Comments on: Usability trumps features, Mr. Anderson

By: Michael Tomlin

Michael Tomlin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:12:27 +0000

Yeah, Apple likes to concentrate on the usability factor first and then get to the feature list later. Apple is currently limited to AT&T restrictions as far the GSM network is concerned. Why add the hardware capabilities if the network won’t allow (support) it. Almost every other lacking feature can be implemented with/in software. I’m sure in time Apple will more API’s to the SDK that will allow greater freedoms to developers and also build into the OS some of the features a few people can’t live without.

@Peter

“since ‘Real Time Directions’ are prohibited by the SDK license”

Actually I believe that statement is part of Google Maps API License, which for legal reasons, doesn’t want anyone to use their map data for turn-by-turn directions.

Apple has said that the GPS unit in the iPhone can be used to create navigation applications.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:29:46 +0000

Wombat brings up a good point. If your lenses and focus aren’t good, more megapixels just gives you a larger version of ugly. If you’re looking for a good camera, buy a good camera. If you’re looking for something to take snapshots at the accident scene, the iPhone camera is good.

As for the third-party applications correcting some of this, I have my doubts. For example, the “laptop-modem” option is being specifically not allowed by AT&T. The “driving directions” appears to be off as well, since “Real Time Directions” are prohibited by the SDK license.

By: John Blackburn

John Blackburn — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:09:04 +0000

Actually, cameras and video capturing still need a great deal of usability at any resolution, so they too are subject to the Dictum of Mr. Smith.

By: wombat

wombat — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:04:45 +0000

What good is a higher resolution camera if the pictures from it are so noisy that they are rendered unusable? This whole “MEGAPIXELS! MEGAPIXELS! MEGAPIXELS!” hysteria is annoying and needs to stop.

And half the features that the twincities blog cites are software features. There will be free or low-cost apps available from the App Store which allow the same functionality on the iPhone within months.

By: James Katt

James Katt — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:48:51 +0000

Usability works for 80% of the consumers – they are who Apple targets – NOT the few who whine about the need for features. The whiners should stick with Microsoft. Microsoft promises features galore.

By: Snafu

Snafu — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:20:45 +0000

On the other hand, how much more usable does a higher-resolution camera with flash or video capturing need to be? The thing is, usability is not a excuse to suboptimal features, which is the usual Apple practice (combo drive MacBook, i am looking at you!)