The creative programmers of Off Screen have released this fine example of a simple idea executed well. Take advantage of the onscreen feature, put an easel interface and let the user write with a chalk. This is the application known as Blackboard. The phone has the capability to receive input from its touch screen interface. I have seen several applications that have tried in vain to use the screen on their programs. Some are clunky. Whether you use your finger or the stylus that comes with the phone, there is a delay in the response time. Not with this application for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone.
The premise of the Blackboard is very simple. You use your finger or stylus, choose the chalk icon (which is activated by default) and start writing on the blackboard.
When you launch the application, the screen will show a blackboard just like the ones found in classrooms. At the side, you will see four icons: the “X” which shuts down the application, the chalk icon which lets you write on the board, the eraser icon which removes what you have written on the board and the “I” icon which gives you information about the application. Pretty basic stuff.
I am very impressed with the response time of this application. When I write something on the Blackboard, whether it be a letter, a word or a drawing, the application automatically puts it on the board without any delays. It makes me believe that I am writing on a real blackboard. And the thickness of the chalk is just right. You can visibly see what you are writing. Again, I say that I am really impressed.
If you want to remove what you have put on the Blackboard, just choose the eraser icon and start “erasing” the chalk-written items with your finger. It is just like you are literally erasing them on the board. There is even the smudge effect as you would get when you erase the written words on chalk on a real blackboard. Don’t rub too hard. The faster you rub doesn’t mean it is removed quicker. Just rub it gently on the areas that need to be erased. Impressive indeed!
Unfortunately, you cannot save the things you have written on the Blackboard for posterity or future use. It is practically a onetime use. Once you turn off the application by pressing on the big “X” icon, whatever you have written or draw goes to chalkboard heaven. It would have been great to have this feature.
Another feature that would be nice to have is the ability to export it to Jpeg format files. You can have a collection of doodles. Just wishful thinking, I guess.
The Blackboard by OffScreen for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone can be downloaded for FREE at the Nokia Ovi store.
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