FingerFlux system uses magnets to add tactile feedback to touchscreens
![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0DkdqHVJWHWYst4crsXrSQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUyMA--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/W5JFwBFdUa7F5FNZJR9Bbw--~B/aD0zMjU7dz02MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/10/tactile-interface-magnets-1319653492.jpg)
We've seen a number of efforts that promise to make touchscreens more tactile, but none quite like this so-called FingerFlux system developed by a team of researchers from Germany's Aachen University. Its hook is a layer of magnets that lie beneath the touchscreen and react to a simple thimble that the user must wear. While that particular accoutrement could be considered a slight drawback, it does open up a number of interesting possibilities -- including the ability to draw your finger towards an item on the screen, and "lock" it in a certain area. What's particularly key, however, is that you're also able to feel a bit of feedback before you even touch the screen -- as opposed to other entirely screen-based options -- which could could let you operate something like media player controls without actually looking at your phone. Of course, it's all still a long ways from being shrunk down to phone-size, but the researchers do have a working prototype in a table-top device. Check it out in the video after the break.