Roadmap for Neon Boombox

**NeonDev** · 06-11-2008, 02:30 PM

So the next release of NBB will be the big 1.0.

Here is a rundown of the features that it will add (ignore the unofficial 9G

)

1. modules will be able to execute apple scripts upon launch and exit. most useful for "embedding" 3rd party applications

2. as mentioned above I'm targeting the ability to embed 3rd party applications to cover the functions NBB is lacking. I will release an updated sample project that should allow users to easily edit the scripts as well as alter the interface. using the SDK they will be able to do a lot more too if so inclined.

3. the volume controller will be a lot better both graphically and functionally. Almost a complete rewrite.

4. scroll as you drag is finally back, and in much better condition. by that I mean it will actually work decently and IMO is better than scrolling without it. It also opens the door for iPhone like kinetic scrolling somewhere between 1.0 and 2.0

5. will see the final 1.0 SDK complete with documentation. all NBB modules I have written use the SDK classes 100% so anything that they use in their interfaces (table views, arrangeable buttons, custom slider, etc) is accessible to 3rd parties along with other functions/features.

6. some general bug fixes and improvements. I believe I have completely solved all my thread issues that would occasionally crash NBB on startup

7. I'm hoping a new NBB original visualizer will be done by then.

Now what you wont see. the XM module will not be included in the 1.0 release, but a new beta of it will come out about the same time. the new radio module build will now display station logos (thank you Bugbyte) and the table will auto scale its columns for your resolution. additionally there will be signal strength indicator. (i know thats not much but Im getting there

)

I want to be sure and squash all the bugs I can. If there are some bugs in the CURRENT build I didn't specifically address above please inform me so I can address them.

**NeonDev** · 08-08-2008, 05:42 PM

ok, well with the 1.0 final done, it is time to move on to 1.X

I looked at the poll I ran a while back and came up with a plan that i feel meets the most wanted features with the most realistically achievable in the short term

here is what to expect from the next major release (prolly NBB 1.1):

1. bygbyte has kindly offered to let me borrow his XM direct so I can add support for the XM direct to the radio module. With that said, look for a much better and feature complete radio module in the next major release. (ill post a semi complete mockup below)

2. since it was heavily voted for and something I have a pretty good grasp on I will come up with a global control pallet that the previously active module will be able to attach itself to and publish controls to. this will be useful for controlling music playback while browsing the internet(if there were an internet module...),from the home screen, or from another program.

3. since hanzov69 was kind enough to donate an OBD2 interface you can expect at least some amount of OBD2 data to be available in some fashion. details will come later.

4. last but not least I will attempt to reach a middle ground of sorts for those who would like more control over the look of NBB. completer skins and even themes are a vast undertaking and honestly compared to adding functionality are not a priority. What i will do, however is add a few more controls for color adjustments and a controller for screen brightness.

**NeonDev** · 08-08-2008, 05:50 PM

ok here is a rough draft of what i have in mind for the XM module. the only thing missing that i want for now is a checkbox of sorts for each station so that it can be added to the favorites section that will be accessible through a standard filter button like the ones at the bottom. once I get bugbytes subed radio I will be able to determine all the available genres for filtering. (filters will be customizable the same way they are in the music module). I'm thinking I will need to allow for more than 5 filters to be out at once, what do you think?

**hammer32** · 08-09-2008, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by NeonDev

ok here is a rough draft of what i have in mind for the XM module. the only thing missing that i want for now is a checkbox of sorts for each station so that it can be added to the favorites section that will be accessible through a standard filter button like the ones at the bottom. once I get bugbytes subed radio I will be able to determine all the available genres for filtering. (filters will be customizable the same way they are in the music module). I'm thinking I will need to allow for more than 5 filters to be out at once, what do you think?

I think the favorites are a great idea. Could the radio and music modules remember which playlist/favorites list you were in the next time you switch to another module and back again?

Thanks!

Sean

**NeonDev** · 08-11-2008, 05:48 PM

I think the favorites are a great idea. Could the radio and music modules remember which playlist/favorites list you were in the next time you switch to another module and back again?

the music module does remember what playlist/artist/etc you are in when you leave and comeback...

**sdashiki** · 08-12-2008, 08:50 AM

If you have OBD2, you have become the God among men.

<--- aint posted in months maybe longer, thats how good this project is looking to me!

**NeonDev** · 08-12-2008, 09:53 AM

If you have OBD2, you have become the God among men.

<--- aint posted in months maybe longer, thats how good this project is looking to me!

thanks, but you may have came out of posting retirement a bit early. I have no OBD2 as of right now. It is coming tho.

I wouldn't get your hopes up for anything spectacular until after I finish the radio module.

**sdashiki** · 08-12-2008, 02:07 PM

Something that reads engine codes, gives you speed (and thus MPG), engine fluid levels etc...even if it looks ugly, is better than nothing. And highly anticipated.

**NeonDev** · 08-12-2008, 03:08 PM

well until I get around to implementing a full OBD2 solution here is a taste of the new 1.1 theming engine. It is much more robust, still only capable of altering control coloring, but will grow to be much more in the future. Im really excited about it.

If you cant tell I haven't yet extended all NBB control classes to take advantage of the new engines capabilities (the dial still only uses the old hue value)
FYI 1.1 will use a different preference model for the theme engine then 1.0 did so when you upgrade to 1.1 you will loose your custom color setting, but I think its worth it

Oh and BTW 1.1 will support some predefined themes that will be user editable so you can quickly switch between color schemes and back without having to dick around with a bunch of sliders. hope you like it