New 3D Touch Technology for Your Car Is in Development by Apple Supplier Synaptics

New 3D Touch Technology for Your Car Is in Development by Apple Supplier Synaptics
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CarPlay is Apple’s complete solution to connecting one’s iPhone to their car. Apple hopes to have a major presence in the automotive industry, but it might not be enough to simply have software in the car. Synaptics, an Apple supplier, is working on touchscreen hardware for cars that can sense pressure.

The screen would function similarly to the 3D Touch feature of some Macs and iPhones. The company is working with Valeo, a major automotive supplier, who recently showed off a self-driving autopilot feature. Valeo has developed other concepts for interfaces that allow users to interact with cars using autonomous systems.

Video Tutorial: Top Five 3D Touch Tips for Beginners

Synaptics made the following statement, “This human interface innovation allows drivers and passengers to more safely control common and emerging cabin applications with the touch of a finger, multiple fingers, and variable force of one or more fingers on a touch screen.”

It sounds much like the company is inspired by Apple ingenuity, looking to bring features similar to the iPhone 6s, even though it is unclear if Synaptics was involved in designing 3D Touch or if they provide any of the parts necessary for it. The company does provide display drivers parts for it, according to a teardown by Chipworks.

It’s clear that force touch like technology is becoming very popular. On the iPhone, 3D Touch acts like a “right click” button on a mouse. Pressing down with a medium amount of force displays a quick menu, similar to what one might see by right clicking on a computer.

In Safari, one can get a preview of a page by force-pressing on a link. Pressing harder opens the page. Synaptics’ touch technology is called ClearForce and is sold on Android smartphones. They also work with other companies like Microsoft and Google. Synaptics has no official release date for their new LCD screens for cars.

At first, it may sound like Synaptics new technology doesn’t have anything to do with Apple. One might even suggest it’s in competition with the iPhone. After all, the passenger might want to fiddle with the in-car LCD screen instead of their iPhone! It’s unclear if Synaptics and its touch screen would affect CarPlay.

This technology could actually help CarPlay offer similar features as iOS 9 on the iPhone. Regardless, it would be a good move to offer a “Force Touch” like feature in cars. I say, the more features, the better.

Learn MoreAs If 3D Touch Wasn’t Cool Enough, Apple Files Patent for Force Touch ID Button

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]

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