webOS style notification light
A few weeks ago I tweeted about the idea of a webOS style notification light for Windows Phone, I received a few tweets back from my followers saying that they like the idea, so I figured I would write up this post explaining the idea.
Inspiration
Everyone has been talking about the idea of Windows Phone having a notification centre, some like the idea, some hate it, I'm not here to voice my opinions on that, but if it does happen, then people will likely want a notification light to go with it. A standard red/green/blue/etc circle of light at the top of the device is quite dull and boring, Windows Phone has always been about a great UI and design, both on the software and hardware. Before getting a HTC Trophy in 2011, I had a Palm Pixi and a Pre 2, both webOS devices. webOS has been praised for it's great implementation of Notifications, and the way it notifies you when the screen is off. For those that don't know, the led light on the gesture area will glow when there is a notification. (I apologize for the angle of the video below, but it is 1080p, so that's kinda good)
(Notifications on webOS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25JN_NoU6FE )
Putting it on Windows Phone
Obviously Windows Phone doesn't have a gesture area, but it does have the three buttons, Back; Start and Search, of which have an LED backlight. This can be used as the notification light. This is the idea - Have the Windows key glow in and out when a notification is received when the screen is off (Or, if the hardware doesn't allow just one of the lights to switch on/change brightness, all three of the buttons will glow.).
Since the three buttons are on every device, there's no need to release new hardware for a notification light, the concept can simply be implemented in a future update. Also, as far as I'm aware, the backlight for the buttons are isolated from the screen, so it will work when the screen is off. Since they're LEDs they'll use the same amount of power as a generic notification light would.
Finally some people might not like it, so to keep everyone happy the light should be able to be turned on and off from Settings as the user sees fit. It's also possible to add some form of 'Do Not Disturb' mode for the lights, so they won't interrupt precious sleep for those who like the room completely dark.
Remember this is just a concept, a feature suggestion if you like. Also remember this would be a companion to the notification center if that happens.
Daniel Hart
shared this idea
26 comments
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RoBen
commented
... or even a flashing dot/icon on the "off screen". Something so one need not "touch" their phone to be aware of pending notification/event.
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Anonymous
commented
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Lalnuntluanga Chhakchhuak commented
This feature is badly needed. when i have misscall or unread message, it will be useful to tell me that i have such unseen items by notifying me using this led light blink. The bottom back, home and search button light can be blinking for this purpose
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George
commented
I am a refugee from Blackberry and whilst I wouldn't go back because BB never could sync my calendar, there are a few features, including this that I miss:
1. The little red light that told me there was a message waiting for me, which I could customise. I like the idea above of implementing this via the existing WP hardware. Seem pretty simple.
2. Better integration with FB and Twitter. Yes a message centre would be great but if I had a message via FB, an icon appeared on the BB homepage to tell me. I don't see why it is so difficult to on WP and suggests that MS are putting their rather **** design theories before usability.
3. USB data tethering
4. Customisable ring tone and notifications.
5. More search options for emails. (e.g. being able to search by from or to or in the address field separate from the email body etc) I also hate that the Exchange client refuses to download the entire mailbox and searches on the server after an arbitrary length of time. I don't use my phone for music or photos much and I therefore have GBs of spare storage. Why can't I use this to store emails to search if I am on a train or elsewhere without a good internet connection? -
Mitsurugi
commented
Notification light, central notification centre and battery percentage indicator badly needed on Nokia Lumia's in fact, all wP8 phones!
We have all been suggesting the above for a very long time, guys is there any way we can be certain that they are considering our suggestions and feedback and maybe a way to get an update on the progress???
It feels like we are talking to a wall!!!! :( -
Mitsurugi
commented
Great idea! Love to have one on the phone plus the all important notification hub! Microsoft, can we have this soon please... :)
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peSHIr commented
If something like this is ever added, please make it a software optional (so I can turn off or preferably leave it in its default off state): I do *not* want my battery capacity wasted on a "Look here! You've got a notification?! Woohoo!!! Hey?! Look!!!" idiot notification LED function...
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Anonymous
commented
I think making it WebOS compatible too would be nice. I also propose virtualization software to make WP7/8 run Android, Blackberry or iOS platform apps, thus leveling the playing field: http://windowsphone.uservoice.com/forums/101801-feature-suggestions/suggestions/3812281-make-an-iphone-android-virtualizer-to-run-their-
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Clinker911
commented
For example, if you get a text message, red blinks, if you get an email,yellow, for social network , blue and user defined one for green would be an example.
That would look cooler on Windows devices.
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Anonymous commented
feature in E 72 is very good....at night it is easy to locate wer is the phone ....during office i will be away from my seat.. i won't carry my phone in pocket ... wen i come back to my seat i see notification light blinking i will check my phone ....its a must feature for smartphone ...please include this feature ....
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like E 72
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Macguyver419
commented
YES!!!
-I should be able to look at my phone and tell if I have a notification waiting.
-I should NOT have look for a clumsy button on side just to see if I missed anything. Returning my WP tomorrow for a Z10. Hopefully by the time I break the Z10, MS will have fixed the seriously broken WP. -
Anonymous
commented
Great idea!!
get it done;) -
apinun
commented
OK,THANK YOU, I WANT AND WAITING......APPLICATION STANDARD FOR WINDOWS MOBILE.
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Hugo13
commented
Guys if you want to vote on this one there s a larger topic with more votes notification on windows hardware button, vote there please.
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Anonymous
commented
great idea :)
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Bob
commented
make it happen
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Anonymous
commented
I miss webos with all my being. The notification light is a necessity.
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dsfilmeditor
commented
I like this idea.
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KoperNick76 commented
Great idea!!!
