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Why Did Touch Take 4 Decades to Catch On?

theodp writes "You probably saw media coverage of Bill Gates showing off touch-screen technology to his CEO play group last week. With the introduction of the iPhone and iPod Touch, touch (and multi-touch) technology — which folks like Ray Ozzie enjoyed as undergrads way back in the early '70s — has finally gone mainstream. The only question is: Why did it take four decades for its overnight success? Some suggest the expiration of significant patents filed during '70s and '80s may have had something to do with it — anything else?"

2 of 245 comments (clear)

  1. I honestly don't know why by .Bruce+Perens · · Score: -1, Troll

    Because I've been touching myself nonstop to gay porn for nearly for four decades and I love it.

    --

    Thanks,
    Bruce
  2. Re: ... because it's a terrible interface by Dana+W · · Score: 0, Troll

    You seriously need a hobby.