N900 Orientation

[bdogg64]

I know the device has just been released, but is Maemo 5 going to be primarily used in landscape mode with the exception of phone calls? All the video I've see along with pictures have the phone in landscape with the exception of receiving a call.

[sjgadsby]

I know the device has just been released...

It has just been announced, not released.

...is Maemo 5 going to be primarily used in landscape mode with the exception of phone calls?

The default orientation is landscape, except for phone calls, yes, but any application developer who wants his or her application to support portrait mode may add such support.

So, the primary orientation will depend upon the applications you use most, what they support, and how you hold the device.

[bdogg64]

Ok, thanks

[pelago]

From the screenshots, portrait mode seems to have no top-left button to get to the switcher/desktop/app-launcher, which is a shame.

[Viipottaja]

Well, the only portrait mode app is the phone for the time being, so if you would click the top left button it would take you to landscape mode anyway. So its probably more logical as it is now ot just turn your device to landscape orientation to get to all that stuff.

[pycage]

I like on Android that almost all applications support both, portrait and landscape modes and it switches by just turning the phone. Portrait mode is nice for one-handed operation and it's great that so many applications support this mode.

Can applications on the N900 detect the current orientation and switch accordingly to support both modes?

[theflew]

I like on Android that almost all applications support both, portrait and landscape modes and it switches by just turning the phone. Portrait mode is nice for one-handed operation and it's great that so many applications support this mode.

Can applications on the N900 detect the current orientation and switch accordingly to support both modes?

I think with the "active desktop" and the free form nature of the desktop having it flip for portrait would have been difficult and not looked too nice. As others have said individual applications are a different story.

[pelago]

Can applications on the N900 detect the current orientation and switch accordingly to support both modes?
Yes.
I think with the "active desktop" and the free form nature of the desktop having it flip for portrait would have been difficult and not looked too nice.
Yeah, I agree it would be hard to make a desktop/widget layout that would work in both landscape and portrait modes. I suppose there could be two configurable desktops, one for portrait and one for landscape, but I can see room for user confusion when they add a widget then can't see it when they rotate, so making a good UI for this would be tricky.

Still, it would be nice to be able to access the switcher and app launcher in portrait mode (once more apps start supporting portrait to make this useful), without having to rotate the phone or look at all the icons sideways.

[jimizzle]

You must add portrait support for most areas of the OS. I was sure that this was going to be my next "phone" (mobile computer) but what is the point of device which is pocketable which cannot be used on the go. I may as well put it in a bag. Think about it, the majority of the time you see someone with a touchscreen device they are using it in portrait.
Examples:
1)Walking to work want to check my emails casually - single handed, so that I can carry my briefcase.

2) Check RSS feeds out and about.

3) Check the time single headedly.

4) Using Ovi Maps while walking in an unknown place (If I try to do this with 2 hands I will probably get hit by a bus - by adding portrait support you will actually be saving lives!

I want to be able to multitask on the phone (mobile computer) but also in real life. Remember this: You were not criticised for the lack of portrait support at Nokia World because everyone was simply demoing the n900 not trying to use it in "real world situations". This will be different for the consumer.

The lack of portrait support is a total dealbreaker sadly.

Suggestions:

Menus: These can easily be changed to portrait (I'm not a software developer so I making assumptions here).

Dashboard: Arrange all the windows the same way only rotated.

Browser: Like other mobile browsers address bar at bottom, with onscreen portrait keyboard etc...

Camera: keep the same, obviously.

Messaging: Use onscreen portrait keyboard.

Start with the key apps for mobility before moving onto others. By doing this, people will not be so frustrated.

In conclusion, it is sad to see that you have forgotten that you are designing a mobile computer NOT a computer. Thus, it is crucial that you delicately balance your two objectives to avoid total failure.

Computer: Full marks
Mobile: 70%

[sachin007]

You must add portrait support for most areas of the OS. I was sure that this was going to be my next "phone" (mobile computer) but what is the point of device which is pocketable which cannot be used on the go. I may as well put it in a bag. Think about it, the majority of the time you see someone with a touchscreen device they are using it in portrait.
Examples:
1)Walking to work want to check my emails casually - single handed, so that I can carry my briefcase.

2) Check RSS feeds out and about.

3) Check the time single headedly.

4) Using Ovi Maps while walking in an unknown place (If I try to do this with 2 hands I will probably get hit by a bus - by adding portrait support you will actually be saving lives!

I want to be able to multitask on the phone (mobile computer) but also in real life. Remember this: You were not criticised for the lack of portrait support at Nokia World because everyone was simply demoing the n900 not trying to use it in "real world situations". This will be different for the consumer.

The lack of portrait support is a total dealbreaker sadly.

Suggestions:

Menus: These can easily be changed to portrait (I'm not a software developer so I making assumptions here).

Dashboard: Arrange all the windows the same way only rotated.

Browser: Like other mobile browsers address bar at bottom, with onscreen portrait keyboard etc...

Camera: keep the same, obviously.

Messaging: Use onscreen portrait keyboard.

Start with the key apps for mobility before moving onto others. By doing this, people will not be so frustrated.

In conclusion, it is sad to see that you have forgotten that you are designing a mobile computer NOT a computer. Thus, it is crucial that you delicately balance your two objectives to avoid total failure.

Computer: Full marks
Mobile: 70%

I agree that potrait mode is very essential for a mobile device for all the things you mentioned. But people who have used the device said that the device i way smaller compared to the n810/n800 so one handed landscape use is quite possible. The only problem comes with one handed text input which i think will be a big problem

[Laughing Man]

I'd be more afraid of dropping the device during one handed landscape use >.>

But I do agree, there should be a portrait mode at least for applications. I don't think there's stopping anyone from adding it themselves like we did to the n800/n810. But that'll be annoying for users to figure out which apps support portrait mode and which ones don't.

[kanishou]

You must add portrait support for most areas of the OS. I was sure that this was going to be my next "phone" (mobile computer) but what is the point of device which is pocketable which cannot be used on the go. I may as well put it in a bag. Think about it, the majority of the time you see someone with a touchscreen device they are using it in portrait.
Examples:
1)Walking to work want to check my emails casually - single handed, so that I can carry my briefcase.

2) Check RSS feeds out and about.

The device is easy enough to hold in your left hand, and to use it two-handed, all you need to do is to bring your right hand with the briefcase close to the device. It may not be so stylish or comfortable, but it is far from impossible. Reading (and scrolling through) a mail or RSS feed is easy enough with one hand, so it's not like you are using two hands all the time.

3) Check the time single headedly.

That's trivial, even with one hand.

4) Using Ovi Maps while walking in an unknown place (If I try to do this with 2 hands I will probably get hit by a bus - by adding portrait support you will actually be saving lives!

I don't understand why holding the device with one hand makes it less likely that you run into the bus. In both cases you are equally distracted by looking (and interacting with) the device, so you should probably not do that while crossing a street. Following directions also just requires you to hold the device in one hand.

People have mentioned other use cases where one hand is occupied with something, e.g. holding a flash light. But I am convinced that you will find that in the vast majority of cases, holding an object in one hand is not stopping you from also interacting with the device with that same hand.

I am not saying that portrait orientation is useless, but I think that its importance is getting a bit overblown. Also, with a large screen like that, it is actually quite a bit more convenient to use the device with two thumbs (each conveniently covering one half of the screen) rather than one.

[Capt'n Corrupt]

I am not saying that portrait orientation is useless, but I think that its importance is getting a bit overblown.

Although I support the addition of portrait, I find this perspecitve refreshing and realistic. Well said!

}:^)~

[luca]

I think that the existing telepathy infrastructure should be expanded to shovel the screen directly in your brain, so the orientation doesn't really matter: I can keep it in my pocket and operate it with my....
:D

[jimizzle]

@kanishou

I agree some of my examples are weak, but whilst it is posible to hold a large device like the n900 in landscape with one hand, it is easier to hold it in portrait single handedly (to avoid dropping).

[ny900]

Just adding my 2cents.


I'd like to at least see portrait mode support for any ereaders and picture viewers on the n900. I was on the 5 train today at rush hour, in Ny, unable to get a seat yet again and there was no room for me to whip out the device to use two handed.

On the train is where I plan to use this mostly so I can see myself,not to mention the people around me, becoming slightly irritated,if I have to continually bump people in the ribs/back/head depending on their height, to turn a page on my e reader or picture viewer.

I noticed that Iphone users and blackberry users had no such trouble. I know those phones pale in comparison to the 900 but....I'm just saying....

[Spudboy]

Haven't Nokia said they're making portrait mode more usable around Xmas time?

[Rushmore]

This device will be one of the most dropped devices evah' unless they get the portrait mode ASAP. Yes, the current tablet community that uses the device will be more careful, but people used to smartphones will try to use the N900 one handed in landscape. Doing so is counter-intuitive and will result in Mr. Gravity breaking people's hearts. With one hand, hold a phone in landscape mode and portrait and see which way you are most likely to drop the device.

I still do not get how Nokia missed this and are now jumping through hoops to add it. A basic smartphone has the function of texting with one hand- in portrait mode and for that matter. Heck, most allow web browsing in portait too.

[huntr77]

This device will be one of the most dropped devices evah' unless they get the portrait mode ASAP. Yes, the current tablet community that uses the device will be more careful, but people used to smartphones will try to use the N900 one handed in landscape. Doing so is counter-intuitive and will result in Mr. Gravity breaking people's hearts. With one hand, hold a phone in landscape mode and portrait and see which way you are most likely to drop the device.

I still do not get how Nokia missed this and are now jumping through hoops to add it. A basic smartphone has the function of texting with one hand- in portrait mode.

I absolutely agree. I've spent the last week consciously paying attention to how often I use my N95 one handed. Its everything from tube and bus rides (holding on to hand rails), walking home with the other hand holding shopping bags, typing in a website URL that you're reading in a newspaper, standing in a bar holding a pint while looking up some blokey trivia on Google, holding girlfriends hand while you check the sports scores...you name it.

Having pre-ordered the N900 to replace my much loved N95, I just hope Nokia are paying attention to this and realise how important it is for probably a large number of people. I'll admit it isn't necessary to everyone, but I think a lot of people won't realise what they've got until its gone sort of thing.

Lets just hope the on-screen keyboard is suitable!!!

[Rushmore]

I absolutely agree. I've spent the last week consciously paying attention to how often I use my N95 one handed. Its everything from tube and bus rides (holding on to hand rails), walking home with the other hand holding shopping bags, typing in a website URL that you're reading in a newspaper, standing in a bar holding a pint while looking up some blokey trivia on Google, holding girlfriends hand while you check the sports scores...you name it.

Having pre-ordered the N900 to replace my much loved N95, I just hope Nokia are paying attention to this and realise how important it is for probably a large number of people. I'll admit it isn't necessary to everyone, but I think a lot of people won't realise what they've got until its gone sort of thing.

Lets just hope the on-screen keyboard is suitable!!!

Me too. I use my G1 almost always in portrait mode with obvious exceptions of game emulators, vids and long texts.

I ordered the N900 and appreciate it is a mini computer, but would expect basic smartphone function in portrait mode. I want this as a true all-in-one. G1 is not it.

[cb474]

Interestingly, this article claims that a "Nokia spokesman" said the N900 will eventually support potrait mode throughout the device.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/20091026/shootout-nokia-n900-versus-iphone-and-winner-two.htm

Also though some applications work also best in a portrait mode, it is impossible to make them do so in N900. However, fortunately, the absence of landscape mode is not some strange aberration on Nokia's part. Probably, they simply did not have enough time to include that before the device launch and a Nokia spokesman said that the problem will be fixed in time and the company will include portrait mode support in N900 browser by the end of the year, with pervasive portrait support throughout the device later.

I'm assuming that "the absence of landscape mode" in the second sentence is a typo and they meant "potrait mode." But anyway, the last sentence is pretty clear.

[matthewcc]

It is always interesting to read the case against portrait mode. I for one would really appreciate it, I currently have a 5800xm which i enjoy, it has no physical keyboard so I am always using the on screen one. Personally I prefer the number pad for text entry, maybe because i'm an old school texter and don't have to look at the screen to know what I am typing, but this is very helpful for sending quick messages during a meeting,

Would the lack of portrait keep me from buying the phone, no not at all, but I know a lot of consumers would get upset with it not duginr the first weeks when it is shiny and new, but rather when it a month old and getting to be routine, and the things that used to be simple, now take on an added complexity.But, this is the opposite of my best friend who has a G1 and primarily uses landscape.

So who knows, the biggest identifier may be what you used to use.

[kalikiana]

I second that. I have a 5800 as well, and while the Symbian interface is not nearly as intuitive, I love surfing in portrait mode and using the half screen keyboard. I have a feeling if it's not supported by the browser, an alternative app will do that.

[sk299]

Personaly i dont want it to support full portrait. Nokia for whatever reason dident implament it in the first place, perhaps it will change the way people use there devices or perhaps from testing nokia realised that although allot of people say they want it they dont actually use it.

I fail to see how people are making such a big issue of this when they havent even tryed it.

If this feature is so important to all of you then perhaps this is not the right device for you or you will have to live with it (nothings perfect).

Myself I would be very annoyed if it turned out that the current (and only) delay was caused by nokia having to implament this feature just because a load of polls from people who have never tryed the device stated this was the feature they wanted. It would annoy me more if this used more resources and compromised the device performance.

[DannStarr]

In all fairness, my iPhone spends most of it's life in landscape mode, when my n900 comes I think I'll barely notice it doesn't do portrait

[fnordianslip]

I think that there should a software implemented rotary dial using the touch-screen, as the only interface for the phone in portrait mode.

There should also be no SMS (or future MMS facility), no contacts database, the only ring-tone should be a classic bell sound and the charger should have a curly cable. Obviously it must support loop-disconnect dialling and not DTMF.

Only then will the N900 resemble a proper phone.

[mikec]

My personal view is that Nokia are avoiding as much UI development as they can get away with. Step 4 of 5.

They are having to rebuild everything in Qt for Harmattan, the less UI there is in Fremantle the quicker they will get Step 5 out.

Mike C

[mikec]

Nice Article on when is a Phone not a Phone

http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/10680_When_is_a_phone_not_a_phone_an.php

I think Steve has been very astute here.

[smarsh]

I think that there should a software implemented rotary dial using the touch-screen, as the only interface for the phone in portrait mode.

Only then will the N900 resemble a proper phone.

Trouble is, every time you tried to dial, you'd end up zooming in on the phone app... :D

[pycage]

To my surprise after using the N900 for one and a half months now, I don't miss portrait mode on the desktop any more.

[Breece]

To my surprise after using the N900 for one and a half months now, I don't miss portrait mode on the desktop any more.

Its not a bug..its a feature...

[kryptoniankid17]

Personaly i dont want it to support full portrait. Nokia for whatever reason dident implament it in the first place, perhaps it will change the way people use there devices or perhaps from testing nokia realised that although allot of people say they want it they dont actually use it.

I fail to see how people are making such a big issue of this when they havent even tryed it.

If this feature is so important to all of you then perhaps this is not the right device for you or you will have to live with it (nothings perfect).

Myself I would be very annoyed if it turned out that the current (and only) delay was caused by nokia having to implament this feature just because a load of polls from people who have never tryed the device stated this was the feature they wanted. It would annoy me more if this used more resources and compromised the device performance.

you have to think of it from nokias point of view. Theyre a buisness and theyre about making money. Portrait mode is an expected feature for millions of people. Not having it could hurt their pockets.