Microsoft's response to Apple's innovative multi-touch and built-in accelerometers is a unique force-sensing technology that enables gestures to twist on-screen imagery. Users can flip a page in a document or switch between applications by applying force to their portable device.
The motivation behind this research is the increasing demand for devices having larger screens with fewer physical buttons. The design has four sensors that are embedded into the casing, such that the device itself does not have to be made out of flexible material.
James Scott, Lorna Brown and Mike Molloy have been developing this technology at Microsoft's Cambridge lab.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Force-sensing Technology for Portable Devices
- The technology opens up new possibilities for gesture-based controls and new applications on portable devices.
- Innovative Input Methods for Portable Devices
- Research and development on new ways to interact with portable devices will continue to create new and improved gadgets.
- Competition in Portable Device Technologies
- The development of new and innovative technologies will continue to increase competition among companies producing portable devices.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Consumer Electronics
- The force-sensing technology creates new opportunities for companies creating portable devices such as tablets and smartphones.
- Computing Technology
- The technology creates opportunities for the development of new software and hardware for portable devices.
- Research and Development
- The development of new input methods for portable devices will require ongoing research and development in the technology industry.
