iSpin - not yet another launcher

[plaksyuk]

There is definite interest in launcher/PalmOS replacements found here. I would like to point you to one other work - iSpin launcher by TapTarget.com (http://www.taptarget.com/ispin.html).

http://www.taptarget.com/images/ispin-screenshot.gif

The iSpin launcher is on its early stages, but it is already ready for download and preview. Here is a list of main features:

runs iSpin-enhanced application within itself providing additional functionality
may run several instances of the same application simultaneously
applications may use tray area to put their icons and stay active while not consuming additional screen space
support of drag-n-drop to move objects between two running application instances (even if these are two instances of the same application)
very compact and fast: it is expected the ispin.prc file will be about 40K; themes, of course, will require much more space
minimal changes to the existing application source code to make it iSpin-enhanced (especially if the application supports DIA)


Download package includes binaries, API headers, and sample code.

[hamsammich]

Interesting, but I can't understand the description. There are too many looping references for me to follow what they're trying to say.

[spygrad2003]

This looks quite kewl. I don't know whether it will be enough for me to leave zlauncher, but I'll give it a try

[hamsammich]

plaksyuk-
If you've used this new launcher, could you explain how it works for us? I'm still a little confused about that, and would like a little better idea before I install it.
Thanks!

[plaksyuk]

Guys, first, I would like to make you know: I'm a developer of it. Since, I have found great interest in such works as ScreenOS and MISKINIS, I have decided to let you know about my work.

Second, as I said before, it is on early stages. And I would make sure someone is interested in what I do.

How does it work? Hmm, it doesn't run as a launcher, because currently it cannot be called so. I don't think it is a good idea to replace standard launcher with this one now. However, it is probably interesting for developers how it can run application within itself and even allow run two copies of the same application.

[hamsammich]

I appreciate the reply! I was just having a little trouble trying to understand how it works. I'd definitely be interested in the application, but as most would agree, I'd just need to know what benefits it would offer!
Again, I'd be interested. Keep us informed with any information you have!
:)

[plaksyuk]

Yes, thanks... I would not suggest to install it on your device yet. However, it runs on mine. Simulator is a right place :)

What benefits... first, I try to minimize changes developers need to make to thair sources to make their apps run within iSpin. iSpin-enhanced app still may run as normal app without launcher.

Second, it allows apps to run simultaneously. When user switches from one app to another, there is no need for the first one to go down, cleanup memory, close databases, etc.

Third, it allows to run several instances of the same application. Imagine, you start two instances of file manager and simply drag files from one instance to another! There is no need to develop multi-windowed file manager -- implement only one window. iSpin maintains instances globals (data segments) separately.

[ClieKun]

Is this the final product?! What Palm OS does this program cover? 3.5 4.0 and 5.0?
Thank you :)

ClieKun

[plaksyuk]

Not yet. :) Its version is 0.0.0... It is supposed to run from 3.5 to most recent.

[ClieKun]

Cool thank you for the info.........So how much will it cost after Beta?! :)

[plaksyuk]

Cool thank you for the info.........So how much will it cost after Beta?! :)

Initially it would be about $10US.

[ClieKun]

Ok price seems ok..........whats the time frame we are looking at? Will there be a PPC version?!

[plaksyuk]

Ok price seems ok..........whats the time frame we are looking at? Will there be a PPC version?!

Cannot say something definite. I would be glad to release something stable and functional version to the end of the summer.

PPC is not considered.

[ClieKun]

Ok I understand thank you for all the information...............
Look forward trying it out in the near future................
ClieKun

[zhamilton1]

As I can see this is not a window enviroment (like ScreensOS/MISKINIS) but a wrapper for switching between application instances. Is this correct?

I see you use a libary for applications to call your API. Does the user have to load the libary or is it loaded for the user?

Careful about your 'schedule'... you can get 'executed' by users if you miss the spot a few times (or many times ;) )

Good luck and if you need any help... np ;)

[ClieKun]

Looks like he is on the right track. Going to sit back and wait for the final release.:D

[motionmind]

So, basically you're trying to get sued by Microsoft for copying their UI while muddying the waters by trying to incorporate the same features that OS6 is supposed to have. Yay.

[pgusak]

So, basically you're trying to get sued by Microsoft for copying their UI while muddying the waters by trying to incorporate the same features that OS6 is supposed to have. Yay.

:) Thanks. We should be big enough for MS to ever look at us.
We will make iSpin compatible with all 3.5+ devices, and there are lot of them. Who knows what launchers will OS6 devices have...

[sumthingpalm]

Am I having problems? I cant do anything... it only shows certain programs... cant scroll up or down... and cant open more then one program. When I click on a program it launches it. This does not sound like the description. Am I missing something? It does look great though and I hope this project works out.

[pgusak]

As I can see this is not a window enviroment (like ScreensOS/MISKINIS) but a wrapper for switching between application instances. Is this correct?

You are right. It is not a window environment. All iSpin apps use regular PalmOS UI controls, etc. It is rather multitasking environment quite similar to old versions of Windows -- all running iSpin applications concurrently process their message loops. iSpin will provide some UI functionality for the iSpin-enhanced apps including DIA support, drag-n-drop, 'system tray', etc.

I see you use a libary for applications to call your API. Does the user have to load the libary or is it loaded for the user?

The user has to include header file only. When app runs under iSpin, the iSpin itself will provide pointers to iSpin API functions through the globals.

Careful about your 'schedule'... you can get 'executed' by users if you miss the spot a few times (or many times ;) )

Well, we can't predict how things will go, but we will work.

Good luck and if you need any help... np ;)

Many thanks for your kind help offer!

[pgusak]

Am I having problems? I cant do anything... it only shows certain programs... cant scroll up or down... and cant open more then one program. When I click on a program it launches it. This does not sound like the description. Am I missing something? It does look great though and I hope this project works out.

Well, version 0.0.0 is the very first build, and does not have much functionality :)

It shows regular Palm apps ('Desktop' in the task bar) and iSpin-enhanced apps ('Main') and allows to launch both kinds. When you launch a regular app, iSpin just quits and the app runs. When you launch 'Sample' application, it is started concurrently with iSpin and 'inside' it (task bar remains visible and active). Actually, there are only 2 iSpin-enhanced app now: Explorer and Sample. 2 instances of Explorer are launched by default ('Desktop' and 'Main'). And you can start as many 'Sample' app instances as you wish. However, task bar shows only one 'Sample' in 320x320 and only three in 320x480 landscape mode.

We made iSpin available here for developers just to show the concept to get critics and suggestions. iSpin is not for end-users yet.

[ClieKun]

Really looking to see the working version :D

[sumthingpalm]

Really looking to see the working version :D
I cant wait either!

[plaksyuk]

So, basically you're trying to get sued by Microsoft for copying their UI while muddying the waters by trying to incorporate the same features that OS6 is supposed to have. Yay.

The MS desktop is not created by the iSpin, but rather one of its themes. So, generally, it could be MacOS X-like or any other interface. We have decided to use XP desktop, because it is nice and fun (to have it on one's device), isn't it? :)

Another issue is Cobalt (PalmOS 6). We plan to make iSpin work under Cobalt. Currently we do not build it for that platform. However, we follow some guidelines to simplify the Cobalt support in future.

[sumthingpalm]

So, basically you're trying to get sued by Microsoft for copying their UI while muddying the waters by trying to incorporate the same features that OS6 is supposed to have. Yay.
Hey. It is the same way as ZLaunchers default theme. It is WinXP. Everyone copys it. Anyways... dont you think it would be cool simulating the WinXP skin on your palm?? I would love it!!!

[ClieKun]

I cant wait either!
mememmememem to!:D

[plaksyuk]

mememmememem to!:D

I understand your feelings... Currently, I'm working on API brushup as well as changing architecture. This will lead to:

1. start menu will be shown (very similar to XP desktop) :)
2. even when standard app is running, tapping on [Home] silkscreen button will bring launcher's toolbar WITHOUT exiting the application

You must wait... once available, I'll publish next build.

[ClieKun]

sure no problem :D

[edeab220]

Wow...this is definately something I'm going to watch.

[PockyR]

Could someone post just the PRC files? I am using a Mac and can't extract them. Thanks.

[drvman02]

Can you use a zip on a MAC?

If so you can get the zip at www.taptarget.com/download