14 DAY TRIAL // Switching between the windows in the taskbar has become a more and more developed technique, especially with Vista's introduction of Flip 3D effect. Although the classic Alt+Tab is still the way for power users, the eye-candy effect is gaining more and more turf. However, it seems that Vista's 3D has been in some cases the catalyst for creating something better looking and with more functionality.
Following this thread, one of the results on the market is Switcher, a freebie ready to replace Flip 3D and let the user benefit from more features and settings. The application is designed for Vista versions with Aero and approaches a three different kind of window switching. Flip 3D is not eliminated from the system and you are merely given more opportunities.
There isn't really an interface for the software as the effects it makes available are the direct result of setting it up. Configuration panel is divided into six sections covering options for the way the windows are displayed, appearance, window customization, shortcuts configuration and advanced settings including tweaking for all of the above mentioned.
The three different types of view you can opt for are Tile, Dock and Grid and choosing the one you want can be done from General menu of the Settings panel. The application can change the view at each window switch or it can remember the last effect used and maintain it for future sessions.
In the case of Tile and Grid view, the window the focus is on is marked by a blue gradient and you definitely can't miss it. With Dock view things are a bit different, as selecting this view will let you choose to make the actual selection of a window by simply hovering the mouse over it, thus automatically bringing it forward. Otherwise the gradient will be applied over the secondary windows and the main one will be in plain view.
Switcher does not limit to these simple features and goes a bit further, allowing customization of the brightness of the background, zoom setting when a window is brought forward, choose transition duration, as well as decide whether you want the desktop to be treated just like any other window or remove it from the list altogether. Besides all these Appearance settings include enabling window numbers, an option that permits shifting focus to a window by simply pressing its corresponding number.
Window Style section is not too much about customizing the items as it deals with tweaking the label applied to the windows which is nothing more than the name of the software it belongs to. The options allow changing the padding, the position and even the position, background color and font. More than this, you get to choose what the label displays: program icon, name, process name, shortcut key, memory used or window title.
Shortcuts for the different actions supported by the application have a section of their own. Simple strokes of the keyboard can hide selected windows from view, toggle the showing of the window or starting the session.
One special feature not too often encountered in such software is the search bar. Its customization permits making it visible the moment you start typing or keeping it always in plain view. It may seem a bit too much, but as the software supports multiple monitors and with the use of a myriad of windows, it could easily turn into a real asset.
Advanced options are restricted for experienced users that have no problem with working with XML code (in the case of Filter, Input and Visual Settings). Making changes here could mess up all the settings of the entire application but it could also take you beyond the regular flexibility of the software. On the upside, in the lower part of the screen there are descriptions of all the settings listed; it does not substitute a help file but it explains them a bit.
Using Bao Nguyen's Switcher you will extend Flip 3D's functionality and add a Mac perspective to viewing all opened windows. There are three types of view to choose from and none of them imitates Vista effect, but rather mimicking Mac's Expos? feature. Using it is easy and the best part is that you can make it totally invisible to the "naked" eye by hiding the icon in system tray. This way it would seems as a natural component of the system.
All windows are pretty clearly displayed in expos? mode giving the user the possibility of seeing exactly what each of the windows contain. The best part is that video is also rendered in the process and opening more players with multiple video files loaded can leave the impression of a PIP effect.
But as good as all this may sound, the software is at the beginning and there is plenty of room for improvement. The worst part for a beginner and even an average user is the lack of guidelines for configuring the application. Learning its ways is a matter of trial and error for most of the users.
The Good
First of all, it is absolutely free and can be used with no strings attached. It comes with a tiny installer considering the list of options it offers. The three different types of view can alternate each time you make the switch.
As useless as it may seem, search bar is actually pretty handy for powerful computers that allow opening a myriad of tasks or when you are too tired to look for the desired item. The same goes for window hiding option and toggling the show of minimized items.
The Bad
Switcher fails to bring the user the necessary documentation for using the software appropriately. For most of the users learning curve may be a bit steep as there are little explanations of the options available.
Advanced settings indeed require certain knowledge base as the most flexible parts of the configuration is pure code. All these restrict impact on the ease of use of the software.
The Truth
Switcher enriches Vista with great looking and functional window switch effects but fails to provide the ease of use every user is looking for. There are plenty of configuration options available and its flexibility is highlighted through the customization of window transition duration, choosing one of the three views available or tweaking the label. But there is no proper help file to show the way through advanced settings that permit much more.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
