One of the most important choices smartphone manufacturers make in designing a device is screen versus keyboard size. Larger screens tend to correspond with smaller front facing keyboards or slide out ones. Few smartphones have both large screens and large front facing keyboards because the combination of both makes for an unappealingly large product.

Last year Apple popularized the concept of virtual on-screen keyboards with the iPhone. More screen real estate is possible with this approach. But Apple's on-screen keyboard has a major drawback. It lacks "haptic response." You cannot feel the keys the way you can on a physical keyboard. There is no pressure back on the finger when a virtual key is released.

Immersion Corporation addressed this issue. Their technology causes devices to vibrate in such a way that gives the illusion to users that on-screen key presses are like physical ones. You feel as though on screen keys move. No special screen is utilized. Only normal built-in vibrators are required.

We recorded a video discussion with Immersion Corporation. The company has filed for more than 700 patents. Several of the world's largest device manufactures have licensing agreements with them. The company argues that there are many applications for the technology beyond haptic response to on-screen key presses, such as for haptic response to video games.

Some device manufacturers may be implementing the equivalent of Immersion's technology without a royalty agreement with them. They may be disregarding what Immersion claims is their ownership of the idea. Nevertheless, it was interesting to learn from Immersion Corporation the names of the manufacturers currently under contract with them.

Check out our video interview & technology demonstration and hear directly from Immersion Corporation!

Related Links

Direct link to Immersion Video.

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