Facebook has released a test version of the
new stripped-down Facebook site. Facebook Lite (http://lite.facebook.com) was initially focused on providing a faster
and more accessible version for users in countries with low bandwidth and
slower internet connections. Now it seems existing users will be given the
chance to switch to this ‘diet’ version, allowing users to write on friend’s
walls, look at photos and share content without all the additional
applications.
Continue reading "Facebook shedding pounds" »
With rumours abounding that Apple will release an oversized touch tablet, which may be up to 10 inches diagonally, potentially in time for the Xmas shopping season, I began wondering why I wasn’t glowing with excitement or working out my finances in preparation for the release.
While there’s something tempting about a computer that's all screen and nothing else, if I think beyond my initial attraction (spawned by Sci-Fi) towards the practicalities of using a tablet device, queries and doubts creep in. Indeed, while I acknowledge that the touch concept can readily work with smart phones such as the Apple iPhone, exclusive touch interaction on a larger device makes me wonder what the ‘hook’ would be.
Continue reading "Apple touch tablet … meh!" »
Timetable signs in airports and train stations started a new and unfortunate trend a few years ago, about the time they took down the old CRTs and replaced them with thin displays.
Instead of showing a single screen of information of the most imminent departures and arrivals, they began to show two or three screens in rotation. Their hearts were in the right place. They wanted to show more trains and planes. But the effect is not what was intended.
The main effect is that these signs often now cause pedestrian traffic jams underneath them while people wait for the sign to change, often in already chaotic environments full of people all in a rush.
Continue reading "Waiting for the sign to change" »