First look: Apple's streamlined Music app in iOS 8.4 beta
Earlier on Monday, Apple released iOS 8.4 beta with what it calls a "sneak peek" at a redesigned Music app featuring all new content browsing tools, user interface navigation and persistent MiniPlayer.
As seen in the video above, Apple's new Music app looks very similar to the current version seen in iOS 8.3, save for a few graphical tweaks. Under the hood, however, are a few key additions meant to dial in the user experience with gesture controls, intuitive menu options and global search, among other functions.
MiniPlayer is a key feature to Apple's new Music, allowing quick access to the Now Playing pane and music transport controls. Positioned just above three main UI icons for "My Music," "Playlists" and "Radio," the MiniPlayer feels bit cramped on an iPhone 5s, but makes good use screen real estate on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Swipe gestures are now supported for flipping between Music function panes and dismissing the Now Playing window.
The My Music home screen has been revamped to include Recently Added albums at the top of a user's music library. While browsing, users can start playing music directly from the album list. In addition, a global search function with recent queries and Radio integration can be accessed from anywhere in the app.
Apple's redesign includes heavy use of transparencies, especially apparent in the Now Playing window, which can be customized with user-assigned cover art. A number of functions have been transported to Now Playing including the ability to start an AirPlay session and add a song to "Up Next." The window is dismissible by swiping down on the screen or tapping the chevron in the upper left corner.
Aesthetic changes include new in-app icons, larger album and artist graphics and a design more consistent with Apple's "flat" UI style. CoverFlow, which made albums browsable in landscape mode, has apparently been deleted, though the function could return in a later build.
iOS 8.4 beta Music App from AppleInsider on Vimeo.
As seen in the video above, Apple's new Music app looks very similar to the current version seen in iOS 8.3, save for a few graphical tweaks. Under the hood, however, are a few key additions meant to dial in the user experience with gesture controls, intuitive menu options and global search, among other functions.
MiniPlayer is a key feature to Apple's new Music, allowing quick access to the Now Playing pane and music transport controls. Positioned just above three main UI icons for "My Music," "Playlists" and "Radio," the MiniPlayer feels bit cramped on an iPhone 5s, but makes good use screen real estate on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Swipe gestures are now supported for flipping between Music function panes and dismissing the Now Playing window.
The My Music home screen has been revamped to include Recently Added albums at the top of a user's music library. While browsing, users can start playing music directly from the album list. In addition, a global search function with recent queries and Radio integration can be accessed from anywhere in the app.
Apple's redesign includes heavy use of transparencies, especially apparent in the Now Playing window, which can be customized with user-assigned cover art. A number of functions have been transported to Now Playing including the ability to start an AirPlay session and add a song to "Up Next." The window is dismissible by swiping down on the screen or tapping the chevron in the upper left corner.
Aesthetic changes include new in-app icons, larger album and artist graphics and a design more consistent with Apple's "flat" UI style. CoverFlow, which made albums browsable in landscape mode, has apparently been deleted, though the function could return in a later build.
Comments
With the new Beats Music streaming service, we're getting a revamped Music app. I wonder with the launch of the new TV streaming service, if we'll get a revamped Videos app.
Next time, use a tool that indicates where you're touching/gesturing. For example.
And pass the eye and ear bleach. There's a time and place for that, and this wasn't it.
(Note: I am a big fan of WFMU, and I'm certain I've enjoyed some Aphex Twin there. Here, the context is all wrong.)
Not to sound snarky but portrait lock and problem solved
I shouldn't have to enable portrait lock to prevent a useless feature.
I know some people claim it's nice; but about half my stuff doesn't have album art, including some stuff purchased from iTunes. And often times I won't recall which album had the song anyway.
Finally!! This addresses most of the issues I have with the Music app.
Finally!! This addresses most of the issues I have with the Music app.
What issues, and how are they addressed? Sounds like a disaster from the comments prior to yours....
I actually think the current Music.app (iOS 8.1.2) is really nice. It always opens to the last tab I'm in, ie. it doesn't always open iTunes Radio by default. I disagree with a lot of the complaints here actually.
That being said, I have half a mind to upgrade (and lose my jailbreak) just for the tweaked Now Playing UI. (Up Next functions are here, yes!)
As an aside, that Global Search really intrigues me. As soon as I heard it, I thought this would be great for searching through an online streaming catalogue a la Beats. Then with the new Up Next, I can just queue up the song I don't actually have in my library to play next.
What issues, and how are they addressed? Sounds like a disaster from the comments prior to yours....
Eh, every single Apple release sounds like a disaster if you're gonna rely on knee-jerk online impressions.
PS- Just noticed I'm quoted in your sig.. flattered
What issues, and how are they addressed? Sounds like a disaster from the comments prior to yours....
The two major usability issues I have with the current Music app are lack of "Up Next" and the fact the I have to use the global AirPlay switch instead of an AirPlay button within the music app itself. The "Recently Added" being at the top is also good idea. Is there room for improvement.. you bet. But these were my major issues with the current one.