Hey folks, we've made some great strides with the new 5.0 (iOS 5.1) software and wanted to share a bit of of our progress with you. Additionally, we're looking at a few options for integrating aTV Flash (black) into the new menu layout, and would love to have your feedback.
Take a look at the two options below, and feel free to sound off in the comments.
Option 1 - add extra icon to top row
Screenshots
http://fireco.re/F1hT http://fireco.re/F1SS
Pros
Access to recently played items in Top Shelf
Media is always visible in menu
Quicker navigation
Seamless integration with the new UI
Cons
Deviates slightly from native layout by adding an extra icon to top row
Requires a bit more time to integrate
Update: The number of top row icons can be reduced by disabling either the TV Shows or Music menus through the Parental Controls menu
(Note: The choice of option #1 applies to the Media menu only - all other items (Couch Surfer, Last.fm, Weather, etc...) will be displayed as described under option #2)
Thanks! :)
Update: Thanks to those who chimed in. Screenshots of the final layout can be seen on our blog here.
I think option 1 for sure. Media player is what the majority of us use on a daily basis and make far more since to have the top layout. Keep up the good work
if it means a delay in rolling out a 5.0-compatable version, i say go with option #2 and try for option #1 later …
is it possible to move Settings down to the next row and adjust the other icons accordingly or do you have access to do that? it’d be great, too, if i could hide buttons that i never use like WSJ and the sports stuff … that could/would allow more space, too … though obviously it depends how iOS does the layout of the buttons … whether things are statically-positioned or whether they’re allowed to “flow” to the next line (and i know nothing at all about iOS development!)
although Option 2 does maintain the native 5 item layout whick looks slick too! Lol. That would be the least disruptive option for sure. Maybe do that first (since it’s easier to integrate) and then release in a next version if needed?
Option 1 - I hate losing the 5 across. It looks less polished. But for top-shelf convenience it would be my preference. I want to access my content first.
Option 2 - looks great, fits better with the new UI format. But I would hate to have to scroll down each time I wanted my content.
I’m not saying that Option 2 is bad, but the first is better:) I can’t wait for it! You guys are awesome!