One of the best features in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is 3D Touch — which adds “Peek and Pop” functionality to the new Apple devices by applying a level of pressure on the display.
Now Samsung is reportedly preparing a feature that is similar to 3D Touch for its Galaxy line of devices releasing in 2016, according to a post written by a credible source known as “I Ice Universe” on Weibo.
Samsung will be using technology created by San Jose, California based human interface Software Company. Last week, Synaptics announced the new generation of its ClearForce touchscreen technology called ClearPad 3700. ClearPad 3700 can distinguish between light taps and harder presses.
ClearPad 3700 enables new dimensions in user interfaces like zooming in/out, unlocking devices, setting up contextual menus, gaming and photo editing simply by applying variable force using a finger or stylus.
In a press release, Synaptics said it has been working closely with global manufacturing companies to integrate ClearForce into smartphones that are expected to start shipping in 2016. Synaptics did not specify which manufacturers it partnered with.
But it seems likely all of the major Android manufacturers will be included such as Samsung.
“This exciting next step in human interface for smartphones will soon become the norm and highlights Synaptics’ leadership in force,” said Kevin Barber, the senior vice president and general manager of the Smart Display Division at Synaptics, in a statement. “Early adopters of Clear Force include industry leading OEMs and LCMs seeking advanced technology that drives an enhanced and more productive user experienced.”
Even if Samsung integrates a “3D Touch” feature into its future devices, it will not be first Android manufacturer that has done so.
Last month, Huawei unveiled a smartphone called the Mate S which has a “smart-pressure sensitive screen.” There are contextual gestures that appear when you apply pressure to the screen of the Mate S such as game controls and photo zooming.
Huawei actually announced the pressure-sensitive screen feature for a smartphone before Apple revealed “3D Touch” for the iPhone 6s.
But Apple popularized pressure-sensitive technology with the Force Touch feature in the Apple Watch and the new 12-inch MacBook Pro.
–
Source: Forbes