View Full Version : Orbit... Anyone found it?
Gargoyle
2004-06-29, 14:57
Has anyone got a link to that orbit software that was shown during the keynote? I have search all of apples site and googled for it to no avail.
Let me know if and of you find it.
NosferaDrew
2004-06-29, 20:31
I found Aran Anderson's site: Advanced Analytic System Design (http://www.advancedanalytic.com/), but no mention of Orbit (maybe that's his day job).
He said during the keynote that "there will be a screensaver version of this software called Freefall available soon from our website and apple.com".
Can't wait. It looks awesome.
http://homepage.mac.com/drew1/.Pictures/orbit_comp.jpg
Finally caught the keynote stream. Even with the tiny, blocky image this software looked extraordinary. Bond villain cool, even. :D
Screed
NosferaDrew
2004-06-29, 21:35
Yeah, still shots don't do it justice.
When he was spinning it around and zooming in, it looked awesome.
curiousuburb
2004-06-29, 22:40
Looks more informative than JTrack3D (http://science.nasa.gov/Realtime/JTrack/3D/JTrack3D.html), which is the best satellite tracker I'd seen yet.
Out today:
http://www.xtrememac.com/freefall/index.shtml
now downloading the demo..
Gargoyle
2004-08-31, 14:07
Sweeet... Nice one!
Out today:
http://www.xtrememac.com/freefall/index.shtml
Wasn't Xtrememac the shop that had this elaborate long-running hoax with an overclocked G4 (or something like that)? Strange that Aran Anderson would choose them for distribution.
Anyway... I'll be downloading the demo and probably buying this piece of software for pure coolness. You have to give the guy credit.
Escher
Same name, (probably) different company. The old Xtreme Mac claimed to be based in Sweden, this new one claims to be based in Florida.
In-fucking-credible. After saying at WWDC that the screensaver was free... turns out it isn't. Un-fucking-usable actually.
Freefall Demo. (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15810)
Don't bother with the demo!
Utter waste of time. It merely Flashes the title FREEFALL DEMO (or something) over and over again and the interesting bits are all muted Exposé black style in the background. You don't actually SEE anything yet it's doing the intensive work that the real thing would.
REALLY obnoxious, I don't use all caps lightly.
The real thing may well be awesome but I don't think I'll pay for it thanks to this rude demo.
Yea. That blinking text is a real letdown. If the number of satellites were limited in the demo or small text came up after 5 minutes I could see this being popular, but I've lost some respect for this program, and I don't think I'm alone on that. :no:
I honestly don't understand. How is it possibly even worth a developer's time to actually implement the Demo That Should Not Be. It'd be easier to just cripple it and show reasonable amount of features.
What is the motivation to make a demo in which you literally cannot see the product to evaluate it? Boggles the mind...
showed during the keynote??? eh?
They didnt show this software running during the keynote, I guarantee it.
I went to their booth and I got a free copy of this software. I have a SN, but I dnt think it would be very nice if I gave it out...
Also, he gave it to me because I work in satellite business.
I can tel you, the app is AMAZING
I can tell you, the app is AMAZING
I think ZO is the only one who gets it in here!
I just tested the Freefall demo this morning. It's nothing short of amazing. The demo lets you see the full power of the program. But it prevents you from showing it off to your friends without them knowing that you are free-loading (i.e. haven't paid for it yet). That is exactly how a demo should be. Full power, without the bling to show off or keep using it indefinitely without paying up.
To all of you complaining about the demo mode: You're a bunch of free-loaders who are too cheap to pay for this fantastic app! Eat it! ;)
I live a few hundred meters from Intelsat's headquarters. All I can say is that my neighbors who work there are going to be blown away when they see this wonderful desktop app. I have no background in satellites, but a keen interest in meteorology. So I'll be running the "Storm Chasers" setup (with the GOES, NOAA, etc. satellites) most of the time.
Escher
They didnt show this software running during the keynote, I guarantee it.
ZO: Jobs showed off Freefall during his WWDC keynote earlier this summer. Actually, Aran Anderson came on stage to do the demo himself. I think that Jobs used this app to illustrate how easy and quick it is to develop software with Xcode.
Escher
I don't need a satellite monitoring application and I'm not paying for a freakin' screensaver.
At least I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks of this whenever I see XtremeMac stuff:
http://macfannet.mycom.co.jp/news/0103/images/010319xterm_1066.jpg
:)
I must say that I too am extraordinarily disappointed in the completely crippled "free" screen saver. That's not even a tease; it's more like a fist of sand in the face.
*grumble* :grumble:
For those interested in the screen saver, don't bother. Unless you're willing to shell out $30 for a screen saver (yes, I know that's for the whole app, but some of us just wanted the cool screen saver we were promised), all you're going to see is this:
ok, sorry, I didnt look at the date of the original post. I thought it was about this keynote.
Anyway... its stilll really cool ;)
btw, when I talked to the guys at ExtremeMac, he told me that they created the interface while Analytical made the guts of it.
To be honest, I think the interface could be a bit better... I actually had to READ the user manual to figure out how to zoom in and out ;)
Also, would be nice to have a easier controls for selcting certain satellites (unselect, select all...)
Aside from that... wow
I think ZO is the only one who gets it in here!
I just tested the Freefall demo this morning. It's nothing short of amazing. The demo lets you see the full power of the program. But it prevents you from showing it off to your friends without them knowing that you are free-loading (i.e. haven't paid for it yet). That is exactly how a demo should be. Full power, without the bling to show off or keep using it indefinitely without paying up.
To all of you complaining about the demo mode: You're a bunch of free-loaders who are too cheap to pay for this fantastic app! Eat it! ;)
Escher
Um excusefriggingme but all I see is a next-to black screen with barely discernible earth and orbits and FREEFALL TEST FLIGHT fading over and over. I'd pay 10 times the price if I thought it was worth it but I can't SEE anything, so how can I buy it? Money isn't the issue.
Um excusefriggingme but all I see is a next-to black screen with barely discernible earth and orbits and FREEFALL TEST FLIGHT fading over and over. I'd pay 10 times the price if I thought it was worth it but I can't SEE anything, so how can I buy it? Money isn't the issue.It doesn't tell you, but the installer (SHAME ON YOU XTREMEMAC :mad: ) also puts an app called Freefall in the /Applications folder. It allows you to see a bit more and play with some of the options.
Apologies for my ranty post further up. I didn't realize that all of you complainers were talking about the screensaver demo. I guess $30 is a bit much if you only want the screensaver that was promised to be free.
I have only run the full-fledged application, as I am not really interested in the screensaver. As Brad points out, the demo of the application is actually quite useful and will let you see the full power of this wonderful application.
Escher
It doesn't tell you, but the installer (SHAME ON YOU XTREMEMAC :mad: ) also puts an app called Freefall in the /Applications folder.
Brad: Are you saying that the Readme file wasn't explicit enough? ;)
This installer will place the following files on your hard disk:
Applications/Freefall
Library/Frameworks/Freefall.framework
Library/Screen Savers/Freefall.saver
(Emphasis is mine.) The installer displays that same Readme me file with the same information. Pretty direct and obvious if you ask me.
Escher
Ah, who the hell reads those things anyway... :| :err: ;) :D
Anyway, ExtremeMac still gets a big :mad: and a :no: and of course a :rolleyes: for using an installer with something so stupidly easy to install as a screen saver and an app. You don't even have to know WHERE to put a screen saver... just double click it and the system will put it where it needs to be.
"Gee, of COURSE I want it installed for all users. Don't even bother asking me!"
But... oh... it installs a framework too... for something so relatively simple? Why?
Gargoyle
2004-09-01, 14:01
JESUS!!!
Some of you reall know how to whine!!! Were the hell does it say that there was / is / ever will be a "Free" screensaver version?
STFU!
STFU!STFU right back at'cha buddy!
WAAAAH WAAAAAAAH WAAAH!!!
I've got every right to complain about idiot developers using unnecessary steps to install their software. It's these types of idiot developers that still sometimes think you need to quit all your programs to install a stand-alone application with no system changes. It's these same idiot developers that litter our drives with locked .DS_Store files, fucking up the way the Finder handles windows and views. It's these same idiot developers that have forced me and many other people into using Pacifist to carefully examine the contents of packages before installing them.
:rolleyes:
STFU indeed.
Gargoyle
2004-09-01, 15:06
I was referring more to the "free screensaver" than the installer. I don't even know what a .DS_Store file is. :confused:
ThunderPoit
2004-09-01, 15:29
the developer stated that the screen saver woudl be a free download during the WWDC keynote
alcimedes
2004-09-01, 15:29
my understanding was that the screensaver was promised as free during the last keynote. now it's not free, and people are pissed.
the developer stated that the screen saver woudl be a free download during the WWDC keynote
I heard the same thing, and understand that people are disappointed.
I'm going to buy the full-fledged app, and I don't use a screensaver, so I don't really care. But has anybody tried to contact the developer or Extrememac regarding the promised free screensaver? Should be worth a shot.
Escher
ThunderPoit
2004-09-01, 21:17
:eek: you dont mean use effort, do you!?!?! are you crazy, do you have any idea what kind of motivation that takes? ;)
the main devs are at the Expo now. I have one of the guy's cards and I can try and call/email him for further info. Maybe refer him to this thread or whatnot... It'll be for next week though probably.
Just to tell you, this app can also be used for high-end applications (in the satellite domain) and we may even use it in our company. We shal see bout that though.
It doesn't tell you, but the installer (SHAME ON YOU XTREMEMAC :mad: ) also puts an app called Freefall in the /Applications folder. It allows you to see a bit more and play with some of the options.
Ok, of course I didn't notice the app until later :D
They ought to have just skipped the .saver altogether then.
The app itself of course is wonderful and a bargain at $30.
I heard the same thing, and understand that people are disappointed.
I'm going to buy the full-fledged app, and I don't use a screensaver, so I don't really care. But has anybody tried to contact the developer or Extrememac regarding the promised free screensaver? Should be worth a shot.
Escher
I suppose (in Obi-Wan "from a certain point of view" logic) the screensaver is free - when you buy the app. Same way that Safari etc. is "free" but you need to buy Mac OS X. :D
This is so stupid. A usable, free screensaver would be fantastic free advertising for Freefall. Not only is this our loss, it is the developer's loss.
The only thing about the actual product that is a let down is the fact that the cloud cover is static decoration and not based on real, current weather. Kinda lame (sure, it's not a weather app, but...) Maybe for the next version...? (I know about Earth Browser, but that's mostly grody).
I wouldn't hate having stars, moon and sun as well :) Solar lens flare? :D
johnq: There's definitely room to make this app even more powerful. But as you realize, it's "just" a 1.0 release. Still, I am absolutely blown away by the quality of this brand new app, right out of the gate.
Escher
I love turning EVERYTHING on....:D
What's that noise??? Oh yeah, iBooks have fans too! :D
What's that noise??? Oh yeah, iBooks have fans too! :D
Yup. My 12-inch PowerBook got hot and sweaty from all the hard work, and then broke into a tortured high-pitched cooling fan whine. ;)
Escher
I bought and downloaded Freefall and installed it over the demo. It still runs in demo mode. I've deleted all of the files listed in the readme and reinstalled. It still runs in demo mode. Xtrememac support hasn't responded to me yet. I hope they didn't sell crippled software!
d_p: The demo and the actual application are one and the same. You just need to unlock it with a registration code.
When you start up Freefall (the application, not the screensaver), there are three buttons. One of them is "try," which gives you the demo mode. Another is something like "enter code." Click on that one and enter the registration code that you should have received. That should unlock everything.
Escher
I understand that now. Xtrememac failed to give me a reg code when I ordered and they have not responded to my requests yet.
I finally got my reg code for Freefall. It seems that Xtrememac was getting pummelled by hurricane Frances and their orders got messed up.
Anyway, its a cool program. Its not exactly the right tool for accurately predicting orbits; STK would be better in that regard, but it looks and runs great and does what it advertises.
I finally got my reg code for Freefall. * * * Anyway, its a cool program.
d_p: Glad you figured things out. (And sorry to hear that Xtrememac got pummeled by Frances.) Is STK a Mac program as well? Or does it run on a different platform? I'm curious.
Escher
looking better at some of the orbits of my satellites..... they just aint right.
Hmm... gonna have to contact them folks at Extrememac and get 'em to fix that :P
STK is not currently available for Mac. I remember reading somewhere on the stk website they they were evaluating demand for a Mac port.
BlueRabbit
2005-01-31, 18:16
Sorry to bump the old thread, but the Freefall screensaver is now a free download for .Mac members. And, they get get $10 off of the software package. Here's a link (http://www.macobserver.com/article/2005/01/31.4.shtml). Looks cool!
Sorry to bump the old thread, but the Freefall screensaver is now a free download for .Mac members. And, they get get $10 off of the software package. Here's a link (http://www.macobserver.com/article/2005/01/31.4.shtml). Looks cool!
Hmmm, the app is now without the annoying watermark text thingy but the screensaver crashes System Prefs every time I try to enable it. bum :(
Did you run the application first and click the .Mac "demo" version button?
what OS are you running?
It works fine for me... :confused:
the developer stated that the screen saver woudl be a free download during the WWDC keynote
Indeed it cost you nothing to download the free demo :D
That's like calling Doom III a free download because you can download the demo. Ahem, no.
People don't like it when developers (or anyone) say one thing then do another. This program was hyped, the screensaver was supposed to be free, but it turns out the developer is either an asshole or a moron.
curiousuburb
2005-02-01, 18:34
If you select the ISS, the demo version of the Freefall app lists the separate component modules and yet doesn't highlight the evolving sum of those parts as a greater whole. Curious.
Pretty sweet demo/screensaver for free.
Sounds like the 1.0.1 version addresses lots of gripes.
Did you run the application first and click the .Mac "demo" version button?
what OS are you running?
It works fine for me... :confused:
Well suck, I'm starting to think I have some system corruption.....
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