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Awfully condescending opinion. How about making _general_ computing devices more accessible via UI/UX to the _general_ public? That doesn't seem like such a cr

by alok99 6y ago

Awfully condescending opinion. How about making _general_ computing devices more accessible via UI/UX to the _general_ public? That doesn't seem like such a crazy idea.

411111111111111 6y ago
But most people don't need or even want an actual general computing device? It doesn't matter how much you improve it's ui/ux... if it's not a desirable feature to the general population, few will ever use it.
surge 6y ago
We did, it resulted in smartphones and tablets, so what the OP is saying applies still. I would argue that's "general" computing now. They finished what the webTV started, providing a basic platform for people who had only very basic needs.
- Zak 6y ago
  Smartphones and tablets are trying pretty hard not to be general-purpose computers. iOS devices don't run arbitrary user-specified code unless hacked, and many Android devices are designed not to let the user have real admin rights (i.e. root). This seems to be getting worse, for example Google and its financial institution partners have decided that general-purpose computing and payments aren't safe together. Google Pay suddenly started refusing to do contactless payments on my rooted phone.
  - Wh1zz 6y ago
    You can use magisk to keep Google pay working on most phones still. (Works on my pixel 5)
    - Zak 6y ago
      I do use magisk. It started failing safetynet a few days ago, which I discovered as I was trying to make a payment.
  - canofbars 6y ago
    iOS devices can _run_ arbitrary code without being hacked. It just stops working 3 days after being compiled so its good enough for kids to develop on but not good enough to distribute.
- alisonkisk 6y ago
  That's special purpose for the general public, the opposite of general purpose.
the_af 6y ago
> How about making _general_ computing devices more accessible via UI/UX to the _general_ public? While I agree with the sentiment, and some of the complexity is not essential, the adage still applies: "everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler". At some point, "general computing" means there's some irreductible complexity that cannot be made simpler without the device ceasing to be general purpose.
ogre_codes 6y ago
> How about making _general_ computing devices more accessible via UI/UX to the _general_ public? That's pretty much what the iPad is. A general purpose computing device but easier to use and with tighter security than a PC. At some point you end up sacrificing versatility for accessibility to the masses.
- type0 6y ago
  Ipad isn't general computing device, it's a smart gadget, same as Smart TV same as IoT lightbulb. This article explains it well: https://hisham.hm/2020/12/10/smart-tech-%e2%80%94-smart-for-whom/ https://hisham.hm/2020/12/10/smart-tech-%e2%80%94-smart-for-...

by alok99 6y ago

Awfully condescending opinion. How about making _general_ computing devices more accessible via UI/UX to the _general_ public? That doesn't seem like such a crazy idea.

411111111111111 6y ago

But most people don't need or even want an actual general computing device? It doesn't matter how much you improve it's ui/ux... if it's not a desirable feature to the general population, few will ever use it.

surge 6y ago

We did, it resulted in smartphones and tablets, so what the OP is saying applies still. I would argue that's "general" computing now. They finished what the webTV started, providing a basic platform for people who had only very basic needs.

Zak 6y ago
Smartphones and tablets are trying pretty hard not to be general-purpose computers. iOS devices don't run arbitrary user-specified code unless hacked, and many Android devices are designed not to let the user have real admin rights (i.e. root). This seems to be getting worse, for example Google and its financial institution partners have decided that general-purpose computing and payments aren't safe together. Google Pay suddenly started refusing to do contactless payments on my rooted phone.
- Wh1zz 6y ago
  You can use magisk to keep Google pay working on most phones still. (Works on my pixel 5)
  - Zak 6y ago
    I do use magisk. It started failing safetynet a few days ago, which I discovered as I was trying to make a payment.
- canofbars 6y ago
  iOS devices can _run_ arbitrary code without being hacked. It just stops working 3 days after being compiled so its good enough for kids to develop on but not good enough to distribute.
alisonkisk 6y ago
That's special purpose for the general public, the opposite of general purpose.

the_af 6y ago

> How about making _general_ computing devices more accessible via UI/UX to the _general_ public? While I agree with the sentiment, and some of the complexity is not essential, the adage still applies: "everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler". At some point, "general computing" means there's some irreductible complexity that cannot be made simpler without the device ceasing to be general purpose.

ogre_codes 6y ago

> How about making _general_ computing devices more accessible via UI/UX to the _general_ public? That's pretty much what the iPad is. A general purpose computing device but easier to use and with tighter security than a PC. At some point you end up sacrificing versatility for accessibility to the masses.

type0 6y ago
Ipad isn't general computing device, it's a smart gadget, same as Smart TV same as IoT lightbulb. This article explains it well: https://hisham.hm/2020/12/10/smart-tech-%e2%80%94-smart-for-whom/ https://hisham.hm/2020/12/10/smart-tech-%e2%80%94-smart-for-...