CES 2013: Canopy Sensus Case Adds Touch Controls to the iPhone's Back

MacRumors · Jan 7, 2013

Canopy's Sensus iPhone case (via Engadget) is touch-enabled, with 10 different touch input points across the back and the right side of the case. The touch input allows for users to interact with apps without blocking the screen with a finger, a useful function for iOS gaming. It is similar in design to the rear trackpad of Sony's PlayStation Vita.

The Sensus, which resembles a slightly thicker than average iPhone case, has integrated apps that are designed for the visually impaired, along with Braille entry on its touch panels. The company is working on additional apps and has released a software development kit for developers.

It is constructed from durable polycarbonate with rubber corners to protect the iPhone from bumps and falls. It comes equipped with a built-in processor that monitors touch input, and it is powered through the charging port of the iPhone.

At this point in time there is only a version for the iPhone 4/4S on display at CES, but the company is working on a version for Apple's iPhone 5.

Canopy's Sensus case will be available during the Summer of 2013, at a cost between $59 and $99.

Article Link: CES 2013: Canopy Sensus Case Adds Touch Controls to the iPhone's Back

appleguy123 · Jan 7, 2013

I might bite if they could get it to work for scrolling, even if it requires a jailbreak.

ECUpirate44 · Jan 7, 2013

Wait, summer of 13 and they demoed it on a 4S?

centauratlas · Jan 7, 2013

This is pretty cool. Summer 2013 though? Hopefully it will be a better prediction than many of the Thunderbolt docks. ;-)

dannyp1996 · Jan 7, 2013

Immediately made me think of the Vita. Don't know why!

Seriously, I like the look of this a lot.

mrgraff · Jan 7, 2013

Shame that it only works with a limited number of apps. If the case worked with anything and was basically a mirror of the front touch screen, I would buy that in a heartbeat.

ArtOfWarfare · Jan 7, 2013

mrgraff said:
Shame that it only works with a limited number of apps. If the case worked with anything and was basically a mirror of the front touch screen, I would buy that in a heartbeat.

I agree.

Alas, there's a vicious cycle that's likely to occur wiith this accessory that has occurred with many others:
They won't sell very well because there won't be many apps and there won't be many apps because it won't sell very well.

wordup60 · Jan 7, 2013

Canopy's Sensus case will be available during the Summer of 2013

So, now?

/Australia

Kissaragi · Jan 7, 2013

I still cant really get used to the vita back touch pad, just seems so strange after years of iphones.

iGrip · Jan 7, 2013

MacRumors said:
[url=http://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image[/url]

Canopy's Sensus iPhone case (via Engadget) is touch-enabled, with 10 different touch input points across the back and the right side of the case.

Ugh. That sounds complicated. It is contrary to Apple's entire design ethos.

DipDog3 · Jan 7, 2013

I can see how this would be useful for some FPS games, but not for lots of others like Angry birds.

raybo · Jan 7, 2013

Worst Videography Ever

I can't believe how poorly this video was shot!!

matteusclement · Jan 7, 2013

raybo said:
I can't believe how poorly this video was shot!!

agreed.

tremlock · Jan 7, 2013

Released just in time to be outdated. Awesome

latnlytes84 · Jan 7, 2013

Wouldn't mind getting my hands on this (pun intended)

jtp098 · Jan 7, 2013

Cheapos for not licensing the 30 pin or the lighting port...... micro usb really. Yes every other phone uses them but a household that is all iphones would not have many laying around.. yet another cable to buy

Buschmaster · Jan 7, 2013

jtp098 said:
Cheapos for not licensing the 30 pin or the lighting port...... micro usb really. Yes every other phone uses them but a household that is all iphones would not have many laying around.. yet another cable to buy

It comes with one, I believe. Their previous cases did.

I've worked with this company before. They're based in Minneapolis, not far from my company. Their SDK is fairly non-complicated so hopefully lots of developers can take advantage of this.

Dominicanyor · Jan 8, 2013

That is cool!!

macs4nw · Jan 8, 2013

ECUpirate44 said:
Wait, summer of 13 and they demoed it on a 4S?

Really! Makes you wonder how long they worked on it. They've got 6 mos to adapt it to the iPhone5.

Xenc · Jan 8, 2013

iGrip said:
Ugh. That sounds complicated. It is contrary to Apple's entire design ethos.

The concept of touch based input shouldn't be complicated to an iPhone user. Having a sensor on the back is a cool idea and worked well for Sony with the Vita.

iGrip · Jan 8, 2013

jtp098 said:
Cheapos for not licensing the 30 pin or the lighting port...... micro usb really. Yes every other phone uses them but a household that is all iphones would not have many laying around.. yet another cable to buy

How many families are all-iPhone?

Out of smartphones, iPhones don't even have a 20% share. Out of all phones, the percentage is MUCH lower. That means that pretty much everybody does NOT use an iPhone.

Which means, in turn, that families without a mini-USB phone charger (or 3) handy are strange folks indeed.

CES 2013: Canopy Sensus Case Adds Touch Controls to the iPhone's Back

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