Very Disappointed With XBox One App

Plex Players Gaming Consoles
41

Well this is how rarflix started off for plex. Plex ended up hiring the programmer to do the original channel. He added a lot of options including user profiles which a few features are now making there way into the original app but slowly. Main thing with plex is they do not want to do a feature for one app unless it can go to all the apps. I think this is their biggest downside. The UI is not consistent and somehow that is okay but features have to be the same? I would prefer each app get as many features as the device can support.

Why would you do that, rather than just making suggestions to the team? I'll give you some reasons why not:

1. You have no control over Plex server. Any change the Plex team makes to the server could break your app. And Microsoft isn't going to be happy if your app breaks.

2. Microsoft would have to approve you just to start development. They're unlikely to do so unless you can demonstrate serious credentials

3. Microsoft has to approve every up date you make to the app

4. It's a lot of hard work, which would be better spent enjoying watching videos on the official Plex app for Xbox One.

Don't get me wrong, competition is great. But the Xbox isn't an open platform where competition is viable.

42

I don't mean to sound harsh because I tell my own friends this often:
I like to show off my Plex setup (as well as other cool media things I have) to people and they often say "wow, can you set that up for me?".  I say "no, if you can't set it up yourself then you won't be happy with it and I'm not going to maintain it for you".  Then I tell them "if you don't have the will to learn how to do that you are better off paying for someone to do it for you (i.e. Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.)".  For someone who doesn't have the time (or patience?) to do a manual setup and live without some of the cool features you have come to expect from other services you're probably better off paying for a service.  Although those services have their own limitations too, just different ones.
 
So you are saying that there is a way to setup logins for the xbox client?
Then based on login. Certain content will display?
 
So you are saying that I can put authentication on the media manager setup?
I am not talking about authentication based no other pc's on the network.
 
I am looking for instructions of how to do this?


Follow the directions for creating a new user account and sharing content with them.
43

Look, I have said before. Yes I could do this. BUT, that's not how I believe it should work.
It's simple. I don't care which xbox account I am logged into. I would rather be able to passcode protect the client app.  Based on who logs in. Certain content will show based on user. So we will have to agree to disagree here.


You're confusing two things here. One is how the app operates on the Xbox, the other is the "security" of the server software on your personal computer.

Xbox App:

I see the benefits and weaknesses of both ways of doing the multiuser/parental controls feature. Neither is perfect, but like I said the app doesn't include this feature right now, and it wasn't promised. It's on the roadmap, and if you have specific suggestions there are avenues in other sub-forums to make them.

Server Software:

The responsibility to protect the server software is yours, not the Plex developers. You have all the tools to do that now. Create a guest account on your personal computer for anyone accessing your computer that is not you. This is a basic security precaution you should already have in place beyond your concerns about your nephew accessing horror movies.
 
 
 
 

I am more frustrated about something that I looked foward to. Once again, you guys seem to be taking it more personally than I am. I am frustrated about an "App" (No Living) thing.  Sometimes you are not heard if you don't speak with a little flare.





My only suggestion to your is that you try a different approach next time. The tone of your first post, the red & bold text, you've seen how they've been received. Have a look around the forum and help everyone try to make Plex better instead.
44

You're confusing two things here. One is how the app operates on the Xbox, the other is the "security" of the server software on your personal computer.

Xbox App:

I see the benefits and weaknesses of both ways of doing the multiuser/parental controls feature. Neither is perfect, but like I said the app doesn't include this feature right now, and it wasn't promised. It's on the roadmap, and if you have specific suggestions there are avenues in other sub-forums to make them.

This is my biggest issue with the app. I think it should have a local authenication option that allows me to login into Plex. Basically on the login, certain content will be displayed. I am not interested in creating a bunch of xbox one account to do this. One xbox account and I can configure how plex content will be displayed. I don't think they will ever do it this way. I think they will use the xbox account for this. Which still isn't ideal for me. But hey, I understand we all can agree to disagree. My tone of this arugment is simple. It's me showing frustration of about the client app mainly. I had a lot higher expectations for it out of the gate. I strongly felt the security feature is a no brainer that should not have been left out when this was first lauched. I won't apologize for my tone. Simple because I am not making it personal to anyone. I am just displaying displeasure in an app. Nothing less or nothing less. I just don't like the app. So people love it. Some people think it's ok. Some people hate it.

I think the Plex team want to hear "All" feedback. Not just the feedback they want to hear.

Server Software:

The responsibility to protect the server software is yours, not the Plex developers. You have all the tools to do that now. Create a guest account on your personal computer for anyone accessing your computer that is not you. This is a basic security precaution you should already have in place beyond your concerns about your nephew accessing horror movies.
 

I am less worried about the server issue. I think the security feature for it is a "nice to have", but not a must have.
I plan on getting another machine to act as a server for different purposes. SQL Server, Web Server, Plex Server, etc...

My only suggestion to your is that you try a different approach next time. The tone of your first post, the red & bold text, you've seen how they've been received. Have a look around the forum and help everyone try to make Plex better instead.

I am only using bold text so it's easier to read of what you wrote vs what I wrote. That's it.

I am replying back line by line. So we need to have a way to the text don't blend in.

We need a clear way to determine what you said vs what I said.

That's why I changed the colors of what I wrote. So you know it's me vs what you wrote.

45

You're confusing two things here. One is how the app operates on the Xbox, the other is the "security" of the server software on your personal computer.

Xbox App:

I see the benefits and weaknesses of both ways of doing the multiuser/parental controls feature. Neither is perfect, but like I said the app doesn't include this feature right now, and it wasn't promised. It's on the roadmap, and if you have specific suggestions there are avenues in other sub-forums to make them.

This is my biggest issue with the app. I think it should have a local authenication option that allows me to login into Plex. Basically on the login, certain content will be displayed. I am not interested in creating a bunch of xbox one account to do this. One xbox account and I can configure how plex content will be displayed. I don't think they will ever do it this way. I think they will use the xbox account for this. Which still isn't ideal for me. But hey, I understand we all can agree to disagree. My tone of this arugment is simple. It's me showing frustration of about the client app mainly. I had a lot higher expectations for it out of the gate. I strongly felt the security feature is a no brainer that should not have been left out when this was first lauched. I won't apologize for my tone. Simple because I am not making it personal to anyone. I am just displaying displeasure in an app. Nothing less or nothing less. I just don't like the app. So people love it. Some people think it's ok. Some people hate it.

I think the Plex team want to hear "All" feedback. Not just the feedback they want to hear.

Server Software:

The responsibility to protect the server software is yours, not the Plex developers. You have all the tools to do that now. Create a guest account on your personal computer for anyone accessing your computer that is not you. This is a basic security precaution you should already have in place beyond your concerns about your nephew accessing horror movies.
 

I am less worried about the server issue. I think the security feature for it is a "nice to have", but not a must have.
I plan on getting another machine to act as a server for different purposes. SQL Server, Web Server, Plex Server, etc...

My only suggestion to your is that you try a different approach next time. The tone of your first post, the red & bold text, you've seen how they've been received. Have a look around the forum and help everyone try to make Plex better instead.

I am only using bold text so it's easier to read of what you wrote vs what I wrote. That's it.

I am replying back line by line. So we need to have a way to the text don't blend in.

We need a clear way to determine what you said vs what I said.

That's why I changed the colors of what I wrote. So you know it's me vs what you wrote.

"I am not interested in creating a bunch of Xbox accounts to do this" - Why not? Seems like an arbitrary decision. If you do that, it will solve your problem of showing content that you don't want them to have access to.

It's not just a problem that I/we have with your choice of font, but also your general tone. You keep saying you're not attacking anyone and therefore we have no right to be upset. But you're making claims that have little merit and ignoring logical points made by the rest of us. You've also used an air of superiority, suggesting that you can do a better app than the Plex team. Again, it's not specifically about what you say, it's about how you say it.

46

I am only using bold text so it's easier to read of what you wrote vs what I wrote. That's it.

I am replying back line by line. So we need to have a way to the text don't blend in.

We need a clear way to determine what you said vs what I said.

That's why I changed the colors of what I wrote. So you know it's me vs what you wrote.

Or you could take the time to make multiple quote blocks, which would make it even easier to read. This also has the side effect of making it easier to quote you.

This is my biggest issue with the app. I think it should have a local authenication option that allows me to login into Plex. Basically on the login, certain content will be displayed. I am not interested in creating a bunch of xbox one account to do this. One xbox account and I can configure how plex content will be displayed. I don't think they will ever do it this way. I think they will use the xbox account for this. Which still isn't ideal for me. But hey, I understand we all can agree to disagree. My tone of this arugment is simple. It's me showing frustration of about the client app mainly. I had a lot higher expectations for it out of the gate. I strongly felt the security feature is a no brainer that should not have been left out when this was first lauched. I won't apologize for my tone. Simple because I am not making it personal to anyone. I am just displaying displeasure in an app. Nothing less or nothing less. I just don't like the app. So people love it. Some people think it's ok. Some people hate it.

I think the Plex team want to hear "All" feedback. Not just the feedback they want to hear.

So you want to log into your xbox with the same account for everyone? This is the same issue you are griping about with your pc, separate users should have separate accounts for separate settings....

If for some reason it is done this way I hope it's optional. Hulu, Amazon Video, and Netflix (they do have profiles, but no separate password logon) don't come up with a logon everytime you open the application. You have your initial setup and it sticks because there is already user authentication built into the xbox.

47

"I am not interested in creating a bunch of Xbox accounts to do this" - Why not? Seems like an arbitrary decision. If you do that, it will solve your problem of showing content that you don't want them to have access to.

It's not just a problem that I/we have with your choice of font, but also your general tone. You keep saying you're not attacking anyone and therefore we have no right to be upset. But you're making claims that have little merit and ignoring logical points made by the rest of us. You've also used an air of superiority, suggesting that you can do a better app than the Plex team. Again, it's not specifically about what you say, it's about how you say it.

If anyone is getting bent and upset is you. I just expressed frustration with an app.

There is nothing wrong with that. I am not saying I am better than the Plex team.

I am saying that I am disappointed in what they created.

When I stated to create my own app. That was me speaking out of "frustration" about Plex's app.

There is nothing wrong with speaking out of frustration. This isn't personal. it's once again about an app.

in fact, I got gotten called names be people on this board. I have not once called anyone else a name.

I am just expressing my distaste about an app.

That's it.

I'll await your next flame.

48

Or you could take the time to make multiple quote blocks, which would make it even easier to read. This also has the side effect of making it easier to quote you.

So you want to log into your xbox with the same account for everyone? This is the same issue you are griping about with your pc, separate users should have separate accounts for separate settings....

No, I am taking about making a plex login not based on my xbox login.
Why is this? It's simple to me.

Let's just say you have guest over sitting in front of the TV.
You want to bring up Plex to watch some content.
But now you say hold on. Let me log off my main account, and switch over to a guest account.

Depending on who is in the room. They might wonder to themselves or even question you.

Hey [Insert Name], why are you switching accounts? What are you hiding????

You see, this stuff can and will happen. This is why there is "privacy".
That's because people want to share things with certain people, without any questions asked.

Take the situation above with Plex allowing local logins.

I have guest over. I use a simple made up username and password.

People will have no clue what is suppose to be there or not be there.

That removes the possibility of people asking "why are you switching to another account".

You might think this is BS or not valid. But when it comes to family and friends dynamics.
This is the whole point of privacy IMO. Feel free to disagree, but that's how I feel on this issue.
 

If for some reason it is done this way I hope it's optional. Hulu, Amazon Video, and Netflix (they do have profiles, but no separate password logon) don't come up with a logon everytime you open the application. You have your initial setup and it sticks because there is already user authentication built into the xbox.

49

If anyone is getting bent and upset is you. I just expressed frustration with an app.

There is nothing wrong with that. I am not saying I am better than the Plex team.

I am saying that I am disappointed in what they created.

When I stated to create my own app. That was me speaking out of "frustration" about Plex's app.

There is nothing wrong with speaking out of frustration. This isn't personal. it's once again about an app.

in fact, I got gotten called names be people on this board. I have not once called anyone else a name.

I am just expressing my distaste about an app.

That's it.

I'll await your next flame.

I am not trying to flame you. It breaks my heart a bit to hear that you think that's my intention. Because it's quite the opposite. I'm trying to help you. I'm trying to help you understand how to 1) Better use Plex 2) Be perceived more positively in the future.

I hear you saying that you just want to express frustration with the app. But please pay careful attention to this next sentence, because it's the part you seem to be missing: your tone comes across as condescending because of how  you are choosing to express yourself.

Here's some things that you said that come across as offensive, whiny, or condescending:

"Very disappointed with XBox One App"

"Plex isn't that great"

"To me this is a common sense feature that is missing from the Xbox client"

"I don't know what you do for a living. But I have been a software engineer for over 13 years."

"Security rights of the sever and client is a no brainer that should have been thought of up front"

"I strongly felt the security feature is a no brainer"

"I am saying I am disappointed in what they created"

Please keep in mind this is a beta app. We've been given early access specifically so we can provide feedback. If it weren't for them giving us the app, we would have no app. So expressing disappointment with a beta, and already planning an alternative app, seems very odd.

50

No, I am taking about making a plex login not based on my xbox login.
Why is this? It's simple to me.

This would make it more complex, because you're adding additional authentication layers onto the system. There only needs to be one.
 
 

Let's just say you have guest over sitting in front of the TV.
You want to bring up Plex to watch some content.
But now you say hold on. Let me log off my main account, and switch over to a guest account.

Depending on who is in the room. They might wonder to themselves or even question you.

Hey [Insert Name], why are you switching accounts? What are you hiding????


You see, this stuff can and will happen. This is why there is "privacy".
That's because people want to share things with certain people, without any questions asked.
 
Take the situation above with Plex allowing local logins.
I have guest over. I use a simple made up username and password.
People will have no clue what is suppose to be there or not be there.
That removes the possibility of people asking "why are you switching to another account".
You might think this is BS or not valid. But when it comes to family and friends dynamics.
This is the whole point of privacy IMO. Feel free to disagree, but that's how I feel on this issue.

If you are concerned about the privacy, then do not log into the account that has content that shouldn't be seen by others in the first place.
51

I have 10+ users who stream off my server, each person have their own plex account, I do not share my main plex account.

This is pretty much how I have it setup:

Friends and Family have access to Movies and TVShows.

I have access to my 4K movies and BluRay Rips (HQ).

WaqvprJ.png
WaqvprJ.png407×562

I did in the past have folders for G-PG13 and a separate folder for R rated movies but now I put everything in one folder. 

The simplicity of the app and the authentication is fine by me, I enjoy it. I chose which accounts that are tied to my server and which folders they can see. Having to put in a username/password when I pull up plex is annoying and my wife would hate it. I much rather control what they see server side (plex.tv--Servers--Edit Sharing)

My wife has her own Xbox One profile (hey they are free and apps are no longer behind a pay wall!). Her plex profile/account is tied to her folders.

I have my own Xbox One profile, I can see any folder.

The Xbox One profiles can require passwords to sign in, just like a computer account (they are tied to your Hotmail/Windows Live, whatever). They also support 2 factor authentication.

As far as having guests over and hiding stuff from them...then thats a different matter...

52

I am not trying to flame you. It breaks my heart a bit to hear that you think that's my intention. Because it's quite the opposite. I'm trying to help you. I'm trying to help you understand how to 1) Better use Plex 2) Be perceived more positively in the future.

I hear you saying that you just want to express frustration with the app. But please pay careful attention to this next sentence, because it's the part you seem to be missing: your tone comes across as condescending because of how  you are choosing to express yourself.

Here's some things that you said that come across as offensive, whiny, or condescending:

"Very disappointed with XBox One App"

"Plex isn't that great"

"To me this is a common sense feature that is missing from the Xbox client"

"I don't know what you do for a living. But I have been a software engineer for over 13 years."

"Security rights of the sever and client is a no brainer that should have been thought of up front"

"I strongly felt the security feature is a no brainer"

"I am saying I am disappointed in what they created"

I don't take back in any of these statements simply because this is how I feel.
If you met me in person. You probably would say I am a very nice guy.

Most people feel this way when they meet me seriously.

But there are times in life where I feel that we have to take away a little kindness to get a point of displeasure across.

That's all I am doing here. Yes, I understand how I come across to strangers on this board. But I do want the Plex team to be aware that there is someone out there who is very disappointed in what they created.

Please keep in mind this is a beta app. We've been given early access specifically so we can provide feedback. If it weren't for them giving us the app, we would have no app. So expressing disappointment with a beta, and already planning an alternative app, seems very odd.

Yes, I am very aware this is beta. That's why I wanted to speak up about this. I believe this could be something great.
It's just not there yet.

53

I have 10+ users who stream off my server, each person have their own plex account, I do not share my main plex account.

This is pretty much how I have it setup:

Friends and Family have access to Movies and TVShows.

I have access to my 4K movies and BluRay Rips (HQ).

WaqvprJ.png

I did in the past have folders for G-PG13 and a separate folder for R rated movies but now I put everything in one folder. 

The simplicity of the app and the authentication is fine by me, I enjoy it. I chose which accounts that are tied to my server and which folders they can see. Having to put in a username/password when I pull up plex is annoying and my wife would hate it. I much rather control what they see server side (plex.tv--Servers--Edit Sharing)

My wife has her own Xbox One profile (hey they are free and apps are no longer behind a pay wall!). Her plex profile/account is tied to her folders.

I have my own Xbox One profile, I can see any folder.

The Xbox One profiles can require passwords to sign in, just like a computer account (they are tied to your Hotmail/Windows Live, whatever). They also support 2 factor authentication.

As far as having guests over and hiding stuff from them...then thats a different matter...

This isn't just about the people who live with you. It's about all those you come into contact with.
For example. if my parents come over and I have to switch to a different xbox account to load different Plex movies.
They are going to wonder why I have to do this in the first place. Seriously, it would be odd for them.

I love my parents to death. But they are very curious people. They would most likely wonder.

Why am I switching accounts when they are over watching movies. I know, because I could respond.

Well, mom and dad. I just don't want you to see that certain content I have.

You know, it could be pics of me and my friends going out drinking.

My parents wouldn't care to see or know stuff like that. 

That's why I would want that to be private and no questions asked.
I don't want to be questioned of why I am switching accounts when someone is over.
It looks like you are trying to hide something.

As I said, you guys might disagree. I am cool with that. I really am.

But it should not be hard to have 3 authentication options that can make us all happy.

1. No security - So that "annoying" login prompt you were talking about.
In this option, it would not be there.

2. Xbox One Account Security - This will tie your xbox one account to plex.

3. Local Security - If I turn on this feature. Security will be independent from xbox one accounts.

I can create my own usernames and passwords. Then assign groups of folders that belong to these accounts.

I would like to see this done for the Ipad to. Right now, anyone who opens my ipad plex app can see all of my content.

Seriously, all of it. The local security option would fix this issue.

I think something like this would cater to various people's needs.
It would be a big win for everyone.

54

I have 10+ users who stream off my server, each person have their own plex account, I do not share my main plex account.
 
This is pretty much how I have it setup:
 
Friends and Family have access to Movies and TVShows.
I have access to my 4K movies and BluRay Rips (HQ).
 
WaqvprJ.png
 
I did in the past have folders for G-PG13 and a separate folder for R rated movies but now I put everything in one folder. 
 
The simplicity of the app and the authentication is fine by me, I enjoy it. I chose which accounts that are tied to my server and which folders they can see. Having to put in a username/password when I pull up plex is annoying and my wife would hate it. I much rather control what they see server side (plex.tv--Servers--Edit Sharing)
 
My wife has her own Xbox One profile (hey they are free and apps are no longer behind a pay wall!). Her plex profile/account is tied to her folders.
I have my own Xbox One profile, I can see any folder.
 
The Xbox One profiles can require passwords to sign in, just like a computer account (they are tied to your Hotmail/Windows Live, whatever). They also support 2 factor authentication.
 
As far as having guests over and hiding stuff from them...then thats a different matter...
 
This isn't just about the people who live with you. It's about all those you come into contact with.
For example. if my parents come over and I have to switch to a different xbox account to load different Plex movies.
They are going to wonder why I have to do this in the first place. Seriously, it would be odd for them.
I love my parents to death. But they are very curious people. They would most likely wonder.
Why am I switching accounts when they are over watching movies. I know, because I could respond.
Well, mom and dad. I just don't want you to see that certain content I have.
You know, it could be pics of me and my friends going out drinking.
My parents wouldn't care to see or know stuff like that. 

That's why I would want that to be private and no questions asked.
I don't want to be questioned of why I am switching accounts when someone is over.
It looks like you are trying to hide something.
 
As I said, you guys might disagree. I am cool with that. I really am.
But it should not be hard to have 3 authentication options that can make us all happy.
 
1. No security - So that "annoying" login prompt you were talking about.
In this option, it would not be there.
 
2. Xbox One Account Security - This will tie your xbox one account to plex.
 
3. Local Security - If I turn on this feature. Security will be independent from xbox one accounts.
I can create my own usernames and passwords. Then assign groups of folders that belong to these accounts.
 
I would like to see this done for the Ipad to. Right now, anyone who opens my ipad plex app can see all of my content.
Seriously, all of it. The local security option would fix this issue.
 
I think something like this would cater to various people's needs.
It would be a big win for everyone.

Please please PLEASE! If you're going to reply, use the quote functionality. Don't type your stuff inside their quotes. It makes it hard to respond to you and hard to figure out what you're saying.

Currently Xbox Live accounts are tied to Plex. You can configure your Xbox One to not automatically sign you in. It's also simple to switch between Xbox Live accounts. That solves your problem of needing to authenticate prior to viewing content, and it still remains simple for everyone else, it doesn't re-invent the wheel, and it doesn't add multiple layers of complexity. Why does that not work for you?
55

Microsoft365

to me seems clear that Plex is not the app for you, so i would recommend looking at alternatives.

that would end this endless topic.

56

Microsoft365

to me seems clear that Plex is not the app for you, so i would recommend looking at alternatives.

that would end this endless topic.

Sounds like it.  *ejects from thread*

57

Microsoft365

to me seems clear that Plex is not the app for you, so i would recommend looking at alternatives.

that would end this endless topic.

There really isn't much alteratives from an app stand point.
If there is one. Please point me to it.

58

Please please PLEASE! If you're going to reply, use the quote functionality. Don't type your stuff inside their quotes. It makes it hard to respond to you and hard to figure out what you're saying.

Currently Xbox Live accounts are tied to Plex. You can configure your Xbox One to not automatically sign you in. It's also simple to switch between Xbox Live accounts. That solves your problem of needing to authenticate prior to viewing content, and it still remains simple for everyone else, it doesn't re-invent the wheel, and it doesn't add multiple layers of complexity. Why does that not work for you?

Once again, you are shouting at me. Geez.

Anyhow, your logic assumes only I want to use Plex for the Xbox.

I purchased the $4.99 Ipad client app as well.

I immediately uninstalled the app. Why.....
Because anyone with access to my ipad can see all my content.

This is what I am talking about. If Plex wanted to create an abstract framework that will work with multiple clients. They could get a greater amount of code reusage if they created their own local client app security.

They will also be able to create a "consistent" and "predictable" way to access content on "all" client apps.

The Ipad app doesn't have account switching right?

59

I'm not shouting at you. Several people asked you before to do quotes correctly and you ignored. I'm trying to get you to listen. Thank you for using this quote system properly this time.

No iPad app works like that. If you choose to sign into your app, then your data is there. If you don't want people to access it, then sign out before handing them the device. If you don't like how that works, then perhaps you should consider a device with better multiple profile support, such as Surface or Android devices.

Again as we pointed out: you can't hand devices logged into people and expect there to be additional log in layers. That's not how devices work.

60

Once again, you are shouting at me. Geez.
Anyhow, your logic assumes only I want to use Plex for the Xbox.
I purchased the $4.99 Ipad client app as well.
I immediately uninstalled the app. Why.....
Because anyone with access to my ipad can see all my content.
This is what I am talking about. If Plex wanted to create an abstract framework that will work with multiple clients. They could get a greater amount of code reusage if they created their own local client app security.
They will also be able to create a "consistent" and "predictable" way to access content on "all" client apps.
The Ipad app doesn't have account switching right?


I read all replies for this threat, and i see that you are complaining and request that authentication-login thing for plex server clients (because all of them have same authentication logic ios, andorid , pc, xbox one etc)

Please don't waste your time in this thread saying "xbox one app disappointed" , please open your thread in general requests part of plex forums, not in here.. Please don't waste times of followers xbox one app section to read wrongly placed thread that you've started.. I suggest you to move it to general discussions, i hope you would get better audience that you want.