PortableApps.com Platform 15.0.1: Quick fixes for the big 15.0 release's touch support, app store, and files

PortableApps.com is proud to announce the PortableApps.com Platform 15.0.1 release. This new version adds some quick fixes to touch, app store icons, extra files, and the Russian locale released in 15.0. The 15.0 release added .NET apps, high DPI display support, better support for app downloads with TLS 1.1/1.2 encrypted hosting, high contrast theme detection, swipe scrolling of the app list, locale updates, and lots of bug fixes and features. Read on for all the details...(permalink)

Existing Platform users can automatically update by clicking Help - Check for Updates.

New in 15.0.1

The 15.0.1 bug fix release fixes issues with touch support causing errors on Windows 7, app store icons not lining up with the correct apps for some users, and extra files alongside image assets. It also updates the Russian locale. Full details on all the changes are in the PortableApps.com Platform changelog.

New in 15.0

Platform 15 is now compiled using a modern Delphi 10.2.3 compiler which allowed us to add support for high DPI displays and basic swipe to scroll support of the app list for touch users. .NET App support has been introduced for Broadly Compatible .NET Apps (see below). We've added support for detection of high contrast theming on Windows and adjustments to certain elements to ensure they remain visible. A fix for Windows 7 and later users to ensure downloads of apps from TLS 1.1/1.2 encrypted hosts like SourceForge and Inkscape has been added. A workaround for Windows XP and Vista users to download from an alternate location has been implemented and dozens of apps made available from our backup download hosting. The What's New list won't show again even if the platform is crashed or exited improperly. SHA256 hashing is now faster for the platform's security checks on vulnerable apps. 7-Zip has been updated to the latest version for improved performance when checking for apps and doing backups and restores. Multiple languages have been updated as well. Full details on all the changes are in the PortableApps.com Platform changelog.

Broadly Compatible .NET Apps

.NET apps are now support by the platform and will become available in our app store, starting with what we call Broadly Compatible .NET Apps. These are apps that work on .NET 2 and .NET 4 so they work on Windows Vista through 10 out of the box. XP users can install the appropriate framework for support. The PortableApps.com Platform will alert you if the correct framework is detected. To start things off, we've released KeePass Professional Portable 2.39 on the site and in the app store. It can be automatically installed and updated alongside all your other favorite apps and additional .NET apps will be released soon.

Platform Features

As always, the PortableApps.com Platform is packed with great features like:

• Automatic App Closing - Closing down and getting going is easier than ever with the platform automatically (and safely) closing your running portable apps and letting you know which ones need to be closed before you eject and finish syncing your cloud drive. Luthfi Harahap was kind enough to re-license some of his code to help with this feature
• Awesome Themes - The modern default theme matches well with Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 and all your favorite classic themes are included as well.
• Cascading Tray App Menu - Get quick access to all your apps with a right click in the system tray
• Always-Ready Search - The app search box is always visible and ready by default, so you can open the platform - possibly with the CTRL-ALT-SPACE hotkey - and just start typing to launch your favorite app. You can even search in app descriptions if you'd like by ticking a box in Options
• Proxy Support - The connections tab in Options lets you automatically or manually configure the platform to work with your internet proxy
• Full Featured Installer - The Platform installer can detect and install to your portable devices, synced cloud directories, local machine, and more
• Fast Updater / App Store - Quickly check for updates to your existing apps and find new ones by name, category, release date, and more
• Eject or Power Off - For local users, the eject button automatically switches to a shutdown/restart/log off button, bringing up the Windows prompt to select your choice. You can also right-click on the button to select to show either eject or shutdown/restart/log off.
• Portable Fonts - Take all your fonts with you and use them in all your portable apps
• Organize Your Apps Your Way - Use the default of favorites and most used apps with all apps by category on the second page or switch it up by selecting alphabetical apps, categories and favorites by default, and other options
• All the fixes and features are details in the PortableApps.com Platform Changelog

Next Version, Translators Needed

We're starting work on the next major release and we'll be releasing a beta in the near future. We'll be going over the list of requested features and bugs to prioritize the additions and fixes in the next couple releases including things like JAVA/.NET apps, automation and batch file handling, custom themes, custom app icons, and how to handle Windows 8 and 10 breaking portable file associations. We'll be needing more translators watching the beta channel and translating the few new features in this release. We'll also be releasing an updated version in the near future with updated translations to get better translations into the hands of users faster.

Ongoing Donation Drive

PortableApps.com needs your help to keep bringing you great software! To learn more, read a personal appeal from PortableApps.com founder John T. Haller. Now you can sponsor the PortableApps.com Platform and help us keep delivering awesome software for free. With options ranging from having your name included to a full-blown site-wide sponsorship, there's a good fit for everyone. Sponsor us today and be a part of the action!

We also accept donations of any size to help with development and hosting:

- Please help support PortableApps.com's development and hosting

Discussing The Release, Enhancements and Bug Reports

As there is much to discuss with this new release, we've separated out a few forum threads for discussing:

• Platform bug reports
• Default app organization settings and "smart" list sorting
• Language updates and changes

Download Today

You can download the new version of the PortableApps.com Platform from the download page. Get it today!

Please note that any bug reports and feature requests go in the PortableApps.com Platform Bug Report and Feature Request Tracker.