The benefits of the advances in computers
are tremendous, as the world of computing opened up to almost everyone. Recent technical innovations have led us towards simplicity in computing while subtly changing our everyday lives. We all are both consciously and subconsciously, in a constant search of computing devices like mobile phones, laptop, with an interface that is simpler to use and easier to learn. To feed the hunger of our search for simplicity in computing, new innovations have combined touch technology for all their new devices with simple gestures.
This one simple concept made computing more intuitive, easier to learn, and more fun to use. With just a flick of our finger, the screens will now scroll to show us more apps. No more commands or clicks. To search for contacts or music, just flick the finger and a list of songs or contacts will scroll by in that direction. Flick finger slowly, and the screen contents will also move slowly. Flick fast, and the names will zoom by. We can navigate and do all sorts of things simply by using intuitive gestures with our fingers.
A three-year-old child came up to me and asked to see my phone. l was amazed as he swiped his little fingers across the glass to find the Angry Birds game, started up the application by pointing to it, and began using his index finger to pull back on the slingshot to shoot the little birds at the targets. It quickly became apparent to me that the computer interface has finally become so intuitive and systems so small and mobile that small children can actually navigate and use applications with absolutely no help. In fact, I bet he is more adept at playing Angry Birds than I am!
Adults who did not have the advantage of growing up around computers can take a class or two and easily become self-sufficient on navigating the internet and communicating with their loved ones and peers using a smartphone or tablet.
The same is true at educational institutions. Just pass around any college campus and I bet you see a lot more people using tablet computers or other gesture technology devices, such as smartphones. I believe both educational institutions and businesses will be key beneficiaries of the simplicity in computing.
l recently changed from my trusted Nokia to an Android smartphone running the latest Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, and the difference to me was truly startling! l can use a variety of apps including email, movies, music, GPS navigation, games, books and thousands of other apps all in the palm of my hand, with just the swipe of a finger across that beautiful screen.
This scene made it abundantly clear to me that simplicity is not only in, it is the new cool and the beautiful thing about simplicity is it can work on all aspects of our lives.