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Microsoft Proposes Thumb-Driven Interfaces

Posted by timothy on from the nintendo-ahead-of-the-game dept.

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."

13 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: 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

  2. TDA? by Bananatree3 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This sounds extremely familure to the already-on-market TDA (Tactile Digital assistant). Is this a Microsoft copycat?

    1. Re:TDA? by mingrassia · · Score: 4, Insightful

      >> This sounds extremely familure to the already-on-market TDA (Tactile Digital assistant).
      >> Is this a Microsoft copycat?
      This idea is similar but not a copycat. From TFA ...

      "Current handhelds generally require the use of two hands: device in one hand, stylus in the other. Microsoft hopes to allow future devices to be used with a single hand."

      The two UIs created and their research takes into account the limited range of motion of your thumb and designs a UI that can be used with one hand.

      The Jackito-TDA is simply a normal PDA with bigger buttons so you can use two thumbs to operate things.

      Besides, the TDA is still not "already-on-market" as you put it. The article that you linked to mentions that it was considered vapor ware. Even the buy it now page on the Jakito wesbite still lists it as only taking pre-orders.

      --
      OS X, Linux, Tivo, Amiga, my fascination with cult-like technologies would intrigue any psychiatrist.
  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.
  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. Thumb-driven interfaces?... by meringuoid · · Score: 5, Interesting
    ... Like a mobile? Like an iPod?

    I bet when they patent it it'll be broad enough that both the above are covered.

    --
    Real Daleks don't climb stairs - they level the building.
  6. new tech by ceejayoz · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Usability tests showed, however, that some users had difficulty adjusting to the thumb movements.

    So, usability tests showed a bit of a learning curve on a new, very different way of doing things?

    Fancy that.

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


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

    --
    (Spudley Strikes Again!)
    1. Re:I'm all thumbs today. by linguae · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I know you're trying to be funny, but Microsoft's research is very interesting. I don't know if its on the level of the old Bell Labs, but many of the stuff is very interesting. See for yourself to see what I mean. That is where most of the innovation seem to stem from. Too bad I haven't seen much of their research being used in their latest Windows and Office offerings, though.

      The thing to remember about Microsoft, though, is that the marketing department, not the actual engineers, seems to run the company. Microsoft is so into destroying the competition that sometimes the implementation of their products get a bit sloppy, because of rushed deadlines, demands from the marketing department, and other issues. Look at history of Windows, for example. Windows didn't become fully stable until about Windows 2000, and they're still working on Windows's security (even though a competent user can deal with this with a firewall and Firefox).

      Even so, the quality of MS software has improved over the years. Windows is a stable operating system, Office is a great tool if you ignore Clippy, and Visual Studio is a very nice IDE. It might not be the most "innovative" software, but it works just fine for most tasks. I feel that the company is finally realizing that it should focus on making good quality software rather than just shipping an unpolished product. Now, this doesn't mean that I'm dumping *nix for Windows anytime soon, but anytime I must work on a Windows box, at least I feel a bit more comfortable.

  8. Microsoft patents the thumb by oogoody · · Score: 4, Funny

    Chimps counter sue.

  9. Treo 650 is already very close. by Ira+Sponsible · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The PalmOne Treo 650 pda-phone is already very close to being a thumb-operated device. You can navigate almost everywhere and select almost anything using the 5-way navigational keypad, then there's the built-in hardware keyboard. I routinely use this device single-handedly, using only my thumb to navigate and enter text. It's actually pretty rare that I HAVE TO break out the stylus and tap something on the screen (usually my thumbnail is good enough). The bigest limit is the size of the keyboard is larger than the range of motion of my thumb, requiring slight shifting of the way I hold it in my hand as I'm using it, but I would not categorize that as a problem with the design as it's not something that is a nuisance to work with. Bottom line is, what is the innovation we're seeing from MS? We already HAVE this.

    --
    1.Netcraft confirms:In Soviet Russia all your base welcomes a beowolf cluster of CowboyNeal overlords. 2.? 3.Profit!!1!
  10. Re:Hrm. Remember the tablet PC? by Aphrika · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I wouldn't say the Tablet PC has failed (I own one, and I think it's an awesome device), but if the basic forms of computing gadget for the foreseeable future are limited to desktop, notebook and PDA and we're happy with that, then we may as well stop innovating now. I sure as hell don't want to be stuck with three form factors 20 years from now...

    Desktop computers, servers, laptops and phones have all started in their niche markets in the past, and I'm happy for MS to use their cash to kickstart market segments that may or may not yield results. In some cases, they might stumble on something worthwhile. A one-handed interface has benefits for in-car PCs, industrial devices, phones and related devices like touchscreens and mouse design. Long term, the aggregation of ideas from this with existing PDA and tablet technology might yield devices that appeal more to the mainstream.