iTunes 5 features a new look that's softer than the previous "brushed metal" look. It's sort of a darker version of the Tiger Mail interface, with squared corners. Some are calling it Burnt Aqua. Others are less kind with the names.
This screenshot shows the brushed metal look of Safari, the new look of iTunes 5, and the slightly brighter look of Tiger Mail.
Follow this link for a screenshot of six different interfaces used in current Mac OS X applications.
You want consistency? Good luck.
Does it matter? To some people -- including designers, usability experts, and OS 9 veterans -- the fact that Apple makes HIG rules then breaks them (or makes rules and exceptions in order to make its own goofy interfaces possible) is downright offensive.
For the record, if anyone cares, I agree with Jonathan Rentzsch, who observes genius in the design of NetNewsWire. (Brent's own comments on iTunes 5 and the OS X user interface are worth reading.)
I'm also counting on Mike Matas to sort things out. Stop driving your shiny new car and get to work, Mike!
iTunes 5's departure from the look of previous versions of the software is good news for people who hate the metal look, but bad news for the previously shiny career of Brushed Metal himself.
Note to the easily offended: Brushed Metal is a fictional character with a potty mouth. Follow this link to Daring Fireball at your own risk.
That's funny stuff, Gruber. Take a bow.
Update: It could be worse!
1. steve on September 9, 2005 06:16 PM writes...
yeah, xp is more even in the looks department
Permalink to Comment2. Zaxxon on September 10, 2005 05:21 AM writes...
Compare that to inconsistencies that occur when browsing the web and you'll find that the brushed metal thing is nit-picking.
Apple is currently in a phase of experimentation since the core of the OS is now stabilized. They are toying with different interface ideas, different looks and different functionality from what we are used to. I think they aim at unifying all that for OS X next major release, Leopard, keeping only the good stuff. I guess they should keep there experimentation inside labs, but my argument shows that Apple hasn't lost it...
Permalink to Comment3. Scott on September 10, 2005 01:30 PM writes...
It really isn't as inconsistent as you think. Mostly the color of the windows have changed (for the better in my opinion - good riddance stripes and brushed metal, don't let the door hit you on the a#$ on the way out!). The Close, minimize, and expand button are all still red, yellow, and green and always in the same place. Tool bars and button bars are along the top of the window. Scroll bars are on the right and bottom. The resize handle is still on the bottom right hand corner.
I think too many people are confusing color with interface.
Scott
Permalink to Comment4. OSX on September 11, 2005 02:56 PM writes...
> You want consistency? Good luck.
Not luck.
Iridium
Permalink to Commenthttp://www.sagefire.org/C1827030151/E20050812201046/index.html