Flip3D - Windows Vista's new task changinger
A great demonstration of 3D action from Microsoft's new desktop OS.
Sunday, November 12, 2006 by Frogboy | Discussion: Avalon
Flip3D is one of the coolest new visual features in Windows Vista. To use it, hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and hit tab. At this point, the desktop will re-organize your running tasks into an easy to visualize system of displaying your running tasks and windows.
Flip3D also helps demonstrate the new Desktop Windows Manager (DWM) which is essentially a 3D compositor that turns the Windows Vista desktop into a 3D surface. Because of this, many expect future Vista-specific applications will be able to display data and content in truly innovative ways.
Software developer, Stardock Corporation, is arguably the world's leading developer of Windows enhancement software. It has already begun to prepare to release a series of software products that leverage the power of the VDM in many interesting ways.
Stay tuned!
PoSmedley
Reply #2 Sunday, November 12, 2006 11:06 PM
Reply #2 Sunday, November 12, 2006 11:06 PM
That looks cool. All these new Vista features do as well as what Stardock is working on to take advantage of them.
But I only just BARELY have caught up to everything. My first connection to the internet was with WEBTV about 5 years ago or more. I bought a new PC over a year ago and still had to upgrade my graphics card and memory to take advantage of what WB5 had to offer. I feel like I can't keep up.
I am also nervous about being left in the dust with skinning when Vista comes out and I'm not ready or able to get it. Can I ask 'How long do you all plan to stick with those of us that stay on XP for "whatever length of time"..a year...less..more, before some or all of the apps will work only with what Vista offers?'
But I only just BARELY have caught up to everything. My first connection to the internet was with WEBTV about 5 years ago or more. I bought a new PC over a year ago and still had to upgrade my graphics card and memory to take advantage of what WB5 had to offer. I feel like I can't keep up.
I am also nervous about being left in the dust with skinning when Vista comes out and I'm not ready or able to get it. Can I ask 'How long do you all plan to stick with those of us that stay on XP for "whatever length of time"..a year...less..more, before some or all of the apps will work only with what Vista offers?'
Dr Guy
Reply #3 Monday, November 13, 2006 7:43 AM
Reply #3 Monday, November 13, 2006 7:43 AM
Is that a documented feature? Or one that you ferreted out? IN either case, I am looking forward to playing with it. Thanks for the tip.
Yarlen
Reply #4 Monday, November 13, 2006 8:55 AM
Reply #4 Monday, November 13, 2006 8:55 AM
No, Flip 3D has been in there for awhile now. It's Windows+Tab instead of Alt+Tab. 
whiterabbit007
Reply #5 Monday, November 13, 2006 2:46 PM
So does Alt+Tab still exist?
Reply #5 Monday, November 13, 2006 2:46 PM
| No, Flip 3D has been in there for awhile now. It's Windows+Tab instead of Alt+Tab. |
So does Alt+Tab still exist?
Yarlen
Reply #6 Monday, November 13, 2006 4:02 PM
Reply #6 Monday, November 13, 2006 4:02 PM
Yup, but it's the same as before, just with a screenshot/thumbnail on a translucent background.
Philly0381
Reply #7 Monday, November 13, 2006 6:42 PM
Reply #7 Monday, November 13, 2006 6:42 PM
I have the same concern as Po'Smedley. I may be a little slow on the uptake, but alot of what is being printed out there about Vista and it capabilities and who might take advantage of them or even find the useful tends to make me want to stick with XP awhile. Yes I know change is always going to happen but it would be nice to still come here and feel like the money I spent for a subscription was justified. (Boy that's harsh, maybe I need a walk in the cool afternoon air!)
Well the walk was really good. I'm sure the point is getting across and will probably be said better by other folks. Thanks for your time.
Well the walk was really good. I'm sure the point is getting across and will probably be said better by other folks. Thanks for your time.
WebGizmos
Reply #8 Monday, November 13, 2006 8:08 PM
I guess time will tell. I know I don't plan on shelling out a couple hundred when I have a pc that works fine.
Reply #8 Monday, November 13, 2006 8:08 PM
| 'How long do you all plan to stick with those of us that stay on XP for "whatever length of time"..a year...less..more, before some or all of the apps will work only with what Vista offers?' |
I guess time will tell. I know I don't plan on shelling out a couple hundred when I have a pc that works fine.
PoSmedley
Reply #9 Monday, November 13, 2006 8:17 PM
I feel the same. But I worry about not being able to keep up with the skinning programs as they advance with Vista in mind.
Then again, my wife hates XP and prefers to use Windows 2000, which she says 'works fine for her'. Is that a fear of change? Is that what I'm developing? *shudder
Reply #9 Monday, November 13, 2006 8:17 PM
| I guess time will tell. I know I don't plan on shelling out a couple hundred when I have a pc that works fine. |
I feel the same. But I worry about not being able to keep up with the skinning programs as they advance with Vista in mind.
Then again, my wife hates XP and prefers to use Windows 2000, which she says 'works fine for her'. Is that a fear of change? Is that what I'm developing? *shudder
starkers
Reply #10 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 3:57 AM
I didn't run Windows 98SE for too long, but it was what I became accustomed to, so the change to XP was rather daunting at the time. Yeah, at first I was somewhat trepidous about going to a more advanced OS, but the transition went more smoothly than prior doubts had allowed me to imagine/consider....
Guess the transition to Vista is far more daunting for some, given the huge leaps in OS technology MS has undertaken, but the trial versions are a great way to familiarise ones-self with the new OS, without having to fork over the readies for the privelege. After trialing Vista over the last couple of months and finding it great to use, moreso with each update, I'll have no hesitation in purchasing Vista Ultimate when it finally goes gold for home users.....
Change Smange....there's more to fear from stagnation, particularly in the world of computing, where 'new' occurs more frequently than changing yer underwear.
Reply #10 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 3:57 AM
| my wife hates XP and prefers to use Windows 2000, which she says 'works fine for her'. Is that a fear of change? Is that what I'm developing? *shudder |
I didn't run Windows 98SE for too long, but it was what I became accustomed to, so the change to XP was rather daunting at the time. Yeah, at first I was somewhat trepidous about going to a more advanced OS, but the transition went more smoothly than prior doubts had allowed me to imagine/consider....
Guess the transition to Vista is far more daunting for some, given the huge leaps in OS technology MS has undertaken, but the trial versions are a great way to familiarise ones-self with the new OS, without having to fork over the readies for the privelege. After trialing Vista over the last couple of months and finding it great to use, moreso with each update, I'll have no hesitation in purchasing Vista Ultimate when it finally goes gold for home users.....
Change Smange....there's more to fear from stagnation, particularly in the world of computing, where 'new' occurs more frequently than changing yer underwear.
Xythe
Reply #11 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 4:43 AM
Reply #11 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 4:43 AM
For those of you running Windows XP, you can still enjoy this feature without springing for Vista.
It's a nice little app called TopDesk v1.4.2 by Otaku Software. You can see some of what is said about it here> Windows Flip 3D For Windows XP?
And here is what TopDesk looks like:
I feel its a bit more than Flip 3D, and for $14.95, a pretty darn good deal.
It's a nice little app called TopDesk v1.4.2 by Otaku Software. You can see some of what is said about it here> Windows Flip 3D For Windows XP?
And here is what TopDesk looks like:
I feel its a bit more than Flip 3D, and for $14.95, a pretty darn good deal.
AndreasV
Reply #12 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 6:43 PM
Reply #12 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 6:43 PM
Is stardock having access to undocumented milcore/dwm apis to use the "power of the DWM"? Since, basically, the DWM APIs available don't allow for anything stunning at the moment.
thomassen
Reply #13 Wednesday, November 15, 2006 1:50 PM
Reply #13 Wednesday, November 15, 2006 1:50 PM
Is it possible to have window composition and WB at the same time?
rabidrobot
Reply #14 Wednesday, November 22, 2006 5:28 PM
Reply #14 Wednesday, November 22, 2006 5:28 PM
Other tips for Flip3D!
Quick-Launch shortcuts get automatic hotkeys, WindowsKey+{Number}. There is a "Switch between windows" quick launch, and it typically defaults to WindowsKey+2 (or you can just click on the shortcut).
WindowsKey+2 also locks the Flip3D on until a choice is made. You can also get the locked Flip3D by adding Control to the standard Window-Tab.
So, WindowsKey+2 and WindowsKey+Control+Tab bring up Flip3d and leave it on the screen. You can hit Tab to flip through the windows and then Enter to select.
WindowsKey+Tab alone you can hold the WindowsKey down and hit Tab to flip; your selection is made when you release the WindowsKey. Handy!
Those really interested can take a look at this registry hack by Kristan Kenny for slowing down select animations!Link
Quick-Launch shortcuts get automatic hotkeys, WindowsKey+{Number}. There is a "Switch between windows" quick launch, and it typically defaults to WindowsKey+2 (or you can just click on the shortcut).
WindowsKey+2 also locks the Flip3D on until a choice is made. You can also get the locked Flip3D by adding Control to the standard Window-Tab.
So, WindowsKey+2 and WindowsKey+Control+Tab bring up Flip3d and leave it on the screen. You can hit Tab to flip through the windows and then Enter to select.
WindowsKey+Tab alone you can hold the WindowsKey down and hit Tab to flip; your selection is made when you release the WindowsKey. Handy!
Those really interested can take a look at this registry hack by Kristan Kenny for slowing down select animations!Link
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Reply #1 Sunday, November 12, 2006 6:24 PM