Message #175 From:
The Machine Date: April 26, 2008 04:08:25 AM
LEAKED: Apple to licence haptic technology for iPhone
Apple Inc is in talks with Immersion Corporation to
licence Haptic Technology for its iPhone. Immersion Corporation on
Thursday announced that they have appointed former Apple executive
Clent Richardson to the position of President and CEO.
A source (Apple Inc employee), who chose to remain
anonymous, told us that senior executives of the two companies have
already met once on Tuesday and the next meeting has been scheduled for
Friday morning. The source confirmed that the executives will continue
discussions over licencing and implementation issues of iPhone haptics.
Apple’s competitor Nokia - whose upcoming phone is likely to be called Tube 5800 - has also licenced haptic technology from Immersion Corporation that will enable it to incorporate a wide range of tactile feedback in it cellphones.
Haptic technology refers to technology which
interfaces the user via the sense of touch by applying forces,
vibrations and/or motions to the user, but it should not to be confused
with touch or tactile sensors that measure the pressure or force
exerted by the user to the interface.
As we reported earlier,
Apple’s on-screen keyboard has a major drawback as it lacks “haptic
response.” In other words, users cannot feel the keys as there is no
pressure back on the finger when a virtual key is released.
Haptic technology allows users to use a touchscreen
and receive feedback like they are pressing on real buttons through
vibration technology.
Immersion Corporation develops haptic technologies
that engage the sense of touch in the digital world for communicating,
driving, designing, training, or just for fun.
