As we get close to the beta version of HDXPRT 2012, I wanted to let you know how it compares with the original design specification. As inevitably happens in any software project, there are differences between the original design and the final product. Generally, things have stayed pretty close with HDXPRT 2012, but there are two changes worth noting.
First, in the design specification, we specified Audacity 1.3.14 Beta in the Music Maker scenario as that was the only version that supported Windows 7 at the time. Audacity 2.0 with Windows 7 debuted in the interim so we are using that version.
The second and more significant issue was with Picasa, which was to be part of the Media Organizer scenario. Unfortunately, we couldn’t create a stable script because scripting tools like AutoIT could not properly recognize some of Picasa’s application UI elements. Somewhat reluctantly, we ended up replacing Picasa with Photoshop Elements. We still think the scenario is a good one and Photoshop Elements is an appropriate tool. I would have liked, however, to have Picasa in there.
There are probably some more minor differences between the beta and the design specification. We’ll let you know what they are when we have the beta ready in a couple weeks. (Hopefully!) We’re looking forward to getting that into your hands and getting your feedback. If you’re not already a member of the Development Community, I encourage you to join so that you can get your copy of the beta when it is available.
Bill