Smartphones: The Ultimate Resource (Article Review #5)

Article Title
"Cell Phones Becomin The Go-To Device for Online Activities, Banking and More"

Article Author

Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai

Article Publication Date

November 26, 2012

URL of Original Article

http://mashable.com/2012/11/26/cell-phones-becoming-the-go-to-device-for-online-activities-banking-and-more-study/

Article Summary

This article highlights the immense growth in smartphone usage as well as the dependancy of Americans. The article uses results from studies conducted this year compared to results from 2007-2008.

Relevance to the Class

It is important to note the dependency of our audience on mobile devices in order for us to understand their usability habits as well as the devices we must design and develop for. 

Key Quote

"One in two people now check their email on their phone, up from 19% in 2007 and the number of Americans surfing the web on-the-go has doubled too, going from 25% in 2008 to 56% today. "

Develop and Design for the Dual-Screen (Article Review #2)

Article Title
"Apple TV and AirPlay Fuel Rise of Dual-Screen Apps"
Article Author
Jeremy Allaire

Article Publication Date
October 9, 2012

URL of Original Article
http://mashable.com/2012/10/09/dual-screen-apps/

Article Summary
The next big thing might be apps which can connect to the tv screen while using your phone or tablet as a remote to control what's happening on the tv screen. Allows for more group interaction.

Relevance to the Class
Dual screen apps would mean more reconstruction in order to fit on a tv screen. How will the interactivity affect how websites are structured? Will it push more simplicity on the web?

Key Quote
"Web and app designers and developers need to imagine a world where the tablet and TV are a single run-time for their applications which each screen providing distinct value for the user controlling the app and the user consuming rich media and information on a large display."

New iPad Mini, New Size to Design For (Source Comparison #1)

Article 1

"The iPad Mini: Smaller size and price appeal in the enterprise?"

September 10, 2012

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/tablets/the-ipad-mini-smaller-size-and-price-appeal-in-the-enterprise/2271

Article 2

"Designing for Multiple Screen Sizes Is About Consistency"
September 20, 2012
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/designing-for-multiple-screens-is-about-consistency/


Article 3

"Twitter Updates Its Apps, Including For the iPad"
September 18, 2012
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/twitter-updates-its-apps-including-the-ipad/

Notes

• Articles touch up on rumors that a smaller sized iPad is under development
• Relevant to class because it's one more size a web designer has to worry about designing for.
• #1 mentions a new importance to designers and developers, #3 highlights an example
• #2 is most general, #1 is less about designing and focused on the device
• If #1 occurs, will it mean more people will buy the smaller size than the big size?
• Consistency among devices means more planning according to #2 and it's the most important characteristic according to #3 and #2
• #3 is an example of a company who needed to update in order to maintain consistency among platforms and devices
• All articles highlight Apple devices, stating competition between other tablet and smartphone companies