Matt Gemmell created Favorites for the iPhone, a ‘Speed-dial with style’ application that lets you dial your contacts by face instead of name, and created a very thorough and lengthy blog post about UI design decisions he made along the way, as well as some of the lessons learned during the development process with regard to creating software interfaces for the iPhone.
If you’re the type of person that enjoys knowing the decisions behind the design, then this post is for you, as it leaves no stone unturned in the quest to build the perfect app.
Ok, so maybe not, but after watching Iron Man, you’ll want to run down the street yelling that too.
Thanks to TechCrunch’s invitation, I was able to get a sneak peak at Iron Man Wednesday, and I can whole heartedly agree with the 96% that this film is currently rocking on Rotten Tomatoes.
It’s the summer blockbuster that you’ve been waiting for, and probably beyond what you’re expecting from it.
Sure, it’s got a great theme song, and the commercials look great, but that’s just the Hollywood Hype Machine running on overdrive, right?
Wrong.
Iron Man is a solid film with a plausible (futuristic) story line, fantastic acting, and top notch tech ogling.
First: Robert Downey Jr. is a bad ass. His role as a billionaire weapons manufacturer that likes fast talk, hard liquor, expensive women and cheap thrills is perfect, and he says each line with a bravado that will surely be emulated by everyone for the next few weeks.
Second: The action doesn’t stop. Sure, it’s a CGI film with plenty of additional special effects; but keep in mind, this is a comic book based movie after all. As is expected with a summer blockbuster, the explosions are over the top, the battles drag out, and the eye candy is ever present, but it’s always done in a way that lends itself to the story line, and never seems out of place.
Third: This is a tech head’s dream flick. From 3D holographic displays and futuristic UI to a sassy computer and robotic assistants, it’s a look into the future at what everyone hopes the world will become.
If you have a chance, then go see this movie, because you won’t be disappointed.
The minds over at ReadWriteWeb seem to think that with the announcement of Exchange support and the iPhone SDK, Apple has set themselves up to become the dominating force in next gen computing, and I must say that I agree.
Here’s why:
The demand for small yet functional computers has already been demonstrated with the Asus Eee PC. If you can fit an entire computer into your pocket, you open up a world of possibilities.
The demand for pocket sized gaming devices has already been demonstrated with the DS (as well as all other pocket sized Nintendo consoles) and the PSP. Throw in Wii-esque motion controls and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Windows Mobile is terrible.
Exchange support means the iPhone can do what the BlackBerry does, only it looks good doing it, and can play games, movies, music, and more while you’re waiting.
It takes an iPod and a phone (two things many people carry around with them anyways) and combines them into one device. Why carry two when just one will suffice?
It’s an Apple product, so the UI is both beautiful and functional.
Combine a full SDK with a huge desire to develop for the latest and greatest mobile platform, and you’ll have throngs of developers jumping on board to develop amazing apps out of the gate. Microsoft Office anyone?
The list goes on and on.
Basically, as long as Apple can ride its current wave of iPhone success to conclusion, it will set the bar far beyond what anyone else is even striving towards at this point. The iPhone has created a whole new game, and currently, Apple is the only player.
Does this mean Apple will surely dominate next gen computing?
Time will tell, but all signs currently point to yes.
Fans of Google Earth rejoice, Google Earth 4 is upon us. New additions include “rich 3D content”, the ability to create and share geographic information such as travel photos, hiking trails, and overlays of your own imagery, a new UI, and the ability to annotate, modify and share directly on the maps. Download now.
