The current trend of bringing ever more complex software solutions to mobile devices is great to see, but there are times when bringing them to a smartphone makes little sense in the real world.
I think of this because Apple released iPhoto for the iPhone and iPad. On the iPad it works quite well, but on the iPhone it is tricky to say the least. It is there simply because it can be and offers little worth to people who are serious about enhancing their photos in a professional way. As much as I love my smartphone, I recognise that there are times when complex software is better off on a tablet or desktop computer.
There are complex apps available for smartphones including those that deal with finances and databases, but when it comes to design and anything that requires a keen eye and a delicate touch, they often work better on a bigger screen. For fun, sketching and photography apps are valuable and hugely popular, but for those who complain that smartphones are not computers, this is the reason they will always have an argument.
Even Office document apps are tricky on a phone; they work in emergencies and have a place, but for real work, I personally have never managed to create anything longer than a few sentences on a phone. I can dictate sentences, but I am always at my best when with a full-sized keyboard and a big screen. For many years, smartphone manufacturers have talked up claims of a ‘phone replacing a laptop’ and for many tasks it can, but the reality is that it will never do everything because of the size alone. Am I wrong? You decide…
About Shaun McGill