

The center tab button might be derived from the iPhone camera button placement.

Modal: Single Task or Flow

Orchestra
Orchestra is a relatively new app that provides to-do list collaboration, so its focal button encourages you to create a task. You create a task within one modal screen, including any supplementary information, and are prompted to return to the main task list when you are done. Orchestra’s focal button is particularly unique because it offers dual functionality. Tap and release the button to create a task from text entry, or tap and hold it to create a task from voice recognition.
Evernote
Evernote’s content and features are only powerful when content has been added to your notebook, so the “Add” focal button is made clearly visible in the center of the tab bar. When tapped, a sheet slides up with options for creating a note. Once the note is saved, you are returned to the main screen.
GroupMe
GroupMe, a chat app, has a multifunctional focal button similar to Orchestra’s button. Tapping the “+” button will bring up a bubble menu with three options. You are not moved to a modal, single task flow until you select one of those options.
Socialcam
Socialcam, built by the folks from Justin.tv, is a platform for sharing video content. With video being the building block of their community, the Socialcam folks created a focal button that drives people to their camera functionality. After making a recording, you are taken through a few steps for uploading, commenting on, and sharing the video, before being prompted to return to the primary navigation screens.
RedLaser
RedLaser is a barcode scanning and product comparison app. The focal button opens up a modal camera view. Once an item is successfully scanned, the app returns you to a list of product results within the main view stack.
ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is another barcode scanning application. The focal “Scan” button opens the camera, but within this view you can choose other methods to look up your product. Once a product is recognized, you are automatically delivered to main view.

Modal: Multiple Standalone Flows
IntoNow
With IntoNow people organize around TV shows by discussing them, rating them, and finding other fans. The app also uses your TV viewing history to recommend other shows you might be interested in. Because the content is so dependent on logging what you watch, the focal button activates a listener to detect what’s on your TV. Once it recognizes the show, you are automatically checked in as a viewer and taken to the show’s profile in a focused, modal view. The app encourages you to explore within this standalone flow by offering entry points to the show’s discussion and fan profiles.
foursquare
Similarly, foursquare’s check in button provides a quick way to check in at a venue, especially if you’re in a rush to retrieve a coupon or discount. When the check in is complete, users have multiple paths they can travel within the venue’s profile screen, including user tips and location information.
Tab Section
Tumblr
Tumblr offers several methods for posting to a blog, and it’s not uncommon for members to have more than one blog at a time. Instead of forcing a bunch of selections to be made within a modal “create post” view, the app designers treat the “Post” area as a standard tab section that can easily be moved in and out of. But by giving it a little visual oomph and an action-oriented label, they’ve made sure you can easily find it in a pinch.
Mightybell
Mightybell is an activity app that encourages people to get involved with things happening in their community. While the other four tabs provide ways to find new experiences, the “Act” focal button is where you make and save personalized commitments.