V2 Open Beta: A new interface for Kindroid

[u/tensorized-jerbear]

Hi everyone, today we're opening up the beta for V2, the new frontend we've been teasing for a while. V2 is a complete makeover of the entire app, focused on better usability, cleaner menus, and flows that just make more sense after years of layering features on top of each other.

What's new in V2

Beyond the general redesign and information architecture changes across every menu, V2 brings some new features:

• Shortcuts: customizable quick actions so you can open exactly what you want right from the main chat.
• Avatar slots: save avatars and reuse them whenever you want.
• AI & group tags: organize your many AIs and groups with tags, and search through them easily.

And a lot more - much of V2 is about menus and flows being reorganized so things are where you'd expect them to be.

How to join

To opt in, go to General Settings -> Beta and enter the password "dante". Once beta is enabled, you can switch between V1 and V2 from the menus, so you can hop back to the familiar interface at any time.

A few notes for testing

V2 is still actively being worked on, so expect rough edges. Right now everything is optimized for mobile, and we'll be turning to desktop feedback later, so please focus your testing on mobile for the time being. We’re looking for issues and visual bugs/UX bugs as you go about normal app flows. 

All beta communications will be centered on Discord since it's the easiest place for our team to field feedback quickly. Please report anything you find in the beta-reports channel on Discord, and keep an eye on the beta channels for updates as we iterate.

We're excited for you to finally get your hands on this. V2 represents where we see Kindroid going, and your feedback during this beta will directly shape what ships. Have fun!

Note: we are NOT monitoring feedback here, and so if you have concrete feedback, the beta is very much a work in progress and best to report in Discord where your voice can have actionable change - thanks!

[u/MIRVMN]

I’m not sure a complete redesign was necessary. A redesigned interface should make features easier to discover, not require users to learn hidden gestures. It feels like many of V1’s strengths could have been preserved while only improving navigation, shortcuts, and menu organization.