“In a new patent filing revealed this week, Apple has again disclosed plans for a multi-touch surface that could accommodate two full hands and distinguish between palms and individual fingers for typing, gestures and more,” Neil Hughes reports for AppleInsider.
“The application, filed by Morrison and Foerster LLP in Los Angeles in June 2009 on behalf of Apple, expands on information first revealed by AppleInsider in early 2008,” Hughes reports. “The massive document details a hand-based system that would allow ‘unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.'”
Hughes reports, “The document notes that input with a stylus, mouse, keyboard and voice recognition are all options that work well in specific circumstances, but are not dynamic enough to address the many needs of users. But, it states, many of those needs can be met with touch-sensitive technology that can recognize a number of hand configurations.”
Full article here.
I want one whatever it’s going to be
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@Lava_Head
Yep, we all want to get our hands on one. More specifically, we want to get both of our hands on one.
@Priused
And our wrists!
You certainly have to hand it to Apple. And give the finger to Micro$oft.
I don’t see any way this device is simply a larger iPhone/iPod touch. To do so would severely limit the potential of the device. I’m hoping it is a full-fledged Mac, complete with interfaces so you can run any software you currently own.
If it’s going to be announced in January 2010 and available in April, I may need to just get a MacBook Air until then. The old, reliable PB G4 12″ is driving me nuts with its slowness.
Not to mention Palm. I hope they knuckle under. Otherwise Steve might bring out the thumbscrews and nail them.
but does it work with feet and toes? I’d like to buy a second device just for my feet use.
With porn apps on iTunes now…all body parts are allowed.
just my $0.02
Ray
are you saying it might be addicting….?
Not so much a tablet, but the new Mac Book with no keyboard. Replace it with the new interface and the whole (or most of) the lower face of the mbook is the input, whether being used as a keyboard or mouse or image manipulation.
People thinking tablet/netbook are limiting themselves too much to past technology
Shocking, that is my idea! I was working on the idea that a touchscreen input system would adapt to a person’s hand size and shape. This is what makes it so neat. Right now we have keyboards that are called ergonomic but are hardly very ergonomic, as you have to adjust them, and then lock them in-place. With a multitouch screen input system, you can use the screen to dynamically track your digits, and place the keys in the right place, base upon your hand shape and position. That’s truly ergonomic.
How about putting our elbows to work? They just seem to hang around, mooching off of our arms. Lazy-ass bastards.
You place all ten fingers on the touch screen to bring up the keyboard. It remembers where you pressed and places a stretchable QWERTY virtual keyboard next to where your fingers are, centred on the middle row of the keyboard and space bar. This way you don’t need to look at your fingers to begin typing.
I got a feeling this mac tablet (or whatever its going to be) isnt going to be “just a big iPhone” or a “netbook killer” I think its going to be a whole new way of using a hand-held device, a whole new way to cruise the net… a whole new way of computing. PLUS it will solve the newspapers/magazine declining subscription problems across the country… APPLE FTW!!! (again)
Two hands on screen can really only mean that the screen size is 13-15 inch size.
Yeah there will also be a 10 inch media pad… but also touch screen MacBooks
So this device calls for an easy integration with Palms. I hope it isn’t Pre-announced!
I want it to read my lips and facial expressions.
NO MEDIA PADS, just mac touch (or whatever it is going to be called).
apple does things incrementally. The first iTablet may be a big iTouch – easy integration with app store, easy to bring developers along. next step will be a more standalone prduuct
“PLUS it will solve the newspapers/magazine declining subscription problems”
Sure, but will it solve the crossword puzzle?
I recall reading the other day about something similar to this that Microsoft was working on. I’m guessing though from this though that Apple is going to have dibs on the patent. LOL!
OMG has no one seen the iPhone emulator in OSS dev tools? MacTab will be full snow leopard with iPhone emulation for apps.
Or just a revolutionnary way to replace key-board AND tablets by a new concept of workflow adaptive device!!!!!
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Yesssss!
JKPinPDX – I think you are right, at least for what I would want. If it does not really revolutionize the way we use a smaller device, then all I really want is a really smaller (12″) MacBook. For me, it must be able to run the present programs I depend on while traveling.