At yesterday’s keynote presentation during the World Wide Developers Conference, Apple announced the impending arrival of iOS6. The evolution of Apple’s mobile operating system includes numerous features that cater to the real needs of real users.
Some examples to illustrate this idea:
This list of examples, although not exhaustive, shows that once again Apple has chosen to emphasize usability rather than technological prowess. Some will note, and rightly so, the lack of information surrounding how these new apps will collect user data. It’s a controversial topic: how far are we willing to share our personal data (contacts, location, movements, social interaction) if it is for a ‘good cause’? In this case, good cause is not to be disturbed unnecessarily during meetings while keeping peace of mind in emergencies, avoiding traffic jams and never having to worry about where your boarding pass is. Apple is smart to introduce these much-needed features, which will increasingly rely on their relevance to high penetration of the operating system. The use value is such that we do not hesitate to share our personal data.
Should we be worried? Who should regulate the use of this data?
Tags: Apple, Data collection, Guided Access, Human-centric, iDevice, Innovation, iOS6, iPad, Maps, Passbook, Siri, User Privacy, World Wide Developers Conference, WWDC 2012
“Meet me at the corner of Starbucks and Nike.”
Using stores and restaurants to find our way around town is nothing new. From giving directions to orientating ourselves, these branded landmarks are often the most easily identifiable things around us. A new start-up, CityMaps, has gained a fair share of attention for using business names and logos to map out cities*.
A quick glance at the site and you realize how powerful branding can be. Being able to know the answer to “what’s around here” with a quick look at a map can be a huge timesaver – both at home and when travelling. I’ve never been to San Francisco, but I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t have trouble finding my way to the corner of Tumi and Longchamp. However, if you told me to show up where Maiden Lane and Grant Avenue meet (it’s the same spot!), well let’s just say I’d be firing up Google Maps.
*CityMaps is currently only available for San Francisco, Austin, and New York City, however 25 to 30 cities around the world will be added by the end of the year.
Tags: App, Brand Identity, Brands, CityMaps, Company Logo, Google Maps, Logos, Maps
Navigating through malls, big-box retailers and airports just got easier thanks to the new Google Maps indoor mapping initiative, which includes floor plans, stores, bathrooms and ATMs.
Tags: Google, Google Maps, Ikea, Indoor, Maps