With
Apple's iPhone release still set for
next month, will the design and user experience win it legions of fans throughout the rest of 2007? Probably, but some folks in Redmond are holding their applause. Microsoft's "Shift" finger-based interface is set to clash with Apple's multi-touch sometime soon as the software titans do human interface battle (again). No, this is
not the Microsoft oFone, but is Microsoft's "Shift" a copy of Apple's multi-touch or a homegrown Microsoft invention? The description Microsoft gives for Shift states that it is "possible to use a pointer on a PDA that can be guided by finger motion -- once the pointer is in position, the user simply lifts his thumb or finger to select the target." Does this sound revolutionary or evolutionary -- or neither? Shift apparently not only replaces stylus input but goes beyond it -- just like multi-touch. Still, should the iPhone feel threatened at all here?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
boolean22 @ May 16th 2007 8:34AM
I think it's good to have alternatives. Macs and Windows(es?) have set paradigms that today populate Linux(es?) and other devices/platforms. I guess it's better to rethink an approach than merely embracing the gray zone that goes from defeat to frustration. Not everyone will like every solution, so alternative is good.
Also, the fact that Multitouch is so revolutionary has to do with a combine of hardware and software, and MS is doing something that can be resolved on a software level, and use almost unaltered hard.
Birdie @ May 16th 2007 9:53AM
Ummm... have we already decided "Multi-Touch" is a success and works as advertised without any of its own problems? Its not out yet! Defeat? Really?!
Wait until its out to see if it is embraced or not once its in the wild. It could actually be the reason the iPhone fails after the initial hype wears off...Touch screens whether you can use one finger(or stylus) or two, are still not that loved and I dont see Apple revolutionizing some of the things that are the main problems...
And that of course Microsoft has already explored a lot of this(including multi-touch type interaction) and will continue to since they have had touch screens for years...
carlo @ May 16th 2007 10:01AM
What a fair and level-headed comment boolean. I agree totally.
Each is always going to have something that the other doesn't, but both will most likely have the essentials. Microsoft has access to a wider variety of devices, while Apple is amazing with innovating design and interfacing. Microsoft will be a nightmare with virus succceptibility, but Apple is a nightmare with regard to price. Of course there are many more.
I enjoy both, encourage and appreciate innovation in both, and I'm glad that I have the freedom to choose.
mel @ May 16th 2007 11:36AM
wow this is revolutionary. i can see this technology being used to replace the "eraser" pointer on laptops.
This "shift" technology could be used in some sort of small trackpad below the keyboard to move the pointer around the screen. perhaps with one or two buttons below it being used to click. REVOLUTIONARY!
Ryhan @ May 30th 2007 8:04PM
I find it amusing how everyone is saying how "revolutionary" multi-touch is. Yes, it is a wonderful mathod for interfacing, but it is hardly new. Also, using two fingers on such a tiny device is impracticle and slightly awkward for those so accustomed to one-handed usage of similar mobil devices...
However, I agree with carlo that microsoft making an attempt is a good thing; however, I have doubts that implementing it would make an "IPhone Killer", particularly after the Zune :)
Milt @ Jun 12th 2007 9:29AM
A lot of good points made (and good sarcism too). I agree with Birdie on the "wait and see" approach with the iphone. I do not see your average, consumer, wireless user being ready for a touchscreen only interface. And Apple's iphone is riding on name alone. Most of its features have been duplicated in mods for windows mobile devices, you can only use apple's apps on the device (until the hackers have there way with it), and so-on and so-on. I really cannot wait to see how this devices does after the initial launch, though.