I think we will see tvOS focus engine come to iOS

[Rogifan]

Some people want mouse/pointer support for iOS. I'm skeptical we'll see that but I wouldn't be surprised if we get the focus engine from TV. Apparently it already exists in iOS 9.1. Perhaps it's something that comes to iOS 10. One question I have is, can the current Smart Keyboard improve via software updates or would Apple have to design a brand new keyboard? I would think the focus engine could be controlled using arrow keys.

 

[danmart]

Focus engine?

 

[Rogifan]

Focus engine?

Yes, basically you always know where you are without needing a mouse pointer on the screen. In the case of the focus engine on TV you use the remote's touchpad to swipe left/right, up/down to navigate the system. On the "home" screen you can tell where you are because that app icon is slightly bigger and has the appearance of being brought forward. Inside of settings and search whatever menu or letter you're on is highlighted in white and again has the appearance of being brought forward. I suspect we'll see something like that come to iOS.

The focus engine exists in iOS 9.1. I see this as a way of providing navigation without requiring a pointer. And it may have the added benefit of turning certain text in to buttons (something that some have complained about since iOS 7 redesign).

 

[Tom G.]

No disrespect nor insubordination intended, but what does this thread have to do with iPads?

 

[haruhiko]

Except that you can directly tap on the target on your iPad - this is the whole point of the original direct manipulation concept of the iPhone.

 

[Rogifan]

No disrespect nor insubordination intended, but what does this thread have to do with iPads?

Because there are people saying the iPP needs a mouse or pointer.

Except that you can directly tap on the target on your iPad - this is the whole point of the original direct manipulation concept of the iPhone.

Maybe it could be something recognized when the keyboard is attached?

 

[danmart]

I see what you are talking about now. I guess the challenge with iPad apps would be that there are potentially many icons on the screen, whilst the ATV never has more than 12-16.

Looking at the few apps I have bought, some basically implement a mouse pointer mechanism with the Siri remote (Luminocity, for example) and it's a bit clunky. But still early days so things could easily refine.

From my personal perspective, I don't want my iPad to be a second rate laptop; I want it to be a first rate tablet. I recognise that other people have different opinions!

 

[mdridwan47]

Because there are people saying the iPP needs a mouse or pointer.

But Tim Cook said that OS X and iOS will never converge. So I don't think they'll implement OS X's HI (Human Interface) mechanism to iOS.