The problem with attempts at "smart" behavior in software is that its behavior becomes less predictable. I think this is an attempt to patch up previous attempts at smart behavior -- like the paper clip's interruptions based on smart analysis of what I'm doing. I see why they're trying to fix it, but now if I look away from the computer for a second, its state will be different when I look back. I can no longer easily control what input I give the computer; testers can't reproduce bugs because they don't remember exactly when they looked away from the screen; the msdn knowledge base fills up with bugs related to what noises and body movements you shouldn't make while FoxPro is saving a large file. Awareness of a user's drifting attention levels could be interesting in a game or something, but I don't want it in the OS until it's *really* mature.
I don't think that americans having cell phones does anything to deprive spectrum from a prospective vietnamese cell phone user -- I only wish my phone had that kind of range. Anyway, clean water and a safe home are vital things, but most people have higher aspirations than that. IMO Maslow's hierarchy of needs (the idea that people don't think/care about complex needs until their basic needs are met) is bullshit.
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The problem with attempts at "smart" behavior in software is that its behavior becomes less predictable. I think this is an attempt to patch up previous attempts at smart behavior -- like the paper clip's interruptions based on smart analysis of what I'm doing. I see why they're trying to fix it, but now if I look away from the computer for a second, its state will be different when I look back. I can no longer easily control what input I give the computer; testers can't reproduce bugs because they don't remember exactly when they looked away from the screen; the msdn knowledge base fills up with bugs related to what noises and body movements you shouldn't make while FoxPro is saving a large file. Awareness of a user's drifting attention levels could be interesting in a game or something, but I don't want it in the OS until it's *really* mature.
I don't think that americans having cell phones does anything to deprive spectrum from a prospective vietnamese cell phone user -- I only wish my phone had that kind of range. Anyway, clean water and a safe home are vital things, but most people have higher aspirations than that. IMO Maslow's hierarchy of needs (the idea that people don't think/care about complex needs until their basic needs are met) is bullshit.