Engadget

Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype (video)

Sharif Sakr — Thu, 31 May 2012 08:22:00 EST

See-through displays may or may not be making a comeback, but NTT DoCoMo is at least trying to give them a different spin. Working with Fujitsu, it's added a Vita-style extra touch panel to the rear of the screen, which works with the transparency to let the user navigate Android without ever obscuring the UI with their fingers. It also allows new types of interaction based on "gripping" objects -- holding down a finger at the back to modify the effect of a swipe on the front. The prototype was actually announced a little while back, but DigInfo has a video (embedded after the break) that shows how it works in practice -- just don't expect to be enjoying Netflix on that washed-out QVGA display anytime soon.

Continue reading Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype (video)

Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super High Aperture: it's why the new iPad's Retina display is so dense

Darren Murph — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:43:00 EST

Super High Aperture. Heard of it? Probably not, but thanks to Apple, you'll probably long for days when you didn't in just a few months. According to an in-depth look from the folks at DisplaySearch, the aforesaid technique is the primary reason that Apple was able to shove 2,048 x 1,536 pixels into the 9.7-inch panel on the new iPad. Not surprisingly, it wasn't Apple that conjured up the magic; instead, it was crafted by engineers at Sharp and JSR (a display materials maker from Japan), but it'll be the iPad that makes an otherwise geeky achievement something that the mainstream covets. According to the science behind it, SHA is "a method of increasing aperture ratio by applying approximately a 3 [micrometer] thick photo-definable acrylic resin layer to planarize the device and increase the vertical gap between the [indium tin oxide] pixel electrodes and signal lines." Reportedly, there are also "at least twice as many" LEDs in the panel compared to that on the iPad 2, further suggesting that there's way more battery within the new guy than the last. Technophiles need only dig into the links below to find plenty more where this came from.

Super High Aperture: it's why the new iPad's Retina display is so dense originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SMK's touchscreen registers your gloved swipes, won't acknowledge the bad touch

Joseph Volpe — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:52:00 EST

Somewhere in an underground ice lair, Jack Frost's prepping to nip at noses and keep covered hands from touch devices. But SMK Corp's got a capacitive solution set to thwart old man winter's digitus interruptus. On display at this year's FPD International in Japan, the company's touchscreen innovation incorporates a specialized chip capable of highly-sensitive pressure detection that works in conjunction with a noise-filtering sensor to make your gloved gestures readable. It's good news for those of us subject to occasional bouts of frostbitten weather, but don't clap just yet -- these panels will initially be headed to in-car navigation systems. Still, with the displays workable on screens up to 8-inches in size, it's possible we could be seeing this tech extend to smartphones in the near future. So, there's a remedy out there folks, but while you wait for it, it's best to keep those glittens close at hand.

SMK's touchscreen registers your gloved swipes, won't acknowledge the bad touch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perceptive Pixel shows world's largest projected capacitive display at SIGGRAPH, we go hands-on (video)

Darren Murph — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:06:00 EST

Perceptive Pixel wasn't kidding around when it launched the planet's biggest projected capacitive display here at SIGGRAPH -- all 82 inches of it were here on display, and naturally, we stopped by to give it a look. While 82-inch panels aren't anything new, this one's particularly special. You see, the company actually procures the panels from Samsung, and then it rips the guts out while bonding its own network of sensors directly to it; most large-screen touch devices simply pop a touch layer on top of whatever TV shows up in the labs, but this integrated approach takes sensitivity to a whole 'nother level. For those unfamiliar with the term 'projected capacitive,' we're surmising that it's actually far less foreign than you think -- it's a technology used in a handful of smartphones, from Samsung's Moment to Apple's iPhone. 3M was also showing off a PC tech preview back at CES, and after using it here on the show floor, there's no question that it's the future for larger-screen devices. To quote CEO Jeff Han: "once consumers get a taste of this on the mobile front, they start demanding it elsewhere."

Gallery: Perceptive Pixel shows world's largest projected capacitive display at SIGGRAPH

Continue reading Perceptive Pixel shows world's largest projected capacitive display at SIGGRAPH, we go hands-on (video)

Perceptive Pixel shows world's largest projected capacitive display at SIGGRAPH, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Habey USA's 12-inch panel PC brings that rugged look to your home

Sharif Sakr — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:19:00 EST

It's a shame this steel-encased touchscreen PC from Habey USA arrived too late for our violent outburst on the Engadget Show, but at least it has some broadly agreeable specs. The PPC-6512 can reel off 1080p vids on its 12-inch screen while consuming just 30W thanks to its 1.8GHz Atom D525 and NVIDIA Ion GT218 combo. An empty 2.5-inch removable HDD tray and eSATA port give it potential as a networked storage hub, and an old-school serial port lets it handle home automation controls too. It could also be used as a comms or security terminal, as there's a 1.3MP webcam on board, vesa mounting holes and four USB 2.0 ports. Heck, we'd buy three and rig our whole house up -- were it not for the $800 price tag, the apparently limited availability on Habey USA's underloved Amazon page, and the fact that we like our terminals to show a bit of emotion. Full specs in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Habey USA's 12-inch panel PC brings that rugged look to your home

Habey USA's 12-inch panel PC brings that rugged look to your home originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New silver-packing transparent conductive film could mean more durable touchscreens

Christopher Trout — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:56:00 EST

We first heard of the wonders of silver ink back in 2009, but it wasn't until earlier this year, with talk of 3M's new capacitive touchscreens, that we experienced its real-world potential for display technology. Well, it looks like 3M's not the only name in the Ag game, in fact Tokyo-based Toray Industries recently announced the development of a transparent conductive film that ditches the traditional ITO (indium tin oxide) for silver wire. In order to produce this new material, a layer of Ag wires, measuring several hundred nanometers, is applied to a polyester (PET) film by way of a wet method. The result, the company said, is a more flexible, durable, and transparent film that is well suited to touchscreens of just about any size. There's no word yet on when the film will appear on real-deal devices, but we'll definitely keep an eye out for the silver screens. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading New silver-packing transparent conductive film could mean more durable touchscreens

New silver-packing transparent conductive film could mean more durable touchscreens originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget the white iPhone 4, white iPhone 5 rumors begin!

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:49:00 EST

It's the perfect rumor: the officially delayed and frequently tattled white iPhone 4 has reemerged as the white iPhone 5 riding a horned stallion through virgin rumor fields. According to the Economic Daily News, the previously unheard of white iPhone 5 will feature a touch panel supplied exclusively by Wintek. If true, then the white iPhone 4, officially scheduled for a spring 2011 launch, should be available just prior to the launch of the next generation white iPhone 5, anticipated for a summer launch in keeping with Apple's typical launch cycle. Not exactly ideal, but hey, it's only the first of many related rumors to come.

P.S. Here's a link to an Apple-free Engadget in anticipation of your needs.

Forget the white iPhone 4, white iPhone 5 rumors begin! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple creating touch panel shortages for tablet competition?

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:55:00 EST

Things tend to get messy for the competition when Apple decides to direct its vast cash reserves on "very strategic" components. Especially when Cupertino starts waving around stacks of dough in the range of $3.9 billion to $7.8 billion. For reference, just look at what Apple did to NAND supplies as the flash-based iPod rose to dominance. Today DigiTimes is reporting that Apple is occupying close to 60 percent of the global touch panel production capacity from the likes of Wintek and TPK resulting in "tight supply" for the competition. The impact on consumers, according DigiTimes' sources at upstream component makers, is that tablet PC makers are unable to ship enough product to match orders due to component shortages. The issue is especially troublesome for second-tier tablet hopefuls who must compete with the likes of HP, RIM, Motorola, HTC, Samsung, LG, Dell (everyone but Sony) for the scraps. As a result, Apple should be able to more easily meet iPad demand in 2011, according to DigiTimes, while its competitors struggle to keep up.

Apple creating touch panel shortages for tablet competition? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IDT transmit touch information over DisplayPort's auxiliary channel

Darren Murph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:23:00 EST

Still wondering if the future of display linkage really lies in DisplayPort? Hard to say for sure, but IDT's definitely making a good case for it with its latest demonstration. Integrated Device Technology has seemingly figured out how to shuffle touch information through DisplayPort's existing auxiliary channel, which simplifies and lowers the cost of integrating touch technology into tablets, laptops, AIO PCs, monitors, etc. It's being hailed as the world's first usage of the DisplayPort AUX channel to carry touch screen data, and if the prototype proves solid, it'll allow laptop manufacturers to eliminate USB interface communication from host to panel and reduce the number of wires that must pass through the display's hinge. And you know what that means -- slimmer, more flexible designs. IDT's not barking about a release date for its latest trick, but we're guessing it'll have display makers begging for access in no time flat.

Continue reading IDT transmit touch information over DisplayPort's auxiliary channel

IDT transmit touch information over DisplayPort's auxiliary channel originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Centrafuse leads to iPhone control via touchscreen, carputer dreams come to life (video)

Darren Murph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:55:00 EST

We've seen countless individuals integrate their phone, PMP or tablet into their whip, but for years, we've all been thinking the same thing: "There has to be an easier way." Turns out, there is. One Mr. Romin has seemingly unearthed the solution, which involves a Lilliput FA1042 touchpanel, a Belkin AV dock adapter cable and a critical piece of software by the name of Centrafuse. Working in conjunction, he has enabled his monitor to actually control the iPhone, and when firing up a YouTube video, the content plays back on the big screen while the controls remain visible on the handset. It's a nifty setup, for sure, and we're downright excited to see this rig get installed in a vehicle far too small for American roads in a fortnight or so. For now, catch it working in action just past the break.

Continue reading Centrafuse leads to iPhone control via touchscreen, carputer dreams come to life (video)

Centrafuse leads to iPhone control via touchscreen, carputer dreams come to life (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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18-screen digital paint wall supports touch, iPad doodling (video)

Darren Murph — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 01:12:00 EST

Look, we all love finger painting. It's an American tradition, after all. But just like nap time, it somehow vanishes into oblivion once adulthood creeps into play. But a sect of kids at the University of Illinois at Chicago aren't about to enter the so-called "real world" without a few more flicks. Researchers at the institution have crafted a digital paint wall out of 18 HD screens. Total resolution? 8160 x 2304 pixels. Better still, the wall is touch-enabled, and if you can't get close enough to doodle, there's an iPad app that lets an extra artist add their touch via WiFi. Currently, it can handle 32 touches at once, and those in charge are hoping to make it play nice with multiple tablets in due time. Hit that play button below for a look at what you're missing, Mr. Grown-Up.

[Thanks, Jason]

Continue reading 18-screen digital paint wall supports touch, iPad doodling (video)

18-screen digital paint wall supports touch, iPad doodling (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 01:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Displax Overlay Multitouch turns your LCD or plasma into a touchscreen, demands a pretty penny

Darren Murph — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:35:00 EST

Remember when Displax teased us earlier in the year with a polymer film that could take any conventional LCD, plasma or RPTV and turn it into a touchscreen? Yeah, well now that very technology is shipping to Average Joes and Janes like ~~yourself~~ your good pal Jim. Starting nowish, the outfit's customizable Overlay Multitouch will be heading out to screens ranging from 32- to 103-inches in size in order to add multitouch capabilities to a screen that previously hated even the thought of being groped. Of course, with a starting tag of €1,300 ($1,805), we get the impression that most of the orders (at least initially) will be coming from corporations looking to jazz up their boardrooms. In related news, the company is also debuting a 42-inch Windows 7-based multitouch table that can detect up to four independent touches at once. The Oqtopus uses a specific kind of optical technology that allows bare fingers, styluses and even gloved hands to operate it, but with a starting price of €4,500 ($6,250), we're guessing your own personal Santa is already signaling "no."

Gallery: Displax Oqtopus and Overlay Multitouch

Displax Overlay Multitouch turns your LCD or plasma into a touchscreen, demands a pretty penny originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ review

Donald Melanson — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:59:00 EST

SanDisk's original Sansa Fuze may have had a solid run -- it's been a particular favorite among those looking for a good, inexpensive player that doesn't skimp on features or audio quality -- but there's no question that it was long overdue for an update, and SanDisk recently came through on that front with the completely revised Sansa Fuze+. Boasting a considerably sleeker design, the Fuze+ replaces the Fuze's venerable tactile click wheel with a capacitive touch panel (but not a touchscreen), and it hangs onto many of the features that made the original Fuze stand out, including a microSD card slot, FM radio, and support for a wide range of formats (including FLAC and AAC). Are all the changes for the better? Read on for our full review.

Gallery: SanDisk Sansa Fuze+

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SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renshui rethinks the bathroom faucet

Donald Melanson — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:46:00 EST

True revolutions in faucet designs may be few and far between, but China's Renshui is certainly doing its part to shake things up, and has now introduced yet another faucet sure to amaze and confuse visitors to your humble abode. In addition to breaking with the usual faucet design, this model packs a touch panel that will let you switch between hot and cold water, or dial in the exact temperature you want -- which is, of course, displayed on the faucet itself (it'll even warn you if the water is getting too hot). No word on availability over here, but it did recently win a red dot design award, so the chances of a release may have gotten a bit better.

Renshui rethinks the bathroom faucet originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LinnStrument multitouch music maker gets demoed on video, grasps for investors

Darren Murph — Sun, 16 May 2010 11:17:00 EST

Roger Linn. Ever heard of him? He's only the man behind the modern day drum machine and the original MPC-60, and he's also the man behind the concept you're inevitably peering at above. For now, Roger's calling this beaut the LinnStrument, and there's quite a back story to go along with it. The design began way back in 2006, with the goal being to create a full-on multitouch instrument with the ability to let one's finger dictate volume, timbre, pitch and pressure. No doubt, many have tried to concoct something similar, but Roger's discovery of TouchCo enabled him to create one sans the limitations of imitators. Unfortunately, Amazon quietly scooped up the startup in January of this year (to have this sort of technology available for the Kindle product line), and in turn, shut down TouchCo's involvement with the outside world. Now, Roger's being forced to reveal his unfinished work in hopes of attracting investors or unearthing another company that could mimic this sort of awesomeness en masse. Jump on past the break and mash play to get a better idea of what the world's missing out on, and be sure to tell Jeff Bezos "thanks" the next time you bump into him.

[Thanks, Peter]

Continue reading LinnStrument multitouch music maker gets demoed on video, grasps for investors

LinnStrument multitouch music maker gets demoed on video, grasps for investors originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 May 2010 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peratech's QTC sensor technology headed to your next cellphone

Darren Murph — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:27:00 EST

We've always heard to strike while the iron's hot, and that's exactly what Peratech seems to be doing. Just weeks after we heard that the company's pressure-sensitive touchscreen methodology was being seriously considered by the powers that be, along comes Samsung Electro-mechanics to take 'em up on their offer. For those unaware, Samsung EM provides components to loads of leading phone makers, which could mean that Peratech's pressure sensitive 5-way input device is on its way to your next mobile as we speak. These so-called Navikeys will supposedly provide a greater level of immersion when interacting with phones, and we get the feeling that those aging dome switches are feeling mighty frightened by all this encroachment. The best part? Paratech claims that a "Navikey using QTC from Samsung EM is already being used in a Tier 1 mobile phone," so here's hoping that we find out exactly what phone that is in the near future.

Peratech's QTC sensor technology headed to your next cellphone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Displax film could turn nearly any surface into touchscreen, make your keyboard irate

Darren Murph — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:24:00 EST

Light Blue Optics already blew our minds up with its touchscreen-creating projector, but it looks like Displax will be the one to really turn the touchpanel into a modern day commodity. The Portugal-based company is trumpeting a new polymer film that can be stuck onto or just under glass, plastic or wood in order to transform a vanilla surface into one that responds to touch and airflow. Furthermore, the tech can be overlayed on curved panels, and it also plays nice with opaque and transparent surfaces. As the story goes, an array of nanowires embedded in the film recognizes your digits or pointed breath, and it then passes the information along to a microcontroller and software suite that transforms the inputs into reactions on your system. In its current form, the solution can detect up to 16 touch points on a 50-inch screen, and if all goes well, the first Displax-enabled wares will start shipping this July. Huzzah!

[Thanks, Ben]

Displax film could turn nearly any surface into touchscreen, make your keyboard irate originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech app turns your iPhone into wireless trackpad or keyboard

Darren Murph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:36:00 EST

It ain't the first company to do it, but Logitech's new iPhone app is certainly one of the easiest to get into. Oh, and did we mention that it's completely free to download? Available now in the App Store, Touch Mouse transforms your handset into a wireless trackpad or keyboard, and thanks to its reliance on vanilla WiFi signals, you won't need any proprietary equipment to get it up and running. It's fully compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, and it's obviously a pretty fantastic way to control your HTPC without dragging a full-fledged keyboard / mouse into the living room. Hit the source link for more details, and be sure to let us know how it goes in comments once you give it a roll.

[Thanks, Wulf]

Logitech app turns your iPhone into wireless trackpad or keyboard originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chunghwa Picture Tubes churns out 21.5-inch capacitive touch panel

Darren Murph — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:39:00 EST

Big screen touch panels aren't anything new (or fancy), but a 21.5-inch capacitive touch panel is definitely pushing "drool-worthy" territory. In a presumably dingy corner of some overseas show floor, it looks as if Chunghwa Picture Tubes (or CPT, as the cool kids call it) has one of those very displays out for public viewing. Reportedly, the 21.5-incher has yet to reach mass production, but it's currently shipping 10.1-inch versions to an undisclosed amount of customers. As of now, the big boy is being "validated by clients," which means it'll probably be ready for mass consumption between next year and next century.

Chunghwa Picture Tubes churns out 21.5-inch capacitive touch panel originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC HD2 capacitive stylus just around the bend?

Darren Murph — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST

Ah, ha! Remember that curious patent application that popped up from HTC back in mid-August? You know, the one dealing specifically with a "capacitive stylus?" If UK e-tailer Clove is to be believed, one of those very devices will soon be shipping for the wide-faced HD2, though little else about the product is known. In fact, we're told that "price, specification and availability" are still being confirmed, although a preliminary asking price of £15 ($25) is posted. So, anyone already getting hot and bothered just waiting for this, or what?

HTC HD2 capacitive stylus just around the bend? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iMac and MacBook touchscreens debut, thanks to Troll Touch

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST

Troll Touch -- the fun little company with the unfortunate name -- have announced more of their award-winning analog resistive touch kits for 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs as well as unibody MacBooks. Prices for the iMac kits themselves start at $1099, or you can order new machines with the kits pre-installed starting at $2299. For laptop owners, your touchscreen kits start at $699. Not cheap at all, but you know what the song says: You've got to pay the troll's toll. Delivery slated to begin before December 1, 2009. If you've never seen a video of someone using a touchscreen, you're in for a treat -- we included one after the break. You're welcome.

Continue reading New iMac and MacBook touchscreens debut, thanks to Troll Touch

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

New iMac and MacBook touchscreens debut, thanks to Troll Touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu gifts LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet with multitouch LCD

Darren Murph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:21:00 EST

It's definitely not the first LifeBook to boast a multitouch panel, but given just how popular the original T5010 proved to be, we're pleasantly pleased to see the outfit bless that very convertible tablet with a touchscreen. The new dual digitizer option gives the 13.3-inch machine a whole new purpose in life, as it now supports two-finger touch (for rotating, pinching, zooming, groping, etc.) within Windows 7. Oddly enough, Fujitsu's choosing to ship this with Vista until October 22nd rolls around, so we'd advise you to hold tight for another month and change if at all possible. Everything else about the rig remains mostly the same, though the $1,759 (active digitizer) / $1,859 (dual digitizer) starting tags are actually lower than the MSRP given to the first T5010 in early 2008.

Gallery: Fujitsu gifts LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet with multitouch LCD

Filed under: Laptops

Fujitsu gifts LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet with multitouch LCD originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hard Rock Cafe Vegas Strip gets ginormous interactive Rock Wall

Darren Murph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:46:00 EST

We didn't think too much of Obscura Digital's multi-touch hologram when we spotted it last August, but evidently the company has been working overtime in order to outfit Hard Rock's newest cafe with a monstrous interactive video wall. Hard Rock Cafe Vegas Strip is the chain's second venue in Sin City, but it's far and away the one to hit if you're a self-proclaimed nerd. Aside from having access to a number of Microsoft Surface-based installations, you'll also spend a good bit of time navigating the Rock Wall. The 18- x 4-foot touch wall (video after the break) enables up to six guests to simultaneously surf through the outfit's expansive memorabilia collection, with options to zoom and flick through oodles of images. Obscura claims that it just might be the world's highest resolution interactive display available to the public, with a trio of HD projectors beaming the content from behind the glass. Not like you really needed another excuse to add one more HRC shirt / pin / glass to your collection, but feel free to express your gratitude in comments below.

Read - Hard Rock's press release
Read - Obscura Digital's take

Continue reading Video: Hard Rock Cafe Vegas Strip gets ginormous interactive Rock Wall

Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets

Video: Hard Rock Cafe Vegas Strip gets ginormous interactive Rock Wall originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Touchpanel Laboratories shows off touchscreen with 9-point detection

Donald Melanson — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:34:00 EST

It's not exactly as impressive as a touch panel with unlimited points of input, but this new resistive touch panel with 9-point detection from Touchpanel Laboratories is still a cut above most and, better still, it seems to actually be ready to head into production. Unfortunately, details are otherwise a bit light, but the company does say that they're able to make panels ranging in size from four to 15 inches. Touchpanel Labs didn't stop there, however, and also took the opportunity to show off a touchpanel that can be installed on curved surfaces, as well as a touchpanel-based ordering system specifically designed for use in restaurants, which it intends to install in "bars located around the company."

Filed under: Displays

Touchpanel Laboratories shows off touchscreen with 9-point detection originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 May 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MeridianSooloos produce first jointly developed touchpanel: Control 10

Darren Murph — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:05:00 EST

Given just how zany the past few months have been in the HD world, you probably forgot all about Meridian and Sooloos' little tie-up back in December. Lo and behold, the newly conjoined company has just released its first jointly developed product, the Control 10 touchscreen. The device integrates Meridian's proprietary connectivity with a Sooloos touchscreen in order to create what's called the "most user-friendly media-access solution yet." For those with lots of Meridian equipment, it'll be hard to let this one pass given just how well it'll integrate, and there's also RS-232 for more widespread control. Hop on past the break for the nitty-gritty, but only after you've grown comfortable with the $5,000 asking price.

Continue reading MeridianSooloos produce first jointly developed touchpanel: Control 10

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

MeridianSooloos produce first jointly developed touchpanel: Control 10 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi shows off "3D touch panel" display

Donald Melanson — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:47:00 EST

Bothered by all the touching involved with touchscreens? Then you may want to keep an eye out for Mitsubishi's latest and greatest bit of technology, which promises to detect the distance between a finger and the touch panel to allow for a whole host of new interface options. That's done with the aid of an array of sensors that can also be used to calculate the speed at which the finger is approaching, and allow for a so-called "mouse-over function," which would essentially let your finger control a cursor without actually touching the screen -- something Mitsubishi says would be ideal for devices with small screens. Of course, it is still just in prototype form (currently a 5.7-inch capacitive VGA display), but Mitsubishi says it's based on panels that are already on the market, which should help ease development and reduce costs. Not surprisingly, Mitsubishi also says that "it will first be used for our products," although it naturally didn't say exactly what those product might be.

Filed under: Displays

Mitsubishi shows off "3D touch panel" display originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EETI to purportedly ship 7- and 12-inch capacitive touchscreens this year

Darren Murph — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:39:00 EST

It doesn't take much to make us happy -- in fact, just mention the word "capacitive" and you're already halfway to winning us over. Throw in "multitouch," and you've got us hook, line and sinker. According to an admittedly dodgy DigiTimes report, Taiwan's own EETI is gearing up to ship laptop-grade 7- and 12-inch capacitive touch panels in the the latter half of this year, and if you're to believe it, that's word straight from company president Mei Tsai. EETI has already begun shipping smaller capacitive touch panels, so larger ones for use in netbooks and ultraportables is just a logical extension of the business. Of course, just because these things ship to OEMs doesn't mean we'll see them right away in commercialized products, but we feel pretty good about seeing a few near-final units at CES 2010.

[Via Slashgear]

Filed under: Displays

EETI to purportedly ship 7- and 12-inch capacitive touchscreens this year originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Control4 unveils $1,299 7-Inch Table Top Touch Screen

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:52:00 EST

You'd like to sit around in your sofa while controlling every aspect of your home, huh? Thermostat, garage door, home theater system, whole-home audio volume, etc. -- if so, Control4 has the goods for you. The 7-Inch Table Top Touch Screen sports a 16:9 aspect panel, WiFi and Ethernet, though -- strangely enough -- the company is being mum on the rest of the details. Here's the detail that matters, though: $1,299, shipping to the US this month.

[Via WidescreenReview]

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Control4 unveils $1,299 7-Inch Table Top Touch Screen originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crestron pushes the envelope with 17-inch Isys TPS-17G-QM HD touchpanel

Darren Murph — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:45:00 EST

You know you've living large when you purchase a home automation touchpanel that's bigger than some computer monitors. For those who firmly believe that bigger truly is better (without exception), Crestron has introduced the 17-inch Isys TPS-17G-QM, which offers up dual-window support, a WXGA resolution, QuickMedia connectivity, a built-in speaker / microphone, an Ethernet jack and backlit push buttons. There's no mention of a price, but if you're seriously considering this, it probably matters not.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Crestron pushes the envelope with 17-inch Isys TPS-17G-QM HD touchpanel originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Vissumo touchscreen takes 9mm bullets like a champ

Darren Murph — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:07:00 EST

It's not often that even rugged gadgets can withstand the force of a flying bullet, but whatever Vissumo has baked into its unique touchscreen technology, well, can. In Vissumo's Test Video #99, a firearm wielding employee unloads a few 9mm rounds into the panel (exciting, we know), and then he proceeds to prove that the touch functionality it started with is still there. We're not sure what it says about your choice of living location if you can think of just how helpful this would be in your everyday life, but regardless of all that, you simply have to see the vid after the break. Go on, give it a look.

Continue reading Video: Vissumo touchscreen takes 9mm bullets like a champ

Filed under: Displays

Video: Vissumo touchscreen takes 9mm bullets like a champ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display goes touchscreen courtesy of Troll Touch

Darren Murph — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:53:00 EST

Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display knows that it's hard to lay off on the touching. No one knows that better than Troll Touch, who has just announced a touch panel integration kit for Apple's freshest LCD. The touchscreen gets powered internally via USB, and the custom touchscreen overlay design doesn't alter the panel's form factor in any way. Those looking to dive in from scratch can order a touch-enabled version now for $2,299, but those looking to simply upgrade their own can ship it to Valencia, California along with $1,399 marked for integration. Talk about a steep price to pay for permission to touch.

Filed under: Displays

Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display goes touchscreen courtesy of Troll Touch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ELAN ships $3,350 XP-8.4 WiFi touch panel

Darren Murph — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:39:00 EST

If Embedded Automation's mPanel is the exception to high priced touch panels, ELAN's XP-8.4 is the rule. Granted, it does feature an 8.4-inch touch screen and it doesn't have to be mounted in your wall, but $3,350 is a lot of scratch no matter how you spin it. The WiFi-enabled device is now shipping (months ahead of schedule, mind you) to dealers, and aside from controlling just about every aspect of your digital home, users can also browse the web (Flash support included!) on the unit itself. It comes bundled with a tabletop docking / recharging cradle with Ethernet / USB ports and a built-in rechargeable battery pack, but it's too bad that the picture above is about as close as we'll ever get to owning one.

Filed under: Displays, Other hardware

ELAN ships $3,350 XP-8.4 WiFi touch panel originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ReQuest introduces 5.7-inch TS6 in-wall control panel

Darren Murph — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:15:00 EST

If you call yourself a proud owner of ReQuest's F-Series, N-Series or iQ Intelligent Music System, have a gander at this. Said outfit has dished out a new in-wall control panel dubbed the TS6, which features a 5.7-inch 640 x 480 panel and connects to your existing home network via a single CAT5 cable. The system automatically detects any connected ReQuest server and enables owners to browse collections, select / build playlists and control connected set-top-boxes. Interested? Bust out the check book, as this one's going to set you back $1,995 when it ships in November.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

ReQuest introduces 5.7-inch TS6 in-wall control panel originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WiFi-enabled Crestron touchpanel aids in stargazing

Darren Murph — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:25:00 EST

We've seen home automation touchpanels used for some -- shall we say, unorthodox -- activities, but this is taking things to another ~~level~~ galaxy. Franklin, NC-based Dan Quigley has whipped up a way for his WiFi-enabled Crestron TMPC8X to actually control a giant telescope. Rather than manually getting the 'scope into the right position, he simply touches a button and watches it automatically check to see "if and when that object is viewable." While he's at it, he can dim the lights around him and check the local weather, and once a celestial body is in view, he can snap a photograph or have the system channel the image to any computer / TV. Suddenly, astronomy has become entirely more attractive.

[Thanks, Chuck]

Filed under: DIY, Misc, Other hardware

WiFi-enabled Crestron touchpanel aids in stargazing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WiFi-enabled Crestron touchpanel aids in stargazing

Darren Murph — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Home Entertainment

WiFi-enabled Crestron touchpanel aids in stargazing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP gets hot on touchscreen technology, plans array of finger-friendly gear

Darren Murph — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:29:00 EST

In case you haven't noticed, HP has a thing for attempting (emphasis on attempting) to stay one step ahead of the sector. Now, it's being reported that touch technology is all the rage within Palo Alto, and HP is purportedly aiming to introduce "an array of products, including notebooks," that utilize the finger-friendly tech within the next 18 months. Details on those very products are few and far between, but Phil McKinney (CTO of the Personal Systems Group) sees touch "as the almost preferred method for nontechnical users." Funny thing, though -- it seems most everyone else recognized touch as the new hotness a good while back. We're betting HP has just been holding all of this mighty close to the chest... guess we'll see in 18 months, huh?

[Image courtesy of Old-Computers]

Filed under: Desktops, Displays, Laptops

HP gets hot on touchscreen technology, plans array of finger-friendly gear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ELAN ships 10-inch VIA! Valet10.0-EM home automation panel

Darren Murph — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:47:00 EST

If you thought Control4's 7-inch POE touch panel was on the large size, get a load of this. ELAN has just started shipping its 10.2-inch widescreen VIA! Valet10.0-EM, which will obviously look mighty peculiar in all but the most spacious of dens. Not surprisingly, ELAN even affirms that yes, this ginormous (comparatively speaking) display can indeed double as a video monitor, which certainly opens up even more possibilities. The unit features rear-placed Ethernet, power and sense input triggers needed for installation, but unless you've got $2,000 laying around unclaimed, that image above is as close as you'll get.

Filed under: Misc, Other hardware

ELAN ships 10-inch VIA! Valet10.0-EM home automation panel originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS Eee PC 900 gets livened up with touchscreen

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:10:00 EST

If you're tired of waiting for ASUS to offer a touchscreen option for the Eee PC 900 (or you're the proud owner of an existing unit), jkkmobile is happy to show you their shortcut to touchy-feely nirvana. As we've seen on all those other Eees, installing the touch panel into the 900 doesn't seem to be extraordinarily difficult for those with a few mods under their belt and a reliable Chinese parts supplier. For those who'd prefer to simply watch from the sidelines, you can peek the video after the break and lots more photos in the read link.

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC 900 gets livened up with touchscreen

Filed under: Laptops

ASUS Eee PC 900 gets livened up with touchscreen originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Control4 announces 7-inch POE wall-mounted touch panel

Darren Murph — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:44:00 EST

If Control4's Mini Touch screen just seemed too diminutive for your fat fingers, yet the 10.5-inch edition just engulfed your wall, why not check out the happy medium? The 7-inch POE Wall Mount Touch Screen arrives right between the other two in size, yet offers up the same home controlling abilities for tweaking your lighting, temperature, volume, etc. You'll also find a built-in screen saver application that you can customize with your own photos, and if that there just pushed you over the edge, you can snag the hard-wired version next month for $1,195. Looking for WiFi? You'll have to wait until "later this year."

Filed under: Displays, Other hardware

Control4 announces 7-inch POE wall-mounted touch panel originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft's LaserTouch prototype brings hand control to any display

Darren Murph — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:28:00 EST

We'll go ahead and get this out of the way: the fantastic product you're about to hear more on has "no plans" to go commercial. Now that we've thoroughly killed your buzz, let us introduce to you the LaserTouch. Said device is a prototype that recently emerged from Microsoft Research's labs, which essentially allows people to retrofit any display (monitor, projector, etc.) so that they can use their own hands to control the on-screen action. According to Andy Wilson, who played a vital role in the unit's creation, an infrared camera is used to track how a person touches the screen, while software that he developed handles the majority of the magic. Too bad this could totally undercut Surface sales, right?

Filed under: Displays

Microsoft's LaserTouch prototype brings hand control to any display originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 May 2008 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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