Cairo: A New Desktop Shell Replacement In Development

Slick stuff

http://www.cairoshell.com
from WinCustomize Forums

From the guys who brought you Samurize comes Cairo, a new Desktop Shell Replacement for Microsoft Windows.

The goal with Cairo is to "transform your desktop from the dated Windows user-interface to a brand new system that will change the way you use your computer forever."  Pretty ambitious stuff, but looking at the concept work and screenshots they've released so far, it's at least going to be a damn pretty custom shell!

Cairo is rapidly approaching Milestone 1, and they've selected their first batch of testers.  Keep an eye on this project though as it looks very promising.  Hopefully it'll be easy to skin...

15,396 views 35 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's pretty and all . . but it looks like a Mac OSX shell.

I'm all for having options for my shell . . but I guess I want better options . . not just a clone option.

Is it faster?
Is it easier?
Does it have more features?
Is it skinnable?  ;)
The "Feature" page is pretty light on details.  :)

The history is interesting:

Cairo was originally created by Michael Ciarlo as a simple Samurize project containing a floating taskbar and hovering ’start’ menu. After a few weeks of work Michael abandoned the project; it had no future as a Samurize shell replacement and was limited by the program's abilities.

A few weeks after development ended on the Samurize shell, Joseph LaFountain contacted Michael and offered to help develop the project in a different format: Desktop X. Accepting the offer, the two began working on concepts for the new Cairo shell. Once the project shifted away from the original floating taskbar and start menu concepts, both developers knew that Desktop X would not be an appropriate development platform. Days later, concept work began for a shell written in C#. Cairo was on its way to revolutionizing the Windows desktop.


Also very cool that our own PurrBall is a dev over there (according to the forums).   :CONGRAT: 
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's pretty iTunes-ey looking... Nice though.
TouchTasks - Access tasks with ease on Windows touchscreens.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So it's Windows Vista Explorer with some of the toolbar buttons removed....and it uses the "picture folder view" for everything?

Oh and they removed the tree-view from the left pane. looks revolutionary.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Doesn't seem very revolutionary.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It is pretty though.  :)
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It is pretty though.
End of quote


Yeah, if I just wanted pretty I could superglue some lillies and baby's breath to my monitor. I'm all about the functionality.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
There is more info on the site... CAIROSHELL Interesting bits... "Cairo is in the early stages of development for Windows Vista. Windows XP support will come once Vista compatibility is complete." They also have a Cairo Elements Download section that contains PSD's for most of the app's elements. There a pics of all the different aspects of the shell and a forum. A lot of interesting information.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I remember seeing this a while back. Looks good. Add a bit of Iconpackager and a different wall and your good to go :)
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Nice visually, and agree with Zubaz re functionality. If you like the look, Zubaz, I spotted a "Cairo.wba" theme for XP at dA: http://samurai3.deviantart.com/art/Synthesis-inspirated-New-78121838 I think samurai3 put together a good looking theme.  ;)  and a great weekend to all!
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yep, I tried Samaurai's theme a few days ago and it's pretty nice but not something I would use  :) 
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
it is nice looking, i just don't see the whole "change the way you use your computer forever".
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I would Like to know what is it the programme for jpeg Group, Mp3 Group on the screen ? Thanks very much !
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Leo...I don't like the dark areas to type in...reversing dark background and light letters. I wish I knew how tho chage it around.  (:( 
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
it is nice looking, i just don't see the whole "change the way you use your computer forever".
End of quote
surj...I agree...hype is the norm, I guess.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This shell looks interesting. I hope it isn't as buggy as WB is for me, because there are some tiny bugs that I can't stand. I am also glad because it's being made specifically for vista. Yay!
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It'll be definitely worth trying. I imagine a lot of people will find it useful, since that's it's aim, but then as is usual, there'll be those resistant to change. ;p

I for one, look forward to trying it out.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's exciting to see how Cairo is being noticed all over the internet. :)

One thing about the article to point out, Cairo has no relation with Samurize. It's being developed with C# and WPF.
Also, you are using a very old design, which is not what Cairo is being coded off from currently. The image that should be shown is here:

WWW Link

Our Features page is coming soon.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I actually like the taskbar on the top picture, without the logo. But that's ok, because the rest is so cool!
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Also, you are using a very old design, which is not what Cairo is being coded off from currently. The image that should be shown is here:

WWW Link

Our Features page is coming soon.
End of quote


PurrBall...Where's that link? Something didn't come through.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
looks very interesting. will be fun to check out .. :)
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Also, you are using a very old design, which is not what Cairo is being coded off from currently. The image that should be shown is here:

WWW Link
End of quote



Link doesn't work........ :NOTSURE:
I would very much like to see the new look........ I'm not fond of the 'iTunes' look.
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No idea why the link isn't working, it is for me. If you look in the News section of our site, you should be able to find the latest full-screen one, as well as a peek at our task management.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
http://www.cairoshell.com/images/Explorer_Desktop_M1.jpg


www.link in #19 works for me takes me to above page

PurrBall you beat me to it