Microsoft puts a squeeze on portable devices

Darius Chang | Apr 21, 2008

Multitouch touchpad, gesture-based interfaces and motion-sensing controls seem to be already obsolete, according to a report by BBC. A research project at Microsoft's Cambridge lab allows the system to detect twisting, bending, pulling and squeezing forces to interact with the interface. But hold onto your horses if you expect this to be implemented on a foldable machine. The magic is really in the four sensors integrated inside the chassis. By recognizing the exact pressure points, the system can perform actions like page flips, switching application, etc.

A prototype was built using a Samsung UMPC, so this is not just vaporware or some abstract concept. However, there is no timeline given on when we will see this technology commercially implemented.

Filed under: Future Tech, Notebooks
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