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Surfing the Web Haptically

Chakat sent us a story about Haptic feedback, a buzzword ready technology where the mouse provides tactile feedback in addition to letting you click on your porn. Seriously I would love a bit of feedback when my mouse moves over a button or a link: Sorta like how modern window managers can snap borders to edges of other windows or the screen when moving or resizing... I think that a similar tactile thing for buttons would ease mouse navigation. Or else I can just continue binding ridiculous things like Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Meta-F8 to every little action.

154 comments

  1. fp? by n3r0.m4dski11z · · Score: -1

    yay all base belong to me!

    --
    -
  2. this is good by teknopurge · · Score: 0

    this will finally open up the possiblity of tactile response to the general internet; yet another direction of evolution for web browsing. maybe companis will offer tactile samples of things like clothes?

    -teknopurge

    techienews network help us beta !!

  3. fp by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    fp sukaz

  4. Force feedback porn anyone? by tenzig_112 · · Score: 2, Funny
    Yikes. I feel all dirty and used up.


    Can I get haptic feedback on those pictures of blue naked people at Burning Man? I'm not sure that's a good idea after all.

    1. Re:Force feedback porn anyone? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
      Can I get haptic feedback on those pictures of blue naked people at Burning Man?

      No! You need to actually go there.

    2. Re:Force feedback porn anyone? by weslocke · · Score: 1

      Ack... and imagine all the 'fat-chick' (or 'fat-guy' if that's your thing) pictures that you're friends always send you via email? (Usually with a "Thinking of you" subject, I might add)

      --

      'Life is like a spoonful of Drain-O, it feels good on the way down but leaves you feeling hollow inside'
  5. X-10 by Anne_Nonymous · · Score: 3, Funny

    Those X-10 bastards would have a field day with this.

    1. Re:X-10 by Tsian · · Score: 1

      Just think... there'd still be an opt out option, but damn if you don't have to overcome a one hell of a repulsion to click it.

  6. Click on this by ubertroll · · Score: -1

    \ |\ \
    | / \ \
    | | \ \
    | | \ \ __
    / \ \ \/__|__,,..---v--.
    | |__,,\.--"""\/ | \
    | | \ _>
    | | _ _ _ _ | /
    | | /_v_v_v_\..---""'`-'
    | | __,,.| | | | |
    | / \ \_h_h_h_/
    | | |
    | | | eeeee e e eeee e e
    \ |\ | 8 " 8 8 8 8 8 8
    \ | \___/ 8eeee 8e 8 8e 8eee8e
    \ | 88 88 8 88 88 8
    \ | 8ee88 88ee8 88e8 88 8
    | |
    | | eeeeeee e e eeeee e eeee e e
    | | 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
    | | 8e 8 8 8eeee8 8e 8 8e 8e 8eee8e
    | | 88 8 8 88 88 8 88 88 88 8
    | | 88 8 8 88 88ee8 88 88e8 88 8
    | |
    | |

    1. Re:Click on this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
      It's too big you dumbass!

      It's too big for satisfying anal sex and too big for oral sex too.

      Please stay with women who at least can appreciate the width (the length, as I've heard, is quite unimportant) of your dick.

    2. Re:Click on this by asbestos_diaper · · Score: -1

      Your mom told you that so feel bad. You have never made her orgasim yet. Keep trying....

      p.s. try using your dog's penis. she will never know!

      --

      Visit me online.

  7. EARLY POST FOR MIKE BROWN by fp_troll_bitch · · Score: -1

    I would like to stick a black and orange colored broomstick up this man's ass.

    Thanks for your time.

    --

    __________
    Where is Doug Miller?
  8. A ridiculous thing I do... by ericvids · · Score: 1

    ... is to make sure all my windows are placed in exact positions on the screen. I even make sure that windows that auto-dock to corners of the screen are positioned in such a way that they're close enough but not really docking at all. (e.g. making sure XMMS/Winamp is exactly 10 pixels from the screen borders) Call me obsessive-compulsive. ;-)

    Having 'tactile responsiveness' to this sort of thing I do would be a God-send for me, but I don't know how else it can be useful. Perhaps a way to determine how deep I am into a surfing session just by listening to the sound of a click-thru?

    --
    Pet peeve: Profane people propagating perfunctory pedantry.
    1. Re:A ridiculous thing I do... by Chakat · · Score: 1
      Having 'tactile responsiveness' to this sort of thing I do would be a God-send for me, but I don't know how else it can be useful

      3-d Games, for one, for another, you could put this in a drawing program so that when going over the drawing area, the mouse can't move as fast, thus giving you greater control. Then, there are the very evil things you could do, like putting this on certain beloved websites that shall remain nameless...
      --

      If god had intended you to be naked, you would have been born that way.

    2. Re:A ridiculous thing I do... by BigBlockMopar · · Score: 3, Funny

      ... is to make sure all my windows are placed in exact positions on the screen. I even make sure that windows that auto-dock to corners of the screen are positioned in such a way that they're close enough but not really docking at all. (e.g. making sure XMMS/Winamp is exactly 10 pixels from the screen borders) Call me obsessive-compulsive. ;-)

      One word: Prozac.

      Explanation: Do you know what a car looks like when it's stored in thousands of little ziplock baggies? Every nut, bolt, screw, and washer labelled as to where it came from?

      I bought so many Ziplock baggies from my local warehouse-style super-saver grocery store that they had the cops meet me outside. They thought I was a big-time drug trafficker. When I invited them to my house to show they my car, they couldn't stop laughing and shaking their heads.

      That was when I got help.

      OTOH, it's very easy to find a water pump pulley bolt as I reassemble the engine.

      --
      Fire and Meat. Yummy.
  9. Haptic Porn by Dolly_Llama · · Score: 2, Insightful
    I work for a company (albeit in a very junior position) which is big into Haptic IP, liscencing technology and such. We do all kinds of neat stuff with haptics, but porn has always been the big inside joke, yuk-yuk, can't wait til we get our liscencing agreement with RealDoll...yuk-yuk.

    In all seriousness, what's the big deal? Porn's is big business, and it's good money. Just because we could make money off of it doesn't mean we become nasty porn mongers. I mean, look how much money people like Marriot, run by the friggin mormons, makes off of pay per view porn. Doesn't make them a porn company.

    I really think we need to develop this market. Maybe then my options could be worth something...

    --

    Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. -- Carl Sagan

    1. Re:Haptic Porn by clandaith · · Score: 1
      look how much money people like Marriot, run by the friggin mormons make of pay per view porn



      No, Marriot is ran by _A_ Mormon, not the whole Mormon Church. Big difference.



      If Mr. Marriot wants to show porn, that's his own choice.

    2. Re:Haptic Porn by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I want my STEPFORD WIFE.

    3. Re:Haptic Porn by Dolly_Llama · · Score: 3, Interesting
      No, Marriot is ran by _A_ Mormon, not the whole Mormon Church. Big difference.

      Ok, the corporation is not run by the church. It is however run by influential church members (plural, it's not just Mr. Marriot), who are generally fundamentalist and extremely conservative. This is of course, mitigated by the fact that Marriot is a publicly traded corporation accountable to shareholders. This mitigating factor probably has alot to do with why you can rent pay-per-view porn in their hotel rooms.

      My whole point was that it is possible to divorce oneself of hangups about porn when there is $$ involved. Especially when you're company is in the red. Why not explore all possible markets for your technology?

      --

      Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. -- Carl Sagan

    4. Re:Haptic Porn by clandaith · · Score: 1
      My whole point was that it is possible to divorce oneself of hangups about porn when there is $$ involved. Especially when you're company is in the red. Why not explore all possible markets for your technology?



      I agree with you totally on this one. A company, especially when it's in the red, needs to look at all avenues to generate income.

  10. Attractive nuisance by Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 5, Funny

    Seriously I would love a bit of feedback when my mouse moves over a button or a link: Sorta like how modern window managers can snap borders to edges of other windows or the screen when moving or resizing...

    But imagine the virtual "gravity well" sucking your mouse into the ad banners.

    Brings a whole new meaning to "real time black hole".

    --
    Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
    1. Re:Attractive nuisance by sahala · · Score: 1
      the virtual "gravity well" sucking your mouse into the ad banners.

      I'm not a big fan of banner ads, but I don't see haptic feedback sucking me into anything. The banner ads won't cause any moving or shaking until you mouseover, and unless you love playing those banner ad games, this doesn't pose much of a problem.

      The main problem I see is over-eager web or app designers putting feedback into everything, just like whenever any other user interface feature comes along (remember obnoxious java applets and animated gifs?).

  11. oh good LAWD by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Are you guys idiots?!!! Do you comprehend the flood of juvinile crap postings that you've unleashed with this story?!!! Jesus H Crist on a pogo stick and his black bastard brother Bart!!!

    Ok, just to get the trolls on a roll, just imagine the damage being tricked into clicking a link like gatse.ms could cause!

    Not to mention if some SA refugee lured you into clicking on gatse.ms/giver.jpg !!!

  12. I'M SO SICK OF THIS!!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1
    I'm so sick of reading Slashdot but I'm hooked.

    Every day and sometimes night I have to stay awake and refresh the front page so that I could get the first post. Why? Because when I get the first post it's better than a shot of smack, better than crack. It's the ultimate whole-body orgasm.

    Yet, the posts are so stupid that they hurt my head!

    This is HELL!

    1. Re:I'M SO SICK OF THIS!!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      Try to get first post, but use it to post something ontopic and interesting. To succeed, you'll have to think fast, type fast, and be knowledgeable on all geek topics. Yes, you can learn important skills and still feel the excitement of first post! That'd be progress. Besides, you'd help improve Slashdot's reputation too.

  13. Good for blind people by simetra · · Score: 2, Insightful

    This would probably be great for reading braille webpages. Otherwise, it sounds annoying.

    --

    "Would it kill you to put down the toilet seat?" -- Maya Angelou
    1. Re:Good for blind people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, for creating blind people! Didn't you ever listen to your mother?

    2. Re:Good for blind people by davey23sol · · Score: 3, Interesting

      This would probably be great for reading braille webpages. Otherwise, it sounds annoying.

      Well.. maybe if the blind still used braille. It's a myth... They don't... they use books on tape and such these days, it's hardly taught anymore. Braille books are huge and cause portability and storage problems.

      It would, however, be a way for the blind to find items on the screen, but it does not and can not match text-to-speech for accessability.

      --


      "Yes.. no matter what the culture, folk dancing is stupid." -MST3K
    3. Re:Good for blind people by HongPong · · Score: 2

      If people don't use Braille anymore, then how come in libraries and schools etc. there's always Braille on the signs?

    4. Re:Good for blind people by davey23sol · · Score: 2

      If people don't use Braille anymore, then how come in libraries and schools etc. there's always Braille on the signs?

      It's just a continutaion of that myth. It's also those institutions finally catching up the values of the 50s!

      Note that your average drive-up ATM has braille. Now, as every comic has pointed out, THAT is really not useful. Also, none of those signs would be useful in an emergency.

      There are people that still use it, which makes those signs a little valuable, but most every blind student these days uses tapes. Perhaps the tech could be developed to feel braille with a mouse, but I don't think it would be used much (though could it cause a braille to be used again electronically??)

      --


      "Yes.. no matter what the culture, folk dancing is stupid." -MST3K
    5. Re:Good for blind people by Nater · · Score: 2

      how come in libraries and schools etc. there's always Braille on the signs?

      Every time I see those restroom signs with "Men" and "Women" written on them in Braille, I can't help but chuckle at the thought of some blind guy in desperate need of a commode searching frantically for those signs so that he can find the appropriate bathroom. They just seem so useless... no better really than having Braille on a billboard on the roadside.

      --

      I like to play children's songs in minor keys.
      "We're all sons of bitches now." --J. Robert Oppenheimer

    6. Re:Good for blind people by Nater · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Perhaps the tech could be developed to feel braille with a mouse.

      This is actually a great idea. How about a mouse with a dot-matrix like Braille pad, say, right between the buttons, that produces the Braille character that matches the character under the pointer. Don't forget your patents!

      --

      I like to play children's songs in minor keys.
      "We're all sons of bitches now." --J. Robert Oppenheimer

    7. Re:Good for blind people by mskfisher · · Score: 1

      A friend of mine has a blind student in one of the classes he's TA'ing - he has to have all of the handouts printed up in Braille.
      I guess that student is a throwback to the Middle Ages, huh?

      --
      0x0D 0x0A
    8. Re:Good for blind people by Col.+Klink+(retired) · · Score: 2

      > Note that your average drive-up ATM has braille.

      So you're suggesting no blind person would ever get in a taxi and ask the cab driver to take him to an ATM?

      --

      -- Don't Tase me, bro!

    9. Re:Good for blind people by Nameles · · Score: 1

      Erm... Actually they do. My mother is an aide for a blind student, and I had to OCR a book for him.

    10. Re:Good for blind people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Control Advancements made a mouse for this purpose a few years ago. It worked quite well.

    11. Re:Good for blind people by nlaporte · · Score: 1

      This has ben around for years. I remember reading in some magazine about how blind people use computers, and they mentioned just that. It must have been in 3-2-1 Contact magazine when I was about 7. No idea what happened to the idea, but it has always stuck in my head as brilliant.

    12. Re:Good for blind people by Squid · · Score: 2

      One possible reason why drive-up ATMs have Braille dots is that it's cost-advantageous to use the same components to build drive-up and indoor ATMs (and indoor ATMs if I recall are required by law to have Braille). It's easier for the company to simply manufacture all their ATMs with the same buttons. Plus, as someone else mentioned, the driver isn't always the person who uses the drive-up ATM; a blind person could sit in the back seat and use it.

      However, the question remains as to how useful Braille buttons are, drive-up or otherwise, on a device whose feedback to the user is entirely visual.

    13. Re:Good for blind people by markx16 · · Score: 1

      And how would he enter in information into the screen?

      i suppose he could ask the cabbie.

      Blind Man: Sir, could you enter my pin and withdraw 500 dollars for me?

      Cabbie(smiling wickedly): Sure, sure.

      Withdraws entire balance and hands the blind guy 5 singles.

    14. Re:Good for blind people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, duh, thanks for pointing out the obvious. Of course all ATMs are made the same way, just encased in different boxes for indoor/outdoor placement. Why go to all the trouble of making different buttons, when you already have perfectly good molds and assembly line setup?

    15. Re:Good for blind people by cluening · · Score: 2

      And that little box that the student takes notes and such in that has a braille "screen" on it must not really do that. Yup, I don't think anybody uses it any more. I wonder what those books he carries around with the little bumps on the pages are? Punch cards?

      --
      Posted from the wireless couch.
    16. Re:Good for blind people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I work with a blind lady, 2-3 hour/week, who teaches at Orientation Center for the Blind at Albany, California. They teach braille to almost every student. And they are the largest such operation ran by California Dept. of Rehab.

      Electronic or Computer devices just can not replace braille in day-to-day living. She does has a large library of book-on-tape. How does she find the tape she is looking for? Listen to every tape? Of course not. And you guessed it, she find the tape she is looking for by the braille labels on those tapes.

      Can computer voice technology or voice-on-tape tell her whether a jar in her cabinet is salt or sugar. Or more importantly, tell the difference between several different medication with same size of containers? No. Part of my job as a "reader" is to read things out to her, she then type up braille labels on a braille device, which are then affixed to each item. CD, tapes, appliances(the bottons are labeled), misc. Surely it's low-tech. Can fancy hi-tech perform those tasks?

      That being said, I don't see this new technology being userful to her. She already has software like Jaws for Windows that will convert webpage to speech is they are designed properly. A good web page should allow its user to navigate solely from keyboard, without the need to use the mouse. Of course, many stuip use of flash or javascript make too many websites unusable to her.

    17. Re:Good for blind people by rosssw · · Score: 1
      Yep. Some people are thinking about the appilcations for disabled people.



      Check out http://archimedes.stanford.edu/

    18. Re:Good for blind people by armb · · Score: 1

      The library signs probably have Braille because it's better than noting and a lot cheaper than signs with built-in text to speech facilities.
      Elevator buttons often have Braille too.

      The drive-up ATM has Braille because it's easier to use the same keyboards everywhere, than to work out which drive-up units can't also be used by non-drivers and leave Braille off those ones only.

      But yes, computer applications are likely to be better served by text-to-speech than Braille (apart from users who are both blind and deaf), and a proper Braille terminal would work better than "feeling" bumps with a mouse for the Braille users anyway.

      --
      rant
  14. again.. WTF by davey23sol · · Score: 3, Interesting

    For the 2nd time today.. this HAS been going on for a while. You can make your Windows desktop and website touchy feely using the logitech i-feel mouse. I have one and it actually works okay.

    Just improve it a bit and you got it...

    --


    "Yes.. no matter what the culture, folk dancing is stupid." -MST3K
    1. Re:again.. WTF by big.ears · · Score: 5, Informative

      There are two problems with thiis:

      (1) It doesn't do much good, aside from annoying the user. Haptic sensory information must travel much further than visual info, and the sensory transducers are not really low-latency, so by the time you feel the icon, its too late--You have already used your visual system to hone in on the target, and so you already know you are there (cf. Fitts's Law). I know that some people think these force-feedback mice are cool, but whenever I have used one, I just feel like some gunk is stuck on my mouse ball.

      (2) Its not available for Linux--which is why CT might be unaware of it.

    2. Re:again.. WTF by pergamon · · Score: 3, Informative
    3. Re:again.. WTF by Chakat · · Score: 1

      Mod Parent Up. This looks like it has the reason why this technology that could be so promising is so crappy. They've got this thing as a simple binary thing - either shaking or not, when they should have this thing with varying degrees of vibration, plus varying amounts of difficulty in moving the ball - a very stiff, rough movement if you're moving over gravel, a very slick movement if your're going over ice, with several points in between.

      --

      If god had intended you to be naked, you would have been born that way.

    4. Re:again.. WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I agree, I would find that incredibly annoying... heck, I don't even like the "click" sound IE makes when clicking on links... i hear my mouse button click, why the need for another one? not only that, but my mouse litterally squeaks if i don't click it just right... that's plenty feedback for me...

      i don't get the point w/ it either... what are you going to do? make it vibrate like mad when u're on a porn site (hmm, might be interesting)... or maybe hook up one of those electric stun things so that at work when someone visits a porn site, they get quite a jolt...

      eh, give me my logitech wireless mouseman and i'll be happy for years to come!

  15. related to the Spyware story by Theodore+Logan · · Score: 2, Interesting
    This used in conjunction with the javascript crappy 2nd generation darth paperclip technology mentioned in the recent Spyware story will make for some horrific web experiences. Remember static web pages, where you chose what to read an what to do and how to react when you dragged the mouse over a link? Odds are, in five years you won't.

    END RANT MODE

    --

    "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance" - Derek Bok

  16. It's getting weird. re: porn usage by sheetsda · · Score: 1, Funny
    the mouse provides tactile feedback in addition to letting you click on your porn.

    OK, looking at porn is one thing, but being able to feel up a woman without ever meeting her? How many women will stand for that(even pr0n stars)? If there are so many why aren't they walking up to me on the street and offering? Is it that much different if shes there or not when I do it? Can you honestly say "I've never felt up a woman" after using this technology for pr0n? Things are getting a little too weird.

    1. Re:It's getting weird. re: porn usage by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      Can you honestly say "I've never felt up a woman"

      I'm sure YOU can honestly say that...

    2. Re:It's getting weird. re: porn usage by NoInfo · · Score: 1

      Not to be mean, but I'd like to mention that this is, perhaps, the silliest argument one could have regarding this technology.

      I suspect you are just trolling, but keep in mind that people use all sorts of gadgets to simulate human interaction (coke bottles, inflatable dolls, etc).

      Rest easy. I don't think there will be a porn star revolt anytime soon.

    3. Re:It's getting weird. re: porn usage by sheetsda · · Score: 2

      I'm not arguing against the technology, not at all. I'm just wondering where we draw the line, when things come to a point where we step back and take a look at ourselves and say "wtf?".

    4. Re:It's getting weird. re: porn usage by jiheison · · Score: 1

      How many women will stand for that(even pr0n stars)?

      Dude, they are porn stars!! They are well paid for what they do, and I don't begrudge them the right to make their living. However, assuming they were paid at some point, why would you assume that they would object to this?

    5. Re:It's getting weird. re: porn usage by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Coke bottles!? Wow, that's some small dicks you've got over there...

    6. Re:It's getting weird. re: porn usage by beardcz · · Score: 1

      The tactile feedback devices needn't be attached to one's hand, nor need there be only one...

      A series of devices mimicing various body parts (including sexual organs of all descriptions, feet, faces, etc...) combined with screen shots could change porn forever. Even a fully functioning human body replica! Think of the dolls that drink, spit up, pee, etc... made adult size with additional body functions. Prostitution could be practically eliminated...

      Of course, the Russians would just use plastic blow ups and lubricants (analogous to the space ballpoint vs. pencil)

      --
      No sig for me - too lazy to fill one in...
    7. Re:It's getting weird. re: porn usage by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He's talking about for women, you loser.

  17. wow by hex1848 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Think of the impact this will have on the blow-up-dolls-for-geeks market. Now you can program your night time friend to do what you like it to do. I wonder if think geek will have these soon?

  18. Ultimate Porn Site by Nater · · Score: 4, Funny

    So far today there have been articles on tactile mouse feedback, replicators, and browser spyware that records mouse movements. Of course, we already know that the porn industry will be the first to utilize these things to full effect, but can you imagine what it would be like to use all three? Imagine images the react to your mouse movement and give you tactile feedback, all while replicating on your desk!

    --

    I like to play children's songs in minor keys.
    "We're all sons of bitches now." --J. Robert Oppenheimer

  19. Maybe you wouldn't love it if you tried by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I would love a bit of feedback when my mouse moves over a button or a link

    I view my mouse movements as a plane taking off and landing at my destination. I don't want to feel bumps for each tree I fly over, I want a smooth ride, and maybe one bump when I land, but how can a haptic device know where I want to land? Better to forget about the whole idea.

  20. New opportunities for fraud by hillct · · Score: 2
    From the article:
    Executives at haptics research companies are especially hopeful about the science's contribution to e-commerce. They predict that within 10 years, shoppers will be able to "feel" a piece of silk or other fabric simply by rubbing their finger over a computer screen--removing a significant boundary for many would-be Internet shoppers.
    I can see it now. "This silk doesn't feel the same way it did on the computer screen". Damn. I want my money back.
    --

    --Got Lists? | Top 95 Star Wars Line
  21. Poor Mrs. Gates by SirSlud · · Score: 4, Funny

    "On Wednesday, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates showed off a handheld computer that understands which way is up and where it's being touched."

    His wife was, reportedly, fuming on the sidelines of the press conferance. Apparently, she was mumbling something about the invention resulting in her role being usurped in the couple's sex life.

    --
    "Old man yells at systemd"
    1. Re:Poor Mrs. Gates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      the whole world knows that bill hasn't consumated his marriage.

      It's all a show.. just like his stupid "charity" organization. Did you know the Gates foundation doesn't give away computers? Maybe they will start to give away the computers, what charge $120 for each copy of the OS!

  22. I-Feel mouse sucks with Carpal Tunnel, though. by Brento · · Score: 3, Interesting

    You can make your Windows desktop and website touchy feely using the logitech i-feel mouse. I have one and it actually works okay.

    Got one myself, but there's a drawback: no matter what settings I put it on, it makes my wrists hurt within minutes. I've got the onset symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and it's really getting better, but I had to turn off the iFeel feedback. Weird.

    --
    What's your damage, Heather?
    1. Re:I-Feel mouse sucks with Carpal Tunnel, though. by Squid · · Score: 2

      I tried one of those in the store and had to put it down and walk away after 30 seconds. I tried the various presents but they all felt uncomfortable and unpleasant.

      If I want FF in a mouse, I want it to feel similar to, for example, assembling a high quality plastic toy, where you can feel a subtle change when the parts actually lock together. This mouse felt more like... I dunno, like metal pinging against metal. Like head sweeps on a particularly loud hard drive. Or like someone flipping rubber bands at it while I was using it. And the vibrations went right up into the center of my hand, right into the carpal tunnel, and stayed there for many minutes afterward. In 30 seconds it was uncomfortable; after couple minutes I guess it would have been excruciating.

      Why does the whole mouse vibrate? Wouldn't it work better to have the mouse button actually move slightly under your fingertip? Mouse over an object onscreen and the button "gives" slightly, say, 1/5th the distance downward needed to actually click the button. Not even enough to be visible but enough that you can feel it. In fact it shouldn't change the force necessary to click the button - the switch itself should move too. Meanwhile, save the vibrating mouse for Quake.

    2. Re:I-Feel mouse sucks with Carpal Tunnel, though. by Telal · · Score: 1

      This technologies could work well with other "tunnels" though. Teledildonics, anyone? :-P

  23. Simulate hatpic feedback! Try it today! by Unknown+Bovine+Group · · Score: 4, Funny

    I stumbled apon what I now know is a simulation of Haptic feedback several times in the past. To enable this simulation, simply eat corn/potato chips in the general vicinity of your mousepad.

    Of course, the bumps don't really correspond to whats on the screen, but every once in a while, damned if it doesn't seem that way!

    --
    m00.
  24. Homer. by DeepFyre · · Score: 0

    Mmmm, feely mouse.

  25. What about the"Immersion: Technology by FirstNoel · · Score: 2, Informative

    I've tried the whole "Immersion" Tech with those Logitech Mice. It kind of feels like a gummed up mouse (rollerball style, not Laser), almost like some forgot to clean the rollers. It get's annoying real fast.

    I hope this is more than that, otherwise count me out.

    Sean D.

    --
    "Hmm. I am to metaphor cheese as metaphor cheese is to transitive verb crackers!"
    1. Re:What about the"Immersion: Technology by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Redundant

      Me too. The iFeel mouse is a great optical mouse with an ultra smooth feel. When you turn on the Immersion Desktop feedback stuff the iFeel suddenly feels like an optomechanical mouse with dirty rollers or a grungy mousepad. No thanks.

    2. Re:What about the"Immersion: Technology by whimmel · · Score: 1

      Why is it when I enable immersion with my iFeel mouse that my network goes nuts? Is the mouse calling home to momma? The traffic is between my Win2K desktop and the Linux IP masq gateway.

      --
      Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
  26. UNC's use of haptic interfaces by LeftHanded · · Score: 5, Interesting

    UNC has been using haptic interfaces, in conjunction with VR technology, to allow [bio]chemists the ability to 'assemble' new compounds at the atomic level. The researchers have grappling arms attached to their hands. The atomic repulsion/attraction is felt by the user, and can be used to figure out how the atoms / molecules should join together.

    --
    I think...I think it's in my basement. Let me go upstairs and check. -M.C. Escher (1898-1972)
    1. Re:UNC's use of haptic interfaces by LeftHanded · · Score: 5, Informative

      And here is the URL for the research: http://www.cs.unc.edu/Research/force/

      --
      I think...I think it's in my basement. Let me go upstairs and check. -M.C. Escher (1898-1972)
    2. Re:UNC's use of haptic interfaces by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I bet an adaptation of this would revolutionazie 3D modeling (games, CAD, etc)

    3. Re:UNC's use of haptic interfaces by mattr · · Score: 2

      I viewed similar work at Tokyo University's Production Lab (Seisanken). A grad student had
      built an system (which could only be used at
      night due to vibration) which hooked an atomic
      force microscope (or what you call the one with a
      needle that senses atomic height) to an SGI box.
      You could see a visual representation of the atoms
      but it was slow to render. The more interesting
      part was a tube-like haptic i/o device in which
      one would slide his/her index finger to not only feel the atoms but even pick them up and move them, or flick them across the surface. This was a couple years ago.

  27. What ever happend to "VR"? by chrisserwin · · Score: 2, Insightful

    So this is touch; we've had sound for a good while, and of course sight. Throw in aromatherapy and you've got the whole experience. I seem to recall that about 6 years ago the hot topic was the "3D Virtual Reality" interface, but nothing really came of that. Fundamentally, I don't think these technologies make the computer more productive as a work device - on the contrary, they tend to get in the way. Is there anybody out there that does productive computing that actually uses systems sounds beyond the basic "bell"?

    Personally, I prefer fluid motion - I don't want an interface to get in the way. This doesn't mean that I don't think this technology could have an application in the computer as an entertainment device, but I'll believe it when I see it. For my 3D-sense-enabled experiences, I prefer going for a walk.

    1. Re:What ever happend to "VR"? by weez75 · · Score: 1

      I think there's a real use for haptic devices in concert with VR. While entertainment is certainly one of those applications, training and simulation is probably more useful. In time, building a simulation of something complex will be part of the design process and in turn could be used in training. The cost to develop those models will decrease making this an effective alternative for hands-on experience.

      I can see training medical personnel, engineers and mechanics, bomb-squads, etc. with this kind of technology.

      --
      Of course we torture people, we need the information --Gen. Pinochet
    2. Re:What ever happend to "VR"? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Digital aromatherapy is in the works, supposedly (unless it's just more "vaporware" - sorry, couldn't resist).

      Check out www.digiscents.com

      As if pop-up ads weren't bad enough, now they could stink up your place...

  28. Not just for web... by Neumsy · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It would be great to feel the mouse actully give back when you cross over something or near it. Sometimes I have trouble finding where the dang pointer is when I'm working on people's computers. Mostly when their screen is all white with the default pointer in windows. But just think about it when playing games too. Imagine taking a rocket in quake and actually having your hand pushed back a little. Or if you run into a wall and it won't let you push it anymore. Of course it could work for any game out there.

    --
    %blow
    %blow: No such job

    ^how did the sex change go?
    Modifier failed
    1. Re:Not just for web... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Black and White has this feature, using that Logitech mouse. Course, I don't have one and couldn't tell you what it's like, but the designers say the intent was so you could run the mouse along the "horizon" and still tell when you the things that were too small to see are.

    2. Re:Not just for web... by br0ck · · Score: 1

      I've been using the LogiTech iFeel Mouse in Unreal Tournament and Black & White with good success. In my opinion it does add realism to UT and does seem to make it easier to determine quickly what's happening. In B&W it's mostly helpful in determining when you've actually done something, since it can be hard to tell sometimes. Source code is included on these pages.

  29. Forget Klerck by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Look into the face of a troll.

    This line added to avoid the lameness filter.

  30. Tactile Feedback. by jallen02 · · Score: 1

    Every time it goes over a link it emits a nice electric shock so that you will notice the link. Tactile feedback.

    Jeremy

  31. Not ready for Prime time by Alien54 · · Score: 2
    Haptic researchers are also working on hardware and software that will enable people to feel fabric in great detail--right down to the grain of the thread and the bias. But, he said, mainstream commercial use of haptics for e-commerce is years away.

    I wouldn't mind a mouse where there is a tactile surface where the buttons are today. There would have to be several configuration options.

    • tactile graphics, turn on/off
    • Tactile text turn on/off
    • tactile intensity adjustment, similar to sharpness - brightness - contrast in monitors
    • Scale adjustments for buttons, etc.
    I wouldn't mind having tactile for buttons, table edges, lines, etc.

    although I wonder what the best way for to enable your right/secondary click options would be.

    - - -
    Radio Free Nation
    an alternate news site using Slash Code
    "If You have a Story, We have a Soap Box"

    --
    "It is a greater offense to steal men's labor, than their clothes"
  32. lots of specific application by jodonn · · Score: 1

    Wasn't there a similar idea out a few years ago where you could hook up a "Smell-o-matic" chemical emitting device to your box, thereby allowing web sites to embellish your web experience with smells? I hope this is half as successful as that idea was.

    Truthfully, though, this could have lots of application in accessibility for the blind. Braille web pages could be just around the corner. BML?

  33. Logitech iFeel MouseMan review here by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    in ArsTechnica. It's actually quite funny.

  34. Human sexuality IS weird by Kryptonomic · · Score: 1
    we draw the line

    "We"?

    I don't see why anybody should have anything to say about the way how someone satisfies him/herself without hurting someone else in the process.

    1. Re:Human sexuality IS weird by sheetsda · · Score: 2

      I meant we as individuals. These two comments lead me to me believe I misrepresented what I intended to say in the original comment. I'll have to try it again if I can think of a better way to explain it.

  35. Yeesh by Sir_Real · · Score: 2

    Or else I can just continue binding ridiculous things like Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Meta-F8 to every little action.

    Yikes, a quintiple-bucky...

    1. Re:Yeesh by dankow · · Score: 1

      Or, on my laptop, since I'd have to hold down Function to enable the F-keys, that would be a... sextuple-bucky!.

      --
      I am the hub of Jack's digital lifestyle.
  36. Other uses (besides pr0n) by dpilot · · Score: 3, Interesting

    In David Brin's "Sundiver" they administered a test, where they studied a person's eyeball movements as they were shown a picture. The objects of focus, lingering time, and relative timing of noticing those objects in the first second or two were construed to have deep psychological meaning. The test results were used to determine who was a rightful member of society, and who bore 'watching'.

    Obviously haptics is less sophisticated than eyeball tracking, but perhaps not really. Eyeball tracking is straightforward once you have the sensor. Inferring the same type of information from mouse movements seems in some ways more sophisticated to me.

    So put on your Gibsonian hats for a moment, and imagine an Echelon/Carnivore-type backdoor *required* in haptic feedback systems. Then have data-mining of that information looking for criminal or terrorist tendancies. Unlikely? Yep. But compared to Strategic Missile Defense?

    --
    The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
  37. It's already here by tmark · · Score: 3, Funny

    15 years ago, when the Atari 2600 ruled the roost and Ms. Pacman came out for it (what a great game given the console's limitations), my mother (who was very good at it) claimed that the game would sometimes physically drag her down tunnels to her demise. She *swore* she could feel the joystick tugging in the wrong direction, despite her best efforts to go elsewhere. Having opened the joysticks several times, I tried my best to convince her that this was *not* possible, but she refused to believe me. So my mother would really rather not have anything to do with any *more* haptic input, thank you very much.

  38. How to get similar effect: by thejake316 · · Score: 1

    Keep a bunch of crap on your mousepad. You know, boogers, chewed gum, spitballs made of VA Linux stock certificates. Everything you roll your mouse over will give you tactile feedback.

    --
    AC's cheerfully ignored
  39. Why? by khendron · · Score: 1
    Most of the e-commerce applications of haptics envisioned border on useless.


    "People don't buy online because they want to feel the fabric or squeeze the Charmin." A simulated feel or squeeze is not going help. To me, this looks like a technology that has little pratical application.


    Granted, there are niche applications as described in the medical fields or for the blind, but mainstream applications such as haptic enabled mice do not offer much value to the average person.


    It should be noted that Taco's example of windows that can snap to a position or size demonstrate exactly how interfaces can be improved without using haptic technology. Tacos examples utilize visual feedback, are available today, and are very effective. Why invent a technology to solve a problem when an effective solution already exists?

    --
    Life is like a web application. Sometime you need cookies just to get by.
    1. Re:Why? by jiheison · · Score: 1

      Why invent a technology to solve a problem when an effective solution already exists?

      Oh, sure. Kick the Internet Revolution while it's down.

  40. MICROSOFT AND THE BAVARIAN ILLUMINATI by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    "The chessboard is the world, the pieces are the phenomena of the universe, the rules of the game are the laws of nature. The player on the other side is hidden from us." -- Thomas Henry Huxley

    "In every grain of wheat there lies hidden the soul of a star." -- Arthur Machen

    "The Old Ones were, the Old Ones are and the Old Ones will be... not in the spaces we know of, but _between_ them ... Yog-Sothoth is the Gate." -- Abd al-Hazred, _Al Azif_

    "All perception is inferential; all inference uncertain; all theory, a combination of perception and inference, is therefore educated guessing." -- de Selby, _Golden Hours_, I, 93

    These days most people have heard of Microsoft Corporation, and its founder Bill Gates. The majority of computers in use today use Microsoft system software, and those that do not often run applications from Microsoft. However, few people know the true story behind the rise of Microsoft and even fewer suspect the terrible cosmic secrets that are concealed beneath the facade of a successful software company.

    In the Object Linking and Embedding 2.0 Programmer's Reference there is a very curious term. On page 78, the second paragraph starts with the sentence, "In the aggregation model, this internal communication is achieved through coordination with a special instance of IUnknown interface known as the controlling unknown of the aggregate." The term "controlling unknown" is a very interesting choice of words. It is not the most intuitively obvious term for what it is describing (a base class used for implementing an object-oriented data exchange/embedding system).

    A term strikingly similar to "controlling unknown" was the term "unknown superiors", used by many occult secret societies. These included the Strict Observance Masonic lodge, whose members were sometimes referred to as "illuminati", and which had some connection with Adam Weishaupt's order. "Unknown superiors" is a term that refers to non-corporeal or superhuman agencies in command of secret societies or mystery cults. Such an agency is frequently known as the "inner head" of an order of organisation, as opposed to the outer head, who is human.

    Organisations that claimed or were claimed to be commanded by such "unknown superiors" include the Ordo Templi Orientis of Aleister Crowley and the Knights Templar, whose Inner Head was apparently a being named Baphomet.

    Apart from the term "controlling unknown", another hint at the secrets behind Microsoft is the fact that Microsoft Windows has a limit of five window device contexts. Five is a decidedly odd number for such an application, being neither a power of two nor one less than a power of two, but let us not forget Adam Weishaupt's discovery of the Law of Fives in the Necronomicon*.

    Few people for sure how many buildings there are in the Microsoft campus in Redmond, WA. No maps of the entire facility are known to exist. Some Microsoft employees put the estimate at six or three. An article in an Australian newspaper has claimed that there are 22 buildings. That is partly true; however, there is another building, hidden from the public and even from most Microsoft employees. The twenty-third building, or Building 7, is pentagonal in shape; its exact location is known only to five people (of whom Bill Gates may be one), however it is believed that the building is accessible from elsewhere in the Microsoft campus by a secret passage.

    What is in the five sided building is not known. However, it is believed that the contents of Building 7 are of a supernatural nature. Apart from the Pentagon, there was a similar five-sided building in Nazi Germany. This has been carefully kept hidden from the public. One hypothesis is that Building 7 is inhabited by, or used to communicate with, the Inner Head, or "controlling unknown". The identity of the Outer Head is unknown. Bill Gates may be the Outer Head, a high initiate of the conspiracy or just a figurehead whose purpose it is to divert attention.

    To fully understand this history, or whatever of it may be understood by human minds, one must have some knowledge of the history and origins of the Illuminati. Little is known about the Illuminati, but what is known is that the Illuminati can be definitely traced back to 1776.

    On Walpurgis night 1776, five men met in a cavern deep beneath Ingolstadt, Bavaria. There they invoked some sort of supernatural beings and made contact with the Unknown Superiors. The following day, one of these five men proclaimed the foundation of the Ancient Illuminated Seers of Bavaria, using the name "Adam Weishaupt", which means "the first man to know the Superiors".

    Although the Illuminati were officially disbanded in 1785, they did not disappear; throughout the past 200 years, they have been observing the profane world carefully, and occasionally intervening (as they did in Sarajevo in 1914, St. Petersburg in 1917, Manhattan in 1929 (to divert attention from a rather unpleasant affair off the coast of New England) and Dallas in 1963 to name a few cases. Their contacts with the Unknown Superiors continued in specially constructed buildings, originally in Germany but later in Washington. During the 1920s and 1930s there occurred a potential problem; a young writer named Howard Phillips Lovecraft published many stories which contained allegories to Illuminated history (for example, Joseph Curwen's invocation of "Yogge-Sothothe" in an underground complex in the 18th century). It is believed that Lovecraft's father was a Grand Orient Freemason. The Illuminati, however, persuaded Lovecraft to join their cause and faked his death in 1937 (Have you ever wondered why his grave is not marked?) Another incident occurred on October 21, 1967, when occultists attempted to "raise" the Pentagon; they were given permission to approach it but prevented from completely encircling it. However, in 1975, a crisis developed that threatened the very foundation of the Illuminati.

    A book, claiming to be a fantasy novel, appeared. This book was mostly fiction; however, it hinted at the secrets of the Illuminati (even going as far as using Lovecraft's term "Yog-Sothoth" for the Unknown Superior). To this day it is not known whether the authors were renegade Illuminati or whether the information was acquired from informers within the organisation. The book was called Illuminatus!

    Immediately, the Illuminati convened an emergency meeting in Cesme, Turkey. There they discussed a contingency plan to restructure the organisation and to move the Pentacle of Invocation to a new location. They decided on setting up a small computer company in one of the smaller cities of the United States as a front. That year, Microsoft Corporation was founded.

    But why did the Illuminati select a software company and not, say, a company that manages investments or makes kitchen appliances? The answer lies in symbolism (Perhaps because of their invlovement in mystick arts such as the Cabala, the Illuminati have always had an affinity for symbolism). There is a recurring legend about a device in the form of a human head which could answer yes/no questions (some link this device to the Knights Templar and their god Baphomet; others claim that Pope Sylvester, who lived in the tenth century, brought such an object back from India, where he met the "Nine Unknown Men"). This device is extremely suggestive of a computer of some sort, and if it did exist in anything more than hermetic allegory, it could not have been manufactured by any human civilisation of the time whose existence is known. Hence, the Illuminati decided to use a computer company as a front.

    It has been already speculated that the name of the founder, Bill Gates, is a code much as "Adam Weishaupt" was a code. Apart from being the name of a magician in Aleister Crowley's novel, "Moonchild", Gates is a reference to the Unknown Superior and the gateway between ordinary reality and the Invisible World; Lovecraft himself referred to Yog-Sothoth as "the Gateless Gate". By the same token, IBM can be said to stand not for "International Business Machines" but rather for "Iacobus Burgundus Molensis", or Jacques de Molay, the last overt Grand Master of the Knights Templar, whose name was borrowed by the Bavarian Illuminati for one of their ciphers. One must also not forget that a Microsoft network administration tool currently under development is named Hermes, after the god of alchemy, and that a line in Umberto Eco's novel, _Foucault's Pendulum_ reads, quite clearly, "Microsoft-Hermes".

    UN-authorised CAPITALISATION and DISSOCIATION of this IMPORTANT INFORMATION is ENCOURAGED.

    * Some sources claim that the copy of the Necronomicon which Adam Weishaupt owned was the von Junzt German translation; this, however, is unlikely, as von Junzt lived in the nineteenth century. The Necronomicon involved was probably either Olaus Wormius' Latin edition or the original Arabic, as the details of the illustrations would attest.

    1. Re:MICROSOFT AND THE BAVARIAN ILLUMINATI by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      Even though this is OT... this *is* hillarious.

    2. Re:MICROSOFT AND THE BAVARIAN ILLUMINATI by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      This is high quality.
      Is someone archiving this stuff ?
      Should be done.

  41. hilarious by The_Messenger · · Score: 0

    Okay, that first sentence is classic. Congrats, Taco; for once I'm complimenting instead of bashing you. LOL...

    --

    --
    I like to watch.

  42. logitech iFeel mouse? just a gimmick? by mkbz · · Score: 2, Insightful

    this is something i'd been contemplating for a while, then i saw the logitech iFeel mouse. i wanted to try one in an everyday/productivity environment, but all i could find was their cheezy store display that made the mouse 'buzz' when you scrolled over a dot.

    my goal is to find an other-than-visual feedback mechanism for everyday UI controls; i.e. being able to locate/confirm buttons, menu items, without relying soley on visual input to do so.

    the goal is simple: to get faster. i already use the Finder sounds on my MacOS machine, the audible feedback allows me to already be retraining my visual focus on the next task position even before i click to complete the current one - i know to click when i hear the blip. it allows you to lead with your eyes; you spend less time pondering the next task.

    audio, however, is not the most convenient feedback mechanism. in noisy office environments you either have to wear headphones and be in a cocoon, or turn your speakers up, and the constant bleeps will probably annoy your cubicle neighbors enough that they plot some sort of revenge.

    so, does anyone own one of the logitechs? pity it's such a simple/flat mouse, i don't think the company has really explored this as a productivity enhancing tool, so it would seem that this one is the litmus test to see if the market embraces it or dismisses it as a novelty.

    1. Re:logitech iFeel mouse? just a gimmick? by niall111 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I bought the iFeel mouse, and my roommate bought the iFeel mouseman about 6 months ago. They had just come out, and we saw them at the store, with nothing else to spend our money on that day. We both think they are the best mice we've ever used. He prefers the bigger mouse (envy?), while i prefer the smaller one. I'm not sure what you mean by saying saying it's a simple/flat mouse. The iFeel Mouseman is quite an advanced looking piece of machinery, just a little too big for me. I preferred the standard iFeel Mouse. I was moving from a standard wheel mouse, so i was totally blown away with the optical AND iFeel capabilities. It just seems to make it easier to "know" i'm on a button, because the mouse vibrates just slightly while i'm moving over a button. There is definitely a lot of potential there that still needs to be realized though. Someone mentioned that it hurt their wrist, but mine are fine after 8-10 hour diablo 2 super-fast-clicking sessions. can't say I use it much for work, since I am stuck with the plain old IBMer at work. It's really nice though, hopefully people will do more to make it useful for other applications.

  43. Haptic puh! by puhtime2go · · Score: 0

    First haptic puh. r u ready 2 g0?

    --
    Puh! +im3 2 g0!
  44. rumble pack according to my living room by kaoshin · · Score: 1

    BleepBleepBleep, "you just beat me cause I had the stupid vibrator on. I can't play with that crap, turn it off"

    "I don't know where to do it, Haha too bad. You just suck anyway, quit making excuses"

    "No you suck. I get first controller..."

  45. sounds yummy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    to me! I could let all those users feel my big, hard penis without, um, submitting to their charms.

  46. Combine this with... by sulli · · Score: 2

    the mouse-watching tech and we'll really be on to something!

    --

    sulli
    RTFJ.
    1. Re:Combine this with... by Legion303 · · Score: 1
      I don't think it would catch on. Steel spikes ramming out of your mouse and pinning your hand to it every time a pop-up ad appears would piss off even the strongest corporate advocate.

      -Legion

  47. Top POST! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    If you choose "show newest first." HAHAHAHAHA

  48. [ANNOUNCE] by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    From the Group that brought you
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    Packaged By....: [ ] Release Size....: [ 32x15mb ]
    Release Date...: [ 08/29/2001 ] Operating System: [ It Is ]

    Requirements: To run Windows XP, it is recommended that computers have at least 128 megabytes of RAM, 1.5 gigabytes of hard disk space, a 233 megahertz processor and a CD-ROM
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  49. Re: It's just... by jeffehobbs · · Score: 1

    It's just that -- in general -- there's so many better things you could be doing with your life than watching and/or developing porn. Not that it's not Big Business, and sure, some guy may come along and do it; but do you really want to be That Guy?

    that's all.

    ~jeff

  50. Argh! (OT) by sg3000 · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    > I once was "Ungrounded Lightning Rod" but /. slashed off my " Rod".

    Dear GOD! Was it the new version of Slashdot that did this to you? All that happened to me was it quit spam-proofing my address.

    Forget worrying about web sites tracking my mouse movements or sending gravity-well pop-up ads -- I'm surfing with a codpiece!

    --
    Insert simplistic political, ideological, or personal proselytization here.
  51. Fucking mormons... by CmdrTaco+on · · Score: -1

    Once one of them is in control, it's all down hill. There's one hotel I won't be staying at.

    --

    saru mo ki kara ochiru

  52. yeah... by magzun · · Score: 0

    that's some dumb shit. i saw that on some girls computer, man that is so girly, dumb fucks.

  53. limited application by geekoid · · Score: 2

    Certianly there will be some use for some people, but overall they will be a small percentage.

    General browsing(what most people do) will only be handicapped as webwienies..er webmasters, find ways to use this for everything on the site they master..er maintain.

    short of wiring the actual tactile sense into your brain, this will never be tactile enough to judge textile products with.

    and of course gamers will claim that there is an 'unfair' advantge to this as some people download driver that lets them 'feel' when there on target. Which will allow people who MIGHT have that ability to be banned from certain server(like having a driver which gives you the ability to see through walls, even though your not using it).

    basically its another really cool technology with very limited real world use.

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  54. I'd like to see a haptic feedback suit by Uttles · · Score: 1

    A full body suit that you would strap on before you loaded up something like 'knockout kings.' Every time you get punched you feel a hit wherever you got punched. Just imagine how fun it would be to tweak your own games then...

    "Here (insert person-who's-been-pissing-you-off's name here), try playing Mech Warrior with this suit on..."

    --

    ~ now you know
  55. Interesting Troll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    On Thu, 25 Jun 1998 19:33:33 GMT, ?hm15x5@iname.com?(WeeSaul) squawked:

    >On Thu, 25 Jun 1998 19:08:49 GMT,
    >Lt_Colonel/1st_Virginia_Volunteers/Cesium_Brig ade-=+FF2+=-mhm16_x_3@alt.alien.vampire.flonk.flon k.flonk,alt.nuke.france_NUKE_FRANCE_AND_THOSE_CUNT S_IN_BELGIUM_ALSO_THOSE_PRETEND_FROG_FUCKERS_IN_QU EBEC_Come_on_you_demon_yokels_PLONK_ME_YOU_FUCKHEA DS
    >(Rocky) wrote:
    >
    >>?hm15x5@iname.com?(WeeSaul) found time to write:
    >>-+>On Thu, 25 Jun 1998 05:40:01 GMT, the2belo@norvosibirsk.alt.net (The
    >>-+>2-Belo) wrote:
    >>-+>
    >>-+>>George Dau barged into alt.fan.karl-malden.nose and rattled off this statement:
    >>-+>>
    >>-+>>>posterkid@psnw.com (posterkid) wrote:
    >>-+>>>
    >>-+>>>]Michelle Klein-Hass wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>In article , the2belo@?t.net wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>
    >>-+>>>]>> posterkid barged into alt.fan.karl-malden.nose and rattled off this statement:
    >>-+>>>]>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >David A. Rosenfield wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>On Tue, 23 Jun 1998 07:44:35 GMT, rlb@mbnet.mb.ca (The Duck) wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;In article ,
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;posterkid@psnw.com (posterkid) wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>The 2-Belo wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>posterkid barged into alt.fan.karl-malden.nose and rattled off this
    >>-+>>>]>statement:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>puck, justified and ancient, meowed:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>Kick out the jam, posterkid:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>- balloo wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->parrot@thenest.org ("Iron Parrot" JIIM) escribi?en art?ulo:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>(The 2-Belo) squawked:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>Somebody barged into alt.fan.karl-malden.nose:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>The bastard[s] known as posterkid@psnw.com (posterkid) wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}WeeSaul >-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>The 2-Belo wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;Seb barged into alt.fan.karl-malden.nose:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>The 2-Belo wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>WeeSaul barged into alt.fan.karl-malden.nose:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>> posterkid@psnw.com (posterkid) wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>Somebody wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>The bastard[s] known as ?mhm15x5@iname.com?
    >>-+>>>]>(WeeSaul) wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}pstolarc@micronetix.net.flon k.flonk.flonk
    >>-+>>>]>(Somebody) wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>The bastard[s] known as The 2-Belo wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}Somebody barged into alt.fan.karl-malden.nose:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>The bastard[s] known as Arsenic wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>}The Duck wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>}? (The 2-Belo) wrote:
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>}? >linux.
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>}?
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>}? troll
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>}
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>}linux.
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}>troll
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>}linux
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}>troll
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>}linux
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>>troll
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>>linux
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>>troll
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>>electrolux
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;>shock therapy
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>&gt ;troll
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}>hoo ver
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>}linux
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>>troll
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>>linoleum
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->>Agate.
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>->perl?
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>- awk
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>>sed!
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>>nroff.
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>>fsck.
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;>dump.
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;
    >>-+>>>]>> >>;bind
    >>-+>>>]>> >>
    >>-+>>>]>> >>grep.
    >>-+>>>]>> >
    >>-+>>>]>> >vi.
    >>-+>>>]>>
    >>-+>>>]>> mount.
    >>-+>>>]>
    >>-+>>>]>apache.
    >>-+>>>]
    >>-+>>>]syslogd.
    >>-+>>>
    >>-+>>>killall
    >>-+>>
    >>-+>>troll
    >>-+>
    >>-+>linux
    >>
    >>LINUX & TROLL
    >
    >LINUS & LUCY

    BERT AND ERNIE

    --
    Squawk,

    "Iron Parrot" JIIM - Servant of the ?er-Stoat

  56. An improved user interface is only 5 years away... by Compulawyer · · Score: 3, Interesting
    This seems to rate right up there with speech recognition as one of those technologies whose advent has been only 5 years away for the past 15 years.

    That being said, it is really sad to think that there have been few really innovative and memorable improvements to the human-computer interface since the original Macintosh in 1984. (Yes I know Messr. Jobs got it from Xerox - cool your jets flamers. The Mac was the first widely available GUI system. Facts are facts.)

    Not only is it time to start thinking more seriously about using the 4 other senses besides sight to enhance the human-computer interface (no pr0n jokes, please - I'm serious) but it is also high time to realize that not everyone has the use of their eyes. This type of interface improvement can do wonders for the visually impaired computer users among us. I'd like to see more improvements of this type.

    --

    Laws affecting technology will always be bad until enough techies become lawyers.

  57. but seriously... by Rimbo · · Score: 2

    "On Wednesday, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates showed off a handheld computer that understands which way is up and where it's being touched."

    Why do I get the feeling this is the only reason why this new technology was reported?

    "Oh, wow, Bill Gates said it, so it must be true..."

    *fumes*

  58. Microsoft Corp. - a ridiculous libral myth. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    This has been floating around the internet forever, and has been repeatedly disproven.

    This "Microsoft Corporation" is pure fantasy cooked up by H.P. Lovecraft. There is no such thing. All these references you see on the internet to a "Microsoft Corporation" are written by dupes that have been taken in by Lovecraft's and other authors citing this spurious "Microsoft Corporation" in their piddling attempts at horror writing. I have personally read, in the closed collections at Miskatontic University, a letter from Lovecraft to Jack Parsons and L. Ron Hubbard (pre Dianetics) describing his sources of inspiration for this "Microsoft Corporation", including the notorious "ProTROLLcalls of the Elders of Norton", and bald-facedly stating : "Although no sensible person could possibly beleive that anyone could perpetrate such black crimes against God, humanity and all that is good, this should definiatly stir up the woo-woos and the proleatriate. I dare say, even more that the Deros of that looney Richard Shaver."

    So there you have it, right there, in HPL's own words, Microsoft is a hoax.

  59. *shrug* by uebernewby · · Score: 3, Insightful

    is what you'll most likely do should you come accross the only piece of equipment in existence today that actually uses this technology: the force feedback mouse. If you haven't tried it: it vibrates if you place the mousepointer on something that can be clicked. If you run into the edge of a window, it, well, also vibrates.

    hardly the most exciting "user experience".

    somehow, I don't see them get from "vibrate" to "within 10 years, shoppers will be able to "feel" a piece of silk or other fabric simply by rubbing their finger over a computer screen" (article). if we're supposed to be able to mimic "the feel of silk" in ten years, right now we should've been able to "feel the shape of a woman's tits", i should think. and i'm pretty sure the porn industry would've picked up on this if it were possible.

    i wouldn't expect this technology to come into existence within the next ten years if i were you. nor twenty or thirty.

    --

    News and bla for computer musicians: http://lomechanik.net/
  60. That Fucked Up Ad by egg+troll · · Score: -1

    Has anyone else noticed that fucked up ad from IBM at the top of Slashdot? Rather than being the standard size its almost a square, with a scroll bar? This is either another example of poor Slashcode or VA's way to get past all those ad filters. WHICH IS IT TACO?!

    --

    C - A language that combines the speed of assembly with the ease of use of assembly.
  61. I like my idea better by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    How about instead of Haptic feedback, someone invents slapstick feedback!

    When you click on an banner ad, you get a pie in the face!

    1. Re:I like my idea better by delcielo · · Score: 1

      Ha! You should be modded hire than you are.

      --
      Hot Damn! It's the Soggy Bottom Boys!
  62. You think that's bad? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Just wait until you accidentally click on a goatse.cx link on /. with your haptic mouse!

    wife: "Honey, why are you spraying your mouse with Lysol?"

    1. Re:You think that's bad? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
      Sort of like this?

      goatse.cx

  63. Logitech IFeel mouse (Re:again.. WTF) by fetta · · Score: 1
    You can make your Windows desktop and website touchy feely using the logitech i-feel mouse [logitech.com]. I have one and it actually works okay.

    I have a logitech IFeel mouse, and the tactile feedback gets old real fast. I turned it off after only a few days. I occasionally turn it on for games, but that's about it. Nothing like having your mouse vibrate when you're playing Tribes 2 and you run over a mine.



    --
    ** The opinions expressed here are my own, and do not reflect those of my employers - past, present, or future**
    1. Re:Logitech IFeel mouse (Re:again.. WTF) by Jacy19 · · Score: 1

      I have one too. I also found it the most useless piece of technology I own. I had trouble actually turning off the feedback and so it still jiggles around a bit when I'm trying to click something. More like the opposite of a black hole. It just refuses to go there.

  64. Net Nanny by Regolith · · Score: 1

    I can see this type of thing being included in the next release of Net Nanny/Cyberpatrol/etc.

    NetNanny... Make your children run from pr0n (or their mouse anyway)!

    --

    Bow before my sig, for it is good.
  65. Re:An improved user interface is only 5 years away by dankow · · Score: 2, Funny

    Not only is it time to start thinking more seriously about using the 4 other senses...
    My computer already makes use of the sense of smell...
    "My processor's melting, my processor's melting!!"

    --
    I am the hub of Jack's digital lifestyle.
  66. I haven an iFeel by Lord+Ender · · Score: 3, Informative
    "Seriously I would love a bit of feedback when my mouse moves over a button or a link."

    Well taco, the Logitech iFeel mouse has been out for several months and is already able to do that. I have one. It is usb-only (which is a pain to set up sometimes even with the latest kernel) and there are no drivers for linux that allow it to use the vibration, though. With the windows drivers, it vibrates whenever you move it over a link in IE, but it is not that helpful, because it doesn't keep vibrating. You feel the same then whether you move it past the link or not. Not very helpful. And it only works in Internet Explorer, not Netscape or Opera (which is by far the best-engineered browser of them all). All in all the mouse is neat but the tactile feedback is not useful. So, in my opinion, this "feedback" techonology is not the next big thing, and will be almost unheard of in a few years except in specialized tasks.

    --
    A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
  67. Re:An improved user interface is only 5 years away by magzun · · Score: 1

    its not like this technology hasn't been around. playstation has being shaking for a while now.

  68. There needs to be a mouse with a cattle prod... by Greyfox · · Score: 2
    Then when some luser calls you on the support line and asks something really stupid, you could trigger their mouse to give them a shock.

    Along the same lines, computers and monitors should include small explosive charges that could be detonated in the same circumstances.

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

  69. Blind leading the blind by hubbabubba · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Nothin' new here folks. Virtouch has been doing this technology for quite some time, and their product is in use in any number of places. It's meant to help blind folk visualize objects on the computer screen, and by all accounts it works quite well. Whomever suggested that this technology is useless because blind people don't do braille anymore doesn't know what they're talking about. Not a surprising phenomenon at /. of course.

    hubbabubba

    I yam a proud and happy

    --
    Fried ice cream is a reality. - George Clinton
    1. Re:Blind leading the blind by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nonono, it's the blind leading the blonde. How many women do you think's gonna buy that stuff!?

  70. Will this make it feel better by Scratch-O-Matic · · Score: 1

    to touch my mouse while surfing pr0n?

    --


    Evil is the money of root.
  71. Esc Meta Alt Ctrl Shift by DeadMeat+(TM) · · Score: 2
    Or else I can just continue binding ridiculous things like Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Meta-F8 to every little action.
    Now, I know Emacs has a lot of features, but do you think they're really going to add haptics support?

    (Humor, not flamebait. Please mod accordingly.)

  72. Re:An improved user interface is only 5 years away by ostawookiee · · Score: 1

    The CS department at UNC Chapel Hill has a neat research project where they use haptic feedback in conjunction with a "nanomanipulator". Basically you can feel atoms. It's pretty slick. They have a number of other haptic research projects too in regards to VR and such.

  73. windows is keyboard driven...no need for mouse by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    pretty much 99.9% of all the functionality can be done with the keyboard.

    Linux GUI is inconsistent in key bindings and seriously lacking keyboard interface.

    I like windows in this regard. The copycat linux folks could do a better job emulating if they spend some time to use windows.

    Linux gui is also ugly. Just look at the solid color top bar of an app and compare it to windows design...it has a fading color effect.

    before you go and say yeah windows is "pretty"...I'm saying windows gui is a well thought out, pleasing to the eyes, and it make your computing experience a lot better...less boring.

  74. iFeel control protocol details by pergamon · · Score: 2

    Even the simple iFeel is a *little* more than just "shaking or not" -- it does have "varying degrees of vibration" and the frequency of shaking can be chosen too as indicated (http://moore.cx/dan/out/ifeel/). Irregular patterns of vibration can be handled by just timing individual pulses in software. The Immersion software simulates textures by triggering pulses of various intensities that correspond to the mouse position/movement. It isn't spectacular, but is a much better effect than I anticipated. There are pointing devices that do actually restrict movement, in particular I've seen at least one that is a mouse, but they're much more expensive. The nice thing about the iFeel is that it gives another non-intrusive way to indicate something to the user at very low cost. The bad thing is that no one really uses it well right now.

  75. Re:An improved user interface is only 5 years away by Arandir · · Score: 2

    This seems to rate right up there with speech recognition as one of those technologies whose advent has been only 5 years away for the past 15 years.

    Speech recognition is here. It works. It works very well. And it doesn't take a ton of resources.

    But no one wants it! Except for a few specialty uses, people simply do not want to talk to their computer. It's embarassing.

    --
    A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
  76. Classic "Grass is Greener" by mshomphe · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Again, making the virtual world more like the real world. Anyone remember the Simpsons' episode where Marge could get the kids to do yard work, but as soon as they saw the yard work simulator they wanted to do that?


    --
    She sat at the window watching the evening invade the avenue.
  77. I'm sorry.... by TheQuantumShift · · Score: 1

    but maybe I'm just not a true geek. I can't seem to get excited about this. But then again, I actually look at my screen, and different color fonts with underline seem to work quite well as to alert me to links.

    --

    Shift happens. Fire it up.
  78. C'mon, that was funny! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Besides, how can it be offtopic? The message thread specifically mentions using haptic feeback devices to surf pr0n.

    1. Re:C'mon, that was funny! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Since you're such a good comedian, why don't you go on national TV and whine everytime the public doesn't laugh.

  79. Check this for ergonomics by Marcus+Brody · · Score: 2
    I recently had the oppotunirty to hav a play on one of those "internet pay phones" recently featured on slashdot (cant find the original stoty right now... soz :-( ). What really impressed me was the touch screen. I really want one at home now - they rule! Imagine it.... being able to click on a link - actually click on it, with your finger to the screen. Moving the scrollbar with your finger. It rocks, trust me.


    Then again, the novelty will probably wear off after 10 minutes and I'll be back to console lynx style...

  80. How is this useful? by sketerpot · · Score: 1
    I don't see how this can be very useful as long as it is constrained to simple things like mice on the desktop. I can see my links perfectly clearly. Clearly enough to click on them, even. Having my mouse vibrate when it goes over something I can see easily does not help me.

    If I were playing a game, this would be much different. It would be cool to have the mouse give a kick when I shoot. Can you think of other uses?

  81. You "editors" suck by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yeah, I can tell from the goatse stench that an editor's been through here marking everyinthing down.

    What the hell's wrong with a normal AC (score: 0)?!!!! No one's gonna see it at 0 unless they go looking for it since the default threashold is 1. It's not going in the archive, since it's below 1. I really don's see why some editor felt threatened enough by my sad attempt (grantedly OT) at humor that they felt the need to stomp on it.

    Abuse like this is why the moderation system doesn't even have a chance to work right. I guess I'm just a "No-Good Shit" AC.

  82. Mod me down... by josh_miller · · Score: 1

    ...but I just had to say:

    My wife, Juanita, likes to browse the web Hispanicly

  83. My kidneys don't need an IP address by dead_penguin · · Score: 1

    Oh wait, that's haptically, not hepatically...

    --

    It's only software!
  84. Radio Tuner by Frankus · · Score: 1

    I want a radio tuner wheel that "clicks" into stations relative to how strong they are.

    -Frank

    1. Re:Radio Tuner by adamjone · · Score: 1

      Delco Electronics, a division of Delphi Automotive, designs and manufactures a number of radio models for automobiles around the world. They already have the capability to adjust the volume based on your speed. Another technology available in some models is "negative" noise, which cancels out road noise, making for a quieter ride. Check out this page to see what other products are currently available or are coming down the pipe. If you don't see this one, contact someone at Delco. The only function like this currently available that I know of are the SEEK and SCAN buttons.

  85. Haptic feedback will rock when... by Captain+Quazar · · Score: 1

    it works on self-deforming flat screen technology. Touch-screens with the ability to make "buttons" could be as revolutionary to the UI as the mouse was. Just don't ask me how it would work.

  86. Simulate all five senses at once! by adamjone · · Score: 1

    Let's see, I can use the iSmell to recreate scents. I can get the 180 degree immersive monitor to immerse my sense of sight. My sense of hearing can be fooled by the AuSIM reCREate. The previously mentioned iFeel MouseMan covers my sense of touch. That just leaves my sense of taste, which is obviously lacking if I would use all of these products rather than go outside and take a walk. &ltsigh&gt I suppose I will just have to lick my iSmell.

  87. zero mouse clicks are better than mouse kicks by doom · · Score: 2
    Personally, I'd rather have a browsing experince without any mousing around whatsoever (which may explain why I'm posting this with lynx). Mouse-oriented interfaces strike me as being really brain dead more often than not... they make a minor effort to throw in keyboard short cuts, but it's just an after thought. Like what exactly is the point of making me do a right click before I can hit a keyboard short cut to pick something out of the right click menu?

    Serious question: is there a window manager that will let me do X mouse operations using user definable keyboard commands? E.g. I'd really like to replace the "middle-click" with, say, the F12 key.