I’ve written in the past about my disdain for many of Apple’s native iOS apps. I often find them clunky and limited, particularly in comparison to third-party (and often multi-platform) alternatives. Instead of Notes I use Evernote, in lieu of iTunes I use Spotify, and in place of Mail, I use Dropbox’s Mailbox, a superb mail client which pioneered the “swipe-to-snooze” feature two years ago.
I’ve come to use rely upon another Mailbox-only feature that would be wonderful if it ever made its way into Messages or Facebook: “Use Latest Photo.” I’d estimate that about 50% of the pictures I take are meant to be shared. And generally, I share a picture – regardless of the app – almost immediately. And if I want to send a picture from Messages, it’s a frustrating multi-step process. I need to click (1) photos (2) choose existing (3) album (4) photo (5) confirm. In Mailbox, it’s two steps: (1) photo (2) use latest photo.
This does make the assumption that I don’t plan to send multiple pictures, or to take one within the app, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. It’s fascinating that one tiny feature makes an important difference in how I use my email. Now, if only Mailbox would let me save drafts.
Silicon Spatula 