'ExtraMagic' for Magic Trackpad: 3/4 Finger Gestures & More - Now in Windows!

[Ryohz]

Hi Vladimir, any news about pinch to zoom feature? There's a way to check battery level on trackpad 2? I'm using windows PC

Thanks, great job.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@Ryohz: As of today, there are still some technical difficulties implementing the pinch-to-zoom feature properly. If only Apple had documented the (strange) behavior of the raw data readout from Magic Trackpad 2... then we would already have had this feature one year ago. It's difficult to explain there, but basically it's the readout reliability problem with 2 fingers specifically. And there is no point to publish the buggy feature.

Battery info - no such capability. In fact, nobody had ever requested it before.

Just in case, here is the current features summary (can be useful for newcomers). Basically, an ExtraMagic software adds the 3/4-finger gestures to the standard 1/2-finger mousing features (those of Apple-provided Magic Trackpad 2 driver from the Boot Camp 6.x package), as following:
* 3-finger dragging, 3-finger tap, 3-finger horizontal and vertical swipes
* 4-finger tap, 4-finger horizontal and vertical swipes
All of the above is configurable by user (a dozen of custom actions can be assigned from the drop-down menu for each gesture in ExtraMagic settings app). But the default setup already makes the gestures work in Windows 10 quite similarly to OS X.

And, just in case, here is the default setup of the ExtraMagic with Magic Trackpad 2 on Windows 10:
4-finger tap: middle mouse button (for example, opens web tabs in background, activates auto-scroll, or can do other things depending on the application you work with);
4-finger horizontal swipe: back/forward navigation;
4-finger vertical swipe: Task View / Show desktop navigation;
3-finger drag: dragging (by the way, according to email feedback from people it's often preferred over all other 3-finger gestures);
3-finger horizontal swipe: not active by default, but available if 3-finger drag is disabled;
3-finger vertical swipe: not active by default, but available if 3-finger drag is disabled;
3-finger tap: not active by default, but available if 3-finger drag is disabled.

 

[Daedren]

Yeah, I tried to install, couldn't get multigestures to work with my Trackpad 2 so I uninstalled it.

However, my Windows 10 is still stuck in "Test mode" due to an atherosbt.bin being unsigned, and it can't be removed.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@Daedren: Thank you for reporting! Yes, the specific built-in Bluetooth (or dongle) might be incompatible with decrypting 3+ finger data of the Apple Magic Trackpad on Windows. The fact that Atherosbt.bin is unsigned cannot be explained, sorry... the possible solution is to reinstall the Bluetooth drivers from manufacturer (Atheros). By the way it's not the first time when the Atheros Bluetooth solutions are reportedly not compatible. So I think it's time to add such warning to installer. Just in case: all Broadcom Bluetooth 4.0 chipsets are compatible (they can be found in all modern Macs, and also many of the third-party USB dongles are using the same chipsets). For example, this model works very well: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455344027&pf_rd_i=468294

 

[popsmisdeal]

@V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r I tried to install ExtraMagic on my iMac running Windows 10 via Bootcamp. Step one of the installation was to install the latest drivers from Apple if I recall correctly. I skipped this step because I was certain that my drivers were up to date. I clicked install and then a prompt appeared saying that installation failed and now my Trackpad is simply non-responsive. What the hell? I uninstalled ExtraMagic, tried restarting several times, turned the Trackpad off and on and the light on the trackpad just flashes endlessly, checked whether my drivers are up to date (they are), and nothing works. I once managed to connect it to Mac, but it was still unresponsive. Works like a charm in macOS. It's been a few days now. What the hell do I do? This trackpad is my primary input device! I'll get by without ExtraMagic, just please tell me how to get it working again.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@popsmisdeal: Any software may have bugs (so thank you very much for reporting), but in this specific case we haven't changed anything for a while and all other iMac owners are giving the positive email feedback, last time we had such feedback yesterday. So we are sure that Extramagic works smoothly and 100% reliably with a 'Boot Camped' iMac paired with Magic Trackpad 1 or 2. Blinking of the trackpad led means that the trackpad is not paired. This has nothing to do with the ExtraMagic. It is needed to pair it (or, if it was paired in Windows previously, please remove it first, and then pair again). One way to get to the pairing app is to click the Start button, choose Settings, and click the Settings app’s Devices icon. The Devices page of the app appears and shows you a list of currently installed devices. There simply click the Bluetooth option from the left side of the Devices window.

 

[popsmisdeal]

Thanks for getting back to me! I was able to get it working by removing the device in Bluetooth preferences and pairing it again. But it was tricky: you need to turn a trackpad off and back on, and then click 'Pair' while simultaneously pressing on a trackpad. I must add that still ExtraMagic was a culprit: my trackpad wouldn't work right after the installation failed. Any ideas why that happened?

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@popsmisdeal: It's the first and only such report during the entire year... ExtraMagic was designed and deeply tested to work very reliably with the Boot Camp-enabled Macs, so I truly have no ideas. Much sorry...

 

[Daedren]

So I got a Broadcom bluetooth USB the author recommended and multi gestures still don't work. Sounds like the bluetooth brand wasn't the problem after all. What a disappointment.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@Daedren: Yes, very disappointing to me as well... Especially as this worked for many people. So much a pity it didn't for you. I'm so sorry... Maybe one last try before wiping the software forever: please try to delete the folder C:\Program Files\ExtraMagic_64bit and then re-run the Step 2 of the installer, assuming that you have the Apple Boot Camp driver installed with Step 1. How to make sure Step 1 succeeded? Trackpad should allow right-click and two-finger scroll. If these are working, but the multitouch gestures aren't, please check the Secure Boot Setting in BIOS/EFI settings. Some PCs need this setting to be disabled.

 

[imacken]

@popsmisdeal: It's the first and only such report during the entire year... ExtraMagic was designed and deeply tested to work very reliably with the Boot Camp-enabled Macs, so I truly have no ideas. Much sorry...

Well, I had the exact same problem, Vlad and I have exchanged emails on the topic in the last few days.
Uninstalling ExtraMagic caused me nothing but problems. I just couldn't get the Magic Trackpad 2 working again after, and had to revert to my Magic Mouse while I spent hours trying to resolve the MT2 issue.
Although Vlad was quick to respond to emails, he completely ignored my request for help on this particular matter, and how to reinstall Bootcamp drivers.
I almost was faced with a reinstall of Windows until I eventually resolved the problem.
I personally will not be going anywhere near ExtraMagic or Trackpad++ in the future, as the gestures didn't always work, Windows was put into test mode by the ExtraMagic install and the uninstall was a nightmare as we are discussing.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@imacken: Yes, there was no way to respond again as we had nothing to add... from there all works great (and last time the uninstall was not problematic according to our weekly testing). There were no such reports from people during all year. But yes, I believe you, I think more investigation and more reports are needed in such case. And of course, nobody forces the people to use the software... But we are really receiving the positive emails daily, and because of that we strongly believe the software is useful to many people.

As for the Test Mode, if the software works for you, you can request the Microsoft-cross-signed driver component of the ExtraMagic from us (Windows 10 recognizes and fully trusts such drivers). Currently this is available to project supporters.

 

[imacken]

You keep saying that your driver is wonderful and you never get complaints, yep there are at least two people who have had the same problem here! I have also seen others in my search for a solution.
You say you didn't respond to my request for help in resolving my problem because you had nothing to say. Well, that is astonishing. Your software causes a customer problems and you don't even have the courtesy to let them know you have no idea how to fix them!
Regarding 'test mode', there is nothing on your web site to warn users that their Windows install will go into that mode. I had to search for registry hacks to get back to normal.
'Nobody forces the people to use the software'. Another customer service winner there - blame the users!
Sorry Vlad, but you really need to adopt a more responsible approach to customer service.
I wish you well, but I'm afraid I can only advise people to avoid any dealings with you or your software.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@imacken: I respect your feedback and your position (after all, if something doesn't work for someone, how can their feedback be different). But, just by the way, we've had 12 messages in conversation with you, this wasn't the non-polite or in any other meaning bad/wrong conversation. I'm not publishing it there, because I respect your privacy. But definitely there in those emails I had suggested all I could suggest, like reinstalling, removing folder, checking user privileges, etc. I had failed to really resolve your issue, though... and I'm sorry about that.

 

[imacken]

Vlad, you're still not making a user happy.
You did not say or suggest some of the things you mentioned at all in our exchange. I am happy to show the contents of our exchange and I have pasted them in below in summary form.

Me: I installed your ExtraMagic, and it appears on the start menu, but clicking on ExtraMagic settings does nothing. I'm on windows 10 64 bit. Any help on this?

Vlad: Is your user account in Windows local administrator? Or limited/standard user?

Me: Administrator

Vlad: Magic Trackpad 1 or 2? PC? or Mac via Boot Camp?

Me: Magic Trackpad 2 in Bootcamp.

Me: Any news on this?

Vlad: Much sorry, but... no ideas. Works for us in Boot Camp. Typically only PCs have issues, but for Macs via Boot Camp all works great. What happens if you reinstall? Does it also show nothing, no settings window, etc.?

Me: Is it a standalone installer? I don't have to install Power Plan Assistant like with Trackpad++ do I?

Vlad: Basically, it's needed to run Step 1, reboot, run Step 2, reboot, and if helps not, run Step 2 again. No need to install the PPA. Also I suggest to delete the folder C:\Program Files\ExtraMagic_64bit before reinstalling.

Me: I uninstalled Extramagic and now my Magic Trackpad 2 is only recognised when I plug to USB (no bluetooth), and if I look in Device Manager, most of the Apple devices are not loaded correctly! How can I get my Bootcamp drivers back?

Vlad: [Silence] and no further replies.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

I provided one more reply, and it's somehow lost from your listing. That's why 11 messages in your list, and I mentioned 12. Maybe Spam filter or email server error, but this was provided. In that response I recommended reinstalling the drivers, etc.

Sorry, but I'll be not commenting on this conversation anymore, as this moves from the topic's goal. Your feedback has been heard, and I'm REALLY sorry the ExtraMagic didn't work for you.

Peace,
Vlad

 

[imacken]

Vlad, I wish you well with your Trackpad drivers in the future, but I fear you are missing my point completely.
Just because your software works for you, doesn't mean it doesn't have issues for several other users.
I respectfully suggest that you look into why this is happening, so that you may be able to help others in the future, rather than just dismissing the issue, and telling users that 'nobody forces the people to use the software'.
I also suggest that you inform users who are installing your drivers that part of the installation process forces Windows into Test Mode. Something that a lot of users would deem to be unacceptable.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

Dear All,

Regarding the Test Mode, also known as 'TESTSIGNING': it's actually mentioned on the website of ExtraMagic project, and, more importantly, confirmed during the installation, but just to make it super-clear:

ExtraMagic makes it possible to register the multitouch gestures by using our custom-developed 64-bit Bluetooth HID driver which communicates directly with the Magic Trackpad hardware. The currently shipped driver component is not cross-signed by Microsoft for Windows 10. But now you can request such cross-signed driver (please simply send an email to support address, and the details will be provided). I cannot talk about such details on these pages, but basically, because of the expensiveness of the development / certification / other expenses this is currently available to people who assisted us with the development a bit. On the other hand, both the ExtraMagic software and Windows 10 itself are fully operational without the cross-signed driver. So this is really just an option (yes, the very good one, but not mandatory, unless you really cannot live with 'TESTSIGNING' enabled).

 

[MajorTankz]

Hey I need an honest opinion on how the Magic Trackpad 2 performs with your drivers. I've been dying for a desktop touchpad and the T650 turned about to be absolute garbage. So how does the Magic Trackpad 2 on windows with these drivers compare to it's normal performance in Mac OS and other top of line Precision touchpads? $120 is quite the investment for a touchpad so it has to be very good not just okay for me.

 

[imacken]

Hey I need an honest opinion on how the Magic Trackpad 2 performs with your drivers. I've been dying for a desktop touchpad and the T650 turned about to be absolute garbage. So how does the Magic Trackpad 2 on windows with these drivers compare to it's normal performance in Mac OS and other top of line Precision touchpads? $120 is quite the investment for a touchpad so it has to be very good not just okay for me.

Strange, I gave up on getting MT2 working well on Windows and the T650 was the answer to all issues. With the Logitech Setpoint software, it is like having (just about) all Mac Trackpad gestures working nicely in Windows.

 

[V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r]

@MajorTankz: My personal opinion (I'm not forcing anyone to follow it, it's really just my own opinion): with Boot Camp and PC support, and rich (yet easy-to-customize!) gestures for up to 4 fingers, the ExtraMagic-powered Magic Trackpad 2 can be considered the best trackpad-software combo ever made available for Windows. Also, on donators' demand we now offer the Microsoft-cross-signed driver component of the ExtraMagic, for the maximum reliability and security... As you can see on a screen shot, the ExtraMagic settings app is quite simple yet powerful:

 

[imacken]

@MajorTankz: My personal opinion (I'm not forcing anyone to follow it, it's really just my own opinion): with Boot Camp and PC support, and rich (yet easy-to-customize!) gestures for up to 4 fingers, the ExtraMagic-powered Magic Trackpad 2 can be considered the best trackpad-software combo ever made available for Windows. Also, on donators' demand we now offer the Microsoft-cross-signed driver component of the ExtraMagic, for the maximum reliability and security... As you can see on a screen shot, the ExtraMagic settings app is quite simple yet powerful:

View attachment 686938

Of course you think it's the best as you wrote and financially benefit from its sales!
Didn't do a good job for me and others, but it does for some people, so it's pot luck I feel.

 

[sucaj]

Just wanted to post and say thanks for your work on this driver - thanks to you, the Magic Trackpad 2 is the best trackpad experience available on a Windows Desktop these days. It's definitely not perfect, but I'm happy to see you are actively maintaining and improving it. Some rudimentary palm rejection, pinch-to-zoom, a battery meter, and some further options for smoothing out scrolling would be great! Looking forward to future updates and improvements.

 

[diakonia]

I am trying to use a magic trackpad 2 with a dell precision M4800 laptop using usb connection (not bluetooth) running Windows 10 64 bit

Seems like the site is not up - cannot bring up the http://trackpadextramagic.com/ site
When i had it setup for windows 8 it kept bugging me saying that it was not designed to run with usb only bluetooth.
Does this work if I'm only using it as USB?
I have the same trackpad2 paired with bluetooth to my macbook at home running mac os but bring the trackpad2 to work and don't want to loose the bluetooth pairing at home so just plug it in via usb.

 

[sucaj]

@diakonia - the driver is for bluetooth only, I'm afraid. Won't work over USB.

@V-l-a-d-i-m-i-r - the site is down! Not really good when you have builds that expire so often requiring a re-download...