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Tag Archives: Technology
Virtual Interfaces
Vibrative
Laser
Gesturable
Omnitouch
Interactive Projection
NODE
The NODE is interesting… but I can’t figure out who would buy it or why. It is bluetooth enabled and allows monitoring a variety of environmental items. It can connect with mobile phones and apps.
It reminds me of Sunspot which is a programmable platform with sensor boards. That also seems to have gone no-where.
Emerging lifestyle devices for humans and pets
There is a quickly emerging set of companies focusing on mobile-enhanced lifestyle devices. They let you monitor – heart rate, activity, sleep, walking distance, etc.
I don’t think these type of gadgets will become mainstream… but I can see evolved versions of these devices in the next 5 years emerge that are cheap and help people manage chronic health conditions.
Pets also have their own devices to help track their fitness and location…
iPhone, Samsung, Nokia, HTC – likes/dislikes
I’ve been playing with iPhone, Samsung, HTC and Nokia phones and was reflecting on what I like/dislike about each:
Samsung Galaxy SIII:
+ great screen (bright, crisp)
+ very responsive
+ comfortable to hold (smooth edges, light)
+ great photo quality
+ microSD card support
+ replaceable battery
+ microUSB charger / sync cable
+ google goggles
- S-Voice
- screen is too wide to easily work with the apps – needs both hands to use the device
- Android OS and apps are not consistent in interaction behaviours
HTC One V:
+ great screen (bright, crisp)
+ can manipulate apps using one hand
+ microSD card support
+ microUSB charger / sync cable
- no replaceable battery
- poor photo quality
- laggy response on launching apps
- Android OS and apps are not consistent in interaction behaviours
- Android OS update to latest version not available
Nokia 900:
+ great screen (bright, crisp)
+ microUSB charger / sync cable
- no replaceable battery
- no microSD card support
- poor photo quality
- uncomfortable to hold (heavy, blocky edges)
- button placement on right side of device not only makes device uncomfortable to hold, but also makes for unintended button pushes
- screen is too wide to easily work with the apps – need both hands to use the device
- WP7 Metro interface is terrible (inconsistent, non-intuitive, clunky, spurious visual effects) – it felt antiquated rather then new
- Not upgradable to WP8
iPhone 4S:
+ great screen (bright, crisp)
+ very responsive
+ great photo quality (with HDR enabled)
+ OS and apps are consistent in interaction behaviours
+ can manipulate apps using one hand
+ iOS updates available to latest version
- SIRI
- no microSD card support
- no replaceable battery
- no microUSB charger / sync cable (proprietary & expensive connector)
I learned a new word today “SKEUOMORPHISM”
I came across this article about the termination of two senior Apple staff - Reports Claim Forstall And Browett Were Asked To Leave Apple Following Crucial Missteps.
The article noted that one executive was responsible for the “SKEUOMORPHISM” that pervades iOS and is considered a source of tension within the company. I didn’t even know what the word meant, let alone that it was an issue with iOS.
After digging around a bit, it turns out that “SKEUOMORPHISM” is a catch-all term for when objects retain ornamental elements of past, derivative iterations–elements that are no longer necessary to the current objects’ functions. Examples in iOS include: calendars with faux leather-stitching, bookshelves with wood veneers, fake glass and paper and brushed chrome.
For my part I like those ornamental elements… it is part of what sets Apple apart.
Apparently the main people that find this a problem are designers.
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