Aesthetically, what is Apple doing to themselves?

[Erasmus]

I love it. I can't wait to get it. It looks great.

One thing with the dock... I really hope that when showing and hiding the dock, you get a kind of "piishh" sound, so it both looks and sounds like some kind of cool futuristic glass lift tucking away the icons. That would be sooo coool
And who doesn't set the dock to minimise anyway? So who cares if it's big? If it's big, it's easier to use.

And I like how Front Row looks. I don't know what the small blurred out icons on the left side of the screen in the pictures are, but I'm sure they have a purpose. Damn it, it looks so sleek, black and gorgeous!

I think I'm gonna need a screen protector, because everyone (including me) is gonna want to lick that screen. It looks delicious!

 

[czeluff]

isnt it obvious?

If it isn't obvious already...no matter what they do, Apple is in the wrong. No matter what they change, people are going to complain.

1. Apple will add the ability to turn off the transparent menubar. They've heard your complaining...you'll get the option.

2. Everyone complained for a Finder update. We got it; better functionality, faster, and the OPTION (notice its not mandatory) for Coverflow. You have more choices than ever in terms of how to view your files.

3. Complaining about the grass wallpaper needs to stop... right now! IT'S A WALLPAPER, PEOPLE! Unless you're one of the really really really moronic Mac users that doesn't know howto change your background, you need to stop whining. It takes 2 seconds to get rid of it.

Everything mentioned above has to do with the "option" to change whatever they want. But here's the kicker: if Apple gives people the option to change all forms of the UI, then the O/S gets more bloated, then people start complaining about the size of the Leopard install.

If you don't like it, find a way to change it, or don't use it. A year ago, these forums were alot more fun; they focused more on the positive aspects of Apple versus the pitty little complaints.

Apple's increasing popularity brings alot more whining consumers to the table...

cz

 

[decksnap]

This thread was specifically started to discuss the aesthetics of what Apple is putting out. If that bothers you, don't read it.

 

[eXan]

If it isn't obvious already...no matter what they do, Apple is in the wrong. No matter what they change, people are going to complain.

1. Apple will add the ability to turn off the transparent menubar. They've heard your complaining...you'll get the option.

2. Everyone complained for a Finder update. We got it; better functionality, faster, and the OPTION (notice its not mandatory) for Coverflow. You have more choices than ever in terms of how to view your files.

3. Complaining about the grass wallpaper needs to stop... right now! IT'S A WALLPAPER, PEOPLE! Unless you're one of the really really really moronic Mac users that doesn't know howto change your background, you need to stop whining. It takes 2 seconds to get rid of it.

Everything mentioned above has to do with the "option" to change whatever they want. But here's the kicker: if Apple gives people the option to change all forms of the UI, then the O/S gets more bloated, then people start complaining about the size of the Leopard install.

If you don't like it, find a way to change it, or don't use it. A year ago, these forums were alot more fun; they focused more on the positive aspects of Apple versus the pitty little complaints.

Apple's increasing popularity brings alot more whining consumers to the table...

cz

Sure, you can change it, but aren't Macs supposed to be best out-of-the-box? They always made a new aqua-style desktop picture and nobody complained about them, but now this garass? The first thing I though about when I saw 10.5 was Vista

This and the menu bar makes them look like they are copying now from Microsoft, which is not good for them. They always positioned themselves as innovators and MS as copyers.

They are making things standard, that are very un-Mac-ly, which is very sad.

 

[Erasmus]

Sure, you can change it, but aren't Macs supposed to be best out-of-the-box? They always made a new aqua-style desktop picture and nobody complained about them, but now this garass? The first thing I though about when I saw 10.5 was Vista

This and the menu bar makes them look like they are copying now from Microsoft, which is not good for them. They always positioned themselves as innovators and MS as copyers.

They are making things standard, that are very un-Mac-ly, which is very sad.

The new wallpaper I think looks nice. They have probably made an Aqua desktop picture just for you. Your point about it not being the best "out of the box" because of a non-aqua default desktop picture is stupid. As SJ said, Apple changed the desktop picture because they know nobody uses the default Aqua desktop, and it looks better with the new dock. (which it does)

Sure, Leopard now looks (the smallest tad, maybe if you really try) a bit like Vista. But then again, Vista looks like Tiger, and Leopard also looks like Tiger, so this is to be expected. Leopard still looks very Mac-ish, and is clearly not anywhere near an attempt to copy Vista. For Apple to change their style just so it doesn't look like Vista would be stupid. Anyone who claims Apple copied Vista is an idiot.

Standard is good. Standard helps Apple get marketshare, and standard is not "un-Mac-ly".

Other than that, I agree with 'czeluff'. People need to stop complaining, and start seeing how great Leopard is, instead of complaining that it's not EXACTLY how they envisioned it.

 

[reflex]

Sure, you can change it, but aren't Macs supposed to be best out-of-the-box? They always made a new aqua-style desktop picture and nobody complained about them, but now this garass?

I always change the wallpaper, dock behaviour and a bunch of other things when I install OSX. There's no way for them to please everyone "out of the box".

 

[shipdestroyer]

Sure, you can change it, but aren't Macs supposed to be best out-of-the-box? They always made a new aqua-style desktop picture and nobody complained about them, but now this garass? The first thing I though about when I saw 10.5 was Vista

Ridiculous.

 

[Phobophobia]

The grass background and Vista-esque GUI elements may be to make it more familiar to switchers.

 

[eXan]

As SJ said, Apple changed the desktop picture because they know nobody uses the default Aqua desktop

Heh, I know no Mac user here that has non- default aqua desktop picture Probably except me, as I sometimes change the default one to something different, but usually not for long, because I get tired of those pretty quickly, so I change it back.

The grass background and Vista-esque GUI elements may be to make it more familiar to switchers.

Aren't switchers trying to distance themselves from Windows when they switch to Mac? I mean, the reason they switch is that they are tired of Win and want/need something different?

 

[amc382]

people hated aqua back in 2000.

it seems everyone hates any changes until some time passes.

 

[dominicansrul93]

I love everything about it!!! The only thing i dont like is the folder icons. Those things are ugly!!!

 

[yetanotherdave]

Seems like we're all forgetting something here

Here's the aqua desktop we all know and love, however, how many of us use it? I mean really, look at the thread below, does a single one of them look anything like the default?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/197364/

Personally, I change my wallpaper often, my dock is at minimal size on the right, auto hide, using clear dock. I've used UNO to get a clean unified look, sometimes I use a menu tranparency program, sometimes not. Candy bar can change my icons if I wish.
You will be able to change most of it at will, there will be software for the bits you can't change. Basically, none of the things like dock, menu bar and especially wallpaper changes matter, as we'll all change them straight away anyway.

 

[72930]

Here's the aqua desktop we all know and love, however, how many of us use it? I mean really, look at the thread below, does a single one of them look anything like the default?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/197364/

Personally, I change my wallpaper often, my dock is at minimal size on the right, auto hide, using clear dock. I've used UNO to get a clean unified look, sometimes I use a menu tranparency program, sometimes not. Candy bar can change my icons if I wish.
You will be able to change most of it at will, there will be software for the bits you can't change. Basically, none of the things like dock, menu bar and especially wallpaper changes matter, as we'll all change them straight away anyway.

Yes, but the standard desktop is what potential switchers see when they walk into an Apple Store...

 

[yetanotherdave]

Yes, but the standard desktop is what potential switchers see when they walk into an Apple Store...

When you walk into a TV store you see a bunch of sets under shop lights, with the contrast right up, and a loop of trailers on the screen. When you get it home you adjust the picture and put your own shows on.

Now when you walk into a apple store you will see shiny effects and reflections, transparencies etc. everyone, including switchers will know that that is the show setup, and it will be changed as soon as they get it home.
Plus switchers aren't comparing leopard to tiger, they're comparing leopard to XP/vista
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/87/267096311_e348eeefcc.jpg
I don't see why people are complaining that it's similar!

 

[hesdeadjim]

Wow, that also works in Safari.

It might have been said already, I got lazy but it works in most apps (Word, Excel, etc.). I use it all the time.

 

[invigorated]

Leopard is productivity & aesthetics!

2D to 3D:
Can you not see that apple is taking a step towards a 3D desktop environment with leopard? The dock is like a balcony from which you can look out at your desktop image. Windows use better shadowing to increase depth as they float in-front of you. It is clear that the front window is what your working on.

Transparency:
The transparent menu bar is about keeping you focused on the window. It blends into the background, you can still see it, you can use it as required, but it's not your immediate focus.

New Finder:
Colours, I'm still undecided. It has to be said that they do work to focus your attention well, presenting clear distinctions between pains/elements in the window.

Stacks:
Brilliant. Your desktop is becoming something you can just look out at because there is a stack of what you need right there on your "balcony" as I like to call it.

Grass = like Vista? Please guys, that's pretty petty for distinguished mac fans!

You guys are going to love using leopard when it gets here. It'll be an absolute joy! The new UI does what it's meant to, gets out of the way as much as possible to let you focus on what your doing, yet still move around efficiently!

 

[whooleytoo]

You guys are going to love using leopard when it gets here. It'll be an absolute joy! The new UI does what it's meant to, gets out of the way as much as possible to let you focus on what your doing, yet still move around efficiently!

Perhaps the translucent menubar and active window shadow help you focus on what you're doing, but the new 3D dock replete with shiny reflections is hardly "getting out of the way". It's far more "in the way" than the current dock is.

It really makes me wonder - Apple is emphasizing the Dock, and de-emphasizing the menubar with Leopard. Could this be an indicator of a future direction for OSX?

 

[invigorated]

Perhaps the translucent menubar and active window shadow help you focus on what you're doing, but the new 3D dock replete with shiny reflections is hardly "getting out of the way". It's far more "in the way" than the current dock is.

It really makes me wonder - Apple is emphasizing the Dock, and de-emphasizing the menubar with Leopard. Could this be an indicator of a future direction for OSX?

The dock is the new "desktop".

The more 3D you get, the more pointless it is to have things all the way back on your desktop.

It's got nothing to do with de-emphasizing the the menu bar. It's got everything to do with replacing the desktop as a point of interaction.

The dock is far more efficient than your desktop ever was. You don't have to hide your windows to get to it, so you can drag and drop onto it from where ever you are. It's organized with stacks which make for better navigation than a whole bunch of scattered files/folders. It allows for faster less intrusive interaction with your applications/files because you don't have to go hunting through a finder window. It's just right there one or at most two clicks away.

 

[benpatient]

I have a comment on this new "3-D" dock...why are people saying it's 3d?

it has a 2-D styled reflection! Look at the trash can icon and it's reflection—that's not what a reflection of a round trash can would look like, it's what the reflection of an album cover or something else flat would look like....

by giving us a 3-D context (the perspective view of the "shelf" that the icons sit on), Apple is pointing out how NOT correct their "mirroring" effect actually is. It works for planar objects, but not for things that give the illusion of depth.

In fact, as soon as I look at some of Apple's icons on the new dock, I recognize that they wouldn't, in fact, look like that sitting on a reflective surface. It's just not visually accurate, to say nothing of the practical value of the effect. They're using CPU/GPU resources to render an object in faux 3D. A "real" 3D icon would get smaller while it was bouncing, as it moved away from it's base, and it would reflect the bottom of the shape, not the forward face of it.

I'm looking at a reflection of a coke can on a shiny table. It's giving me a very, very different look in its reflection than the dock is giving us in Leopard.

 

[nateco]

the dock works great on the side of the screen...it's scalable and behaves like the old dock.....it's an improvement.


The menu bar is way less distracting now....you get used to it...works quite well.


The new UI is great and it's all the way through the OS.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

Distractions are non-functioning portions of the OS that do something that I don't like. Like the paper clip in MS Office, or the Genie Effect in the dock. I don't find the Menu Bar or the Dock to be distractions as they both just sit there and are only needed when I click on them.

I would say that Stacks doesn't do much for me since Quicksilver has long solved my problem for finding files. I am very much looking forward to the Quickview and Coverflow in the Finder though.

As for the Grass desktop picture, like others have said "Who cares?!". You can change that in an instant. Funny that I haven't heard anyone ever complain about the Aqua desktop that OS X has had for the past 3-5 years. Why? Cause people change it and don't look back.

The Bottom Line: I think Apple looks great! Aesthetically and Functionally.

 

[madmaxmedia]

I'm pretty much with invigorated. I know there are more flashy effects, but on the whole I feel like the new UI is more 'document-centric' in appearance. And stuff like Coverflow and quick look (or whatever it's called) further develop this approach.

It's also much different to stare at desktop screens than actually working in this new environment. So only time will tell...

2D to 3D:
Can you not see that apple is taking a step towards a 3D desktop environment with leopard? The dock is like a balcony from which you can look out at your desktop image. Windows use better shadowing to increase depth as they float in-front of you. It is clear that the front window is what your working on.

Transparency:
The transparent menu bar is about keeping you focused on the window. It blends into the background, you can still see it, you can use it as required, but it's not your immediate focus.

New Finder:
Colours, I'm still undecided. It has to be said that they do work to focus your attention well, presenting clear distinctions between pains/elements in the window.

Stacks:
Brilliant. Your desktop is becoming something you can just look out at because there is a stack of what you need right there on your "balcony" as I like to call it.

Grass = like Vista? Please guys, that's pretty petty for distinguished mac fans!

You guys are going to love using leopard when it gets here. It'll be an absolute joy! The new UI does what it's meant to, gets out of the way as much as possible to let you focus on what your doing, yet still move around efficiently!

 

[invigorated]

I have a comment on this new "3-D" dock...why are people saying it's 3d?

it has a 2-D styled reflection! Look at the trash can icon and it's reflection—that's not what a reflection of a round trash can would look like, it's what the reflection of an album cover or something else flat would look like....

by giving us a 3-D context (the perspective view of the "shelf" that the icons sit on), Apple is pointing out how NOT correct their "mirroring" effect actually is. It works for planar objects, but not for things that give the illusion of depth.

In fact, as soon as I look at some of Apple's icons on the new dock, I recognize that they wouldn't, in fact, look like that sitting on a reflective surface. It's just not visually accurate, to say nothing of the practical value of the effect. They're using CPU/GPU resources to render an object in faux 3D. A "real" 3D icon would get smaller while it was bouncing, as it moved away from it's base, and it would reflect the bottom of the shape, not the forward face of it.

I'm looking at a reflection of a coke can on a shiny table. It's giving me a very, very different look in its reflection than the dock is giving us in Leopard.

If your going to be like that you may as well say we're looking at a flat 2D screen so 3D's pretty much not going to happen right?

Hold a piece of paper on top of a mirror you will see something like this.

Pretty similar to what you see in the dock no?

An icon isn't 3d, it has no depth, so it's not going to look like a coke can and you won't see a base.

As for using valuable cpu/gpu cycles modern systems have so much power that the MINISCULE, so tiny it's not even worth thinking about, impact of rendering reflections on a dock is a total non-issue. If your really that desperate to squeeze every last cycle try closing a widget, because they too use up "valuable" resources.

Just because it's flashy doesn't mean it's bad! If it improves your experience and the feel of the interaction (which it will, when you use it) then it's a good thing!

 

[Erasmus]

As for using valuable cpu/gpu cycles modern systems have so much power that the MINISCULE, so tiny it's not even worth thinking about, impact of rendering reflections on a dock is a total non-issue. If your really that desperate to squeeze every last cycle try closing a widget, because they too use up "valuable" resources.

Hmmm... It's interesting you should say that...
The Dashboard Widget "World Clock" uses up ~25% of my CPU...
5 clock widgets, dictionary, unit converter, iStat Pro, Safari and MSN open, iStat says my CPU is sitting on 99%. Nothing else running.
World Clock is a resource hog!

 

[abrooks]

Hmmm... It's interesting you should say that...
The Dashboard Widget "World Clock" uses up ~25% of my CPU...
5 clock widgets, dictionary, unit converter, iStat Pro, Safari and MSN open, iStat says my CPU is sitting on 99%. Nothing else running.
World Clock is a resource hog!

That's because you appear to have a 450MHz Cube, my old G4 was dog slow at anything to do with the Dashboard.