An updated version of Windows Sidebar Styler (v2.0.5) has been made available. Please check the previous post for download links as well as updated documentation.

Additions include support for Gadget resource localization, translations of the application UI, as well as fixed issues with VAIO. If you are interested in helping localize Windows Sidebar Styler in your native language, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Windows Sidebar Styler is an application which takes advantage of various technologies introduced in Windows Vista in order to provide extensions to the existing functionality of Windows Sidebar.

Custom styles allow users to customize the appearance of Windows Sidebar so that it fits the style of other UI elements, such as the Aero Glass colorization or an actual third party theme. Designers could save their visual styles for Sidebar so that other Windows users could apply them. Designers would not necessarily create these files on Windows Vista - Sidebar Styler is backward-compatible with legacy operating systems as well.

Gadgets - these mini applications which are managed by Windows Sidebar can now take full advantage of Windows Presentation Foundation - a powerful managed code-oriented framework for presenting rich visual compositions such as vector graphics, 3D drawing, animations and more. In addition to that, it could be used in conjunction with the Communication Foundation in order for the Gadgets to connect to services and provide frequently updated information.

Using compiled class libraries also helps protect the intellectual property of developers because the actual source code is not distributed.

The tight integration with the core of Windows Sidebar allows the application to extend the current set of features of Windows Sidebar by allowing users to customize its appearance and by providing a more powerful framework for building Gadgets and visualizing information.

Designed for Microsoft Windows Vista. Written in C#, C++ and Managed C++. Compatible with Project “VAIO.”

Binaries: 32-bit, 64-bit v2.0.5/Jan 26th, 2007

Documents: Release Notes, A Guide to Writing WPF Gadgets, WPF Gadget Development Files

Notes: Sample gadgets and styles are included in the installation. The 3D CD Button and Chromeless Clock gadgets are designed by Nathan Dunlap. Debug builds are available upon request.

 I have recently updated the content of the Applications and Code and Project and Researches sections.

More specifically, updated is the Desktop and Preview Pane Aurora page, which now covers the development since early conceptual art, through various milestones, up to present day Windows Vista builds.

Added is a page describing ClockLock, a Windows application and service combo which I helped develop. Its primary aim is to let home computer users limit others’ computer activity based on a given time span. It is particularly helpful when restricting children’s computer usage at night.

I am already working on a new and better version of Windows Sidebar Styler. It implements a more sophisticated method of loading styles in memory, instead of modifying resources on disk which makes the solution relatively clean, unlike the previous version. This also guarantees that the application will work seamlessly with future builds, as well. I plan to add more features, including resizing for Windows Sidebar.

According to Utakz, Microsoft is going to release build 5342.2 of Windows Vista today. Information about this particular build appeared on the Internet via Paul Thurrott’s Windows SuperSite earlier this month.

This release is to be from the base winmain branch, and not an Idx (Internal Development Workstation/Server). Because of the fact that this is supposed to be a refresh build, there will most-likely be only bug fixes.

No screenshots or actual bits have been posted yet, but we all shall see in a few hours time.

[Cross-posted in the Code section]

The archive contains classes that can be used to enumerate and/or find windows using their titles, class names or handles.

The Helper.GetWindows() function takes one parameter, a window expression string, representing the window or controls’ hierarchy. For instance,

*[@c=IEFrame]/*[@c=WorkerW]/*[@c=ReBarWindow32]/*[@c=ComboBoxEx32]

can be used to obtain all Internet Explorer (6.*) windows’ URLs.

Extended usage is available in the “Expressions (Usage).txt” file.

Code is compatible with both .NET Framework v1.* and v2.0; however, the sample solution file is created using Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.

ToDo’s:

• Implement starting the search from a non-top-level window.
• Implement obtaining handles to all child windows.

The source code, including a sample application, is available here

Build 5308.17,

Enterprise Edition:

Starter Edition:

Now that the February CTP (also refered to as the Enterprise CTP) is out for beta testers, I have taken a bunch of high-resolution screen captures for non-testers to take a look at (or at least, for my personal reference). This is Ultimate edition.

While waiting for the February CTP, it has been confirmed that the chosen build of Windows Vista and Server Code Name: “Longhorn” is 5308, with full build string of 5308.winmain_idx01.060217-2200. Two screenshots have been posted: showing Internet Explorer and Flip 3D. The build itself should be released later today to all Technical Beta Program participants and Technology Adoption Program members.

 Thanks go to Utakz for the exclusive screenshots.

 Update: The build has recently been released to Microsoft Connect, along with an updated Driver and Software Development Kits. Note that the download servers are getting hammered,so the download speeds are not satisfactory for most testers.

Microsoft have published the February CTP of the WinFX Runtime Components - it includes the Windows Presentation Foundation binaries, as well as the ‘Indigo’ assemblies, and of course documentation. Additional Win32 API documentation can be found in the updated version of the Windows SDK (build 5308.9 for those who are interested).