Hi everyone
Welcome to the long overdue update to Whirligig's default build. I've put this off for far too long, which means there are a lot of updates.
Backend updates:
Unity3D updated to 2919.4.23f1.
AVPro Video plugin updated to AVPro 2.x.
Oculus SDK updated to latest build.
SteamVR updated to latest build.
Performance improvements in UI and video playback for Media Foundation.
Improvements to the UI control system.
Features:
Desktop Mirroring updated and moved to the explorer menu as a tab.
Webcam support added to the Explorer menu.
Sharpness added to Image Adjustment Menu.
Added support for external VLC installation.
Added extra movement options to key assigns.
Added thumbnails to save slots.
Proper none VR support.
Disable VR mirroring has been improved and now also displays a Whirligig mirroring disabled.
Command -forcesteam if you wish to force Oculus to use Steam instead of Oculus SDK.
compatibility with Quest/2 link cable.
Virtual Desktop support remote play supported through -forcesteam
Bug fixes:
There has been numinous bug fixes and to be honest to much to mention. If you find more let me know. They seem to keep breeding regardless of how many I squash.
If you have issues with the update
I've tried very hard to make this update not break Whirligig for people already using it. However it is important to note that it's very difficult to know how this update will effect all uses. Here are some suggestions that might help if you run into problems.
Return to previous default version
If you find that you are having problems with the update you can easy return the previous default build which will remain in the betas section in Whirligig Steam properties. I've created a tutorial to help people who haven't done this before, although I will say it's very easy to do. The build to return to is whirligig_early_access_v.4.762. Here is the tutorial:
Whirligig beta development continues and there are many updates and improvements that can be obtained by using them. If you're interested in using the betas and you're not sure how, this is a quick...
Reset Whirligig to factory settings
Whirligig doesn't hold any information in the registry and saves all it's files out to ini files contain in a folder called Whirligig in the roaming folder of windows. By deleting this folder Whirligig is effectively return to factory settings. Here are instructions to remove this folder:
Close Whirligig.
Navigate here :
C:Users%username%AppDataRoaming
Find the folder called 'Whirligig' and rename or delete it.
Restart Whirligig.
That should reset Whirligig back to factory settings. To fully be sure that it's a clean install uninstall Whirligig from Steam and check it's install folder to make sure the Whirligig folder has been removed. My install location is "C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonWhirligig" but yours my be installed in a different location. Steam when uninstalling a program should remove the install folder but I've had a couple of reports where this hasn't happened properly and when updating old files aren't overwritten which causes problems.
Contact me
If you are having a problem with the update and wish to help me fix it please contact me or post on the Whirligig Steam forum. I'll do my best to find the problem and post a fix or help with getting Whirligig working for you again. The more bugs I can find and fix the better for everyone.
Email: phileday@yahoo.co.uk
Steam Forum: https://steamcommunity.com/app/451650/discussions/0/
Final Thoughts
This update has been a long time coming and will hopefully help me move forward with more features, more improvements and more bug fixing in the future. I've been making Whirligig since 2016 and although there are several video players on the market now, I think that Whirligig still has a place for a certain type of user who just want that little extra control, projection format options or Whirligig has a specific function that isn't present in the other apps.
To everyone who has support Whirligig over the years I'm eternally grateful and look forward to updating and improving Whirligig in future versions for you all.
You've already supported me by buying Whirligig but if you want to do something else a good review is always gratefully received.
I look forward to hearing your feedback and wish you all the best of health and hopefully a great year ahead.
Until next time, keep watching
Phil
P.S.
I'm also working on a game and games engine (actually based around Whirligig). If you want to see what this is all about check out http://pageone-adventure.co.uk/