UI
Apple Files Patent For Multi-Sized Icons
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by Vince Veneziani on April 6, 2007

In an interesting move, Apple recently filed for a patent that would allow OS X users to have multi-sized icons on the screen at the same time. The system would allow users to make icons of files larger or smaller, based on importance. In fact, there’s a whole lot of sizing goin’ on here. Apple writes:

“However, such difference in size does not indicate the relative importance of the files or program represented by the icon, since the change in icon size is performed universally for all icons in a container, such as a folder or window,”

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KeyTouch: Interesting Enough to Matter
by John Biggs on February 13, 2007

I stumbled upon KeyTouch while trying to tackle a pair of Ukrainians who wouldn’t stop talking about the LG Shine in their Kraken-howl language. It’s not particularly ground-breaking, but it’s a text entry system that uses the directional keys to pick characters after each keypress. Say, for example, you wanted to type AK 47. You would hit the 2 key and see a little compass with A, B, and C at the cardinal points. You’d hit left for A or just let it show up, no directional presses required. Then you’d hit 5 and press up for K. Finally you’d hold down for and 7. So it’s essentially one less keypress. Add this up over the next fifty years and you’re saving 25% of the time you spend pressing keys! That’s over 4,000 hours — OK, I made that up, but still.

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