I understand we're living in the age of "chrome-less" software - where the less screen real estate an interface takes up, the better. But Apple's new QuickTime X is ridiculous. I'm all for simplification and minimization – cleanly-designed software can be a joy to use. But when that design inhibits how I do my job, then we have a problem.

QuickTime X's use of overlays to function as an interface is down-right irritating. In the new version Apple has heavily borrowed from it's iPhone / iPod touch media playback conceits – which work great in a mobile setting – In fact, I can't imagine a more appropriate way to display media controls in a confined space. But on a desktop, where the smallest screen we're ever going to encounter is 13", a media player should treat the content with respect - allowing nothing to be obstructed unless the user asks for such an obstruction (such as brightness or contrast controls, or something). There was never an instance in QuickTime 7 where I thought: "Gee, I wish this interface wasn't covering up so much of my desktop! Why can't they just cover up my video instead?"

As a motion designer I depend on Quicktime as a method to display my portfolio of work. But now I either have to revert to 7 or live with 3 full seconds of animation being obstructed by a large control scheme. I know, it sounds trite. But considering that, in some cases, 3 seconds of animation can take up to a week to complete, this is inexcusable. 

Why Apple feels the top example is an acceptable way to present video escapes all logic.

 

Add to this the laundry list of missing features, or inexplicable changes:

• No in or out points ("Trim" is a sorry replacement)
• Thumbnail timelines DO NOT WORK.
• Completely modified keyboard commands - including many missing ones
• No A/V controls
• No Property Controls
• Less information in the Movie Inspector
• No export control - your only options are YouTube, MobileMe, iTunes or Save For Web - which admittedly creates a pretty cool little website example complete with embed code, but still lacks any export control.
• No preferences - either in the player, or System Preferences

Luckily, Apple knows what it's done. QuickTime 7 remains in the computer should you so-choose. This will continue to be my tool of choice until QuickTime X comes up-to-par with its predecessor – hopefully with a Pro option as previously offered.