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Brad's Impulse Launch Review

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Brad's Impulse Launch Review

from JoeUser Forums

Impulse is the greatest thing since sliced bread...yada yada yada.

But how good is it really? Ultimately, only you will be able to decide.  What I'm going to do here is give my personal opinion on how Impulse stands on the eve of its launch.

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The Comparisons

Let's just get this out of the way, Impulse is not Steam or Direct2Drive or Xfire or whatever.  It's has a very different design philosophy.  So let me just say this: You would have to pry Steam out of my cold dead hands.  You should judge Impulse as how well it addresses your problems.

First Impressions

image

So I double click on the Impulse icon.  How fast does it load?  On my ThinkPad T60 it's about 5 seconds but YMMV.  In its phase 2 edition (August) I think we need to make it more multithreaded so that when you launch it, it comes up like a window. I.e. instantly.  But it is pretty snappy (a lot faster for me than the betas were).

My next question would be, how much RAM is this thing using?

image

On load up, about 15 megabytes which is pretty good given that Internet Explorer uses 84 megabytes! 

The Store

From a digital e-commerce point of view, the million dollar question is, how good is the selection in the Impulse store?  With Steam or Direct2Drive, I can get a gazillion different games.  So what about Impulse? The answer depends on what you're looking for. 

The first week of the Impulse launch will be spent handling the logistics of getting hundreds of gigabytes of games, utilities, and applications up on the servers. So what is available at say 1pm on the day of the launch will be different from what is available at 5pm of the same day with each day adding more and more stuff.

imageBut by Christmas, I suspect it won't be selection that makes one choose one digital store over another but rather the features and services that these things provide.  Impulse, for instance, supports refunds for users having technical issues. That's a pretty big deal IMO. As far as I know, that will be unique to Impulse.

Community Features

So that we're all on the same page, Impulse isn't just a download manager ala Stardock Central.  It is a full blown digital distribution platform.  The platform comes in the form of Impulse Reactor which is a server-side virtual API set for developers.

A developer could, for instance, using the free Impulse Reactor SDK (which will be launched in mid August) type into their game: CVP.SaveGame() and save their game to the player's virtual drive.  Or CVP.LoadPreferences() to get a game's preferences.

The first game to make use of the Common Virtual Platform will be The Political Machine.  Unfortunately, The Political Machine v1.1 wasn't ready by the Impulse launch so we had to hide the "Games" button from the community area for multiplayer match making.  As soon as it's ready, the button will come back and players will be able to find games either there or within The Political Machine itself.  Other games that will be using it include Sins of a Solar Empire, Galactic Civilizations II v2.0, and Demigod.  We are also working with a number of third party developers to begin using this.

Blogging

I am very biased in favor of non-website whenever possible. I just find website stuff slow. 

The blogging and forum behavior on Impulse is pretty fast but I'd like to see it much faster.  As in, instantaneous.

I think in the coming weeks you'll see a lot of improvements to performance across the whole thing as the initial launch was largely about just getting stuff in there.

My Friends

image The friends stuff is a pretty big deal for me as both a user and as a gamer.  It's only in its beginning stages really.  Eventually, you'll be able to easily get games going and filter by friends or friends of friends to help improve the multiplayer experience.

When I play on-line, my biggest gripe is the griefing and such I run into.  I'm 36 years old, I just don't have time to waste in a multiplayer game with some 15 year old whose out to "max their ranking".

Features that didn't make to the launch that make me sad

There are 3 big features that had to be put into phase 2 (August) that make me sad. The Impulse side was done but we just didn't have enough time on the game side to make use of them yet.

Those are:

  1. Multiplayer Matchmaking.  People could start and join games right from Impulse.
  2. Achievements.
  3. Game Rankings.

They'll get in there, we just have to update The Political Machine and other games to make use of them so that we can show off what's possible to game developers.

The same is true for NAT negotiation and such.  One of the biggest pains in the butt on the PC is getting ports and firewalls set up right for a game. In Impulse phase 3, the Impulse back end will be set up to act as a kind of back-up for games that use our platform.  So a user could connect to another user without knowing anything about routers and what not.  We're hoping Demigod will be the first game to make use of this.

Getting Updates

image So right now, there's a tab called "Updates" that shows up if there are updates to ones programs.  I'd like to see an option put in asap that simply has Impulse download these updates automatically.

My other request is that when downloading updates, I want to see my actual bandwidth speed. I realize this is cosmetic but somewhere, techies should be able to get some idea of how fast their connections are.

Getting to my stuff

imageImpulse lets users add new categories to  their applications and move things around via the dock (we'll talk about that more soon).

If there's an update, an exclamation point shows up next to it.

What's not in the launch version are forums for every application or a chat channel. Eventually everything will get its own forum and chat channel.

Registering your stuff

image Users can associate various programs with their account.  Right now, the only commercial programs that you can associate with your account are Stardock ones and programs you bought from Impulse. But the next step is to let you be able to associate any program with your account regardless of where you purchased it.

This way, when are setting up a new machine, you can just let Impulse download and install all your stuff (freeware, shareware, games, whatever).

Preferences

image Clicking on the orb in the top left opens up additional options.  You can set up where things install on a per category basis:

image

The Dock

Impulse is designed to customizeable.  The initial launch doesn't have the skinning selection features in. That's coming "real soon now(TM)". But you can add and edit your own categories:

image 
Extending Impulse

When you press the minimize to dock, Impulse launches the dock:

image
Impulse Dock

The dock displays the same content as the Impulse client. By default, it is set to auto-hide so it will hide to the taskbar edge with the user able to bring it up by moving their mouse to the bottom edge of the screen.

The dock is pretty powerful and yet light weight.

We plan to release later on an Impulse Tray applet that users can optionally use to stay in touch with friends, posts, updates, etc.  It will not be part of Impulse itself as it will be designed to be as tiny as possible. 

So what's next?

I think most people will find Impulse pretty compelling. Initially, its game content is not on par with Steam or Direct2Drive but that should change over time.  Obviously on the non-game software side, it enjoys a tremendous advantage. 

Impulse itself is pretty snappy but I found the forums and blog services be a bit on the slow side. This will be something Stardock will need to improve.

Download speeds of new programs, by contrast are fast. Faster than anything I've ever used anywhere.

The customization features, while decent, could be a lot better. I.e. I'd like to be able to select from a list of skins.  Stardock's the leader in this area so it's something that it will be adding and supporting through its skinning site, WinCustomize.com.

It will be important that Impulse show off the features of Impulse Reactor as quickly as possible.  Getting the Multiplayer matchmaking in should be up by the end of the month.  Achievements, rankings, etc. are all going to be crucial as well.

I'd like to be able to filter out programs that are available but not installed. I'm an extreme case since I have a ton of things linked to my account but still.

I think people will be pleasantly surprised at how fast and memory efficient the overall program is.  Given how pretty it is, on might expect it to be slow and a memory hog but even in its first release, it's really snappy.

341,409 views 126 replies
Reply #26 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting PuterDudeJim, reply 22
Let's see if I get this right. This thing will be able to update my Photoshop CS3? I am excited about the dock!!!   
End of PuterDudeJim's quote

Impulse can only update programs in which the publisher of the program has granted permission to do so.  We obviously can't update Photoshop or any other program unless the developer of the program has provided a) the files and b) the serial numbers of existing users.

Anything purchased from Stardock, TotalGaming.net, WinCustomize, or Impulse will be recognized automatically.  Similarly, any Stardock programs, regardless of where purchased, will be recognized.

Over time, the goal will be to work with publishers to let users update their software regardless of where they purchased them.

Reply #27 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Wait a minute, do you have to manually register and associate programs with Impulse or does it to an initial scan?
End of quote


I believe it does both. It detected all of my SDC installed games automatically.

but I hope there aren't plans to force Impulse upon people.
End of quote


There aren't.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #28 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
That's like saying iTunes is adware.
End of quote

It isn't? To me it is. I don't own a cell phone and I'm quite proud of the fact. In fact I intend to have "Never owned a cell phone" etched on my gravestone for future generations to marvel at.

I know, I know. :)

We've had this conversation before and I understand that some people want this for reasons that are truly beyond my ability to comprehend.

I understand that I'm on the losing side of this discussion however I simply couldn't resist a final dig.

My objection is simply that you're asking me to use a rocketship with all it's necessary complexity to do a single use task that for me is as simple as walking to my mailbox to get the mail.

In our previous discussion you assumed that I wanted it both ways. You said something to the effect that I wanted the "convenience" of modern day digital distribution and the simplicity of a bygone era. In fact I don't want it both ways. You can keep the convenience of modern day digital distribution, I'll trade it all for simplicity and understandability.

Command line (DOS) was fine.
End of quote

Now you're finally making sense. ;)

Actually I don't quite go this far, however I've seen no real productivity benefit in any so called OS improvements since the days of Windows for Workgroups 3.11.
Reply #29 from Stardock Forums Top

Impulse should automatically pick up apps you installed via Stardock Central, or other Stardock products.  When you purchase new though, it should automatically be associated with your account and be managed entirely in the background.

Reply #30 from Stardock Forums Top

Actually I don't quite go this far, however I've seen no real productivity benefit in any so called OS improvements since the days of Windows for Workgroups 3.11.
End of quote
I agree with this part . . but life isn't always about just productivity.  :)

Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I didn't think I needed or wanted SDC when I first bought WB's as a stand alone.Hell,I didn't even know what it was.Then,when I had to actually use it for updates,I looked at it and said some of the same things to my self.(Bloated,slow,confusing,buggy)I couldn't access the forums,and downloading skins with it was a disaster..Then Impulse came out just before I upgraded to ODNT Ultimate.It has everything I want,some things I wish I had and some I have no interest in.At least I don't get lost sorting through them.All in a neat,well though out layout.R.I.P.SDC ;)
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My objection is simply that you're asking me to use a rocketship with all it's necessary complexity to do a single use task that for me is as simple as walking to my mailbox to get the mail.
End of quote


To follow this line of thinking:My car has 4 doors,I only use 1,therefore it's bloated by those extra 3 doors.It's also painted,all it needs to prevent rust is primer.I only use "D" and "R" on the shifter,more bloat.The rear windows that go up and down,useless to me.It has the name/logo on the trunk,floor-mats,grill,hubcaps,dashboard,etc.ADWARE!!! Why can't they make a decent one door sedan,4-windowed,2 speed,plain and unmarked for me? ;p
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Reply #33 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Why can't they make a decent one door sedan,4-windowed,2 speed,plain and unmarked for me?
End of quote

I've plainly stated that I'm not asking for any special consideration and that I understand that other folks want this.

For my part I prefer to forgo Galciv2 updates rather than install what I consider bloatware and that is what in fact I will do.

I'm not quite sure precisely why you feel my stance is worthy of abuse but clearly you do.

As to cars, I actually prefer 4 doors and obviously have no choice with manufacturer’s labels and logos, however I refuse to pay interest so always pay cash and similarly refuse to purchase any car with dealer advertising, logos or license plate holders. If one dealer objects then the next one down the street will be more than happy to accept my cash.

You can't deny someone the option of voting with their feet. To do so is as silly as your "reductio ad absurdum" argument.
Reply #34 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The options for a developer using the virtual drive via the SDK to store save games, preferences and etc is interesting. I hope a local version of those would be stored as well for times when the server is unavailable due to upgrades, Internet problems and etc.
Reply #35 from Stardock Forums Top

Impulse looks nice so far (posting from it now.) Just waiting for it to accept my Political Machine 2008 serial - says expired :)

Reply #36 from Stardock Forums Top

What I would like from Stardock is support for greater payment options. For example, I am from the UK and I use a Switch/Maestro card.

Reply #37 from Stardock Forums Top

rightwingtroll, you should be sorted now if you restart Impulse.

Reply #38 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Mumble - I'm with you on the whole cell phone thing. I'm probably a lot younger, too - and I still refuse to get one.

OTOH, I think your stance on SDC is somewhat flawed. Nothing is stopping you from installing, updating what you will, then uninstalling. Repeat at whatever interval you feel necessary. No, it's not the same as downloading a stand-alone patch, but you've minimalist-ed you way to lower potential. To each his own, I guess.

That being said, all I ever use SDC for is updating, and that's likely all I'll ever use Impulse for too.
Reply #39 from Stardock Forums Top

for me, Impulse is using up 50megs right now on my lappy, and 146megs on my gaming rig. :NOTSURE:

Reply #40 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks for the info Brad. ;)
Reply #41 from WinCustomize Forums Top
To follow this line of thinking:My car has 4 doors,I only use 1,therefore it's bloated by those extra 3 doors.It's also painted,all it needs to prevent rust is primer.I only use "D" and "R" on the shifter,more bloat.The rear windows that go up and down,useless to me.It has the name/logo on the trunk,floor-mats,grill,hubcaps,dashboard,etc.ADWARE!!! Why can't they make a decent one door sedan,4-windowed,2 speed,plain and unmarked for me?
End of quote


You missed your calling. that is not only on the money, but hilarious to boot! I am rolling on the floor!!!  :LOL: 
Reply #42 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I think your stance on SDC is somewhat flawed. Nothing is stopping you from installing, updating what you will, then uninstalling. Repeat at whatever interval you feel necessary
End of quote

I have done this. The interesting thing is that when you uninstall SDC it conveniently deletes all of your serial numbers out of your registry. The result of this is that I was unable to submit a game to the metaverse that I had spent 6 weeks playing. Plus of course the additional time it took me to debug the issue. Somewhat annoying.

The problem is that the uninstall process is never as well tested as the install and usually all sorts of dangling keys are left in your registry.

The issue is that I have no interest in installing Impulse and spending time learning it's features and I have even less interest in spending my time debugging the unintended side effects of uninstalling Impulse.

I have no problem. As I said I prefer to forgo updates rather than be forced to install a piece of software that I simply don't want on my machine. That is certainly a legitimate choice on my part.
Reply #43 from Stardock Forums Top

If you do poke the developermonkeys into adding auto-updates, please make sure there's a corresponding option in the Preferences to disable it if people want, or do as SDC has always done and pop up a window on load, tell us X, Y and Z have updates, do you want them?

I'd probably leave the autoupdating on, to be honest, but it's very frustrating to have the choice taken out of your hands.

Reply #44 from Stardock Forums Top

As a paying customer of every game Stardock has released in the last 5 years, did I ask for any of this? I thought Stardock Central was overkill. I could care less about blogs, docks, skins, friends or the rest of it. I just want to update my freakin' games, not install some massive app that tries to do a bunch of stuff I don't need.

Quite honestly, I was thinking about buying Political Machine. But then I went to your website, saw that I'd need this Impulse thing, clicked through to this article, read about a whole lot of stuff that doesn't interest me, and decided that maybe I should hold off on that new game! Who needs the hassle?

If I want to buy a game from you and play it, how are you benefiting by putting annoying obstacles in my path?

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Reply #45 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Quite honestly, I was thinking about buying Political Machine. But then I went to your website, saw that I'd need this Impulse thing, clicked through to this article, read about a whole lot of stuff that doesn't interest me, and decided that maybe I should hold off on that new game!
End of quote
YOu should be able to buy it at retail by the end of the week.  For updates, you'll need Impulse though.
Reply #46 from Sins Forums Top
drank
Quite honestly, I was thinking about buying Political Machine. But then I went to your website, saw that I'd need this Impulse thing, clicked through to this article, read about a whole lot of stuff that doesn't interest me, and decided that maybe I should hold off on that new game!
End of quote
Zubaz
YOu should be able to buy it at retail by the end of the week. For updates, you'll need Impulse though.
End of quote
Yeah, I saw that there's a box version on the way in another thread, so, drank, check your local stores soon.

However, Impulse appears, to me, as tag-along invasive software no different from the Google, Yahoo, and MSN toolbars that sometimes install themselves with other software without giving you the option to prevent the installation. iTunes is another great example of tag-along invasive software. On Firefox 3, the new 'smart address bar' is something else I consider tag-along and invasive. I don't want that. I spent an hour getting rid of it and fully restoring the older bar. Yes, it's great to be able to play and download games without dealing with DRM, but it seems you get everything plus the kitchen sink along with Impulse. It's like you're stuck driving around in an RV (recreational vehicle -- motor home) when all you really need is a small car or SUV. It would be nice if there were a slimmed down Steam-like version without the extra community and utility bloat. I just want to update games and perhaps consider purchasing some that won't make it into boxed copies.

Even though I have this stance and agree with Mumble on almost all points, there's no point in launching a tirade against Impulse because, if I were managing Stardock, I'd do the exact same thing -- it makes perfect business and strategic sense especially while barriers to entry into digital distribution and communities are low. I don't see the utility of this stuff, but driving traffic and customers to your assets is always good business.

However, I see that Epic Games has teamed up on Stardock's Impulse thing -- absolutely terrible considering how bad that company is. That company is on its way down the crapper due to abusing, banning, deceiving, and mistreating its customers, not '40+ million pirated copies'. Frogboy/Stardock, it's rather disturbing that you've teamed up with Epic Games at all given their anti-PC stance. You need to rethink this partnership and/or drop it lest you get associated with everything from comments about the PC being in 'disarray' to company leaders not knowing why they made a game for PC. I will not even remotely support Epic Games and their endeavors after what happened at the start of this year. Chris Taylor wasn't sitting on his company's forums banning customers left and right, but Jeff Morris and his cronies have actively been doing so even to people who give bug reports and debugging output. Teaming up with Epic Games will be a serious problem for you.
Reply #47 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As I said I prefer to forgo updates rather than be forced to install a piece of software that I simply don't want on my machine.
End of quote


I don't know it's possible to install Impulse on a usb drive, at least in a limited sense,but that would seem like a viable alternative.Plus,it would make it portable.Maybe in some future incarnation?
Reply #48 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
However, Impulse appears, to me, as tag-along invasive software no different
End of quote


Impulse doesn't "invade" anything. The dock and such are there so that people are more likely to want to use it, but if that's not your taste, simply turn the dock off and only run Impulse when you need to download something. It loads to the tab you left it on last, so if you don't want to see the community or store stuff, you won't need to after the first time you start it.
Reply #49 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Impulse doesn't "invade" anything.
End of quote

I believe this to be true. In my case I just don't want extra stuff that I don't need and don't want.

Merely not looking at it isn't enough because I'll still know it's there and it will annoy me by it's mere presence.

I felt the same about SDC and Impulse has even more "bells and whistles" than SDC. All in all even I must admit that SDC did uninstall itself fairly cleanly. At least except for the part about deleting your game serial numbers without notice so that you spend weeks playing an unsubmitable game.

Last month in Brad's life philosophy, for what it's worth, Brad posted the following words.

My personal and professional objectives have always been the same: I want to do what I want to do.

That is my top priority. Freedom.
End of quote

As per everything else in this country freedom applies only to the rich and powerful.

My freedom is to basically like it or lump it. How free is that?
Reply #50 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As per everything else in this country freedom applies only to the rich and powerful.My freedom is to basically like it or lump it. How free is that?
End of quote


You're free to not use the program. You're free to code your own.
Don't really see what your issue is. Personally I don't use any of the bells and whistles in Impulse. I fire it up, go to the updates tab, download the updates, close Impulse, done.