Future AmigaOS GUI

[CodeSmith]

One of the next possible Windows GUI can be seen here. http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2003/0509/k1_6.htm

Oh, *that* is the reason behind the 128MB 3D accelerator requirement.

At this rate, the MS UI group is going to put demo crews out of a job  :-P

[NewRevolution]

Psy had me take a look at an article written in  osnews.

Eugenia Loli-Queru wrote:
Overall, MorphOS doesn't have the sparkle that a modern OS should have. It feels like a remnant of another era. A beloved era for many people for sure, but another, older era nonetheless. I don't see MorphOS (in its current shape) as the main attraction for this platform, unless Genesi puts a number of engineers to work hard to bring this OS up to speed and usability levels that other OSes today like OSX, Linux or Windows have. It seems that this is happening though, as this new screenshot of Morphos 1.4-alpha shows, now with AA fonts.

I believe Eugenia touches the core of the new Amiga OS platform. There is too much old "workbench" in it. To change that, one must probably go into the code itself to change behaviours of windows, mouse and other.
Amiga Inc and MorphOS should do exactly that!

The imgaes from SimoAmi, are they just skins? Or is it programatically implemented?

[Hammer]

KingTutt wrote:

Anyway Hammer, Longhorn doesn't impress me in the slightest. Moving the API to OpenGL and the like is just a natural progression.

Note that OpenGL is competitor to the Direct3D standard. I don't think MS will migrate their GUI towards OpenGL.

That Mpeg file was for "under the skin" demo not how will the final Longhorn build will appear.

 I think that by AOS5, our beloved OS will be established enough to make the transition to 3D rendered icons and UI.

Did they say that in their design goals for AOS 5.0?

[chris]

Hammer wrote:
Did you forget' Windows Server 2003' (out of the box)?

Not seen it, not used it, don't know anything about it.

".exe.manifest" script may force XP GUI for non-XP era programs. Compatibility is not guaranteed.

This is my point: this sort of thing shouldn't be needed.  Sure, put something in to force it back to the old display for compatibility, but don't default things which come with the OS to the old design.

 

One of the main strength of Windows is its legacy compatibility (i.e. investment protection). This is one of the main boat anchors on why the mainstream market sticks with Windows.

Yes, but the way it has been done is ridiculous.  Amiga program compatibility between different OS releases is probably about the same (if you ignore programs where the rules have been broken), yet a program written to use OS2.04's asl.library will happily use OS3.9's asl.library and look the same as the programs which were written with OS3.9's version in mind.

[SimoAmi]

Given current limitations, we could achieve a more satisfying look with minimum efforts from Intuition developers:

Take a look:



Which was originally:

[ShadesOfGrey]

4. My proudest idea is also the visually smallest one. The super gadget replaces all of the resize, maximise, minimise, move to front/back buttons on windows. The idea is that the different click you can do on it will perform all of the same functions, i.e:

left click + drag = move window
right click + drag = resize window
single left click = move to front
single right click = move to back
left double click = maximise
right double click = minimise

six in one, All from one icon!

The only thing you would have to get used to is resizeing windows from the top right not the bottom right.

I have a couple suggestions...

One, if you stick with the "super gadget" concept, it should appear at the four corners of the window.  I also agree that the "super gadget" should be optional.  Or there should be a comprehenisve 'tutorial' on its use...  BTW, have you thought of renaming it the 'geek' gadget???  :-D

Second, utilize more mouse buttons.  I know the Amiga originally supported 'only' two, but there's no reason to abide by this limit anymore.  For example, instead of using single left/right click to place a window in the foreground/background.  Why not 'middle' mouse click for both functions.  That way you could preserve the ability of dragging a background window without forcing it to the front.

[ShadesOfGrey]

How about OverShaker?

[Alkemyst]

@SimoAmi

Splendid :-)

Much nicer brushed metal used.
 
The buttons & fonts are great & white used in te right places to blance it all out.

And it still looks like AmigaOS :-D

[NewRevolution]

Nice - not so gloomy anymore.
But I have a few questions (this might be because I have used M$ too much.....)

1. What is the difference between USE and SAVE? Is there a point in using a screensetting without saving it?
2. Screen supports predefined scr sizez right? so why have width/height when you choose this from display mode?
3. Maybe have a option where we could set the Hz?
4. Is it necesary to show the mode properties when this more or less shown in display mode scroll window?
5. Which way do you drag the bar to select number of colors? Maybe put min. color in one end and max colors in other end?
6. For people with bad vision or color blindness, they will have problems reading the 'Display mode' and 'mode properties' text, because it is grey text on grey background.

[teo]

Ive bigger and better plans for a third mouse button ;-) but of course it should all be configurable.

ps, i had renamed it the multi-gadget, but as it would be better implemented via system config its not really appropriate to give it a name :-(

One thing i would not be happy with is that people are expected to customise the gui because the default is not up to scratch. First impressions last. I feel its of upmost importance that the default system is highly attractive, efficient and functionable for both geeks and newbies alike. Its fine for existing users, but a newbie heading into local store x and comparing them will need to be impressed. A gui like this doesnt exist yet imo, but given time i think our community and hyperion are capable of crafting one.

[MikeB]

Excellent makeover Simo.  I love it.  :-)

[olegil]

I wonder. If you had CONTACTED HYPERION AND VOLUNTEERED TO MAKE A THEME instead of POSTING TO WEB FORUMS ABOUT IT, something would have happened.

Why not contact Hyperion instead of nagging and whining to US, the USERS?

That said, it looks ok. But I personally don't like the window gadgets.

[MikeB]

Hey olegil.  8-)

SimoAmi now has the oppertunity to do something about the future looks of AmigaOS4. The Amiga team is supportive with regard to AmigaWorld's efforts for designing alternative themes for AmigaOS4.

Without a doubt SimoAmi is very competent and I hope he will join (actually lead) these efforts.  :-)

[NewRevolution]

Does anyone remember commodore 128? Do you remember that by holding down a coupple of buttons you could switch to C64 "mode"?

Would that be something one could consider for Amiga? If users want to have traditional amiga look and functionality - one only have to press a few buttons and *uala*, there you have your OS3.1. Then on the new OS one could have added funtctionality better suited for todays environment.

[CodeSmith]

I really hope SimoAmi has a chance to contribute before OS4 is released - the Hyperion guys keep on saying things like "when it's done", but I'm fairly certain that they have a schedule that they're keeping to.  They just don't want to get grilled if it slips  :-)

I think BenH and the Friedens are feeling a bit defensive because of all the BS that's been flung their way, so they are wary of taking this offer to help at face value.

[CodeSmith]

@NewRevolution:

That's what a skinnable gui is all about - you go to Prefs, select "gui preferences" and load up the "OS3.1" preset.  I'm fairly certain a ton of skins will become available shortly after OS4 ships - I'd like to see what a "Geos 1.3" skin would feel like  :-)