Ideas from someone who likes having the ability for configuration; but then has choice-paralysis.
One of the reasons I stick with iPhone, even though I like the open nature of Android!
Getting OCD about extensively tailoring something to one's own desire, only to replace the item or carry something else every few days is just too time-consuming now. For example on cell phones (the industry in which I work); flashing new roms, rooting, customising, settings, widgets, layout, apps, icon packs, fonts, etc. Only to then have a new firmware available after a couple of days. Then starting all over again because it needs to be the latest and greatest. Plus swapping physical phones all the time for work and having something completely different to setup again.
This is one of the reasons why an 'Out the box' / 'Off the shelf' experience is so important to me now. With easy customisation possible where required, but not overly complex or overwhelming amount of selections.
I love the wonderful capabilities of Anduril, NarsilM, and others - and worship the great efforts of ToyKeeper, Tom E and other developers who manage fitting all that into what is effectively 'legacy' hardware. The form-factors and components haven't really evolved greatly whilst the firmware capability has leapt.
Between all the various versions, settings, configurations in just Narsil, Bistro & Anduril, plus juggling all the other niche, budget and designer flashlights with their own UIs, it's becoming impossible to figure everything out without carrying CRX or Joechina's guides. And I consider myself a techy, flashaholic with a good memory! I'll even admit that many of the more advanced UIs I frequently end up resorting to a Reset after fiddling, just to make sure I haven't left it in some ridiculous mode or advanced setting!
So with all that said, here is what I'd like to see personally:
- Configuration capability away from the light itself. Similar to the apps that compliment some Casio G-shock/Edifice wristwatches:
- You can connect with Bluetooth - or to reduce expense just have a data connection via the same USB connector.
- Have a nice GUI interface to selects various options and configurations. (Opensource, crossplatform)
- Save and load saved settings and shared configs/templates (users/devs can share on forum!).
- Still have all/most configurations possible locally on light if desired (as per current single button clicks); but can lock that capability from app - for muggles or when not wanting accidental 'config' changes when handing light.
- Option to leave button presses for 'Modes' and brightness levels only. (No config, changing between ramping/stepped, or selecting of groups.)
- Ability to flash firmware and update via same standardised connection. Requires USB data connection to driver.
- Waterproof USB connectors. Get rid of rubber-bungs! Same method as iPhone and many Android connectors remaining open yet water-resistant.
Thoughts?...