Views on continuity, in one paragraph
dated oct 2, 2014
in June of this year, Apple released its tenth version of its world class computer operating system, OS X Yosemite. One of the key features of Yosemite is Continuity, a feature that allows Mac users to seamlessly transit from, say, sending an email on their iPhone to completing that same email on their MacBook. Continuity works subtly - a little pop up appears at the left of your Dock on your MacBook, informing you of that email.
More details on Continuity can be of found here, or on Apple’s website.
I am slightly pessimistic towards this concept, and my views are expressed in the sentence/paragraph below:
i think Continuity might be overhyped - when the long-awaited feature is finally released in October, users will find that the fluidity that is ostensibly the crux of iOS 8 and Yosemite is not as fantastic as Apple claims to be.
[edit] the reason why I feel this way is because the concept is great - but it relies on a multitude of factors for such a feature to work, not to mention seemlessly. First, users may find issues with compatibility - not every MacBook will be able to support such a feature. Those using the nice plastic white MacBooks from 2007 may not be able to enjoy this feature, despite owning Apple’s latest iPhone 6.
Next, the new feature is based on a couple of assumptions such as the stability of the user’s wi-fi network. As we enter the depths of the twenty first century, unstable wi-fi strength is still an issue for many internet users around the world - it would be too optimistic to expect one to be able to compose an email from their dining table and then walk to their room (leaving the phone on the dining table) and complete that email. Sure, this is what Apple theorizes in its beautifully filmed ads, but the reality might just be the opposite.
All in all, Continuity is a great feature - but I am afraid the time has not yet come for such a tool to function effectively in our lives. Despite Moore’s Law and the ever increasing processor speeds and microelements in our little phone motherboards, it might be too early to conclude that Continuity will really work.