Some time ago we highlighted the developments of Community member blueocean and his PointSense Suite. Blueocean with fellow Community member Zepiii  and others lending a hand have now released 2.0.1.1 Beta. This release sees some great additions and builds on the fantastic work previously done.

If you like the look of things and give PointSense v2 a try please provide them some feedback, we’re sure they’d appreciate it.

Krzychu has written (in Polish) an excellent introduction to Applets. You can read the article in Polish or with the use of Google Translate here. Thanks for the great work Krzychu.

We received some wonderful Twitter applets and after some tough deliberation we finally have our winners.

<drum roll>

1st - TwitUI by joelaloose
2nd - PointSense Twitter by alienworkshop
3rd - HomePlus Twitter by gronostaj

Thanks to everyone who entered, we really enjoyed seeing what the Community could do in such a short amount of time and hope to see more of this fantastic work continue.

* Winners will be contacted directly regarding prize money.

It hasn’t taken long for Community member blueocean to gain a large following with his PointSense Suite. The preview video (below) of version 2 shows off some really exciting features. While you wait for him to complete this very impressive work check out PointSense Suite.

Its always nice to see a new direction take shape in the form of new functionality. The recent changes in Home 2 Pro have made way for some impressive results.

Blueocean is busy putting some final touches on his, PointSense Suite and even has a video demo.

Cardefbel has also been busy extending and tweaking his effort Pointui NextGen to push the limits of what can be done with Home 2 Pro and he too has a video of it in action.

While they both not finished (by definition of their authors) things are certainly looking good. If you’re the type that like a bit of a tinker we recommend you make a backup of your Home 2 and then dive in.

We’ve been busy working on a few things and while we didn’t plan on releasing any major updates we couldn’t help but sneak in a few things and simplify the product distribution.

The 2.1.06c build sees some nice additions for those wanting to tweak the memory usage and not display script errors (even though they’re important) and the default theme is Tinted with the addition of 7even as an option within Cusotmize > Change Theme.

We have also consolidated the builds so we distribute only one build for the respective screen sizes (and X1). The functionality that was known (and loved) in the Free version of Home 2 is the default functionality for the release. So it is clear that you are using the version that can be activated the version information that displays in the about screen will display ‘Lite’. Upon purchase of Pro you now simply enter your serial number and unlock the Pro functionality, no more downloading another release and upgrading.

We no longer have the intention to distribute any updated builds of Home 2 Free. The only difference between the Free version and the Lite version is a screen displaying that it is the Lite version and Pro features aren’t available unless you buy Pro. You can continue to use the Lite version for as long as you like, there is no time limit, but you should really go Pro, seriously, everybody is doing it.

When we released the GPS functionality via scripting community member jo_keks began developing an applet called MapUI. Now in its fifth revision and with loads of features its a great example of what you can do with GPS. We highly recommend you check it out and let him know what you think, and what you would like to see added in the future.

On the Home 2 product page we’ve added a sample of the excellent work the community has done. Today we wanted to highlight the fantastic work by hellbender (of the Pointui Community).

His theme, Steampunk demonstrates the flexibility of the theming available in Home 2 and his execution for detail. Hellbender not only covered of the base theme for Home 2 but went the distance and took care of some applets.

There are screenshots and QVGA/WQVGA device owners can download this great theme from the Community. Please note downloads can only be done by registered members, membership is free and you can signup here.

David K of Fuze Mobility has an article and poll up asking you, What’s Your UI… we’re in amongst it and beating the standard UI! Yay for us, but seriously, don’t vote for the Standard UI.

In what started as a great initiative by Strages (of the Pointui Community) is now an offical Pointui competition. Community members Strages and Zelendel are generously donating copies of Home 2 Pro for the Applet Competition - Social Networks. Not to be outdone Montecristoff will be designing a new t-shirt for the entry awarded the most creative.

Pointui will be donating prize money for the top three applets.

• First prize: US$300
• Second prize: US$100
• Third prize: US$50

Strages has been kind enough to take on the management of the competition, please head over to the official contest details page to read more.