‘Dynamic Island’ Games Using Apple’s Notch Replacer Could Head To iPhones Soon
Video screenshot via Apple
A far cry from the initial disdain when Apple brought the notch to iPhones, people are embracing ‘Dynamic Island’, the feature’s successor which can change shape and size to accommodate useful information at a glance.
The iPhone 14 Pro cutout isn’t just handy for users, but it also conceals the TrueDepth sensors that enable Face ID as well as the front-facing camera.
Apple has said the pill-shaped feature “can work with all kinds of apps,” even third-party ones. This means developers will be able to integrate the notch replacement into their apps—or even make it the backbone of their apps.
Mobile app product designer Kriss Smolka has a creative approach to working with, and not around, Dynamic Island. He’s conceptualized a short and sweet iPhone game called Hit the Island, which is inspired by games like Pong but plays with the cutout.
Who has an iPhone 14 Pro right now? Need to test this on device asap!
— Kriss Smolka (@ksmolka) September 13, 2022
ðŸï¸ Hit The Island - our game concept for iPhone 14 Pro, still laggy but it’s turning out nice :) #iPhone14Pro #iOS16 pic.twitter.com/kWLU77gk6d
Working with a paddle at the bottom, players bounce a ball up to the so-called island. When the island catches the ball, it animates, which is a fun mini-reward.
Smolka says Hit the Island will soon be available on the App Store. Those who haven’t caved and placed their orders for the new iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max won’t be missing out, as the developer reassures that the game will also be compatible with good ol’ notched iPhones.
As smartphone makers unleash new features, it’s always fun to see how designers run with them. The creative community will make Dynamic Island far more interesting than it already is, in the same way interactive, bite-sized apps like iBeer came into being at the advent of the iPhone and blew everyone’s minds.
[via MacRumors and Digital Trends, cover image via Apple]
