As I’ve heard people talk about how the iPad is going to change the face of computing as we know it, while in the same breath argue that multitasking isn’t really needed.
They’re wrong. At least about the multitasking. Why? Because that’s not how we use computers. Here’s how I’m thinking Apple could fix the problem, short of actually enabling multitasking. Apple could fake it. Bear with me on this. Most of the apps I use (Facebook, SMS, Evernote, Safari, Mail, etc.) launch very quickly on my 3GS and based on everything I hear the iPad is even snappier. So what if Apple enabled a three finger downward swipe which would pull up a dock of your four (or in the case of the iPad, six) most recently used apps. Those apps aren’t open – they’re just the ones you used most recently (or the most frequently used apps, or you could choose which ones show up).
Clicking on any of apps in the dock automatically launches it, quitting the app you’re currently in – in one push of a button. Being that apps launch so fast, the effect is that you’re switching between apps rather than quitting one and launching another. This definitely beats hitting the home button, scrolling to find the app you want and then clicking it.
And Apple’s happy because there’s still only one app open at a time. Sure, some apps take longer to load than others. But even as a navigational idea, I think this beats the current way people get around on the phone. It’s the iPad/iPhone version of Alt+Tabbing. Of course, there are signs of “true” multitasking in the new SDK. But I still think it’s interesting to think about how Apple could have done things better. What are your thoughts?Tagged: Apple
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[...] A couple of months ago I mocked up the above screenshot and described how Apple could fake multitasking: [...]
4 Comments
This is a great UI idea. Bravo.I’m still skeptical that apple will implement multitasking for third-party apps. It’s the whole Jobs has tunnel vision with OSX purple button thing.
A great solution. But I think more than likely I will have 3 gadgets on my lap and use the best one for the job. I already do this. I’m going to market a waist-mounted rig. That holds my iPhone, my ipad, and my MacBook pro. Counterbalanced of course by a gas generator on my back. Or a solar collection unit helmet. Any investors out there interested?
Your idea is good for some forms of multitasking, but not for others. For example I often enjoy having Pandora play in the background while I am surfing the net or working on who knows what else. This is not possible. Multitasking in the truest sense of the word is still impossible, but this would be a giant step forward from where they are now.
I assume that Apple will eventually incorporate feature of lala.com into itunes that should provide similar features of Pandora. Matt’s invention sounds fantastic. You should all invest.