User Interface
New user interface is the main feature of the new version. Unlike previous releases it is not an update of the Bliss skin. We have created a new skin following the Material Design 2 concept as base for new design of application, considering feedback from our users that using AIMP2.
So, meet a new Charm skin!
Main Screen
According to the Material Design 2 concept, all frequently used elements are placed at the bottom edge of screen. This approach simplifies the one-handed interaction with the app.
Now, Album Art displays in special “box” instead of fill all screen area as it has been implemented in Bliss skin. This “box” changes it size according to album art size and it aspect ratio. Its means that now player supports for non-square album arts which will no longer be cut by screen edges.
Waveform-navigator is one of major features of AIMP4 for Windows that so liked by users, now has been implemented in mobile version of player. In current release waveform-navigator is available only for local files.
Gestures
Now, the album art area allows you to control the player via gestures:
In this release, the area supports following gestures:
- Double tap at left / right / top and bottom side
- Swipe-to-left and swipe-to-right
- Swipe-to-top and swipe-to-bottom
- Vertical sliding
You can set any action for each gestures via app settings.
Below of album art box you can find the information box that contains information about playing track. The box also supports gestures : horizontal swipe allows to switch between track information and track lyrics (provided that it is available).
Playlist
We have enhanced the Playlist screen’s appearance:
Major feature here is playback control panel. So, you do no longer need to switch to the main screen while working with the playlist to pause playback or switch the song.
According to users feedback, we have re-designed grouping and sorting functionality:
First, we have updated list of built-in sorting and grouping templates: we removed templates based on one field and added complex templates that uses few fields.
Next, we have re-designed sort dialog that now allows users to select sort direction, sort inside groups only or shuffle playlist entries.
Equalizer
In this release, we have re-designed the Equalizer presets dialog. Now it allows you to delete few presets simultaneously:
Settings Dialog
We have updated UI of Settings Dialog too, that consists exclusively of system elements:
We have added extended description for each group that will make navigation easier. Also, the dialog now can be styled using accent and gamma of currently used skin.
Files Adding Dialog
Appearance and functionality of Files Adding Dialog have been extremely changed:
Performance
All file-based operations are now operated in background thread to increase UI responsiveness and avoid application hangup when operating with huge but slow sd-cards.
Home Screen
Next step is “Home Screen” implementation. Home Screen is a root folder that contains shortcuts to sd-cards and standard folders.
Shortcuts
In additional to shortcuts for standard folders, you can add shortcuts for custom folders – just tap on the “pin at home screen” item in folder’s context menu.
Design
To make navigation easier, we have added different icons for standard folders (Downloads, Music and etc) and custom shortcuts.
Sorting
The screenshot above demonstrates an ability to sort content of displayed folder. In this release you can sort content by name or date modified. As in the playlist screen, sorting dialog here provides an ability to choose sorting direction.
External Storages
In major version, we also have re-designed framework to operate with file system to support the changes introduced in Android Q. This approach made possible to implement the external storage support. So, in AIMP3, we made support for the SMB protocol that allows to play music from PC’s shared folders running under Windows OS. We are going to extend the list of supported external storages in future.
Layouts
According to users feedback, with this release you can select skin layout manually (for phone / for tablet / for car pc).
CarPC
We have implemented special layout on Charm skin level for CarPCs running under Android OS:
The main purpose of this layout to minimize distraction factors of UI – that is, we have removed unnecessary elements, minimized screens number, increased UI elements size to simplify touch operations, and implemented track seeking (just hold the “previous track” / “next track” buttons).
Note: this layout is optional, other skins may not support it. In this case, the player uses phone layout for landscape screen orientation.
Night Mode
According to world trends, we have added support of night mode in our application. Now, you can specify skin’s theme for night mode, if theme is not set – night mode is unavailable.
Night interval is calculated by Android OS according to your location, current time zone and date and time. Note that if player has no permissions to access your location, night mode works but less accurately.
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When?
We are planning to start beta-testing in beginning of September.
Supported versions
Starting from AIMP v3.0, minimal requirements to Android OS version is Android KitKat – v4.4.
Is it possible to get previous skin?
The Bliss skin will be shipped with AIMP3, you are able to select it in app settings.