Glyph matrix - creative tool or useless toy?

fousseyn_r

The way is see the glyph light, is that’s its an elegant way to give you information without flipping you phone.

The glyph Matrix on the other side, look more like a toy (the software itself calls it like that). It is defenitly not elegant, you have to be somewhat close to see what’s happening, AND YOU NEED BUTTON INPUT TO USE IT ! Like what’s the point ? Just flip your phone and it’s easier/ more practical.

The glyph light looked good event when they weren’t in use, but the matrix makes a big black spot on your phone that kinda ruins the design.

More than that, i’m sure that the capacitive touche doesn’t work when you have a case on it, so you loose the glyph light to have something useless, and you need to NOT have a case to use it.

So in one word : disappointed

Eukaliptus

Do you have any ideas on how to use the Glyph Matrix? Not talking about making some silly spin-the-bottle game, but about practical, everyday use. I think the Glyph Matrix has potential as a creative tool — the question is how much can really be squeezed out of it. I’m curious to hear your ideas.

AndyN

Eukaliptus we’ll see I suppose.

Tor

Eukaliptus I mean it’s a 25× 25 pixel area - that’s smaller than a basic icon at 32×32 pixels and it’s black and white - so not sure how much information it can convey exactly? I didn’t see reference to any examples during the launch like Uber deliveries or messages, or anything like that - just toys which seems ….

pixcel25

Eukaliptus essetenial messages on glyph light were good but we can take it one step further if you get a notification but a essential on matrix you can click the button to display the message and decide yourself if its worth replying or not

Screen time display for those conscious of screentime
These are 2 ideas I got but I’m sure better one will come up

3.display a animation when a event from calender pops us and display event and time

Binary_Lover

It reminds me of a tamagotchi, I had 25 years ago 😂

richardlawton1

It’s got potential, but it’s not there yet just some underwhelming gimmicks.

I have this bike navigation device called Beeline which is just a simple e-ink display that points in the direction you need to travel and it works incredibly well, no reason they couldn’t integrate apps like that which would actually be useful.

Tor

richardlawton1 yes but then that device has a proper screen on it - like a smartwatch so it has a higher fidelity to it. The matrix is literally 25×25 LEDs - so you are limited to that size. To give an idea, ive attached a 25×25 image to this post - imagine it’s the glyph matrix on the phone.

shafi_22

richardlawton1 if it was twice the size, maybe even three times, it could have been a b line, as you suggest.

Smii

I’m really looking forward to seeing what people create for it. Things like the compass and leveller got me excited as those are the sorts of useful gadgets that end up being really useful.

richardlawton1 - I thought of the Beeline too! I’ve wanted to pick one of those up for a long time. You’re absolutely right that integration for that kind of thing would be great for screen-free navigation.

HollandGauthier

I tryed making an animation of what flappy bird could look like and I do think the size and one input is enough to make it work for real.

AhmedGamer

Using Glyph Matrix instead of Glyph Lights is a worse idea.

Serdelek

Useless toy, just as glyphs. But glyphs had that immediaty recognizable iconic vibe. Matrix lost it and is only useless.

Smii

Serdelek I definitely remember reading reviews when the first Nothing phone came out that said exactly that.
I’m not sure how you can say it is only useless - it’s a lot more flexible than the glyphs and is able to display many different things.

HollandGauthier

I think there are so many things we can do with the matrix, whereas the glyphs didn’t give us enough creativity. So many tools are now possible, and this makes me very excited for the phone 4, maybe with more space or my favorite idea, colors. Not every color, but maybe we could get 6 or so colors, because limitations inspire creativity so much.

Also, I’m addicted to making game concepts still.

No Wi-Fi Dinosaur game:

pixcel25

HollandGauthier that’s fun

Anonymous994

I thought the whole ethos of the glyphs and Nothings design philosophy was geared around less distractions, better focus and knowing when you need to interact with your phone.

The idea was being more present with less ‘noise’, and not having screens on both sides of the device.

Now we have a more distractions; want to put your phone face down so you don’t get distracted. Guess what, more pointless interactions on the back.

I just don’t get it. If I wanted a compass or navigation I’d just use the front screen. Why would someone struggle with a 25×25 black and white display on the back for tasks when you have the phone right there in your hand?