7 Features Electronics Companies Should Bring Back
In a world of rapidly changing technology, certain features that once defined user experience seem to vanish into thin air. This article resurrects those bygone elements, revealing key insights from industry experts on why these features deserve a comeback. Delve into the discussions on usability, sustainability, and quality that could influence the future of electronics design.
- Touchscreens Enhance Laptop Productivity
- Removable Batteries: Convenience and Sustainability
- Physical Keyboards Improve Mobile Typing Experience
- Headphone Jacks Offer Versatility and Quality
- Expandable Storage Addresses Growing Space Needs
- User-Replaceable Batteries Extend Device Lifespan
- Dedicated Camera Buttons Elevate Smartphone Photography
Touchscreens Enhance Laptop Productivity
One computer hardware feature I initially found gimmicky but later grew to appreciate is the touchscreen on laptops. At first, it seemed unnecessary—why would I need a touchscreen when I have a trackpad and keyboard? But over time, I realized how much it streamlined content creation and workflow efficiency.
For tasks like video editing, quick annotations, and even scrolling through long transcripts in Otter.ai, the touchscreen became a surprisingly useful tool. Dragging clips in editing software, marking timestamps for video cuts, and even sketching rough ideas directly on the screen saved time compared to a traditional mouse. Now, I see it as a valuable productivity feature rather than just a novelty.
Removable Batteries: Convenience and Sustainability
Many people, including myself, long for the return of the removable battery in mobile devices such as smartphones and laptops. This feature was once commonplace but has gradually faded away as manufacturers pursue thinner designs and more integrated components. The convenience of quickly swapping a depleted battery for a fully charged one without tethering to a charger was not only a lifesaver during long travel days but also extended the overall lifespan of the device by allowing users to replace an old battery easily.
Unfortunately, the shift towards non-removable batteries often means a trip to a service center and potentially costly repairs once the battery starts to fail. This change likely serves manufacturers' interests by promoting newer purchases, but it certainly puts a strain on consumers and the environment. Reintroducing removable batteries could alleviate these issues, offering a nod to sustainability and user convenience that many miss dearly. It's a feature that combines practicality with a push towards more consumer-friendly product designs.
Physical Keyboards Improve Mobile Typing Experience
The return of physical keyboards on smartphones could revolutionize mobile typing. Many users find touchscreen keyboards less accurate and slower for composing longer messages. Physical keyboards offer tactile feedback, allowing for faster and more precise typing without looking at the screen.
This feature could greatly benefit professionals who frequently write emails or documents on their phones. It may also appeal to older users who struggle with touchscreens. Consider writing to smartphone manufacturers to express interest in phones with physical keyboards.
Headphone Jacks Offer Versatility and Quality
Reintroducing headphone jacks in flagship devices would cater to audio enthusiasts and casual users alike. Wired headphones often provide better sound quality and don't require charging. They are also more affordable and accessible than their wireless counterparts.
For many, the convenience of plugging in any pair of headphones without worrying about compatibility or battery life is invaluable. This feature could be especially useful for travelers or those who work in noisy environments. Support the return of headphone jacks by choosing devices that still offer this option.
Expandable Storage Addresses Growing Space Needs
Reviving expandable storage options in smartphones could address the growing need for more space. As apps and media files become larger, built-in storage often falls short. Expandable storage allows users to easily increase their phone's capacity without buying a new device.
This feature is particularly useful for those who take many photos or videos, or who need to store large work files. It also provides a more cost-effective solution than cloud storage services. Advocate for expandable storage by requesting this feature when providing feedback to phone manufacturers.
User-Replaceable Batteries Extend Device Lifespan
Restoring user-replaceable batteries in electronics could significantly extend device lifespan. Over time, all batteries degrade, leading to shorter usage times between charges. With user-replaceable batteries, consumers could easily swap out old batteries for new ones, avoiding the need to replace entire devices.
This approach is not only cost-effective but also more environmentally friendly, reducing electronic waste. It could be particularly beneficial for people who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day. Support this initiative by choosing products that offer user-replaceable batteries when available.
Dedicated Camera Buttons Elevate Smartphone Photography
Reinstating dedicated camera buttons on smartphones could enhance the mobile photography experience. A physical button allows for more stable shots and easier access to the camera function, especially in quick-capture scenarios. It can also serve as a shortcut to launch the camera app, ensuring users never miss a moment.
For photography enthusiasts, this feature provides a more tactile and responsive shooting experience, similar to traditional cameras. Dedicated camera buttons could also improve accessibility for users with limited dexterity. Encourage smartphone makers to bring back this feature by highlighting its benefits in product reviews and feedback.