Programming and Design

Design is usually a minor factor in the development of software. It is only done once. Yet, the popularity of software, such as x-Applications, Sound Organizer, Sonic Stage or Open MG Jukebox and Media Go, usually rests on its design concept. Sony’s tradition is to have designers take part and lead in application development. The VAIO concept, (in the beginning) was entertainment. Applications built to allow users to enjoy music and visuals were the main reasons why VAIO was successful and had fans. Interaction design and UI design are both important. Designers make the display more beautiful, functions easier to use and create new enjoyment. X-Appli is an experience. It is not complete and finished, as Windows Media Player or iTunes is. Although a stalemate seems to have been reached since 2013-2015, a new minor-updated version was released in 2016. Version 7 may come out soon. But that will only happen if newer ideas accumulate enough. Japanese Sony product users probably don’t know or care much about the free software that is provided. 

In the future, Media Go will overcome x-Applications. Sonic Stage was ended. Everything will end sometime. Saving the x-Applications downloader onto a trusty drive or the Cloud is an idea. To summarize this all, I would like to write that x-Applications is an inspiring program and rightly deserves the title ‘the ultimate media player’.