Magic touch

from: The Engineer

>>Immersion, originally spun out of research at Stanford University, offers a range of technologies. An early system that creates basic sensations by optimising the vibrations of the tiny motor present on most cell-phones has been licensed to LG and Samsung. More advanced techniques which, like Nokia's technology, place piezoelectric actuators behind the screen, are also poised to appear on a variety of products.

Ramstein believes the stage has been set with the sophisticated, multi-touch sensing screens on devices such as Apple's iPhone. He says some form of tactile feedback is the logical next step.

While he would not comment on rumours that Apple is interested in licensing Immersion's technology for future versions of the iPhone, Ramstein believes the iconic device could act as a catalyst for the use of haptic technology.