Multi-Touch Macbook
Patent filings usually aren’t that big a deal, but when Apple steps up to the plate with goofy and innovative designs people generally pay attention.
The latest filing for Apple to become public is the “Wide touchpad on a portable computer” (It’s a continuation of an earlier patent filed in early 2004). Much like the iPhone, touchpad computing might just be around the corner for your next MacBook.
Special sensors will determine the positioning of the hands and fingers relative to the touchpad and software will figure out your intentions:
- Whether you are just typing and the touchpad should be disabled,
- Are you using a finger to move the cursor and other fingers are just accidentally resting on a touchpad
- Are you trying to manipulate objects on the screen with several fingers and Multi-Touch should be enabled
- Etc;
With the success of the iPhone touch screen keyboard this might be a great advancement in the way we use our computers. Imagine being able to switch keyboard layouts on the fly, or the ability to switch to software keyboard shortcuts right on the display. Only time will tell.
Frank's the editor in chief of tech.nocr.at. He can be found surfing the internet and playing with gadgets. Follow him on twitter @franklinhares
