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Flash based FrontRow UI?

4K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  kloan 
#1 ·
Yo Flash Gods...

So how hard would it be to create a FrontRow like UI using flash? I'm not talking about the secondary navigation through files... Just something simple to switch between the front end apps like iTunes, iMovie, iDVD, Safari, Finder and iPhoto.

I would think the Flash stuff is the easy part. The tough part would be scripting the launch of the other apps. Also making sure that the flash stuff is always running might be tough.

Any thoughts flash gods?

Anyone up to the challenge?
 
#4 ·
yew... :D

Can't believe Apple wouldn't just bundle FrontRow up as a standalone app and sell it/make it a free download.

Seems like a wasted effort to bother with an alternative solution.
 
#5 ·
the UI would not be difficult although you probably would want to make it less graphics intensive, more like other PVR interfaces and with less animation. you won't get the smooth scaling effects that apple's UI has. those are very processor intensive in flash (i'm not that familiar with director). apple relies on advanced video card features to pull these off.

i doubt flash/director would be an appropriate choice for this project. my 2 cents.
 
#6 ·
FrontRow's just being used as a differentiator right now to sell the new iMacs and generate interest in the technology.

I bet you in 6 months or less its readily available for all the Macs.
 
#7 ·
TroutMaskReplica said:
the UI would not be difficult although you probably would want to make it less graphics intensive, more like other PVR interfaces and with less animation. you won't get the smooth scaling effects that apple's UI has. those are very processor intensive in flash (i'm not that familiar with director). apple relies on advanced video card features to pull these off.

i doubt flash/director would be an appropriate choice for this project. my 2 cents.
definitely not flash, but director is far more efficient at moving bitmaps than flash. Although the new flash 8 player is way better at processor intensive motion.
But you just can't do it with flash.
director is used all the time for similar type duties.
 
#8 ·
I have a strong feeling that Apple is using Java technology to produce the icons to rotate like that. Has anyone seen the demonstration of the 3D Project Looking Glass from Sun Microsystems? Found here:

http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/J2SE/Desktop/lookingglass/

They basically came up with the exact same concept a few years ago, I'm talking about having icons in full 3D like Apple has and making them rotate around like that with FrontRow.

I'm probably wrong, but it looks very very similar to what Sun Microsystems has been working on for their version of a 3D Desktop OS.
 
#10 ·
I used to program in Director.. learned it in school.. but I couldn't find any work with it, so I eventually forgot everything I learned. Now, a few versions later, I wouldn't know where to begin.. lingo is kinda tough to learn as it is...

From what I can recall though, it can be done in Director. But you'd need to know remote protocols, how to integrate libraries and file directories, etc.
 
#11 ·
does front row actually use 3D? not from what i've seen. it looks like the icons simply scale by a formula depending where they are along an elliptical path, creating the illusion of depth.

edit: i just reviewed the front row demo on the apple.ca site and it does in fact look like it's 3D, judging by the preview windows which are rendered in perspective. but the effect of the spinning logos doesn't necessarily have to be 3D. it can be accomplished through other means.
 
#12 · (Edited)
MacGYVER said:
I have a strong feeling that Apple is using Java technology to produce the icons to rotate like that. Has anyone seen the demonstration of the 3D Project Looking Glass from Sun Microsystems? Found here:

http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/J2SE/Desktop/lookingglass/
Wow, cool link. Thanks for that. Suddenly, hitting F9 isn't as fun anymore... ;)

And a little more on-topic, I could totally be done (the interface at least) in Flash. You would just have to be creative with the use of vector illustration and fake the 3D using scaling.
(Sorry for the plug here, but my designer has recently implemented a 3D effect on our website: www.visinc.ca. Just mouse-over the navigation buttons without clicking one to see the words "rotate and zoom" in)
 
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