Introduction And Upcoming Features Options

[TheBlasphemer]

Hi,

As this is the first post here, I figure a quick introduction would be fit. Usually I post new information regarding StuffPlug in the news forum, but limit this to things that affect everyone. This includes new (beta-)releases, information regarding serious bugs, etc. However from several topics I noticed that for some people this was not enough, and they wanted more information. Information on development of StuffPlug, the minute it's being worked on. And that's exactly the people that this forum will cater to

So yeah, it's been a while since the latest public release, revision 387, so I don't think it'd suprise anyone if I'd say a lot of things have been changed
Most of the changes are "under the hood", you don't really see or notice them, but they will ensure that your StuffPlug experience will be flawless
However, beside all those small changes, there are also a few major new features coming up. Some are nearly ready, while others still have a long way to go. But this shouldn't be a reason not to keep you updated on them . So here goes, some of the new features you can expect in StuffPlug 3.1:

• GroupBlock
  Basically GroupBlock adds back to Messenger what should've been there from the start. The ability to block or unblock entire groups, and not just individual contacts. You can see a screenshot of this feature right here
• Custom Content
  Although winks and dynamic display pictures are a nice technology, it's a pain in the behind that you can only get them from three websites, and that they usually cost a fortune. That is why I and TheSteve set off to create our own dynamic content. StuffPlug 3.1 will allow you to use content from a lot more messenger sites than you could before. Unfortunately your contact will also need SP to properly see it, but I don't see why they shouldn't be using it anyway
  One thing worth noticing is that custom content will *not* allow you to actually create your own content. If we would allow this, it would bring serious security issues, and that's why we're limiting content creation to several trusted messenger sites only. However, we do guarantee you that any custom SP content will be 100% free to download
• Scripting
  The last and most notable feature is Scripting. Scripting will allow anyone with basic knowledge of a scripting language like JScript or VBScript to create their own features. Scripts will have full control over messenger UI-library, and as such can be used to dynamically manipulate any user-interface that messenger uses. Also they will have access to an extensive API to Messenger, that will allow them to do virtually anything you can imagine.
  Although Scripts are already functional, and the core is already there, we still have a long way to go on this feature: there are still dozens of functions and objects that we still need to implement before it will be complete.

Anyway, enough for now, I'll give you all some time to absorb this information before I write even more

Oh, One last thing I'd like to mention is that you're free to leave any comments or questions you might have as a reply here. I'd be more than glad to answer them

Have fun,
TB

[Kangie]

Sounds great

I look forward to knowing whats going on as its happening, and I'm sure lots of other people are too!

[MattyRid]

Sounding nice that's for sure!!

So Stuffplug 3.1, it'll be sure worth the wait!

[Matt Holwood]

Good work TB .

[Aardvark]

That. Is. So. Cool!!! Would nice to see a screenshot of how the scripting feature's going so far though.

[Matti]

Well, I don't use my groups, I only have Online/Offline, so I won't be using that feature I guess. But I'll try it when I have to translate it.

Custom Content you said? Holy crap, that'd be great! But do you have any idea if that content will be recognized by Plus! and be added correctly in the chat logs?

Scripting... Another addiction is coming up! When you release it, I'll see what I can do with the API and I'll release some scripts for you guys here.

Keep up the good work!

[NeutralizeR]

Sounds cool and it's getting close to the power of old MSN Messenger 6.2 + StuffPlug-NG

[deAd]

Custom Content you said? Holy crap, that'd be great! But do you have any idea if that content will be recognized by Plus! and be added correctly in the chat logs?

Plus! adds ink and custom emoticons to the chat logs. The "custom content" being talked about here refers to dynamic display pictures, winks, dynamic backgrounds, etc

This post has been edited by deAd: Apr 14 2007, 03:50 PM

[Ravi.]

Yeah !

Great news TB.

I love the Blocking entire group function !

[warmth]

Thanks for listening me TB!

[Matty]

Well group block is definately a feature I need! The custom content will be great and will get loads of more users to the program. And finally scriptin, well that will also get loads of new users and also it will get me and alot of other people up off our backsides and start learnin basic stuff to and creatin scripts.

[warmth]

TB in the group blocking aspect are you taking in consideration that someone can be in more than one group??? so if you block or unblock the group, this person must be blocked in all groups where he is???

[TheBlasphemer]

TB in the group blocking aspect are you taking in consideration that someone can be in more than one group??? so if you block or unblock the group, this person must be blocked in all groups where he is???

Yes, if a person is in the group being blocked/unblocked, he or she will be blocked/unblocked in all other groups too.

[warmth]

Yes, if a person is in the group being blocked/unblocked, he or she will be blocked/unblocked in all other groups too.

nice to know it... If you need some help in graphics just let me know !!! <<email deleted by request>>

This post has been edited by TheSteve: Jun 17 2009, 02:48 PM

[the andyman]

Great news and features - looking forward to the next (beta) release

Can you reveal what types of custom content will be included in that features (is it winks and DDPs as you slightly mentioned?) and which messenger sites they will be available from? Also, will the quite substantial bug that I found be fixed for the next version?

Edit: Btw TB what happened to your old development blog

This post has been edited by the andyman: Apr 15 2007, 12:51 PM

[Kytö]

Kinda off-topic, but does anyone know if there's an easy way to move people to groups? And is it possible to have offline/online groups seperate so in the main window it would show the groups online above the groups offline?

[psycho_maniac]

Maybe we can use or own .gif images? now that would be cooooooooooooool!

[TheSteve]

Maybe we can use or own .gif images?

custom content will *not* allow you to actually create your own content.

[napster_101]

But when is it going to be released? It's taking too long...

[Three6Mafia]

The new beta will be released when it is most likely stable and TheBlasphemer is happy with his beta product... No time frame has been given, so my suggestion is be patient and wait, because it is looking like a promising build.
Aaron,

This post has been edited by Three6Mafia: Apr 21 2007, 02:36 PM