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simplify -- less is more
I've been using boxee every day for the last few months, and while clearly my support and enthusiasm is behind the whole concept, I think the complete interface is completely messed up.
the XBMC interface is far simpler and faster to get to what you want, if it didn't lack so many of the features boxee has, I would happily use that on my ATV. the playback interface is great on boxee, but slow and unresponsive, and the extra clicks to get from the start screen (why do we need to login if you're the only user?!?), to a locally stored file in a subfolder, then selecting and playing the video file could be SO much easier if they went back to basics.
many of us are suffering with the ATV's pathetic remote (easily the worst piece of Apple hardware ever) and all the clicking is literally painful after a short time.
my suggestion is, revist the XBMC interface for inspiration;
have an option for the ATV to boot directly to boxee, instead of the backwards/forwards (Restart Finder) routine we currently endure;
to the _first_ screen that opens, add customisable widgets/icons for what you use;
these should take us _directly_ to the stuff you want, eg. Hulu / Local Videos / etc. (something like most touch phones);
hide _everything else_, if it can be done with the ATV's own menu, you can do this for boxee!;
eliminate non-essential clicks!
the XBMC interface is far simpler and faster to get to what you want, if it didn't lack so many of the features boxee has, I would happily use that on my ATV. the playback interface is great on boxee, but slow and unresponsive, and the extra clicks to get from the start screen (why do we need to login if you're the only user?!?), to a locally stored file in a subfolder, then selecting and playing the video file could be SO much easier if they went back to basics.
many of us are suffering with the ATV's pathetic remote (easily the worst piece of Apple hardware ever) and all the clicking is literally painful after a short time.
my suggestion is, revist the XBMC interface for inspiration;
have an option for the ATV to boot directly to boxee, instead of the backwards/forwards (Restart Finder) routine we currently endure;
to the _first_ screen that opens, add customisable widgets/icons for what you use;
these should take us _directly_ to the stuff you want, eg. Hulu / Local Videos / etc. (something like most touch phones);
hide _everything else_, if it can be done with the ATV's own menu, you can do this for boxee!;
eliminate non-essential clicks!
I’m frustrated
2
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Inappropriate?I was going to start a new thread, but I instead decided to reply here, as I agree with some of what krzystoff said, and would like build on it (pile on?).
Some context: I am a software developer who currently works waaay more than is reasonable. No time for TV, but I still need diversion now and again. I miss the Daily Show, and a bit of {futurama | simpsons | familyguy}.
So I gave Boxee a shot. I realize that I is an alpha release, but really think the User Interface misses the mark. Given the information and controls on the screen I had no idea what to do next. So I gave it my best guess, and pressed a few buttons until I could get some content playing. It was painful, confusing, and sloooowww. Listen, I'm a big fan of opensource, and like the momentum that Boxee has going, but PLEASE, PLEASE, rethink the interface!!!
I have zero experience with apple tv, xbox, or similar. Clearly you've picked up an audience adept at technology, and who are willing to figure it all out, but seriously, you shouldn't need to rtfm just to watch a video.
Constructively speaking: I agree with krzystoff, the login is intrusive. Also, why the hell do *I* need a login on first use? I understand that the boxee company will eventually try to surreptitiously mine our user profile information, to make billions like google... but again: why do I need a login on first use? When you are trying the product for the first time, you are not thinking "oh boy, I can hardly wait to share all this goodness with my network of friends", you're thinking "oh boy, I can hardly wait to watch the Simpsons RIGHT NOW".
That being said, if you're going to force a login, how about setting it up an auto login so that it happens in the background OR have anonymous mode, for those who want to use it in single user mode.
Also, much more importantly, IMO, the opening screen sequence should quickly lead directly to accessing content, not administrative duties. Reasonable defaults for all admin functions should be part of the out of the box configuration, and then after you have a chance to use the damn thing, then you can poke thru the settings and enter your customized information, login id, preferences, etc.
In summary: the sequence of screens at start up time need to a) make sense, b) take you directly to accessing content, and c) do it fast.
I dumped boxee and just surfed to the comedy network website and had content on my screen in seconds. -
Inappropriate?I'm not sure I agree that the interface is so bad. I didn't find it at all confusing. In fact, I thought it was pretty slick. Not really sure what anyone's talking about. Secondly, the point of boxee, I thought, was to hook it up to your TV so you could use a remote. So, naturally if you're sitting at your PC already and not lounging on your couch, browsing to the specific webpage isn't any tougher; using Boxee becomes a mute point almost. Though, I will concur with the login issue. Is that really necessary? Is there some privacy issue I'm not aware of?
I’m indifferent
