A New Paradigm For Web Browsing

dsaci points out a New York Times article about how surfing the web may change to a more graphics-based endeavor. With the advent of devices like the Wii and the iPhone, the capability to directly control objects on a screen is becoming a popular and affordable technology. That, combined with immersive interfaces such as Piclens, could be the future of web browsing. Quoting: "'I've wondered for a long time why the computer interface hasn't changed from 20 years ago,' said Austin Shoemaker, a former Apple Computer software engineer and now chief technology officer of Cooliris. 'People should think of a computer interface less as a tool and more as a extension of themselves or as extension of their mind.' Voice, too, is finally beginning to play a significant role as an interface tool in a new generation of consumer-oriented wireless handsets. Many technologists now believe that hunting and pecking on the tiny keyboards of cellphones and P.D.A.'s will quickly give way to voice commands that will return map, text and other data displayed visually on small screens."

Comments

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[jay-za]

You are underestimating the practice that years of running Windows has given to the average user. That *crash* will not come as a surprise. There could be a market for a technology that turns the windscreen blue just before the actual crash. Finally BSOD will have a more ... real ... meaning.

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[mh1997]

The keyboard works, 100% of the time.

Tyess, thek eypboard isg thew perfeddct ddevicwe4 requirening litttttttttttle skil and is foo l profo.

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[Anonymous Coward]

Then again, I haven't had much exposure to Windows Mobile.

Your first two sentences made this one unnecessary.

Re:Not only that

[Clover_Kicker]

I certainly don't want to be on a bus or plane with dozens of people all yakking commands to their devices, nor do I necessarily want to display to the world what commands I am giving to my device. Computer, download midget orgy dot A Vee Eye!

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[mh1997]

"Thanks, you've illustrated my point perfectly."

Glad to be of service, but I'd rather use simple voice commands to control a portable device. My cellphone has the ability to dial by voice, recognizing both names and numbers. It's not perfect, but it is usually faster than typing or searching for contacts.

Voice control and other methods are only infants compared to keyboards, but just like the keyboard improved from a mechanical device on a typewriter into a simple multi-function electronic device, other input technologies will improve.

I'm just looking forward to the day when the computer interfaces with my brain and provides all inputs so that I can just lie in some tube and experience the reality that the computer determines is best for me.

Speech recognition is gonna take over any day now

[Infonaut]

Now excuse me while I hop in my Moller. I'm late for a meeting at the Zeiss-Ikon factory.

One handed browsing

[WarwickRyan]

Anything that can improve the experience of browsing with a single hand would be a godsend to us avid, erm, 'surfers'.

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[dkf]

You don't want to start arguing with your PocketPC about traffic and directions: No, I said Springfield, not Slingblade! *crash* It could be worse, much much worse: No, I said goats, not goatse! My eyes!

That explains it!

[Phoenix666]

The other day I overheard my neighbor two cubes over say the following in syncopated fashion: "teens," "threesome," "bukkake."

Re:Not only that

[that this is not und]

Well, I DO want to be on that bus. I will have a small device that has a loud public address amplflifer attached to it. With the press of a button it will blatt out "Format C colon" and various other sundrie delights.

The "social" networking possiblities are endless. More fun than that it is now to carry a cellphone jammer or a small backpack sized EMP device.

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[Fishchip]

That could be really tricky when you're supposed to be willing the LCD projector to show your PowerPoint snoozefest and porn comes up instead.

Maybe it will respond...

[Tim Browse]

"Specify type of goatse."

Re:Baby steps first, then worry about how to best

[Tim Browse]

even the slowest hunt and pecker is going to be exponentially more accurate at input with a keyboard

You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means.

Re:Visually impaired ignored?

[Thrip]

What about the dead? Now that we're untaxable, we've got lots of disposable income for gadgets.

Re:Doesn't bother me

[that this is not und]

As long as the extra flashy junk doesn't impede my ability to get useful information from a website, I will be fine with it.

Then you're already too late.

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[jay-za]

Abstaining from using Microsoft garbage would be a good first venture

I suppose abstinance is always the best option when you want to avoid getting a dangerous virus.

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[Dun Malg]

Can you imagine trying to dictate a regular expression? :) ouch. I've come up with regex's that couldn't even have been typed. Some of the stuff I was looking for I had to use ALT+### on the keypad to get it to come up. If there's not even a key for it. I can't imagine trying to get a voice command system to bring it up.

"That double squiggle thing with a line through it!"

computer: ?

Re:Yeah good luck with that

[elrous0]

I'm a heavy Windows users and I haven't seen a BSOD since the 90's. System lock-ups occasionally happen, but VERY rarely (and I use computers heavily every day). People who still chide Windows for the BSOD remind me of people who still make jokes about how often "It's a Wonderful Life" gets played at Christmas, oblivious to the fact that TV networks stopped doing that about 15 years ago (when Republic reclaimed the copyright and licensed it exclusively to NBC).