Pokki emerged as an interesting attempt to modify the Windows desktop experience, specifically focusing on application access and discovery. At its core, Pokki aimed to leverage the familiarity of a taskbar-based launcher while introducing an app-store model to the desktop environment. This approach felt particularly relevant during a period when Microsoft was experimenting with significant changes to the traditional Start Menu and desktop paradigm.

Installation and Initial Experience

Installation was generally straightforward, integrating itself into the Windows shell and adding a new icon to the taskbar. Upon clicking the Pokki icon, a modern, tile-based launcher would appear, presenting a selection of pre-installed or featured applications. The initial experience was visually distinct from the standard Windows interfaces, offering a clean and seemingly efficient way to launch programs and web services represented as apps.

Application Launcher Functionality

The primary function, the application launcher, worked as intended. It provided a centralized location for frequently used programs and offered a different organizational structure compared to the traditional Start Menu. The ability to group apps and have them readily available from the taskbar was a convenienece factor for users who preferred this style of interaction. Searching for applications within the launcher was also functional, providing a quick way to locate installed software.

The Pokki App Store

A significant component of Pokki was its integrated app store. This store featured a variety of applications, with a strong emphasis on popular web services like Facebook, Twitter, and various games, alongside some more traditional desktop utilities. The idea was to provide one-click installation and updates for these applications directly through the Pokki interface. This curated approach had its merits, offering a simplified way to discover and install certain types of software without visiting multiple websites. However, the selection was limited compared to a full general-purpose software repository, and the focus heavily leaned towards consumer-oriented web applications.

Integration with Windows

Pokki integrated with the Windows taskbar as a shell extension. This integration felt relatively seamless for the most part, providing quick access to the launcher. However, like many third-party shell modifications, there were occasional reports of minor compatibility issues or performance differences, especially across different versions of Windows.

Performance Considerations

The performance of Pokki could vary depending on the system resources and the number of applications installed within the launcher. While launching simple web apps was typically quick, heavier native applications would still depend on the system's overall performance. The background processes associated with maintaining the launcher and the app store might consume a small amount of resources, but for most modern systems, this was not a significant concern.

Comparison to Standard Windows Features

Pokki offered an alternative to the standard Windows Start Menu and desktop shortcuts. While the Start Menu has evolved over time, particularly in Windows 10 and 11, Pokki provided a distinct interface and a focus on web-based apps that wasn't as prominent in earlier Windows versions. For users who preferred a more app-centric, visually driven launcher, Pokki offered a compelling option. However, the lack of complete control over all installed programs (as in the traditional Start Menu) meant it often served more as a supplementary launcher for frequently used items rather than a complete replacement.

Target Audience

Pokki seemed well-suited for users who spend a significant amount of time using web-based services and desired a faster, more integrated way to access them from their desktop. It appealed to users looking for a more visually modern and app-like experience for everyday tasks.

Conclusion

Pokki represented an interesting evolutionary step in desktop application launchers. It successfully merged the concepts of a taskbar-based launcher and a curated app store, providing a convenient way to access a specific set of applications, particularly web services. While it didn't completely replace the functionality of the standard Windows Start Menu, it offered a valuable alternative or supplement for users who appreciated its modern interface, taskbar integration, and integrated app discovery. Its success was somewhat limited by the scope of its app store and the ever-evolving nature of the Windows operating system itself, which eventually incorporated more features similar to what Pokki offered.