Enso Gives Keyboard Commands to Windows Users 234
illuminatedwax writes "The Wall Street Journal's Walter S. Mossberg's latest column is a writeup on a new software system called Enso. Enso is from a small software startup called Humanized, led by Aza Raskin. The software allows Windows users to do common tasks, like launching programs, spellchecking, or Googling for search terms, but what's interesting is that it allows you to do these tasks from within any program in Windows by use of the keyboard. From the article: 'There are two initial Enso products, which can be downloaded at humanized.com. One, called Enso Launcher, allows you to launch programs and switch among windows via typed commands. The other, called Enso Words, allows you to do spell-checking, even when the program you're using doesn't include that capability, and to look up the meaning of words. Both products also include a simple calculator and the ability to launch Google searches.' Humanized says that users will be able to program their own commands for Enso in future versions."
Ads? (Score:5, Insightful)
Wait a second (Score:2)
Are you saying that this sort of thing is not currently in widows or wont' be in vista. I'm having a hard time believing people work
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If you're curious about the possibilities, read about Archy [wikipedia.org], the inspiring project for Enso.
Re:Wait a second (Score:4, Insightful)
Google desktop + web search == [Ctrl, Ctrl].
A great deal of what needs doing can be done with standard key combos plus a few links ("shortcut" files) in a folder that's in your %PATH% environment variable. Then it's [Windows key + R] to get a Run prompt, and e.g. "ff" for FireFox, "ie" for that other browser, "vlc," "mmjb," "notepad2," "pskill iexplore.exe," etc.
Most Windows keyboards have a context menu key on them now anyway -- usually to the left of the RH [Ctrl] key -- so context-specific commands don't require a mouse either. A registry entry can add a command to any file type, complete with a shortcut key.
Really, I rarely have to find my wireless mouse between the couch cushions, and I don't have any special software installed. Their app integration sounds cool and all, but just using a series of standard key combos [Ctrl + C], [Ctrl, Ctrl], [Ctrl + V], [Enter] is so simple that I haven't been motivated to find a better approach.
Beta tester thoughts. (Score:5, Informative)
Ive been beta testing it for a handful of days. Ive never heard of quicksilver, and all that (PC user) so Im not sure what to make of the comparison- but Ill say the following things:
The quasimodal activation is what they wanted to emphasis, but it takes some getting used to. The caps lock key is the key in question quasi-modal means you have to hold it down while typing (like shift) long commands which requires some interesting hand movements. Further- for long commands like open with internet explorer (since its not a default browser on my system) then you have tab to complete the command like other CLIs but since youre already holding the caps key down, its really strange IMO . They do have a mode lock, but they discourage use.
-I sent some feedback during the beta about the memory usage 23-35MB at any given time seems a bit high for a launcher, but a)its beta , b) YMMV and c)You may not care about that.
-Actual usage is great. I like the learn where you can make shortcuts that dont clutter up your file system, it has a real-time list of applications/docs/etc that gets filtered out as you type your command and you can tab-complete or just arrow down if you want.
-Spellcheck, which is a much touted initial proof of concept feature of Enso, seems odd when you only want to spell check single word the spell check interface takes a second to load up (on both of my admittedly older & slower machines) and takes up the whole screen with a giant text box which seems like overkill. You can use the define command I think and get a did you mean prompt which is nice.
-Getting quick access to commonly worded applications (like internet explorer) requires a shortcut (I used ie obviously) but you cant combine that with the open with command. open ie opens up IE, but the open with ie gives me an is not a command error message.
Also Id like to say the best part of this interface is the subtle messaging/feedback system they have. Feedback is large and unmistakable and clear, yet still manage to stay out of your way.
My final thought is that the WSJ article misses the point of spellcheck. Although I agree that its a bit clumsy at times, its point is to break apart the notion of a different spellcheck with a different dictionary for every single application on your system. You have to learn the shortcut key for each one and build/add/ignore dictionaries for all as well.
Enso (thankfully) seeks to a put a single spellcheck interface that is universal in all applications.
Re:Beta tester thoughts. (Score:5, Funny)
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Meaning the OS should provide the spell-checking functionality to application developers? Done: http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Cocoa/Con ceptual/SpellCheck/SpellCheck.html [apple.com]
I don't see anything else here that Linux/OSX hotkeys or the command line doesn't do.
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I think the other aspect is tight integration and a fluid user experience.
Umm, I'm not sure what you mean by this. In what way is the OS X, ubiquitous spell checking service not a fluid user experience? It just underlines misspelled words in red and right clicking gives you options for replacing those words. For other functions, clicking a key combo I defined looks up any highlighted word in 11 online dictionaries and thesaurus, regardless of the program I'm using it in. What, exactly, do you think could
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Well an application *and* spellchecker integrated into the same application.
I still don't understand. OS X's spellchecker is integrated into every application. How is the fact that words I screw up being underlined in red in my web browser, e-mail client, IM client, etc and giving me alternate, correct spelling to replace it not integrated? Have you used OS X's spellchecker?
You can tell I'm not sold on it because I didn't use the spellchecker to proof this post because it gets in the way too much (as I
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-I already said in my first post that use windows and wasn't familiar with the QS/Mac side of things.
-For the third or fourth time (to you alone) Enso isn't a spellchecker. It takes common things like app launching, spellchecking, thesaurus,and.. I'm thinking of things off the top of my head now: copy paste, print preview
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Well then don't friggin' use it! Good grief- I don't know what else to say to you... other than: "hey! there doesn't only have to be *one* form of every piece of software in the world!"
You originally wrote, "I think the other aspect is tight integration and a fluid user experience." in regard to how it compared to OS X's ability to do the same. I think what, I and a lot of other users are trying to figure out is if this will let us replicate some of the functionality we have on OS X on Windows or if it i
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You're right- not having used QS/OSX doesn't cause this to be a bit more difficult.... my responses are based on the general consensus I get reading these posts here that everyone seems to think that the three or four combinations of (take your pick):
...seem to mean that all of these things can't come together more easily. That remind
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So...based purely on what I'm reading alone, OSX and the built in services and QS et all appear to do a better job and achieve all the integration and consistent UI objectives and extensibility that I think we can expect of Enso. I have no idea, but since I'm on Windows and I'm still not satisfied with it, I wouldn't think that you would be even if it was in 100% perfect condition. So (again) I would say stick with what tools work best for you. Enso probably isn't your cup of tea.
Sticking with OS X's bui
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Basically you can set whatever "modal" key you want (I tend to use % or *) and then have a string after that (such as %sqx) and it immediately begins to perform the macro. Works great for what I need.
The o
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FREE: AutoHotKey and AutoIt. AHKey is FOSS. (Score:5, Interesting)
Use the free, open source AutoHotkey [autohotkey.com] to make keyboard shortcuts to run programs and enter text. AutoHotkey is actively developed. Often the AutoHotKey developer, Chris Mallett, releases 3 versions a month to incorporate user's suggestions. (Windows only)
Use AutoIt to simulate keyboard entries and mouse clicks and when you need complicated decision-making. Download AutoIt with the SciTE auto-completion IDE [autoitscript.com]. The SciTE editor makes writing and testing AutoIt programs and compiling the finished results very easy.
Both of these programs are very sophisticated, apparently the best available, come with compilers, and are FREE. Both are completely programmable.
For example, I've written an AutoHotKey program that uses a shortcut to toggle between Windows shortcut keys and WordStar/Brief control-key editing commands. I like to avoid taking the time to touch the mouse.
AutoIt is great for automating installations of software. You can compile all the installation files into the AutoIt file, and have AutoIt set permissions and copy files during the installation.
Both AutoHotKey and AutoIt allow programming your own GUIs.
Both AutoHotKey and AutoIt need an addition: A GUI method of defining keyboard shortcuts, for unskilled users.
--
U.S. government violence in Iraq encourages other violence.
How to find the definition of "proclivity": (Score:2)
Finding definitions with Google can be a hotkey. (Score:2)
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But you're not missing anything. Just like there are all kinds of
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What software are you installing that either:
- Doesn't consist of an MSI / InstallShield package which supports unattended installs by default.
or
- Doesn't require anything more than copying files around?
Scripting out keypresses and mouse clicks sounds like a good way to end up with a buggy installer.
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<Esc>:q! - Windows is Shutting down.
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Beware the Borg (Score:2)
Countdown to "adoption" in Vista: 10, 9, 8, 7...
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automate a series of commands ? (Score:2, Insightful)
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Maybe its just me but... (Score:2, Informative)
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Most used key combination that I use when working in Windows: Windows, r, c, m, d, enter. Then I can use a myriad of typed commands such as "net stop spooler", "net start spooler" (often used one after the other. The spoolers seem to freeze up a lot at our company.), "ping", "netstat", and one of my personal favorites, "netsh" (Which even allows you to reconfigure the network adapters of REMOTE computers)
Step backwards? (Score:4, Funny)
So in came the GUIs and icons.
Now we're coming full circle and replacing GUIs and icons with command line again?
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It is good user interface design to make things very simple for novice users. Hence GUIs, icons, etc. etc. Users like to be able to sit down on some new bit of software and instantly be able to do most of what that program does.
However, good user interface design also entails giving power users the ability to do the same common tasks either from the keyboard or from some other shortcut, making them even more productive.
No one is talking about replacing GUIs and icons. They are providing power users m
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No. GUIs were necessary for the average person to be able to get their tasks done quickly. It's rather annoying if you're brand new to a program and you have to look up in a manual the keystrokes necessary to
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Windows+R iexpore enter
Windows+R winword enter
Windows+R mailto: enter
Windows+R cmd enter
Windows+R calc enter
Windows+R http://www.slashdot.org/ [slashdot.org] enter
Why would I need a 25MB memory resident program to handle that?
Layne
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It's a little like "Those who don't understand unix are condemned to reinvent it poorly", or whatever the exact phrasing was.
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When you are dealing with HCI, you want to have a balance between ease of use for new users and quick effective use for advance users. Just having a GUI with a point and click is great for new users, but it slows advanced users down.
An annecdote: I was using a "intuitive" label designing tool. The main goal of the software was that a new user could design a label
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And as I've said elsewhere, the bigger idea is to bring all the common commands you do in an interface under Enso/Archy/Humane Interface so that you don't have to relearn them in every application you install.
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QuickKeys (Score:3, Informative)
Die caps lock, die! (Score:5, Funny)
From the article: You lose the normal use of the Caps Lock key.
That is easily the best feature of the entire program.
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Hadn't thought about it, but my 4yo also uses caps lock to type stuff. I get her into notepad, set the fontsize to about 40, and let her go to town typing stuff (her name, the alphabet, simple words). Not really a big deal anymore, as I've recently "retired" my wife's laptop and have installed edubuntu on it for my daughter. She (the 4yo) isn't caught in the MS business machine world yet, so Linux works
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Wow! (Score:2)
About time -- here it's taken something like fifteen years to get back the damage done when Symantec bought it out and plowed it under (presumably in favor of the Norton Desktop.)
Ah, the Humane Interface (Score:3, Interesting)
Google Desktop Search is free, it pops up with a double-tap of ctrl (and doesn't require you to hold down keys), it autocompletes, with executables first, and it's taking about 5 megs.
Interesting... (Score:2)
OK - was a little scared when the presentation sharted with "computers are too hard" and realized none of these guys were programming when computers were much harder, but let's see how it goes.
I'm still not sure if they're on to something per se, or if they're on the front steps of a finally useful voice recognition system.
But I'm installing it ASAP...
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If you're a programmer, chances are you don't think 'computers' are 'too hard' at all. However, not everyone's a programmer. Additionally, just because computers used to be much harder, it doesn't mean they're sufficiently easy to use now.
For what it's worth, I do think they're on to something. A ubiquitous command line with easily understan
Already Built-in solution for running programs (Score:5, Interesting)
2.) Add that directory to your "Path" Environment Variable under System Properties > Advanced.
3.) Rename the shortcuts you created to simple words, ie Firefox = fire, Thunderbird = mail, Winamp = amp.
That's it. To start these programs, [WIN] + r, then type the program you want.
I use it all the time and works great.
You can run more advanced commands by editing shortcut properties adding parameters to the commands and such.
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ff = firefox
ps = photoshop
Another benefit is that accessories and applets already in your Windows directory automatically work too:
calc, cmd, regedt32, dfrg.msc, etc...
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Thank you very much mister.
*puts Slashdotter hat back on and starts rambling on about quicksilver rip-off*
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Or, using OS X, you can skip steps 1, 2, and 3 and just hit cmd-space, type the first few letters, and hit enter. It works for programs and files.
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Second thing I do is replace Notepad with Crimson Editor
Third thing is replace Calc with Powertoy Calculator
The caveat to this method is a limited number of letters that make sense for a given a
A similar method (Score:4, Informative)
1) Put shortcuts into the favorites menu.
2) If any two share the same first letter, rename.
Access with separate keystrokes
[WIN] (brings up start menu)
a (goes into favs menu)
[first letter] (runs shortcut)
So to get to Firefox, I type [WIN] a f, for Cygwin it's [WIN] a c, etc.
This method works best if you don't use IE, obviously. You can keep the "Links" folder from showing up in the start menu by making it hidden.
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- Andrew
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Fair enough, and possibly funny given that you have to go out of your way to make for the lack of a meaningful path in Windows.
Shortcuts "can" work, but I'd suggest something along the lines of:
$ mkdir ~/bin/
$ find
That'll take care of all y
Hmmm, so retro... (Score:2)
Sounds like EMACS (Score:4, Funny)
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keyboard shortcuts are built-in (Score:4, Informative)
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Of course, most people probably have a small suite of applications they actually run all the time, and probably only 5-10 shortcuts wou
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Free, superior alternatives (Score:2, Informative)
This http://www.autohotkey.com/ [autohotkey.com] is autohotkey. Universal windows auto-complete(no more typing your name or your address, or any words you tend to misspell), ridiculous hotkey action, it's all scripting, so you can make your scripts into exes and use them on any windows compute
People have been developing... (Score:2)
So It's Quicksilver... (Score:5, Insightful)
Except you don't get to type with your left pinky finger cause it's holding down the caps lock. And it can't do things like "move this file to here." And it's $25 instead of free.
I already have this feature (Score:2)
Start Menu Shortcuts (Score:3, Informative)
Ctrl-Alt-C brings up Calculator
Ctrl-Alt-N brings up Notepad
All you need is a shortcut to that application (or file, or website) somewhere in your Start Menu. From that shortcut's Properties, you can assign any key combination you like in the "Shortcut" textbox.
And while the unified spellcheck is a nice feature, I use Microsoft Office for nearly everything I do... so, I already have that. It shares the dictionary across applications.
It's a nice idea... (Score:2)
... but the implementation is not very good (yet).
It basically attempts to implement something like QuickSilver [blacktree.com] but comes out being much more like the much simpler Katapult [kde-apps.org]. It's curious then why they aren't copying stuff like the activation keys, etc. QuickSilver and Katapult share the same basic keystrokes and they're pretty comfortable too.
I like the idea of the spell-check feature. I was always curious why this isn't the default behavior for text boxes in Windows as it is in Linux/KDE (where it's au
Aza Raskin (Score:3, Informative)
Aza Raskin, the owner of the company, is the son of Macintosh co-creator and User Interface Il Duce Jeff Raskin [wikipedia.org].
Colibri (Score:2, Interesting)
Here's a similar, better, FREE keyboard launcher: (Score:3, Informative)
This free, Open Source software has many sterling qualities, including:
- extremely fast
- looks great by default, and is skinnable too
- takes less than 7mb of RAM while running, and no discernible CPU cycles
- uses Alt+Space to activate/deactivate, so you can keep your CAPS LOCK key and your left pinky too
- autocompletes text as if by magic
- opens applications, files, and websites
- opens bookmarks
- has calculator built-in
- doesn't cost $25 (or whatever)
Hey look, I'm still using my Apple II once in a while, and respect the Raskins as much as the next guy, but that's no reason to use an inferior, more expensive product.
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What's with the Mossberg/Dvorak/Cringely stuff? (Score:2)
Complaint: Why is anything written by Mossberg, Dvorak, Cringely, etc put on slashdot almost instantly? I mean, these guys are lightweights and hardly "stuff that matters".
Speaking of Mossberg, the only hope the WSJ had of attracting any new subscribers for their technical content was to offer Mossberg early retirement and give the column to Katie Boheret.
What happened to Katie? Haven't seen her byline in some time.
What else is is doing? (Score:2)
The install for this thng requires 25MB of disk space. For a little program that supposedly just launches apps from the keyboard. It has to be doing something they're not telling you.
They admit that it has remote update [humanized.com], so it has a built-in security vulnerability. Vista won't let it run for that reason.
What did they do, load it up with adware?
And in other news (Score:5, Funny)
Coincidence (Score:2)
It seems to work well enough so far, I'm not so much recommending it (although I think you should check it out before you bother to RTFA above) as pointing out anoth
Why Caps Lock? (Score:2)
CleverKeys at Dictionary.com (Score:2)
lets party like it's 1999 (Score:2)
Let me guess... (Score:2)
Quicksilver! (Score:2)
Interesting choice of launcher key; I wonder if it's changeable. I have Quicksilver set up to watch for double-taps of Apple. I also wonder if it requires you to always type the verb first - I'm so used to just doing appleapple S P return to launch System Preferences (for instance).
The question is, how's it stack up to the other QS-ish Windows launchers? Colibri [leetspeak.org], SlickRun [bayden.com], and probably others... It's got nice visual des
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Tap tab.
Window switching since 3.1 (or at least NT).
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In other news: President Bush inadvertantly started a nuclear war when he was trying to open his internet bro
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Autohotkey is not for mere mortals (end users)... (Score:3, Informative)
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