Anyone programming for iOS can build a calculator. Let's not pretend otherwise. The value in Numerical is in the design rather than the programming, and there is no question that this app has not only nailed the iOS 7 look and feel, but by adopting iOS 7 sensibilities it makes itself quicker and easier to use than the skeuomorphic alternatives.
It has larger hit areas for the numbers, and nifty little features like greying out the buttons that are not valid. For instance if you pressed multiply, then it knows you won't want to press multiply again. It also, as the developer is keen to point out, doesn't have an equals button. But what it does have is brackets front and foremost, and a great history view for those with complex restaurant bills to divide.
Looking at the competition there are surprisingly few iOS 7 styled calcs in the App Store, and the ones that are available are slightly different to this. Some have fewer features and this one has far more scientific features for a lower price. And so, here comes the question: do people want a stripped back calculator to be able to perform a number of moderately difficult calculations quickly and stylishly?
The app's success will depend on whether it has hit a sweet spot between calculations that people can do in their heads and the over-the-top complexity of a scientific calculator, or whether it is too sparse and needs things like a pi button to fulfil the basic needs of parents helping kids with their homework.
On a daily basis I rarely turn to a calculator, and I've not been excited about one since I had one of those snazzy LCD ones that could draw graphs. So I find it hard to judge how big the interest group for a paid calc of this type will be. Only time will tell. What I do know is that it will suit people who want to be seen using the most stylish apps, that it's easy on the eyes and that it has advantages over the skeuomorphic alternatives.
To conclude, the app marks the developer (Very Tiny Machines) out as one to watch and I look forward to further new and innovative apps in the future.
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