Thoughts on Microsoft's Continuum on iOS?

[Rusty33]

I don't know about you all - but I am eagerly awaiting something like this on the ipad/iphone/iOS. Personally, such a feature would completely do away with my need for a laptop entirely

http://liliputing.com/2015/04/some-...cs-just-add-a-display-mouse-and-keyboard.html

I am actually surprised that apple hasn't done more to push the iPad/apple TV in this direction...would it really be completely abhorrent to allow a mouse to connect to the iPad/iPhone when a user really wants it (e.g. when writing a document)?

Thoughts?

 

[Abazigal]

I don't know about you all - but I am eagerly awaiting something like this on the ipad/iphone/iOS. Personally, such a feature would completely do away with my need for a laptop entirely

http://liliputing.com/2015/04/some-...cs-just-add-a-display-mouse-and-keyboard.html

I am actually surprised that apple hasn't done more to push the iPad/apple TV in this direction...would it really be completely abhorrent to allow a mouse to connect to the iPad/iPhone when a user really wants it (e.g. when writing a document)?

Thoughts?

I am actually in favour of iOS not supporting cursor support actually. This way, we won't get developers creating apps that require a mouse to use properly, which means they will have to actually optimise their app for a touchscreen and direct input.

The iPad is meant to be a mobile device. I guess Apple tolerates bluetooth keyboards, but a mouse kinda defeats the point, IMO.

 

[Rusty33]

I am actually in favour of iOS not supporting cursor support actually. This way, we won't get developers creating apps that require a mouse to use properly, which means they will have to actually optimise their app for a touchscreen and direct input.

The iPad is meant to be a mobile device. I guess Apple tolerates bluetooth keyboards, but a mouse kinda defeats the point, IMO.

I certainly see your point - that makes a lot of sense. I love the idea of just needing one, single device though...touch when I want it, but more able at work when necessary. I can see the day (hopefully in the not too distant future) when I can tote an iPad around instead of my phone...great for doing tablet things, but versatile enough to give me a pointer when I am typing away in pages. This would be huge for anyone that writes for a living, students, etc.

 

[sracer]

I am actually in favour of iOS not supporting cursor support actually. This way, we won't get developers creating apps that require a mouse to use properly, which means they will have to actually optimise their app for a touchscreen and direct input.

The iPad is meant to be a mobile device. I guess Apple tolerates bluetooth keyboards, but a mouse kinda defeats the point, IMO.

Apple tolerates bluetooth keyboards?! LOL

Android supports pointing device (mice) and in no way does it impede the use of apps in purely touch mode. When a mouse is detected there is an onscreen pointer, when there isn't a mouse, there is none.

If Google is able to properly support pointing devices then Apple should too.

 

[Abazigal]

Apple tolerates bluetooth keyboards?! LOL

Android supports pointing device (mice) and in no way does it impede the use of apps in purely touch mode. When a mouse is detected there is an onscreen pointer, when there isn't a mouse, there is none.

If Google is able to properly support pointing devices then Apple should too.

You are right that Apple can support pointing devices. I am simply pointing out that Apple likely never will due to philosophical reasons.

 

[cynics]

Apple tolerates bluetooth keyboards?! LOL

Android supports pointing device (mice) and in no way does it impede the use of apps in purely touch mode. When a mouse is detected there is an onscreen pointer, when there isn't a mouse, there is none.

If Google is able to properly support pointing devices then Apple should too.

I find that it does impede the use of apps since many are gesture based. It's moving your hand away from the screen but acts like its on screen. I feel it's a nice feature but can be counterintuitive for a device designed around touch input. Things you are used to don't work right like selecting text like you normally would on a desktop.

.......

As far as the topic goes I like the idea of what Microsoft is doing but there are too many compromises. I prefer the way Apple does it with iCloud. A lot of times I switch to my Mac because I need a more powerful machine then my phone so in that regard continuity and handoff are a much better solution for me.