Brad's Impulse Launch Review
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 by Frogboy | Discussion: Personal Computing
Impulse is the greatest thing since sliced bread...yada yada yada.
But how good is it really? Ultimately, only you will be able to decide. What I'm going to do here is give my personal opinion on how Impulse stands on the eve of its launch.
The Comparisons
Let's just get this out of the way, Impulse is not Steam or Direct2Drive or Xfire or whatever. It's has a very different design philosophy. So let me just say this: You would have to pry Steam out of my cold dead hands. You should judge Impulse as how well it addresses your problems.
First Impressions
So I double click on the Impulse icon. How fast does it load? On my ThinkPad T60 it's about 5 seconds but YMMV. In its phase 2 edition (August) I think we need to make it more multithreaded so that when you launch it, it comes up like a window. I.e. instantly. But it is pretty snappy (a lot faster for me than the betas were).
My next question would be, how much RAM is this thing using?
On load up, about 15 megabytes which is pretty good given that Internet Explorer uses 84 megabytes!
The Store
From a digital e-commerce point of view, the million dollar question is, how good is the selection in the Impulse store? With Steam or Direct2Drive, I can get a gazillion different games. So what about Impulse? The answer depends on what you're looking for.
The first week of the Impulse launch will be spent handling the logistics of getting hundreds of gigabytes of games, utilities, and applications up on the servers. So what is available at say 1pm on the day of the launch will be different from what is available at 5pm of the same day with each day adding more and more stuff.
But by Christmas, I suspect it won't be selection that makes one choose one digital store over another but rather the features and services that these things provide. Impulse, for instance, supports refunds for users having technical issues. That's a pretty big deal IMO. As far as I know, that will be unique to Impulse.
Community Features
So that we're all on the same page, Impulse isn't just a download manager ala Stardock Central. It is a full blown digital distribution platform. The platform comes in the form of Impulse Reactor which is a server-side virtual API set for developers.
A developer could, for instance, using the free Impulse Reactor SDK (which will be launched in mid August) type into their game: CVP.SaveGame() and save their game to the player's virtual drive. Or CVP.LoadPreferences() to get a game's preferences.
The first game to make use of the Common Virtual Platform will be The Political Machine. Unfortunately, The Political Machine v1.1 wasn't ready by the Impulse launch so we had to hide the "Games" button from the community area for multiplayer match making. As soon as it's ready, the button will come back and players will be able to find games either there or within The Political Machine itself. Other games that will be using it include Sins of a Solar Empire, Galactic Civilizations II v2.0, and Demigod. We are also working with a number of third party developers to begin using this.
Blogging
I am very biased in favor of non-website whenever possible. I just find website stuff slow.
The blogging and forum behavior on Impulse is pretty fast but I'd like to see it much faster. As in, instantaneous.
I think in the coming weeks you'll see a lot of improvements to performance across the whole thing as the initial launch was largely about just getting stuff in there.
My Friends
The friends stuff is a pretty big deal for me as both a user and as a gamer. It's only in its beginning stages really. Eventually, you'll be able to easily get games going and filter by friends or friends of friends to help improve the multiplayer experience.
When I play on-line, my biggest gripe is the griefing and such I run into. I'm 36 years old, I just don't have time to waste in a multiplayer game with some 15 year old whose out to "max their ranking".
Features that didn't make to the launch that make me sad
There are 3 big features that had to be put into phase 2 (August) that make me sad. The Impulse side was done but we just didn't have enough time on the game side to make use of them yet.
Those are:
- Multiplayer Matchmaking. People could start and join games right from Impulse.
- Achievements.
- Game Rankings.
They'll get in there, we just have to update The Political Machine and other games to make use of them so that we can show off what's possible to game developers.
The same is true for NAT negotiation and such. One of the biggest pains in the butt on the PC is getting ports and firewalls set up right for a game. In Impulse phase 3, the Impulse back end will be set up to act as a kind of back-up for games that use our platform. So a user could connect to another user without knowing anything about routers and what not. We're hoping Demigod will be the first game to make use of this.
Getting Updates
So right now, there's a tab called "Updates" that shows up if there are updates to ones programs. I'd like to see an option put in asap that simply has Impulse download these updates automatically.
My other request is that when downloading updates, I want to see my actual bandwidth speed. I realize this is cosmetic but somewhere, techies should be able to get some idea of how fast their connections are.
Getting to my stuff
Impulse lets users add new categories to their applications and move things around via the dock (we'll talk about that more soon).
If there's an update, an exclamation point shows up next to it.
What's not in the launch version are forums for every application or a chat channel. Eventually everything will get its own forum and chat channel.
Registering your stuff
Users can associate various programs with their account. Right now, the only commercial programs that you can associate with your account are Stardock ones and programs you bought from Impulse. But the next step is to let you be able to associate any program with your account regardless of where you purchased it.
This way, when are setting up a new machine, you can just let Impulse download and install all your stuff (freeware, shareware, games, whatever).
Preferences
Clicking on the orb in the top left opens up additional options. You can set up where things install on a per category basis:
The Dock
Impulse is designed to customizeable. The initial launch doesn't have the skinning selection features in. That's coming "real soon now(TM)". But you can add and edit your own categories:
When you press the minimize to dock, Impulse launches the dock:
The dock displays the same content as the Impulse client. By default, it is set to auto-hide so it will hide to the taskbar edge with the user able to bring it up by moving their mouse to the bottom edge of the screen.
The dock is pretty powerful and yet light weight.
We plan to release later on an Impulse Tray applet that users can optionally use to stay in touch with friends, posts, updates, etc. It will not be part of Impulse itself as it will be designed to be as tiny as possible.
So what's next?
I think most people will find Impulse pretty compelling. Initially, its game content is not on par with Steam or Direct2Drive but that should change over time. Obviously on the non-game software side, it enjoys a tremendous advantage.
Impulse itself is pretty snappy but I found the forums and blog services be a bit on the slow side. This will be something Stardock will need to improve.
Download speeds of new programs, by contrast are fast. Faster than anything I've ever used anywhere.
The customization features, while decent, could be a lot better. I.e. I'd like to be able to select from a list of skins. Stardock's the leader in this area so it's something that it will be adding and supporting through its skinning site, WinCustomize.com.
It will be important that Impulse show off the features of Impulse Reactor as quickly as possible. Getting the Multiplayer matchmaking in should be up by the end of the month. Achievements, rankings, etc. are all going to be crucial as well.
I'd like to be able to filter out programs that are available but not installed. I'm an extreme case since I have a ton of things linked to my account but still.
I think people will be pleasantly surprised at how fast and memory efficient the overall program is. Given how pretty it is, on might expect it to be slow and a memory hog but even in its first release, it's really snappy.
Reply #62 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 5:21 PM
The problem is, Windows' shell and update systems simply suck. The Start Menu is frankly not very good. Installing and uninstalling applications is hidden under the control panel. "All Programs" is a flat list with no organization at all, and ends up being a wall of company names. Keeping your computer organized is practically a full time job. The interface is in bad need of a complete GUI overhaul.
Web applications simply suck. They're slow, they often don't render correctly, and they're not available offline. Their core benefit, being able to access the information anywhere, is also their core drawback: If you want to be truly safe, you won't use public computers to access them. Which means you're back to using a personal device to access the Internet. Which pretty much negates the need to go online in the first place, since you can likely sync your device with your home computer.
We are definitely headed towards a system like Impulse or Steam, and we're headed towards it for applications as well as games. Even Microsoft may be headed in that direction: Their new Games folder hints of it, as well as their upcoming Live Mesh service. I've heard that the members of the Office UI team may be working on the next version of Windows Shell. That's just rumor, but the truth is that the Windows shell does need a complete overhaul on the same scale that Office 2007 went through.
Reply #63 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 5:49 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong but "the market" here that seems so all encompassing to you is the PC gaming market. Is this a correct assumption on my part?
If so, then I submit that it's a little presumptuous on your part to assume that the end all and be all purpose of my PC is to simply act as a host for games. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gaming is an insignificant function of my computer and to install what amounts to an entire game purchase/management/update system for the purposes of a single program is what seems silly to me.
To you, your games are the entire universe and you assume that your "market" feels the same way. While I would guess that a large segment of your market does indeed use their computer pretty much exclusively for games, I would also suggest that a not too small percentage are professionals that use their PC's to actually earn a living in some manner or other and may on occasion happen to play a game or two. Those are the people that may feel like me and object to your assumption that the only purpose of their PC is to allow them to be a better customer to you.
Also I never claimed that everyone shared my opinion or that anyone’s opinion is fact. An opinion is subjective by nature and is only true for the person holding it. Also in point of fact many *have* explicitly dismissed my opinion, but I don't feel like taking the effort of making specific quotes along with an argument as to why each quote essentially denied the validity of my opinion, particularly when most folks here seem predisposed to dismiss my arguments assuming they even bother to read them in the first place.
As far as either I or "the market" will change perhaps you are correct. But I can guarantee that I'm not changing. Again I think it's a matter of your looking at the limited confines of the PC gaming industry and assuming that encompasses the universe of all that matters. Perhaps to you it is, but to me and many others it isn't, but perhaps those folks don't matter to you because they don't play or own many games.
Reply #64 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 5:54 PM
I really like the idea of getting updates for GalCiv and expansions. I don't like having to keep installing these other things. I had to install Stardock and do some frustrating things just to buy TA a couple weeks ago. --Actually just to play not buy, the money exchange was nearly instant -- Two weeks later I have to install this massive application or platform or whatever it is just to get the patch to the game I had just bought. A patch I needed in order to make TA run like it's supposed to.
What's to stop other games from making me get their massive applications just to get a patch? NOthing. Actually, if this Impulse is as successful as most of Brad's products, it will encourage others to make their own versions in order to find anohter way of producing money via ads. I have read enough about Frogboy to believe his intentions are good and he only means to add to the gaming experience of a certain sector of his fanbase/customers, but MAKING evryone install these other things to get a patch that fixes a game we bought is a bit much in my opinion. I want none of the features of this thing. I love playing the game at home and don't worry about any metaverse thing either, most customers of the game do not use the metaverse, so why make us all have to install these things?
Can't I just have a patch to downlaod at the GC2 website and be on my merry way? If not that, can you please tell me how to turn off this doggone toolbar that invaded my windows? Honestly, developers, how would you like it if every app you download forced a toolbar onto your operating system? An icon is enough especially since only those interested in this app will use it anyway and the rest of us, having already been forced to install this application don't need it popping up on our screen with a scroll of the mouse.
Again, I truly believe the intentions were good, but seriously, all I wanted is a patch to fix the weird things.
Reply #65 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 5:59 PM
Amazing job this Impulse, feeling homelike here
respect!
Reply #66 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:06 PM
You're right assuming that you install everything everybody wants you to and in their default organization. As far as being close to a full time job, you're also right about that. Every persons start menu that I've seen is a complete mess. Personalized menus doesn't fix it. Only care as to what is installed and then only the personal management/trimming/renaming of your start menu can keep it useable. That's how I manage my system and why I am so particular about what get's installed on it.
My start menu contains only things I use and is organized in a very logical manner. I hate desktop shortcuts and use the start menu for everything. The primary purpose of my PC is to allow me to design high end PCB's from start to finish. That includes schematic capture software, VHDL simulation and synthesis software, timing and signal integrity analysis software and printed circuit board layout software. That set of software packages alone costs in excess of $100,000 per year in licensing fees. None of these companies have shown any interest in going to any kind of software distribution package.
What do I care about Office updates? I think that was a $200+ package since I got the student version (my wife is a teacher). What do I care about a $40 dollar game and the ability to update it compared to $100,000 per year license fees?
Do you think I'm going to jeopardize that kind of investment in software along with my livelihood simply to be able to update a game? I don't think so.
Of course I could buy a separate PC for only for the purpose of play GalCiv2 however that turns a $40 dollar game into a $1040 dollar game. Let's not be ridiculous.
Reply #67 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:06 PM
If you don't want the dock, just right click on it and close it. The option to toggle running on startup is also in the same menu.
Reply #68 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:08 PM
There's always virtualization, as I've mentioned in the past. One program to rule them all, and in the virtual disk bind them (where they can't escape or do anything to your "real" machine)
Reply #69 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:12 PM
Reply #70 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:12 PM
My contention is that people like things to be easy. They WANT to have one tool that allows them to shop, archive, update etc. They want a place where, if they have a problem they can get help. Impulse provides/will provide this with it's store, application tabs, forums and chat.
Simplicity is in. Look at what the other software leaders are doing. They've spent the research dollars. Impulse fits the bill
Reply #71 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:14 PM
Another software overhead. I'm still not interested. And this is still an attempt at denying the vailidity of my opinion. I don't want Impulse. I won't install Impulse. If that means I don't get updates then I can live with that. Learn to live with the fact that not everyone appreciates being forced to do something for what is in effect a very minor portion of their lives.
Reply #72 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:16 PM
To follow this line of thinking:My car has 4 doors,I only use 1,therefore it's bloated by those extra 3 doors.It's also painted,all it needs to prevent rust is primer.I only use "D" and "R" on the shifter,more bloat.The rear windows that go up and down,useless to me.It has the name/logo on the trunk,floor-mats,grill,hubcaps,dashboard,etc.ADWARE!!! Why can't they make a decent one door sedan,4-windowed,2 speed,plain and unmarked for me?
Quote
What a brilliant idea.
Mr Mumble I don't own a mobile {cell phone)either.
I have Vista and updating it, and my virus checker are a breeze.
Wish I could do the same with all my programmes.
But,I like to be asked if it can go ahead.
I am not really interested in the other stuff.
Reply #73 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:18 PM
So is Mentor Graphics on your list of companies that wish to release in this manner? If not then I suggest you don't know what you're talking about, with all due respect of course.
You're talking about nickels and dimes, I'm talking about $100,000 software. Get real.
[edit] I'm sorry this is starting to get to personal. I believe I have expressed my opinion sufficiently. I would appreciate not being poked with your sharpened sticks. However in any case this is my last response to this thread for fear of crossing the line. [/edit]
Reply #74 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:29 PM
I'll try Impusle - since I have zero choice if I want to update Arnor after it's patched and I finally buy it (and I'm sure I'll want other future SD titles like the fantasy strat game in the works) - but my initial impression is that the app looks like bloated overkill loaded with features that I would never, ever want, need, or use.
It's not like it's that big a deal, since one can just ignore the fluff, but I can see how more hardcore minimilists than I would take philosophical offense.
I think you can look at it another way too. With SD's distribution model you get the (insanely glorious) benefits of no CD in the drive and no annoying DRM. The offset is that you have to use their downloader app, which might have more features than you need for pure downloading/registering.
SDC is/was harmless - it didn't do anything "auto" and ran no extra processes. I'm sure Impulse is similar and even if it does offer "auto" stuff or features that would run extra processes that all that stuff is optional for people who want it.
So, you're basically looking at a little more HD space, which is trivial these days, and a little more RAM useage ONLY while the app runs, which is also totally trivial.
Reply #75 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 6:32 PM
If it weren't for the patches that fix things I would like fixed, I would not have installed it either. I think if you make a point diplomatically enough then fewer people would be upset. There are a large portion of people who only want the patches and would never install this thing otherwise.
However, very smart and wealthy people running these games know that as well, so forcing that large portion of people to atleast TRY their new product to fix an old one is a good business idea for them.
Reply #76 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 7:13 PM
Reply #77 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 7:36 PM
However, Impulse appears, to me, as tag-along invasive software no differentImpulse doesn't "invade" anything. The dock and such are there so that people are more likely to want to use it, but if that's not your taste, simply turn the dock off and only run Impulse when you need to download something. It loads to the tab you left it on last, so if you don't want to see the community or store stuff, you won't need to after the first time you start it.
But that Epic Games relationship...man, that's going to be a hard thing to look past. I don't think you guys realize the huge amount of anger out there at Epic Games. They've burned just about every bridge to their customers that can possibly be burned. I'd buy an EA game before I'd remotely consider an Epic Games game these days. Just the sight of their products and logo disgusts me because of what they've done to PC gamers -- and I'm far from alone on this.
Reply #78 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 8:39 PM
Reply #79 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 9:09 PM
Wizard1956 hit it on the head from where I sit. Platforms such as this are designed at a Strategic level - not for today only, else the investment put into it never gets re-couped. Its not - as such - needs of "the now" that drives the design and background OEM type facilities (there's obvious limits to that statement in some areas of it), its designing to a prediction as to what the Market needs or wants on a circa 2-5 year view. Early adopters always get the early market share and the long term reward.
In the middle of all this comes Wizard1956, arguably an anology for what is to come, not into PC games, likes what he sees, bingo new convert, new potential customer. Impulse is not about us now, its about who we will be in 2-5 years - and if Wizrad1956's reaction is anything to go by, they could well have got it right.....
Personally, I like it a lot - but thats just me, an opinion, not a declaration of war on who is Right or Wrong. The "sea change" in the digital world is happening right now to meet the needs of tomorrow, not today. Using todays values and needs to judge tomorrows product never works.
Regards
Zy
Reply #80 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 9:12 PM
anology/analogy - dang I really do miss that edit button
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Reply #61 Wednesday, June 18, 2008 4:59 PM