Mitsumi haptic input device could enable one-handed mobile operation

If you're frustrated with how difficult it is to control your touchscreen-based mobile with just one hand, Mitsumi clearly feels your pain. At a recent presentation, the outfit highlighted a new haptic input device that would ideally be situated on the rear of a handset / PMP and enable users to activate applications without having to use another hand to do so. The device consists of "a sheet with small protrusions, a resistance sensitive touch pad and switches," and while the prototype was a tad unsightly, the firm is hoping to reduce the thickness before taking it commercial. Yeah, we're patiently waiting for mind control, but we suppose this would do in the meantime.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

[eggothewaffle @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:48PM]

But can it play...Dune?

[mushrooshi @ Feb 23rd 2008 4:59PM]

wtf?!?!?

[eggothewaffle @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:03PM]

He who controls the haptic input, controls the universe! ':3

[Saad Rabia @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:01PM]

Why all these complications!! :S

Why don't they add a thin touch track pad on the same side of a phone where your fingers meet? Just like the one on the iPod and the Zune 2, but thinner and on the side!

Seriously, having a back touch pad means more pain, also means that whenever I click or use the back side, my mobile is going to fall down, so I will need to use my other hand again!

[Clinton @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:03PM]

"one-handed mobile operation"... from the pics. it looks like they're using two hands.

[Dan @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:17PM]

Um....I can already control my Sprint Mogul with one hand....
How is this going to help me?

[wickedpheonix @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:35PM]

I can already control my iPhone very well with just 1 hand... you see, they actually had UI designers on the iPhone project who took that into consideration ;) Dunno about other phones though....

[Argot @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:43PM]

Can you cut n' paste on it?

[iKrolm @ Feb 23rd 2008 8:05PM]

can you cut and paste on your phone?
(i don't see how that is relevant...)

[pismodude @ Feb 23rd 2008 9:39PM]

wowee, my iphone does this fabled "one-handed operation" as well!

[Jordan @ Feb 24th 2008 1:44PM]

I cut because I'm emo.

[Byzil Mystwing @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:36PM]

I very honestly just don't get it. Same confusion I had with that wrist-flick controlled device too.. I can operate my iphone just fine with one hand, just using my thumb, and I'm sure I could do the same thing on any other touch device of a similar size. Why do people seem to have so much trouble doing this?

[MadCow234 @ Feb 24th 2008 3:00AM]

I agree completely, I can also control my iPhone with my thumb. But, before this I had an HTC 8525 which basically did not work with fingers at all, if I wanted any kind of accuracy, I had to use the sylus. Obviously impossible to do with one hand. Since it was a pressure touch system and Windows Mobile is setup with skinny horizontal lines instead of the square icons on the iPhone, I would constantly be hitting the wrong line if I tried to use my thumb.

[Brendan Sheehan @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:46PM]

Shit.. I have two hands. Looks like I'm out of luck.

[rgreen83 @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:53PM]

Not being able to use my phone one handed is the only reason i didnt get an iphone, i doubt any way they come up with is going to be as good as buttons you can feel without even looking at them.

[zham61 @ Feb 23rd 2008 5:57PM]

Mind control! Now that's what I'm talking about. I'll get excited when my phone surprises me with a delivered pizza, and pays for it too.

[Ricardo @ Feb 23rd 2008 6:32PM]

If I had a phone as big as the one in the picture I would also worry about being able to control it with one hand, or even two hands...

[Steveorevo @ Feb 23rd 2008 6:35PM]

Its called a thumb and most humans have one built in. You hold the phone, iphone, etc. in the palm of you hand and fingers and use your thumb to depress buttons.

If your one of the unfortunate beings to a have a short thumb, you may want to check into you ancestry...

[justin @ Feb 23rd 2008 6:42PM]

seriously?

[bob @ Feb 23rd 2008 9:34PM]

Its all about putting a joystick where you put your thumb usually lies. Why this uselessosity is beyond me.

[boolean22 @ Feb 23rd 2008 11:43PM]

Been using my MING for months w/o stylus and one handed... only two handed for fast typing, but nonetheless one handed to do anything else.

And THAT is a tiny screen and tiny icons to put yer thumb in.
I've even managed to use the scrollbars with the tip of my thumb, also one handed. So it ain't big deal.