Phones seem optimized purely for content consumption. One of the reasons I prefer using my laptop/desktop is that they are where I can create things. Music (DAW/VST ecosystem), code (compilers, editors, etc.), visuals (illustrator/photoshop/Final Cut). I would like a way to casually create things on my phone rather than consume them. For example, rather than compulsively checking my email or looking at HN, I'd like to update one of the synths in a song I'm working on. I'm open to the idea that desktop workflows will not translate directly to mobile workflows, and that the media I play with might be different (maybe I have to become a connoisseur of TikTok videos?) That's fine. I just want to create rather than consume. How can I do this on my mobile device?
Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
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Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#2Install code-server (https://github.com/cdr/code-server) on a server, and using it in your phone's browser to develop small web apps (works well in landscape mode with 6 -6.7 inch phones)
If you have a powerful processor and adequate RAM - you can do almost any thing that you do on desktop/pc
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#3I hear you. I’d like a phone that I can plug into a desktop station and use as a desktop computer. Surprised Microsoft didn’t go that route with Windows phone.
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#4I still don't get the motivation behind this. If you want to consume less stuff on your phone, you can reduce the consumption without replacing it with anything - you don't have a phone time quota that you need to meet on any given day, just cut down on the things you don't like.
When you're creating anything, it makes sense to do it in the best possible environment that you have for it - I would rather write code on a laptop instead of using a phone and I would pick a desktop computer over the laptop. Phones are rarely the best environment for any creative task apart from maybe pictures, videos, vlogs and other social media stuff (if we can put those in the creative category).
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#5Premiere Rush/TikTok/Instagram Reels is pretty good.
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#6I don’t get why you want to use your phone? Is there some added convenience?
To create you could use your phone’s camera to record and post videos, you could do some writing maybe even use speech to text conversion, there are various synths you can get for phones. I personally use apps for astronomy and workouts which is about as productive as I get on my phone.
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#7I hear you. I’d like a phone that I can plug into a desktop station and use as a desktop computer. Surprised Microsoft didn’t go that route with Windows phone.
They did with Continuum, but Windows phone was already on the way out as they got in the phone market way too late.
https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/8/13881930/microsoft-turn-a...
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#8Your example is answered with Garageband. For programming, use a language with a REPL that's light on syntax. The built-in "Notes" app is exceptional for writing poetry.
Alternatively, you could use a Mosh client, but with how fast modern phones are, it would be kind of a waste.
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#9Since you mentioned Final Cut, I’m going to assume you’re using an iPhone. For music, there’s GarageBand from Apple. There are many third party apps too, many being free as well. For visuals, you have iMovie from Apple and many other painting/image/video/animation apps, also with many being free too.
Re: Ask HN: How can I use my phone to create things rather than consume them?
#10I think what you may be looking for is a device that allows you to type in text without requiring a surface on which to place it (while seated on a bus, lying down in bed). I've always wanted something similar myself, but mobile keyboards don't make it easy for you to type without having to focus your gaze directly on the keyboard. Perhaps someone could invent a device where your hands rest on a keyboard while the screen rests on your hands?