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Microsoft Proposes Thumb-Driven Interfaces

bonch writes "Microsoft Research has demonstrated examples of two thumb-driven interfaces for handhelds proposed a few weeks ago. Today's devices require the use of two hands; Microsoft wants to reduce this to one. Usability tests showed, however, that some users had difficulty adjusting to the thumb movements. Full researcher's report here."

14 of 153 comments (clear)

  1. Discrimination by y0bhgu0d · · Score: 4, Funny

    It is of my opinion that these new technologies are being put forth by Microsoft to quite openly mock those without thumbs.

    I see through your ruse, Microsoft! HA! WHAT NOW??

    1. Re:Discrimination by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      THis device would be handy...

      Please tell me you weren't trying to make a bad pun.

    2. Re:Discrimination by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      "Sometimes I wave to people I don't know. It is very dangerous to wave to people you don't know, because what if they don't have a hand? They'll think you're cocky. 'Look what I got motherfucker, this thing is useful...I'm gonna go pick something up'"
      -Mitch Hedberg

    3. Re:Discrimination by Prof.Phreak · · Score: 2, Funny

      Although that would explain why `laptops looking desktops' on startrek only have 1 big button...

      --

      "If anything can go wrong, it will." - Murphy

  2. Ah, I see. by ShaniaTwain · · Score: 2, Funny

    This must be for people who are all thumbs around technology.. now if only they could develop something for people with two right feet..

  3. innovation? by justforaday · · Score: 5, Funny

    Today's devices require the use of two hands; Microsoft wants to reduce this to one.

    Who says porn doesn't drive innovation in the computer industry?

    --
    I'll turn into a supernova and burn up everything. Well I'll turn into a black little hole and you'll turn into string.
    1. Re:innovation? by Jorkapp · · Score: 3, Funny

      Porn also fuels spending and upgrades in the industry. Think about it:

      People want porn faster - ISP's upgrade equipment to provide faster connections.

      As the amount of people with faster connections rises, so does the quality and hence the file size of the porn.

      As the file sizes get larger and larger, the time it takes to acquire them gets longer, and people want them faster. So, the cycle repeats again.

      Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

      --
      Frink: Nice try floyd, but you were designed for scrubbing, and scrubbing is what you shall do.
  4. Actually a really big improvement by mrRay720 · · Score: 4, Funny

    The one thumb interface is significantly better than the three finger salute.

    It's not every day we get a 3x improvement in productivity!

  5. I'm all thumbs today. by Spudley · · Score: 4, Funny


    Well, whaddya know? Mircrothoft does thumbtimeth come up with good ideath.

    --
    (Spudley Strikes Again!)
  6. Microsoft patents the thumb by oogoody · · Score: 4, Funny

    Chimps counter sue.

  7. Ironic... by technix4beos · · Score: 1, Funny
    Anyone else notice how ironic it is that the name of one of their "technologies" pays homage to Apple?

    AppLens.

    Microsoft plays catch-up all the time. Perhaps now they're showing their respects? :P

    --
    user@host$ diff /dev/urandom /dev/uspto
  8. nothing new here by FudRucker · · Score: 2, Funny

    RE:thumb-driven interfaces also known as hitchhiking

    --
    Politics is Treachery, Religion is Brainwashing
  9. Very useful by FuturePastNow · · Score: 2, Funny

    Today's devices require the use of two hands; Microsoft wants to reduce this to one.

    That could be very useful for handheld devices that connect to the internet... one-handed browsing is simply a must for some people.

    --
    Give a man fire, and you warm him for the night. Set a man on fire, and you warm him for the rest of his life.
  10. Reviews by metamatic · · Score: 3, Funny

    Well, I'm sure Ebert and Roeper will like this new interface.

    --
    GCHQ Quantum Insert installed. If only our tongues were made of glass, how much more careful we would be when we speak