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Hi All (especially Torliq),

Not sure what's the future of this software is, since the last post dates from few months ago... but no matter what, I'd like to share few points.

First and foremost, conceptually it is a brilliant idea but when it comes to its practical use I think there are constraints which are preventing its broader user acceptance.

From my prospective, the software can be used in 3 scenarios:

1. Co-located with the HTPC, either built-in or externally connected touch screen

2. Installed on a remote PC or Laptop

3. Installed on a portable device i.e. touch screen tablet

In terms of functionality and affordability following is the further view on each of the above scenarios:

1. Perfectly suitable scenario but not really a remote... rather add-on nice to have feature.

2. This one works, but I don't think it is a winner simply because it doesn't seem practical. I used it to test the software and that is where it end.

3. This one should be the main winner but unfortunately cannot take off because of few constraints:

    a. Locked in to be used on fully featured Windows (.NET framework). It cannot work on CE and soon XP will be dropped off when moving from 3.5 to 4.0 .NET.

    b. Fully featured Windows tablets are far to expensive to be justified as remotes. Some may argue this, but my idea is to have a dedicated feature-rich HTPC remote rather than a tablet for every day use and this software on it... It simply doesn't fulfill its primary purpose ... which is being a remote.

    c. Another point would be the tabled size. In my view 7" would be ideal which additionally makes Windows tablet less affordable if not impossible to find. I don't think that anything larger than that can be classified as "remote".

Now here comes the conclusion and possible options moving forward:

1. Win CE support. - This may not have the longevity since I'm not sure what the future of this OS is.

2. Android portability. - This would be a winner since 7" Android tablets can be sourced for under $100 and the prices will only go down.

Not sure if it is possible, how difficult and how much work is involved to port the Yatse on Android but to me this looks like the only option that can potentially take off. I even think if ported with the same functionality as it is, none would complain paying few bucks to download the app and that may be much better option financially instead of relying on donations.

Sorry about the huge post but I felt like sharing this after failing to find an affordable and suitable device.

If nothing gets changed, either 7" Win7 tablets hit the sub $100 price range or Yatse gets ported to Android,  in my view this will be just a good software with really high potential.

Best of luck.

Cheers