Full Tilt Poker Releases New Lobby Software

After months of beta testing, the full release of the new Full Tilt Poker software was available for download this morning.  A few weeks ago, amid scrutiny from the industry, Full Tilt Poker released an update that "overhauled the backend of the program" as well as updated the graphics to a different file format.  The positive result was less lag time while playing at the tables and improved default graphics.  Unfortunately, the update made AutoHotKey (AHK) scripts useless and rendered table and card mods non-compatible.  There were also reports of cards dealt face down and numerous login issues.

Today, Full Tilt Poker released the full package of its new software solution that appears to have fixed the beta issues.  This software includes a new lobby and, while the AHK and other helper scripts still do not work, there are free table mods available at the TwoPlusTwo forums and some available for purchase from TiltBuster.com.  Alternatives to AHK scripts are being written, with both Table Ninja FT and Full Tilt Shortcuts expected to make public releases of beta software in the near future.

The first thing to notice with the new software is the login screen.  It's noticeably larger in size and offers a gray color scheme to match the website.  There is a tote board touting table and player information along with a banner ad that rotates through various promotions on the site.  The somewhat cheesy picture of Patrik Antonius next to the login area almost makes the site feel like a European dating service.  That point aside, the login/password area is well done and easy to operate:



Also making its debut at Full Tilt Poker is a new security PIN system.  Many Full Tilt regulars have been begging for the implementation of greater security features including a PIN system.  This requires someone to not only know the login and password, but also a three card PIN combination (randomly generated by the poker room and e-mailed to users) in order to login.  This makes hacking the account almost impossible.



Once logged in, players will see a larger lobby that is resizable vertically.  At the top of the screen is a new tab system.  In addition, there's now a "Custom" filter that allows a user to filter down to specific stakes.  There is also a supplementary "Advanced Filters" feature that can specify the number of players at a table, speed, table type, and other information.  For example, if all you wanted was $0.10-$0.25 No Limit Texas Hold'em ring game tables to appear in the lobby, using the filters can now make that happen.  On the right side is a button to "Customize" the widget area:



The "Customize" button at the bottom right will open up a window that allows you to customize lobby widgets that appear on the right side of the screen.  Currently, there are 12 different widgets you can activate for ring games, sit and gos, and tournaments:

- Player List
- Add Me to Waiting List and View Table buttons
- Ring Game Icon legend
- Iron Man Status
- FTP Odometer
- Tournament Info window
- Go to Tourney Lobby / Register Now buttons
- Tournament Types Icon legend
- Mixed Game Type Icon legend
- Cashier Balance mini-view
- FTP Academy Challenge Status
- Session Information



There is also a "Message Area" at the very bottom of the lobby that displays the usual alerts about upcoming tournaments and other announcements seen in a table's chat window.  Finally, there is a button to "Go to Basic View," which brings back the original Full Tilt Poker lobby for people who don't enjoy progress.

With the release of this new lobby software, Full Tilt Poker announced that it is giving away bonuses to customers.  All a user has to do is log in to Full Tilt Poker, install the new software, and then go to the Cashier.  From there, click on "My Promotions," which brings up a web page with of all the promotions taking place at the poker room.  At the very top, there is a graphic for "Biggest Bonus Ever.”

Bonuses have varied with little rhyme or reason.  Reported bonuses have been awarded as low as $100 and in excess of $500.  Players have 30 days from the time they accept the offer (note that the bonus will expire in two weeks) to clear as much of it as they can.  The rate for clearing the bonus is the normal $0.06 per Full Tilt Point, which is the same rate for clearing a deposit bonus.  The bonus will be paid out in full when a player earns all of the required points. Players will receive a pro-rated amount at the end of the 30 day clearance period if they don't earn all of the points necessary.

Visit Full Tilt Poker and take a test drive today.