Hello All,
I want to start by saying that this is not meant to be negative. I just wanted to share my thoughts, and I hope the hardworking development team will consider them. Thank you for listening.
First of all thank you very much for Plex and i been with plex since 2008 and still now no Media center system comes close to plex in any way form and shape. this is by far the most stable system i have used and i used all of it so thank you very much for you hard work.
Here is short demo video of the concept that i am speaking about
So here is my thoughts on the new UI i really hope new UI as end product will be better then what we see in beta version.
The new UI starts without an option to sign into a user account. Choosing a user account to log in to is extremely important, as it allows users to select which account they want to use. I hope this feature does not go away. Currently, in the beta UI, the last user logged in will automatically log in without a PIN.
Having the home and libraries at the bottom is fine, but removing the side panel where all pinned libraries appear is somewhat disappointing.
The side panel library view on the phone, Firestick app, or Xbox app is a default setting weâre all used to, and it allows for quick and easy navigation to various sections like Home, Watchlist, or actual library content. The side panel on the left opens and closes, remaining hidden by default, so it doesnât bother anyone. Removing this feature doesnât make sense, especially for users with large libraries such as Movies, TV Shows, Hindi Movies, Hindi TV Shows, Anime, Ongoing Anime, Documentaries, Educational content, Kidsâ Movies, etc. At this point, the side panel is the fastest way to view and access these libraries.
In the new UI, users have the option to use the home section, which includes old-style categories like âRecently Watched,â âContinue Watching,â âTV,â etc. However, this setup feels a bit outdated, and in my opinion, a more robust feature is needed for the home view.
Why not change home with more Netfliex style view or Crunchyrollâs view
My suggestion for the new Plex player or client app is to start as usual. Users should be able to select their account from a list, enter their PIN or passcode, and then access Plex seamlessly.
Once they enter they are in Home View which can start with one movie or tv show with option to play or more info just like Netfliex does
Under it You will show Your next watch list or recently added or by genre like Netflix does so few option can be added to home sections continue watching, new to plex , my list or my favorite, because you watched X here is recommendations and just like Classic Plex player or netfliex left side panel will allow full library access TV Shows , Movies, ect each user has it own library setup and naming.
If you see Crunchyroll does same thing , user open the app, 1st thing pick a user account to login to then you are in home screen first thing Big image of one selected anime with start watching next to it is more info. under that you will see Top Pick for you , then continue watching, then Your watchlist , then Most popular and on side left corner the side panel will pop up just like plex app currently
I can provide million examples of how plex UI should be as up to date and more functional.
In the new UI, the library access is located at the bottom, which is fine, but the experience isnât smooth. When a user clicks on it, it leads to one section, and the user has to use the down arrow key to switch between TV shows, movies, or other libraries. This design works for users with small library sections, but for those with over 10 different types of libraries, it becomes extremely slow and difficult to navigate. I currently manage 2 Plex servers with over 20 libraries, and navigating between them in the new UI is not easy. For users like me, the side panel or the classic app (which is still in production) is much more efficient.
Additionally, the new UI app lacks better color themes like the white color available on Apple TV. We are left with only two dull colors to choose from. I hope the Plex development team considers this feedback, and I also hope other users see the value in my suggestions.
Finals Thoughts
I really hope Plex enhances the new appâs appearance, skins, and settings. It would be great to have an option to view the library in the classic view, with a side panel on the left for easy access to all pinned libraries. Additionally, a home or landing view similar to Netflix or Crunchyroll, or even HBO MAX APP where you have one highlighted movie or TV show at the top, in HBO Case they aloow 5 Top level the recommanded for you sections start under it, followed by sections like âRecently Addedâ or âBecause You Watched X, Here Are Recommendations,â and the rest organized by genre or category, would be highly beneficial.
Please let me know if i can assistant in any way for from and hope plex team all the best thank you very much
