User Interface & Experience Improvements
- Updated the overall GUI for a cleaner, more polished and modern appearance.
- Improved layout consistency across menus to enhance readability and usability.
- The Update API Key menu has been visually refreshed for better clarity and smoother navigation.
- The Exit Application screen has been redesigned to match the updated UI styling.
- Version number display has been relocated into the Settings Menu for a cleaner main interface.
New Settings Features
- Added a new Settings Menu, including an option to manage and configure the Update API Key directly within the app.
Connectivity & Online Presence
- Added a startup server handshake animation when connecting.
- The application now clearly displays Online / Offline status directly within the main interface.
Update System Improvements
- The application now automatically checks for updates on startup and will notify the user if a newer version is available.
Improved API Error Handling & User Messaging
Reworked the API verification system to use a structured 4-tier result state system:
API_SUCCESS — Handshake and verification completed successfully.
API_ERR_CONNECTION — Server unreachable, no internet connection, or request timeout.
API_ERR_INVALID_KEY — Server reached successfully, but the API key was rejected.
API_ERR_OTHER — Unexpected server response or JSON parsing failure.
Improved user-facing error messaging inside the Settings Menu:
- "Error: Server Connection Failed" — Prompts users to check internet/server status.
- "Error: API Key is Invalid" — Indicates a likely typo or incorrect key.
- "API Verification Failed. Please try again." — Fallback message for unexpected issues.
Integrated the new API result system into startup flow logic:
- If verification fails, the app now prioritizes the API Key Entry prompt, suppressing optional update checks until a valid connection is confirmed.
Bug Fixes
- Lap Validation: Fixed an issue where the fastest lap time could display even if the lap was invalid. The GUI now only shows the fastest valid lap time.
- All lap times (including invalid laps) remain visible in Lap History on raceforge.com.au.
- Fixed Minimize and Maximize button functionality across all menus.
- Resolved various minor graphical and UI rendering issues.