Could be that we'll be seeing touch-screens on more than just iPhones

Mar 9, 2007 12:04 GMT  ·  By

A week ago, rumors about multi-touch displays in all Apple lines of products have been circulating the web. Steven Johnson, the author of 'Everything Bad is Good For You' and 'Emergence' had a bold theory about how Apple will keep the symmetry in their line of products and align all its hardware to the forthcoming iPhone by introducing touch-screen technology for their products, including the iMac.

There are some aspects feeding this rumor. Voices have spoken for quite some time now of a complete make-over on all Apple hardware. Also, the "ProTools Killer" was heard of. It's said there will be no Logic 8, but a tool integrated with Leopard that will work with touch-sensitive displays. Totally Rumorsville, if you asked me.

Well, looks like now we've got a sort of confirmation of such intentions on Cupertino's behalf. Apple is reported to have recently posted a job offer for "Senior Panel Process Engineer". The announcement said they were looking for a professional to "lead the engineering activities to develop the new process and design for the multi-touch panel used in Apple products."

The chosen candidate will take charge of the multi-touch panels project, from planning to production. The company asks for an experienced professional with a proven track record in planning and developing the thin film process or one that has worked on the front-end process in flat panel industry. "Experiences in developing and manufacturing high volume display products are preferred," said the job posting.

Multi-touch displays will be used on Apple's upcoming cell phone, the iPhone, but rumors speak of touch-sensitive displays for the next generation video iPod, and even for Apple's line of computers and portables.