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2016's Android smartphones can have 3D Touch-like features thanks to Synaptics

By Cookie Monster - on 8 Oct 2015, 6:00am

2016's Android smartphones can have 3D Touch-like features thanks to Synaptics

 Image source: watchlistnews.com

Aside from the Apple iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and the Huawei Mate S with Force Touch, there is currently no other smartphone in the market that supports pressure-sensitive display. However, that may soon change thanks to Synaptics. 

Synaptics yesterday announced three new ClearPad discrete touch controller solutions which will enable "increased functionality and entirely new dimensions of touch" for smartphones, tablets and automative apps. One of the touch controller solutions, Synaptics 3700 series, is specifically designed for the latest flagship smartphones and will bring the following features:

  • ClearForce variable force sensing technology
  • SideTouch for edge gesturing 
  • Unique active and passive stylus capabilities 
  • Non-touch hover performance at distances up to 25mm

Through ClearForce technology, Synaptics hopes that OEMs can provide customers with new touch interactions such as speed scrolling, zoom, gaming, text or photo editing by applying variable force with a finger or stylus. 

There are another two touch controller solutions - the Synaptics ClearPad 3600 series and 7800 series. The former is optimized for mainstream smartphones with new silicon architecture for improved touch performance while the latter caters for larger displays up to 17.3-inches. 

The company also states that it has been working with leading global OEMs to ship force-enabled smartphones in early 2016 with Synaptics ClearPad 3700 series currently in mass production. If and when leading Android vendors adopt these solutions, you can definitely expect to see fancier names for the respective brands. S Touch or Quick Touch, anyone?

Source: Synaptics (1) (2) via 9to5Google

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