If you guys can create an interface with all this functionality and aesthetic appeal, what the heck is Microsoft doing? Maybe you should all get jobs there and take over the interface department.
Well, the latest build of Longhorn (5205ish) DOES look great... (I played with it for an hour or two last weekend).
The Beta-2 build is getting there. Few updates to the dialouges (errata and missing info mostly), splash screen whilst loading, and a couple of little fixes. I'll have the installer done today hopefully.
Where to download? I love that stuff~~~
I love the look of this. I've been a longtime LiteStep user and just picked up AveDesk for some mod-fun. I'm quite pleased with AveDesk, so far, and this shell looks promising. Keep up the good work! 
Little update:
- Beta-2 will be released to coincide with AveDesk 1.3's release. I've been testing the shell with a beta that AndreasV hooked me up with, and it's a keeper. 
Performance is GREATLY improved, among other things.
- Cooperative Mode is nearly finished. It works in Windows Classic, at least. Getting it to work with other themes takes some tweaking and a little more work, but the thing is that it WILL work and it already makes Windows Classic look (and work) a lot better on the taskbar. Litestep is now FULLY happy with its' Coop role, and shouldn't hide the taskbar on the user anymore. The clock area can pop up any widget you want it to, as well as the standard date/time CPL thing.
- New Loader app I made works great, and is happy with Coop or Standalone mode equally.
- AveShell now has a Splash Screen! It can be disabled in the Loader if you don't want to use it.
- Still taking feature requests.
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