A new update has now been approved and should be available in the Windows 8 Store today. This update brings a couple of important bug fixes, as well as adding the ability to hide the (new as of last update) Alert Status controls from the main window if you feel that all of the new features being added have taken away from the clean look.
I had hoped to add the Conn module into this update, but it is not yet ready for prime time, and I'm making additional adjustments to the design again. The interactions will be simplified somewhat from what I planned, because with the current functionality of the overall system, it didn't make sense to go through all of the complicated math because of how limited the visual outputs would be. So coming in the next update (I hope) will be that module which should still add some additional fun to the program.
As usual, your suggestions and feedback I have been receiving have been wonderful, and I encourage you all to keep sending me your suggestions on how I can make the app better for you (and everyone else). LCARS Interface continues to be in the Top 100 overall apps in the Windows 8 Store due to your suggestions and support!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
[Windows 8] Next Update In Progress
Well it's been a little while since the last update and I assure you, the next one is in development! The problem is, I decided to make it slightly more involved than I originally planned. That's what happens when you decide to start trying to be canon when it comes to content! I've faced the reality that this app will never be truly canon in the Star Trek world. It can't be if you ever expect to be able to use it for any 21st century tasks. For the entertainment portion where the modules don't actually do anything, however, I can try and get a little closer to enhance the experience. I also have the challenge of trying to fit a usable control panel onto the size of a tablet, so there are compromises there too to some extent.
The new module I'm working on is on the Entertainment side, and is the Conn! It will allow you to take the helm of your ship and travel to various places in the galaxy. Rather than arbitrarily assign distances to stars, I decided to at least attempt to make it somewhat consistent with information found in the shows and movies in regards to their postions in the galaxy and distances from each other. This means adding a lot more math and doing some research to try and determine these things. What will it actually do? Well, in the shows you have the benefit of time lapse where the next scene can be hours or days after the last as they travel large distances. In order to not make you have to sit at your computer for days while you head towards your next destination, I will be implementing something to reduce this time to something more reasonable such as minutes. How will that work when trying to be canon about distances and speeds? Well, I haven't figured that out yet! It may just have to scale appropriately, as most games seem to do with these things.
So, I already have a couple bug fixes and customization options ready to go, but I was hoping to have the Conn ready in time. We will see how long it takes to finish designing and building it. If it takes too long I may release the other changes and possibly add some smaller features in the meantime to keep you all busy! So many things to do, so little time! I need an intern...
I also want to say how wonderful it is to get so much positive feedback lately! I am glad so many people are enjoying the app, and many of you request things that make the app better for everyone. Most of them are things I wouldn't know to add on my own, so thank you very much for that, and please continue sending your feature requests and ideas! LCARS interface has spent a lot of time in the Spotlight section for the entire Windows Store lately and it is your support and 5 star reviews that got it there!
The new module I'm working on is on the Entertainment side, and is the Conn! It will allow you to take the helm of your ship and travel to various places in the galaxy. Rather than arbitrarily assign distances to stars, I decided to at least attempt to make it somewhat consistent with information found in the shows and movies in regards to their postions in the galaxy and distances from each other. This means adding a lot more math and doing some research to try and determine these things. What will it actually do? Well, in the shows you have the benefit of time lapse where the next scene can be hours or days after the last as they travel large distances. In order to not make you have to sit at your computer for days while you head towards your next destination, I will be implementing something to reduce this time to something more reasonable such as minutes. How will that work when trying to be canon about distances and speeds? Well, I haven't figured that out yet! It may just have to scale appropriately, as most games seem to do with these things.
So, I already have a couple bug fixes and customization options ready to go, but I was hoping to have the Conn ready in time. We will see how long it takes to finish designing and building it. If it takes too long I may release the other changes and possibly add some smaller features in the meantime to keep you all busy! So many things to do, so little time! I need an intern...
I also want to say how wonderful it is to get so much positive feedback lately! I am glad so many people are enjoying the app, and many of you request things that make the app better for everyone. Most of them are things I wouldn't know to add on my own, so thank you very much for that, and please continue sending your feature requests and ideas! LCARS interface has spent a lot of time in the Spotlight section for the entire Windows Store lately and it is your support and 5 star reviews that got it there!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Through The Panes review of LCARS Interface
In case some of you haven't noticed, the Windows 8 Store has a lot of junk apps in it that make it difficult to find the good ones when browsing through what's available. Fortunately for us there are a few sites out there that take the time to tell us about the good ones.
One of those sites, which is not one of the typical app review sites that is only interested in the big commercial players, has been kind enough to review the LCARS Interface Windows 8 app shortly after it was released. It has now been updated again to reflect much of the new functionality which has been added since then. Those of you still on the fence about downloading this app should go read it! It does point out the things I didn't do exactly right yet also, which is healthy for me as a developer to have another set of eyes go through it and find things I've overlooked. I appreciate the time spent to analyze this app, and hopefully many of you will find it useful. Also be sure and check out the other app reviews on the site. You might actually find some good apps you haven't seen yet!
LCARS Interface Review at: Through the Panes
One of those sites, which is not one of the typical app review sites that is only interested in the big commercial players, has been kind enough to review the LCARS Interface Windows 8 app shortly after it was released. It has now been updated again to reflect much of the new functionality which has been added since then. Those of you still on the fence about downloading this app should go read it! It does point out the things I didn't do exactly right yet also, which is healthy for me as a developer to have another set of eyes go through it and find things I've overlooked. I appreciate the time spent to analyze this app, and hopefully many of you will find it useful. Also be sure and check out the other app reviews on the site. You might actually find some good apps you haven't seen yet!
LCARS Interface Review at: Through the Panes
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