Locus Map 4, discussion

[tapio]

What I see in the test version is not bad. I still can keep the screen free from elements. It's still the complex and capable app I love. Very much appreciate the new point approach. The UI changes I see are a small thing for me. I just wish the poi database, pois in general would get more love.
I must  honestly say my thoughts about Locus Alpha are more and more "after all, not much can change and will change". Not bad for me personally.
I feel Menion is having a hard time to bring changes in software and payment system to life. And I wish them success. Locus = Most important Android app for me.

[menion]

Fine. About POI ... Michal did not wrote about it yet ... but, I hope it will be big this year 

[Žajdlík Josef]

Give the new interface a chance.  In fact, it is better, freeing up space at the top.  This is better because you see a larger part of the map in the direction of travel.  The panel at the bottom does not matter because it overlaps the section you already have.  It's just unusual at first, that's all.

[0709]

@ Menion & all. This is not negative comment on the contrary.

I think I applied the theme politely.

The "trigger" why I am less enthusiastic about drastic UI changes?

Only recently I installed a very simple email app on a tablet for an 80+ old couple.
Communication with the daughter in "quarantine" because a colleague was ambushed by the "virus beast". After some help, that email communication with photo exchange goes smoothly.

Problem ? After an update, the extremely simple UI has been changed.
Buttons above now below and folders (Inbox outbox etc) now "hidden" under a new "button".
Difficult ? No. But I can't no longer visit the 80+ because no access through that filthy virus thing!

So explain everything by phone again.
Has that UI change added an indispensable feature? No sir, simply NOTHING whatsoever.

Remember that mail program is extremely simple, even with new UI.
Locus map .... that is a completely different pair of sleeves I think.
That's why I'm wary of drastic UI changes anyway.

Oh yes, Locus may still be greatest ! Maybe you can convince me later on?
So see those men, see them (still) smile ! 

[0709]

Hello Josef.

We can still go outside, to cycle, to get a breath of fresh air, but preferably not too far away from the house. It is allowed without a dog, no laughing, as in some countries you can only go outside to "air" the dog

Print screen (attached) of my April 1 bike ride, track record Locus Pro.
What is wrong ? Freeing Map top space ? I only see a lot of map.

Of course I give Menion that chance ... who would prevent him to do anyway?
I am also not allowed to go to Prague, because only necessary trips are allowed.

Above all Josef @ all, stay healthy, and keep smiling a little bit ;-)
Sorry for somewhat off topic longer story ... not much to do here.

[Henk van der Spek]

Give the new interface a chance.  In fact, it is better, freeing up space at the top.  This is better because you see a larger part of the map in the direction of travel.  The panel at the bottom does not matter because it overlaps the section you already have.  It's just unusual at first, that's all.

We wait and see (but some of us do not use the rotating map. Instead North-up). Even my wife does, allthough long ago she used to rotate the paper road map in the car when we were driving south to France. 

[freischneider]

I am also in favor of making Locus better for beginners. Simple and clear operation.
But we also have to think of the experts. They want a lot of different design options.
Maybe at the beginning you have to do everything like now. And later make opportunities for the experts. But maybe it is better to know now what should come later.
I currently have an almost empty screen. See image. On the way a great overview.
I do a lot by language. Clicking the screen is bad with long gloves. I do all of this via Tasker and would be happy to control more Locus functions.

[michaelbechtold]

Experts and novices alike will always suffer from changes, yet changes are key to improvements and progress.
Hence - AGAIN - my advise to spend energy into a 21st century help and function (*) search capability. Android settings in many new devices deliver that: you type a word about what you want to do and get a number of matching functions/settings at your fingertip.
That does not address the ongoing UI discussion, I know. But the overwhelming (yet USEFUL!!!) settings have been a reported pain since years.
(*) each function and setting needs to have a number of keywords and synonyms associated. In the selected language and always plus English.

[Ricardo Borges]

How to rotate the map with compass?

I see Locus alpha doesn't have the language bug. Cool!

Also Menion, I think the new top panel could have 2 types of information. I don't like the wasted space at right.

[lor74cas]

Experts and novices alike will always suffer from changes, yet changes are key to improvements and progress.
Hence - AGAIN - my advise to spend energy into a 21st century help and function (*) search capability. Android settings in many new devices deliver that: you type a word about what you want to do and get a number of matching functions/settings at your fingertip.
That does not address the ongoing UI discussion, I know. But the overwhelming (yet USEFUL!!!) settings have been a reported pain since years.
(*) each function and setting needs to have a number of keywords and synonyms associated. In the selected language and always plus English.

I wrote the same a lot of time ago +1

[menion]

Thanks for valuable feedback guys. I'll have to read more precisely the last post and give some comments.

Meanwhile, new ALPHA version 3.43.3.3 LM4 is out with two new search options for the test .

Latest version for download.

[tapio]

Search (as we type) in Settings - Great!

Bug?
If in route planner I change map from the main map window (not the quick map picker) then it jumps out of route planner.

[tapio]

I've got an idea for the new track and point UI. What if the submenu for tracks and points would already be accessible from the bottom/new UI? In my screenshot it's supposed to be 3 dots 
I feel the popup with its submenu is anachronistic with this new UI.

[tapio]

I wanted to add the dashboard editor to the main menu. Locus says I already use it somewhere, but I don't, what can I do here?

https://youtu.be/7qEw_PXpJ_w

[tapio]

At least if Locus is started as a service, there should be an app->Exit function in the main menu. There's lots of space in the bottom marketing row. My personal opinion for any app is, it should always be there.