3D Touch Interfaces to Hit Smartphones Soon?
2D touch screens are so 2009!
Product Trends watcher Metatrend thinks it's time for smartphones (and by extension, other portables) to go 3D. Why limit touch interaction to the display, when it's possible to literally bring a new dimension to multi-touch?
Metatrend's proposed solution involves turning the bottom of a gadget into a touch-sensitive pad, opposite the screen. By allowing users to work interfaces by sliding their thumbs and forefingers across both surfaces, the "Stereoscopic Touch Control" (STC) system opens up some interesting possibilities.
The "3D Touch Control Dial" concept app best illustrates the potential. As the user slides their fingers—in a motion that intuitively mimics turning an actual dial sideways, the interface scrolls through a list appropriately. Add a 3rd dimension to the functionality, and you get "3D Touch Control Cube", which makes it possible to rotate virtual objects along two axes.
For productivity applications, STC can add to interface functionality without using up screen real estate. In a proposed copy & paste solution, the user selects text by dragging across the screen, then can choose how to manipulate the selection through the rear touch pad.
While Metatrend is keen to share details about its proposed STC concept, no availability was forthcoming. concept-phones.com claims that we could see this kind of technology hit the market in the "near future", but only time will tell. Stay tuned!
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Ha-todays touchscreen phones can barely, but barely, hit one day full use before their battery is done; just imagine with 3D display they will manage to achieve the very impressive battery life of five...seconds
Seems to be just another variation in an attempt to generate revenue.
I disagree with kobbra and JohnnyLucky. Well..moreso JohnnyLucky. Yeah we'd need MUCH better batteries for this. But I think it could be a really cool thing for smartphones.
Yes, hit the patents early and file the lawsuits early.
So if I'm sliding my fingers on BOTH sides of the device, what do I use to actually GRIP the thing so I don't drop it?
And two-handed use is SO last century
I think we're trying to run here before we can fully walk...
... maybe it's just me, but I'd really like to have an old monochrome screen with simple calling, voice mail access, texting, and a battery capable of lasting 2 weeks.
I've never really understood the mentality in paying $200 for phone and another $50-$100+ a month for a plan.
New, smudging in 3D!
I thought Apple already patented this technology. And I'm not making a silly joke, I seriously thought I read something about them patenting it.
All this 3D crap is getting old. Please quit trying to market gimmicks. I saw a story on the news today saying 3D movies are going to cost $20 to watch from now on. 3D movies never cost more before all this hype was built up around them and now all of the sudden BAM!!!!, double the price.
wow this 3D crap is spreading faster than a virus
Its not 3d as in wearing 3d glasses... Read the article before you talk shit.
2D+2D=3D
I have a 3d touch interface all ready on my pc, it's called a keyboard...
... maybe it's just me, but I'd really like to have an old monochrome screen with simple calling, voice mail access, texting, and a battery capable of lasting 2 weeks.I've never really understood the mentality in paying $200 for phone and another $50-$100+ a month for a plan.
I agree with you to a point. Its different if you have a smart phone. Internet access everywhere is something that once you experience, its hard to imagine living without it. Outside of that though, calling / texting is all you need.
Ha-todays touchscreen phones can barely, but barely, hit one day full use before their battery is done; just imagine with 3D display they will manage to achieve the very impressive battery life of five...seconds
Actually, I haven't charged my Nokia 5800 since Tuesday.
Also, I would rather not accidentally start an application or call an ex just because I'm holding my phone on my palm.
C'mon. 3D on phones is a little much do you think?
I fail to see how is this 3-dimensional...
It's cool... but i won't go all the way and call it 3D...
it's 2D on the front and 2D on the back...
All the examples they gave can be done just fine on a normal touch screen.