than before and has a lot more functionality than the last beta. It has two built-in standard themes similar to the look of the current platform: PortableApps.com Light and PortableApps.com Dark. These have 15 included colors each, along with the abilty for the user to select their own custom color. The light version uses a standard white background on the app list with black text. The dark version uses a darker version that incorporates the color of the theme with white text. There is also a new aero theme that directly matches the look of your Windows Vista or Windows 7 aero theme coloring and blur. And all 3 built-in themes are available for themers to easily customize with a single image (see the rainbow theme) for simple customization. Check out the screenshots:
New Options Windows and Theme Selector
With all the new features and functionality, it made sense to introduce an improved way for users to be able to change options, pick themes and set other features within the platform. So, we've created an integrated options window with tab for general options, theme selection, file associations and advanced options. You can see the current incarnation below:
Full Unicode Support With 55 Translations (And Growing)
As PortableApps.com is the most popular portable software solution in the world, we have a ton of international users. So, we felt it was time to make the switch to full Unicode support. This enables us to support additional languages that we couldn't under the old ANSI platform (like Vietnamese and Serbian Cyrillic). It also allows the platform to run in the user's selected language regardless of the language Windows is in. That means that if you like your menu in Japanese or Korean or Chinese or Hebrew or Arabic, you can have your menu in your own language as you travel and use other people's PCs even if they're not in your own language.
Other 2.0-Related Updates
We've already begun posting updates in the countdown to 2.0. You've probably noticed the PA.c Format and PA.c Installer posted a few weeks ago. These include updates specifically for the new platform and updater, full unicode support, and an enhanced visual branding to match the new menu and website design. Just yesterday, we posted the PA.c Launcher 2.0, letting developers, publishers and advanced users make normal apps portable without writing any code.
2.0 Release Schedule
The next beta of the PortableApps.com Platform, beta 5, will be posted within about the next 10 days soon. We expect to be able to release the 2.0 final version later this year along with updates to the PortableApps.com website to increase community participation and enable better multilingual support. We'll be posting more as soon as it's available to our website, rss feed, twitter account and facebook page. So, stay tuned... the best is yet to come!
Best,
John T. Haller, head portable-apper
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Comments
But Why?
My point is, why? If you're updating Notepad++ Portable to 5.7, what do you gain by knowing you are upgrading from 5.6.8 or 5.6.6? Firefox and Thunderbird's built-in updaters just tell you the new one, not the old one. The point is that it's basically superfluous information, which makes the screen more complex to take in. Adding it just overcomplicates it.
helps decide if you're going to upgrade
there are times when you don't always want the latest, so you need to know what is installed. (I know you can hover over the entry in the menu but it's extra steps).
Oh, and by the way, the expression "Updates are available for the following apps:" implies that the displayed version numbers are the installed ones.
Right, but
Right, but the number of apps that would be the case is basically two... Thunderbird and Firefox... and that only applies to a very few people (well under 1%) who use specific extensions that are not updated to a major release. Firefox and Thunderbird themselves don't even tell you this when they do a major update nor show the version number. So these specific TB and FF users are well aware of this and conduct themselves appropriately.
hi john, to me it would be
hi john,
to me it would be really important too to see the actual version and the version of the update.
there are several reasons for it.
what about this:
usually the version is not shown, but by changing a config file it shows it.
OR, now that it's going to
OR, now that it's going to have a settings page, have a "Show installed app version in updater"
+1
I ditto that.
+1 for current version
I for one always like to check the current version I have installed before upgrading. I have a number of apps that have an auto update check feature, and when I see the notification I cancel the download/install. I then check the change log between the two versions to see what has been improved. If the upgrade is not necessary for me, then I don't upgrade.
I personally don't see how it would complicate anything by showing "Currently installed" and "New" versions. If it was clear what the difference was between the two (current vs new) then I can only see that it would help to remove confusion not add to it. You would not have people wondering "is this the version I have installed, or the new version available?".
Just my two cents
Either way, thank you very much for all your work in this. It is greatly appreciated!! I can't wait to play with the new platform.
no need to wonder
If the app is up to date, the updater wont show it in the list so there wont be any confusion about that.
Well Alrighty
If a few folks want it, I'll add it in as an option in the Advanced tab in the platform. Just a quick checkbox to "Show current app version" in the updater section.
And as Simon mentioned, there's no wondering if this is the version you have or not. You'll only see updates for apps for which an updated version is available. If you have Firefox 3.6.6 installed and 3.6.6 is the most recent version and you fire up the updater, it won't be in the list.
Yes, John. I would prefer a
Yes, John. I would prefer a clear indication of not only if there are updates, but what current version is installed. I'm one of those that keeps tracks of details such as these.
Great thanks!
Wow, I wasn't really expecting to have that added!! It is appreciated though.
My point about "wondering if it was the current version" was maybe a little exaggerated. But my point wasn't if Firefox would/wouldn't show up if there was an update. My point was more that I may not be sure what version of Firefox I had. So when an update was available in the updater, and it said 3.6.6, was this the version I currently have, or the version to be downloaded. However I guess this really is a moot point now anyway
Thanks again
Yay
I do exactly that, but i read the changelog as the update is downloading/installing. It's more of an "addiction"
First of all: Thanks a lot for including the updater ...
... and all the other work You've done to get 2.0 to such a good and stable level!
The original intention for showing the installed version was a request in order to give the users a hint to skip or block updates with known problems for example with extensions or plugins.
But You're right. Making this an optional feature for advanced usage is the better way for me too
...
If I'm using DTA to DL OOo, and it takes me 1/10th of the time to DL using several slots, is it a net detriment or benefit to the other users (I'm in and out much more quickly)?
Is there any data that shows that my use of an accelerator for the occasional big update is actually blocking other users from downloading?
I'd hate to have to go back to waiting an hour for my update of OpenOffice to download.
Re: ...
As I understand it extra slots (as well as some other optimization features used by DL's) are detriments for other users, however there are some optimization features used by DL's that isn't really a detriment.
JTH said previously that he's thinking about banning DL's from PortablApps.com (if I understand correctly). I can understand that, but I often use DTA simply because I'm used to using it, it is easier to choose a location to save the download and it's more robust (may be I'm not the only one). I've often seen that a server caps my amount of connections and/or total bandwidth if I use a DL (like DTA). May be you can consider that, John (though, I've no idea how much effort it'll be).
Bit Torrent?
I know it's been discussed before but is there any merit to having at least some of the larger apps downloadable using Torrents for those concerned with speed issues? Or is this too burdensome/troublesome* to setup/maintain*?
*Delete as applicable
updater is my nirvana
Can't wait for the updater, i'm using the 2.0 since the first beta and it have really a lot of usefull features.
The only other thing I'll appreciate would be the introduction of the sub-menus, but for now I'm eager to see if the categories will do the job
Looking forward to this update !
I have been waiting for this update & the automated program updater for a while now, very excited about the progress - Keep up the good work !
One question will 2.0 be compatible with the XrX mod?
http://portableapps.xrx.ca/
I am still using 1.0 with xrx r30 - or will this be obsolete with the new system?
My only hold out has been folder organization of apps (provided by XrX)
Thanks for all of the great work !
Mike
nope
I doubt that it will be compatible. Lots of changes happened since 2007 (last post on the xrx webpage) to the format so I think it wont work.
Correct
The MOD is a modification of the old 1.0 code. Which means it doesn't understand PortableApps.com Format. So new apps like Audacity Portable (beta) won't show up properly.
Fear not on categories. They're debuting in Beta 6th on July 20th. The settings for them are already shown in the options window on Beta 5 already for our translators to be able to translate them (see the 2.0 preview screenshots to see what I mean).
Themes
I was wondering if there are any plans in the future for a theme developing program. I think it would be nice to have an app that lets you customize the ini file and preview the theme you are currently creating. It could also set up the files you need to create to make your own themes and allow you to compress and save as a .patheme file. Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this but I thought that with a new theming system coming out in 2.0 this would be a great way to take advantage of it.
Isnt this an app request?
Isnt this an app request?
Sorry
I will repost this is the appropriate place.
Beta 5 Release Date: Tuesday, July 13th
The release date for the PortableApps.com Platform 2.0 Beta 5 has been set. It's Tuesday, July 13th. Please check the site for complete download, upgrade and testing details then.
are we really at Final Countdown???
heres some music for you
http://www.laurencemartin.org/Europe%20-%20Final%20Countdown.mp3
Nice
Well played. I have this song on Rock Band (via LEGO Rock Band) and it was one of my first 100%'s on expert vocals. Not sure how proud of that I should be... but I do enjoy the song. I never heard it (that I remember) before last year. Been meaning to download it for a while... but, you really shouldn't post a direct download to a copyrighted song (maybe the iTunes link where people can pay for it, or a YouTube video where someone can just listen to it). In fact, here's a link, to the LEGO Rock Band "Rock Power Challenge" that uses it. It's kind of the "last level" in the story mode, your band is playing a show, when aliens come down and sign your band to an interstellar contract, but their ship stalls, and since it runs on the power of rock, you gotta play The Final Countdown to jump-start it. It's cool because, unlike traditional RB videos that focus on the band, there's more going on here (plus the 3-minute intro with the band and the aliens) and it's all done in LEGO blocks. VERY cool.
Not heard of? :O
You have never heard of Final Countdown up until a year or so ago?
Then you can't have been born before 1990. 
It's an 80 classic!
Paired with Lego is genius... I think we need more Lego in movies and TV! Nice link.
Nope?
Nope, 1979. Not sure where that falls. Still, as luck or whatever you may call it would have it, no, I haven't heard the song. Or, maybe I have, just didn't recognize it.
If I listed the classic films I haven't seen, one might also question my age. But, it's true.
Anyway, yeah, I used to think not so highly of LEGO, the building blocks were fun, but as far as the various LEGO games that came out, I really had no interest in them. Then LEGO Rock Band was announced, and I had to get it, just to export certain songs (e.g. "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams, "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty, also '80s classics), but I was also giving it as a gift to my niece for Christmas, so my wife and I figured we'd milk it for Achievements and Gamerscore first. I was pleasantly surprised that the game part was actually really good. Rock Band titles usually don't have a good "game part", it's just an excuse to make the player play the different songs, more or less in ascending difficulty. But LRB's story mode is pretty fun, and most of the songs were fun (to sing). Also, as a vocalist I appreciated that the vocals engine was tuned a bit from Rock Band 2. I didn't care that the note gems were replaced by LEGO blocks, as I don't play an instrument. All in all it's a good entry to the series, but I mainly got it for the songs.
Might have to try a LEGO Star Wars game, or the new LEGO Harry Potter. The first Harry Potter game was terrible, but that was also many years ago.
Tuesday, July 13th
so where is it?
3 points
1) It's 9pm Tuesday, July 13th where I am. However it's only about 7:30am in New York where John is so chill mate.
2) PortableApps.com is Free software. Free as in Freedom. e.g. John has the Freedom to redress time lines as required
3) I too am anxious to use the new version so I can drop the ModR34. However we all need to be patient.
Reuse of files downloaded by Updater
Hello people, my questions are about the upcoming Updater.
Does it support specifying the download location and reuse of downloaded updates?
What if I've updated one instance of portable apps and need to update the other?
It is in the best interest of both users and maintainers of the project to provide a way to reuse already downloaded updates.
The message is written, that
The message is written, that today the new beta version comes out and it does not exist
Today in the colonies.
New York is about 5 hours behind the UK.
Give it time, they are still having breakfast over the pond.
patience is a virtue
patience is a virtue
He finishing coding it when
He finishing coding it when he wakes up.
Beta 5 Finalizing
Yes, Beta 5 is coming today. Yes, we mean NY time. It's only 10am here
We're putting the final touches on the theming engine and updater as well as a couple unexpected features for Beta 5. And we're working on the Beta 6 setup as well, which has a release date: July 20th, one week from today. That'll bring us up to all the officially-announced features as well as the ones mentioned here and there in the forums and IRC channels plus hopefully give us time to shake out any bugs in Beta 5.
At least we're not Mozilla in California, which would be another 3 hours difference.
well given how one defines TODAY...
As long as you have it out the "door" in the next 10 hours and 30 minutes
you still have time.
As long as you have a better product use as much of the time you have
(and thats my L$0.02 on the subject which is how much value you should put to it)
Rude. If John gets it done,
Rude.
If John gets it done, he gets it down. If not, check back next week, subscribe to the RSS. Its done when its done.
-
[Even ruder and more objectionable post removed - please be polite; mod Chris]
Soz
Apologies. i try my hardest not to be rude or offensive. can you plz email me letting me know what i did wrong? thx.
Wait for It...
They gave themselves a 24-hour window, and I think they will meet it. The last 24-hours before a release (especially like this one which radically redefines the software) is always the most intense, since they have to test and make sure that all of the major bugs are fixed.
Good luck, John, you have a little less than 10 hours remaining in that window. Keep up the good work, too!
Move to Maine
We are in same time zone BUT we live a slower life lol.....I look at it this way when it is done it is done so take your time John
lulz
... and that is why the rss feed exists.
RSS. For the impatient one in your family.
More Like the Many
Eh, more like the impatient many. I'm sure most of us are impatient with anticipations for this awesome release...
That's true...
I mean, I'm shaking to get the platform beta as soon as my flock's rss reader goes nuts...
@NathanJ79: Nice video linkage. Very appropriate.
@JohnTHaller: I can wait.
UnFinal Countdown
Well, it's more like an unfinal milestone countdown
Not all the 2.0 features are done yet, since this isn't a final. It's another step for feature testing, translations and bug finding. That said, it looks like Beta 6 on July 20th should be pretty darn close to final. SO I guess we are in the 2.0 Final Countdown 
Aww, Come On!
No offense, John, but PLEASE don't ruin a good countdown moment! XD
Beta 6?
Another update next week? I don't think we've had this frequent of betas ever in the 2.0 release!
So, if you don't mind the question, what do you hope to add in Beta 6 next week, and after that?
This final should be awesome and well-deserving of its 2.0 name. An early congratulations to all of the PortableApps.com team! Keep up the good work!
NOOOOOOOOOO! TOO LATE
Here in spain, it's almost 1:00am of wednesday 14th. Its 7 in NY, isnt it? I suppose you meant 9 with "later today". I'm sorry to say this is a bad day
. Ive been checking all day for this just to remember the world clock function of my phone, and noticed the HUGE time difference. Good Night!!! See ya tomorrow!!!! 
w00t!
I can't wait! And congrats on all the success with the PortableApps Platform and to the future which will be very big!
I propose a toast.
To John T. Haller and all his marvelous work.
Code on, man. Code on.
Cheers. X3
Yerp
Mate, you said it.
Toast to John Haller.
Good on you mate.
Beta 5 Moved to Tomorrow (July 14th)
Sorry portable-appers, but the Beta 5 release has been moved to tomorrow (July 14th) due to three final bugs we'd like fixed for the release: one in the updater and two in the platform.
The worst is a crasher on Windows 2000/XP that appears related to aero theming. We will most likely debut aero theming in Beta 6 (release date: July 20th) instead and send Beta 5 out later tomorrow without it so everyone can get to testing. We don't want anyone experiencing issues moving from 2.0 Beta 4 (or 1.6.1) to the new beta. And even though we're working on it right now, we didn't want people sitting up waiting for the release. Fear not, you'll have your hands on it soon...
Keep an eye on our site, RSS feed or twitter feed so you'll know the minute it's posted!
No problem. I saw this
No problem. I saw this coming. When it gets to be 8 or 9 pm EST and there still isn't a release, I knew something must be up and it maybe wasn't going to happen today.
Take your time and get it right. Same goes for Beta 6 and the final release. Yeah, end of July would be great for the final release. But, if first part of August or mid-August is necessary, then so be it.
take your time :)
Looking forward to it, keep up the good work.
why not
why don't you just stop giving ETAs??? That way we don't waste our time preparing to do large scale updates to around 100 drives for nothing!!!
now how do I delete my account from this joint!!
What does ETA stand for?
ETA means "Estimated" Time of Arrival, it is does not mean that is when it is coming, but more that is when it is expected to be released but may change. This is a big step and we dont want bugs that John could easily fix not fix and we have to deal with it for a week.
Be patient...
If your updating around 100 drives then you know how valuable PortableApps are. You also no doubt value the fact that John and others offer their time and energy for free. So how about showing a little gratitude by being patient.
On a side note, if your updating that many drives I assume it's for others. Don't you think it would be best to wait for the 2.0 Final release rather then distributing beta software to less technically inclined users?
Beta Release
Keep in mind this is a beta release. So, it's not really intended for largescale deployments. It's for individual users to test, translate, find bugs, etc.
2.0 final will be debuting later this month.
hear hear cant wait lol
hear hear cant wait lol
Just wondering when u are
Just wondering when u are gonna get off ur backside and help john de-bug the code? Otherwise, if your just gonna B**** around about how others giving up their time to do things for others like PROGRAMMING, go somewhere else.
We don't like people who leech and then complain because it causes them an inconvenience. Just wait up until the final release, and please calm down. There is nothing worse than telling someone they are doing it all wrong when you have no idea yourself.
While your waiting, maybe you could brush up on your Delphi?
It's Ok
Don't worry about it. Lots of people are looking forward to it and some will be upset at the delay. That's ok, though. We'll have it out tomorrow and every can start playing with the new toys. And then even more toys next week.
Aren't u tired? 1:55 am?
Aren't u tired? 1:55 am?
btw i am waiting 2 feels like its taking 4 eva but take ur time. rather something stable than something chucked 2gether
Ungrateful much?
Ungrateful much?
becuase
its hard work by good people at PortableApps, who are spending their valued time to provide free tools for people like me. There will be
sure some good girls and boys, who leave their personal matter and relationship at waiting to finish these good softwares. wish I was
able to offer them back, more than just appreciation. but my poor
means do not permit me. I thank you all at Portable Apps and very specially Mr. John. No offense to anyone, my English is really not
good to express my respect. God Bless
ok thanks
It's now 12:10pm Wednesday 14 July here in little Australia haven't slept in since I found out beta 5 due this week....
Can I go to bed now?? keep up the great work!! and thanks!!
I am an Australian too. I'm
I am an Australian too. I'm tired. Just have a good sleep so you can stay up all night.
Same
Yep, I am also an aussie and proud of it.
Shanet should no me. i no him.
anyway, waiting for the final release, went to sleep, wake up and it delayed. aaaawww. but anyway, beggars cant b choosers. so wat? John t Haller is doin the best he can, and we cant ask for more him. Good on you John. One more day cant hurt
struth!.
too right Vegemite!
this would have to be the first forum I've been on that I wasn't flyin the Green 'n' Gold solo!!.
"I think I like it 'ere"
Pauline Pantsdown
Further down the pecking order
Football, kangaroos, vegemite and portable apps!!
lol luv this u missed koalas
lol luv this
u missed koalas and emus???
AUSSIE RULES!!!
Yerp
Here Here!
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
Oi! Oi! Oi!
Oi! Oi! Oi!
Getting the right time-ish
Why not adopt the timing we came across in India recently. Our tour guide would always add "-ish" to any time quoted. "We'll be there around four-ish", or "Should be some time after lunch-ish". It was explained to us that the suffix was added as a precautionary catch-all, just in case things (traffic, vehicles, cows etc.) didn't quite work out.
AAAAAWWWWW! oh well
I must say, I was looking forwards to the release. I was expecting it would likely be delayed, but i was hoping it wouldnt. Oh well, its not the end of the world, although some people are making it out to be.
Some things i am looking forward to;
Aero Theme. I myself have tried to replicate the aero theme, so that the menu excluding the white list where the programs are shown. it didnt work with alpha transparency, but i cant say i didnt try.
All programs. I really like the idea of having recent programs, favorite programs and all programs. There are just those programs you dont want to hide, and you dont want to uninstall them because you know you use or will use them soon. That explains me, as a person who carries seldom used (but useful) apps with the menu.
But I cant complain, i will get to see those options soon. Thanks a load man, you try your best, and dont expect anything in return. It is people like you who get loads of friends, mates whatever you want to call them, and it is people like you who are honorable and should be like a god. Thank you mate, I am gonna spread the word about your work on my site. You deserve it.
Glass
Yeah, you can't emulate glass with alpha transparency alone. The blur effect behind the window that makes it look like glass is actually done by the 3D hardware with a pixel shader.
Yeah i no
Thanks 4 that.
I already knew but i just tried anyway. i wish i could make the blur but u know, you can only do so much. but it was worth a try, wasn't it?
Anyway, i deleted the theme but if you give me a few days, i will try to recreate it.
Awww nooo
I'll have it 15th then
I dont think i can do it by then
Sorry, but i deleted it. i had it on a thumb drive, but that got lost in march
i will try to recreate the theme tho coz i loved it, and im sure the rest of you will, it is basically a re-creation of the 7 start menu. so once i have it done i will make a forum page something like 7 aero start menu theme.
enjoy.
Oh well.
Time to fire up the barbecue again...
oh innocents
our 5 year old overheard us talking about this,
she said to tell you that she has bug spray if you need it! lmfao!
I know it's off topic but we found it funny
ahhh young minds eh?
ROFL!
That is hilarious!! Sounds like something one of my kids would say. My wife started writing everything funny they say into a doc. It's great to go back and re-read stuff. It always gives us a good laugh. LOL
Time to unbunch the panties
It will be done when it is done. Relax, have a frappachino, and do something else for a while.
I'd also not be too worried about the release happening this month.
Maybe it helps John to set target dates, but think about every app and OS you use - how many of them have ACTUALLY been released on the projected date?
I can't think of any, and I use a LOT of apps.
Frappachinos are kind of
Frappachinos are kind of scary tbh. I heard a story about a barista spilling one on the wall and how impossible it was to get off. (It stained the wall beneath the paint.)
Things are active here at PA, and I can't complain. I'd rather we take time to fix bugs than rush things. Now if only Bethesda followed the same principle with Fallout 3...
July 14
You know theirs going to be a trend: Beta 5 moved to July 14th On 14: Beta Soon. Later: Beta Moved to July 15.You know theirs going to be a trend: Beta 5 moved to July 16th On 16: Beta Soon. Later: Beta Moved to July 17....
Well then we will know that
Well then we will know that JTH has picked up bugs and is fixing them for us. better than him giving us buggy stuff
Come On...
Come on. Give the man a break!
To his credit, he gave us screenshots, gave us a rough timetable to release, gave us a fixed release date, and then explained why he couldn't release on that release date and what he was doing to get it out as fast as possible.
Now we have been waiting months for this, and I think it's appropriate to wait a little longer.
Release Dates
Release dates for games are quite interesting. For commercial games, once the release date has been announced, that is the release date unless a showstopper bug appears on the last day before release (for everything else they release a patch). For freeware games, it's a bit less stringent, but you have to try hard to make it anyway. For open source games, you can be upset, but you also have to understand that they probably don't do that for a living, so they have freedom to shift the release date.
If you consider the Platform a game, then it all makes perfect sense.
Can't Wait
I can't wait. Take your time, good job
UPDATE (2010-07-14 @ 11am EDT): One Updater Bug Down
The updater bug has been squashed. It appears to be a bug within the NSIS RealProgress plugin that prevents it from properly doing a GradualProgress. The upside is that it's fixed and we now have a properly functioning overall progress bar for all app downloads and installs from the updater, even if you have 50 apps being updated. The downside is that during installation of each app, no additional progress is shown in the updater window itself (it stays at a given position and says "Installing 2 of 15: FileZilla Portable...". This doesn't affect downloads as for each app being downloaded, an individual download progress bar appears (ala live installers). We'll be taking a look at the RealProgress plugin itself to see if we can determine what's up post-Beta 5.
The crasher bug in the menu is indeed aero-related, so we're going to debut the aero theming portion of the new theming engine next week with Beta 6 along with the actual folder implementation and file associations.
I'm working on the final couple issues now and will post the beta later today. Stay tuned!
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