Amit, for me the new interface is one step forward, one step back. I definitely like the new functionality (Search All tab), but agree splash screen is annoying (even for the revised 3 seconds). The whole interface seems more like a typical Windows program, which has it's pluses and minuses. The thing I like least is the X1 search toolbar for the Windows Taskbar -- it takes up WAY too much space (I'd suggest they steal some ideas from Copernic Desktop Search's simple toolbar).

Did you like the new interface of X1 5.0 or prefer the older one.

To me, X1 Version 4 had a more innovative and unique interface. The startup screen is a bit too much.

Amit @ http://labnol.blogspot.com

Try Blinkx 2.o, you can separate web and desktop easily. The really amazing bit is smart folders..its next gen stuff, folders that continually file stuff for you!. I don't see why anyone would pay for x1 when blinkx is free.

Thanks for the referral to blinkx. I've heard good things about it, but wasn't sure I needed -- or wanted -- the whole web-integration thing (if I'm trying to find a document I wrote last year to Sue, blinkx is just wasting my time wandering the Internet looking for related content). However, your note encourages me to really give it a shot. The price sure is right .

Regarding X1, I agree with some of what you're saying. X1's improvements aren't revolutionary -- it still looks and works pretty much the way it used to. So, if you really didn't like X1 before, the new beta probably won't make you a convert.

But if you liked X1's general functionality (on-the-fly searching, wide file format support, preview, etc.) but gave up on using it because of UI weirdness, or the way it scheduled indexing, or missing conveniences like quick access from Taskbar or Microsoft Office programs -- then the changes really are worthwhile improvements. In those areas, X1 is catching up with some of the best features of competitors like Copernic, Google, etc. In fact, I see these programs -- and even the screenshots of the new Microsoft MSN desktop search -- getting more similar to each other with each new version (I guess as they try to lure each other's customers away).

The privacy issue is that every time you start up X1 it "phones home" to X1.com to verify it's a legit copy. It also sends data about how it's being used -- how many files are indexed, when it was last run, what searches are being done, etc. X1 says the data does not identify individuals and is only used in the aggregate so they can improve their program, but not everyone is comfortable with being forced to share even that kind of activity info. At least a couple reviews of X1 have pointed out this behavior as a negative. My point was that the value of gathering this info is probably offset by losing potential customers who see it as an invasion of their privacy. The beta is somewhat better, asking if you're willing to share this data and letting you opt out.

I can see activity data gathering and advertising from competitors who give away their software -- hey, they've got to find some way to pay the bills and customers are making a decision to trade their privacy (or attention, when it's advertising) for free software. I think X1 would benefit by taking the tack that if you're willing to pay for their software, they'll protect your privacy and not be intrusive.

Decided to check this out after reading your blog. Can't say i'm impressed with the 'improvements'. Seems to me they've made little headway since I last took a look.

They may have marginally improved their search functionality but in the grand scheme of things I would hardly attribute that to be an advancement, more of a catch-up really compared to some of its competitors. They, like many other desktop search products, still rely on a fairly basic offering.

Have you tried blinkx? I discovered this product only yesterday and am already impressed with the greater breadth of functionality offered such as a visualiser, multi-media search and peer-2-peer. Unlike x1 it doesn't only index desktop and email but news feeds, web audio and video and even blogs amongst other things!

The best part is blinkx is free, so you can download it and try it out without having to spend any money. I have to say since downloading it yesterday I have been hooked playing with all the features it offers.

In terms of privacy, well this is always a tricky one. Unless you have a big brand name, you will always inevitably come accross distrust. It is always hard for enterpreneurial companies to make a trustworthy name for themselves in the face of such scepticism. I ran a spyware program on blinkx which didn't pick up on anything suspect, that's enough for me. I would not want to miss out on what, so far, seems to be a great product with a lot of potential. One thing I don't understand about what you say: "Instead, X1 has a golden opportunity: by flipping its policy and becoming a champion of user privacy" what do you mean?