haptic input
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Researchers suggest haptics and audio for discreet password input
You can use as complex as a password as you like, but that won't do you much good if someone's able to watch or record you entering it. Researchers Andrea Bianchi, Ian Oakley and Dong-Soo Kwon have some ideas for overcoming that little problem though, and recently put together a video demonstrating a few of the possibilities they've come up with. All of those rely on haptic input systems -- either on their own or in conjunction with some audio output (through headphones for privacy). That includes things like a dedicated haptic keypad or haptic wheel, and different methods that could take advantage of a haptic display on a smartphone. As you can see in the video after the break, some of those options could be a bit more time consuming than an easy-to-remember password, but there's certainly plenty of potential applications where security would trump convenience.[Thanks, An]
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]
