Apple’s latest whizzy user interface technology is found in Force Touch and 3D Touch, both of which use haptic feedback to make touchpads and screens come to life. But it might not have been so new after all, because now Apple’s being sued for allegedly infringing three patents over the tech.
When we think of substantial features smartphone and tablet makers can add to devices over the next few years, the list is rather sparse. But if this tech can be made cheap and accessible, it'll be something worth talking about. [AllThingsD]
Plenty of games are well-suited for the iPad's big, touchable screen, but this preview of Osmos HD, an ambient desktop favorite, shows immersive tablet gaming fully realized: just your fingers, some motes, and beautiful physics. Due July 8. [BoingBoing]
Haptic technology has the possibility to make touchscreens so much better, improving accuracy and adding a whole new range of sensory feedback. Immersion, primary developers of haptic technology, presented both a refined onscreen keyboard and an incredibly cheesy "Immersive Messaging" protocol at this year's All…
For those keeping up with Immersion's many legal battles over their patented rumble technology being used in console controllers, the company has finally settled with Microsoft...again. You see, Microsoft used Immersion's rumble in their 360 controllers without paying. Immersion sued, and Microsoft paid up. But then …
Remember when it was cool to joke about how the vibrating Wii remote looked, felt and behaved pretty much like a vibrator? No? Well, too bad, because it turns out that the two were more similar than the light-hearted humor suggested. In fact, both tools of pleasure employ technology built from a patent from the same…
If a Palluxo.com source is to be believed, Apple is currently in talks with Immersion Corp. regarding haptic technology implementation for the iPhone. Immersion Corp. solutions have been implemented in Samsung handsets in the past and it now looks like Apple want in on the action. The conjecture gathers weight thanks…
The Samsung Soul tries, and largely succeeds at making a touchscreen 5 way navpad. Like the Maximus Optimus keyboard, the controller is backlit by an OLED screen (this one is a two color deal) that changes icons depending on the context:
According to Shacknews, the latest PS3 software update, v1.94, will add support for the upcoming DualShock3 rumble controller. The update will also include Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, the first PS3 game to take advantage of DualShock3. Apparently the rumble feature can be toggled by pressing the PS…
We asked you yesterday whether you were happy or annoyed that rumble is back on the DualShock 3 for the PS3, but this new revelation may change your answer. GameDaily BIZ confirmed with SCEA that the rumble technology in the DualShock 3 is exactly the same as the on in the DualShock 2, and doesn't take advantage of…
These Powerpoint presentation slides unearthed by Rumor Reporter shine new light onto a possible suit on Nintendo by Immersion. Immersion, if you don't remember, is the same company that recently won their suit with Sony for millions of dollars (and settled with Microsoft earlier) regarding vibration in controllers.…
The technology that makes phones like the LG Prada wiggle is now coming to Nokia phones. A new partnership with developer Immersion opens the doors for Nokia phones to get tactile feedback from touchscreen interfaces using VibeTonz software, so typing on the virtual keyboard feels more like using the real thing.
This could just be a case of a mistaken developer, but Cory Barlog, a guy working on the PS3 version of God of War 3, has said there will be SIXAXIS and vibration support in the upcoming game. Wait, vibration support? Through the "standard" SIXAXIS controller? Does this mean that Sony's recent settlement with Immersion
Sony and Immersion have settled their long-faught lawsuit regarding the rumble technology Sony uses in its controllers. The deal reached between Sony and Immersion would open a door allowing Sony to add this technology to the Sixaxis controllers for the PS3. Immersion's CEO has already stated that a technical proposal…
Immersion is developing a type of touchscreen that will closely emulate real, mechanical buttons. So sum it up in a nutshell, you push on the touchscreen and it will push back with a small tap, throw a fancy click noise into the mix and it is practically like a real button. The system, called VibeTonz, can help all…
The PS3 won't have vibrating controllers because the plastic they're made of is cheap and flimsy, says Immersion, maker of vibrating controllers. These sound like harsh words until you consider that they guy who said them, Immersion CEO Victor Viegas, has successfully sued Sony for infringing on their vibrating…
Touchscreens just got a boost with Immersion's latest "Tactile Touchscreen" technology, the TouchSense. Now, instead of merely using the touch screen as a keyboard and mouse replacement, you can literally "feel" the interface as you interact. With embedded haptic actuators into the screen, buttons, scroll bars, and…
