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TransparentBar v0.1.8

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@github-actions github-actions released this 07 Nov 15:25
· 25 commits to main since this release
v0.1.8
c0267ea

TransparentBar v0.1.8

Major architectural overhaul of the taskbar connector, introducing dynamic full-width edge sampling and live updates during scrolling.

What comes bundled:

  • TransparentBar.exe - Native Windows host executable (x64)
  • transparentbar_bridge-0.1.8.dll - Native taskbar transparency bridge
  • Inno Setup Installer (TransparentBar-setup.exe) - Standard per-user installation with desktop shortcut option
  • Portable ZIP Archive (TransparentBar-windows-x64.zip) - Standalone package with SHA-256 verification sums

What doesn't come bundled:

  • Single-color center pixel approximations
    • The connector now samples every column across the taskbar width
  • Continuous polling during fullscreen video or gaming
    • Background sampling remains suspended during fullscreen activity

New and improved MAJOR features in 0.1.8:

  • Full-Width Per-Column Edge Sampling

    • Replaced the legacy single-pixel center sample with a full-width, four-row edge capture.
    • Each column receives its own local color with horizontal box blur smoothing (radius=8), allowing dark margins and bright center panels to coexist naturally.

  • Independent 120 ms Connector Refresh Timer

    • Added an isolated, window-owned refresh timer that tracks content changes while an app is maximized.
    • Scrolling, switching tabs, and navigating web pages update the gradient automatically without requiring window focus or click events.

  • Strict GDI Synchronization

    • Enforced checked GdiFlush() synchronization before CPU pixel reads to guarantee all BitBlt transfers complete before sampling.

  • Seam-Aware Capture Placement

    • Adjusted the screen capture rectangle to sample device pixels immediately above the overlay seam (bar.top - 2 - rows), eliminating feedback loops.

Important

If a capture or render operation fails, TransparentBar automatically hides the strip rather than leaving stale or corrupted colors displayed.

New and improved minor features in 0.1.8 include:

  • DIB Section Reuse: Pre-allocates and reuses 32-bit DIB sections across frames, uploading to UpdateLayeredWindow only when column colors change.
  • Geometry Relocation Handling: Automatically hides the connector if taskbar dimensions shift before capturing the new edge.
  • Deterministic Native Tests: Added two-frame DIB BitBlt regression tests proving live scanline updates.
Click here to view technical & architectural details
  • Alpha Math: Pre-multiplied BGRA layout with 90% top opacity and 1.65 power falloff.
  • Resource Cleanup: Full RAII management across memory DCs, DIB sections, and system hooks.

Downloads & Verification

Full Changelog: v0.1.7...v0.1.8

Assets 4
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