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Touch-based Handhelds Turned Inside Out
holy_calamity writes "Mitsubishi and Microsoft have made a prototype PSP-like handheld operated using a touch interface on the back — the idea is to give a firmer hold, prevent obscuring the screen and allow greater accuracy than the iPhone and others. The users fingers are shown as shadows on the screen so they can see what they're doing, making the device look transparent. As a video shows, it's far from market ready, but the design principle seems sound."
Shadowy fingers behind the back of screen images should be a big advance for Porn Digital Assistants. I predict a win for this one.
One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
You'd only need to orient yourself like that at first, while getting used to the device. With experience I figure it would be reasonable to gain a strong grasp of the spacing. While the tactile feedback in most devices limit what I can compare too, the Nintendo DS seems apt. During many DS games I don't want to take my eyes off of the top screen, while having to tap various parts of the bottom screen. With time this became natural. I expect the device in the article will be similar in this respect.
"A witty saying proves nothing." - Voltaire
OK, I was thinking, "yeah, so what" until they got to the part where they type on the keyboard. You could seriously type on that thing as fast as on a regular keyboard, because of the way they laid it out. Hold it and type at the same time.
But the webcam on the back is great. I love it. It's like headgear for handhelds. Want to be the master of geekiness? Look no further my friend: the handheld that neither fits in your hand NOR your pocket! Useless you say? Yes, but it's cool!!
Qxe4
Apple filed a patent on that several months ago. Microsoft's implementation seems cumbersome, using a camera on the back (cleverly kept out of the frame). Apple can at least implement this with multi-touch.
In any case, I don't see this going anywhere; it's too weird.
I understand what you're saying about the fact that eventually you can just "know" where different points are on the control scheme, and I guess that's true to an extent. I just think that with most handheld devices, you need a fairly accurate touch. Lots of DS games just require that you press in the general direction of your intention (Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass comes to mind). But selecting choices from a menu with a control scheme is quite different, you need a very precise touch.
They are about 1/2 the length of your hand and useless for tapping data (aside from maybe squeeze). I find myself holding just about anything two handed and I drum my fingers or generally move them around idly. This would let you grip the device while interacting comfortably. But it used a front and rear touch system, so if it did become troubling you could use your thumbs on the front or just one hand it when appropriate and problem solved. I think this a good thing and it should be very intuitive and very flexible. Apple's certainly started the ball rolling.
Quack, quack.