Origami- User Interface is the key

Details are emerging on the Origami Project from Microsoft. C/NET has a story and a quote from Bill Gates

Gates said at the time that significant hardware and software advances were still needed to make the Ultramobile 2007, as the prototype was dubbed, a reality. However, he said a 1-pound, 6-inch device that combines all the power of a PC, a phone and a camera for about $800 would be possible within a couple of years.

The secret to success will be the User Interface and Usability Design. It sounds like all the features and functions of a PC, Phone, and Camera will be there. The question is will it be intuitive and easy to use.  The danger with "converged devices" is that they often end up doing nothing well.  They cram all the features into the device, but the User Interface is totally unusable.  Cell phones do a pretty good job.  Will it be significantly better than the Treo 700w?

Will it be a PC first and a phone second, an elegant blend, or the second coming of the Newton?

Converged devices can be elegant and intuitive (iPod) or clumsy and complex (Garmin iQue 3600). There were tons of MP3 players on the market before iPod. The iPod was successful because of its elegant design and intuitive user interface. Sounds simple, but it isn't. The Garmin iQue was designed to combine the Palm PDA, a GPS navigation system, an MP3 player, and a voice recorder. It was a disaster. All the features are crammed in there, but is nearly impossible to figure out how to use it. The 300 page manual wasn't much help.

If they get the User Interface right the Origami could be a great device. If not...it could be a complex web of features that unfolds in incomprehensible ways.

Comments

[Miles Barr]

How is the iPod a converged device? Does anyone seriously use the PDA features on the iPod? It's a good MP3 player, but that's it.

[Zoli Erdos]

Size and weight will be another huge issue. To me the tipping point is whether I can conveniently fit it in my pocket, or it needs a carry-case. The Treo with it's 6oz is already borderline, 1lb is definitely not pocketsized. But once it's in the other "bucket", I have to put it in a briefcase / bag ..ect anyway, I'll start preferring comfort over miniaturization - at 6 inches the screen will be small, I might as well have an ulrathin laptop. This thingie may end up getting lost between the two categories.