Speed Launch - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Why do I need Speed Launch?
What is Speed Launch? 
Is there a shorcut key to open the launcher?
Is there a limit to how many items a single Speed Launch shortcut can open?
How do I use Speed Launch to open multiple things?
I notice that Speed Launch comes with some shortcuts that allow me to search websites. How do I use them?
How do I create my own functions?
How do I delete shortcuts?
How can I hide the floating bull's-eye?
Can I choose which shortcuts are displayed on the Speed Launch window?
Sometimes Speed Launch is slow to respond. Can I fix that?
How can users provide feedback on Speed Launch?
Who developed Speed Launch?
What type of assistance did Speed Launch receive from Office Labs?
Is this going to be included in the next version of Windows?

Why do I need Speed Launch?
Work faster and with less frustration. Speed Launch gives you lightning quick access to all the documents, files, and websites you use often. In the past when you used something a lot you might have created a desktop shortcut, added it to your IE favorites, or placed it on your quick launch bar. Speed Launch allows you to create centralized shortcuts to all the stuff you need and allows you to access them effortlessly. 

What is Speed Launch?
Speed Launch is an application launcher that extends the functionality and usability of Microsoft Windows. With Speed Launch, users can select their own words to open frequently used websites, documents, and applications. The most compelling feature of Speed launch is the use of a drag and drop interaction model to make this advanced functionality more intuitive to novice computer users.

How is it used? How does it work with Windows?
Speed Launch is a downloadable program available at www.officelabs.com.   After you've download Speed Launch, simply drag the file, document, or website url onto the Speed Launch bull's-eye to create a Speed Launch shortcut. From then on, any time you need to access that file, document, or website, just hit "Windows+C", type the shortcut name, and what you need will immediately appear.

Is there a shortcut key to open the launcher? 
Yes.  Use "Windows+C". 

How do I use Speed Launch to open multiple things?
Drag the first item on to the bull's-eye and give it a name.  Next, drag the second item on to the bull's-eye and give it the same name.  When you do this, Speed Launch will give you the option to replace or merge the two items, choose merge. Now, hit "Windows+C" and type the name.  Speed Launch will open both items. 

Is there a limit to how many items a single Speed Launch shortcut can open?
Not that we know of :)

I notice that Speed Launch comes with some shortcuts that allow me to search websites.  How do I use them? 
Speed Launch comes preloaded with a few useful fucntions.  For example, to search Wikipedia just type “Wikipedia Search” and hit enter.  Next, type what you want to search for in the new window and hit enter.  Speed Launch will open the related Wikipedia page.

Cool! Can I create my own "functions"?
Yes... but it's a little tricky. You can watch the video below for a walk through (and some good music). In short, go to the results page (e.g., search for the information you are looking for) and, if the search term appears in the URL, you can drag it on to the bullseye to create a function. Name it with a period (e.g., "MySearch.") which tells Speed Launch you want a function, and follow the prompts. We will make this easier in the future, but our current focus is in making the basics as easy as possible.

How do I delete shortcuts?
First, right-click on the bull's-eye and select "Manage Shortcuts".  Next, select the shortcuts you want to remove and hit the delete button. Using these steps you can also delete the shortcuts that come with Speed Launch.

Can I hide the floating bull's-eye?
Yes.  Right click the bull's-eye, select the "More", and then select "Hide Desktop Bullseye."  After you've hidden the bull's-eye you will need to use the "Windows+C" shortcut key to use Speed Launch.

Can I choose which shortcuts are displayed on the Speed Launch window?
No, at least not yet.  The shortcuts that are displayed are your top five most frequently used shortcuts.  We have received requests to allow the displayed shortcuts to be customized, but we are waiting for more feedback to understand how useful this is.