Synaptics has announced that its ClearForce technology, which enables functionality in mobile devices similar to Apple’s 3D Touch, will be integrated into phones that are expected to ship early next year.
ClearForce allows for enhanced control by applying varying levels of pressure on an interface (such as a touchscreen) for functions like variable speed scrolling, zooming and panning in images, game control input, unlocking and waking up a device, opening contextual menus and adjusting line thickness control while drawing.
That could open up the possibilities for what you can do with mobile apps in the future, and help make them easier to use.
The company says it’s been “working closely with leading global OEMs and LCMs to deliver this new dimension in touch with force-enabled smartphones expected to ship in early 2016.”
So it’s not being clear which devices will feature this new technology, but it’s safe to assume that Android handset manufacturers will want in on the action in order to take on the iPhone 6s.
At this year’s IFA trade show, Huawei showed off its own pressure-sensitive display on its Mate S phone, which allows for zooming and previewing with a harder press.
I’ll be interested to see if Microsoft also chooses to hop on this bandwagon to bring ClearForce to Windows 10 Mobile devices.
➤ Synaptics Announces ClearForce Technology for Smartphones [Synaptics Press Releases via 9to5Google]
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