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The Smartphone is (still) a user-hostile device
Wed, 10/30/2024 - 09:19 - Laurie Orlov
The tech user experience – still flawed and in need of fixing. As noted in the May report, The User Experience Needs an Upgrade, the requirement to use smartphones and other tech is growing exponentially – in-person and by-telephone experiences have disappeared or deteriorated. Yet there are few useful ways to help older adults navigate the thicket of user interfaces, and this only becomes more obvious as AI capabilities emerge that could be extremely useful, but finding and understanding them is, well, work. Frustration bubbles up here and there – AARP’s 2024 Tech Trends and Adults 50+ noted that only 61% of adults aged 70+ felt they had the digital skills to fully take advantage of being online.
In a webinar, the topic of iPhones came up. The word ‘hate’ was used. Coincidentally, the new release of iOS 18 and its bug-fix pal, iOS 18.1 just arrived that same day. Not sure what the casual iPhone user is to do to become familiar with what’s new except to read USA Today or the Wall Street Journal. The big news is ‘Apple Intelligence’, but according to the Wall Street Journal, Apple Intelligence isn’t very smart – yet. Somewhat hilariously, the article notes that Apple is okay with that. What a relief. Meanwhile, over at Google, it wisely does not apply its considerable AI skills to a query about Apple Intelligence.
Training on new features of the latest features is still hit and miss. So the iPhone owner sighs and accepts the upgrade for iOS 18.1. Does the completion of the upgrade include a reference to getting started with the new features? Or point to a refresher on the existing features? How about the Apple Intelligence capability? There is a hint from an AARP article, pre-release, about its features. There are many videos on AARP’s website about using technology. No doubt there will be one on iOS 18.1 and the utility of Apple Intelligence.
Google offers some good advice. Asking Google about how older adults can learn the features of a smartphone: “An older adult can learn smartphone features by taking gradual steps, focusing on essential functions like calling, texting, and accessing basic apps, with the help of a patient instructor, utilizing large-font displays, voice commands, and potentially attending dedicated senior-friendly classes at local libraries or community centers; they can also explore senior-specific smartphones designed with easier navigation and accessibility features.” Amen.
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