In the age of smartphones, everyone is familiar with the idea of a virtual keyboard. But it only takes a few seconds to understand why it would be a terrible idea on a laptop or desktop computer. However, a recent patent filing reveals that Apple is working on the problem and has its own solution.
If your computer keyboard was a huge flat touchscreen, it would only take a few seconds for typing to become tedious and tiring. Human fingers don’t work the same way they do when you hold your smartphone.
Apple’s solution is for users to wear small thimble-like harnesses on their fingers to simulate the feel of pressing a button. It’s like a magnetic liver produced by gently squeezing or shunting your fingers. The idea is definitely unique, but it begs the question if it’s worth the trouble of ditching the physical keyboard for a wearable accessory and making your fingers a de facto part of your computer.
However, finger harnesses serve other purposes besides simulating the feel of typing. Repetitive, full-force finger movements on a touchscreen can wear out the device faster than a traditional keyboard. The harness softens the impact of finger pressure on the touchscreen, letting users know they don’t have to use as much force as a standard keyboard.
Note that just because Apple has this patent does not mean that Apple plans to implement the technology. It simply means that the company invented it and wants to defend against other companies using similar methods.
sauce: digital trends
