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Microsoft Expressive Pixels

Express. Connect. Share.

General questions

  • To use Microsoft Expressive Pixels, you need a Windows 10 PC with the Windows 10 May 2019 update (version 18362.0) or higher and Microsoft Expressive Pixels app, which you can download free from the Microsoft Store for Windows. For the optimal experience you also need a compatible LED display device and a USB data cable. Watch our Getting Started tutorial to learn more.

  • You can download the free Microsoft Expressive Pixels app from the Microsoft Store for Windows on your PC. Launch the Store app, search for “Expressive Pixels”, and download. For more information watch our Getting Started tutorial.

  • To see what version of Windows you’re running, go to Settings > System > About > Windows specifications > Version. To update Windows on your PC, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

  • Microsoft Expressive Pixels is available in the English version in more than 200 markets. You can download the app in Microsoft Store for Windows.

  • You can use one of the supported OpenID account types such as Microsoft, Facebook, and Google, or create a new account.

  • Yes, the account you created for the Community Gallery will work across your different machines where Expressive Pixels is installed.

  • Yes, you can. You can use Microsoft Expressive Pixels on different PCs by sharing the images to the Community Gallery or copy your Microsoft Expressive Pixels files to different PCs from My Documents\ExpressivePixels folder.

  • We continue to work on the app to improve user experience and will release updates in Microsoft Store for Windows. To check for new version, open Microsoft Store for Windows, click on the ellipsis (3 dots) next to your profile photo, click on the “Downloads and updates” button, and click on “Get updates”. You don’t need to uninstall your existing app to update.

  • The GIF exporting carries over the animation frame rate but not pauses, fades, or loop count.

  • You can import images such as PNG, JPEG and GIF. Our experience is that GIF provides the best quality for importing images.

  • Please keep your image size no bigger than 24 x 24 pixels.

  • Please see the Community Gallery Submission form in the app for details on image IP rights.  Users can use the images in the Community Gallery and share with others for personal use.

  • Right-click the offensive or illegal image, select Report As Objectionable, and then submit. The image will be removed immediately and reviewed. If it is deemed objectionable, then it will be removed permanently.

  • Microsoft Expressive pixels is a research project. We are releasing the app to get valuable user feedback to improve the platform. We will continue to improve user experience and add functionality.

  • The Developer Console feature in the app is a command line capability similar to that of the Windows Command Console whereby an Expressive Pixels capable device can expose capabilities that are unique to it, and/or aren’t exposed through the main app experience. Generally, these capabilities are for device configuration, examples include but not limited to, formatting the on-device storage, rotating the image depending on device orientation, configuring triggering mechanisms. Devices should have Firmware V1.43 installed to access this capability, information on upgrading the firmware to this version or later can be found on the device’s manufacturer website.

    Commands are typed into the Developer Console’s edit box followed by the Return key, and responses from the devices are displayed in the upper part of the view. To find the list of console commands supported by the connected device, simply enter Help or “?”.

  • If the app is not working properly, follow these troubleshooting steps:

    1. Ensure that you have the latest version of the Expressive Pixels app installed. You can check the latest version and launch the update from the Microsoft Store.
    2. Be sure you are running Windows 10 with the latest updates.
      • You can check your system by going to Settings › System › About › scroll down to Windows Specifications.
      • You can check for updates by going to Settings › Update and Security › Check for Updates
    3. Reboot your PC and re-launch the app.
    4. If the problem persists, uninstall the app and reinstall the latest version from the Microsoft Store here: http://approjects.co.za/?big=store/apps/9MTC56W1RXQH (opens in new tab)

      Note: The animations you have created should remain in your library. However, if you wish to back them up for safekeeping, you can copy the contents of the folder: Documents › ExpressivePixels to a safe folder on your system prior to uninstalling the app.
    5. Reach out to our Community Forum (opens in new tab) where other members may be able to assist you. Be sure to post a detailed description of the problem, along with the specifics about your computer’s make, model, screen resolution, Windows 10 version, and the Expressive Pixels version that you are having issues with.

Device and connection questions

  • Microsoft Expressive Pixels works with generally available Maker hardware, such as addressable LEDs including Sparklet (standard and mini) and compatible 3rd party LED devices from Adafruit, Sparkfun, and SiliconSquared. If you have questions about a particular device, please let us know (opens in new tab).

  • You can pair and connect your LED display device in the Expressive Pixels app either via USB cable or Bluetooth. Please watch the Getting Started tutorial for instructions.

  • If you are having trouble with USB connection, please make sure the USB is plugged in and that you are using a USB data cable. If you are having issue with Bluetooth connection, please check if Bluetooth is enabled on your PC and that any outstanding Windows Updates have been applied. You can also try to reset Bluetooth on your PC or restart your PC. Some PCs may have older Bluetooth chipsets that are not Bluetooth 4.0 compatible.

  • You can pair multiple LED display devices but can only connect to one at a time in Expressive Pixels.

  • The Expressive Pixels firmware integrates AES128 security, and the connection is secure. With the Bluetooth connection key, you can secure your device so only you with the key can connect and control it. Follow these steps for the secure connection: when connected, open the device panel, see the Bluetooth section, click the Generate button, followed by the Save button and your device will be secured to you only.


General support and feedback

At Microsoft, we are on a journey to empower people with all abilities. We are focused on learning from our customers, partners, and the community to continually improve our products and services. Their input about the role technology can play to empower more people has been an amazing and rewarding experience.  To continue this journey, we want to hear from you about your experiences with Microsoft Expressive Pixels.


Get Microsoft Expressive Pixels

Download from the Microsoft Store for Windows >

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