Haptic

New Apple invention would employ multi-axis haptic feedback based on device orientation

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 19, 2016

A new patent filing by Apple, which surfaced Tuesday in the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) database, provides yet another indication that Apple's engineers continue work on perfecting haptic feedback in its products. According to the filing, the company has invented a multi-axis haptic feedback solution capable of producing vibrations in different directions, based on whether a user holds the device in portrait or landscape orientation.

Analysts corroborate claim of alleged iPhone 7 Force Touch Home button

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 29, 2016

Cowen and Company analysts have corroborated an unconfirmed story which two days ago reiterated prior reports that the next iPhone would sport a Home button with haptic feedback to simulate a click, using the same approach as Force Touch on the Apple Watch.

Citing “field checks” to back up its research and projections, the analysts were quoted by Business Insider as saying that this new Home button will sit flush with the rest of the iPhone 7. They also expect the device will lack a headphone jack and will be waterproof, as previous rumors have suggested.

Rumor: iPhone 7 will enable more complex tactile vibrations via improved Taptic Engine

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 31, 2016

Mentioned as a side-note in today's Nikkei report about Apple ostensibly switching to a three-year upgrade cycle for the iPhone is a brief mention of a supposed iPhone 7 enhancement that we haven't seen detailed in prior reports and rumors: a “high-performance motor” that should enable richer tactile vibrations throughout the system.

Notifications not forwarding to Apple Watch? Check these likely causes

Anthony Bouchard ∙ May 27, 2016

It's a nice feeling when software works as it should, but that's not always the case. In the case of the Apple Watch, notifications that are supposed to be tapping on your wrist may not work when you expect them to.

If you're having problems with your Apple Watch not receiving the notifications your iPhone is putting out, then you'll want to follow the steps in this piece to troubleshoot what's going on and fix the problem.

Forcy updated with haptic feedback and better 3D Touch emulation for older iPhones

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 12, 2018

Forcy, the jailbreak tweak that does its very best to emulate the 3D Touch experience on older iPhones, is now available with a few new anticipated features. Version 1.0.1 of Forcy brings a new preference panel, which allows users to configure the way the tweak works.

The initial version of Forcy featured no such preferences, in fact, after installation, there were no options for configuring the experience at all. With the new preference option, users can disable Forcy outright, toggle haptic feedback, and enable a swap invoke method that allows for a more true 3D Touch-esque feeling.

This tweak adds audio and haptic feedback to music controls on iPhone

Josh Pasholk ∙ June 9, 2015

Listening to music on our iPhones is one of the most classic uses for the device. The Music app has been with us since the beginning, in the form of the old iPod app. It has gone through a few iterations and improvements throughout the years, but there is always something that third-party apps are doing differently or better.

Feedback, by Ron Thakrar (@ronthakrar) enables audio and haptic feedback for media controls. It only works when controlling audio playback remotely, like in the Control Center or Lock screen. For example, it doesn't work within an app itself, when you're in the Music app and press play or skip track it won't make any feedback sounds.

Apple patent outlines virtual Mac keyboard with haptic feedback

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 19, 2015

The United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) on Thursday published an interesting Apple patent application for a Mac keyboard that looks like an oversized Magic Trackpad accessory, but with virtual keys in place of the physical ones providing haptic feedback, similar to the new MacBook's Force Touch trackpad.

Filed in November 2014 and titled 'Method and Apparatus for Localization of Haptic Feedback,' the invention outlines a keyboard with a flat, touch-sensitive input surface incorporating multiple actuators to provide tactile feedback.

Questionable report revives iPhone haptics rumor

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 29, 2016

Since the original iPhone's inception, Apple's been expected to add haptic feedback technology to its iconic smartphone. This hasn't happened to this date, despite several Apple patent filings related to an enhanced haptic feedback on mobile devices.

A new Chinese rumor has been making rounds on the web Thursday, reviving the old-standing rumor which calls for an iPhone with haptic feedback.

According to sources, the next iPhone(s) will incorporate tactile feedback in order to augment the sense of touch with subtle vibrations when virtual keys are pressed...

Apple researching safe vehicle telematics with touchscreen and tactile features

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 9, 2013

Apple hopes a new patent granted today will make driving safer in cars equipped with a growing array of screens and devices.

The patent combines the touch screen technology found in iPhones and iPads with haptic feedback, allowing drivers to adjust dashboard controls while keeping their eyes on the road.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved Apple's technology, entitled "Programmable tactile touch screen displays and man-machine interfaces for improved vehicle instrumentation and telematics." The technology builds on an earlier patent granted to a Canadian inventor on human interaction with computers...

Add tactile feedback to your iPad using the Fling joystick

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 23, 2018

A child of the console revolution, there is nothing better than tactile feedback when gaming. None of these new age children know the feeling of a Game Boy D-Pad. Instead they are stuck with slick screened iPod touches, where the most tactile feedback they will feel is the orange peel rubberized drag of a ZAGG invisibleSHIELD. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of iOS gaming, but there is just something more than nostalgic about tactile feedback.

Some day, not in the near future, Apple will finally include haptic feedback in their screens courtesy of a Senseg-like interaction between the screen and electrons on the finger. However, until then, we are stuck. In an effort to match the desires of similar tactile fans, Ten One Design provides the Fling analogue joystick for iOS devices...

Apple wins patent for improved haptic feedback

Ed Sutherland ∙ February 19, 2013

The use of haptic feedback in smartphones is increasingly commonplace, however until now Apple has shied away from using the technology in its multitouch devices, such as the iPhone and iPad. However, the prospect is now open for a multitouch keyboard that provides consumers a tactile response, according to an Apple patent grant by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Apple first applied a filing for the invention back in 2009 to solve the problem of multiple haptic signals interfering with each other, thereby confusing users. Apple outlined a way to localize the haptic feedback by using secondary sensors which cancel-out the confusing signals. In this way, when an iPhone owner hits the 'L' key, he won't also receive a vibration under the 'K' key of a virtual keyboard...

Apple researching new haptic feedback technology

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Just hours before Apple unveiled its third-generation iPad this year, a report came out suggesting that the tablet could feature some sort of new haptic "touch-feedback" display.

Obviously, the story never materialized. But as it turns out, Apple is looking into it. The company has had over 4 patents published this year on haptics, including this one...