In recent years, portable technology has become an integral part of everyday life. Smart phones and tablets are almost an extension of our fingers, a reliable arbitrator for intellectual disputes and a way to stay in touch with peers and colleagues on-the-go.
The rise of mobile technology began in the 21st century, however, one particular feature dates back to the 19th century. The qwerty keyboard was introduced in 1872, when the first typewriter was invented. Ever since, this configuration has been integrated into most computer devices as an accepted standard for convenient typing. However, as portable devices get smaller and smarter, it seems that the qwerty layout is simply getting in the way.
With this idea in mind, a high-tech start-up company has developed Minuum - a small, one-dimensional keyboard which allows for faster, more accurate typing:
‘... we’re stuck with keyboards that cover up half a smartphone screen but don’t make up in accuracy what they take up in screen space. Realizing we could minimize the keyboard while maintaining accuracy was the eureka moment. We’ve changed what a keyboard needs to be, enabling a future of typing with wearable technology.’ - Will Walmsley, CEO of Whirlscape.
Minuum was born from a research project at the University of Toronto. Will Walmsley and Khai N. Truong attempted to invent an alternative method to texting by simply tilting the phone.
Walmsley has a background in human-computer interaction (HCI) and a passion for simplifying technology to ultimately help people communicate. Together with Truong (VP) and Xavier Snelgrove (CTO), he founded Whirlscape in June 2012.
The initial idea was to invent a better way of typing on touchscreen mobile phones without looking. This research encouraged the founders to investigate various device-tilting techniques relying on user motion—which they found to be useful in the field of wearable technology. The new invention works with a special auto-correct algorithm which adapts the typing to the intentions of the writer. Minuum virtual keyboard is only one extension of this approach.
“Essentially, we like solving problems.” These words from Whirlscape’s webpage may begin to explain why they created Minuum.
There is an assumption that sticking a virtual typewriter into a touchscreen device is the best way to enter text. But this assumption leads to the result that keyboard covers half of the smartphone/tablet screen. People want to make the most of their screen space—or get the keyboard off the device completely (like some of the detachable keyboard ultrabook).
Will and his partners have worked hard for two years to prototype and test an array of new text entry techniques, then formed Whirlscape to get the best of these out to the public. Minuum won’t be restricted to smartphones. Smartphone is just the first step, followed by Minuum for wearable devices and more.
The Minuum project has received some financial support from the UTEST programme and MaRS Innovation. However, Whirlscape is looking for support among users to raise awareness and much needed funds. The company already launched the Idiegogo campaign in March 2013 and is planning to release a beta version for Android for crowdfunding supporters in June 2013.
The implications of this new technology for the MICE industry are evident. Texting, taking notes and surfing the Internet will become much more convenient and much less frustrating. Consequently, this will optimise productivity, cooperation and speed of communication on-the-go. Moreover, it will provide users with an additional incentive to give up paper notes and thus protect the environment.
Minuum and similar inventions intended for the next generation mobile and wearable devices will most probably make the phrase “information at your fingertips” obsolete.
By changing the way we perceive and interact with technology, many actions will become a second nature to us, thus allowing us to concentrate on what’s really important. The modern digital interface should be focused on content and interaction which leaves no space for 20+ buttons that distract and restrict users, bringing them back centuries ago.
(If you think Minuum has the potential to change the mobile experience, spread the word. Moreover, if you think you have the potential to help extend the technology, contact Whirlscape directly.)
SOURCES:
Jedras, J., 2013. Two Canadian companies want to improve your mobile typing experience. ITbusiness.ca
Retrieved from: http://www.itbusiness.ca/video/two-canadian-companies-want-to-improve-your-mobile-typing-experience
Minuum - the little keyboard for big fingers. Whirlscape official website
Retrieved from: http://minuum.com/
Written by Lilyana&Xiaozhao
No comments:
Post a Comment