A few extra details on the HP TouchSmart 2.5 software update

5 CommentsHP TouchSmart, Software

The HP TouchSmart “shell” version 2.5 is now posted at the HP Support site. It lists only one enhancement, the resolution of a 1618 installer error. But there are plenty of other things in there. For one, this version of the shell (2.5) is part of the Spring 2009 update mentioned at http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com. It is the version that comes preinstalled on IQ52x and IQ82x TouchSmart PCs.

I thought I would give a few more details on this update, mostly for developers and other technically minded people.

  • The shell is now DPI/screen resolution independent, in other words it should display correctly no matter what DPI and resolution the computer uses.
  • Memory usage has been reduced by eliminating two previously needed processes.
  • The minimize command line argument now also minimizes a hosted application in large layout.
  • In Personalize, an option is now available to pick a background image.

This version reports itself as 2.5.3238.28760 and as version 2.5.312 in Add/Remove Programs.

5 Comments

  1. Neil James

    Overall, I do like the new update. The fact that if I have a browser in the top row of tiles the web page isn’t centered anymore. I don’t know if it’s just my machine or a common problem (if that’s what one would call it). Except for this minor flaw, you guys did a good job on improving the Touchsmart software. Other than having to reinstall HP Mediasmart DVD, and I could have done something to cause it not to work, I am still pleased with my TouchSmart. I wouldn’t trade for it.
    Thanks for your input & doing what you can @ the community.
    NeilJ

  2. GeekTieGuy

    Hey Neil! Thanks for your comments. Glad you like the update overall.

    The change in browser behavior is by design. You’re supposed to be able to pan the page in that tile using two fingers, a multi-touch gesture.

  3. Josh B

    Thanks for your work!

    I’m curious. It appears that the update has added the sync feature with Windows and Google (I don’t think this was fully implemented with the previous version, just the email event notification).

    Unfortunately, the sync doesn’t seem to work for me. I’ve entered my Google info, even verified the email address (as required by the TS software) and hit sync only to have nothing show up on the TS Calendar.

    So:

    1) Is this simply 1 way syncing (TS to Google) so that if you were to enter something on the TS calendar it would sync to your google calendar but not the other way?
    2) I have multiple calendars in Google. Maybe this doesn’t work with that?
    3) Or, is it just not fully developed?

    This feature, I would argue is imperative to have in a computer/software such as this given that so many users now use Google features to manage their lives. There’s no value in having to keep one calendar in TS or a separate calendar elsewhere, which is, as I imagine the developers understand, is the whole point of syncing cals cross platform/software/etc.

    Any insight?

    Thanks.

    Josh B

  4. GeekTieGuy

    The Calendar update is separate from the TS shell (HP TouchSmart.) I have limited insight into its feature set and design goals since I only work on the shell. But let me ask around and see if I can find out more regarding the Calendar app.

  5. Carolyn Capp

    I would buy a the latest and greatest TS tomorrow if cal ap would seemless sync with google (kids,parents) and outlook (parents)and I could hook up external speakers for family music library play while having a party but not disabling internal speakers for next day. Fingers Crossed.

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