Jan 29, 2012
1 note

An Even Better iPhone Mute Switch

Justin French suggests a smarter mute switch:

What about this: When the iPhone is in “silent” mode, all alarms start off with vibration only. After a minute or so, the audio gradually fades in, increasing to full volume over the course of another two minutes.

I find it highly interesting that Apple hasn’t done this. This isn’t a new idea; my old phone had this functionality, and so did all my other mobiles.

In light of Justin’s suggestion, I would argue that this could be simplified:

  1. All alarms vibrate only, even if a ringtone has been set.
  2. Audio only when the iPhone is not in “silent” mode.

My reasons for this is simple. You have a phone. You keep it on you, or close to you, like on a table. It’s nearly impossible to not feel something vibrating in your hand, or your pocket. It’s even better when you place your phone on the table: when it vibrates, it makes a loud and somewhat annoying noise.

I know what you’re thinking: but then there won’t be any difference between this and receiving a phone call. That’s true, and I’ve deliberately decided on my suggestion because of the way we use our phones. If you receive a call in “silent” mode, the iPhone will vibrate and catch your attention. You will then glance at the screen to see who’s calling and decide to pick it up, or not. Dealing with alarms is similar. Your phone vibrates, you see what’s up and you decide whether to dismiss the alarm or snooze it. Either way, the phone will catch your attention and you will have to do something about it, which is why there is no difference between the silent behavior of a phone call and an alarm going off.

This is by no means a perfect solution, nor is it at all original, but I think this would be how I want my phone to behave when I tell it to be silent.

  1. drdkl posted this
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