saulrosenbaum.com / IDEA: Streamlined Filetype

Brand new OS’s are cool, Leopard is pretty neat, Vista blows, but has unrealized potential, the GUI seems to get all the media focus, but functionality is really the key, I propose a simple functionality addition that IMHO will greatly improve users life, workflow, computer experience.

Proposed Functionality:

User while working in Microsoft Word clicks SAVE, dialog comes up, preferred location is chosen, filename complete with extension is typed in, the OS/Software should be aware of four things;

1. We’ve made a preference in our to-be-saved files format
2. That if our chosen format requires additional interaction (e.g. settings) we should be prompted to make those additional choices
3. If the output format isn’t possible, it needs to let us know that
4. If the outputted file [in the desired format] will no longer be editable by the host application, we’re actually asking for it to save a copy, and leave the original edittable

I can hear purists whining now, but I’m not asking for a change, I’m asking for an addition, one I feel is long overdue. Image how simple this would make media creation apps - like Photoshop/After effects/Illustrator/any damn media creation software that supports 1000’s of formats.

Now just to get Bill & Steve together for a conference call.