GUI desktop emulates papers and books on physical desktop

Bob Russell · 06-25-2006, 04:01 PM

The BumpTop desktop interface prototype is one of those technologies that makes you go "Wow!" If you follow that link, you'll find a video available as Quicktime or WMP or YouTube formats, or you can just click play from this Lifehacker article. It's only a few minutes, and it's worth your while to take a look.

I'm not convinced it's ready to be used for several reasons, however. First of all, it's in prototype stage, so we shouldn't expect it's ready for prime time. But also, I think they are headed in the wrong direction. Instead of making it a supplemental interface for virtual desktops that work in conjunction with the regular Windows desktop and file system, they are trying to build a "full blown desktop replacement that can be installed on any machine."

Some of the most obvious features also seem to be missing, at least from the presentation. For example, you don't seem to be able to have the document title with the document icon. Maybe that's just a demo thing to keep it looking clean. I don't know. But I do know that I wouldn't like being forced into a choice between this and a regular desktop paradigm, and I really need the text names to go with the documents.

But it's an amazing technology that sounds very promising if applied correctly. And with enough trial users, I'm sure they can work out the kinks, and figure out the right context for it. I say bring it on. I'd love to organize my e-book library using this!

Via Lifehacker.

tribble · 06-25-2006, 05:24 PM

That looks awesome. Imagine this in your ebook reader. Great way to organize your documents and quickly select what you need. This is a great development. And all done with just a pen.

Snappy! · 06-25-2006, 08:42 PM

I think the best G/UI can be found in games.

... An interface like that of HomeWorld would be so cool. Imagine having a 'Galaxy' view of your PC and being able to zoom into each 'sector' (folder) with a click of the button to see the fleets (files) and issue them commands etc.

06-25-2006, 04:01 PM	#1
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	GUI desktop emulates papers and books on physical desktop The BumpTop desktop interface prototype is one of those technologies that makes you go "Wow!" If you follow that link, you'll find a video available as Quicktime or WMP or YouTube formats, or you can just click play from this Lifehacker article. It's only a few minutes, and it's worth your while to take a look. I'm not convinced it's ready to be used for several reasons, however. First of all, it's in prototype stage, so we shouldn't expect it's ready for prime time. But also, I think they are headed in the wrong direction. Instead of making it a supplemental interface for virtual desktops that work in conjunction with the regular Windows desktop and file system, they are trying to build a "full blown desktop replacement that can be installed on any machine." Some of the most obvious features also seem to be missing, at least from the presentation. For example, you don't seem to be able to have the document title with the document icon. Maybe that's just a demo thing to keep it looking clean. I don't know. But I do know that I wouldn't like being forced into a choice between this and a regular desktop paradigm, and I really need the text names to go with the documents. But it's an amazing technology that sounds very promising if applied correctly. And with enough trial users, I'm sure they can work out the kinks, and figure out the right context for it. I say bring it on. I'd love to organize my e-book library using this! Via Lifehacker.

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06-25-2006, 05:24 PM	#2
tribble iLiad Maniac Posts: 1,382 Karma: 2369 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Germany Device: Bookeen Opus (i love that thing) and iPad (what an irony)	That looks awesome. Imagine this in your ebook reader. Great way to organize your documents and quickly select what you need. This is a great development. And all done with just a pen.

06-25-2006, 08:42 PM	#3
Snappy! Addict Posts: 260 Karma: 4256 Join Date: Feb 2006 Device: SHARP Zaurus C1000	I think the best G/UI can be found in games. ... An interface like that of HomeWorld would be so cool. Imagine having a 'Galaxy' view of your PC and being able to zoom into each 'sector' (folder) with a click of the button to see the fleets (files) and issue them commands etc.

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