14 DAY TRIAL // Ongoing research by Apple as far as multitouch tech goes has been the number one topic lately. Complete with rumors that MacBook and MacBook Pros might also be getting smarter trackpads, every mac-based website (and not only) is reporting Apple's latest patent application revealing techniques for both palm and finger contact recognition, using a platform similar to Fingerworks' input devices.
As macrumors.com also notes, yet another patent application in the multitouch field should come as no surprise to those who have been reading Apple news lately, let alone those aware of the company's acquisition of Fingerworks a few years ago.
However, it was PCJoint.com who stumbled upon the Apple Multi-Touch 2.0, described in a new patent application up on USPTO site. Here's a bunch of feature highlights on behalf of the respective source:
"- Need to move a cursor across the screen? Just slide your finger and it goes.
- Want to enter text? Just start typing and the text is there. You even get the touch feedback as if really pressing the keys.
- Need to erase some text? Use the backspace or just slide the finger backwards
- Have to write or draw something? Just pretend you hold a stylus or pen in your hand and start writing/drawing.
- If that is still not good enough, pick up the real stylus and start writing with it.
- All these cool touch gestures that Apple has implemented in iPhone and is exploring further? You know, scrolling, zooming, rotating & moving objects, etc; They are here too
- 3D object manipulation? Select a few 3D objects on the screen and use all 5 fingers on both hands to play with them.
- Want to take a break to relax and afraid to put your hands on the touch surface? Don't worry Multi-touch 2.0 thingie knows that and does not pay attention to your resting palms or fingers."
Apple themselves describe the new tech saying that "identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions" will enable users to experience "unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device."
