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Road to Release (Pt 2)

Friday, January 14th, 2011

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If you're anything like me then you've been pretty irritated with how you have needed to install applications on the beta versions of Pyxis 2. Even worse, finding applications to install; up until now it's pretty much been limited to whatever you've written and the few sample applications that come with the source code. Well the days of both those frustrations are over!

The InstallMaker (seen left) is a brand new tool that will be released with the production version of Pyxis 2. Simple, fast, and powerful were the goals when writing InstallMaker. You provide a title for your project, the application PE file, and after clicking build you'll have a single file installer. Need to add more files like dependency PEs and graphics? Not a problem. With a few clicks of the mouse you can add sub directories and files to your project. Maybe you want to associate files with your application the second it's installed; we've got you covered there too! Basic file associations are added in a snap by clicking "Add Association" and selecting your desired extension. More advanced associations can be done by your application.

Installing the application on Pyxis is even easier! By opening the file in File Finder or from the Desktop, Pyxis will automatically install the application; creating all the directories, files and associations defined by the installer file. It'll even create a desktop icon for you if you want it to! Never again will you be forced to create your own structure and link just to install a new application.

Finding new applications has never been easier with the addition of App Store (pictured right). By connecting to our site with your internet enabled .NET Micro Framework device you can browse all of our applications in one convenient location. You can even sort by type, date, or price. Still can't find what you're looking for? Try the search feature which can be accessed from the App Store menu.

For the moment only Skewworks applications are listed in the store (all of which are free), but soon we'll support uploading of user submitted applications. At first those too will be limited to free applications only but as we march on we'll add support for paid applications if we see a demand for it from our users.