Thread: Kate Alhola's Maemo Presentation
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attila77 is offline attila77
2009-04-12 , 13:03
Posts: 3,319 | Thanked: 5,610 times | Joined on Aug 2008 @ Finland
#75
Originally Posted by GeneralAntilles View Post
That wasn't my intention. The post I was quoting was trying to describe desktop compatibility (specifically the ability to use straight desktop ports) as one of the core strengths of the platform, which it is not.
I does come across to me as one of the core strengths. Maybe not intended or even welcomed by many, but considering the number of apps which are available as near-straight ports or libs, I'd say it is a very defining moment.

I manage to use the web quite heavily on my device utilizing only my fingers. A well-designed UI (Safari on iPhone OS is a fair example) can provide a very strong browsing experience with finger input.
As already stated, if done right, you can use both for whatever purpose, it's just a question of efficiency/ergonomy. One could just as easily argue that with an OMAP3 class hardware, 1024x600 display+stylus and proper OS/browser, you'd not only have a strong or manageable, but *identical* browsing experience as on your desktop.

I wouldn't put your finger-web use of present day NIT for a vote to determine if the overwhelming majority of users use it that way, though

Also, try playing games like pingus or maemosweeper with fingers. Loads of fun

I guess I don't see it. There's a lot of doom and gloom about the end of the platform and a lot of assumptions based on rather limited information.
I didn't use such strong words, and don't think it would be the end of anything. I just think that ditching the stylus altogether is reducing functionality and limiting existing usage patterns for no particular reason other than saying 'look ma, no stylus !'. In this case, less is, well... less.

I seriously wish UI designers gave more thought to hybrid stylus/finger interfaces. But I'll go further - not only UI, but hardware designers, too. The device could detect whether the stylus is IN (=finger mode), or OUT (=mouse mode) and adapt both UI and display sensitivity/parameters accordingly.