Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

Chris C. — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:59:56 GMT

Very good application. Had some trouble on the initial setup within the UI which took a few times to get right. Once figured out, runs as expected. Can't wait for updates.

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

David Overton — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:00:14 GMT

Montastic, thank-you for the original posting on xda. I really appreciate it.

I'm sure the UI will evolve over time. I want to get to a Microsoft typical folder view, however there are several challenges that cause the problems. I'm always happy to discuss new UI options, but probably easier either done on a forum (I will create one on here) or via e-mail at admin@davidoverton.com.

Now, for the challenges, there are three:

1) Every write (or sync) of a file creates a new date/time stamp. This means that unless I simply sync all those differences and add to the network utilisation, I have to do a pre-scan and ask the user to manually sync them up. I will add back the code to offer to do this on the 1st run. What is more, time date stamps change differently between the file system and SkyDrive. For example, a folder gets a date stamp change when a file is deleted on the file system, but not SkyDrive. The internal references to files on SkyDrive do not change (neither does the date/time stamp) when renamed on SkyDrive. The UI, at the moment, means that the user is still responsible resolve any anomalies that are thrown up to avoid incorrectly overwriting files. Once this is secure, I will automate this to a greater extent.

2) WinRt has resource problems. Displaying a list of files exhausts the system, so I've had to resort to the current drill in / out and grouping. This added a week of coding at least

3) WinRT has background threading support that I have to use to enable the UI to be responsive while "work" is happening. Unfortunately this process is very buggy with processes hanging between start and run, so lots of extra code goes here.

To date, I've been working on these "under the cover" problems. Once I have that stable, and yes, I'm getting a few bug reports right now, I will concentrate more on the UI.

In the short term, I will add a "first-run" fix-up option to remove most of the issues. I will also add a "Sync everything" button to remove all the user "hassle" as well to just get going.

All UI feedback is welcome as I will be working on this over the coming weeks.

Thanks

David

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

Montastic — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:32:01 GMT

David, good job with the app. I was the one who posted a link on xda a while back when you had the first version out.

I bought the latest version and tried it on my surface.

I think that app right now is from a programmer's point of view rather than a user's. To me, it seems too complicated.

Why not have just source (Skydrive) folder selection, local folder and then a sync button. (Optional buttons to specify sync direction).

Selection with bold folders, italics, etc just adds unnecessary clutter. I'm a hardware designer and familiar with programming/apps, but I still had to look up on your website to see how it should be setup. My $0.02.

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

davidsmi — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:17:16 GMT

I was able to sync files without any problem (it ran rather quickly).

I think the UI is more complicated that most people need. I think most of us would like to setup where to sync to - - - then sync. Next time we sync we just sync - just a "are you sure" would be enough.

Maybe some people have huge SkyDrives, but I just keep the essentials there!

David

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

David Overton — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:29:27 GMT

Thomas,

There are two things. First can you send me an e-mail at admin@davidoverton.com. I will tell you how to find the log file created and we can find out if that has recorded any issues.

On the initial log-in, rest assured that the "quick click" need should go away, however, the licensing and LiveID login are both controlled by Microsoft, so I have limited capabilities here.

Thanks

David

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

David Overton — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:20:52 GMT

Christopher and Thomas,

I have removed the dialog for trial, so this should remove this issue. It will take a day or so for the application to get certified by Microsoft.

Thanks

David

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

Thomas — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:15:01 GMT

Great Tool, David.

As explained by Christopher above, one Need to Close after First Launch and then it asks Locations etc.

I've downloaded / synced 1,5 GB with around 1200 Files form my SkyDive succesfully.

One issue remains ... after next Launch it compares the Folder and then "processing Updates File liste" wich seems to hang. Art least it is running in this Mode for More than one hour now. Any suggestions what to Do?

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

Christopher — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:27:06 GMT

It seems that if you wait more than 2 seconds on the try-out pop-up before pressing the close button, the app is somehow stucked. It tooks me 3 times for the system asking me autorisations (about accessing Skydrive and personals files) and retried then 5 or 6 times before the app asking me the local folder to sync.

At the first launch, the app was trying to scan my Skydrive and never asked me any autorisation first : i waited 20 mns before rebooting as i had no result.

As soon as the first try-out window pop, press quickly close and see if it does the trick...

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

David Overton — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:18:30 GMT

Gambit,

I've assumed Microsoft accounts due to the tight integration with Microsoft for SkyDrive. Can you turn on detailed debugging (Settings, bottom option) and then e-mail at admin@davidoverton.com and I will tell you how to retrieve the log files.

From there I can start to diagnose your issue. Thanks for letting me know.

David

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

Gambit — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:14:02 GMT

Does not Works for me, I'm never asked for files locations. Is it working with local accounts ? Or only Microsoft accounts ?

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

davidsmi — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:02:40 GMT

Installation went well - I'll try sync'ing tonight!

THANKS!

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

David Overton — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:57:23 GMT

Guilherme,

I have made the application available in all geographies, although I've not been able to customise the languages, so I've not placed any restrictions.

Thanks

David

P.S. I live in the UK, so definitely not US only.

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

Guilherme B. — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:35:09 GMT

Will it be available only in the US? I would certainly buy it if was available here in Brazil...

re: Sync for SkyDrive–version 2 for Windows RT and Windows 8

Christopher — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:12:36 GMT

David,

Great news today ! Looking forward to try it and give you some feedbacks. Just have a nap in the meantime, you deserve it.