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Last year, the TouchFLO interface proved to be the most prominent feature of all found in the Touch handset by HTC. Being quite ordinary on the hardware side, the model offers a totally revamped application launcher serving as a perfect compromise between the complexity of the Microsoft platform and the simplicity of those who don't want go too far in exploring its capabilities, as well as serving as an easy introduction to Windows Mobile to the users who have previously had no clear notion about the peculiarities of the Microsoft interface at all. As a result of the innovative approach, mass users ready to embrace WM 6.1 emerge in thousands, no longer confused by the complexity of the default interface. Moreover, the TouchFLO bears the '3D' label, standing for an extremely easy-to-use and friendly user interface only requiring a few taps of the finger to reach the goal.
The fashion-wise approach to the design of the Touch handsets contributed greatly to the associated products' popularity, yet TouchFLO is still the strongest selling point pushing the product far ahead of its competitors. That's why HTC decided not to focus on the hardware innovations, taking preference of software advantages instead. Being the first and so far only WM 6.1 serial product, it's the first handset by HTC which comes with the much-talked-about TouchFLO 3D interface, which proves in practice to be just useful as advertised.
Regardless of the traditional continuity in naming of the products, the actual changes in the launcher are extremely important, putting it far aside form the previous versions; the most appropriate adjective to describe these would be 'cardinal'. Another peculiar point in is that the TouchFLO launcher would do its best to prevent itself from being installed on other PDA models, including other Touch models as well, let alone no other Diamond-based models with this feature included to be expected in the near future. The current Diamond model is meant to be the one and only TouchFLO 3D powered offer on the market for the few approaching months or even longer periods, HTC Raphael being a mere keyboard-supplied variation of it (without any other notable differences, rather being a subversion than a full-fledged independent model).
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TouchFLO 3D demonstration
Following the trodden path, the standard WM interface isn't blocked, leaving TouchFLO a mere plugin that can be toggled on and off at any given moment. At the same time, TouchFLO now sport much more options just seen from the increase in the number of tabs. Each group of applications is organized in a horizontal line of icons. The main screen is animated and uses as many 3D effects as possible. For example, a lot of 3D effects are applied during photo / contacts browsing or message viewing. It looks indeed good in dynamics, nearly inexpressible in static photos. Even the famed iPhone interface starts looking quite bleak in comparison with TouchFLO 3D.
The weather-overwatch application was something we especially liked about the new interface. For instance, a temperature reading below zero results in a seemingly frosted surface of the screen (of course done through graphical special FX), a rainy day will bring on a windshield wiper cleaning the drops away now and then. A certain, and very pronounced, feeling of immersiveness with the outside world is created, which makes this way of graphical design implementation extremely effective. We have never encountered such an impressive implementation of a user interface's graphical features, despite all the obviousness and necessity of something like this.
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TouchFLO 3D in HTC Diamond
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TouchFLO 3D in HTC Diamond
The desire to imbue the interface with as much of an aesthetical impact as possible never stood in HTC's way to preserve maximum ergonomics along, so expect to see a controls system optimized for single-finger operation, minimized need for stylus engagement, even during text input. The overall functionality of the new TouchFLO has been improved to a very high point; the 'touch ring' acts as a zoom trigger in multiple menus like the gallery or browser. A number of enhanced playlist sorting options have been introduced for the player, the number of alternative input methods have been increased. However the largest part of the accent is put onto the visual impressions produced by the well-designed product, not in the actual functionality, which still retains a secondary role despite of the obvious progress on the functional front as well.
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Text input in the HTC TouchFLO 3D
Despite of the TouchFLO 3D interface add-on, a number of other remarkable additions to the functionality of the Diamond handset are to be reviewed. The software platform was enhanced with a YouTube direct upload manager and an updated copy of Opera Web Browser. The late shares a position with the default Internet Explorer, which cast an obvious state of confusion on the representative of the Microsoft company after he was asked to comment on the ambiguous neighborhood. Judging by some of the sayings spotted in interviews with HTC representatives, it becomes clear that this part of WM functionality has always left much to be desired, so they had to look up a worthy alternative to complement the default web browser.
The YouTube upload manager looks and acts just like depicted below, nothing very special about it, however it was a bit of surprise to see such a new entry in the main program menu:
This is however not the last piece of our reporting from London, in the next few days you will see more accounts including a short summary of the statements made by HTC's partner companies at the press conferences. The Orange carrier company, which sells the Diamond handsets as a priority point in their package deals, made a commentary on Diamond's freedom of interface customization, and Microsoft had their representatives speak on the WM statistics concerning the overall share of WM product participation on the market scene lately.
Author: Dmitriy Ryabinin, dm@smape.com SMAPE.com
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