Display/Functionality Issues in Tablet Mode

https://steamcommunity.com/id/Joooooook/recommended/1694750?snr=1_5_9__402
from Stardock Forums

I'm creating this post in relation to the review, feedback and communication with MagnumPCI on Steam regarding functionality. Specifically for a Windows 2 in 1 ultrabook. 

 

For some reason YouTube is throwing a tantrum regarding the video I'm trying to upload, so please follow the Streamable link: https://streamable.com/k41qic

Links to Steam Reviews for further context and discussion with MagnumPCI
Steam Start v2 review: https://steamcommunity.com/id/Joooooook/recommended/1694750?snr=1_5_9__402
Multi Device Upgrade DLC review: https://steamcommunity.com/id/Joooooook/recommended/2779080?snr=1_5_9__402

 

The linked video starts with the device being used in typical "laptop" mode where the Taskbar appearance and functionality are as expected from desktop mode. A few seconds later I fold my device into "tablet" or "portable" mode - where you see a little icon of a trackpad with a line through it appear and then disappear moments later on screen. (The typical Windows chime is played for a device connecting/disconnecting too) I'm mentioning this as it signifies when the device is flipped/swapped from laptop to tablet mode and back again.

 

One in tablet mode, you will see an explorer window open, and then Steam and other windows cycle to the front of others as I'm trying to swipe and tap where my taskbar should be to bring it into view. You'll see multiple touch inputs indicated on the screen at various intervals trying to trigger to typical Windows handle to drag up the taskbar, or just reveal the taskbar - which does eventually happen, but has none of the customization features or functionality that even the typical Windows default taskbar would have.

 

You can see as the video continues, I'm repeatedly trying to interact with the taskbar and Start menu, yet the functionality and ability to hit or even move icons is not working correctly at all. The last five to ten seconds of the video, I unfold the device back into laptop mode, and the typical and expected functionality returns after a small graphical lag/stutter or glitch. 

 

I do enjoy the Stardock Start 11 software, and honestly only use a fraction of it's functionality. However, I've been using Start 11 for multiple years at this point on my desktops, and really wanted to have the same visual and functional (or at least similar) capabilities on my laptop when used in tablet mode. I'm sure somebody is likely to chime in and say "just don't use it in tablet mode." Which would just be ignoring the issue altogether. Further, I and my clients use the device in tablet mode, both in landscape and portrait orientation when we're looking at documents, and often will switch between a full screen PDF document, to something like notion, or Nebo (a handwriting note taking app, I highly recommend btw) which increases productivity for us.

 

At the moment my only option is to have the Start 11 software uninstalled on this specific device, as It's basically super janky and makes for a waste of time when in tablet mode. Again, this is the primary mode that the device is used in. Sadly, this had made my multi-machine purchase a waste of money. I'm not looking for a refund, as I'd honestly like to support the development of Start 11. I'd much rather bring these issues into the light so that hopefully a solution for myself and others can be worked on.     

start start11 function tablet windows 2 in 1 start menu products
1,936 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Need few more information on your system.

  1. Windows full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe.
  2. Start11 full version number installed.
  3. You have turn on auto hide taskbar, yes, please make sure Windows auto hide is disable and turn on Start11 autohide instead and try turn on "Reserved one Pixel at the edge of the screen..."
  5. Have you tried different setting in Taskbar touch mode detection? Refer screenshot below.

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi Basj,


I've followed your recommendations and have some of the visual elements working, like rounded taskbar corners. However, the functionality to use the taskbar in tablet mode is still not present, no matter which Taskbar touch mode detection setting is used. I've tried a multitude of windows taskbar settings in conjunction with Start11, from everything on to everything off and every possible setting between the two.

Still, there is no appropriate way to bring the taskbar up from being hidden unless I press and hold like a "click" input, and then drag my finger around where the taskbar should be. This is the only thing that prompts it to then appear, which is obviously stupid.

Further to this, it creates problems for any window that may be in use at the time, as it's registering clicks or taps in that window just to try and get the taskbar to show up... 

Windows and Start11 version numbers are listed here as requested.

Windows Version: 223H2 Build 22631.3880
Start11 Version: 2.08 

Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Would like to suggest to download the latest Start11 v2.10 Beta which release recently. More information on this issue can be found here: https://forums.stardock.com/529635/. Please give it a try and report back. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Appreciate your suggestion and help trying to troubleshoot. I'm not in a position where I want to beta test the software in this situation on a device that's primarily for professional use. I'll pick it up again and maybe test/try is at a later date on the machine in question. Thanks! :sun:  

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Should I feel the urge to slam my head against a brick wall, I'll do that instead of having to manually install software to check and see if issues with it have been fixed...