How Microsoft Can Make Windows 8 Better For Productivity

Robert Sandy — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 08:08:21 +0000

Windows 8 is an extremely exciting OS. It has strong implications toward the future of operating systems and personal computing. Overall, I think the concepts that Microsoft has introduced with Windows 8 are very positive. Like others out there though, a major concern of mine is the lack of seamless integration between the “old-school” and very familiar desktop UI and the new, bold and beautiful Metro UI. Judging by the Windows 8 build that was released to developers this past week, I would describe the integration between these parts as confusing. With that said, I am not here to complain. I am here to offer-up a suggestion! So Microsoft, listen up!

Suggested Solution : Rather than replacing the start menu with the Metro UI interface, implement it as an enhancement to the desktop.

As it stands right now in Windows 8, the primary point of integration between the desktop application (as Microsoft is now calling it) and the new Metro UI is the “Start” button. If a user is working within the desktop interface, clicking the “Start” button brings he or she back to the Metro UI. I think this decision will prove to cause some major headaches for power-users that rely on searching and quickly accessing multiple applications at a time. It puts too much necessity on the somewhat limited taskbar as an full application manager. In any case.. lets get to the point:

I suggest keeping the task bar and start menu interface accessible at all times while replacing what is currently used as the desktop with the Metro UI interface. The following are a few reasons why I think this would be a good idea, along with some functional possibilities of the implementation:

The desktop is a place where users store things they want to access quickly. The tiles in the Metro UI serve the exact same purpose. So, why not combine these two areas into one, rather than having the Metro UI AND a desktop in separate locations?
The Metro UI / Desktop Application would be contained in one interface. Thus, there would be no uncomfortable and drastic switches between operating environments.
Dragging items to the “desktop”, which would be the Metro UI, could create new live tiles rather than desktop icons.
Applications could run on the desktop / full screen or in a windowed format. Users could be given options of where to open each application.
Tablet users and power users would BOTH benefit from the Metro UI without sacrificing any productivity. Tablet users can easily Ignore the non finger-friendly explorer windows and power users would have the option to use the Metro UI or not to manage applications and search for files.
No-one really cares about getting a good view of their desktop background. Desktop backgrounds exist because the desktop serves no other functionality than an easily accessible folder.
Explorer windows can be themed to match nicely with the Metro UI… No ribbon please (personal preference).

Disclaimer: This is not the opinion of a software developer.

I am not a software developer. I have no idea if this is technically feasible, but I think the concept would work great! My assumption is that there are reasons this would be a technical challenge since early facts about Windows 8 suggest that the two Uis run very differently at the core. I am still interested to find out what people think about this concept.

Seamless ‘06 – ‘08 Honda Civic Portable Navigation Setup

Robert Sandy — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:56:57 +0000

If you want navigation system capabilities in your ‘06-’08 Civic but don’t want to shell out thousands for a stock navigation system from a dealer, or spend close to 1000 to install an in-dash Nav, or just want a transferable navigation device, portable navigation is the only way to go. The downsides to portable navigation are the wires, the battery life, and the “non-factory” look that comes with having gadgets all over your dash.

The Setup…

Fortunately the ‘06- ‘08 Honda Civic has an unintentionally “great” design feature that can eliminate the problems and inconveniences that portable navigation systems offer. It provides for probably the most seamless portable navigation setup I’ve seen in a car.

Mounting

The “ceiling” of the storage compartment under the radio in the center console is sloped at about the exact same angle as the windshield which makes for a perfect surface to mount a portable navigation system on. Obviously all mounting devices are different; some may fit with this setup and others may not, but the one I used that came with the Mio C520 is one the more bulky mounting bracket’s I’ve seen for a portable navigation system, so hopefully my setup is sort of a worst case scenario.

A suction cup will not stick to the “ceiling” of the center console storage compartment but the Mio C520 Mounting bracket came with a adhesive mounting plate that sticks to non smooth surfaces. The mounting plate is what is stuck to the sloped “ceiling” of the storage compartment and the bracket is suctioned to that plate so the whole setup is completely removable. (SEE IMAGE 4)

The adhesive on the back of the mounting plate is very strong. I have had no problems with it falling off, but I will have to see if it holds up to the heat of summer. If it doesn’t, I would even consider permanently mounting the plate to the “ceiling” of the storage compartment because it is completely hidden from view.

Wires

Another beautiful thing about this setup is that the power outlet is located right beside the navigation system and the other center console storage tray is perfect for housing the excess wires of the power cord.