iPad's 'Mute' Switch Replaced With Screen Rotation Lock

[jegbook]

I suppose since it's referred to as a button it's a push thing versus the silent toggle on an iPhone?

Either way, it seems the functionality is controlled by software. Why not let users choose what the button does?

It seems that some quick way to mute the device should be found as an alternate. Though, I suppose holding the volume down would work pretty well, too. Not being a phone, it's less likely the device would suddenly start making noise that was unanticipated and undesired.

 

[mrgreen4242]

Just a thought here, but this seems to indicate to me that they have changed the software on the iPad from what was originally indicated, so unless this feature is present in the current betas, there will be something new on the iPad when it ships.

 

[benspratling]

Just another example of why physical buttons still have their place.Any action that is either global or very common is justification for a real button. (Just like the current home, volume, ringer and power buttons.)

Any hardware function that would cause a problem if the user had to go to the settings app - that's what makes it a candidate for buttons. Interrupting game play or expensive movie playback to change the volume, for example. On the phone, however, I do love the silent/ringer switch.

 

[Kwill]

Hi,

I sent Steve Jobs an email about this needing to be a feature sometime ago. What struck me is he actually responded to me. I was shocked!

s.

Great. Send him a message about the glare displays because he sure isn't listening to me!

 

[BillyBobBongo]

I need this for my iPod Touch! So many times I lie on my side and want the screen to stay vertical, but it goes horizontal anyway and it is annoying.

I drives me frickin' insane!

Nice to know it's not just me!

 

[goobot]

Yes, because in the 1.2 seconds it takes to silence the device by holding down the volume down button, the iPad will end!

edit: "The world," I meant "the world." "The world will end." the iPad is only means "the world" to Steve. <3

if you have an iphone you would know what i mean.

 

[benspratling]

Not being a phone, it's less likely the device would suddenly start making noise that was unanticipated and undesired.

Absolutely. The phone is small enough you might forget you have it, and it could make loud noises - noises designed to get your attention. iPod Touch doesn't have a mute switch. The iPad is big enough, you aren't going to forget it's in your pocket; unless you're Stephen Colbert. This is also part of the problem with iPad, you aren't going to just have it with you - but the larger screen is sooooo nice....

 

[DaBrain]

I need this for my iPod Touch! So many times I lie on my side and want the screen to stay vertical, but it goes horizontal anyway and it is annoying.

I agree. All they had to do is what Amazon Reader does and that's to add a small lock icon in the lower right hand part of the screen that locks the view. This icon disappears until one touches the lower right hand corner again. It's a real nice feature. No need to get rid of mute.

 

[*LTD*]

Poor Doctor Q, he had to go back and change all our posts.

 

[topmounter]

I need this for my iPod Touch! So many times I lie on my side and want the screen to stay vertical, but it goes horizontal anyway and it is annoying.

Ditto for the iPhone, VERY annoying.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I wonder why they didn't just incorporate the "mute" button into the on/off button:

Single quick tap to mute
Double quick tap to sleep/wake
Single hold to turn off

 

[benspratling]

if you have an iphone you would know what i mean.

1. I have an iPhone.
2. See my above post about iPhone noises being designed to get your attention.

 

[ineedamac]

Good for iPad bad for iPhone

IMO this is a good feature for the iPad. However, I hope they do not bring this to the iPhone. It is nice to quickly turn off the ringer if in a meeting...

 

[benspratling]

I wonder why they didn't just incorporate the "mute" button into the on/off button:

Single quick tap to mute
Double quick tap to sleep/wake
Single hold to turn off

See my above post about idiots using the sim card to mute the iPad.

 

[gdzb]

Makes the iPad a little less useless. I guess...

dick..

 

[FaustsHausUK]

What's the little button on the screen adjacent to "slide to unlock"?

This is the biggest picture I can find of that screen and I still don't know what it is.

On my screen, it looks almost like the Firewire icon in a box.

 

[benspratling]

I think the iPhone is going to need one for task switching in OS4 - how are you supposed to switch apps if the one you are using is full-screen? Answer: A dedicated button.

Yeah, for instance: right now we use the Home button to switch between apps.

 

[goobot]

1. I have an iPhone.
2. See my above post about iPhone noises being designed to get your attention.

then you should know that he volume rocker doesnt work in the home screen. that in games it ignores the volume rocker were not the mute. and that some times it will mess up.

 

[ChromeAce]

This is NOT a hardware change. It's a SOFTWARE change.

 

[mr.steevo]

Is this true? Cool!

Hi,

Absolutely. Apparently he responds to emails from time to time. I figured it was a shot in the dark but what the hay. I now have my "killer feature"

s.

 

[ravenvii]

WIN!

I, too, was frustrated with the lack of a system-wide screen rotation lock on the iPhone. I'm very glad they're adding this, and ironically the iPad is even more ideal for bed browsing than the iPhone, so I win all around

then you should know that he volume rocker doesnt work in the home screen. that in games it ignores the volume rocker were not the mute. and that some times it will mess up.

Hmm? Apparently it's you who don't have an iPhone? Because the volume rocker certainly does work in the home screen for me...

 

[reckless2k2]

On my screen, it looks almost like the Firewire icon in a box.

That's the profile icon they've been talking about.

 

[benspratling]

On my screen, it looks almost like the Firewire icon in a box.

It's a black/white version of the iPhoto icon. (it's a flower)

 

[kdarling]

I think the iPhone is going to need one for task switching in OS4 - how are you supposed to switch apps if the one you are using is full-screen? Answer: A dedicated button.

So far, Apple's answer to needs like that has been to overload their current Home button with multiple clicks. (Jailbroken phones add long presses.)

---

One of the things I like about some other phones is that they often have spare button(s) that you can assign any action to. An onscreen dock just doesn't compare.

For instance, I recently assigned the camera app to an extra button on another phone, and it's made taking spur of the moment photos much easier.

They'll never do it, but I'd love for Apple to put a couple of assignable buttons on either side of the Home one. Everyone has their own idea of what app or function or keystrokes they need instant access to.

 

[FaustsHausUK]

It's a black/white version of the iPhoto icon. (it's a flower)

I almost just went blind from squinting at it, but I see it now.