Application Specific Glass Colorization in Windows 7?

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Microsoft might be introducing application specific glass renderings. The color of the glass frame around a window can be changed in Vista, but the change is global to the system. The color of any particular window glass frame can not be set by choice. But, how about being able to change the color/opacity level of a the glass frame of any application through defined events or commands? According to a Patent number 7418668:

A method for changing a color value and/or level of opacity value of a glass appearance window frame for an application window is described. The method includes steps of determining a defined color value and a defined level of opacity value to apply to a glass appearance window frame and displaying the glass appearance window frame in accordance with the defined color value and the defined level of opacity value. A command may be received to apply the defined color value and the defined level of opacity value to the glass appearance window frame, thereby applying the defined color value and level of opacity value to the glass appearance window frame. Color values and/or level of opacity values may be changed automatically, be application specific, and/or be changed in response to receipt of an input from a user to change one or more portions of a default configuration.

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(1 reply) #1 MioTheGreat on 06 Sep 2008 - 10:41

Ooh! That would actually be pretty cool.

#1.1 buletov on 08 Sep 2008 - 10:18

Yes, but how can they be allowed to patent an idea like this?! I mean, steps of determining a defined color value and a defined level of opacity value to apply to a glass appearance window frame and displaying the glass appearance window frame in accordance with the defined color value and the defined level of opacity value. What steps?! Reading an object's property? WTF?!

#2 lylesback2 on 06 Sep 2008 - 11:23

That is what Vista needed, rather then having people create new themes for it, but a customizable level of glass would be perfect. But please Microsoft... PLEASE, I will sacrifice good looks for performance anyday!

#3 _dandy_ on 06 Sep 2008 - 11:55

I really hope this isn't the sort of thing Microsoft has in mind to win the hearts and minds of the Vista naysayers.

#4 +acxz on 06 Sep 2008 - 12:56

Just what I always wanted!

#5 AnthoWin on 06 Sep 2008 - 13:00

Windows Vista Ultimate Extra??

#6 excalpius on 06 Sep 2008 - 13:14

I can think of a number of uses for this, as I could for being able to animate the transparency and color at the same time. Could be very interesting indeed.

(4 replies) #7 Rohdekill on 06 Sep 2008 - 13:32

Rather than dazzle us, make an OS we would be proud to use. If people have to promote it or defend it, it is crap.

If it works like it should there would be no need to defend it. And, it would promote itself.

#7.1 Foub on 06 Sep 2008 - 14:36

Exactly. That same can be said of religion as well.

#7.2 ajua on 06 Sep 2008 - 18:40

I think that OS aren't something its users should be proud of.

#7.3 usman767 on 06 Sep 2008 - 22:56

I use vista ultimate x64, and i am proud of it, Aero is quite brilliant, keeps the whole GUI fresh, without becoming stale that other OS tend to become with continuous usage!

#7.4 excalpius on 07 Sep 2008 - 22:30

Yes, I agree with regards to Vista 64. It's the best operating system I have ever used, and I use and have used EVERYTHING since the Vax.

(4 replies) #8 Foub on 06 Sep 2008 - 14:34

Isn't this sort of thing what products like Windowblinds are for and do already?

#8.1 MioTheGreat on 06 Sep 2008 - 14:41

Such programs can't change the color of glass on a per-app basis. They work by changing *everything*.

Last edited by MioTheGreat on 06 Sep 2008 - 14:58

#8.2 Foub on 06 Sep 2008 - 16:39

(MioTheGreat said @ #8.1)

Such programs can't change the color of glass on a per-app basis. They work by changing *everything*.

Next version.

#8.3 Chugworth on 06 Sep 2008 - 16:53

Some people, like myself, don't like to use programs that intertwine themselves too much with Windows. Windowblinds is a fine example of that.

Besides, we should not have to be dependent on separate programs in order to theme Windows. That's one feature that Microsoft finally needs to get right in the next version of Windows.

#8.4 excalpius on 07 Sep 2008 - 22:40

On my secondary/server/media center machines I run Vista with the native Aero interface as it is quite lovely right out of the box. But on my main desktop and laptop machines, I run Windowblinds, ObjectDock, etc. to get the most bang for my screen real estate.

The Wraith skin by SKOriginals FTW.

(1 reply) #9 Gabureiru on 06 Sep 2008 - 14:57

Oh no, another GUI specific feature I don't need in my OS, I hope MS is not focusing as its priority this sort of "improvements" for their next OS

#9.1 EduardValencia on 06 Sep 2008 - 17:42

I can assure you it does,have you reas the Windows 7 engenering blog?
No...

(1 reply) #10 Manuroc on 06 Sep 2008 - 16:26

They actually can patent such an insignificant thing? Ridiculous

#10.1 theyarecomingforyou on 06 Sep 2008 - 23:14

Exactly. The patent system is a joke.

#11 Smethead on 06 Sep 2008 - 16:56

Hurray for another bloatfeature

(1 reply) #12 ajua on 06 Sep 2008 - 18:42

Hopefully, Microsoft can come up with something that lets us use themes like in XP because Vista theming is not even close yet.

Glass is something that really looks good, but we need to have more customizing ability for it to be great.

#12.1 GP007 on 06 Sep 2008 - 19:59

That's what this is, another step towards more customization. And it's a small thing really, but already people are tossing out the "bloat" word. gg.

(1 reply) #13 m-p{3} on 06 Sep 2008 - 21:17

As long as the theme engine is a component, I'll leave it off my system.

#13.1 excalpius on 07 Sep 2008 - 22:40

I'm so glad you let us know. A lot of us were wondering what you would do about this issues.

#14 2Cold Scorpio on 07 Sep 2008 - 03:06

Man, I'd really dig this. Its just one of those little things that would make the OS better by enabling me to customize more.

(4 replies) #15 Airlink on 07 Sep 2008 - 04:44

You know what GUI option I'd like to see? Windows Classic.
As in the Windows 2000 style desktop, icons, dialogs, start menu, etc.
I really hate how Vista is laid out. I grew up on the Windows 9x/2k layout and I don't need to learn a new one, thank you very much.

:grabs a stick:
:bashes Vista:

#15.1 shockz on 07 Sep 2008 - 14:26

(Airlink said @ #15)

Agreed. Classic on vista looks like crap.

#15.2 ]SK[ on 07 Sep 2008 - 20:58

You sound like a typical 'older' user in a company. Any sort of change gets them whining. If you don't want to learn anything new why are you even using something other than 9x/2000?

#15.3 excalpius on 07 Sep 2008 - 22:28

Just turn the theme back to Windows Classic and turn off the enhancements (all in one tab for Pete's sake).

How hard can it be...even for someone who is apparently still lost in the 20th century?

#15.4 +Skwerl on 10 Sep 2008 - 16:15

Oh, yes! God forbid anything ever change! Change is terrible! Don't do anything that I might need adapt to!

#16 Izlude on 08 Sep 2008 - 02:03

glass in windows 7? so they're not updating the UI for the next OS?

#17 +DigitalE on 08 Sep 2008 - 06:09

Let me guess... This will be an "Ultimate Extra."

#18 Pierreken on 08 Sep 2008 - 09:59

Makes me think they've given up on improving performance...maybe it's a lost cause who knows...
I do hope that this is an Ultimate Extra though. I wouldn't select it to install but at least it gives these users something "extra"...

#19 LaXu on 08 Sep 2008 - 18:29

I fail to see how this is useful in any way. Why would you want app specific colors? So you can have that ATI CCC bloat with a red frame?

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