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Found footage: Dashboard for iPhone on your lock screen



Why didn't Apple think of this? SmartScreen lets you add widgets to your iPhone lock screen, providing an interactive dashboard experience whenever you wake up your device. The software is jailbreak-only (as you'd probably expect, given its standard system-defying functionality) and will be launched in November 2009. Widget developers are currently being accepted to an invitation-only beta program. Details for the beta program and the SmartScreen product are available at the media-phone web site.

Yes, this isn't the only lock-screen information system out there. Intelliscreen and LockInfo provide calendar and email updates. At the same time, SmartScreen offers a fresh new approach that's a worthy alternative. I really like the visual flair and paged presentation, and the ability to move widgets around via direct interaction.

[Thanks, pytey and Steve Streza]

Why didn't Apple think of this? SmartScreen lets you add widgets to your iPhone lock screen, providing an interactive dashboard experience...
 

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Richard Lillard

I like this, but I still think the biggest thing that it's missing is the ability to reply to a text message in the little blue window that pops up. That would be a great multitasking feature.

September 24 2009 at 8:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
oliver

I really like this implementation of a similar idea. http://www.teehanlax.com/blog/?p=1893

September 24 2009 at 5:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JGuest

What warranty are you giving up!? Just restore your phone if it ever needs to be repaired. I've had an iPhone since day 1 and never once had a problem getting it serviced, I just make sure I restore my phone to non-jailbroken status before i take/send it in.

September 24 2009 at 4:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wardlawc

Does anyone know what song was used in the video?

September 24 2009 at 2:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to wardlawc's comment
phlavor

Shazam says its Saddic Gladdic by Wagon Christ.

September 24 2009 at 5:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
fellowweb

Again nice post, thank you TUAW.

I am still buffled about Apple fanboys' loyalty to Apple. Could there be a better example of how Apple's locking up the iPhone platform hinders innovation?

I have to admit that I didn't appreciate what open platform I worked with when I used Windows, Nokia cell phones with Symbian S60, RIM Blackberrys or Windows Mobile devices. I learn that more and more each day using my iPhone 3GS - although it is still a decent device.

Due to the crippled set of iPhone APIs developers are allowed to use in order to get listed in Apple's app store, probably 90% of the iPhone apps seems more like revamped widgets to me and are definitely far not as powerful as they could be on a more open iPhone.

What fascinating and innovative applications could be possible on a more open iPhone platform is well demonstrated on jailbreaked devices. - But should one - even being an Apple fanboy - really expect a consumer to willingly give up the warranty for his or her gadget with such a hefty price tag?

September 24 2009 at 2:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matthew

I would love to see an app like this that allows for a one touch 911 call. Teaching my 4 year old how to unlock the phone, look for the right dialer, then dial 911 is terrible.

September 24 2009 at 2:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rudy

apps like qtwitter, quickreply and now smartscreen make me so happy that i jailbreak. if apple just opened up a few new APIs there would be no need to jailbreak.

September 24 2009 at 1:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DavidG

I like this a lot, as long as:

1. They don't easily move around/reconfigure by random touch, as the lock screen is designed to be immune to casual touching as might happen when the phone is in a pocket and a button is accidentally pressed (which is why you slide to unlock)

2. The widgets are inactive on a phone currently locked dwith a 4-digit passcode. I'd be concerned that a malicious widget could basically grant access to other functions of or data on the phone despite the phone being intentionally locked out against this. A next-appointment widget would, for instance, reveal locked info if the widget were to run pre-passcode.

September 24 2009 at 1:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eric

Anyone else notice how the e-mail address to contact is pinknails@media-phone.ch ? Heh, kinda funny...

September 24 2009 at 1:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
blu

what's up with the bling bling nails? terrible.

September 24 2009 at 1:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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