Oct 13

 

While multi-touch computing dominates in the smart phone category, it faces several hurdles before it can transition to the desktop. 10/GUI demonstrates some excellent thinking on eliminating the obstacles to multi-touch on the desktop via con10uum.

 

The demo video of the 10/GUI multi-touch desktop interface is compelling and a look into the future. One of the interesting elements of their 10/GUI demo are the raised edge features of its trackpad that offer tactile feedback and functionality. And the multi-gestural controls are clever, if not simply evolutions of the one-handed multi-touch gestures of today's mobile handsets.

What it will take for real revolution in multi-touch on the desktop

I think 10/GUI's thinking is along the right path. But I think what's required for true multi-touch computing on the desktop will be a new technology that not only follows your gestures and senses pressure....but some technology that also provides tactile feedback. Some sort of polymorphic plastic that transforms when localized current is switched on. That is, it could "raise bumps" or "key pads" outlines on demand so that the multi-touch also provides tactile feedback. 

 

The major shortcoming of multi-touch today is that you don't get this touch feedback. Your fingers simply slide across glass or plastic. Which generally requires you to look where you're typing or touching. This is counter intuitive...though I'll admit the 10/GUI touchpad solution is a step in the right direction. But I noticed their "touchpad" also incorporates and old fashioned keyboard above it for heavy use. The ultimate solution will do away with this need and allow a dynamic tactile interface. I'm sure this is being worked on somewhere in the world.