I don't want to have a separate app for every web site I currently use. Drilling down through a hierarchy of apps or flipping through page and page of apps versus starting to type the url? Doesn't seem like an upgrade.
Maybe UIs will start acting more like a browser and let me find apps easily. Maybe browsers will just present apps with all the same power apps have. Maybe it doesn't matter.
An app launcher that did essentially that (start to type the name) is easy enough to build that the problem much lie elsewhere. Possibly with the interface itself (mobile devices inheriting legacy web ux & ui.)
I would suggest the essential difference may be found along an axis of user input that has data entry at one end and pure selection on the the other.
I'd further suggest that as this technology evolves the emphasis shifts from data entry to selection and interaction with technology becomes less about inputting data and more about making choices.
What data is needed is grabbed from your device's sensors; you don't actually need to enter it.
Ultimately what we're trying to build is a device that knows what you want (before you do!) and serves it up to you with the greatest efficiency.
That's true and it also include contacts. I suppose my slow typing speed on the iPhone has somehow inhibited me from using it.
The best thing is having multiple ways to do things. Which the iPhone provides, of course.
One especially nice one is how double-pressing the home button presents icons for your running apps at the bottom of the screen. You touch to re-enter it or hold it down to get a way to kill it.
Maybe UIs will start acting more like a browser and let me find apps easily. Maybe browsers will just present apps with all the same power apps have. Maybe it doesn't matter.