Well no, it's not a "vast improvement in usability". I think it's a nice improvement over the previous style that requires you to aim and hit a small target. Tapping outside is a large-to-huge target. Also it frees up space and clears up the screen. There will be a visual effect making this target even clearer.

Perhaps at some other day I might have more humour for comments like this, but today I kind of don't get the positive side of complaining over everything.