Feedback Loop: UI annoyances, remotes and speed-reading apps!
Happy Saturday! Welcome to another edition of Feedback Loop! This week we’re talking about those minor user interface quirks that just really grind our gears. Once you’re done letting the hate flow, find out whether or not speed-reading apps are worth your time and let people know if you actually use your smartphone as a remote. So get comfy and grab some coffee. Then tell us what works for you and get some advice from fellow readers.
What seemingly small UI design flaws bother you the most?
TgD is giving Windows Phone 8.1 a trial run and, while he’s been enjoying it, he has one major annoyance: the messaging interface. He finds the placement of the send button “brutal,” causing frequent interaction issues. It’s driving him up a wall, and he’s wondering if anyone else has hang-ups with the apps they use on a regular basis.
Have you replaced your remotes with a smartphone?
First Logitech started rolling out the Hub; then Samsung and HTC started bundling IR blasters into their phones. Now even Roku and Microsoft’s Xbox team are making dedicated remote experiences. But here’s the thing, I’m just not getting the point of it all. Losing physical buttons is my biggest concern. I feel like I’ll always be looking down at my phone or tablet. I’m curious to know if anyone has given up their physical remote in favor of a virtual one. And if so, how is it working out?
How would you fix Swarm/Foursquare?
Kris has been a longtime user of Foursquare, and she’s seriously annoyed with the recent unbundling of check-ins. She’s expressed her own frustrations, but is looking to hear what others think. If you’ve made the move, what does Foursquare need to do keep you from jumping ship to Yelp!?
Are speed-reading apps all they’re cracked up to be?
Everyone is making speed-reading apps. (Guess they’re the new weather widget or to-do list.) They claim to improve memory retention and, of course, leave you with more free time. But, the question is, do they really work? We’re curious to know if you’ve given any of them a shot and whether or not you’ve liked the experience.
Other discussions you may also like:
That’s all this week! Want to talk about your favorite gadget or have a burning question about technology? Register for an Engadget account today, visit the Engadget forums and start a new discussion.
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Twitter makes it easier to decide who you’ll follow first
Twitter said early this year that it would do more to help first-timers follow people, and it’s now making good on its word. The social network has just revamped its sign-up process to help you tailor those first follows to your interest. Rather than simply toss out a bunch of suggestions, Twitter now asks you to choose topics you like (such as music or technology) and offers recommendations to match. You’ll also see recent tweets from those accounts, so you’ll have a better sense of whether or not that celebrity or news outlet is really a good fit.
The new sign-up system isn’t perfect. By default, it will automatically have you following every suggestion; you have to deselect the people you don’t want to watch. Still, it could give you a much gentler introduction to the service by showing people you’re more likely to care about — Twitter is hoping that you’ll see enough interesting activity to stick around. The company obviously has some financial incentives for helping you out, but it’s hard to object to a bigger, better welcome mat.
Filed under: Internet
Source: Christian Oestlien (Twitter)
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Apple Reportedly Weighing $400 Price Range for Upcoming Wearable Device
In the latest of a string a reports regarding Apple’s plans for its upcoming wearable device, Re/code reports company executives have “discussed” a rough price of $400 for the device. That is merely a range, however, with cheaper models perhaps also in the works.
Apple executives have discussed charging around $400 for the company’s new wearable device.
Pricing has yet to be finalized for the forthcoming product, which is expected to begin shipping next year. Sources say consumers should expect a range of prices for different models including lower priced versions.
The report indicates that it is unclear whether Apple will have the pricing issue settled in time for its September 9 media event where it will reportedly show off the device, popularly referred to as the iWatch. If not, the company would remain silent on pricing for the time being and announce it a later date closer to launch, which may not occur until early next year.
Rumors regarding the wearable device have been inconsistent over time, making it unclear where on the spectrum of health and fitness band to true smart watch it will fall. Apple may, however, have altered its announcement schedule in order to better position the device as an iPhone accessory rather than as a standalone product.
(Image: iWatch concept from ifyoucouldseethefuture.com)
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