Touchscreen Technology Continues to Evolve...

[Chuong Nguyen]

Apple iPhone and iPod Touch users have the multi-touch screen, enabling the screen to recognize multiple touches at the same time. HTC Touch (http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=964) users have gesture control on their Pocket PC devices. Now, Mobility Site (http://mobilitysite.com/2007/11/the-tactile-touchscreen-a-nokia-innovation/) is reporting that Nokia is joining the touchscreen game by adding true tactile feedback.

This means that the Nokia touchscreen technology will allow users to receive feedback when they press a "screen button." Nokia places two tiny sensors under the screen and will allow the screen to move 0.1 mm so that the act of depressing a button can be emulated with a touchscreen.

[arb]

This is called "pulse touch" Alpine uses it in their Navigation Head Units for cars.

This is a really cool technology if you have used it. It actually feels as though you are depressing a button.
I would be curious about the battery life in said device since the Alpine units are hardwired into cars and don't have the worryment of battery life.

Would also like to see this technology integrated into next generation Windows Mobile device.

[Brandon Miniman]

This is called "pulse touch" Alpine uses it in their Navigation Head Units for cars.

This is a really cool technology if you have used it. It actually feels as though you are depressing a button.
I would be curious about the battery life in said device since the Alpine units are hardwired into cars and don't have the worryment of battery life.

Would also like to see this technology integrated into next generation Windows Mobile device.

But why is it better? Why do I want to know if a button has been pressed with a vibration? Isn't it enough to see an action ensue?

[arb]

It is little more than just a vibration. If you have a chance to go to a Car Audio shop like Myer Emco or Tweeters, ask them to show you the Alpine head unit with built in monitor. It is a 2-DIN size unit. Ask them to demonstrate Pulse Touch.
The sensation is more like a buzz. But it is concentrated over the button pressed.

Also sometimes, like in a car, you don't have the luxury of taking your eyes away to glance down at your device.

[JKingGrim]

Does a stylus work on an iphone screen, or is it more like laptop touchpad technology where it senses your finger? If it is the latter I wish windows mobile devices would use this technology. Having the screen depress 0.1mm would be very nice as well.

[Brandon Miniman]

Does a stylus work on an iphone screen, or is it more like laptop touchpad technology where it senses your finger? If it is the latter I wish windows mobile devices would use this technology. Having the screen depress 0.1mm would be very nice as well.

I just checked my iPhone, and to my surprise, the screen does not respond to a stylus.

For an explanation of how the screen works, check out this site (http://www.ipodobserver.com/story/31942).

"The iPhone uses the more advanced projected capacitive technology, and those don't need actual contact. Capacitive sensors behind the glass sense when the electrical field is disturbed. They can detect the finger from as far as 2 mm away. This allows for a more intuitive feel as the finger can glide across the surface. Since there's no resistive film, this kind of display can also be brighter."

[JKingGrim]

Ah, yes thats what I though. I would love to have that kind of feature on a ppc phone. And I don't even really care for the two finger gestures and all. Just to be able to easily and accurately select items on the screen with a light touch of the finger rather that a stylus. I hate the way I have to push down hard enough on my PPC's screen. Especially for dragging items. When I drap something it always feels like I'm scratching the screen. Does apple have a patent on the screen technology as well, or just the software behind the cool two finger gestures?

[Brandon Miniman]

Ah, yes thats what I though. I would love to have that kind of feature on a ppc phone. And I don't even really care for the two finger gestures and all. Just to be able to easily and accurately select items on the screen with a light touch of the finger rather that a stylus. I hate the way I have to push down hard enough on my PPC's screen. Especially for dragging items. When I drap something it always feels like I'm scratching the screen. Does apple have a patent on the screen technology as well, or just the software behind the cool two finger gestures?

Yes, it's patented.

I agree - having the screen "flex" to register touches with a stylus doesn't feel very natural.