New Video from @Underscore_ Explores Tech Giants' User Experience Enhancements

The video explores the small adjustments to the truth that tech giants use to improve the user experience. It begins by addressing the issue of the iPhone keyboard in 2007, where the keys were too small to be usable. The solution found by Apple was to create a "lie" by dynamically adjusting the size of the keys based on the typing context, a technique called "hitbox." This innovation made the keyboard usable despite its small size. Another topic covered is the accuracy of the battery percentages displayed on our smartphones. The video explains that measuring a battery's charge is more complex than it seems. Manufacturers use several methods, such as coulomb counting and voltage measurement, but these methods are influenced by various factors like temperature and battery aging. To compensate for these inaccuracies, recursive algorithms and temperature sensors are used. The video also reveals that the 100% charge displayed is not actually 100%, but a limit set to protect the battery's lifespan. The video also discusses the volume of devices, which is adjusted to match human perception. Unlike a linear curve, our ears perceive volume logarithmically. Manufacturers therefore linearize the volume slider to provide a more pleasant experience. However, this linearization can vary depending on the devices used, such as headphones or speakers. Another example of a "benevolent lie" is the shuffle mode of playlists on platforms like Spotify. Initially, these modes were truly random, but users complained about frequent repetitions. To solve this problem, platforms developed algorithms that distribute songs more evenly, avoiding unwanted repetitions. Finally, the video talks about progress bars, which are often imperfect. Perfect progress bars can seem strange because we are used to their imperfections. Sometimes, fake progress bars are used to reassure users, even if no real waiting is necessary. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of these small adjustments to improve the user experience, even if they involve benevolent lies.