Re: [media-queries] and Ambient Light Sensor API

On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 8:59 AM, François REMY
<fremycompany_pub@yahoo.fr> wrote:
> | Do you know of any examples of devices that do even 4 levels?  Every
> | device I know of that adjusts to ambient light just has a two-stage
> | switch between light and dark.  For example, that's what google maps
> | does.
>
> You're right, I don't know any application which use 4 levels.
>
> Meanwhile, in his experiment, Microsoft concluded 3 levels were useful for
> light-aware applications: dim, normal and washed [1]. Even if it's very
> difficult to find light-aware apps these days, this doesn't mean that this
> is not useful, just that nobody cared to implement that. Meanwhile, it's
> easy to find independent reviewers giving the advice to increase font size
> in direct sunlight (so users do take action in that case) [2] and you can
> find designers at stackoverflow giving tips such as using high contrast and
> making the font bolder on mobile website likely used outdoor [3].
>
> I believe that when the screen's brightness can't be increased further to
> compensate decently the ambient light conditions, the designer should be
> able to take actions to make things better the same way it does when the
> ambient light is too low (night mode).
>
> [1] http://www.techmynd.com/ipad-direct-sunlight-exposure/
> [2]
> http://www.istartedsomething.com/20081030/windows-7-and-light-sensors-let-there-be-light/
> [3]
> http://ux.stackexchange.com/questions/15887/how-does-use-in-bright-sunlight-affect-how-a-web-site-should-be-designed

That seems reasonably convincing.  Okay, I accept the usefulness of
three light levels.

~TJ

Received on Thursday, 23 August 2012 17:50:35 UTC