I'm not going after any particular developer in this article (although I could) but... I want to talk about the UI in games.
Short for User Interface... its "the means by which the user and a computer system interact, in particular the use of input devices and software." - Oxford Dictionary
For the life of me, I don't understand why some User Interfaces are so... freaking... complicated. One thing that continues to hold true for me and many... many... many many many many many people that I know, is that we don't care for complicated UI.
It goes a bit further than this though, because many things can initially be or appear to be a complicated process... until you learn them. That said, complicated UI should always come with a full blown tutorial that keeps it so simple... a child can do it (or at least the least technically savvy person in the room).
Even if i'm able to play a certain game or use a certain program and find it easier to navigate the UI, it doesn't mean that applies to everyone and it should be important to all software developers (not just game devs) because the skill levels of your customers will always vary. This is just a fact.
It drives me nuts when I can't navigate a UI and there is nothing available to truly explain what does what.
The more complicate the UI is with little to no "Step by Step Instructions" to utilize each aspect of the interface... the more likely someone will walk away from that particular software and any other software you release on the market. Even if future software is simpler or provides full instruction... you don't always get a second chance.
There are software developers who even have the nerve to sell instruction guides for their software, instead of including a simple guide. I can see if its more advanced techniques and things of that nature, but... every owner of your software should know how to use it.
Think of the results that follow an easy-to-use interface:
Great software builds confidence in the customer.
A customer who enjoys your software will likely recommend it to others.
If the customer is able to utilize the software and get their full use of it, the chances of buying new software goes up (if they can afford it and find a use for the upgrade).
Just think about how crucial the UI is when it comes to utilizing the software. It can be the coolest software on earth, but if you can't use it... it's just a waste. Think about it.
Many thanks to Xencelabs for sending over this product for a review. My opinions are my own. That said, let's jump in... after this quick unboxing.
Look who finally arrived to the party! The Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote showed up ready for some plus-one action to compliment the Xencelabs Pen Tablet! Is it useful? Let's find out!
Build:Like the tablet, I want to start off with the build. Right off the bat the first thing I notice when I held this remote in my hand was that... it's definitely solid (weighing in at 5.3oz exactly). The pen case weighs 3.5oz more... but it houses several things including the rubber grip that holds those items.
The same material can be found on the quick keys remote + its underbelly, and I appreciate that. It's not a variety of materials to try and break the mold, the product design does that. I likes, and I will get back to the underbelly in the next section.
The build also includes the physical dial with a dip to better spin it on top + the grip around the dial, it feels great and it doesn't have that loose feeling. I really like how it feels, its quality. There is also a button in the middle of the dial to change modes, which leaves no second guesses on whether it was pressed or not because it's nice and clicky.
There is also an outer ring that changes different colors around the dial. The LED ring isn't just there to look pretty... even if it's eye-catching, but I will also get back to this in the next section.
The build also includes... the Quick Keys buttons (duh of the day), and a SET button on the face of the remote which have a lighter click (they also have bumps and dips on certain buttons). Outside of the other things on the face of the remote, I had to save the best for last, which is the OLED display (baby)!
Looking at the competing remotes, I have no problem with them... they are what they are and I'm sure members of the Xencelabs team had a hand in making a few of them (as veterans of the industry), but this is the first I saw with a display. Thoughts to be continued in the next section!
The head of the remote has a USB-C connector, while at the foot of the remote you have the Power button, the Power indicator + the Connection indicator. I can't ignore what's to the left of the remote either, which is the Kensington Nano Lock slot, so not only will you be able to secure your tablet but... also the remote. Something else you're able to see on the sides of the remote are the dips that run down the side, which allow for it to be held better.
Usefulness:I had to include this section in the review, especially for those of you considering the Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote as an add-on. This is my very first time using a shortcut remote with any tablet... so I had to get adjusted to using one. I'm still getting adjusted to it, but mainly in terms of remembering my settings... and deciding ultimately on what my settings will be.
I would generally just bounce from option to option in a software toolbar as I create, but this truly eliminates that once you know what to do.
Another Duh of the day: This decreases production time once you get the hang of it. It's like having dual analogs on a game controller, you can use one, but... It's so much better with two. Having the ability to zoom, rotate, undo, redo, and so on... with your other hand while working your Xencelabs thin pen or 3-button pen with the other, just feels... right.
Going back to the underbelly of the remote, I like that it has that full rubber grip... because it prevents the product from slipping while trying to use it. It also works as a nice grip when holding the remote in your hand (think of a cellphone case that gives you a better grip on your phone)... which allows you to easily spin the dial with your thumb and press the buttons. The dips you see running alongside the grip not only match the tablet's design but also increase the grip on the remote.
The buttons seen above can be easily identified once you get adjusted to the way they feel and what settings you've set. They all don't have the same bumps and dips, which is great, so you can identify them based on the way they feel versus looking at the screen when it isn't needed. That's not to say that the screen would be neglected because you have 8 keys with 5 different sets per key, so you will need to check out the screen which you switch things up from set to set (using the SET button).
By the way, that LED ring is sweet because it looks nice but it's not simply a cosmetic touch. The LED ring let's you know which mode the physical dial is on, and those colors are decided by you... as seen in the Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote UI.
I say all that to say... it's comfy, and the OLED display eliminates guessing games. By the way, I haven't charged the remote since the initial charge (you'll find out why in the next section).
By the way, I appreciate that all the products are under one digital roof.
In the Box + Specs:The Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote includes the following:
Max Programmable Shortcuts: 40 shortcut key options available
Display: OLED Display (text displayable vertically and horizontally)
Dial: Up to 4
Connectivity: Wireless or USB-C
Limited warranty: 2 Years
I wanted to include what you can expect in the box... since yours will be in a box:
Xencelabs Quick Keys
Dongle
USB-C cable L / USB-A to USB-C Right Angle 9- Degree
Carrying Case
Quick Start Guide
Warranty Booklet
Price:The Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote comes in at $89.99, which is a damn good price. This is a professional art tool equipped with an OLED display, on top of the other kick-ass features that decrease productivity. I don't want to hate on the other options out there (I don't), but I don't want the guessing games either... when I can actually see the quick key. Time is money, so having such a thing that you can also with a lock + a 2-year warranty, I call it a win.
Before I forget, you can bundle up and get the Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) Bundle because... that comes with the Quick Keys Remote. I'm including this because with everything included in the bundle, it's still lower in price than the Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium)... so I hope this gives you a more informed decision.
Build 5
Usefulness 5
In the Box + Specs 5
Price 5
5 out of 5 Cool Points
Check out our review of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium here:
Before we jump in, I would like to thank the team over at Xencelabs Technologies for supplying a tablet for this review. As always... my opinions are my own. When this package arrived from Xencelabs, I was both curious + excited so... before we jump in I want to share the unboxing action with you, enjoy!
Now that you've seen the unboxing... let's get into the review.
So here you have the Xencelabs Pen Tablet, and this is the medium one... which is the first on the market (congrats to the team for making it this far). As far as releasing this size first, it makes... Xence as the most commonly used pen tablet size. Rather than just create the next cheap generic tablet that's not a Wacom, Xencelabs stepped it up for the purpose of making a professional drawing tablet... with professional quality and value wrapped into one.
Build:As far as the body of this tablet goes, you have a nice metal underbelly with a durable plastic surface.
I literally had to feel this thing numerous times just to make sure that the top and the underbelly were different materials... and the pen tablet's case utilizes the same durable plastic. It's heavy and could definitely double as personal security if needed. I'm just kidding, or... am I?
Seriously though, I really like the quality put into this case... because it's not exactly the main product and didn't have to be included at all.
Going back to the tablet, the body has rubber feet on the underbelly for desktop drawing, and these areas to the side of the underbelly for you to hold during wireless drawing (thank you for that). I probably would've added some pen grip material to this area... to ensure that the tablet doesn't slip. It hasn't slipped out of my hands yet, but that would increase the chance of it not slipping (x 2).
The buttons of the tablet are also located in an area that just makes Xence in the north location of the surface. You don't have to worry about your grip on the tablet activating a shortcut or something. You have to intentionally press a button... which is just around the corner from the power button located on the top (which is next door to the USB-C port and down the hall from the Kensington lock port).
One thing I appreciate about this tablet is that it doesn't have that... drop-off near the bottom of the tablet which allows you to be able to flow without a potential bump affecting your artwork.
As far as the pens go, the build quality feels as good as my Wacom pen... just to give you an idea of feel. This isn't a plus or a minus but the Xencelabs Pens (6.25") are shorter in size when compared side by side to my Wacom Cintiq pen (just shy of 7").
The thin pen gives you the standard feel of your everyday pen, except... it's digital, and the 3 button pen gives you that pro digital pen feel with one noticeable difference when compared to my Wacom pen.
These digital pens have grip that extend further, which allow you to hold them as close to the nib as possible... if you fancy drawing that way.
The 3-button pen's grip is up to a comfortable degree to where you're gripping beyond the thick of it, and the thin pen's grip literally runs all the way down to the nib. Love it.
The erasers aren't stuck out further than necessary either, which prevents them from loosening over time as quickly as other digital pens I've used (even the Wacom pen I currently have).
The buttons are nice and clicky too, not to a degree where you have to manhandle them to get a response, but you will know that you've clicked them.
The pens are just as important as the tablet, so I appreciate the quality build of both pens, the case that protects them, and the tablet.
Before getting to the extras, I want to highlight one more thing about the case.
Outside of housing the pens... which gives you access to them anytime you want to switch up, the case also houses the nibs + nib replacer + USB-C adapter + wireless dongle. I know this is the "Duh of the day", but this is great for portability... keeps everything in one place for immediate access.
Functionality:When it comes to functionality, you're able to use the Xencelabs Pen Tablet in both wired and wireless modes. I will personally try to avoid drawing with it in wired mode for the most part and reserve the cord for charging purposes only, but having the option is great for artists in a time crunch. Wireless is a beautiful thing so that you can... break free from the restrictions of the cord. You can draw from a distance when needed, possibly on a larger display for your team (i.e. socially distancing at this time + a group meeting where you may be fleshing something out or explaining something).
By the way, this tablet's drawing surface serves up a native 16:9 aspect ratio for your drawing pleasure.
Also, you may not feel like leaning on a desk or sitting in a certain position, you want to kick back in your favorite chair a draw without the old... cord yank reminding you to reel it back in.
The pen tablet also includes 3 programmable buttons, the Thin Pen also includes the same number of programmable buttons, while the 3 button pen includes... 4 (didn't see that one coming did ya?). Here's a small vid showcasing the Tablet + Pen UI:
There is also protection for your investment by way of the Kensington Lock Port. Feel free to take a look at the Kensington Cable Lock to see how durable it is as far as securing your device from... sticky fingers.
As far as the pens go, you have pressure levels of 8192 for both pens and a + 60-degree tilt range... which are professional grades just like other pro drawing tablets. The remaining two sections will further highlight why this is a better buy.
This is my drawing from the live preview seen in the recap below. Just FYI, I'm not big on using drawing tablets without a screen... but this one is easily the best product I've used thus far. I look forward to tightening my skills with it. I thought of doing something extra with this outside of the live preview but... I wanted to stick with everything seen in the live preview so you can confirm that this actual tablet was used.
Extras:Check out this recap of the live preview!
As seen in the live preview... you not only get the obvious tablet and pen, but you get two drawing pens of different sizes. Come on son! Who does that? Xencelabs does that. I'm not trying to fanboy it up... but seriously the option to have both sizes are great and they threw it in at no additional charge.
That comes with the standard Pen Tablet from the company + a smudge protector so that the gunk doesn't build up on your tablet as easily. If you aren't familiar with these types of gloves, they really come in handy... not only from gunk but also it increases the smoothness of your glide.
The Pen Tablet Medium bundle includes everything above in addition to a tablet sleeve with a really soft interior that protects the device. The sleeve also has an additional section for your cord with two pockets for your pen case + the Xencelabs Quick Keys. By the way, the quick keys remote is included in the bundle. Stay tuned for a review of the remote, but for now, I will focus on the package I received.
Price:Pricewise the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium comes in at $279.99. This is $100 less than the Wacom Intuos Pro - Medium ($99.95 less if you want to be technical), and it comes with more. This isn't to sway your buying decision, but with a new product on the market like this pro tablet... I hope it helps you make a more informed decision.
We had the honor of being invited to a tech reveal... and I had to share the first look at Xencelabs first pen tablet. Shout out to the artists out there.
Xencelabs Technologies Limited is comprised of professionals that have worked in the industry for quite some time, we're talking veterans from Wacom, Autodesk, and other companies.
What I appreciated first and foremost was the fact that they didn't just bring a tablet to market, they wanted to reach out and make sure that they were bringing the right tablet to the market to be competitive. They sought feedback from professional artists in the industry to find out their yays and nays when it comes to pen tablets... and ultimately created the tablet you see here.
The second thing that caught my attention during the presentation... was the battery icon I saw not only for the Xencelabs Quick Keys remote but also for the Xencelabs Pen Tablet. I know it was the duh of the day, but I had to raise my hand and double-check to see if the tablet was wireless... and it is. You can use it while connected to the cord also (second duh), but the ability to move around freely is awesome. YAY!
I could see this being utilized by someone at a meeting to present different concepts, drawing from a distance while using a larger screen, or someone like myself who would move to a different part of the desk or something to get a bit more comfortable (I can even PC hop without unhooking wires. Also, the cords can get in the way at times with hardwired tablets, even if they're in a non-intrusive area of the tablet. If you want to shift those tablets... you can end up with a snag or something, but you can move this tablet around freely and hold it if you desire to do so.
I don't want to put words in their mouth, even if they confirmed questions to a degree but... this is their initial tablet as the company continues to blossom. According to Xencelabs there will be more to come down the road (most likely a screened tablet), but as veterans in the industry... they wanted to come in with a bang (as far as their new company and product is concerned).
Yes it comes with a pen and tablet... but it also comes with:
A nice full-sized pen case packed with Nibs (10) + the Nib Extracting Ring
A second pen (one thin pen, and a 3-button pen for 2D + 3D work)
8192 Pressure Levels + 60 degree (both pens)
A dongle to get your wireless drawing on
A Glove Medium (which I'd just use the one I have if that's too small, but... it's free)
A Tablet Sleeve
A Xencelabs Quick Keys device
I'm not giving praise just to give praise... but just like with bundles for games, this is how you make an impression. It's a new company comprised of veterans going into an industry with plenty of options (some of which they were part of), and they decided to take the extra mile to stand out. I think that curve at the bottom of the tablet is going to feel nice, but I can't say whether it is or not... yet. As soon as we get the opportunity to review one, you will know about it.
I'm not sure if anyone else has been wondering this, but Amazon should totally have a drawing tablet by now. It doesn't have to be this small... this is merely an example, but they could literally have a portable version and a desktop version of a good drawing tablet. They make nearly everything else.
Did you know that Amazon sells things like oil for your car and even... Ibuprofen? Those things sell... I totally get that, but I think that an Amazon drawing tablet would be a head-turner seller without there being a major stretch to make it happen. If they were looking for a way to truly make a noticeable revision to the Fire tablet... that would be it, at least for digital artists... but I don't think artists would be the only buyers.
A pen-enabled tablet would be something useful for a large number of people... even if they don't realize it. Make the Fire pen-enabled and you give owners the ability to draw + write + sign documents. The ability to sign documents digitally goes a long way because you don't have to worry about printing things out just to sign them and scan them back in, which saves paper (and trees).
For now, you have the ability to use the stylus pens with the nub, but... there are plenty of drawing tablets on Amazon for a reason and it wouldn't hurt if one of them was created by... Amazon.
A stand-alone drawing tablet would be great for portable use, and it wouldn't be a bad idea if Amazon created a pen display similar to other products like the 13.3" Wacom One. If you aren't familiar with the Wacom One, it's also a tablet... but it's not standalone and lacks an onboard OS. You have to connect these pen displays to an external device for use... which in this case you have the ability to connect the Wacom One to a computer or mobile device. The big thing would be the price, and if the quality is there... the competition would be on and poppin'. I think $150 to $199 would be a killer price tag.
The Wacom One has a Full HD Display at 1920 X 1080 resolution, covers 72% of the NTSC color space, and 4096 Levels of Pressure Sensitivity at $399.99.
