Aero Glass for Win10 Version 2004 Build 19041

[sbkw1983]

BigMuscle may (or may not) wish to release some source code if he cannot find time to update this software any longer.

[Zod]

10 hours ago, sbkw1983 said:

BigMuscle may (or may not) wish to release some source code if he cannot find time to update this software any longer.

Why are people freaking out?  It always takes BigMuscle a while to make an update when Windows breaks Aeroglass.  I doubt he's stopped supporting it.  This happens twice a year.. lol.

[davidb420]

53 minutes ago, Zod said:

Why are people freaking out?  It always takes BigMuscle a while to make an update when Windows breaks Aeroglass.  I doubt he's stopped supporting it.  This happens twice a year.. lol.

Well with the virus and him not even posting a comment in over a month on the official forum for his software will make people wonder if something happened to him and what the future of this software holds

 

[Zod]

On 6/15/2020 at 7:27 PM, davidb420 said:

Well with the virus and him not even posting a comment in over a month on the official forum for his software will make people wonder if something happened to him and what the future of this software holds

 

Virus aside, it's pretty normal behaviour.    Most of the time when Aeroglass breaks it takes a long while for an updated version of Aeroglass to come out.   BigMuscle doesn't generally give us updates on the progress.   He (or she?) is usually pretty dark about the whole thing.   In this case we had two successive updates that broke Aeroglass, so at this point I'd be reseting the clock on the one that come out last week.

[Lifell]

I personally do think it's weird that the moment I purchased a premium license for this software it was already out of date. Since I knew about AeroGlass it has been out of date. I'm "freaking out" because it does take him so long to update a paid product. I could only use it for some time because I had 1903.

You can call it donating but we all know it isn't. The "free" version (trial) is a stripped down version. You need to pay to unlock all it's features and for most make it a viable option to use daily. Having fancy glass windows while having an ugly (Opinion of mine but also a lot of others) watermark on your desktop is for most not really a win. And that's very done on purpose. Cosmetic micro transactions in games also influence the game by a very large portion. It doesn't influence the gameplay with stats but it does influence the game itself. Cosmetics and making something look good is for a lot of people more important than functionality. Hence why cosmetics in those games are so popular.

I'm not an id*** though. I know there is Corona epidemic going on and I also know that updating AeroGlass is probably not 10 mins of work. But this is what you get when you're not transparent in what you do. People are going to ask questions. The way AeroGlass is now is beneficial for BigMuscle, not us. He has all the benefits of developing free software with the added benefit of receiving "donations". Which aren't really donations. Most of those donations are really done to get the full version with an added "good feel" effect because you have the impression you're supporting the development of AeroGlass. While in reality, that extra 10 euro you just donated might've absolutely no influence at all.

My assumption is is that BigMuscle will likely stop updating this once it takes too much of his time, the donations aren't high enough and people are generally not that interested anymore. But that 10 euro I mentioned might've not changed that in any shape or form. Even better, not updating AeroGlass for some time is probably beneficial to him. I'm not saying he has ill intend or that he's doing it on purpose but not updating AeroGlass will get people to donate yet again.

That's all fine. But then I think he should be transparent in regards to what's up. Tell us SOMETHING. Not be quiet for months and months. Give us an ETA. Keep us up to date in regards to plans or innovations. Maybe you found a way to update AeroGlass quicker? Or maybe you wanna make sure that we know that it will take awhile because you're expecting Windows to release an update soon that might break it yet again? Who knows, I'm not developing this software. Everyone is just guessing at this point and everyone who says they know what BigMuscle is thinking is just speculating.

In regards to transparency, listing how much is approximately donated each month, an explanation what exactly needs to be done each update and how much time that costs would already go a long way. Of course combined with some quick communication here and there. For all I know he gets over a €690 each update and it takes him an hour or 2 to get it working for the latest version of Windows because he's got it all set up now and optimized for quick successful updates. In terms of optimizing the updating of software, there is a lot you can do. Of course, the €690 isn't based on realism, but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

Or maybe he indeed only needs about 3-4 hours for each minor update, and 7 for major updates? Or maybe minor or major updates don't matter in terms of time? Or maybe he's just very busy with his 6 jobs? Who knows. The things I mentioned above would take about 10 mins. Quick communication in regards to what's up, how much was donated last month and a quick explanation what needs to be done if an update needs to be released for AeroGlass and the complications some things might bring to updating the software.

Edited June 18, 2020 by Lifell

[coyotee]

Hello,
For my part I think it should take a long time to update and do all the checks of the proper functioning of the program, more Microsoft is in the process of modifying a lot of thing and parameters in Windows 10 and this for their new mount Windows in the future. And that full of parameters we are gone or we change location so not easy in this condition to update a program, especially since I think it does this after its main activity. I prefer that it take time and have a program that works well without problems than having something that works with lots of bugs.
For donations he could very well have done like many others do a 30-day trial period and then the program stops and obliges to pay to have it, but he preferred to put it for free with a filagram and to unlock here we donate a donation like this everyone can have it and enjoy it (thanks BigMuscle for that).
Cordially coyotee

[Lifell]

7 hours ago, coyotee said:

Hello,
For my part I think it should take a long time to update and do all the checks of the proper functioning of the program, more Microsoft is in the process of modifying a lot of thing and parameters in Windows 10 and this for their new mount Windows in the future. And that full of parameters we are gone or we change location so not easy in this condition to update a program, especially since I think it does this after its main activity. I prefer that it take time and have a program that works well without problems than having something that works with lots of bugs.
For donations he could very well have done like many others do a 30-day trial period and then the program stops and obliges to pay to have it, but he preferred to put it for free with a filagram and to unlock here we donate a donation like this everyone can have it and enjoy it (thanks BigMuscle for that).
Cordially coyotee

We have absolutely no idea how long it takes. It could take a full week or it could take 12 hours. We have no idea. This is what I mean with speculation. Did he ever share any info regarding what it takes to update? How big of a chance is there even that this can cause bugs? And if a lot of bugs can be there does he have a very solid way of fixing these with some kind of debugging software perhaps? And having an application without bugs is pretty logical yes. I don't see how that changes anything in this particular situation. We still don't know how much testing is actually done each update.

Also, the application is not free. If you can pay for it how is it free? Unless you can pay for the application and your payment changes nothing. You would have the exact same feature set with no downsides. That's what we call an donation. This is clearly a trial/demo.

Anyway, I appreciate what BigMuscle is doing because I think this isn't an easy task. He is probably doing this for himself and a small group of people. At least I think so. Like I said, I'm speculating just as much as all of you. I just wanted to get this off my chest. I understand most of the people present on this section of the forum will probably disagree with me or think I don't appreciate what he has created. There is no need for me to make everyone uncomfortable (hopefully I didn't) for a long period of time with replies going back and forth. I really don't want that. The world is already in a full epidemic at the moment. So I just wanted to share what I think, considering this thread was somewhat steering towards the topic.

So yeah, be safe and sorry for waltzing in here with my skepticism. I'm just a user like all of you and I can be a bit harsh with what I say. Good day everyone!

EDIT: Thinking about it a bit more, I think I might've been a bit too harsh/distrustful. See it as simple food for thought for now, or something. I'm probably overthinking things.

Edited June 18, 2020 by Lifell

[DarkKnight]

On 6/18/2020 at 12:29 AM, Lifell said:

I personally do think it's weird that the moment I purchased a premium license for this software it was already out of date. Since I knew about AeroGlass it has been out of date. I'm "freaking out" because it does take him so long to update a paid product. I could only use it for some time because I had 1903.

You can call it donating but we all know it isn't. The "free" version (trial) is a stripped down version. You need to pay to unlock all it's features and for most make it a viable option to use daily. Having fancy glass windows while having an ugly (Opinion of mine but also a lot of others) watermark on your desktop is for most not really a win. And that's very done on purpose. Cosmetic micro transactions in games also influence the game by a very large portion. It doesn't influence the gameplay with stats but it does influence the game itself. Cosmetics and making something look good is for a lot of people more important than functionality. Hence why cosmetics in those games are so popular.

I'm not an id*** though. I know there is Corona epidemic going on and I also know that updating AeroGlass is probably not 10 mins of work. But this is what you get when you're not transparent in what you do. People are going to ask questions. The way AeroGlass is now is beneficial for BigMuscle, not us. He has all the benefits of developing free software with the added benefit of receiving "donations". Which aren't really donations. Most of those donations are really done to get the full version with an added "good feel" effect because you have the impression you're supporting the development of AeroGlass. While in reality, that extra 10 euro you just donated might've absolutely no influence at all.

My assumption is is that BigMuscle will likely stop updating this once it takes too much of his time, the donations aren't high enough and people are generally not that interested anymore. But that 10 euro I mentioned might've not changed that in any shape or form. Even better, not updating AeroGlass for some time is probably beneficial to him. I'm not saying he has ill intend or that he's doing it on purpose but not updating AeroGlass will get people to donate yet again.

That's all fine. But then I think he should be transparent in regards to what's up. Tell us SOMETHING. Not be quiet for months and months. Give us an ETA. Keep us up to date in regards to plans or innovations. Maybe you found a way to update AeroGlass quicker? Or maybe you wanna make sure that we know that it will take awhile because you're expecting Windows to release an update soon that might break it yet again? Who knows, I'm not developing this software. Everyone is just guessing at this point and everyone who says they know what BigMuscle is thinking is just speculating.

In regards to transparency, listing how much is approximately donated each month, an explanation what exactly needs to be done each update and how much time that costs would already go a long way. Of course combined with some quick communication here and there. For all I know he gets over a €690 each update and it takes him an hour or 2 to get it working for the latest version of Windows because he's got it all set up now and optimized for quick successful updates. In terms of optimizing the updating of software, there is a lot you can do. Of course, the €690 isn't based on realism, but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

Or maybe he indeed only needs about 3-4 hours for each minor update, and 7 for major updates? Or maybe minor or major updates don't matter in terms of time? Or maybe he's just very busy with his 6 jobs? Who knows. The things I mentioned above would take about 10 mins. Quick communication in regards to what's up, how much was donated last month and a quick explanation what needs to be done if an update needs to be released for AeroGlass and the complications some things might bring to updating the software.

If it bothers you that much about having to "donate" to unlock the software and having to wait for updates, you don't have to use it. There are other less viable options out there like Black Glass Enhanced that you can use.

I have donated more than once but I also wait patiently for the updates without plastering complaints all over the forum here, because it gets you nowhere, it is not going to make him update it any faster, it'll get done when it gets done.

I have always said that if BM does not have the time to invest in and update and improve aeroglass then he just should sell the source code to someone who does, but that is his choice. I am also absolute;y positive that we have some very smart individuals in this forum that with a little time could come up with a viable replacement to aeroglass also, but no one does.

I can take aeroglass or leave it, it is not an absolute necessity for me to have because to me it is only eye candy, my OS's functionality is not dependent on it. But when it is updated I do use it, aeroglass also does not dictate to me whether or not I upgrade my system to the latest versions of Windows or not, if a version of Windows breaks it , fine, I just move on and wait for the next update, while for others it might be a deal breaker but as for me that is just absurd to run a less secure OS just because I cannot have that glass effect.

Give it some time, MS is slowly adding acrylic to Windows 10 and before you know it there will be no need for aeroglass

Edited June 21, 2020 by DarkKnight

[davidb420]

1 hour ago, DarkKnight said:

Give it some time, MS is slowly adding acrylic to Windows 10 and before you know it there will be no need for aeroglass

Probably not because for years, people have been clamoring for transparent title bars from MS, and even after getting thousands of upvotes on several posts relating to adding acrylic title bars to Windows on the feedback hub, there is no sign that this is even being actively worked on.

[Lifell]

15 hours ago, DarkKnight said:

If it bothers you that much about having to "donate" to unlock the software and having to wait for updates, you don't have to use it. There are other less viable options out there like Black Glass Enhanced that you can use.

I have donated more than once but I also wait patiently for the updates without plastering complaints all over the forum here, because it gets you nowhere, it is not going to make him update it any faster, it'll get done when it gets done.

I have always said that if BM does not have the time to invest in and update and improve aeroglass then he just should sell the source code to someone who does, but that is his choice. I am also absolute;y positive that we have some very smart individuals in this forum that with a little time could come up with a viable replacement to aeroglass also, but no one does.

I can take aeroglass or leave it, it is not an absolute necessity for me to have because to me it is only eye candy, my OS's functionality is not dependent on it. But when it is updated I do use it, aeroglass also does not dictate to me whether or not I upgrade my system to the latest versions of Windows or not, if a version of Windows breaks it , fine, I just move on and wait for the next update, while for others it might be a deal breaker but as for me that is just absurd to run a less secure OS just because I cannot have that glass effect.

Give it some time, MS is slowly adding acrylic to Windows 10 and before you know it there will be no need for aeroglass

I never said I didn't understand the situation. I don't mind paying money for something. But I do expect the person selling it to be honest about it. I have absolutely no idea if he's honest about it. I don't really feel you really try to understand what I'm saying.

"I have donated more than once but I also wait patiently for the updates without plastering complaints all over the forum here" I don't "plaster complaints all over the forum" either. I've been mostly (trying) to help people out and some questions/comments here and there.

But yeah, thanks a lot for your reply. I guess I'm just overthinking things or something. I'm still waiting patiently. Checking the forum from time to time.

Edited June 21, 2020 by Lifell

[DarkKnight]

On 6/20/2020 at 9:41 PM, davidb420 said:

Probably not because for years, people have been clamoring for transparent title bars from MS, and even after getting thousands of upvotes on several posts relating to adding acrylic title bars to Windows on the feedback hub, there is no sign that this is even being actively worked on.

We will never know will we, they may surprise you one day, just as with Sets, it'll be back one of these updates.

17 hours ago, Lifell said:

I never said I didn't understand the situation. I don't mind paying money for something. But I do expect the person selling it to be honest about it. I have absolutely no idea if he's honest about it. I don't really feel you really try to understand what I'm saying.

"I have donated more than once but I also wait patiently for the updates without plastering complaints all over the forum here" I don't "plaster complaints all over the forum" either. I've been mostly (trying) to help people out and some questions/comments here and there.

But yeah, thanks a lot for your reply. I guess I'm just overthinking things or something. I'm still waiting patiently. Checking the forum from time to time.

Listen, I get what you are saying, there are a lot of frustrated people that have made donations that are complaining too. No one seems to know what motivates the man, he just does it when he does it.

I did not mean to imply that you were plastering complaints all over the forum , it is everyone is general, they think if they complain enough it'll make BM update it faster, in my mind it is quite the contrary.

[Lifell]

14 hours ago, DarkKnight said:

Listen, I get what you are saying, there are a lot of frustrated people that have made donations that are complaining too. No one seems to know what motivates the man, he just does it when he does it.

I did not mean to imply that you were plastering complaints all over the forum , it is everyone is general, they think if they complain enough it'll make BM update it faster, in my mind it is quite the contrary.

I don't mind him taking a bit to update. I want him to be more transparent in what he's doing. That's what I said before. Transparency leads to me and others understanding him more and maybe even donate more money in the long run. But instead, the systems he build surrounding AeroGlass makes me very distrustful. StartIsBack doesn't have that and I paid for that too.

[Zod]

11 hours ago, Lifell said:

I don't mind him taking a bit to update. I want him to be more transparent in what he's doing. That's what I said before. Transparency leads to me and others understanding him more and maybe even donate more money in the long run. But instead, the systems he build surrounding AeroGlass makes me very distrustful. StartIsBack doesn't have that and I paid for that too.

That really doesn't seem his style.   It's the same thing every time an update breaks aeroglass.   Crickets, lots of waiting,   People in the forums keep freaking out, asking about an update, demanding bigmuscle address their concerns. He ignores them all.  Then a month or two later an update drops.  Then a few months later Microsoft breaks it again.  Rinse/Repeat.

 

Sure it'd be nice to get faster updates, but I think I'm only in this for $10 at this point.  I think I bought $5 license one, used it on 2 pc's.  Then I bought a new one and didn't want to wait for 30 days to reuse a deleted key, so paid another $5.    I don't feel like he owes me a lot for $10.   Especially when i've been using it for years.

I tried the only other competition I'm aware of (Windowsblinds) but I didn't like it.

[NoelC]

Months have gone by and I've had to do without Aero Glass for Win 8+ on several work machines.  I thought that as long as I made the Title Bar size a bit smaller I could get used to it, and it IS usable but...   Ugh, I can't tell you how many times I've clicked the wrong chrome to get to a window that's partly behind another one, just because I can't differentiate one window from the other.

Microsoft has made Windows ugly and basic, and by outlasting people who want otherwise have forced it on us.

Microsoft will get no love from me for turning something nice into something stupid.  Sure, if they had another new system available that would do it all better - but they don't, and they won't.  The desktop metaphor with keyboard, mouse, and monitors was - and is - actually very good still for getting work done.  But those who understood how to optimize it have fallen by the wayside and now we have Marketeers whose prime function is to "reduce expectations" in charge.  Kind like how you can't buy a car that's not a shade of black or earth tone any more.

-Noel

[BJFox]

11 hours ago, NoelC said:

Months have gone by and I've had to do without Aero Glass for Win 8+ on several work machines.  I thought that as long as I made the Title Bar size a bit smaller I could get used to it, and it IS usable but...   Ugh, I can't tell you how many times I've clicked the wrong chrome to get to a window that's partly behind another one, just because I can't differentiate one window from the other.

Microsoft has made Windows ugly and basic, and by outlasting people who want otherwise have forced it on us.

Microsoft will get no love from me for turning something nice into something stupid.  Sure, if they had another new system available that would do it all better - but they don't, and they won't.  The desktop metaphor with keyboard, mouse, and monitors was - and is - actually very good still for getting work done.  But those who understood how to optimize it have fallen by the wayside and now we have Marketeers whose prime function is to "reduce expectations" in charge.  Kind like how you can't buy a car that's not a shade of black or earth tone any more.

-Noel

Well said, bro. Windows 10 is a pile of $hit by any measurement. AeroGlass is the only thing that makes it tolerable as far as I am concerned. Nothing will ever make it a truly good product. The Redmond Retards are losers that have completely lost their way and couldn't find their a$$es using both hands. All they produce in garbage now. Their nonstop streak of failures started with Windows 8 and there is no end in sight to their stupidity.

Edited July 3, 2020 by BJFox