# Oiled-Up iPad Cases The Phorm iPad Mini Case Includes a Futuristic Oil-Based Keyboard By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-02-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phorm References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/phorm-ipad-mini-typing/36057/) & [getphorm](http://www.getphorm.com/) Phorm is a straight-up awesome iPad Mini case that is equipped with futuristic oil-based touchscreen typing technology. When you want to type, all you have to do is move a slider located on the rear of the case. This causes an optically clear oil to be pumped through micro-fluidic channels in the screen, causing buttons to pop out of the surface of the screen. These buttons even give a little when touched, offering physical feedback to users. Once you're done typing, simply move the slider back. This causes the oil to be withdrawn and the buttons to disappear. The Phorm can be pre-ordered for just $99, a $50 saving on the eventual retail price. Versions compatible with the iPhone 6 Plus and iPad Air are also in the works. Fascinating, convenient and highly functional, Phorm is truly a next-generation invention. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Oil-based Touchscreen Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing thin and responsive oil-based touchscreen technology for more efficient typing and user interaction. - **Micro-fluidic Channel Integration:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating micro-fluidic channels into hardware and electronic devices to provide better and more advanced user experiences. - **Dynamic Haptic Feedback:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing haptic feedback that dynamically adjusts to user needs and preferences, enhancing the convenience and functionality of electronic devices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing oil-based touchscreen technology in various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to provide more efficient typing and user interaction. - **Hardware Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating micro-fluidic channels and advanced haptic feedback into the design of hardware and electronic devices to enhance user experiences and create new usage possibilities. - **Smartphone and Tablet Cases:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing more functional and innovative cases for electronic devices that not only provide protection but also enhance usability and convenience through the use of advanced technology such as oil-based typing technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Aftermarket Smartphone Keyboard Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qwerty-keyboard-iphone-case.md) - [Shapeshifting Tablet Workstation Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moft-dynamic-folio.md) - [Productive Laptop-Like Tablet Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-combo-touch.md) - [Productivity-Focused Tablet Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/type-folio-case.md) - [Malleable Magnetic Tablet Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnetic-keyboard-case.md) - [Flexible Professional Tablet Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-flip-folio.md) - [Ergonomic Tablet Keyboard Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brydge-105-series-ii.md) - [AI-Powered Smartphone Laptop Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-amber-case.md) - [Backlit Tablet Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/typecase-edge-pro.md)