While hard at work coding the next version of the Windows RadioTime Desktop Player, I found myself reminiscing about how far the player has come in a short period of time. The player has had 4 major interface overhauls, not to mention all of feautures we added with each major release.
Here are some screens of the design comps I have lying around, click to enlarge:
Version 1, The Initial Concept
This thing is enormous. One thing I really like about this player is the fixed navigation that is local to the software. This means that the content floats in the center and scrolls when needed. This is a feature that the current player does not yet have, but we are adding soon.
Version 2, First Release
This was the first version released for download, but it was the second interface update I made. This was still big, but it kind of grows on you. I didn’t like the presets layout because the buttons reminded me of a telephone dial. I still think the play and record buttons are obnoxious, but likeable overall.
Version 3, On A Diet
This update was pretty major-a complete shift in styles to match the look of the new service. A keen eye will see programs and stations did a do-si-do to match the new “Top Picks” search results layout in the service. This skin varied over a few versions, at one point a guide and library button at the bottom of the player, and the “mode” buttons went back and forth between links, tabs, and lines.
Version 4, The New Hotness
Version 4 isn’t out yet, but I am working hard to finish before the next point release. This change is as drastic as between skin 2 and 3, but a huge step. Aside from cosmetic differences, the player simplifies a few modes. Both “now playing” and “now recording” information is displayed in the same area, and “now recording” is grouped with the other sources. This elimates 2 modes to simply leave “sources.”
A change to the service will follow. Soon you’ll be able to schedule multiple recordings at one time. We’re also making a new Schedule page to display recordings in progress and hand the player control to manage them.
Travis