8.0 update - a few steps backward (including the white background and new layout)
I know there are a few threads on this, but being a software developer myself, I wanted to provide a somewhat more tempered response, and some additional technical aspects I've noticed, in an effort to be more helpful to the app developers.
Note: I'm using the Android tablet app (on older ASUS tablet) and Android phone app (Samsung). (The desktop app is still blue/black, and no layout change - Excellent!)
1) The new bright/white mode is blindingly white. Yes, I know I can adjust my screen brightness (which still doesn't help that much), but I don't have to do this for any other app, much less one that I often use in dimmer environments. IMO, I think the white background looks unfinished and like something is missing/broken. That's just my personal preference though (along with seemingly everyone else on these boards). If you want to keep the bright/white mode for whatever developer or higher-up wanted it, then that's fine - just add an option for a dark mode for the rest of the world as well.
2) As a developer, I've always frowned upon brand new design layouts for the sake of "something fresh", and suggest developers make slow, gradual changes to avoid the inevitable "it looks different - so now it's horrible and doesn't work!!!" response (even if you haven't changed any actual functional logic except for the layout). Given my understanding on that... I've been trying to adapt to the new layout and give it a chance... but it's just not as user-friendly or intuitive as before. It's hard to pin-point, but here are some suggestions...
2a) The new "easy access" bar contains only 1 icon that I actually use on a frequent basis - "browse". I avoid "favorites" because of the issues with my huge and multiple playlists eating up space in the favorites. I rarely use "search" or "rooms". In a music app, I want simple/easy things: to be able to select my music from my library or music services, adjust the volume, fast-forward, and switch music from room to room (or all at once). I'd imagine that's what 90% of the users want as well. Only 1 of those features is on the new easy access bar, and the play/pause/volume bar is above it and not always visible.
2b) The "easy access" bar at the bottom disappears when I go to my playlist. What's the point in that? If you want it to be there and contain all the "important/frequent" items for access at any time, why would you make it disappear when you're on the screen that everyone spends the majority of their time (playlist/volume/etc.)?
2c) I used to be able to switch a playlist from one room to another, and then start a new playlist in the existing room, so as to not lose the song location in the previous playlist, but that doesn't seem possible anymore with the new layout and specific "room" button. (I know this one might not make sense without going into detail, but I'm probably already over eye-quota here, so leaving it as is.)
I love my Sonos system, and the app used to be so user-friendly and intuitive, but this one seems to have gotten away from everyone. I'd say it was feature-creeped, but I don't see any actual new features - just re-arranging what was already there and working, and slapping a plain white background on it to really guarantee user backlash.
Hopefully someone takes the time to read my mini-novella (apologies for that) and bring at least a few of the ideas to your developer & analyst meetings. I know you guys will come up with some solutions/compromises to the majority of problems users have voiced.
From one developer to another, I wish you the best of luck. 🙂
P.S. If you'd like any more technical details or steps in reproducing my issues, please let me know. Thanks!
Note: I'm using the Android tablet app (on older ASUS tablet) and Android phone app (Samsung). (The desktop app is still blue/black, and no layout change - Excellent!)
1) The new bright/white mode is blindingly white. Yes, I know I can adjust my screen brightness (which still doesn't help that much), but I don't have to do this for any other app, much less one that I often use in dimmer environments. IMO, I think the white background looks unfinished and like something is missing/broken. That's just my personal preference though (along with seemingly everyone else on these boards). If you want to keep the bright/white mode for whatever developer or higher-up wanted it, then that's fine - just add an option for a dark mode for the rest of the world as well.
2) As a developer, I've always frowned upon brand new design layouts for the sake of "something fresh", and suggest developers make slow, gradual changes to avoid the inevitable "it looks different - so now it's horrible and doesn't work!!!" response (even if you haven't changed any actual functional logic except for the layout). Given my understanding on that... I've been trying to adapt to the new layout and give it a chance... but it's just not as user-friendly or intuitive as before. It's hard to pin-point, but here are some suggestions...
2a) The new "easy access" bar contains only 1 icon that I actually use on a frequent basis - "browse". I avoid "favorites" because of the issues with my huge and multiple playlists eating up space in the favorites. I rarely use "search" or "rooms". In a music app, I want simple/easy things: to be able to select my music from my library or music services, adjust the volume, fast-forward, and switch music from room to room (or all at once). I'd imagine that's what 90% of the users want as well. Only 1 of those features is on the new easy access bar, and the play/pause/volume bar is above it and not always visible.
2b) The "easy access" bar at the bottom disappears when I go to my playlist. What's the point in that? If you want it to be there and contain all the "important/frequent" items for access at any time, why would you make it disappear when you're on the screen that everyone spends the majority of their time (playlist/volume/etc.)?
2c) I used to be able to switch a playlist from one room to another, and then start a new playlist in the existing room, so as to not lose the song location in the previous playlist, but that doesn't seem possible anymore with the new layout and specific "room" button. (I know this one might not make sense without going into detail, but I'm probably already over eye-quota here, so leaving it as is.)
I love my Sonos system, and the app used to be so user-friendly and intuitive, but this one seems to have gotten away from everyone. I'd say it was feature-creeped, but I don't see any actual new features - just re-arranging what was already there and working, and slapping a plain white background on it to really guarantee user backlash.
Hopefully someone takes the time to read my mini-novella (apologies for that) and bring at least a few of the ideas to your developer & analyst meetings. I know you guys will come up with some solutions/compromises to the majority of problems users have voiced.
From one developer to another, I wish you the best of luck. 🙂
P.S. If you'd like any more technical details or steps in reproducing my issues, please let me know. Thanks!