What Makes Gadgets Work in Winter
February 11th, 2009 | by Andy Published in Gear, Outdoor Living
Caring for your your personal electronics (if you must bring them), is enough of a challenge out on those winter trails. Keep this one cold, but keep the batteries warm, use extra of this and that... But how about simply using them? Small devices with small buttons and interfaces are great everywhere but out here.
Gizmodo has posted a list of requirements for gadgets that go outdoors. It's a pretty good checklist of things to watch for when you shop (until reading the list, color had never meant much to me.)
But ultimately, gadget designers everywhere should pay attention to free feedback like this.
Several years ago, I felt that voice recognition was the up-and-coming feature that would revolutionize all interfaces, especially in contexts that require your hands to be elsewhere. But with the iPod touch et cetera, the trend has swung all the more towards refined hand gestures. Since leaders like Apple have always been about staying out of the way of your work, I hope they'll look into this more, as their devices continue to develop more GPS traits, venturing further away from the work desk.