FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

First of all I would like to thank Nokians for their support and suggestions, especially the whole bunch of UX experts on Saturday who sat with us and bombarded us with suggestions and concepts :)

Martin Grimme (pycage) and I sat down on Friday in Barcelona to improve and enhance the interface of his application - the FM Radio. In the mean time we gave two interviews each, but that's another story ;)

For those who don't know the situation, here's a quick re-cap:

Nokia does not ship an FM Radio application by default on the N900. The FM Radio chip is disabled by default and it's a part of the Bluetooth chip. I will hazard a guess and say that the FM Radio was never a part of the feature-set for this device and that's OK. We have the community to re-enable this hardware and provide support for it.

We attended talks about concepting and UI design, so that helped us *a ton*. With basic knowledge freshly acquired, we tried to improve what we already had. This is the story:

http://imgur.com/eySIA.jpg

We first tried to figure out how to communicate the unfortunate fact of having to automatically enable Bluetooth every time you use the FM Radio, how to propose a simple auto-scan as the first-run wizard, how to show auto-scanning to the user, how to inform him/her of various other situations (offline mode, user actively disables Bluetooth while radio running).

Then we tried our hand at improving the UI along with UX. We decided to remove the Play/Pause buttons altogether, as well as get rid of the notion of "Favourites". When you run FM Radio, the radio starts playing, if you shut the application down radio stops playing. Favourites are now just "Stations". We have RDS Name and RDS Info implemented already, Martin will just move the display around a bit and fix a few remaining bugs with that. RDS Info will be displayed above the frequency scale and the RDS Name will be displayed on the large button at the bottom. Tapping the large button will pop out the list of saved stations. Names will be taken automatically from RDS, but can be changed manually, the list will be alphabetical by default, but we might make it more configurable later.

The buttons on the sides no longer scan, they switch between saved stations, they will be made larger.

http://imgur.com/z5OHB.jpg

We also tried our hand in concepting the portrait mode. You have to read that sheet from right to left, you'll figure it out. The concept to implement is simple. RDS Info above, then just two buttons for switching between presets just under your thumbs, big button with RDS Name and a short Stations list below that. Tapping the big button will expand the Stations list.

The menu (doesn't matter in which mode) will have options for Auto-scan, Manual (change frequency just like with FM Transmitter, so you don't have to swipe), and in the future - Profiles support (for different places different sets of saved stations). We're also thinking (key word being "thinking", no plans or UI concepts) about time-shifting and recording.

So at the end of the day I drew our concepts yet again, this time more carefully, to show them to UX experts on Saturday.

http://imgur.com/51GFy.jpg

This is a sheet before consulting:
http://imgur.com/OxGtU.jpg

And after discussions:
http://imgur.com/0koFP.jpg

The UX panel also figured out a way for us to implement Profiles support:

http://imgur.com/qfmkA.jpg

Profiles were the most difficult to figure out (switching, editing, viewing, re-ordering, etc.), but I think we now have that covered, I won't be going into detail, but it's going to be pretty freaking cool.

I don't think I've covered even half of the stuff that was discussed on Saturday, but... you should have been there ;)

Martin has a lot of work ahead of him now, but at least now he knows the details and can plan ahead.

This was a very fruitful weekend. :) If you have any questions feel free to ask, I'll try answering them tomorrow.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Thanks for this, but can you thumbnail those images in the post and link to the larger versions elsewhere?

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Thanks Tomasz, this is a great summary of what was going on in Barcelona. I still have the concept sheets with me and start work when I no longer feel so tired from the long evenings in Barcelona anymore. ;)

You did a great job at concepting the UX/UI in Barcelona! Now I owe you a beer. ;)

The UI experts from Nokia were great, too. Barcelona Long Weekend was very fruitful! Thanks to Nokia for sponsoring me!

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Here's a quick video demonstration of fairly recent code http://vimeo.com/8139522

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

http://tabletui.wordpress.com/2009/1...adio-for-n900/

Maemo has tons of software that need the help of UX "experts" and you're cosing the app that is already under my coverage to discuss? Without even asking/involving me? Great.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

We were looking at those concepts as well wazd, we took them into consideration while completing our concept. We already have the ruler UI. "Favourites" make no sense at all, considering the auto-scan feature saves all available stations, not only your favourite ones, but the "Stations" UI is very similar. The last visual concept is impossible to make. Martin is also not willing to provide a web service for locations list downloading, even forgetting the fact that that the whole idea wasn't a good one in the first place (always out-dated lists, some areas will never get a good list, the need for Internet access possibly abroad, etc.). We have thoroughly considered many options, we have a plan that Martin is following. If you have any further suggestions, please don't hesitate to add them.

I wasn't even aware of any animosities here, I'm not sure why do you put the word "experts" in quotes. We had a very good session in Barcelona with UX experts from Nokia and we used that time to fullest extent possible. I'm not sure if I see anything wrong with that. I don't really care about other applications at the moment, so I'm not even sure where you're coming from with the "other apps need help" argument.

I think you have a strange entitlement issue. It's Martin's project, not yours and definitely not mine. If Martin decides to ditch everything and re-do the app from scratch this hour, I won't blame him. If he decided to do the UI completely differently than any concepts, it's still OK. OK?

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Any chance of adding plus and minus jog buttons that would move the frequency the minimum possible in the indicated direction?

Having tried the early version of the radio, I found the swipe a little imprecise for fine tuning and this would have helped a lot!

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

There will be a an option for manual tuning like you tune the frequency of the FM Transmitter or set the time for the alarm. I don't think we'll add +/- signs, as this is a much less used feature than switching between stations (and the buttons for this action will be made much larger).

The use case is as follows: kwotski wants to find and save the stations in his area. He runs auto-scan, auto-scan searches through the whole frequency range and saves stations (using RDS for names). Kwotski then switches between stations using big buttons on the sides, renames stations as needed and deletes stations he doesn't really want.

Swiping is just a toy at this stage, it is imprecise and form over function, but damn it looks good. That's why we are "working around" this toy :)

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

When will this newer package be available in the repos?

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Ok, thanks.

Although, my actual use case is: kwotski knows the approximate frequency of the two stations he's interested in listening to, swipes to the vicinity, and spends irksome minutes re-re-re-re- and re-swiping to try and land on the optimal reception frequency..

But I'll be happy to work round your improvements :D If the radio works (and it does, gloriously!) that's enough in the end. After all, once the right frequency is saved the game is largely won.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

There's no reason for getting upset wazd. I appreciate any help I get and your UI/UX design was used as a basis for our concepting stuff in Barcelona. A good UI has input from various sources and every source of input is valuable.

I want to make the best FM radio app for the N900 and I'm thanking you all for your committment. Keep up the good work!

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

It's Martin's project for sure but it's my time that I've spent on it and it's my right to know about ditching everything BEFORE I make something, not after. There are so many people to help, I think 2 (or more) designers for one project is a luxury for maemo community in it's current state.

As for "Martin don't want to..." - I'm not a freaking Jedi or Mindreader, I can't know things happening in someones head utill I'm told verbaly or in text bout them.

I'm releasing all the stuff I've produced for FM and skipping the project, you're free to continue to do whatever you want to.

P.S.: Favourites are, you know, favourites, for example I'm listening to 5 stations only, I want to just quickly tune em, without going thru all the list.

P.P.S.: As for the issues, if something like that happens in commercial world - nobody will work with you after. And that's the most peaceful scenario.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

I have no idea what your beef is, this is not the "commercial world".

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

One thing that definitely needs fine tuning is swiping sensitivity, so that might help you out. Keep the use cases coming, we need to know how is this software going to be used.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

And that's the problem, that everybody thinks that time means nothing, only money have worth. If money are not involved - what bad can happen anyway?

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

When it's ready :) First it's going to enter extras-testing anyway, so even if a version is released today, it's still going to go through community testing before it hits Extras.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Look wazd, I was just trying to help Martin out, because I really care about the application. I wasn't aware how deeply you were involved in the project, I thought you were just like me - throwing ideas around and see if they catch on. Some of them did, some of them didn't.

If you're throwing a fit as if someone was stealing toys from your playground, then I'm sorry, but you're acting like a big baby, there is nothing personal about this, it's just how I see it. If there was any formal agreement between you and Martin then work it out between yourselves in private and I'll retract my words. Sheesh.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Thanks very much mate you guys are doing a great job and we really appreciate. cant wait to get my device so i can try things me self

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

If I'll need mother's advice - I'll call her, ok?
I'm not throwing around ideas, I'm "working" on User Interfaces, from bottom to top. It's not about stealing my toys (who cares), it's about stealing my time.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

There was no formal agreement and wazd's blog post was the only thing I knew from his UI/UX concepts before Barcelona. It was a great blog post and it's stuff like this that helps us developers a lot.

But if you decide to leave the project, because you're not the only UI/UX designer, wazd, then we're all disappointed but will not stop you. In the community everybody is free to do what she/he wants.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

I didn't know someone forced you to make that blog post and convinced you that everything you concepted will be used. I'm sorry.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

wazd, in Barcelona there was a lot of interest in working on lots of apps, why on earth would someone knock back advice from many quarters - the more the merrier.
the guys involved in the FM radio worked really well as designer and developer bouncing ideas off each other, I thought it was one of the amazing things which happened there.
development is an evolutionary process and gaining input from as many sources as possible makes the apps the best they can be.

I'm pleased the writeup from this app are online now and should be used as an example of the success of the weekend and how apps can evolve from where they were before.

We are an open source community, applications improve by standing on the shoulders of giants and your work has not been forgotten or abandoned, infact it provided the basic groundings for what will hopefully become a cornerstone example of collaborative community development processes.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Ok, for the last time.
I absolutely don't care if my work is remembered or forgotten, otherwise I'd be outa here in July. Or August. Or September, October, November, or 5 days ago. I have more than enough reasons to leave. But I'm not an ego-whore or karma-whore. I'm glad that there are people that wants to help as much as me with user interfaces. I have absolutely nothing against helping. The only thing I was asking is respect for other people's *time*. We are all having our real lifes. Aside from my real life I've decided to help other people with things I'm good at.

Before Barcelona Event Valerio Valerio (VDVsx) asked me, if I have some more time to work on BlueMaemo, cause he can ask people at Barcelona for additional help. Everybody is awared, everybody can plan their free time. That is a good example of proper behaviour.

I think all questions are cleared now. Thank you.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Obviously wazd put his heart and soul into this, and honestly, since no one else has, I'm standing at his side. Not because he's right or wrong, but because he cares.

I make music, and I hate when guys change my productions without my knowledge. The tracks I make are my creations, my kids. The same for app designs and concepts for wazd. He obviously loves the design. Could no one contact him before trashing his idea? Maybe he was willing to serve the station database himself.

With that said, I'm happy with the progress. You guys had a unique opportunity to work with some otherwise less accessible talent, and you took the opportunity. I'd have done the same. Just be more empathetic of wazd's feelings. He loves what he does, and he's emotionally invested. We'd do good with more wazd's in the community.

Don't abandon this project just yet, wazd. We all make hard decisions. I'm sure they didn't decide to ignore your help at a whim. Better communication could've gone down, but we learned something for the next project. I'm looking forward to seeing your work on future applications.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Will this be an update of the original app, or a new one? I'm using the FMRadio app now at the Cowboys game as we speak. (we're losing, 10-3. We paid $60 to park, so they better win! Grrr...)

I was wondering, is there was a way to use the FM radio without the bluetooth? Or lower the broadcast strength of the bluetooth transmission wattage to a minimal level as long as there are no paired devices? It might help with battery life.

For those with issues with accuracies with the swiping to tune, try this:
Once you get near your station, tapping on either side of the tuning line moves it one step in that direction. I thought it works well when used this way. Give it a try.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

far from ignore the hard work wazd has put in, believe the work on the tuner was second to none and recall his strinking blog post on the subject and being amazed once again at his talent.
this dominant feature remains a key element in the design the work done last week is not a relfection upon wazd or his processes, infact they were hailed by many.
I recall equally strong critique and advancement in the comments section of that posting, and that discussion simply continued in Barcelona.
Its an interesting subject with many observers.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Here's a video showing off the latest code http://vimeo.com/8153777

To answer your questions, it will still be the same application.

Currently swiping sensitivity is not good for fine tuning. The detection code does have some problems when you don't push hard enough and when the movement of the swipe isn't really horizontal. You can see in the video that you can get the hang of it, but it's not intuitive (e.g. to move 0.1 MHz you have to swipe hard, hold and then come back to the place you were). Martin is working on this :)

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Is it possible to use the speakers and the earphones at the same time? Could be handy if you want to listen to the sound in a room and you don't have loud external speakers or just for a better stereo effect.
Looks good btw!

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

i hope that playing the radio through the headphones will bypass the HP filter and hopefully extend battery life.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Please add +/-
My current phone (ok, it's a SE, but i don't think it matters that much) sucks at auto-scan. If i start moving the frequency manually, like on a normal (physical) radio, i can find a few stations with pretty good reception. Even if the reception is pretty bad, it still prefer it over the "no stations found" message
If it clutters up the UI, you could make it off by default and user-enableable [is that a word?!]. But for me it would be useful and important
Edit: perhaps make the behavior of the arrow buttons settable between jump to station and frequency crawl?

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Is battery life really an issue? I don't think it's so bad even without bypassing.
AFAIK the headset route in the Maemo OS is not so much filtered anyway, because headphones can take the low frequencies and headphones sound better than the speakers which require filtering.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

If I have understood the demo correctly, I should be able to seach stations and only 'mark' those I really want in my list, then I can select from the list? If so, that's great. And it looks super.

The only thing missing (as far as I can see) would then be fine-tuning. Around here I always have to adjust the final frequency do to interference and whatnot. So a +/- stepped in a few hertz would be good.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

A new version has entered extras-testing. Swiping sensitivity is much, much better now, fine tuning is very easy. Please test and vote.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

it not so much the filtering per se, but the fact that you say that you have to capture the sound stream, record it and then replay the filtered stream back to the speakers that i assume would drain the battery quickly

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Maybe you're thinking of capturing in terms of encoding and writing to file. This does not happen. Sound gets directly piped from Line in to audio out by the means of Pulseaudio. That's all. It should be even less battery consuming than playing MP3 because no decoding has to take place.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

now im confused to quote u from an earlier discussion 'N900 and FMradio' dated 11/11/2009

Originally Posted by spanner View Post

Would it be possible to send the receiver output directly to the speakers without recapturing (& hence save battery) when the phones are plugged in?



"The next version will send the output directly to the headphones because this is safe. But the receiver output must not be sent directly to the speakers, because very low frequencies are dangerous for them and have tio be filtered out.

To sum it up: you can save battery in the next version if using headphones for listening."

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Just wanted to confirm that the tuning via swipe is much more manageable for me with the latest version. Thanks!

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

Maybe I was too quick saying this. Technically, there are bypass switches in the mixer that would allow this. But this is a totally different audio route than with speaker output. It might become feasible once the Maemo OS becomes more aware of the fmradio. But right now, choosing this audio route calls for too much trouble.
Anyway, headphones output is better for battery life, no matter if bypassing pulseaudio alltogether or just bypassing the HP filtering in pulseaudio.
And eventually you want to be able to record radio streams in a future version. Recording wouldn't work with bypassing.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

hey,

any chance we can have a row of buttons on the bottom, marked 1-6
when i press and hold, the button records the current frequency and gives a beep.
when i tap the buttons, make the frequency fly back to the prerecorded frequency.

pretty please, its a very functional usable interface
there is much to learn from the interface inside a vehicle.

Similar functionality has existed for ages and we should make it easy for everyone to understand it :)
let people swipe the frequency but give them regular controls for small/large steps.
let them use it like their regular radio interface is.

Re: FM Radio application for the N900 - Concepting in Barcelona
 

The button on the bottom brings up a list with your presets. Isn't that about the same? Or is it one click too much? Two clicks vs one.

And you can name the stations 1 - 6 so that they will appear by this in the list (aka vertical button row). :)