Haptics Technology Turns Phones into Weapons

SlashRating^© 17 slashdottit! ^tm SkinnyGuy writes "Virtually all of our phones have little motors that make vibration possible. Now there's a company working on taking the abilities of these mini motors much, much further. Touch-Bak's technology allows for users to send 'virtual punches' and jabs, and can send phones flying from the hands of users if they're unaware of the service. It's all a bit on the extreme side and, to his credit, the PCMag.com author recognizes that, but it's still a fascinating application of the little understood Haptics technology. '"Imagine," Galsworthy continued, "that you know your buddy Kyle is in an important meeting and you know that he keeps his phone in his pocket. You can deliver a digital punch right to his thigh. He jumps out of his seat during the meeting and . . . it's hilarious!" Galsworthy was so tickled by this description of events that he was lost in fits of laughter on the other side of the phone. To me, this service is childish and, well, kind of stupid.'"

Comments

phone-fu

[Shadow_mil]

Don't mess with me... I know phone-fu 8)

Raging Success

[aussie_a]

To me, this service is childish and, well, kind of stupid.

Thus making it a raging success with teenagers and Americans.

First April Fools Story?

[echostorm]

I'm willing to bet this is the beginning of a VERY long day.

Re:First April Fools Story?

[Sancho]

The editors clearly think that it is funny. That's kinda sad. My April 1st is always "Day Without Slashdot Day" brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department. Guess I should have stopped earlier on the 31st.

Bullshit

[Wuhao]

You know how I know it's an April Fools post? Because if it were real, cell phone companies would charge you $10 a month to opt out of it. They'd call it something like "TotalRingControl(TM)" and initially they'd let people send these messages for free to annoy the shit out of every right-thinking businessperson who 1) depends on their phone, and 2) has the $10 to burn. Then, 3 months later, they'd switch it to $2 a telepunch without telling you, and charge another $.50 just to receive one.

this will end well...

[Anonymous Coward]

FTFA: To me, this service is childish and, well, kind of stupid

People lately have been abuzz about license-plate social-networking services on the highways, where you dial up a number, enter their plate and get connected to their listed cell number. A childish, stupid and ill-thought out concept. 1 wrong...This article describes is a service which can knock the phone out of someones hand using the motor in the phone itself...an annoying, childish and stupid idea (but mildly amusing). 2 wrongs...

So what if the person you are behind on the highway is yakking away in the fast-lane going 10mph under the speed limit...can't you use the License Plate service to send the SMS message to knock the phone out of their hand and...

OOPS! You dropped your cell-phone in your latte!

2 wrongs can make a right

Teledildonics

[ocelotbob]

Yeah, version one of this technology sucks. But just wait until version two comes out and brings a whole new meaning to the term phone sex. (Yes, I know what day this is ;3)

the aprilfools tag

[Devil's BSD]

I really think this tag should be removed for today. It really takes the fun out of things...

Happy April Fools' Day!

[Urgo]

For a 'full' list of April Fools Web Site Jokes today check out: http://aprilfools.urgo.org/2007.html

52 sites linked up so far and growing.

Development Funded by ...

[PPH]

... Naomi Campbell and Rusell Crowe.