Synapsis Fuse Concept
From: Synaptics
Synaptics dabbled in the mobile touchscreen market before the Apple iPhone ever came along. For an innovator with that type of reputation, the Fuse concept makes a logical next step. Believing that a new breakthrough in this design space is overdue, Synaptics assembled an all-star cast of technology leaders to collaborate on the Fuse.
The idea behind the Synpatics Fuse is to expand on the essentially one-dimensional interactivity of a normal touchscreen phone. The Fuse has a plethora of sensors at its disposal, which allows the user to squeeze, tilt, and otherwise interact with parts of the phone. The goal is to allow the user to perform complex tasks with one hand, and without looking at the device.
While I'm not sure that squeezing a mobile phone is the logical next step, the concept does raise many questions about interaction design and user interfaces. Are there simpler ways to perform mundane tasks on ever-more-capable smart phones? A 3.5" screen is an awfully small amount of screen real estate to control the kitchen sink of functions that a 16- or 32-GB phone can accomplish.
Plus, while the concept is innovative, it seems that our wonderful mobile hardware OEM manufacturers are still having a tough time just getting touchscreen correct. Thus, don't expect to see the Synaptics Fuse offered at a rebate through your mobile phone provider anytime soon.
Stay innovative.
-Nick (www.nickselman.com)