[jwilliams]

One thing I never understood with Aero -- which has been repeated here -- is the frosted glass effect.

I don't see the purpose or how it's useful. You can't see what's behind it. You don't even get an impression. So it's just squinty-visual noise.

[ajanuary]

I think it's more justified here than aero, but in both cases it gives you a sense of context, that the other layer is still there benief it even if you can't see it clear enough. In a static shot it's just noise, but as you slide it up it reinforces the idea of layers.

That said, once you've slid it up it's just squiggly noise that's damn near impossible to draw type on legibly.

[j0ev]

I disagree, it gives the gist of what is in the background. You can easily tell if the layer is over the homescreen or Mail or Safari etc. I like the blur effect because it makes it easier to read text than on just say a 80% opaque layer (and I think it looks cool).

[jwilliams]

That's the thing - you can't see what's behind - take a look at the shot here: http://www.apple.com/ios/ios7/

If you look at control center - the flashlight glows green and the camera red. Why? Because some arbitrary icon that you can't even make out is that color behind it. I find that really odd.

Even if you could actually make out what's behind the layer, I don't see the utility (and I'd argue it's even more distracting).

[lazugod]

Your memory of what's behind is the impression.