[Android MiniClient] Need a better start screen

[stuckless]

If you've used the Android MiniClient, then you realize the initial screen containing the server list, Preferences, and Add Server actions is a little underwhelming

Since this is in BETA, the goal it clean up the user experience a bit, and stabilize the client, and get it ready for 1.0 release in the play store.

I think we need a better start page, than what I've hobbled together. So, I'm looking for some ideas, prototypes, etc, of what you think we should have for a launch page. I prefer something simple, and something that will scale across phone, tablet, and TV, since I really don't want to create separate start pages for each device type.

So, if you have any thoughts or idea, and/or if you are willing help out with layout/design/art work, then post your thoughts/ideas here.

Thanks.

[Fuzzy]

Standardizing things android style would be ideal. I think it is fine to keep the list of servers a simple list that can be selected - but the preferences should be renamed to settings and represented at the top or bottom with a gear icon. Similarly, the Add Server should be represented with a + icon.

Graphically, I'd use a simple background that would then blend to the stock STV once connected. The background file for the secure login screen (stvs/SageTV7/SecureLoginBG.jpg) would make a clean basis for it, with a SageTV logo centered at the top.

[Fuzzy]

Example Landscape:

[stuckless]

Think that's a good start... For the server list, should it be a Two Line list item, as it is now, or be more like a "card" with additional information, etc.

The "simple" list is easier to implement for sure, but, if you have some thoughts on how to present each item, feel free to pass it along.

[Fuzzy]

I see no reason to move from a relatively simple list. About the only thing I could think to add would be if it pinged (or otherwise checked connectivity/readiness of) each server, and showed a green or grey circle to the left of the 2-line text entry. Ideally sorting the green ones to the top (not that I envision many people having an overly populated list, just thinking of what I've seen in other similar UIs).

[tmiranda]

I'd like to see the computer name if one is available, not just the IP address.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by tmiranda

I'd like to see the computer name if one is available, not just the IP address.

In the current version, each entry is 2 lines. The first is the Name (whatever you typed in the name field when you added the server - and can be whatever you want), and the second smaller print line is the address.

[tmiranda]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

In the current version, each entry is 2 lines. The first is the Name (whatever you typed in the name field when you added the server - and can be whatever you want), and the second smaller print line is the address.

I didn't manually add the server, it autodetected them (I'm assuming). Only the IP address shows up.

[stuckless]

Originally Posted by tmiranda

I didn't manually add the server, it autodetected them (I'm assuming). Only the IP address shows up.

The name that I show is the name that I get during network discovery, which happens to be the IP address.

FYI... I did upload a BETA-6 that uses a new Server List screen that is close to what Fuzzy suggested. It's still not 100% done, but, it's better than what was there before

[tmiranda]

Originally Posted by stuckless

The name that I show is the name that I get during network discovery, which happens to be the IP address.

FYI... I did upload a BETA-6 that uses a new Server List screen that is close to what Fuzzy suggested. It's still not 100% done, but, it's better than what was there before

I didn't even install Beta 5 yet

[ptzink]

I was thinking something more like the attached. I have attached a more "Material-like" blue version and a black/gray version. I have also added a dot next to the server to indicate whether it is available or not per Fuzzy's suggestion.

[stuckless]

Originally Posted by ptzink

I was thinking something more like the attached. I have attached a more "Material-like" blue version and a black/gray version. I have also added a dot next to the server to indicate whether it is available or not per Fuzzy's suggestion.

They both look good. I'll eventually update the start screen with one of those... I sort of torn about material design (not in general, just in this app) since the rest of the app doesn't flow with material design.

[tmiranda]

Originally Posted by stuckless

They both look good. I'll eventually update the start screen with one of those... I sort of torn about material design (not in general, just in this app) since the rest of the app doesn't flow with material design.

Sounds like an opportunity for an STV developer to make an Android specific STV

Any takers? I do not have the time

[stuckless]

Originally Posted by tmiranda

Sounds like an opportunity for an STV developer to make an Android specific STV

Any takers? I do not have the time

Jusjoken has expressed some interest in this, maybe between building windows installers, working phoenix, working on gemstone, he might find some time

EDIT: On a related note, I'll be adding a new API to V9 for IsTouch() that can be used to check if a touch enabled device is being used.

[jusjoken]

Originally Posted by stuckless

Jusjoken has expressed some interest in this, maybe between building windows installers, working phoenix, working on gemstone, he might find some time

[DarkWolf77]

Personally, I'd like to see it reflect the Android standard of Material design, which works well with a simple start page. Part of me is toying with the idea of trying to build an STV that has this kind of design but as I've been reading it seems that that Sage Studio has quite a hefty learning curve so not sure I'd be able to devote the necessary time to it.

Anyhow, for the start screen, I'm envisioning something simple with the Sage logo across the top and each connection having it's own card and a simple circle with a plus to add connections.

[DarkWolf77]

Hm.. seems I have failed reading comprehension... I see ptzink already suggested it.