Potential ideas for head unit launchers....
 

Ok, so I'm doing some idea drafting on the launcher and apps that I want to create for Android head units. Since I'm not a graphics designer, I wanted to get everyone's input and possibly ideas. Here is a quick sketch of 3 designs that I had in mind. Some are derived from layouts I've seen in the past.

Let me know if they suck or if you have any other ideas :)

The progress bar MUST MUST MUST be able to be moved to select the place in the track. Might I also suggest making it longer?

I should have mentioned this isn't scaled correctly. It will be movable, yes.

Classic but with a scaled down logo. I think it wastes too much real-estate.

Not sure I'm diggin "IPod Music Radio" as all three tabs on the left. Why not just a Music tab so you can add Apps or Videos or Torque to the launch screen? I don't know, iPod, music, radio just seems redundant like they could all be under the same tab.

Hmm, I hadn't thought of making an app that does all 3. That makes sense.

This is just the "desktop" screen, correct?

It's what you would see when "Home" is hit. you will be able to swipe to other screens and customize what you see there, but I wanted a central hub so that you can get around quickly. The "status" and "control" bars would be persistent, however.

One thing I'd love to see is being able to select what icons are on the home screen. Like if say there could be a list of apps and you just pick six sort of thing. Someone might not use an ipod ever but wants to instead use torque or likewise someone doesnt use their phone with bluetooth so they'd rather X app.

i really dig ELA.

I wish I could say the same. Would save me some work. I feel like it tries too hard to be like the PS3 interface, which is less than desirable for a car. I want to be able to get to everything quickly and efficiently, with minimal swiping (especially for non capacitive people).

Still admire all the work they did to get it there, though!

Here's what I would find cool. Have the Display have the logo on the center and when you press it, it starts the car... that'd be badass.

I wonder if you can do this with CANBUS. I know the head unit supports it.

so the sequence would go like this?

Insert key
Turn to accessory position
Wait for head unit to boot up
Press touch screen to start car

...but why?