Friday, July 10, 2009
Interaction with Mobile Phones: Building On Android - Sony Ericsson's Rachael & HTC Hero
Both Sony Ericsson and HTC have built upon Google's Android build to create new "user experiences" for mobile phones.
Sony Ericsson Rachael UI Video:
"Sony Ericsson "Rachael" Android XPERIA handset unveiled?"
(Paul Miller, engadget, 7/4/09)
Sony Ericsson's Android Rachael UI Makes Me Want to Ditch My iPhone
(Jesus Diaz, Gizmodo, 9/8/09)
"Make it Mine, Stay Close, Discover the Unexpected!" Personalization with HTC Hero Touch-enabled Smart Phone"
HTC recently launched the HTC Hero. I haven't had a chance to touch one, but it looks interesting enough to make a trip to my local mobile phone service provider and see how it works.
"HTC Hero launch event video featuring HTC Sense™ - an intuitive, seamless experience built upon three fundamental principles - make it mine, stay close, and discover the unexpected." -HTC
The two video clips below explain the rationale behind the HTC Hero and why the company thinks it is an important innovation:
PART I
PART II
A few quotes from the video:
"It begins with listening and observing people as they use their phone..."
"...there has been a fundamental shift in people's phone expectations..."
"People want to stay close with the important people in their lives, and have online information...Voice is key, but no longer enough...The SmartPhone is the New Phone, people no longer expect their Internet to be at their desks anymore. They expect it everywhere they are. The Internet is becoming the fundamental of the mobile phone. Access to web browsing, streaming media, and connected applications has taken off, and this is where Smartphone really excels. People really appreciate the experience..."
HERO UI Introduction:
Related:
HTC Debuts Hero, With Fresh Face for Android
(John Herman, Gizmodo, 6/24/09)
Google Android Info
"Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications. The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs necessary to begin developing applications that run on Android-powered devices."
Cross-posted on the Interactive Multimedia Technology blog.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Not yet multi-touch: HP's Next Generation TouchSmart PC - and my thoughts about smudges and germs
The Next Generation HP TouchSmart PC
The new TouchSmart PC's, which can display high definition content, aren't out on the market yet. HP is taking pre-orders.
NextWindow, a company that produces large interactive touch-screen displays, including those with multi-touch capabilities, was responsible for the touch-screen embedded in the TouchSmart PC.
Although some people can't wrap their minds around the idea of interacting with a touch screen because they don't like germs and smudges, or they are locked into a point-and-click mindset, I think they are worth considering. Developers are working on new ways of interacting with information, and I'm sure that we will all be pleasantly surprised with what holds for the future.
Touch screen displays more easily support collaboration between two people, and more, when the display is large.
Some people aren't too sure about getting their hands on a touch screen. Why?
They are worried about smudges and the spread of germs.
Even little children know that it is important to wash their hands frequently throughout the day to prevent the spread of germs. At school, they are not permitted to eat or drink when they use computers, which is a good habit to develop at an early age.
The same hands that are smudging up our non-touch screen displays on our PC's and laptops are also leaving lots of germs, and even food particles, on computer mice and keyboards. I'm talking about adults who should know better than to eat and drink at the computer and neglect to wash their hands!
I'm not too worried about it. If you care about health and reducing the spread of germs, most likely you make sure your laptop or PC is regularly disinfected, and you make sure your hands are clean, just like your mama taught you.
Related:
HP Redefines Home Computing, Putting the Digital Lifestyle at People's Fingertips with New TouchSmart PC's
HP Introduces World's First Affordable Color-critical Display
Gizmodo: HP TouchSmart iq506 Brings New Interface, Bigger Screen, and Intel Processor
(cross posted)
