MaesterRowen

Thanks, I look into this and fix for 0.7 release.

Hello everyone,

We know it's been a long length of time since the last update; but we are getting closer!   Instead of putting together a detailed preview post with images and text descriptions, I instead opted to make a MovieMaker video showing a preview of the features.

While I realize the video isn't great, hopefully it does its job to convey what we are looking to include as part of Aurora 0.7b.

We appreciate your support and hope you look forward to the next release!

Donations:
If you like what we're doing here, feel free to buy us a virtual beer or something!

 
Thanks!

The original request was implemented.  I am going to be closing this thread.

Sizing: Well thats what i found out. The only way you can solve this, is to provide several gizmo UIs with selected sizes.

1) 640*800

2) 768*1028

3) 720*1200

4) 1080*1920

That would still need an Aurora Update. At the end you decide, but thats just my first idea.

Dynamic content: That solution wouldn't be a real dynamic UI. It's still defining elements.

What i actually need is to create listelements for a ListContainer.

The container is empty. The listelements are generated of a table.

One solution is the MenuSystem.lua.

But its limited. It generates a list dynamically, which is just fine, its a popuplist.

The twist is, i cant define the height of a list element, i cant define a list element as a group of different elements like image, label, another info label, and position them freely. Thats what is possible with Gizmo. I dont know how to combine both functionality (dynamic content and content layouting), and i actually dont know how to hide and show elements yet.

I don't think we'll offer different gizmo sizes at the end of the day.  I think it is best that you work within the size structure we currently have.   You can use multiple tabs, or multiple scenes if you need to.

If you REALLY need a scene that big, i recommend creating a custom skin.

To use GetFriendlist.php i still need a php Session. Any ideas or workaround? The current LUA code isnt enabled for cookies and xboxunity doesnt pass the phpsession id in the URL via GET

Thats why we should have APIKey based functions, without performing multiple logins.

We have many Unity API calls implemented that use API key (everything Aurora uses is based on an API key UnityAPI).  However, FriendsList is something we never finished implemented on the API side cause we never got there with FreestylePlugin or Nova.

For now, it seems what you may be trying to do with XboxUnity Friends is not possible.

Tease:

The GizmoHostScene has a fixed width and height, is this the reason, why changing the width and height properties in our custom gizmo scenes/skins doesn't affect? I would like to change our Dialog Sizes and also insert Dynamically XuiElements via Lua code? Is this possible?

Unfortunately, modifying the height or width of the host scene won't be possibly without modifying the skin.  The way the GizmoHostScene works is that your gizmo.xur is loaded into memory, and the root object is injected into the Dialog box.  The dialog box is then connected to your script via callbacks and listeners that help enable functionality outside of your gizmo.xur, like setting command functions or command text.

The Dialog Box itself is something that is sized and created by the skin creator.

As for dynamic xui controls.  The best thing to do is create all the controls you want and show/hide like gavin said.   By doing this, the load time might be slightly slower on the gizmo scene, but once running it wont be subject to flickering or control creation times and will just work.   Note that in Aurora, we don't have any instances of dynamically creating controls.  It's just too complex when we enable custom skins and visuals to link it all up and make it work.  Its best to let the skinner decide what controls will exist and where.

There are plenty of methods available for hiding and showing controls, or moving them around once they are created.   

The FFMPeg library is a bit bulky for what we'd be trying to do with it, its pretty tough to strip those libraries out and get them to compile in a different environment since they have so many dependencies.

I'd like something like     tinymp3.c  or something where is a single file  mp3 decoder into Xbox 360 audio format.     But I am not sure that exists with out a bit of work.  

It's possible to make a function to show a passcode dialog and return the password given?

Like ShowKeyboard that returns in Buffer the entry, but the actual function Passcode is for introduce Aurora's setted passcode.

I'll look into this option in future releases and see if there is a way I can implement it that doesn't break the existing functionality.

Add this:

1.) CPU, RAM, GPU, Network Bandwidth, Disk Usage Info

2.) Autostart/call Scripts on Boot or every "N" times or at every "N" Time, like every reboot/restart

3.) Background Scripts

If we have Background Scripts, we can look for making a Task Manager, i want to look, how much Aurora, its Scripts and Modules/Plugins are using when they are used

4.) Instead of letting us code a "check" for Aurora Version compatibility with if clauses, we could have something like

    scriptCompatibility = { "0.5, 0.6, 0.7" }, and the Scipt interpreter automatically shows a message, if one Script won't work or is not downloadable.

5.) ShowMessageBox should have definable height and width or at least option for Scrollbars to display larger Content.

1.  I can look into some of those, but if it's not an exposed piece of API from the XDK, i probably won't dig any deeper for it.  Some of this stuff is already implemented.

2.  Something like this is possible, see posts above.

3.  Responded to this, see above (re:  Skin Scripts)

4.  We're adding a mininumAuroraVerison variable that will start in 0.7b+  that will enable users to define the minimum version of Aurora necessary for your script to run (due to new or updated APIs).    My design goal is to not modify or remove old APIs so original scripts will always work.   We'll see how that pans out.

5.  MessageBox is part of the active Skin.  It won't be resizable unless you create a skin that has a larger message box.  Also, no scroll bars.  Use a Gizmo Scene if you need more space.

Another Library that could have some functions added would be filesystem.

Such as:

1. FileSystem.GetPartitionSize(string partition) - for ease of use, I figure using the partitions as they show up in the file manager would be nice.

2.FileSystem.GetPartitionUsedSpace(string partition) - Same as above.

Would also be a nice feature for skin scripts, as you could then display used space statistics on main screen, like in FSD.

 

And if at all possible an avatar library, so you could design an avatar editor that runs within aurora. I think that would about cover the basic functionality of the xbox. Audio library would be nice, if people wanted to start writing minigames, and so would DX compatibility(Probably a stretch, and wouldnt get used much. lol).

1.  Noted

2.  Noted

Skin Scripts:  Nope, not happening in its current form.

Avatar Library:  Maybe.  Never will be an editor, but maybe a library that allows you to view Player1s avatar.  We'll see.

D3D Support:  Nope

Audio Library:  I tried so hard to port over a mp3 library to Xbox360 and play it on the Xbox360, and I had to put it on the back burner.   If anyone has a mp3 library they can get running on xbox360, I will incorporate it into an mp3 library for LUA.  I'd love to see a music list and player (even if its limited to only playing while the script is running).  As for other sounds.  I think that will be limited to what is possible in XUITool.

This thread is for feedback on Utility Scripts and The API.

Please Dont Post Garbage in this thread. Please only post if you think a feature would be useful, for a script you are working on.

 

That being said, here are some of my thoughts.

 

1. Expand the ZipFile Library so you can create and add files to a zip file.

2. Be able to run scripts on startup of aurora.(to auto set things like Fan Speed.....)

3. Be able to add scripts to skin projects, so you can display things like weather and system temps on skins, and possibly change the interface for people who liked the FSD style better.

 

I think that about covers it for me, I will post back if I have other Ideas.

1.  Noted

2.  You can already do that.  However, it is not tied to Utility Scripts.   There is a file somewhere in the media folder (can't remember where) that is called main.lua.   That file gets executed at boot.   MAYBE ( and I have not tested this ), you can use your Utility Script to modify that file..... and in your modified main.lua, its self deleting.... who knows.   Currently there are no plans to extend Utility Scripts beyond just the utility scripts menu.

3.  Current, no plans to extend scripts in this way.   Utility Scripts are utilities, they are meant to run in a self contained process that will eventually end.  If we do something like "skin scripts" or "boot scripts" or w/e, it will be in a different form.  The reasoning behind that is that XUI is a massive library, and the custom LUA tools to do modifications that you are suggesting are a lot more involved that what we have right now in Utility Scripts.

Thank you for the reply,

 Nice so I can hide games without having to worry about numbers. Ok thank you so much, this is good knowledge to know.

You can also use the 'Disc Number' subtitle in the game options, which will show you which disc number the selected game is.  Then you can choose to hide it, if its a number you don't want visible.

Hey guys,  its awesome you're making use of our utility script feature!   I can't wait to see what else comes out.

I did note the missing functionality for Http download callback and Swizzy is right, we did overlook it.  I'll be adding that in the next version of Aurora.  If you guys have any other requests for features in the utilitys script stuff, let me know.   I'll review it all and see what i can and can't do!

Based on the memory addresses in your .callstack files- it appears the crash is in the plugin..... maybe try deleting FreestylePlugin.xex from your plugin directories, doing a cold boot or hard reboot of your xbox 360 and seeing if the error continues.

Isn't that just the folder for the screenies taken via the webinterface?

But anyways: if this is the right folder, it doesn't work for sure!

The web interface actually uses the plugin's screenshot combo to take screenshots.  The web interface is also how you can browse your screenshots that you've taken using the screenshot combo.   You could download those images from your web browser at that point.

How did you do it ???

Go into your view > filters and sort menu and check the box that says "Show Hidden Titles"

Then you will see the hidden games in a translucent form in your game list.  From there you can open the game details on any hidden games and set them as visible again.

Sorry for the delay in replying - here's the files http://www.mediafire.com/download/7lhm1jnjhdfuc7z/Databases%282%29.rar

 

Thanks!

Nothing abnormal about your databases-   I recommend trying to add another scan path after your xbox Classic path and make it search for some xbox360 titles- and see if it works.

Report back and let me know.

Can't wait for the new aurora update. A lot of good updates are coming now especially i liked the cover choosing idea.  I'm just curious why you don't add avatar somewhere? :/ Btw: thank you guys for not forgetting xbox360 community, and for sharing your creations!

 

(And if it's not a secret. About when we can expect this update to come out?)

It's not that its secret- it's that we don't know when it will be ready-  which is why we always say- it'll be out when its ready.

But I'm just sad that you guys stop working on the FSD and killed it instead of improving it's code. The new dash is even smaller on everything (features, options, customizations, and in my opinion visuals ).

FSD was built in a very unorganized manner and ultimately became an unmaintainable mess of which barely compiles and runs.  We had issues where adding 1 feature or changing one piece of code broke 3 other features.    Our last public build barely holds together.

We took what we learned from FSD and have built something that is easily expandable and much better optimized.   

Our philosophy going into this was to build something we (we as in me, mattie and JQE) wanted to use- and we wanted something that was quick to the game list, customizable, fast, smooth, and fluent- and as such you can see the result of Aurora being just that.

While the skin and visuals may not be your cup of tea, I would strongly contest that Aurora is smaller on features, options and customization.  The entire LUA back-end we implemented enables endless options and customization- and when 0.6b comes out- I can't even fathom what people will create.   The scripting is so easy- and in just an hour or two, I was able to make a weather display script that let me ask the user for an API key, search for a city, display a list of matching cities, and display the current weather information of that city- all with out a single line of C++.

Keep enjoying FSD while you can because Aurora will eventually draw you in

Look at my beauty:

 

I don't think I can let this go so soon .

 

For me this is better than PS4\Xone\Steam and any XBMC INTERFACE theme I ever tried.

 

I tried probably the first aurora release and didn't like anything in it at all.

 

ps: I'm not even using box art cover, I'm using the older and slower method on the FSD...

I don't know if I should be humbled or annoyed haha-   We're the same team that made FSD- so you worshiping it the way you are should make us feel good-

And after thinking about it... I believe it does-  I am glad you like it.     I recommend you keep using it forever.

The rest of us will be using Aurora.

Probably not, we've tried to get it working the way we want, but it causes issues with network sockets for some reason- so we're gonna hold off until its 100% ready.   Sorry!

Hello everyone!
 
It's been 6 months since we've released Aurora 0.5b- and the next version is getting closer to release.  This build strives to be our biggest update yet- introducing a ton of new features- some of which were added due to popular request.  I won't spend too much time on this post, but wanted to give you a little peak at whats to come:

FEATURES
Passcode Security - You can now set a profile specific passcode and special permissions for different types of actions in Aurora.  

Cover Downloader - In the game options, we've created a new menu entry that allows the user to select from a list of covers to download and install in your game list.

Game Wallpapers - Many of you probably know that while you are in the game details for a specific game, you can press the 'BACK' button to view the background with no UI blocking your view; however, we have no added the ability to press 'START' while viewing that artwork to set it as your dash background.  

Asset Importer - We have added a method to import assets from an import folder on your Xbox360 harddrive, essentially giving you a way to easily update, replace or add images and text to your games library and fill out your game details without relying on an internet connection.

Screen Captures - We've added another menu into the game details that allows you to view your Freestyle Plugin screen captures from within Aurora.  From this menu you can even set your screen capture as your default Aurora background.

Plugin Settings - We've revamped the way plugins are displayed as loaded modules and we've rearranged the settings scene to create a much more user friendly method for configuring the different Aurora supported plugins.

Saved Game Manager - We've updated our save game viewer to include some management abilities- such as viewing and modifying associated console and profiles.

Profile Panel - Here we've added a little panel in the upper corner of the screen that shows the currently signed in profile, gamerpic and gamerscore.

Utility Scripts - Lastly, we've added a huge feature for something we're calling "Utility Scripts".  Utility scripts are self-contained LUA applications that are able to be run from within Aurora.  This opens up endless possibilities of ways to extend Aurora to do more things.  As an example, we'll be providing a script that let's you view weather information for a location of your choice.

NOTES
Stay tuned for the upcoming release.   The above features and more are all planned for the next release of Aurora 0.6b.   I can't say when it will be as there is a lot of work to be done; but, we are devoting a bunch of our free time to make this happen as quick as possible.   In that light, if a feature listed above doesn't make it into the final 0.6b release, we most likely ran into issues and will be pushing it to the next version.

As usual; thanks for helping us test and improve Aurora and we look forward to bringing more functionality in the future.
 

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Thanks!

Hello

 

It would be great if there was an option to press a button whilst browsing games to bring up and scroll through game screenshots. This would be great for when browsing with a friend looking for a game to play and just want to have a quick look to see if it's the sort of thing they'd fancy playing. Good for more unfamiliar games like XBLA games. At present it becomes a button mash, in to the game details, scrolling down, pressing left to bring up screenshots, scrolling screenshots, exiting screenshots, exiting game details and on to next game.

 

Strange request? Perhaps, but makes sense when that friend is a girl causal gamer and she don't like games that have 'fancy' graphics. Good example. She loves Donkey Kong County (SNES), but doesn't like Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii) because the graphics are too fancy. The mind boggles.

 

ALSO would be great if again there was a shortcut button to see back of game cover at full screen, so my old failing eyes would have half a chance of reading the blurb.

 

Thank you

What you can do is open the Game Details menu- scroll down and focus on the screenshot button, then hit LT and RT to scroll through your games.

When you get to a game yo uwant to see- press "A" to open your screenshots, look at them, watch the trailer, and press B to exit.

Press LT or RT to goto the next game.... your button stays on the screenshot buttons and you can just press A again.

Repeat, find games, love games, play games.

Using the Aurora file manager, I deleted a couple of XBLA games from the internal hdd and a game or two from an external USB hdd on my old phat JTAG'd console. No matter what I tried, the games were still showing up when scrolling through my list. I tried to manually scan again but the only thing that worked for me (to remove them) was to delete the content paths and re-add them and let Aurora download all the covers again for everything. Is there a bug with Aurora not removing content deleted via the browser or did I miss something?

Deleting thru file manager deletes the game from your hard drive, but it doesn't remove the database entry for the game, which is why you still see it in your game list after deleting.  This is not a bug.  This is just how it works.

The only way to remove the game from the list with out deleting the whole scan path is to do what JValeNtine says and open the game details on the particular game and hit the delete button.  It is recommended you delete all games this way instead of thru the file manager or other external means that way Aurora continues to display its information correctly.