I would like to see more integration of the system together. With each update I have noticed things seem to be placed "on top" of the OS rather than integrated. This of course happens to all OS's which usually is why there is a major update every so often that refreshes the system.
Some features that need better integration
- notifications: I like apples way of notifying but there is no number or notificatio icon in the status bar to indicate you have notifications, and the banner blocks system stuff. It would be better if apple implemented a system which drops the ui some pixels and shows the banner. Kinda like webos used to. Personally I don't mind the banner but I know I have read others get frustrated by its blocking of the top bar.
- social Integration: to say you have social integration but then have so few ACTUAL things integrated is NOT social integration. A good example of social integration would be what windows phone does. Apple needs to integrate adding a photo and tagging friends in its social widgets, photo albums from the services that are on those social networks need to integrate both with photos app (your photos from those networks) and the contacts app) photos of friends that you have in your contacts that are on those networks and are your friends). Also if a messaging service or video call service is included in that social network, it should be integrated into the contacts and messaging apps.
-icloud: this is more of a developer thing but apple needs to push it. Apps with data need to be easily accessible via multple devices without exporting or doing anything other than allowing the app to access icloud. Having universal apps is somewhat useless if I start a game on my iPad and it isn't synced to my iphone!
-default apps: it is about time that apple allow for default apps. I understand apple wants you to use there services, but with apple having such a strict App Store approval process most replacement apps are very polished anyway and would not hurt the apple image. It also would draw in more users. I, for one, prefer google maps over apple maps and chrome over safari. I would love for those to be the default apps, especially if I ask Siri to direct me somewhere.
- better integration with apps and Siri: Apps need more access to Siri. Developers should be Abe to add plugins or something with Siri so their app can function with Siri, for example I want directions from google maps I would need default apps to be changeable and Siri to be able to search within a 3rd party app. Think of how much more useful Siri could be!
"Siri, how many calories can I eat a day?" (Searches diet app and a answers)
"Siri when is the next bus comming" (uses your location and checks google maps)
"Siri when is my next assignment due?" (Checks student app and tells what it is and when it's due)
"How many points are in a food with 100 calories, 5 fat and 2 fiber" (Siri gives you the point value and asks if you would like to add it to your diary. and if so, asks for other information)
I can only imagine the many more possibilities!
- iPhoto/photos: two apple apps that are not related at all. I think iPhoto should be an upgrade to photos rather than a completely separate app or at the very least integrate better with it. If I edit a photo in an existing album I should have an option to simply replace that photo. And it should show up (whether as a edited version or replace the original if requested) in the photos app) now it would be nice if iPhoto stored all the originals just in case!) also while you can sieload photos from your pc you cannot move them around or add to those albums on ios. How about being able to choose to just sync your photo folder in windows or Mac and have ios sync through icloud or something or at least through wifi. Also would like the "people" section back except now, it should also integrate within the contacts as well. Also people tags should be easily implemented through both ios or iTunes without requiring you to have a Mac. Same thing with events. Also if a persons face has been tagged previously, when taking a picture of that person, the person is automatically added to their own photos.
- ui consistency: there is a difference between each app having a different them and having inconsistencies. A good example? Look at the new iTunes and App Store as well as music. All of them are using a gradient and more defined lines in-between each icon on the bottom. If you go to other apps the ui changes, especial the bottom bar which has no lines between each icon and instead of the whole section being pressed down, a square with beveled edges indicates an item is pressed. There are other little inconsistencies across the platform as things have been updated and others haven't. Colors themes and textures don't make inconsistency. Not even skeuomorphism however elements need some consistency BUT not to a point where every app looks the same either. Google did a good job of this with ice cream sandwich and jellybean.
- keyboard: needs better auto correct and word prediction.
That's about it. I can imagine there is more but I feel like that is it for now!
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