The physical button is one of the best design features in iOS products and the lack thereof one of the most annoying things about Android devices. Ergonomics matter.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPhone 7 Could Have Touch-Sensitive Home Button as Waterproof and Dustproof Rumors Persist
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
The physical button is one of the best design features in iOS products and the lack thereof one of the most annoying things about Android devices. Ergonomics matter.
Thanks for being a faithful reader
Not like I have a choice.
Update: just discovered the "ignore" button...see ya!
Normally I would agree. But given the decline of good design at Apple (see Siri remote) it wouldn't shock me to see this happen.
VERY few people understand simple design which is carefully considered and made to feel comfortable, and people asking Apple to align it's design philosopy with the "current trend" in Android devices... wow, that is laughable. I can put my hand in my pocket, hold down the home button and say "Set timer, 5 minutes" - my fingers know that dimple, so simple!
[doublepost=1461594848][/doublepost]
Single function device - it's a remote.
Directional force detection, remember the "nub" on IBM laptops? Think that in the home button. Great for cursor control, even better for an analog joystick for games.
http://www.patentlyapple.com/patent...button-that-doubles-as-a-gaming-joystick.html
I think he means removing the buttons current mechanical design so there's no seams for water to leak through.
You wouldn't have to physically push a button down, so it's faster, and it'll last much longer. And as the OP suggests, there's less to worry about in regard to water and dust. Sounds like a win-win.
The popularity of the mechanical home button can be attributed to Apple's choice to appeal to older buyers than shun computers and have a certain fear of technology. It was a brilliant strategy at the time.
Those who bash using a modern capacitive button haven't experienced the speed and reliability.
Those who bash using a modern capacitive button haven't experienced the speed and reliability.
VERY few people understand simple design which is carefully considered and made to feel comfortable, and people asking Apple to align it's design philosopy with the "current trend" in Android devices... wow, that is laughable. I can put my hand in my pocket, hold down the home button and say "Set timer, 5 minutes" - my fingers know that dimple, so simple!
[doublepost=1461594848][/doublepost]
Single function device - it's a remote.
Wow that was a quick reply, lol.
I understand the Siri remote is a simpler device. But Apple had many years to work on the ATV4 and the remote's usability was pretty poor on launch. I'm specifically referring to its tiny, slim, symmetrical design that makes it virtually impossible to tell which side is up without looking at it, as well as how the slightest accidental touch to the touchpad caused the currently playing video to pause and skip to a new position.
The former has led some people to apply pieces of tape to their remote so they can more easily operate it in the dark, while the latter was mitigated in the last tvOS update.
To me this is just the latest worrisome example of Apple's loss of attention to detail and their increasing emphasis on aesthetics over functionality and ergonomics.
If people are expecting mind-blowing innovation in phones in future then I suspect they will be disappointed. Smartphones are becoming/have become a mature technology and improvements in mature technologies tend to be smaller than in their nascent days.
Assuming the rumours are true, there is a reasonable list of small improvements but ultimately things aren't going to change significantly in future. What more "innovation" do people want? Remember, true innovation is both new AND useful...
Can someone provide a list of all the mindblowing innovations in smartphones right now? All I see incremental improvements to make existing phones better. Nothing mindblowing though. What exactly do people want though? I'm sure pretty much anything you list could be labeled as incremental.
I'd miss the physical home button. When I reach into my pocket/bag to grab my phone I use the button feel so I grab it in the correct direction. Also find that I put my thumb on it then and by the time I have it out/up it is unlocked. If I physically have to look at it to figure out what direction to hold it, then have to unlocked it after I get that situated it will take more time. I know - first world problems - but it is a usability issue to me.
True. But the problem there is that a car will take them into niche territory: fewer people can afford to buy cars, the buyers tend to be older, and the market is heavily fragmented.
Apple's strength in connecting with people came through the iPod: relatively cheap, accessible to people across the social and financial board, and great at hooking the younger generation into the Apple family.
By all means, make a car (or make something better than what we think of as a car today), but such a product risks diluting Apple's appeal and losing it the groundswell of support that it enjoys today with people across the planet.
Increasingly finding that people are falling out of love with Apple: messy product lines, glib designs and accessories, and underwhelming miserly products. No longer cutting edge and desirable, but achingly dull and fashionably risible.
I'm finding this to be the case on tech blogs (from insightful and tech-savvy people like yourself) and maybe in the investor community, but not with people who actually use their products on a regular basis. These people, for some crazy reason, still love Apple.
Last edited:
you know what would make Apple stand out in this aspect? come up with a technology that lets me actually use the device with wet fingers / under water. the Galaxy may be water proof but that doesnt mean u can actually use it under water
they are known to wait for the technology to support a good usability. at least in the past
they are known to wait for the technology to support a good usability. at least in the past
It's fun and exciting to read about these rumors, but I find myself most excited about planning to go "retro" and get an SE once they are in regular stock at the Apple Stores
I'm keeping my 6SPlus that I love (except to carry around outdoors in the spring and summer) and switching to SE on days or weeks I will be active outdoors. With this little team, I think I'm set to sit comfortably on the sidelines until Apple comes out with something really compelling. As for what that may be, I guess I'll know it when I see it.
Apple is still going to get my money on a regular basis for different products, but I don't think it will be for every iPhone update anymore. I consider myself a bit burned on my iPhone 6 Plus purchase. As much as I love my 6S Plus, I was dissatisfied with my 6 Plus after awhile and most times wish I had skipped it and waited for the more refined S version. I'm wary about being an early adopter for iPhone redesigns now because of that.
Still, I'll enjoy the rumors and keep an open mind about my future options.
I just think it's funny that most of my fun on this forum is reading about a design that is now a few years old.
I'm keeping my 6SPlus that I love (except to carry around outdoors in the spring and summer) and switching to SE on days or weeks I will be active outdoors. With this little team, I think I'm set to sit comfortably on the sidelines until Apple comes out with something really compelling. As for what that may be, I guess I'll know it when I see it.
Apple is still going to get my money on a regular basis for different products, but I don't think it will be for every iPhone update anymore. I consider myself a bit burned on my iPhone 6 Plus purchase. As much as I love my 6S Plus, I was dissatisfied with my 6 Plus after awhile and most times wish I had skipped it and waited for the more refined S version. I'm wary about being an early adopter for iPhone redesigns now because of that.
Still, I'll enjoy the rumors and keep an open mind about my future options.
I just think it's funny that most of my fun on this forum is reading about a design that is now a few years old.
Dustproof mobile telephones! What will they think of next? You'll be telling me pausable video and IR remote capability next. Surely the stuff of dreams!
Stale. It's also rather difficult to draw a comparison to something that is replaced as often as a phone. Or something in the fast past tech world vs. a mature product like a car. Or something that cost $600 vs. $60,000.