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Industry observers note that now, Stardock Applications is giving it its own flavor with AltTabby, adding smarter grouping, custom layouts, and an improved search experience. In the pantheon of Windows shortcuts, Alt+TAB is one of the most widely used.
According to the latest update, groupy 2 manages app windows like browser tabs. You might call AltTabby ($7.99 during its beta period) a twist on Groupy’s model, which already groups apps into tabs. Stardock has already “fixed” other functions within Windows: Start11 V2 reworks the Start menu, while Fences keeps your desktop tidy.
As part of the ongoing story, it can take valuable seconds to click-click-click your way through applications and browser windows until you find what you want. AltTabby lets you pin a window or application, which simplifies the process. The one hassle that AltTabby appears to have immediately solved is the mess of windows that can dominate a typical PC workspace when you’re juggling several tasks.
According to the latest update, (AltTabby is a different effort from Alt-Tabby, another Alt+Tab replacement dropped on GitHub, a Stardock representative confirmed.).
Industry observers note that users can switch between tabs using an icon view or Windows-like screenshots of the app in question. AltTabby also includes a search interface, so you can simply search for the tab you want. Stardock also appears to have taken some visual cues from Apple’s own design language, specifically Cover Flow, when it comes to switching between applications.
According to the latest update, plus, the Cover Flow-like view (at top) is just so dang sexy.
In a fresh development, stardock provided me with a free license to try out AltTabby, and my immediate reaction was, um, I’m not sure I need this.
As part of the ongoing story, alt+TAB, by default, is designed to be a simple swap between apps, and on the surface, AltTabby is simply too close to justify the additional cost. It’s the options that may hook me in, such as the ability to swap between windows of the same app though an Alt+ shortcut. AltTabby has a ton of options for those willing to invest the time as well as the money. I think that opinion might change, however.
The report highlights that however, if you think you’ll benefit from the increased configuration options AltTabby provides, give it a try — a trial option is available. After the beta period expires, the programs’s 20 percent discount will expire as well, bringing the $7.99 price to just under $10. I still think that the most productive way to use Windows, or any app, is through simple familiarity.
The report highlights that he has authored over 3,500 articles for PCWorld alone, covering PC microprocessors, peripherals, and Microsoft Windows, among other topics. Mark has written for publications including PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Highly adopted Science and Electronic Buyers' News, where he shared a Jesse H. Neal Award for breaking news. He recently handed over a collection of several dozen Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs because his office simply has no more room. Mark has written for PCWorld for the last decade, with 30 years of experience covering technology.