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It’s not ugly, at least from the pictures, it just looks awkward because of that two-tone thing, looks like two boxes jammed together. It doesn’t look balanced or, well, finished.

about 20 hours ago on Xbox One: our first look at the new console, controller, and Kinect 1 reply 2 recommends

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Because software buttons can be customised. There are already variations in the appearance and function of software buttons, for example, when a keyboard is showing the back button shows a down arrow, indicating (and clarifying) the user what action will occur when they hit it. This is just the beginning of how the ‘OS’ buttons can be used in Android. Small things like this might not mean much to ‘savvy’ users but small hints and suggestion play a big part in a user’s reaction (conscious and subconscious) to a UI experience. They also make the OS behave consistently – triggering Google now with a swipe up from the button area for example – it means users can rely on their expectations.

It’s screen space most definitely not wasted, and full screen apps, like games, with ‘exit’ flows inside the app don’t have to show them at all.

6 days ago on This is the new Nexus: a first look at Samsung's Galaxy S4 with stock Android 2 recommends

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Agreed, the HTC is gorgeous and feels fantastic but, like the S4, those hardware buttons are backward, software buttons are the future, at least Android’s intended future.

Either way, don’t call the S4 a Nexus. I’m disappointed Google even mentioned ‘Nexus’ when talking about the phone. It’s a stock experience, which is awesome, but I always thought Nexus extended to the hardware too, a device that Google specified as being an exemplar.

7 days ago on This is the new Nexus: a first look at Samsung's Galaxy S4 with stock Android 3 replies 13 recommends

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I saw them filming this at Keflavik airport last week, wondered what was going on, why there was a guy with an easyJet ‘Volcanic Ash Team’ jacket.

13 days ago on EasyJet will recreate Iceland volcanic eruption to test ash warning system

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Yeah, that’s just fucking ridiculous.

16 days ago on Adobe Photoshop and Creative Suite to become subscription-only products 1 recommend

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Google+ is a lot more niche-y, more ‘thematic’ groups, than Facebook in my experience, but for those niches it works very well indeed. We use Google+ at work with private circles of developers using hangouts for conferencing. I also use Google+ for networking with my photography friends and contacts, as well as keeping up with related news. Similarly I use it for other interests, like reading and travelling. Facebook completely fails me in this context, Google+ is much better at bringing people together and sharing/socialising than Facebook in my experience.

Facebook is still the place where ‘friends’ are though, I will agree on that completely. My friends mostly signed up with Google+ but a lot of them have become inactive if they don’t find special interest groups or use the better sharing features of Google+. It’s hard to ween people off Facebook. I use Facebook primarily for keeping in touch with friends, but for special interests and getting things done with other people it’s Google+ all the way.

I think Google+ has evolved differently to Facebook and I can’t see it ever replacing Facebook as the casual social networking place, but it’s far from a failure. A ‘hub’ for special interests and groups is definitely the best way to describe it.

18 days ago on Babel to be called Hangouts. (Updated) 2 recommends

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Have you tried the X100’s hybrid viewfinder? It’s the one not 100% optical viewfinder I would actually use.

30 days ago on Fujifilm X100S review: Making today’s pictures with yesterday’s design 1 reply

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The Sony NEX range offers fantastic value compared to the Fuji retro models and are certainly competitive in terms of image quality. The ability to swap lenses is a bonus for those who want to but the Fujis do offer some other advantages.

There are obviously a lot of people that are willing to pay the premium for Fuji’s retro designs, which is perfectly normal, there are very few people who are entirely pragmatic when it comes to buying anything, whether it’s a camera or a washing machine. But Fuji’s classic rangefinder design of the X100 offers a lot of people a comforting familiarity, not just in terms of aesthetics but features, most obviously that wonderful viewfinder. Something the Sony cameras are missing.

Personally, I’m waiting for a full frame compact. I don’t care about the camera’s aesthetics (as opposed to ergonomics) but I do want a decent viewfinder built in. Plus for prices to come down!

30 days ago on Fujifilm X100S review: Making today’s pictures with yesterday’s design 1 reply