Wonder if we will ever find out what Steve Jobs' revelation was, on how to make TV easier to use.
Expect nothing revolutionary. The easy of use will come from total integration of your entertainment system into one product, and a simple remote control. The revolution will be simplicity, not gimmicks. Throw in an App Store and a dedicated game controller and it's a console replacement too.
I think iOS 7 will be huge. After Scott left I heard that he was very arrogant perhaps now that Craig is taking over there will be much more innovation. Also, Jony took over the design aesthetics of iOS and OS X...I think we'll see a revamp of the home screen in this update.
What's wrong with the home screen? Nothing.
Two tweaks to it which would be nice are scrollable folders and updating icons, namely Clock, Calendar and Weather.
Would at least like to see some form of widgets in iOS. I have an Android for work and although the app experience is pretty poor, I do like the ability to have a couple of relevant widgets on a page for quick viewing.
That's getting more in the spirit: Throw an Android comment if you want to encourage more replies. 3 pages might not be unrealistic if we don't have to stay on-topic.
Personally I think it might be one release too soon to see a major influence by Mr. Ive, but I do expect to see some important changes, yes perhaps including "widgets". Anyway, Apple has way too much engineering talent to be left behind by any competing mobile platform. They're going to deliver some surprises.
So why do you care? I still don't get you boy? You hate Apple but comment like there is no tomorrow, what's in it for you? Please tell me.
There is NO need to change the UI, it performs its function perfectly well. iDevice use is driven by the App Store, so a grid of icons that shows your Apps is perfect in my opinion. A little tweak here and there is okay.
Personally, I want to see a substantial improvement in organization and app management. When I group applications, they are all the same plain vanilla folder color and difficult to make distinctions. On Android, you can arrange apps within a folder such that the 3 of the apps icons are layered offset on top of the folder as a visual indication as to the folder's contents. For example you can have a folder of 'Communications' apps. Position apps with that folder such that, say, the icons for Skype and Facebook and Gmail appear staggered on the front of the folder. That would be a good visual indication of the folder's contents based on the icons representing that folder.
Another is some form of hierarchical file management system. right now you need to necessarily drag data files for each individual application in that application's representation inside itunes.
It's okay. If someone doesn't like widgets, then they don't have to use them. Many of the rest of us would find them useful.
Anyway, it's too late. IOS already has some widgets, starting with the calendar icon showing the right date, and later on, the weather & stock widgets in the notification center.
Steve Jobs was a big fan of widgets on his own desktop computer. He gushed over their usefulness at the 2007 WWDC (see pic below), and used to call the iPhone Stock and Weather apps "widgets" during talks.
Even the original iPhone patents show a "widget creator" in the software block diagram.
This article was a bite weak because it hardly talks about iOS 7 at all. I would like Apple on the developer front to try to resolve whatever issues it is having and open Facetime up to the non-Apple masses. Also on the developer front I would like to see Apple put the hurt on Google by spinning iAds off like Final Maker. If iAdswas on Windows and Android, Apple could 1) really hurt Google's money making machine by undercutting it on price on its own platform, and 2) know exactly what phone users it needs to be advertising to.
On the user front I would like the ability to domore iOS customization like on the Mac. I'd also like Apple to give me quick access to some settings like wi-fi and blue-tooth. Siri also needs work. For instance, Google's voice search on iOS although not as full featured actually works much quicker. I'd also like Apple to use Apple's army of iOS users to incorporate pictures for places. That would be a pretty cool way to counter Street View quickly. Apple also should do some things Google does. For instance, Google caters to businesses by allowing people to attach their own domain to gmail account, which allows business to more fully use Google's tools.
I also think Apple was dumb by not allowing turn by turn on older iPhones, like the 3GS and 4. Google's app does, and now those users are probably using Google's app.
Apple has also gave up some markets, like with iDisk.
I warily wade into the waters of speaking for another poster, but what the heck?
I think he was saying that the problem was that they didn't change to caps. I'm pretty sure that in Android if you hold down the Shift key, the keys go from lower case to upper case.
I would sugest if you think everyone in Asia is poor you put down the US propaganda media you are consuming and open your eyes. In Hong Kong, Singapore and the other big cities around Asia Samsung is taking huge market share and these people have lots of disposable income. This to me is a classic case along the line of Nokia's lack of entry into the smartphone arena a few years ago. Apple, with its Many of its executives and their typically unworldly US style world view, they are missing the next revolution taking place NOW. Big screen phones.
I know Asia isn't entirely poor. I have family in HK still. It's the analysts screaming for a cheap iPhone because they think Asia is too poor to buy iPhones. Like I said, if the 5" market is viable, Apple will be there.
When it comes to wearable computers, if it is a choice between Google Glass vs iWatch, I think most people would opt for iWatch. iWatch is always on, easily accessible, and can integrate with other iOS devices to enhance the overall experience. At the same time, it can be easily ignored when you don't want to deal with your digital life - just don't look at your watch!
Google Glass on the other hand is way too in your face - you cannot avoid it. The technology hurdle Google has to cross to make Google Glass tolerable as an unavoidable distraction is too high.
This is the big difference between Apple and Google - Apple goes for refined, simple experiences that the user can comfortably embrace, whereas Google goes for the ultrageeky experience - overly complex, impossible for the layman to embrace, etc. You either love it or you hate it. With Apple, the geek crowd complains, but the world at large quietly buy their products by the millions.
What about the future software direction for iOS? Apple has a series of major initiatives it's developing for iOS, many of which are the offspring of acquisitions, including Siri, Maps and iTunes Match.
There are a number of other smart ideas that Apple has cultured in its App Store petri dish of third party developers that it likely should implement as unique, differentiating features of iOS. Again, there's the question of how to best do this.
Apple needs to be careful to not simply stomp on its developers (or give the appearance of doing so). In some cases, it might make sense for Apple to acquire apps that could be integrated into iOS. Consider <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snapchat/id447188370?mt=8">Snapchat</a>, based on the simple premise of sharing short photos or videos that expire after a few seconds. Or the walkie talkie style messaging of <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voxer-walkie-talkie/id377304531?mt=8">Voxer</a>.
It's hard to see how either free app will effectively monetize its continued existence on iOS, but both could be rolled into iMessages by Apple to expand iOS 7's messaging capabilities and "stickiness" while at the same time making the platform more differentiated (both apps already offer Android ports).
There's a lot Apple can do on its own, too. Text services continue to evolve; Apple should continue to develop Data Detectors to highlight and activate relevant data, identifying and highlighting dates, locations, contacts, phone numbers, email and addresses in selected text and providing useful actions for them, depending on the context.
Apple's three iPhone models account for three of the top five cameras in Flickr, so why not capitalize on that with more sophisticated Camera app features and image editing? Add support for creating, say, time lapse captures and converting short videos to GIFs for sharing.
What features are you wishing for in iOS 7?
Apple focuses on workflows especially common workflows that solve conundrums:
Gatekeeper for iOS
Ability to set default apps for functions (contacts, calendar, mail, etc.)
AirDrop for iOS (I acknowledge this already exists as "Beam" in some apps)
Automator-like functionality in a GUI form (Bluetooth on/Wi-Fi off upon leaving my home, Bluetooth off/Wi-Fi on upon arriving at work)
"Open with..." for iOS (I acknowledge this already exists in some apps)
Disk Utility for iOS (low priority)
Network Utility for iOS (low priority)
Activity Monitor for iOS (low priority)
Remote Desktop for iOS (from iPad, iPhone or Mac to iPad, iPhone or Mac)
Active App Icons and Badges (Weather icon updates every xx minutes with current local weather with a badge for the current temperature)
Mission Control for iOS (larger App representation for the App Switcher)
Siri improvements (Allow Siri to capture speech then enable an API to pass data to allow apps to parse the command such as "Search Amazon," "Find Events Near Me," "Search the App Store," "Play Pandora," and Control system functions control such as 3G data, Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, Brightness, Do Not Disturb, Wi-Fi, Locations, etc.)
Notification Center Improvements or Search screen? (System functions control such as 3G data, Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, Brightness, Do Not Disturb, Wi-Fi, Locations, etc.)
Incorporate features of the app "Tempo" into Calendars.
Incorporate features of the apps "easilydo" or "Grokr" into the Lock Screen and Notification Center
Incorporate features of the app "Winston" into Siri
Incorporate features of the app "Weather Live" into Weather
Incorporate features of the app "Shazam" into Music
Continue improving Maps
Continue improving iCloud
Continue improving Siri
Make another attempt at Ping but focus on sharing (following) between friends and open the sharing to Apps, Audiobooks, Books, Movies, Music, Ringtones, etc. Allow users to create groups of friends. The differentiator is no advertising and a focus solely on media to enhance the iTunes experience.
I am a big believer in an iWatch but it has to come in totally from left field to succeed. It has to be positioned as a fashion item not a tech device, even though it really is a tech device. If they do this and sell several models each of distinctly different design, then they can get people to buy several of them. If they come out with new designs regularly, and by name fashion designers/houses, then they'll get people to buy them regularly. Among all the tech brands, only Apple has the cachet to branch into the fashion realm. They should take advantage of this and open up a completely new market to expand in. They will own this segment for years. What brand smart watch do you imagine fashion houses will want to be identified with on the pages of Vogue or on New York Fashion Week? Samsung, Google, Microsoft, or Apple?
I see the iWatch as a replacement for all the iPods except for the iPod Touch. Active athletic people want a device on their wrist. One that could give feedback on their vitals would be good too.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDarling
Wonder if we will ever find out what Steve Jobs' revelation was, on how to make TV easier to use.
Expect nothing revolutionary. The easy of use will come from total integration of your entertainment system into one product, and a simple remote control. The revolution will be simplicity, not gimmicks. Throw in an App Store and a dedicated game controller and it's a console replacement too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by doublej2119
I think iOS 7 will be huge. After Scott left I heard that he was very arrogant perhaps now that Craig is taking over there will be much more innovation. Also, Jony took over the design aesthetics of iOS and OS X...I think we'll see a revamp of the home screen in this update.
What's wrong with the home screen? Nothing.
Two tweaks to it which would be nice are scrollable folders and updating icons, namely Clock, Calendar and Weather.
Quote:
Originally Posted by steinm88299
Would at least like to see some form of widgets in iOS. I have an Android for work and although the app experience is pretty poor, I do like the ability to have a couple of relevant widgets on a page for quick viewing.
No widgets, please.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmarcoot
Steve jobs said a few years before his death that Apple was in its DNA a Software company that made hardware.
I will go with what he said.
Apple's a product company.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suddenly Newton
iOS 7: a mysterious box into which you put all your hopes and dreams and wants.
That also describes women for me.
iDevice use is driven by the App Store, so a grid of icons that shows your Apps is perfect in my opinion.
A little tweak here and there is okay.
Another is some form of hierarchical file management system. right now you need to necessarily drag data files for each individual application in that application's representation inside itunes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
No widgets, please.
It's okay. If someone doesn't like widgets, then they don't have to use them. Many of the rest of us would find them useful.
Anyway, it's too late. IOS already has some widgets, starting with the calendar icon showing the right date, and later on, the weather & stock widgets in the notification center.
Steve Jobs was a big fan of widgets on his own desktop computer. He gushed over their usefulness at the 2007 WWDC (see pic below), and used to call the iPhone Stock and Weather apps "widgets" during talks.
Even the original iPhone patents show a "widget creator" in the software block diagram.
This article was a bite weak because it hardly talks about iOS 7 at all. I would like Apple on the developer front to try to resolve whatever issues it is having and open Facetime up to the non-Apple masses. Also on the developer front I would like to see Apple put the hurt on Google by spinning iAds off like Final Maker. If iAds was on Windows and Android, Apple could 1) really hurt Google's money making machine by undercutting it on price on its own platform, and 2) know exactly what phone users it needs to be advertising to.
On the user front I would like the ability to do more iOS customization like on the Mac. I'd also like Apple to give me quick access to some settings like wi-fi and blue-tooth. Siri also needs work. For instance, Google's voice search on iOS although not as full featured actually works much quicker. I'd also like Apple to use Apple's army of iOS users to incorporate pictures for places. That would be a pretty cool way to counter Street View quickly. Apple also should do some things Google does. For instance, Google caters to businesses by allowing people to attach their own domain to gmail account, which allows business to more fully use Google's tools.
I also think Apple was dumb by not allowing turn by turn on older iPhones, like the 3GS and 4. Google's app does, and now those users are probably using Google's app.
Apple has also gave up some markets, like with iDisk.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmarcoot
Steve jobs said a few years before his death that Apple was in its DNA a Software company that made hardware.
I will go with what he said.
Yet Apple makes the majority of its money off hardware. And as of late is being criticized for inferior software offerings.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
2. is incorrect. It does that. Just checked.
I warily wade into the waters of speaking for another poster, but what the heck?
I think he was saying that the problem was that they didn't change to caps. I'm pretty sure that in Android if you hold down the Shift key, the keys go from lower case to upper case.
That's what I thought he meant, anyhow.
I know Asia isn't entirely poor. I have family in HK still. It's the analysts screaming for a cheap iPhone because they think Asia is too poor to buy iPhones. Like I said, if the 5" market is viable, Apple will be there.
Google Glass on the other hand is way too in your face - you cannot avoid it. The technology hurdle Google has to cross to make Google Glass tolerable as an unavoidable distraction is too high.
This is the big difference between Apple and Google - Apple goes for refined, simple experiences that the user can comfortably embrace, whereas Google goes for the ultrageeky experience - overly complex, impossible for the layman to embrace, etc. You either love it or you hate it. With Apple, the geek crowd complains, but the world at large quietly buy their products by the millions.
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
What features are you wishing for in iOS 7?
Just three things:
1. Sleeker look. Dump the faux leather, faux cloth, faux stitching. (Easy.)
2. More Siri. Better search, more world knowledge, etc. (Medium.)
3. Biometrics. No more pass codes, just scan your face with the FaceTime camera. (Hard.)
The camera-based biometric recognition is tough but it would be worth it for users.
Maybe a 130 or 180 degree sweep around your face would be required, to eliminate
spoofing with high-resolution conventional photographs. Or maybe you would speak
your own passcode, which would involve analysis of your face muscle movements with the
FaceTime camera plus analysis of your voice signature. Even if someone else knows your passcode,
they can't unlock your iPhone.
Of course, there are all kinds of problems. What happens if you need to wear an eye patch?
What if you change your glasses frames and it throws off the scanner algorithm?
What if you have a cold and your voice sounds different? If you change your hair color / cut?
I suppose you could fall back on the old 4-digit "simple" or non-simple longer passcode.
Or even some kind of 2-step authorization.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SockRolid
Just three things:
1. Sleeker look. Dump the faux leather, faux cloth, faux stitching. (Easy.)
2. More Siri. Better search, more world knowledge, etc. (Medium.)
3. Biometrics. No more pass codes, just scan your face with the FaceTime camera. (Hard.)
The camera-based biometric recognition is tough but it would be worth it for users.
Maybe a 130 or 180 degree sweep around your face would be required, to eliminate
spoofing with high-resolution conventional photographs. Or better yet, you would speak
your own passcode, which would involve analysis of your face muscle movements
and voice signature. Even if someone else knows your passcode, they can't unlock your iPhone.
Of course, there are all kinds of problems. What happens if you need to wear an eye patch?
What if you change your glasses frames and it throws off the scanner algorithm?
What if you have a cold and your voice sounds different? If you change your hair color / cut?
I suppose you could fall back on the old 4-digit "simple" or non-simple longer passcode.
Or even some kind of 2-step authorization.
1. Agreed 100%. Get rid of the skeumorphic design altogether. I hate it.
2. Agreed again. I'd love to see improvements in Siri, both in how well she understands things, and in what she can do.
3. Are fingerprints out of the question? I would prefer that to face recognition.
Apple focuses on workflows especially common workflows that solve conundrums:
iOS needs to take clues from OSX.
I see the iWatch as a replacement for all the iPods except for the iPod Touch. Active athletic people want a device on their wrist. One that could give feedback on their vitals would be good too.