One of the latest features that Apple introduced in their MacBook lineup is the Force Touch technology, which detects the amount of pressure the user is making on the trackpad. Now, it seems that the company would not only let Force Touch detect an amount of pressure, but Apple could also make it detect temperatures. How? A leaked patent shows that this is under development.
According to Apple, "Force sensors detect how much pressure you're applying, and the new Taptic Engine provides a click sensation when you press anywhere on the surface." It will allow users to perform various "actions in different apps, all on the same surface."
Various app developers have already made use of this technology, such as the latest Pixelmator 3.3.2, which has the capacity to edit complex photos faster, more efficient, and cleaner results through the Force Touch.
On top of what the present Force Touch could do, a recent Apple patent was leaked, allegedly hinting that the company's Force Touch might, someday, simulate or imitate temperatures. The patent reportedly described a certain Peltier device that can control the "temperature of a portion of the trackpad to simulate thermal conductivity." Further, the Peltier device is a "solid heat pump" that has the capability to transport heat "across the surface of the device, thereby simulating or decreasing temperatures."
The Abstract of the patent stated,
"A system for simulating materials using touch surfaces includes a touch surface, an actuator and/or an temperature control device, and a control unit. The control unit controls the actuator or the temperature control device to cause at least a portion of the touch surface to simulate a material."
In addition, the patent said that the control unit could also include the following:
- A simulation of the tactile (designed to be perceived by touch) sensation of texture.
- A simulation of the thermal conductivity of a material.
Mashable suggests that the Force Touch feature could be used for:
- gaming applications
- work with Complex Computer Aided Design drawings where virtual objects have different surface textures
- clothing designers as a way to feel for the kinds of fabrics they're including in fashion designs.
Apple reportedly refused to comment on the patent. Others are hoping that the company might mention it in WWDC 2015 this June.
What do you think about Apple's idea of adding in the Force Touch the ability to simulate temperatures? What are other ways can the heat-sensing Force Touch be used for? Let us know by sending your comments below.
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