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Is anyone else getting bored

Yeah my cave is fine.

It keeps me dry, it's safe, I can light a fire at the entrance to keep out any wild animals. I have a smaller fire inside to keep up a bit warm in the winter and can cook some food on.

Can't see the point in moving out of my cave, it works fine as it is and does all that I want from it.
 
dkersten said:
Again, the Apps are important, but as competitors catch up in the sheer numbers of apps but more importantly in quality, where does that leave Apple? If competitors offer a good alternative in terms of the OS and can compete in the the app market, Apple may suffer. This won't happen overnight, and could take a long time but if I were on the iOS development team, I would be a little concerned.
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Speaking as a person who advises parents on tech matters, let me just say that while the sheer number of apps available is a factor, the safety of those apps is an even bigger concern. Apple's walled garden approach, while not perfect, makes for safer app purchases for kids. Safety does matter & android competitors will need to be more vigilant in filtering out malware & adult content if they are to be successful in marketing to families.
 
The problem is, and the point I was making with the Cave, is that, those you say, no it should not change it's fine/perfect as it is, can't know this as you can't know or miss what you never have had or experienced.

Perhaps your great grandmother did not see any need for a microwave, a television, a electric washing machine etc etc.

If the thing does not yet exist how can you know if you want or would miss it yet. Only after the event can we say that.

Imagine if people felt this way a few decades ago and hence we would not have what we have now as everyone back then thought it was just fine as it is.
 
Geekbabe said:
Speaking as a person who advises parents on tech matters, let me just say that while the sheer number of apps available is a factor, the safety of those apps is an even bigger concern. Apple's walled garden approach, while not perfect, makes for safer app purchases for kids. Safety does matter & android competitors will need to be more vigilant in filtering out malware & adult content if they are to be successful in marketing to families.
Click to expand...

The Android Play Market allows setting maturity levels of apps that can show up without requiring a PIN. So that's similar to iOS.

Beyond that, Android's ability for apps to integrate deep into the OS, allows almost anything you could want. Just Google "android parental control apps" etc.

You can download apps or even whole new launchers that let you specify exactly which apps are visible to the user... not just a handful of built-in ones like iOS is restricted to controlling.

There are apps that alert you if the phone goes outside or inside boundaries.

There are apps that allow controlling whom the user texts and/or even captures every word if you're really worried.

And much more. Symantec even has a free parental control app.

--

The upshot is, depending on the age and situation and the parental desires, Android could very likely be a far better choice because it allows more control than iOS does.
 
s15119 said:
I have no use for change, just for the sake of change. Do you get bored with your hammer, "these sciccors never change". As long as it continues to function well, I can't see the "it's boring" argument.
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Shearing is stupid. The idea is to cut something straight and they inherently do the complete opposite. Scissor UI is crap. And box cutters get you on the no-fly list.

Maneuvering through inefficient UI is like Bob Vila hammering a screw.
 
Yes, i am bored with the ios look, but honestly, you spend most of your time inside apps while using an idevice (unlike desktop OSes) so it doesnt really bother me much.
 
Just yesterday in class, I was showing my class how to type a formal email, and we had so much fun using the ipad's camera to show what was on the pupil's laptop screens (sorta like a mobile visualiser).

Bored? I am still thoroughly enjoying mine through and through. :D
 
PrayForDeath said:
Yes, i am bored with the ios look, but honestly, you spend most of your time inside apps while using an idevice (unlike desktop OSes) so it doesnt really bother me much.
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Still, the whole One-Button idea is stupid.
On my Android phone, I had to get an App called Swipepad - touch the corners and easily navigate to a list of custom set apps. There's another one that can use the four physical bottons on the bottom, pressing menu/back or holding the search button etc will launch different apps programmable for each specific app. Natively, holding back and pressing home takes a screenshot. Useful as hell.

The buttons themselves could easily be replaced by a programmable touch bar across the bottom. Apple has a patent on a touch-skin which could revolutionize intuitive design...Gestures are in their infancy with enormous untapped potential. Amazon MP3 lets you swipe between songs even through the lock screen, Pandora makes you tap tiny specific areas whilst broad areas remain unused and no gestures. Which one are you less likely to kill yourself with while driving?

Apple TV is a UI trainwreck. When entering text, you hit invisible walls blocking you from the quickest route. It seems like a feature left over from 1980. Oh wait, Pac-man and the original Mario Bros (the battles in Mario 3) solved that matrix.

What I'd really like to see in the next iPad/iPad mini/iPhone is a sleek bearinged scroll wheel for reading or top/bottom trackballs that would take FPS's like CS to the next level. Forecasted possibility: Not a chance in hell. But one can dream.
 
Fandongo said:
What I'd really like to see in the next iPad/iPad mini/iPhone is a sleek bearinged scroll wheel for reading or top/bottom trackballs that would take FPS's like CS to the next level. Forecasted possibility: Not a chance in hell. But one can dream.
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2003 called and wanted their blackberry back.
 
Fandongo said:
Still, the whole One-Button idea is stupid.
On my Android phone, I had to get an App called Swipepad - touch the corners and easily navigate to a list of custom set apps. There's another one that can use the four physical bottons on the bottom, pressing menu/back or holding the search button etc will launch different apps programmable for each specific app. Natively, holding back and pressing home takes a screenshot. Useful as hell.

The buttons themselves could easily be replaced by a programmable touch bar across the bottom. Apple has a patent on a touch-skin which could revolutionize intuitive design...Gestures are in their infancy with enormous untapped potential. Amazon MP3 lets you swipe between songs even through the lock screen, Pandora makes you tap tiny specific areas whilst broad areas remain unused and no gestures. Which one are you less likely to kill yourself with while driving?

Apple TV is a UI trainwreck. When entering text, you hit invisible walls blocking you from the quickest route. It seems like a feature left over from 1980. Oh wait, Pac-man and the original Mario Bros (the battles in Mario 3) solved that matrix.

What I'd really like to see in the next iPad/iPad mini/iPhone is a sleek bearinged scroll wheel for reading or top/bottom trackballs that would take FPS's like CS to the next level. Forecasted possibility: Not a chance in hell. But one can dream.
Click to expand...

Wow that would be lame! I wish apple come up with an official ps3 like controller that connects via bluetooth and it becomes standard that all ios games that work better with controller must support it. Why would anyone at apple doesn't think about this? Do they really see the future with touch based games only even for fps? To force us to master the touch screen leaving traditional controller burried deep in the grave?
 
aleni said:
Wow that would be lame! I wish apple come up with an official ps3 like controller that connects via bluetooth and it becomes standard that all ios games that work better with controller must support it. Why would anyone at apple doesn't think about this? Do they really see the future with touch based games only even for fps? To force us to master the touch screen leaving traditional controller burried deep in the grave?
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They should, or let Valve take over in that department...but if you're using an external controller, the screen will likely be stationary on a platform. And at that point you might as well be using a larger TV/monitor.

I don't want something stupid like Ericsson Xperia, just a few physical trackballs sensitive to velocity, bringing skill back to whipping around popping a few headshots. With a touch-skin you could have all the virtual buttons laid out on the back where your fingers naturally rest and you have a fully functional gaming experience (potentially better than console controllers, at least for FPS's) without taking away from the natural sleekness of the device.
 
Redjericho said:
If it's really, truly killing you that iOS hasn't changed, i'd recommend jailbreaking. I was 110% against it for the first 3 generations of iPhones I owned, but I have it a shot, and I won't be going back.

It's an extreme breath of fresh air. A tweak called Dreamboard can make your device look exactly like jellybean for god sakes.

Give it a shot, and if you aren't impressed/refreshed, then switching over to android would be your best option.
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Only problem w Jailbreaking is it messes with stability of iOS. Agreed that you can really maximize the iPhone experience but it certainly has a cost.
 
Bored with what?

Instantly checking the ever updating RSS feed?
Effortlessly browsing and reading articles?
Having my YouTube subscription at my finger tips?
Playing some amazing puzzle and tower defence games?
Never seeing lag, worrying about a file system or any crashes?
Bored of listening to all my iTunes music?
Bored of Spotify?
Bored of all the TV and movies that are on demand with Netflix, iTunes, BBC iPlayer etc?
Easily texting, tweeting, messaging friends?
Bored of editing my photo’s in iPhoto and Snapseed?

No, I’m not bored with my iPad.
 
Only a select group of techies are bored. While the majority of Apple's targeted market doesn't care and probably prefers simplicity over customization. The way to measure this is by sales results.
 
Personally I think Windows Phone is one of the best options for many who want half/half, a phone that is simple and elegant but still offers some customization and 'widgets'. Its a simple and elegant square tiling UI with live tiles that act as widgets and update information as needed. It just needs to be marketed right and word of mouth, and some time for the app market to develop.
 
It's not the OS as much as its the apps. Not only that, other device implementations are just completely insane. I am a tech guy in real life. I have an top-tier Asus Transformer and it still boggles me how many ways there are your one to get lost on this device, and even I have a hard time trying to figure things out. That's NOT what people want... they want apps that they can use and a device they can figure out intuitively. (Not even going to mention the horrific performance of my 'precious" $500 Transformer pile of crap)

----------
midwestfisherma said:
Iffin' it ain't broke...
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EXACTLY. I hope they don;t go the traditional Microsoft route and change things just because they can.
 
I remembered being completely wow'ed by the UI of my first 4s (also my first smartphone). Then, I recently watched the 1st iphone keynote, and was stunned by how little the UI had changed over the years (even the default ringtone was the same!). The thing was, I don't find it outdated or dull. To me, it remained simple and elegant, a timeless design which I feel doesn't need to change.

You want widgets and live wallpapers, you have android for that. :)
 
No not bored. I enjoy ios and even more important I am enjoying the apps. Like other posters have said, I spend more time in apps than I do in the home screen, so the overall look doesn't bother me. I love how fluid the OS is for me.

I picked iOS for its look and feel as my operating system of choice. Lucky thing that there are options so that if iOS starts to not offer my needs anymore I can simply choose another OS
 
GKDAIR said:
Meh, not really.

I had my android phase, didn't like it. Came back to apple ecosystem.
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As a big fan of both OS'es, I do prefer iOS ultimately (Right now I'm using both a 4s and Galaxy Note as well as the 'new' iPad). However...I've had a couple of 'Android' products over the years, including the Xoom--which I still have and has allowed me to see the significant changes done with Android. It came with Froyo or one of the 2.x builds. Not long after that...3.0 dropped and was quickly 'outed' to the Xoom WiFi models. 4.0---same thing, was able to try out ICS before I bought my Note. Jelly Bean I've played with on a friend's phone---and dropped just a few weeks back for my Xoom--not bad for an almost 3 year old tab. Each has been a significant leap...IMVHO, over the past build. Especially with fluency and efficiency. I'm definitely enjoying my Note--more-so than any other 'Droid device I've owned.

Point being...there are many 'phases' to Android development and it's nothing like it's early days (as an owner of every iPhone as well---iOS has changed significantly since the original). If you went through your 'Android' phase any length of time ago...I'm sorry, but much has changed and I'm not so sure your opinion adds much to this conversation.

jabingla2810 said:
Bored with what?

Instantly checking the ever updating RSS feed?
Effortlessly browsing and reading articles?
Having my YouTube subscription at my finger tips?
Playing some amazing puzzle and tower defence games?
Never seeing lag, worrying about a file system or any crashes?
Bored of listening to all my iTunes music?
Bored of Spotify?
Bored of all the TV and movies that are on demand with Netflix, iTunes, BBC iPlayer etc?
Easily texting, tweeting, messaging friends?
Bored of editing my photo’s in iPhoto and Snapseed?

No, I’m not bored with my iPad.
Click to expand...

This is very well said...and I agree completely!!! I also don't understand the naysayers that are 'bored' with iOS. Android has become the same as well--with constant 'tweaks' and updates to an already pretty refined OS. There aren't significant changes to be had. I would have to believe most users are like me...especially those of us that frequent 'tech' forums. The customization/widget/home screen palette is fun to play with in the beginning, until you get it how you like it...however, when you do realize the battery hit you take for widgets that are constantly on...it's much more efficient to just lay the screen out ala iPhone, IMO. Apps in folders, couple of home screens...for me, a weather widget and Flipboard are the only two I've got open sharing 50% of a screen each (both on the same screen). Other than that, my 'customization' was complete and has remained untouched since those first couple weeks of ownership.

Android though still has plenty of fluency issues to work out. To me, even with the comparatively 'better' hardware in my GNote vs. my iPhone 4s---the screen does not rotate (from portrait to landscape) nearly as quickly...there are still plenty of examples of 'lag' albeit nothing like the early 2.xx builds and lesser hardware phones/tabs. The iPhone/iPad experience of fluency is obviously being noticed as well by Google and 'Project Butter'. They're aware...and I'm sure much of this is due to the manufacturer and carrier 'skins' provided to set themselves apart from others.

If you are an iOS user and happy with it for the most part...In my opinion, the best option would be to pick up the new Nexus 7" pad from Google. This is a perfect way to jump in to the Android world without the commitment to a contract and for a couple of CNotes...it's a helluva deal. Pretty cool little device, but it'll open your eyes as far as how the 'Play' store is set up and how incredibly frustrating it can be to find apps that are fit for tablets (which often times my Galaxy Note is considered)...vs. those for phones.

I've actually had an app that I've been playing for the past month on my Note called Millionaire Slots. The bizarre thing is the app was never available in my 'app' drawer---could never find it unless it was still in my multi tasking tray. Other than that...I had to go to the "play store" and instead of having 'Install' as an option---it was 'Open' or 'uninstall'. Weird, but I was able to still access it. Up until this weekend. I powered the Note off overnight Friday...woke up Saturday, the app was gone! As well as my nearly $Million dollars in ching that I'd picked up over the past 30 days dinkin' with it!!! If I go to the Play store now, the only option is to Install. It's disappeared from my phone!!! Little things like that are challenges that I've never run across on iOS. There are others but just a recent example I wanted to share.

I think I said it earlier in the thread and others have said the same. An OS is just that. An operating system. It's the foundation for your device, no matter what the device is. In most cases, it's function is to provide you the ability to do what that device is meant to do. In the case of today's smart phones, we're talking mini-computers. There's more power in these little guys than computers held less than a decade ago---storage too! To me---just the same reason I was on Windows up until 6 years ago....the software/apps available to a specific piece of hardware with a specific OS is the determining factor for purchase. As a geek and business owner, I need two phones. Hence the reason I own one of each...and I do like both for different reasons. However, if I had to give one up, it would immediately be Android. I wouldn't be happy. I like a bit bigger of a screen...but when it comes to the eco-system of applications and software available, the integration with my actual computers (Macs), the ability to sync across all iOS devices in our family...keep up to date contracts between devices, move playlists...streaming via Apple TV...the actual selection of music/photo/video/gaming software....there can only be one winner at this time.

And, IMVHO...today it's Apple. I don't mind incremental improvements, as I still believe copy/paste is much better implemented on iOS than Android. Even though it came later (than Android's ability initially)...and even though Google has updated numerous times since, iOS's implementation is just 'better'.

J
 
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