Firmware 2.2 To Get Minor Facelift for Safari
by Eric March on September 28, 2008 at 1:59 am
Yes, I’m sure we’ve all been waiting for this. And by “all” of course I mean “none.” It seems Apple’s firmware road map takes a few unexpected twists and turns, as the next firmware version will feature a slightly revamped Mobile Safari.
The new facelift retools the URL bar, now permanently separating the Google search box from the URL box instead of hiding it in the URL box when you tap on it. Additionally, the refresh button has been moved into the right-side of the URL bar. Taken all in, this results in a URL bar that’s pretty damn tiny. Although it does more closely resemble desktop Safari in its outward appearance, I’m not sure it’s a particularly useful change.
Perhaps of more importance however, is why this and not copy & paste?! Surely the implementation of a simple, universal clipboard system and one of several possible methods of practical implementation wouldn’t be that much more work, would it? It’s almost like they’re futzing around with minor make-work projects instead of tackling one of the features people want most.
Not that there’s any indication that they aren’t working on copy & paste — I mean, maybe they completed its implementation and are just celebrating with a bit of UI tweaking. However, since those who have gotten their hands into the early firmware haven’t pointed that out — and it’s a fairly sure bet that they would — I’m thinking that, no, the design team is just idly picking at loose threads.
(via Wired)
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Posted in Firmware Related
September 28th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I don’t get the reasoning behind the change. I know Apple has some reason, but I like my URL bar so I can read the address I am browsing. And tapping the URL bar and then tapping the search bar wasn’t like it was a hassle, I didn’t mind it at all.
I suppose The Steve has a good reason behind this, so I won’t wag my finger this time, but I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.