Critique on The Potential New Features Coming with the iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 will be Apple's newest phone in their phone line set to be released later this year. A couple of news sources have stated that Apple plans to have the home button that is located at the bottom of the iPhone removed. Instead of having the home button do fingerprint detection, Apple plans to use the whole phone screen as a hybrid of the typical smartphone screen with fingerprint detection.

My take on the potential change is that it may cause shock to Apple fans because the home button has been tradition to the iPhone for many years. However, hardcore Apple fans will continue to support them, and some may give it a try anyways. The idea of putting the fingerprint detection on the screen could be more effective in the long run because the screen is bigger and allows for bigger area of detection. Sometimes fingerprint detection runs into failure, but with this change that may result in that happening less often. The potential problem that I can see with the removal of the home button is "what is going to replace it?" As a past iPhone user, I frequently used the home button to go back to main screen and it was my main way to navigate through my applications. Removing it will require a suitable replacement. Otherwise, adapting to this new change may worsen the experience of the iPhone. Imagine having to click back on every tab to get back to the main screen. O(n) complexity in real day uses are not preferable. Overall, fingerprint detection on whole screen sounds like an excellent move if the correct changes are implemented to supplement the removal of the home button.

Bibliography

Gibbs, Samuel. "Apple May Replace IPhone Home Button with Fingerprint-scanning Screen." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 15 Feb. 2017. Web. 18 Feb. 2017.

Gordon Gottsegen February 14, 2017 12:50 PM PST. "Apple's IPhone 8 May Be the Only New IPhone to Get the Steel Body Treatment." CNET. N.p., 14 Feb. 2017. Web. 18 Feb. 2017.

Galbraith Building Entry Doors

Ever walked through the entry doors of the Galbraith Building of the University of Toronto. There is a set of doors controlled by a hand waving detector. However, the sign and usage of the hand waving detector is hidden and very hard to spot for the casual walker. I walked past the door once, and the other set of doors opened automatically. That initially scared me because I was not expecting the door to open by themselves. I tried to repeat the procedure by waving my hand at the spot, but it did not open. I believe that the sign needs to be more visible in the open, or give the push to open option instead. Otherwise, potential confusions can occur like the situation that happened to me. This is a design flaw because it is suppose to make people's lives easier, but instead can cause confusion due to lack of visibility.

The Nintendo Switch

The recent announcement and peak at Nintendo's newest product has revealed it to be the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid of  both a handheld console and home console. Players will be able to play at home on the big screen and have the option of playing it outside as well. The design of the Nintendo Switch is very modern-like in the sense that it is small and easy to carry around. The controllers on the left and right side are also detachable, so mounting it at home is easier as well. In an age where handheld consoles have dominated the market as seen from smartphones, the Nintendo Switch is a very innovative device. Handheld capabilities to fit modern needs, but also keep the feel of Nintendo home consoles. The only concern with our limited information of the Nintendo Switch is if those controllers are attached tightly on the rails, or not. If they are very loose, then we may get into a problem similar to losing the new Apple earpods. Overall, the glance at the Nintendo Switch seems promising due its design of being a hybrid handheld home console. You can find more information at http://www.nintendo.com/switch/features/.