User interface framework creates great-looking apps

ByteSnap has concentrated on Linux support for this new release of Snap UI, its application development toolkit for embedded systems. Now Linux developers can create interfaces that meet user expectations for great-looking apps in industrial and other business settings.

“ByteSnap Design has a growing portfolio of clients who prefer to use embedded Linux for their design projects,” says Graeme Wintle, Design Director, ByteSnap. “For this new release of SnapUI, we’ve gone back to the drawing board, really focusing on what has made SnapUI so successful, applying these core features to a new Linux-only OpenGL implementation. We are certain that the flexibility of development and focus on our customers’ end goals using this is even stronger now.”

The announcement signals sustained investment in the development of SnapUI by ByteSnap Design. The original SnapUI product offers rapid prototyping on Windows embedded systems. Now, this Linux-only version supports an optimised OpenGL engine. Wintle adds: “SnapUI enables developers and graphic designers to build software for an embedded device directly on a Linux or Windows PC even before hardware development of the device has been completed. The software can be demonstrated on the PC and when the user interface has been agreed, it can be recompiled and installed on the embedded device. This reduces the dependencies between hardware and software workstreams and accelerates development.”

In the compiled SnapUI library, a powerful OpenGL engine renders content optimised for Freescale i.MX6 processor hardware and achieves high frame rates with reduced power consumption, compared with a software rendered solution. SnapUI also simplifies localisation by separating the user interface components of the target application from the core software. By modifying a single SnapUI XML file and a selection of images, an application's look and feel can be completely customised, often without additional developer input.

The customisation can range from language translations for localisation to different graphics and text for applications installed on devices with various screen sizes or input methods. In addition to the SnapUI, ByteSnap will be showcasing a highly customisable LoRa demonstration with ruggedised data logger and 10km remote monitor. Aimed for use in remote locations, such as along rail tracks, this offers a battery life of at least five years.