During the (very lengthy)Â Sharing Session yesterday morning, we got more information on software updates for the AYANEO Pocket DS. The majority of this portion of the showcase was dedicated to showing off software functionality specific to the AYANEO Pocket DS, with a mention that the Indiegogo page is still live for orders.
Software Progress
AYANEO mentioned that it’s been hard at work developing and improving their own in-house software for the Pocket DS, including showcasing their proprietary AYANEO DS Launcher. They showcased several software functions specific to a dual-screen device, and while they mentioned that 90% of the functions are already complete, they are continuing to develop and update the software to make improvements and iron out any bugs.
Ayaneo Pocket DS Screen Swap and Setup
AYANEO CEO, Arthur Zhang, also showed off using the bottom screen as a mouse to control and input commands on the top screen, as well as an in-house software functionality that looks to be able to allow the user to select screen orientation and layout on the fly.
Software Suite
Speaking of the software functions, we also got a look at a suite of software functionality specifically related to the Pocket DS, which can be found below:
Ayaneo Pocket DS Launcher Software Suite
- Application Drawer: One-click to display all apps, with multiple sorting and search functions
- Multi-tasking Management: Ability to independently manage tasks for each screen
- Quick Control Center: Quick access to performance and controls ala AYASPace
- Dual-Screen Management: Can open a control bar to manage information on the secondary display, including closing and pushing the display to primary
- Focus Lock: Functionality to lock primary or secondary screen, with the ability to prioritize touch input
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- Ayaneo Pocket DS Application Drawer
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- Ayaneo Pocket DS Mutitasking Manager
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- Ayaneo Pocket DS Quick Control Center
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- Ayaneo Pocket DS Secondary Screen App Quick Manager
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- Ayaneo Pocket DS Focus Lock
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- Ayaneo Pocket DS Software Overview
Developer Support
Not only that, but AYANEO is reaching out to developers and sending out dev units, specifically mentioning MelonDS, for optimization, driver, and functionality improvements. They showed a GitHub update for MelonDS that mentions the functionality was tested and verified on an Pocket DS, and Arthur continued to reiterate that they are partnering with developers to improving the functionality.
During the video, a “breaking news” segment was shared that the Ayaneo Pocket DS will have Linux support via the ROCKNIX development team, and shared a picture of the Pocket DS with the custom firmware running on the top screen.
Ayaneo Pocket DS and Rocknix
Conclusion
It looks like the AYANEO team is hard at work developing and improving on dual-screen functionality before the clamshell handheld begins shipping. This is great news for many fans of the device, especially considering the highly-anticipated AYN Thor was also recently unveiled and is also now available for pre-order.
If the AYANEO team can make strides in developing and improving software for dual-screen functionality, it will go a long way to appeasing retro gamers and fans.
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