11/28, 9:35pm
Multitouch system driven by open-source software
Product Design has introduced a glass keyboard and matching glass trackpad that are currently seeking development funding as a Kickstarter project. Both peripherals are built using tempered glass panes attached to solid metal bases, sensing touch input on the glass surface without the need for moving parts. Users can choose from tactile sounds and lights, while the companion software will be open source for custom configuration.
more
11/01, 11:05pm
Both relate to earlier iPhone models
Two patents granted to Apple yesterday by the US Patent and Trademark Office deal with some of the technologies behind multi-touch as used in iOS devices, and go all the way back to the introduction of the original iPhone. The company won a patent relating to front-end signal compression for touchscreens, as well as one detailing an improved method of crystallizing an indium tin oxide layer on top of transparent conductive material more safely.
more
02/25, 1:00pm
Refurbished iPods at reduced prices
Today Apple's online store has a selection of refurbished iPods at reduced prices. The refurbished 8GB iPod nano with multi-touch display, built-in FM radio, VoiceOver and built-in clip is now available for only $129 after a $20 price break. Also available is the 16GB iPod nano for $149 after a $30 discount.
more
02/15, 3:00pm
Reduced prices on refurbished iPods and more
Apple's online store today is offering the current generation refurbished 8GB iPod nano in black for $129. That's $20 off the original price of $149, and it includes free shipping. The iPod nano features a multi-touch display, built-in FM radio, VoiceOver, built-in clip, and includes a set of Apple earphones.
more
01/20, 12:50pm
Patent would allow context-specific input
A newly published Apple patent application hints at the possibility of a mouse with a multi-touch display, notes Patently Apple. Titled Computer Input Device Including a Display Device, it depicts a mouse with the display mounted on top. While it could simply be used to show information, it could also be used to provide contextual controls, such as a numeric keypad.
more
12/31, 11:15am
Diagrams depict sixth-gen iPod nano
A newly-disclosed Apple patent application suggests support of touch gestures which can be used while looking away from a screen. A recurring problem with Apple's modern touchscreen devices is the inability to control some functions while glancing away, limiting usefulness during activities like workouts. Under the proposed scheme, people would be able to control media playback through gestures that don't even require a screen to display graphics.
more
12/08, 4:20pm
Covers iPad dock, first-generation MacBook Air
Apple has won some 16 new patents from the US Patent and Trademark Office, says Patently Apple. The most important relates to multi-touch, specifically the concept of two or more controllers operating in a "master/slave" configuration. The win could strengthen Apple's position in future lawsuits, which have become common in relation to multi-touch. Apple notes that the concept could be extended to products outside of its specialties, such as ATMs and ticket terminals.
more
11/01, 7:45pm
New Touch T6.7 is a Mac-based, touch-driven table
Berlin-based ~sedna GmbH, makers of Mac-based digital signage software for controlling large or multi-monitor displays in stores, stadiums and trade shows, is unveiling a new multi-touch table and its suite of touch-based and kiosk-creation software for the Mac, including a new version of Sedna Presenter (v2.7.2) that can use the iPad as a display device.
more
10/13, 4:35pm
May hamper efforts at competing interfaces
Apple has won a limited though significant US patent on pinch-to-zoom gestures for multi-touch devices, reports say. A filing was originally submitted in December 29th, 2006, just days before the announcement of the first iPhone at Macworld. The document technically covers more than just zoom, making references to other pinch commands such as rotation.
more
07/02, 9:40am
Peripheral expected to compete with Magic Mouse
Microsoft may be readying a new peripheral, the Arc Touch Mouse, according to several listings that have appeared in online stores for European retailers. Further details remain slim, including any similarities with the company's Arc Mouse which arrived in 2008 with a design integrating a fold-out hand support.
more
04/29, 1:20pm
Keys could illuminate on demand
Some recent Apple patent applications, made public this week, show continuing interest in evolving how the company's products are controlled. Particularly notable is a concept involving "invisible" buttons, so called because they are flush and built with the same material as their surrounding surface. An example of this is thought to be found in the Magic Mouse, although the patent suggests technology that does not require capacitive input to be touch-sensitive.
more
04/27, 9:30am
Victory could block iPhone, other devices
The US International Trade Commission has officially agreed to investigate a patent infringement allegation against Apple, submitted by Taiwan's Elan Microelectronics. The two companies have been involved in a long-running legal dispute, as Elan accuses Apple of violating patents related to multi-touch technology. On the basis of one patent, Elan in late March filed a motion with the ITC to block US sales of infringing products, potentially including the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, MacBook and Magic Mouse.
more
04/27, 8:00am
Nokia N8 becomes first Symbian3 phone
Nokia today staked out its ground in the smartphone wars by launching the N8, its new flagship. The phone is the first to use Symbian^3 and finally adds features seen in Android and iPhone, such as multi-touch, multiple home screens and live home screen widgets. The OS also claims an advantage over its Apple counterpart: it has better memory management and can handle more apps in a true multitasking environment.
more
04/22, 1:55pm
Undercurrent of interest at Apple?
Apple may continue to have an interest in building a touchscreen Mac, a newly disclosed patent application hints. Titled Scheme for Authenticating without Password Exchange, the filing refers to several possible input types, including "a keyboard, a microphone, touch screen input and mouse input," interfacing with a central chipset and then components like displays, storage and networking. Apple adds that displays could use DVI or HDMI connections, and/or be associated with notebooks, "small form factor personal computers" or smartphones.
more
04/20, 11:45am
BlackBerry OS 6 to be more visual, touch aware
A new leak this morning has provided what should be the first known screens and features of BlackBerry OS 6.0. The entire OS is finally touch-aware and supports multi-touch with pinch-to-zoom and other gestures throughout, including the browser and photo viewer. It now has momentum-based scrolling and a tap-to-hold context menu instead of having to revert to the hardware BlackBerry button.
more
04/07, 4:50pm
Key concepts involve Cover Flow, multi-touch UIs
Apple has won the rights to an unusually large collection of patents, 16 in total, submitted through the US Patent and Trademark Office. While some are less significant than others, several cover key aspects of Apple technology. In the latter category are two documenting the multi-touch interfaces of the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. One patent addresses a virtual keyboard concept, while the second describes a means of error correction for a multi-touch surface.
more
04/05, 3:35pm
Samsung outs AIO PCs with multi-touch displays
Samsung has revealed its first multi-touch all-in-one PCs, the U250 and U200. The two take advantage of the native finger input afforded by Windows 7 with size the primary factor: the U250 has a 23-inch display with full 1080p, while the U200 gets a 20-inch touchscreen with a 1600x900 image. Whether the PCs will be capable of playing back HD video content, however, remains a bit of a mystery, as Samsung has not revealed the internal specs.
more
03/30, 3:50pm
iBuyPower brings Battalion Touch CZ-11 gaming PC
iBuyPower has added a new gaming PC to its range, the 15.6-inch Battalion Touch CZ-11. The 15-inch system is second of the company's multi-touch capable gaming notebooks, but the first to get the option of Intel's Core i7 CPU at the same time. Its display is a centerpiece in resolution as well at 1080p, even on the least expensive models.
more
03/30, 9:45am
Success would temporarily cripple major lines
Taiwan's Elan Microelectronics -- involved in a long-running lawsuit with Apple over multi-touch technology -- has asked the US International Trade Commission to block the import and sale of a variety of Apple products, says Bloomberg. Specifically Elan says it wants to halt products that infringe on its "352" patent, which describes a means of detecting the presence of two or more fingers. "Our goal is to protect our technology and to stop sales of those products in the US," says Elan spokesman Dennis Liu.
more
03/30, 7:55am
Sharp's IS01 takes cues from MIDs, smartbooks
KDDI became the last Japanese carrier to adopt Android on Tuesday with the addition of the unusual Sharp IS01. A "communicator" rather than a phone, the handheld is unique in having the 5-inch, 960x540 display of a MID (mobile Internet device) but the notebook-like design and 1GHz Snapdragon processor of a smartbook. Sharp suggests it can be used solely with thumbs and gives it multi-touch in addition to a trackball.
more
03/23, 8:20am
Nokia N8 to use new OS, carry 12MP camera
Nokia's first Symbian^3 Nseries flagship, the N8, has been all but confirmed today thanks to a leak from China. As the first running the new multi-touch OS, the smartphone should accordingly have several other firsts for its creator. It would revolve a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen and would make its camera the highlight with a 12-megapixel sensor, 720p video capture and HDMI video output.
more
03/22, 6:45pm
Google, Apple may have seen split at Burning Man
Google chief Eric Schmidt was genuinely shocked when he was berated by Steve Jobs for the first time over Android, an alleged tell-all supposedly revealed today. While headed to the 2007 Burning Man festival, Schmidt is said to have received a "ferocious" call from the Apple co-founder, who attacked him for establishing Android and allegedly deceiving Apple about his smartphone plans while sitting on the iPhone creator's board of directors. The dialogue was enough to have made the normally calm Schmidt upset and produce a "weird" expression on his face.
more
03/10, 12:05pm
Comes as Apple claims multi-touch rights
Elan Microelectronics is denying rumors that it has settled a patent lawsuit directed against Apple, according to a Taiwanese news site. The case was originally launched in April of last year, and accuses Apple of violating two multi-touch patents by way of the iPhone, iPod touch and MacBook. The settlement would allegedly be worth $70 million, but Elan insists that the issue is still in front of the US' International Trade Commission.
more
03/09, 10:20am
Lab126 hiring to advance Kindle web experience
Amazon plans a larger role for the web browser on the Kindle, the company has let slip through a job listing for its e-reader division, Lab126. A position for a Software Development Engineer has been specifically tasked with improving on the Kindle's basic, "experimental" browser with new features. While no hints exist of new features, the engineer would be part of a dedicated web browser team, suggesting Amazon is now taking the software more seriously.
more
03/03, 8:50pm
Device offers improved PC with GTX 285 graphics
Ideum has introduced the MT-50 multi-touch table, an updated version of the earlier MT2 model. The table offers an improved PC system, with NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 285 graphics card. To enhance the experience for multiple users, especially locations such as musems, the company has expanded the input support to 60 simultaneous control points.
more
03/03, 12:25pm
Aimed at undermining rivals in multi-touch, UI
The Apple patent lawsuit filed against HTC could take a long time to resolve, analysts argue. Needham's Charlie Wolf suggests that it could be a "long and bloody battle," in part because Apple has surrounded the iPhone with a "patent moat" meant to be difficult or impossible to cross. "Apple invested heavily and imaginatively in designing a unique, disruptive smartphone," adds Wolf. "In our view, the company has every right to protect the iPhone's unique features."
more
03/02, 12:35pm
MS tech would project multi-touch on to desktops
Microsoft today was spotted developing a new concept for a portable multi-touch interface. Mobile Surface (link currently inactive) combines a camera and a projector to create a multi-touch interface from a much smaller device, such as a smartphone. Unlike the table-based Surface of today, it would respond in 3D and would allow interactions based on the distance from the surface and the camera.
more
03/01, 12:40pm
MS tells buyers even HD2 not qualified for WP7
Microsoft today created a chasm between its mobile platforms in talks with Australia's APC. The OS developer's General Manager for the Mobile Business group's Asia-Pacific region, Natasha Kwan, revealed that all Windows Mobile 6 models, even very high-end phones like the HTC HD2, would be ruled out as few if any obey the three-button guideline for the Windows Phone 7 interface. The firm's Australia Business Operations Director, Tony Wilkinson, added that the HD2 lacks some unnamed hardware features needed to make the leap.
more
03/01, 12:00pm
Dell Studio 15 Touch outed in catalog, flyers
Dell has inadvertently revealed plans for a new touchscreen notebook, the Studio 15 Touch, as evidenced by its online catalog and printed flyers. Little is offered in the way of technical specs, but the basic system includes a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 processor and Windows 7 Home Premium preloaded onto the 320GB hard drive, along with a $999 price.
more
03/01, 7:35am
Mio V780 borders on GPS, MID, tablet arenas
Mio today helped kick off CeBIT by launching an unusual crossover device. The Moov V780 offers the customary GPS navigation but carries a 7-inch, 800x480 display that turns it into a media tablet. It touts a web browser with Flash support as well as Exchange-capable e-mail, multi-touch capable music and photo browsers, and a dedicated YouTube client. A relatively fast 600MHz processor and graphics give it enough power to decode 720p video at native resolution through an HDMI output.
more
03/01, 12:00am
HP updates EliteBook, ProBook for Core i7
HP began the week by launching a slate of new EliteBook and ProBook models, including the company's first tablet based on Intel's new chip architecture. The EliteBook 2740p carries a 12-inch multi-touch display that also supports pens, but has a more durable body than mainstream PCs like the TouchSmart tm2. A combination of stainless steel outside and magnesium outside helps it meet the US military's 810G specs for resistance to dust, humidity and vibration.
more
02/26, 11:40am
Likely to cover MacBook trackpads
Apple is looking to secure the name "Magic Trackpad" through the US Patent and Trademark Office, new filings show. The trademark would apply specifically under International Classification 009, within which are technologies such as touchscreens and graphics tablets. It is not clear if the name refers to a future product or an existing one.
more
02/26, 10:45am
Like Windows, Mac OS X saddled with older tech
Bringing the iPhone's multi-touch interface to Mac OS X would be a difficult prospect, say two ex-Apple workers, speaking anonymously because of non-disclosure agreements. A former senior engineer notes that it is comparatively easy to implement Apple's present Mac multi-touch efforts, which are limited to mouse and trackpad gestures in a few apps. He adds that it may be a "whole different story," however, to bring multi-touch to the desktop or all aspects of the operating system.
more
02/26, 8:40am
Pixel Qi 3qi to go beyond Notion Ink tablet
Pixel Qi chief Mary-Lou Jepsen in a brief session has revealed that the company's 3qi displays will find their way into other devices soon. While officially lined up only for the Notion Ink Adam tablet so far, the unique three-in-one display now has "several more" customers since January. These can't be named as the partners have to decide when to go public/
more
02/25, 4:35pm
Browser integrates faster JavaScript engine
Opera on Thursday released a beta version of Opera 10.5 for Mac, following right behind the Windows version announced earlier in the week. The browser is said to integrate an improved JavaScript engine for faster page loads, while the interface now takes advantage of additional Cocoa elements. A unified tool-bar and private browsing tabs have been added, along with support for Growl notifications and multi-touch gestures.
more
02/23, 10:45am
MSI previews CeBIT with new PCs
MSI today launched a handful of new systems ahead of its CeBIT appearance, including a new GT series gaming notebook. The GT660 is intended as a desktop replacement and pays unusual attention to sound: MSI claims to have worked with a "leader in sound system design" to tune the enclosure and speakers to provide better than usual notebook audio. Performance is accordingly high with a quad Core i7 and a GeForce GTX 285M for graphics, and the GT660 is one of MSI's first notebooks with USB 3.0 ports.
more
02/19, 4:45pm
Motorola's best and Google's shopping app tested
We had the opportunity today for a pair of Android-related tests: both the North American version of the Motorola Milestone and the new Google Shopper beta. Since many already know the Milestone as the Droid, we'll focus primarily on its multi-touch support as a preview of the Droid's 2.1 update.
more
02/16, 9:35pm
Device offers 6-inch 800x600 display
Booken has announced that its upcoming e-book reader, the Orizon, will support multi-touch input. The device integrates a 6-inch SiPix display with 800x600 resolution, along with 1GB of integrated memory and a microSD slot for further expansion. Other known specs include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an accelerometer, while supported formats include ePub and PDF.
more
02/16, 12:25pm
Motorola's multi-touch Android reaches Canada
After an early tease, Telus this morning began carrying the Motorola Milestone and became the first North American carrier outside of Verizon to offer a variant of the Droid. Its version uses GSM and HSPA-based 3G for networking and already has multi-touch support out of the box, letting it pass on the update that added the feature to the American phone.
more
02/16, 7:20am
HTC Desire is Nexus One for all carriers
HTC this morning made its presence felt at Mobile World Congress by launching multiple smartphones, including its new Android 2.1 flagship. Previously known as the Bravo, the Desire becomes HTC's version of the Nexus One without Google branding. It gets an upgraded HTC Sense with a unique home screen look known as "helicopter view:" somewhat like Apple's Exposé, a pinch gesture at a home screen shows all home screens at once to jump quickly to one of them.
more
02/15, 11:05am
WP7 has improved UI but notable drawbacks
Microsoft at Mobile World Congress officially launched Windows Phone 7 series, its first major overhaul of its mobile OS in at least five years but also a partial step back. The new platform uses a heavily Zune-influenced design and at the home screen centers on tiles: users can pin apps, contacts, playlists and other details to the home screen. It integrates not just the Zune media player (including Zune software sync) but also Xbox Live's achievements, avatars and friends.
more
02/11, 8:45am
Nokia may have 'superphone' next week
Nokia could upstage Mobile World Congress next week with an 'ultimate' device of its own if a rumor pans out. As part of a relabeling effort for all its smartphones, Nokia would launch the N8, the first device based on Symbian^3. Appropriately, it would carry a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen that supports the new multi-touch interface.
more
02/10, 5:20pm
MS employee hints Win 8 will be major change
Microsoft plans to make its next version of Windows a major overhaul, an employee claimed in an MSDN blog that has been pulled but remains cached online. What most people refer to as Windows 8 will be something "completely different from what folks usually expect of Windows" and will have a broad consensus from the company. The company is depending on collaboration from "dozens and dozens of teams" to generate the final product.
more
02/08, 1:50pm
Amazon job posts hint color Kindle and more
Amazon has hinted at a significant change in the philosophy behind its Kindle readers with job listings at its hardware design group Lab126. One, for a Hardware Display Manager, asks for a veteran recruit with experience in the LCD market and suggests Amazon might move away from e-paper displays. It has normally used companies like E Ink (now owned by PVI) exclusively for its e-book readers.
more
02/05, 2:55pm
Google gives Droid partial multi-touch
Google and Verizon today quietly pushed an update to the Motorola Droid that brings multi-touch to the smartphone in limited form. The over-the-air 3.4 upgrade switches on pinch-to-zoom control in Google Maps. Unlike the Nexus One update, though, the change doesn't extend to the web browser or photo gallery.
more
02/05, 8:55am
X2 iTablet runs Win XP or Linux, netbook hardware
Relative newcomer X2 Computing today decided to seize on the frenzy surrounding the iPad by launching its own tablet. The conspicuously named iTablet follows "hot on the heels of Apple" and carries a 10- or 12-inch touchscreen; multi-touch will be optional. Rather than use tablet-optimized software, however, the device will use Windows 7 (Windows XP shown for reference) or Linux and should get Flash support as a result.
more
02/03, 6:25pm
Microsoft says Win Mo 6.5.3 ready for multi-touch
Microsoft today confirmed that the Windows Mobile 6.5.3 release launching first with the Sony Ericsson Aspen greatly improves the platform's support for touchscreens. In addition to making buttons more touch-friendly, it adds support for capacitive touch of the sort seen in Android and the iPhone, making it much more responsive. Hooks have also been put in place for multi-touch, though this would still need phone builders to have an actual solution.
more
02/03, 5:40pm
Amazon may have bought Touchco
Amazon has bought small startup to bring touchscreens to the Kindle, a purported insider said today. The bookseller is believed to have bought Touchco to roll it into Lab126, the same division responsible for Amazon's e-book reader. Conditions for the deal weren't mentioned to the NYT in the leak, and neither of the involved partners has agreed to comment.
more
02/02, 9:30pm
Fujitsu UH900 offers small touch UMPC for $850
Fujitsu in a low key move today brought the LifeBook UH900 to American shores. Two months after its Asian release, the ultra-mobile PC arrives largely intact and centers on an extremely high resolution 5.6-inch, 1280x800 screen with multi-touch input. It accordingly runs Windows 7 and is a full netbook inside with a 1.6GHz Atom, 2GB of RAM and either a 32GB or 64GB solid-state drive.
more
02/02, 3:55pm
Nexus One update adds pinch zoom, Goggles
Google today surprised Nexus One owners by adding multi-touch through an over-the-air update. The feature now turns on pinch-to-zoom in the web browser as well as in Maps and the photo gallery. It also supplies a fix for 3G reception issues on T-Mobile.
more
