Rumor: iOS 4.3 to Solve ‘Rotation Lock-Gate’?

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Posted By: Michael Anderson

Rumor: iOS 4.3 to Solve 'Rotation Lock-Gate'?

About six weeks ago we had a GearChat on ‘Rotation LockGate’, which discussed the change Apple made in the behavior of the side switch from rotation lock to mute switch. I voiced my displeasure about the lack of ANY communication from Apple, and also the inefficiency of the ‘work-around’, saying:

As for the difference in action, there are *FOUR* extra steps now: before you slid a switch and were done. Now: double tap home, slide at least one time to the left, tap the unlabeled orientation icon, and then click home again to get back to what you were doing. I don’t think it is possible for any reasonable person to argue that the change isn’t terribly inefficient.

Today the latest beta of the upcoming iOS 4.3 was released to developers, and amongst the changes noted was a software selection toggle to choose whether to use the side switch as a Mute or a Rotation Lock. From the article at MacRumors:

One of the more controversial changes made with the release of iOS 4.2 late last year was a change in the functionality of the switch on the side of the iPad, moving it from a screen rotation lock to a mute switch as seen on the iPhone. Apple CEO Steve Jobs had even reportedly responded to a customer question by noting that the change was permanent and that it would not be a user-configurable option.

Apple appears to have had a change of heart, as today’s iOS 4.3 beta appears to have added an option in the device’s Settings application to allow users to customize the behavior of the switch.

If you look back to our Gear Chat, you will see that this solution will perfectly meet all of our needs – as well as every other iPad owner. I am sure that Apple will maintain Mute as the default behavior, but personally I really don’t care.

I really hope this feature makes it to the final release, as it will not only make me and other ‘random rotation haters’ happy, it will show that Apple is capable of two things some folks would say they cannot handle:
– Listening to customers.
– Allowing customers to choose for themselves.

If this does make it to the release version, will you stick with the mute, or will you revert to the rotation lock?

Source: MacRumors:

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!

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2 Comments on "Rumor: iOS 4.3 to Solve ‘Rotation Lock-Gate’?"

  1. arebelspy | January 13, 2011 at 8:03 am |

    I’m still on iOS 3.2 on my iPad solely because of the rotation lock switch.

    The main features I want in 4.x are folders and multitasking, both of which I have through jail breaking, so it wasn’t worth it to me to upgrade and lose the rotation lock switch.

    Once 4.3 is out, I’ll finally upgrade.

    I’m excited Apple is making this change (as opposed to when they often think they’re right, and ignore what users want). 😀

  2. prajeethpj1 | January 13, 2011 at 9:26 am |

    Rumor: iOS 4.3 to Solve ‘Rotation Lock-Gate’? | Gear Diary http://bit.ly/iiJWYA

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