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Synaptics Dual Mode Touchpad adds media controls

synaptics dual mode touchpadThe humble touchpad, that workhorse of laptop navigation, is about to get a makeover. Synaptics has unveiled what it calls a Dual Mode touchpad, designed specifically to work with media PCs. In normal mode it works just like any other touchpad, but flick a switch, and the pad is illuminated with a series of blue LEDs indicating media functions, which can be accessed with a tap. These include a volume control, fast forward and rewind controls, and application launchers. While this seems like it could be useful, it looks like customization options are relatively limited (we'd like to swap out some of those icons and apps), and you apparently have to toggle back to cursor mode for standard navigation. However, as practically the first attempt in years to do anything new with a touchpad, it definitely looks like a step in the right direction (and after all, it does have blue LEDs). The Dual Mode touchpad is currently available on the Medion MD96500 laptop, now shipping in Europe.

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