Microsoft touchscreen patent could bring Braille to tablets

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com///images/microsoft-surface-pc-1-200-200.jpg"><br /><P>Microsoft has been busy designing a new patent that it hopes will revolutionise touchscreen devices.</P><br /><P>According to the <a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19776-microsoft-develops-shapeshifting-touchscreen.html">New Scientist</A>, the touchscreen technology uses pixel-sized shape-memory plastic cells that can be called to the surface individually.</P><br /><P>This technology could theoretically allow the shapes of objects to be 'felt' on a big-screen device, like a tablet.</P><br /><P><STRONG>You got the touch</STRONG></P><br /><P>The patent goes some way into explaining how the technology works, stating that that plastic is sprayed with polymer – a malleable coating which reacts differently depending what type of UV light is shone on it. </P><br /><P>It is unknown how close to market the technology is, but if successful it could change the way touchscreens are used and even offer up a way to bring Braille on to mobile devices for the visually impaired.</P><br /><P>It seems that the technology won't be coming to phones anytime soon, because it has been created for bigger touchscreens.</P><br /><P>Microsoft could well implement it into its Surface devices in the future, though, as well as the inevitable slew of tablets.</P>

Microsoft touchscreen patent could bring Braille to tablets

Microsoft has been busy designing a new patent that it hopes will revolutionise touchscreen devices. According to the New Scientist , the to...

Continue Reading>>