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Synaptics 'Fuse' Brings the Squeeze to Cell Phone Navigation

by Caleb Johnson on December 15, 2009 at 04:01 PM

If we have one major complaint about touchscreen phones, it's that using them requires your eyes to be glued to the screen. Sure, they can run circles around those old, keypad phones. But there are times when we'd like to send a text or find a number without gazing at our phone.

Hearing our pleas, Synaptics might have remedied this problem with the new concept device it debuted Monday. According to Engadget, the "Fuse" feeds back as the user drags his or her finger across the screen -- orienting the user much like a raised button would. So ideally, you'll always know where your finger's located, no matter where your eyes are focused. There are a ton of other fancy features, too. Like sensors that respond to pressure, tilt capabilities, a track pad on the back, and a next-generation touchscreen. (Check out the video after the break to see it all in action.)

There's no reason a feedback feature shouldn't one day become commonplace on all touchscreen cell phones. Unfortunately for Synaptics, the "Fuse" might kick-start this revolution only to see other companies (Apple -- cough, cough) refine and capitalize on it. Either way, we have a lot to look forward to. [From: Engadget]

Tags: cellphone, smartphone, synaptics, top, touchscreen

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