14 DAY TRIAL // "In what could be the biggest innovation since the computer mouse... Apple is planning a giant leap forward with the introduction of the simple yet revolutionary idea of user programmable 'Mini-touch finger LCD's.'" New Tech Spy reports.
While this report does present itself as a statement of fact, it is, currently, nothing more than a rumor. As for how revolutionary this technology is, it has been around for some time and there have been other products to incorporate it. However, if Apple does introduce the touch LCD function keys as described in the report, it will be the first time the technology is incorporated in everyday devices, so far having been restricted to expensive peripheral devices such as keyboards.
For those unfamiliar with the technology, the tiny LCD displays act as touch sensitive keys, and, because they are LCDs the image that is displayed on them can change depending on the preferences of the user and the program that is being used. These keys can perform any function from checking the mail, taking a screenshot or switching active applications.
The Optimus Keyboard for example, which had LCD keys for every key on the keyboard could adapt the letters displayed on each individual key depending on the keyboard setup used, and for applications and games it could display custom symbols.