On demonstration at Microsoft's TechFest fair, where over 800 research and development specialists conspire to show off their latest technology inventions, was LucidTouch.
Described by the boffins as 'a compelling input modality for interactive devices', it is essentially a gadget that allows users to control a device such as a mobile phone, PMP and much more from the backside of the gadget - behind its screen - while still being able to see their fingers. Confused?
LucidTouch employs what Microsoft calls 'pseudo transparency' to overlay an image of the user's hands onto the screen, giving the illusion of semi-transparency so you can see what your fingers are doing without obstructing the image on screen - ideal for smaller touchscreen devices in particular.
In a nice move, LucidTouch also supports multi-touch input so you can use all ten digits simultaneously to control things.
Initial studies from Microsoft have apparently indicated that users found touching the back of a device preferable to touching the front thanks to reduced occlusion, higher precision and the ability to make multi-finger input.
Still in concept stage, there's no news on a potential release date as yet. Looks cool though!
research.microsoft.com
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