Category: HDXPRT

In the works

on June 26, 2014

A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned stability issues with BatteryXPRT 2014 for Android when running on systems with only 1 GB of RAM. After some restructuring, we now have a build that’s stable on those devices. We’re finishing testing, and it’s looking good. We’ll be making the new build available at BatteryXPRT.com and in the Google Play store early next week. Battery life and performance results from the new build are equivalent to those from the previous build, so your existing results are still valid and comparable.

Speaking of BatteryXPRT, we have something special coming soon. I can’t say what it is yet, but we haven’t done anything like it before.

We’re also getting closer to a general release for HDXPRT 2014. As we’ve explained before, the new HDXPRT runs three iterations in less than 2 hours, and will be downloadable, so the entire installation and testing process is much quicker than before. We’re currently working out a few kinks, but we expect the general release very soon.

Also, we’re still accepting ideas for naming the Chrome-related XPRT now in development. Share your ideas at BenchmarkXPRTsupport@principledtechnologies.com.

Eric

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Posted in BatteryXPRT 2014 for Android, Chrome OS, Collaborative benchmark development, HDXPRT 2014 |

Stronger, faster, and definitely better

By Eric Hale

on May 29, 2014

This week we released HDXPRT 2014 Community Preview 1 (CP1) to BenchmarkXPRT Development Community members. For those community members who’ve been around since the beginning, you’ll notice how much HDXPRT has changed. We’ve trimmed down HDXPRT without reducing the value of the test. While HDXPRT 2012 required multiple installation DVDs, HDXPRT 2014 CP1 is available for download in the member’s area. In addition, it took HDXPRT 2012 at least five hours to complete the recommended three test iterations. HDXPRT 2014 is much faster – the total time required for install and three test iterations is less than two hours!

Like all versions of HDXPRT, CP1 uses real-world media applications such as Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 12, Apple® iTunes®11.1, CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.7, and others to perform common consumer tasks like editing photos, converting videos, and editing music files.

If you’re a community member, give CP1 a try. If you have questions about HDXPRT 2014 or any of the XPRTs, please contact us at BenchmarkXPRTsupport@principledtechnologies.com. If you’d like to be a part of future XPRT development and community previews, now’s a great time to join!

Eric

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Posted in BenchmarkXPRT development community, Collaborative benchmark development, Community Preview, Future of performance evaluation, HDXPRT 2012, HDXPRT 2014 |

HDXPRT 2014 Community Preview 1 is available!

By Eric Hale

on May 27, 2014

Today, we are releasing the HDXPRT 2014 Community Preview 1 (CP1) to members of the BenchmarkXPRT Development Community.

Download CP1 here.

CP 1 must be installed from the C:\Program Files (x86) directory. Once you’ve unzipped the compressed folder, detailed installation and testing instructions can be found in the HDXPRT 2014 User Manual, located in the Docs folder. You can also find the User Manual posted here in the Members Area.

Note that the compressed folder is approximately 4.8 GB. If you have any trouble with the download, please contact us.

After trying out CP1, please send in your comments. Either post them to the forum or mail them to BenchmarkXPRTsupport@principledtechnologies.com.

Eric

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Posted in Community Preview, HDXPRT 2014, HDXPRT release cycle |

TouchXPRT 2014 arrives Friday!

By Eric Hale

on May 15, 2014

Friday is the big day for TouchXPRT 2014. It will be available for download at TouchXPRT.com and through the Windows App Store no later than 5:00 PM EDT on Friday May 16.

As we mentioned last week, in addition to the new look and more-demanding component tests, TouchXPRT has a number of new features. One feature we are especially excited about is that users will be able to automate their TouchXPRT tests, something they could not do in TouchXPRT 2013.

You can run TouchXPRT 2014 from a command prompt or using scripting mechanisms such as batch files or PowerShell. The scripting interface allows you to set several parameters, including:

Start running the test automatically on launch. You can choose to run all of the scenarios to generate an overall score, or run any single scenario for a component test score.
Change the number of iterations the test should run.
Change the delay before the test starts running after launch.
Change the output filename.

You can read the automation details and find specific commands in the Exploring TouchXPRT 2014 white paper.

Also, we’re in the last steps of preparing the HDXPRT 2014 Community Preview. It’s coming in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned for more information.

Eric

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Posted in Community Preview, HDXPRT 2014, Performance benchmarking, TouchXPRT, TouchXPRT 2014, White papers, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 |

TouchXPRT 2014 is almost here

By Eric Hale

on May 8, 2014

We’re excited to say that TouchXPRT 2014 will launch within the next few days. TouchXPRT 2014 includes a completely new UI, updated component tests, improved disclosure information, improved automation, and the ability to submit results directly from the app.

TouchXPRT 2014 also addresses the number-one request we got about TouchXPRT 2013—to make it more obvious how to run all the tests. In TouchXPRT 2013, users had to choose the Run All button from the hidden Charms menu to run all of the tests and produce an overall score. In TouchXPRT 2014, the Start Test button on the benchmark’s main page makes it obvious how to run all five tests at once.

After the launch, TouchXPRT will be available for download at TouchXPRT.com and through the Windows App Store.

TouchXPRT 2013 will continue to be available for a while, as we understand that labs may have tests in progress. Likewise, the TouchXPRT 2013 results database will continue to be available, but separate from the TouchXPRT 2014 results. You should never compare results for the two versions of TouchXPRT.

For a more in-depth discussion of the new benchmark, please read the Exploring TouchXPRT 2014 white paper.

We’ve been busy with the BatteryXPRT and TouchXPRT launches, but more is on the way. HDXPRT 2014 is next in line!

Eric

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Posted in HDXPRT 2014, TouchXPRT 2014, TouchXPRT development process, White papers, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 |

More grease, more tracks

By Eric Hale

on March 27, 2014

We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for people to use the benchmarks and interact with the community. I wrote about a new form for suggesting new benchmarks last week. However, we are not stopping there.

Although the community previews for TouchXPRT 2014 and BatteryXPRT 2014 for Android have been out for a few weeks, we’ve continued to improve them before their general releases. For example, we mentioned in TouchXPRT CP1 that we would continue making changes to the UI.

Taking a cue from WebXPRT 2013, the upcoming general releases of TouchXPRT 2014 and BatteryXPRT 2014 for Android will have a button in the UI for submitting results. This will make it easier for you to submit your results to be approved for publication on the PT Web site.

Although there’s not much time left before the general releases of these benchmarks, it’s not too late to send in your ideas. Even if we can’t use your suggestions in this release, we may be able to use them in the future. Let us know what you think by posting to the forum or emailing us at BenchmarkXPRTsupport@principledtechnologies.com.

Eric

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Posted in BatteryXPRT 2014 for Android, Collaborative benchmark development, Community Preview, Let us know your thoughts, TouchXPRT, TouchXPRT 2014, WebXPRT |

Category: HDXPRT

In the works

Stronger, faster, and definitely better

HDXPRT 2014 Community Preview 1 is available!

TouchXPRT 2014 arrives Friday!

TouchXPRT 2014 is almost here

More grease, more tracks

Check out the other XPRTs: