Sneak Preview

Those in attendance at last night’s presentation got a sneak preview of what’s in store for the next version of Ryuzine.  Well, now that the cat’s out of the bag here are the high points of what to expect in version 0.9.6.0 Beta:

  • Over a dozen issues fixed
  • Support for iScroll 4 (implemented as an optional add-on)
  • Easier updating of publications (no longer need to regenerate from source files)
  • UI is now dynamically generated
  • Support for Internet Explorer 10 and BlackBerry 10
  • “Ryuzine” files can now be edited as “Source” files
  • Choose between “Table of Contents” panel or “Page Slider” style navigation
  • Updated Themes
After this next release we will also be providing “Komix Kits” – each will be a pre-formatted, pre-configured stand-alone Ryuzine publication and all comic creators will need to do is download the one for the right number of pages and binding and drop JPEG files of page scans into the images folder.  Then just zip them up for download distribution or upload the kit folder to your website.  Publishing Ryuzine webcomics will be that easy.
Ryuzine Machine is also undergoing a massive re-write!  In addition to a number of bug-fixes it will no longer be only for “webkit” browsers.  Firefox 11+ is now supported, and there is experimental support for Internet Explorer 9 and 10.  Some other additions:
  • Completely redesigned User Interface
  • Experimental “Mobile Mode” for use on select Android and iOS devices
  • WYSIWYG Editor support on select mobile devices
  • True Fullscreen editing mode (if browser can run fullscreen)
  • Improved “split view” editing mode (now both horizontal and vertical)
  • Generate custom Ryuzine Configuration Files
  • Test custom configuration files in the Simulator
  • Load URLs in the Simulator
  • Build RyuzineRack data files (more on RyuzineRack below)
  • Expanded In-App “Help” information with “Options” panel
  • Ryuzine Machine UI can now be themed (same theme files as publications)
  • Updated Simulator devices

And last but not least it will introduce our new “Ryuzine Rack” (optional) news-stand style webapp.  It is built on the same architecture as your Ryuzine publications, can use the same configuration files and the same themes for seamless integration, and offers publishers a far cooler way to provide a landing/portal than a page of text links.

It uses a simple HTML table for the catalog, so it doesn’t require a database backend. Many different types of content – including downloads and print publications – can be showcased.  It’s loaded with options for the publisher and we’re confident Ryuzine Rack will have your readers coming back.  Of course there’s more, but you’ll have to wait.

If all goes as planned the next version will be released in September  October.  The Ryuzine Press Plugin update should happen around will happen at the same time, including a WordPress integrated version of RyuzineRack that replaces the built-in custom post-type archive page for your Ryuzine Press Edition publications.  But don’t let that stop you from downloading the current version – because any publications you create can be easily updated to the next version.

[ post updated 15 September 2012 to reflect new release schedule and add information about the Ryuzine Machine update ]