Look what I found on MSDN! This neat animation comes from a technology demo made by Microsoft Japan. The particular demo (.NET 3.0 framework required) was produced to show off the functionality of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) in a 3D interactive environment. Unexpectedly, it had this interesting splash animation for Windows Vista with flying colors that come together to form the Windows logo, along with an unique soundtrack.
The interaction of colors and sound feels almost like a mix between the Sony PSP and Nintendo Wii start-up animation which both share a similar style. Maybe even the music in the background was an ‘alternative’ start-up sound? Certainly something as cool as this could have been used as the animation during boot to replace the pearl, but at around 8 seconds long, it might have been somewhat obtrusive.
I apologize for the jerky video capture. The real animation is actually very smooth, however, any screen capture softwares I tried couldn’t keep up, so here’s the best I could do.But please check out the video in the demo for yourself! Besides this cool animation, the demo also showcases the wacky and weird world of Japanese creativity.
Update: Thanks John for pointing out where to get the video! It looks like the original video file was cached was available right under my nose the whole time, now I feel stupid.
Update 2: It looks like this animation and soundtrack was not produced internally by Microsoft. Most probably by the same developers who made the technology demo, Bascule.
27 Comments
Adrian
That would be cool to have at startup!
Though, the sound, seems abit “tinny”, and “high-pitched”.
It would be better if it was a softer sound.
In my opinion.
Sam B
I love it! – Why can’t Microsoft put any decent animations in their OS. Lets hope the next version is a complete change to what we are used to!
Robert F.
For me it didnt rock my boat… and neither for that matter does the current jingle. I’m thinking on the lines of a slightly beaty type of intro to vista.
Something that follows on from windows 98 intro
Kind Regards
Rob F.
PocketKocurek
Omg… its too babyish ._.’
Anthony
MS should hire Japanese visual designers for the next Windows – the jingle does sound Japanese!
Liyster
Now why can’t we have that as the bootup animation for Windows Vista rather than some sucky looking progress bar…
Jonathan
@ Liyster
It would not be possible to do this type of animation during the progress bar. During that time the video drivers haven’t been loaded yet and the system is using very low fidelity graphics. The reason they removed any sort of picture during the loading bar is because it increases boot time by quite a bit.
John
FYI
If you want to grab the WMV it should be cached on your machine somewhere in your profile \Local Settings\Apps\2.0\.
Long Zheng
@John: Wow. Never knew that! Thanks so much.
ishan
I cant find it , can someone give he exact path or upload it.
Thanks
Long Zheng
@ishan: For me, it was under “C:\Documents and Settings\~username~\Local Settings\Apps\2.0\~random~\~random~\domi..\”. There are two directories which are made up of random letters and numbers generated by the framework. It will be unique for every computer.
The file is called “vista_comp11_audio-1.wmv”.
Chad
How do you change the folders settings to show hidden folders and content?
ishan
@Chad when the explorer is open press ALT that will give you the tools option.
@Long I found those random folders but could not find the vid. i even tried searching for the file name but no results.
Is it possible you could upload it?
grapplica
Love your blog! Super anime, though you didn’t make it
As a macfan i must admit there is something good from Vista, and yes this is it, the animation they did not use.
d light
That is soo bad! Microsoft had it right when the hired STARDUST 2 years ago! the Campaign was current and full of life! if they are smart they will go back to stardust again to save them.
http://www.stardust.tv/
Simon North
Looks good, its a shame they didnt put it as the animation just before the welcome screen in Windows Vista instead of the orb one that is currently there which just looks rubbish, although I don’t see the point in that, it is just adding to startup time.
vincent
this format is mov or mpeg or wmv but i need authui.dll format this alternate video….
who can hlp me? please…:(:(
vincent
Please somebody tell me how to use it????
Where should i replace it???
vincent
this is FAKE!!!
Lawrence
Of course its not the original one! Did you even read the post??
Great find.
Dane
Yeah can someone upload this video?
Mark
can some one tell us all how to put this has a start up?! give us those little detials for ppl who dont know please! i mean u give a post telling ppl about it but then almost no way of making it there start up animation. now if u cant make it a start up animation u should say that in ur posts ppl.
Mar (with a C not K)
If you want to save the video.
GO TO:
1. QuickTime Preferences
2. Browser > disable kiosk mode
3. Wait till the video is fully loaded > then right
> small windows will popup > Save as source or Save as Quicktime movie
PS: You most own a legal copy of Quicktime to be able to save the video.
ScienceOfThePS3
The funny thing is, I actually use this animation as a gameboot video for my PSP!
ronald
Hey, isn’t this like the new Windows 7 Build 6956 bootup?
ronald
I mean with circles instead.
Oliver
Yep, it looks like the one on windows 7
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[...] Long Zheng found this very cool animation designed to introduce Windows Vista. I’d love it if this were available to show when my computer booted up (and if someone can explain how I can do that, like with a Stardock tool, let me know. I hope Long doesn’t mind me embeding his Quicktime file: [...]
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