Submission details
Alt-Tab/Flip2D Has not been upgraded in line with Superbar and Aero Peek
As best as I can tell Alt+Tab/Flip 2D has not been changed in line with the new thumbnail/Aero Peek functionality of the Superbar.
This leaves it underpowered and inconsistent.
Note: working from online reviews - I haven't used 7, so apologies if any of this is already implemented.
Make Alt+Tab/Flip 2D a special case of the Superbar thumbnails that shows all windows/tabs in most recently used order.
Use progressive stacking/folding to aid location when huge numbers of windows are open (a hybrid of Flip2D and Flip3D). See wireframes attached, showing initial display and after a few tabs. Thumbnailed images show another variation on 3D effect for horizontal and vertical that keeps the icon visible even when highly folded and a stacking option that can be implemented without 3D graphics.
Use Aero Peek as you cycle through the thumbnails.
Degrade gracefully - delayed appearance so Alt-Tab is still instanious in the toggle case, thumbnailing from left to right after icon display, Aero Peek only if system remains responsive - I should be able to slide mouse across the thumbnails, or key repeat the tab key over the thumbnails. (see TaskSwitchXP for example of good behaviour)
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Not fixed
Discussion (7 comments)
Great idea. Maybe a WinKey+Alt+Tab instead? It will take up a wee bit of resources. Ultra+1
btw Welcome to the taskforce! (Feel free to torrent a copy of Windows 7, heh)
The problem with this (and Flip3D) is that they're second rate window switcher's compared to Alt+Tab. The standard switcher gives you consistently tiny previews of your windows but everyone one is displayed, the one with focus has it's title bar text displayed as well. On the other hand, Flip3D shows a limited number of windows, no text, and most of the previews are obscured. Here you'll notice most window previews are of no used until you're in striking distance, no good because you want users to instantly recognize and switcher to their application. I'm sure both are good for taking screenshots but they fall flat on functionality.
I agree on updating it but can't fully agree on your proposition ;)
Thanks for the feedback.
I suggested the progressive stacking because multiline thumbnails would cover more screen real estate and reduce the effectiveness of Aero Peek.
Another mechanism might be to shrink the thumbnails as the numbers increase, but I reckon that the taskbar is more likely to be used if the required window isn't in the first 10 or so thumbnails, and the majority of the thumbnail should be visible for those (the stacking is progressive for precisely this reason)
The wireframes don't show it, but I think the app icon should also be visible even for the highly stacked apps.
Added new image attachment.
Added another couple of variations to the image - one with a slightly different folding behavour, and another with a vertical layout for those of us who dock the taskbar to the side. Also used real thumbnails this time to give a better idea of how identifiable (or not) they remain when folded. Fairly sure proper surface mapping would be even clearer than my screenshot hackery.
Added new image attachment.
One more variation, 2D only for the resource conscious. Last one, I promise :)
Changed solution description.
I think that there should be an option somewhere added to make alt-tab 2d or 3d
Neville wrote on December 13, 2008, 7:02pm
Changed solution description.