Transcript: Tablet PC, December 1, 2004

Published: December 4, 2004

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Chat Date: December 1, 2004

Please note: Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity

Introduction

Andy Q (Moderator):
We are pleased to welcome our Experts for todayâ€™s chat. I will have them introduce themselves now.

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Hi, I'm Arin Goldberg, ISV Architect for the Tablet PC Group

Robert Williams (Expert):
Robert Williams, Director of Business Development and Partner Engineering, Mobile Platforms Division. My team manages OEM, ODM, IHV, and ISV partner business development relationships as well as engineering support for all of the above.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Hi my name is Frank Gocinski and I work on ISV Evangelism and Business Development for the Tablet PC team. Thanks for joining us today!

michelle_msft (Expert):
Hi. I'm Michelle McKelvey, I just joined the tablet/mobile pc team as an ISV Architect working with Frank and Arin.

VictoriaKruse_MS (Expert):
I'm a Program Manager on the Mobile PC team. Welcome to the chat!

Chris_H [Tablet MVP] (Expert):
Hi! I'm Chris Hassler, Tablet PC MVP, Tablet enthusiast, and owner/editor of http://nicecreations.us. Welcome to the monthly Tablet PC Chat.

Andy Q (Moderator):
Let this questions fly! Donâ€™t be shy

Start of Chat

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: I have a tablet pen which is HID and support pressure but when I use an inkoverlay object it doesn't support pressure (I am using a desktop) what do you think is the problem?
A: Liad - Are you sure that the digitizer supports pressure? You can check by using the IsPacketPropertySupported method on the Tablet object

terri-TabletMVP (Expert):
Hi, dupont, Nice to see you. :)

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Will Windows XP Professional-compatible programs run on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition?
A: Yes. Tablet PC Edition is a full superset of Windows XP Professional and will run all XP compatible programs

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: arin: on the control panel I have the tablet icon and when I press it to get to the driver I get tab where I can test the pressure and it works
A: It sounds like you are using a digitizer without the HID driver, if it's a WACOM digitizer, you'll want to install the tablet pc driver from www.wacom.com/tabletpc this will solve your problem.

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Hello experts. I work for a mapping company in California and am interested the direction that the TabletPC is heading. Does Microsoft see TabletPC's getting smaller... ...or will PDA's (Windows CE) get bigger and more powerful?
A: Tablet PCs will get smaller. The challenge with Windows CE devices is that they do not run full Windows applications, only cut down versions. Ultimately all of these devices will be x86 powered and run a version of full Windows, like the Tablet PC OS or similar.

Chris_H [Tablet MVP] (Expert):
Q: Did I not see at least one of you MVPs saying Virtual PC runs fine on your tablet?
A: Yes, VPC works fine, except you won't have the Tablet PC functions unless you were to install the full XP SP2 and Tablet PC Edition 2005 on there. If your intent is to run a different OS, then you won't have the Tablet functions at all.

VictoriaKruse_MS (Expert):
Q: Is there any chance that in a future service pack, we will get the floating tip back as an option?. It seems to be almost an faq on tablet groups.
A: The floating TIP was replaced by an in-place TIP as part of SP2. Although SP2 was clearly an exception, service packs generally don't contain feature changes such as this. However, we're looking at a variety of options for future versions of the operating system and your feedback is definitely welcome.

terri-TabletMVP (Expert):
Thanks, William. I can use the help :)

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: arin: will it work on another manufacture not wacom tablet pen?
A: It will require that there is an available HID driver from the manufacturer of the digitizer.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: Why isn't Ink Recognition part of Microsoft Windows XP... ...or distributable like the TabletPC runtime?
A: Ink Recognition is a core part of the Tablet platform and currently we have no plans to change this. I am interested however in hearing what scenarios are you are trying to accomplish?

terri-TabletMVP (Expert):
I try to keep it current, William. Check out the winners of the Tablet PC Think In Ink contest. There are some great applications there now for Tablets.

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Why doesn't anyone address the biggest drawback to a tablet? You canâ€™t get work done because everyone always wants to look at my tablet. What is Microsoft doing to help with this problem?
A: We're trying to make that problem worse :)

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: how can I reuse a Divider object? how do I re-assign the inkoverlay strokes again after I clear the strokes from the inkoverlay (I get some exceptions).
A: Liad - don't clear the strokes, set the strokes property to null. Then reassign the diverder.strokes to a new strokes collection

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: I'd like to know more about what the experts are doing to maximize their TPC experiences, I've seen a little of what Bert Keely is up to.
A: Some of our focus areas are digitizer technologies and display technologies. My team works closely with Bert Keely and the HW vendors in these areas. You can see some of the improved display properties in the new Motion M1400 The View Anywhere screen is really impressive. Not just indoor/outdoor but also the wide viewing angle. It's a little early to talk about what we have up our sleeves wrt digitizers but expect to see some new technologies and capabilities around mid year 2005.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: Is there a timescale for introducing a journal note reader into the SDK?
A: We are working on the plans now and hope to makes something available in the next few months. Keep an eye on http://msdn.microsoft.com/tabletpc, that's where youâ€™ll hear about this first.

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: how can I merge two strokes to one stroke? for example I want the letter 't','i' (needs two strokes) to be one stroke.
A: Merging strokes can be done in a couple of different ways. Take a look at the Ink.CreateStroke API, this will allow you to create a new stroke with the data of multiple strokes. But keep in mind if you merge strokes for the letter I, it's going to render like an l (since it will render between all points on the stroke).

Andy Q (Moderator):
For those new to the chat - Our topic is Tablet PC. Keep those questions coming!

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Any chance of incorporating media center features to tablet PC?
A: We are actively considering our options in this area. No commitments at this time. Personally, I believe that tablets are the ultimate MCE playback device.

terri-TabletMVP (Expert):
Josh, there are 3rd party programs that will work.

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: arin: and then there is a chance that the reco will not recognize it as an I right?
A: Liad, correct, it will look like an l

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Engineers, planner and other design professions have pen driven devices like the WACOM tablet (LCD screen with touch sensitive screen). It would nice to deploy TabletPC-type app (with Ink to Text recognition).
A: At this time we do not supply the tablet OS for installation on a desktop PC. However, we did develop a driver that allows all the applications based on a Wacom external digitizer to run on tablet PCs.

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: I want to send my application to another desktop pc, do I need to add the new recognizer pack file to the setup of the application or there is a dll I can add reference to (like microsoft.ink?)
A: Liad - the recognizers are NOT redistributable, you can not add them to your setup. Recognition will only work on a machine running the Tablet PC OS

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: arin: I mean the new recognizer pack it works on a desktop too
A: Liad - The new recognizer pack works on desktops for development use only. This is part of the EULA. It can not be shipped as part of your application.

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Question: Does the resolution of the tablet screen have anything to do with improvement of ink recognition? The Toshiba M200 I think is the only ones out that has a greater than 1024x768 resolution of the tablet pc's in the market.
A: No effect. The digitizer resolution and the screen resolution are independent parameters. Digitizer resolution can affect reco quality at some point, but most digitizers today are way above the threshold. Screen resolution only affects the quality and appearance of the rendered ink.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: Question: Does the resolution of the tablet screen have anything to do with improvement of ink recognition? The Toshiba M200 I think is the only ones out that has a greater than 1024x768 resolution of the tablet pc's in the market.
A: No, the tablet digitizer's resolution and ability to sample ink is what allows us to collect at a more granular level hence improving our ability to do text recognition

VictoriaKruse_MS (Expert):
Q: Well, I'm wondering what you guys do to minimize the number of strokes, clicks, and minutes it takes to accomplish your tasks with the TabletPC.
A: Installing SP2 and using the in-place input panel has been a huge benefit in terms of efficiency with the pen. Some other random ideas...I've noticed some folks switch to single-click activation of shortcuts and files instead of the standard double-click. Making scrollbars and titlebars a little bigger make them easier to tap with the pen. I've also added a lot more applications to my Quick Launch toolbar on my taskbar to make it easy to launch apps quickly. I'm also a lot more diligent about adding favorite Web sites to my Favorites list so that I rarely have to type in a URL. I'm sure other folks could add their own tips and tricks.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: I've seen posts on TabletPCBuzz recently from new users who purchased used (I'm assuming) tablets on EBay. Apparently the Tablet OS has not been installed just regular XP. If you run the SP2 install will it add tablet features to a tablet with only XP?
A: Correction to my previous answer - I didnâ€™t realize you said it came without the tablet os installed. I am afraid XP SP2 will only update the Tablet OS if it is installed on a Tablet PC running an earlier version. It sounds like whatâ€™s being sold are not true Tablet PCs

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: I use the recocontext object and give it the entire specific sentence or all the abc? but I know that when I use recocontext it do it's best to make false writing into true at the end, and I want the user to make mistakes. please what should I do?
A: Liad - The recognizers will really only give you word level recognition. You will have to work out letter separation on your own. I'd recommend using a Strokes collection object instead of trying to merge stroke objects. The strokes collection is ideal for managing multiple strokes that you want to see as a unified group.

Arin Goldberg [MS] (Expert):
Q: Robert & Arin: Will a distributable recognizer pack be available sometime soon?
A: The recognizer pack is available for use on the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. On any other operating system, it is for developer use only. Any other use would be in violation of the licensing agreement.

WNewquay MVP (Expert):
Q: Or it could be the drives were wiped, but were true Tablets; I'd wipe a drive before selling a machine
A: MiniMage,

WNewquay MVP (Expert):
Wouldn't you reinstall the O/S before selling the machine (after wiping the drive)?

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Can a tablet PC os be installed on a laptop?
A: A developer can do that and use an external wacom digitizer pad for development purposes only. The OS is not available for end users to install on PCs that are not tablet capable (eg, no built in digitizer)

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: Frank, they are tablets but they have been wiped and are being sold without the OS. I bought my Motion that way. Luckily I have an MDSN Universal subscription. Otherwise I donâ€™t know how people are getting the OS.
A: You need to contact the manufacture, this is a problem they would need to correct. Sorry

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Is there any development to improve Speech Recognition? Looks like the TPC is still using SAPI.dll for text-speech and speech-text. Is there a "next generation" of the speech API?
A: We are working to improve speech. We have a architect on the tablet team that is an expert in audio hardware. He is working to improve the signal to noise and other aspects of the audio path. The MS speech team (not part of the tablet org) continues to improve the SW and the algorithms. We will incorporate their improvements as they become available.

WNewquay MVP (Expert):
Q: WN, I definitely would, because I would want a happy customer, but it looks like some folks on eBay don't see it that way.
A: So that's just another thing that eBay purchasers have to ask... "What Operating System is installed?"

Chris_H [Tablet MVP] (Expert):
Q: Are Microsoft aware of the problem with the TIP where an ink aware application (like, but not restricted to GoBinder) is in ink input mode in the background, handwriting in the tip closes when you are writing half way across the line (when it should go to
A: Are you using direct input on the screen, without the Tablet Input Panel? That's the way programs like GoBinder, OneNote, etc., are designed.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: Has the developer community embraced "custom gestures"? If so, in what context?
A: Richie what do you mean by embraced custom gestures? We are seeing some ISVs support gestures - SalesForceAutomation is a good example of where gestures are used to drive the application more efficiently

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: This is somewhat new ground. Before, you could get into trouble re-selling a computer with an OS on it. Perhaps those sellers don't realize the license follows the machine.
A: I'm not free to comment on what's legal and what's not because I am not an attorney, and that's OK with me. If you are purchasing a tablet from a source other than the OEM I suggest you ask all the right questions so that you don't get surprised.

Chris_H [Tablet MVP] (Expert):
Q: I mean when goBinder (and I believe oneNote) are open in direct input mode, but minimized in the background and you are using the tip to input text in a normal text field in a foreground application
A: I haven't seen that behavior here. I would suggest making sure you're updated on the Tablet with all your drivers, specifically the graphics and pen drivers.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: arin: so u mean the realtime option is better ? if no ,what is the best way to find out which strokes are used for recognizing 't','i'... letters?
A: Liad, Arin had to leave so let me try to answer. The recognizers are built as a neural net there are many algorithms in the background that look at the stroke data to identify what characters they represent. You should check out our development center for more detailed information - http://msdn.microsoft.com/tabletpc and/or our developer newsgroups.

VictoriaKruse_MS (Expert):
Q: I have a motion tablet. I use Word 2003 with SP2. After a while, I am not able to enter written text in the last half of the TIP line. I have to close the TIP and save and then start over. Motion says this is software problem. They duplicated it. Vexing.
A: That problem doesn't sound familiar to me - though if it's specific to SP2, it may just not have come up often yet. You might want to check with Motion again and see what they're doing about it. If they're getting a lot of reports about it, then they could contact us to request that we investigate (if it's likely a software issue with the Tablet OS or Office).

Andy Q (Moderator):
We have about 10 minutes left in today's Tablet PC chat.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: FrankGo: I mean, the TPC comes with a good number of standard gestures. Have many developers implemented custom gestures?
A: I am not aware of all the work being done but I have seen folks building in support for custom gestures. One place for info is Brown University they are really pushing some of this on tablet check out http://www.cs.brown.edu/~jjl/mathpad/

Andy Q (Moderator):
Q: Where I can find the comparation of Windows XP Professional and Home Edition?
A: you might start here http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/default.mspx

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: Where I can find the comparation of Windows XP Professional and Home Edition?
A: Someone else will provide the exact URL. I'll give you the high level answer. XP Pro has a domain controller, XP Home does not. If you need to jion a domain you need Pro. There are other differentiating features but that one is the big gotcha. If you are not sure, get Pro and you are covered.

Andy Q (Moderator):
We've got about 5 minutes left, any last questions?

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: Will Micrsoft Registered/Certified/Gold Certified Partners who are ISV's and who have MAP subscriptions have access to Tablet PC Operating System pre-releases?
A: All our public betaâ€™s will be handled through the Windows BetaPlace program so if you are signed up there you should be notified. We are in process integrating with the programs you mention too however, today to keep in touch you should sign up as a Tablet PC partner - http://www.tabletpcpartners.com

VictoriaKruse_MS (Expert):
Q: My drivers are all up to date. It is quite a widespread problem that came to light on tabletpcbuzz, and was originally attributed to Agilix as that is where it was noticed but was then noticed in other applications. It can be got round by switching the
A: Ah, I didn't catch the mention on TabletPCBuzz. If it is widespread, then we'll probably hear about it soon from the manufacturers - they'll pass on to us anything that is generating support calls. If you post a notice in the Tablet PC newsgroup with detailed reproduction steps, you may get more information from the MVPs that help us in the newsgroups or from the Microsoft support folks who also review the newsgroups.

Chris_H [Tablet MVP] (Expert):
Q: how can I disable bluetooth settings if I want too?
A: In Control Panel/Bluetooth, if your machine has the option installed, or in Device Manager, right-click the device and select Disable.

Robert Williams (Expert):
Q: What is the NUMBER ONE improvement in the next major release of the TabletPC OS?
A: The next major release will be Longhorn. There is not a single NUMBER ONE improvement. This is a major OS release and will deliver tablet and mobile PC improvements in all of the key mobility areas like networking and connectivity, power management, collaboration, natural user input, reco, multi monitor, docking/undocking, fast access (so called instant on or always on) etc.

Andy Q (Moderator):
OK guys thanks for all your questions but it's time to go!

Chris_H [Tablet MVP] (Expert):
tacflyervq3 What sort of port problems? A description would be nice.

Andy Q (Moderator):
I'd like to thank all of our experts as well for their participation.

frankgo_ms (Expert):
thanks for all the great questions and feedback

Robert Williams (Expert):
Thanks all. See ya next time

frankgo_ms (Expert):
Q: Thanks a lot :) send arin thanks too keep up the good work :)
A: will do

Andy Q (Moderator):
Bye!!

Chris_H [Tablet MVP] (Expert):
Q: I hope they'll put write Anywhere back. Some of us of still miss it, even if Chris converted :)
A: The option would be neat.

For further information on this topic please visit the following:

Newsgroups: Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Transcripts: Read the archive of past Tablet PC chats.
Website: Visit the home page for Tablet PC

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