# Everyday Object Touchscreens The Metaio Thermal Touch Turns Everyday Objects into Touch Screens By Michael Baxter | Published 2014-05-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metaio-thermal-touch References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2014/05/23/metaio-thermal-touch-sensor-tech/) & [augmentedblog.wordpress](http://augmentedblog.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/metaio-unveils-thermal-imaging-rd-for-future-use-in-wearable-augmented-reality-headsets/) The Metaio Thermal Touch is bringing the future to your fingertips, literally. What the Thermal Touch does is it gives users the ability to give [tactile response](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trackpad) to everyday objects, literally creating a touch screen out of thin air. It does this by reading the thermal signature left by a person's finger or hand whenever they touch an object. The future is now. As cliche as this may sound to some, it seems like the future has been now for a couple of years and the accelerated growth of technology is only speeding up. The Metaio Thermal Touch has the potential to be a bridge from the way we understand the world now to a completely connected world. Currently the way it's being done is with a tablet and a camera, but the hope is that it will soon be bundled with a device like [Google Glass](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-glasses). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Everyday Object Touchscreens:** The Metaio Thermal Touch turns everyday objects into touch screens. - **Tactile Response Technology:** Tactile response technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with the physical world. - **Augmented Reality Interfaces:** Augmented Reality interfaces are being enhanced by the development of tactile feedback technology. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics manufacturers should explore integrating tactile feedback technology into their devices for a more immersive user experience. - **Automotive:** Automotive companies can harness the power of tactile feedback technology to create safer, more intuitive interfaces for drivers. - **Retail:** Retailers can capitalize on the trend of everyday object touchscreens by incorporating the technology into their stores as a way to engage and inform customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Thermal-Enabled Hand Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fingertrak.md) - [Gesture-Controlled Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spatial-touch.md) - [Human-Computer Interaction Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-at-meta.md) - [Innovative Aerohaptic System](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerohaptic.md) - [Touch-Free Screen Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchnetix.md) - [Touchless Interaction Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phantomy-software.md) - [Tactile Bare-Hands Metaverse Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emerge.md) - [Fingertip Haptic Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voxelite.md) - [Thermal-Image Smartphone Add-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flir-one-edge-pro.md)