Jozef Kocur

Windows Phone 8 (Concept)

2011-12-13T18:51:00.000-05:00

Hi folks, If you read my stuff, you should know that I am a Windows Phone fan. I published many user interface concepts for this platform; most of them were about the custumization such us Aero Integration, Color Wheel, Group Tites, etc. This time, I would like to show you something different. Let’s Start with Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer for Windows Phone is one of the best mobile browsers on the market; everything wors perfectly and smoothly. But is there any way to improve the user experience? I believe so! My goal was was to create more natural user experience while you’re surfing web.

Pivot view for tabs, favorites and recent history

Today, it needs 2 taps to get to the browser tabs, favorites, or history. My solution doesn't require any. You just simply swipe down from the top of your screen to launch the pivot view showing all opened tabs, favorite websites and the recent history. Extended Menu at the bottom would now show only 4 items. No tabs, favorites, and recent in this menu anymore.

Fast switching between the tabs

Sometimes you just need to switch to another tab really quickly. There’s a easy way to do it. I was inspired by Windows 8 Multitasking. So, to switch to another tab just zoom-out and swipe from the edge of the screen. Can it be simpler?

Microsoft Outlook

Mail experience on Windows Phone is fantastic, but when you have more email accounts there's no way to manage them easily. Microsoft Outlook Concept would fix it.

Panorama View for all your accounts

As you can see, Microsoft Outlook is a panorama application showing you all your email accounts on the one place. It makes it really simple to manage them. Slide to the left to see replies, flagged emails, email from contacts, etc. from your all accounts. Each email account uses a different color; it makes it easy to recognize to which account email belongs.

Microsoft Outlook is not a replacement for current email solution. It's just a supplement that would make emailing more comfortable, it's a "gate" to your inbox. User would still have an option to pin each inbox to the home screen. But when user has many email accounts, having one Tile for all of them would be a great option to save some start screen space.

Groups

I showed you a way to create a group on WP in my last concept. But let’s push grouping of items to the next level.

My concept is about grouping items into a hub- a hub that can communicate with the applications withinn it.

I have created 2 mock-ups to explain you this idea.

Grouping of Web Sites

As you can see, the hub doesn’t show only the Tiles of Websites. It also shows a brief view of the websites’ content. I this case, you can see recent and popular posts. Basically, this would work as a RSS reader.

Grouping of Applications

This mock-up shows the group of the similar applications (shopping). Slide to the left to see "hot deals" and the featured products from all the applications within the group.

Groups would also use "Color Separation".

Live Tile for a Group

SOS Assistant

I got this idea after reading an article about future of emergency calls. U.S. Government is trying to bring the 911 emergency service “into the 21st century” by looking into allowing text, photo and video reports from mobile phones.

My concept is pushing emergency services to the next level- the level where one application lets you to do following things:

1. Call/Text/Video call 911
2. View Emergency Map. This map would show nearby emergency points, position of friends/family, and the position of an emergency vehicle.
3. Search for First Aid. Application would have an image/video guide for most common emergency situation
4. Alert friends/family. Alert Service would send a message to selected contacts.

User should have an access to this application from from the Lock Screen, maybe 3 long presses of the home button might lunch the app.

Emergency Call Screen/ First Aid Guide

Zune Hub

There's one thing about Zune Hub that really bothers me sometimes- artist image on the background. I know many people like this, but I would welcome having an option to get rid of them. Following mock-ups show how Zune may look like without them.

Custom Accent Colors

I showed you in the color wheel in my last concept. This is just an update showing the color picker instead of a wheel. I think solution is more user-friendly.

That's it for now. Let me know what you thing about these concepts, leave a comment, or send me a private email. You can also follow me on Twitter to stay always up-to-date.

R.I.P. Stevie

2011-10-06T13:48:00.001-04:00

Everyone knows I'm a Microsoft Fun...But I have been always admiring Apple (especially what Stevie has done for it), even though I would never buy a product from them. His death hit me very hard! The world has lost another great person, the person that will be never forgotten.

Rest in Peace Mr. Steven Paul Jobs! You will be missed!

MeeGo for Tablets (Concept)

2011-09-19T16:50:00.001-04:00

Hi Guys,

A few months ago I showed you my MeeGo Tablet UI. Now I would like to show you my next MeeGo Concept. This is just a teaser. If I see positive feedback, I will come up with more details.

Most of you know that I am a Windows fan. I love Metro UI and all the things about it. Just check some of my previous concepts. But I also like MeeGo, especially the N9’s Swipe UI…It’s simply amazing..

So, I took some elements from MeeGo Harmattan, Symbian, and Metro. And this is what I've created.

Home Screen

Home Screen is made of the Dock that shows all opened/pined applications and the SmartView (Smart Cards). Check my older concept to see what SmarView is about. There's also the App menu's button in the left corner and Home Screen Settings' button in the right corner.

Smart View is not just about switching between apps; Smart Cards let you interact with a part of application. For instance, switch to a particular window in a web browser, change song, see notifications, etc.

This is the new Home Screen:

Most of the users use regularly only about 6-10 applications. In my concept, you would be able to pin your favorite apps to your Home Screen. Pinned apps would be always showed in the first positions, even if they are not running.

To launch a running apps just tap on the card with 2 fingers, to interact with a part of application use 1 finger. To see more content just slide up from the lower edge of card.

Smart View would normally show 6 cards on 1 screen. To move to another screen just slide with 3 fingers, or click on an icon in the Dock to jump to a particular Smart Card. Double click on an icon in the Dock launchs app immediately. You can also zoom-in to see bigger cards or zoom-out to see smaller cards.

As you can see, there're many gestures in my MeeGo Concept. It might be a little bit complicated to remember them all, but I believe user would get into it really quickly. I think, it's really innovative!!!

The last thing I want to show you today is an Application Launcher.

Launcher

So, what do you think? Should I continue working on this concept? If you like this concept, please share it with others. And follow me on Twitter if you want to stay always updated. :)

New WP7 Apollo Concept

2011-09-14T16:58:00.006-04:00

Hey folks, it has been a long time since I posted something. I was kind of busy- enjoying summer holiday, then moving to Denmark to start my college education...

Today I would like to show you my new ideas for Windows Phone 7. I have been using this amazing operating system since May (Mango since July). And I completely love it!!!

This article is going to be a little bit different than others. I’m going to talk about previous articles (why some of my ideas weren’t good) but I also have some new stuff to show.

Let’s start with Aero! I came up with my Mango Concept few months ago. Look here if you haven't seen it.

I've seen many people who loved all those transparency effects, own backgrounds…I’m asking them… Have you tried Windows Phone 7 yet? Try it, and you will love it. And please forget about AERO! We are not in 2008! I know it was my idea to combine AERO and METRO…but it was a bad idea!!! Metro is perfect as it is …it does not need freaking AERO! The main disadvantages of AERO are...

-it does go against METRO philosophy!!!
-it looks good in my mock-up, but can you imagine different wallpapers, different transparency levels...It would be a mess!!!!
-it would also use up more of your phone's battery

For people who still think WP7 has monotonous UI:

Try to rearrange your Tiles, use white background instead of black (use up more of your battery), and try different accent colors. Also, the whole WP7’s UI looks better at the AMOLED screens :)

One more advice for developers in Microsoft. Try to create something like a “Color Wheel” that would allow users to pick any color as a accent color.

Do you remember Control Bar?

Today, I’m coming up with a new, much better Control Bar.

New Control Bar has 2 parts- Zune part and Common Settings part. To switch between them just slide to the left/right. You would be able to personalize Common Setting Part in System Settings.

What about Live Thumbnails?

Live Thumbnails Mango Concept

I know this concept wouldn’t work (9 icons on such a small Tile is too much). So I tried to fix it and I’m coming up with Group Tiles.

Group Tiles let you to create a “Group” of Applications, Contacts, or Web Sites’ bookmarks (2-4 mini Tiles). It’s the simplest way to keep your Home Screen organized. I think this is usable just for the titles that are not showing life content, such as Adobe Reader, Netflix, different games, etc. Also, if you add a Live Title or a Contact Tile, they won’t be showing any further information, just a plain icon. It basically divides a Tile into 4 small mini-Tiles.

Applications/Contacts/Bookmarks

To Create a Group just tap and hold a Tile. Then drag that Tile and drop it on top of another Tile. A group tile will be automatically created.

Lock Screen Innovations

Windows Phone 7'lock screen is perfect already! But I would like to show you 2 little changes...

Bing WallpapersThis feature would change your wallpaper every day to a Bing Wallpaper. SMS Notifications

Slide to the right to reply to new message, or to the left to hide a notification. This won't work if the password is on.

Well, that's all what I have for now. I will try to come up with something new soon. If you have any questions, just contact me. If you like some of my ideas, share it with others, and support them at Windows Phone Feature Suggestion Box. You can also follow me on Twitter. Thank you :)

WP7 Apollo (Concept)

2011-06-20T20:18:00.007-04:00

Hey folks, I did a big change last week. I left the United States, and moved back to Slovakia. But I was also working on my next concept. This time, I’m changing Windows Phone 7. Again!

This time I’m not going break any Metro Rule. I realized that following rules in my real life makes everything easier, so why do not apply the same thing in my work…

Today I’m going to show you 2 changes for Windows Phone. I believe that both of them would have a big effect on Windows Phone 7’s reputation. Maybe they may be the “wow” effect that WP7 is missing.

Change # 1

Few months ago, I showed my Aero Integration for WP7….But folks from Redmond don’t like it. The purpose of Aero was to make WP7 more attractive and make it look more colorful. We all know that WP7 home screen looks really boring (sometimes). I tried to find a solution, something with minimum of fashion effects, but something still looking colorful and fresh. As the result, I copied the style of Windows 8, and this is what I created:

Basically, you have colorful tiles, colors would be generated automatically. But what if you don't like a color of color? Just shake a phone many times and all colors will be changed. If you want to change only one color, just tap/ hold the tile and shake your phone.

This would be one of the options to customize your WP7, old styles would be still available.

I know this may look a little messy but this is the way to make your home screen looking fresh without using transparent tiles.

Change #2

I already showed the change #2 but it didn’t get much popularity. Yes, it’s multitasking concept, the concept that I call “SmartView”. Personally, I believe this is one of the best things I created. Maybe I didn’t show it in the best way but I still believe this is the best way to make multitasking on the phones/tablets. I can imagine using this concept on other platforms such as Android or iOS.

But again, what is SmartView? SmartView is the most interactive multitasking concept ever, something really simple with the big effect on user’s work, something you have never seen before. This is SmartView.

SmartView combines widgets with the multitasking cars. And the result is simply, fresh, and interactive. For example, you have a Zune Card. Card would show you music information and buttons. Now look at an Internet Explorer Card. You see all opened tabs and buttons/thumbnails that switch you to a particular part of that app or interact with a part of the app.

To launch Multitasking Menu you would simply swipe in from both edges with 2 fingers, or press home button twice.

You would also use SmartView's card like a widget. How? Just pin an application to the SmartView (pinned apps would be always showed in the first positions, even if they are not running). For example, Settings's card may show toggles, Music's card Now Playing/History etc.

SmartView for Windows 8.

That's it for now. If you like this concept please share it with others...and follow me on Twitter.

Also check out my older Windows Phone Concept.

WP7 Mango Concept

SmartView for Windows Phone 7

2011-06-09T01:54:00.005-04:00

Few days ago I introduced concept of the next generation of Multitasking for Windows 8 called SmartView.

For those who don't know what SmartView is!

SmartView is a multitasking launcher that works different than others. Current Multitasking launchers show icons (iOS), real-time view of apps (RIM), or screenshots of running apps (Windows Phone). But, my concept is more interactive. I combined Widgets with Multitasking Cards; the cards showing content that makes user's work faster were the result of my work. For example, look at the IE Card. You see all opened tabs and buttons/thumbnails that switch you to a particular part of that app or interact with a part of the app.

Do you have your favorite applications, or do you want use some cards like real widgets? Just pin an application to the launcher and they will be always shown on the first positions (even if they are not running). For example, Settings's card may show toggles, Music's card Now Playing/History etc.

To launch Multitasking Menu you would simply swipe in from both edges with 2 fingers.

Got it?

Today I want to show the same concept for Windows Phone 7.

It's basically the same thing.

Let me know what you think about this concept. Share it with others, and stay tuned. I still have much to show you. I swear, each detail is thoughtful, I just don't have time to describe everything.

Next Generation of Multitasking?

2011-06-06T12:54:00.008-04:00

Widgets + Multitasking = SmartView

Today I want to show you my Multitasking Launcher Concept for Windows 8. Basically, it's combination of widgets with the multitasking cards. However, the cards show only content that makes user's work faster (instead of app's screenshot or running app).

Look here for more details.

Update: Windows 8 for tablets

2011-06-01T23:49:00.006-04:00

Microsoft today unveiled next generation of Windows operating system.

This is "Windows 8":

And this was my concept: Look here for more details.

I don't see much in common, so I decided to stop working on my concept. I still believe that my concept would be better in some ways, but I like "Windows 8" presented by Microsoft. My idea was to create a tablet UI that would have some elements from older versions of Windows with a fresh appearance. However, Microsoft came up with a radical change that works much simpler. Thus, let's work on this. Some of ideas presented in this concept and also in WP7 concepts will be included in my future designs. So, stay tuned.

Windows 8 for tablets

2011-05-27T22:25:00.014-04:00

Do you remember Windows Slate 7, the tablet UI inspired by Windows Phone 7? If not, look here.

Today, I am coming up with the next generation of Windows UI combining the power of Windows 7 with the simplicity of Windows Phone 7. The result is called Windows Slate 8.

Yeah, it looks like an older Windows Slate 7 concept. But, the final result is simple, complex, and innovative.

Home Screen

Is it possible to have a home screen that has some elements from WP7, but still has an appearance of a desktop version of Windows? Yes, it is. Let’s take Hubs and Tiles from WP7, and combine them with “windows”, start button, “taskbar”, and AERO UI from Windows 7.

And is is the result:

Lock Screen

My Lock Screen concept is really simple, but still has a unique look. To reveal the Lock screen you slide up (same gesture as in WP7). The Lock screen contains time/date, system notification, actual weather, and a button which allow you to shut down/restart/hibernate your device. User may also add his favorite picture to the top.

Hubs

Hubs are one of the main features in WP7. Thus, I show them in my Windows Slate 8 concept. They basically look like the hubs from WP7, but they would show more information (look at music+video). And I am using the transparent mask on the background to dim an image, which makes everything clear and easy to read.

Internet Explorer 10

IE10 combines the look of Bing with the appearance of Hubs. User would be able to use his own wallpapers, or used those automatically actualized by Microsoft. Do you see a button with 3 dots? This button transfers you to Home. Home shows opened tabs, history, bookmarks, etc. A multitasking gesture would also show all opened tabs.

Extras

That’s it for now. But I am not done with this concept. I am still working on the Hubs, IE10 and I still have some ideas for the home screen. If you like this concept, don’t forget to share it. And of course feel free to contact me or leave a comment.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter.

WP7: Mango Update Concept

2011-03-27T23:31:00.032-04:00

Remember my older concepts of the WP7? Last year I came up with the Aero, Control Panel, and Multitasking. Now I want to show you my latest ideas for the WP7. Hope you like it.

What do you expect from the Mango Update? Multitasking, HTML5 support, new IE? I want to show you some of my ideas that could make WP7 better.

Aero Integration

The idea of Aero Integration to WP7 has been stuck in my head since May 2010. In June 2010 I created the first concept of WP7 showing the semi-transparent tiles with own background on the home screen. I liked it; I thought it looked much better than original WP7’s UI. In the last couple of months I have learned a lot. I realized that the WP7’s user interface does not need to have semi-transparent effects to be beautiful. However, the integration of the Aero could be one of the things that customers would appreciate. After publishing that concept I found out that people liked it. Many people want to have a chance to personalize their home screens.

Let’s look at the advantages of this concept.

-Beautiful looking UI would become more beautiful by using the right combination of the backgrounds, system’s color and the transparency level.
-Personalization on your own.
-Good marketing trick.

Also, this concept has a couple of disadvantages.

-The concept could ruin the idea of the Metro UI.
-Beautiful looking UI would become intricate by using the wrong combination of the backgrounds, system’s color and the transparency level.

I don't think the current Metro UI is bad. On the contrary, I love it a lot! All I want to say is that people need a choice.

Thus, I think the Aero Integration should be a part of the next Windows Phone 7 update.

Control Bar

I came up with the idea of having an all basic system setting right on the home screen with my first Windows Phone 7 Modification. Later, I realized that it was a copy of the Notification Area from Android OS. I tried to find a solution to add quick notifications, Zune’s control, and the basic system control to the one area. Widgets and Control Panel did not work. I have tried many different concepts. Firstly, I tried to add a 3rd additional screen to the left of the Home screen. Then I added control buttons and quick notifications right to the Tiles. They both interfere with the idea of the Metro UI. Finally, I came up with a smart solution. I call it Control Bar.

The Control Bar brings quick notifications, Zune’s control, and the system control buttons to the top of your screen. To open the Control Bar simply press the Home button twice quickly. This opens the Control Bar, which primarily shows the system control buttons. Just slide to the left to launch Zune’s control buttons, or to the right to show latest system notifications. In the notifications area you can also scroll down to show more notifications.

Control Bar is not a solid part of the Home screen. Open it only if you need to.

Live Thumbnails

Different platforms have a possibility to categorize items. WP7 does not even let us arrange items in the menu. I am coming up with an idea of Live Thumbnails. Imagine you can categorize items in the menu; even add a category to the Home Screen as a tile. The tile may show the thumbnails of items; the user gets a possibility to open an application/music file/contact right from the tile by pressing twice on the item. I think the best use of this would be in the Tablet OS (maybe Windows 8?).

Multitasking

Am I the only one who doesn't like the pictures of the Multitasking that Microsoft presented at the MWC in February? I think the cards with horizontal scrolling don’t fit the idea of Metro UI. So, I decided to change it a little more. The result was the cards with the vertical scrolling. To open Multitasking Menu just press the back button twice quickly, or use a zoom out pinch gesture. To close applications simply swipe the card up.

Backgrounds in the Hubs

Windows Phone 7 does not let us to change background in the Hubs (except Picture Hub), so sometimes it may be hard to read some text. I am coming with the idea of using the transparent mask on the background to dim an image. I also want to show you the idea of using the album mosaic in Zune instead of a picture of an artist.

Aero Style

Basic Style

Well, that's all for now. I will try to come up with something new soon. At least with some new "styles" of the home screen. If you like some of this ideas, please share it with other people. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter.

If you like some of my concepts, vote for them at Windows Phone Feature Suggestion Box.

Also, check my older Windows Phone 7 concepts.

MeeGo OS for tablets (concept)

2011-03-09T00:15:00.007-05:00

My older MeeGo Concept.

Nokia Tablet Concept

2011-02-11T22:44:00.003-05:00

Nokia Tablet concept running my own MeeGo OS customization.

Windows Slate 7 (high resolution)

2010-12-23T21:12:00.005-05:00

Windows Slate 7

2010-12-23T02:37:00.006-05:00

Home Screen

Multitasking

Internet Explorer

Media Zone

High resolutions images

Windows Slate 7

2010-12-15T16:46:00.004-05:00

Operating system designed for tablets. More details are coming soon.

WP7: Home Screen

2010-07-25T11:08:00.002-04:00

Concept of 3 horizontal screens with unlimited vertical space

WP7: Control Panel

WP7: Screens

2010-07-20T18:27:00.001-04:00

Click on images for better resolution.

WP7: Control Panel

2010-07-18T08:14:00.013-04:00

Control panel is really new feature of my WP7's modification . You open it via the pull-down taskbar.
Here are some pictures of it.

Windows Phone 7 (older concept)

2010-07-12T17:35:00.015-04:00

I decided to modify WP7. Here is a first result of my work.
What can you expect?
My modification isn't only about the new homescreen, it's about a lot of little changes which will seem like something better.

This is only a begining of "big change." More changes you can expect soon.

New images of Sony Ericsson One

2010-06-20T12:19:00.002-04:00

XPERIA Renovatio Elite

2010-05-17T19:31:00.002-04:00

Discover Sony Ericsson Shio- new Android concept :)

2010-04-03T15:47:00.002-04:00

2010 portfolio

2010-03-13T12:59:00.005-05:00

Here are concepts which I designed from the end of December to March.
Portfolio includes Septimus XL, XPERIA X20, Septimus ONE, XPERIA X001, XPERIA Renovatio, Shio
(for higher resolution, click on images)

More details on the Windows Phone 7 Series device

2010-03-08T13:06:00.004-05:00

Windows Phone 7 Series

2010-03-06T19:47:00.001-05:00

more coming soon