Samsung Introduces New 'Haptic' Touch Phone

[MacRumors]

Samsung introduced a new touch-screen mobile phone called the SCH-W420 AnyCall (Youtube commercial). The new phone is available only in Korea at the moment, but incorporates a growing trend in mobile phone devices: vibration feedback.

Described as 'Haptic' phones, these specialized phones offer customized vibration to provide the user with specific types of touch-feedback. This sort of feedback is intended to make up for the absence of tactile feedback from an entirely smooth touch surface, such as on the iPhone.

For example, the Samsung handset gives a click sensation when the user raises the volume of the speaker, as if it is a mechanical dial.

22 different kinds of these "haptic feedback" vibrations are said to be included with this latest Samsung phone.

One user project attempted to emulate this functionality on the iPhone, but without specialized hardware, the results have been disappointing.

While there have been no indication that Apple has specifically explored using this technology, Apple has worked on tactile feedback systems that would ease the transition to flat-surface touch keyboards.

Article Link

[MarlboroLite]

I'd buy this phone if Verizon offers it.

[arn]

Immersion looks like the company behind a lot of this

http://www.immersion.com/

http://www.immersion.com/mobility/us.../usability.php

Any button or input device can have its own distinctive tactile response. SEND can feel differently than CLEAR, for example.

You can scroll through lists and menus and feel a small "bump" for each item, like the clicks on the climate control knob in your car. When scrolling through a list of messages, unopened messages feel differently, producing a bounce or pop effect. When using a pen or touch pad, you get a confirming tap instead of just an audible beep. Even the tactile cue for power on will provide solid confirmation without an often intrusive chime.

arn

[Hugh]

Doesn't the iPhone have vibrate?

Hugh

[arn]

Originally Posted by Hugh

Doesn't the iPhone have vibrate?

Hugh

it does. it doesn't have 22 types of vibrate.

arn

[fanbrain]

I don't like haptic feedback- it doesn't seem right sometimes. Maybe if the click sensation is more subtle, but on my bosses Alpine GPS head unit, it feels like my finger is being shocked when I press the screen.

[Phil A.]

This is probably one of those features that 90% of people on here will hate unless Apple include it in a future iPhone. Then it will become the best thing a phone could ever have

[mac821]

Originally Posted by arn

it does. it doesn't have 22 types of vibrate.

arn

one is enough for me

[stevearm]

Originally Posted by Phil A.

This is probably one of those features that 90% of people on here will hate unless Apple include it in a future iPhone. Then it will become the best thing a phone could ever have

Apple includes this tech in a future iPhone... 500 positives
Microsoft includes this tech in their smartphones... 1000 negatives

[FireArse]

Originally Posted by mac821

one is enough for me

22 different types of vibration - one being enough for some people?!

You lot make it too easy!

F

[inkswamp]

Originally Posted by arn

it doesn't have 22 types of vibrate.

Starting to think Samsung might want to hire some porn stars to advertise this one.

[bmb012]

WarioWare: Twisted used feedback to amazing effect, and ended up being the best WarioWare game other there because of it (yeah, much better than Smooth Moves).

I'd really be surprised if Apple never updates the iPhone to use the vibration along with the touch screen...

[motulist]

This is definitely not front page news. I highly suggest it should be moved to page 2.

[inkswamp]

Originally Posted by Phil A.

This is probably one of those features that 90% of people on here will hate unless Apple include it in a future iPhone. Then it will become the best thing a phone could ever have

Sure, but in most cases, Apple tends to take an idea like this and put that additional layer of spit and polish on it that really turns it from a neat idea or a novelty into something indispensible. That's really all the iPod was. They took the mp3 player, which had been made by many others at that point and was barely more than a niche market, and did it the way it should have been done.

[bilbo--baggins]

This sounds similar to the way the scoll ball works on the mighty mouse to give that impression that it's clicking when the ball moves, but with vibration feedback instead of sound.

[coolfactor]

Originally Posted by Phil A.

This is probably one of those features that 90% of people on here will hate unless Apple include it in a future iPhone. Then it will become the best thing a phone could ever have

I think it'll depend. Apple tends not to implement a feature/design until they feel they have it right. Of course, they've misfired a few times, and I think they've learned a lot from those experiences (round mouse, anyone?).

If Apple misfires on implementing the haptic feedback, users won't be happy. Haptic feedback on the iPhone would also cut into the battery life that is oh-so-precious at the moment.

If it were a trivial thing to implement, we would've seen it already.

[EagerDragon]

Not sure this calls for front page, specially for a phone that is not selling in the US. What percentage of MacRumors members are from Korea?

Besides is not made by Apple, it is not currently in global competition with Apple either, so I am unsure why would it be a concern to me.

Originally Posted by arn

it does. it doesn't have 22 types of vibrate.

arn

So how long do you sit there to wait for the feedback?
Having to discern the specific vibration combination from 22 possible ones may take longer than practical.

[Fonzijr1964]

i watched some youtube videos of it and the os doesn't appear to be as soled as the iPhone os. It looks like you have to press to much and its not as intuitive.

Pros-
N/A

Cons-
No: Multi-tuch
Acsselaromiter
iPhone Copy

[caliguy]

I don't care if it vibrates and makes it feel like a mechanical dial. That's why we have new phones without dials and buttons.

Maybe this is for people uncomfortable with the transition to touch screens, but I don't care about phones that shake. Maybe I'll change my mind when I'm playing a game on the iPhone

[nagromme]

The haptic thing is a good idea--I've been hoping iPhone games would use the vibrate feedback like a game controller can, and this sounds like it could go even further with vibration. Not necessarily just a "me too" phone (other than the copycat design) like so many have been. Hopefully the vibrating UI doesn't hurt the battery-vs.-bulk equation too much.

I still suspect I'd prefer the Leopard OS and usability of an iPhone--but I'll be waiting for iPhone 2

[minik]

A gimmick?

[arn]

Originally Posted by bmb012

I'd really be surprised if Apple never updates the iPhone to use the vibration along with the touch screen...

Originally Posted by Fonzijr1964

i watched some youtube videos of it and the os doesn't appear to be as soled as the iPhone os.

The samsung phone in this example is irrelevant. I don't expect anyone here to want one. It's just an example. As bmb012 said, I'd be surprised if this vibration feedback doesn't infiltrate its way into the iPhone in future iterations.

arn

[Mykbibby]

Originally Posted by arn

it doesn't have 22 types of vibrate.

That's what she said

[Sweetfeld28]

if you have to use a rotary dial to choose apps, or have to use that for dialing, i will not buy it.

But then again, i'm open to anything that is better than the LG Voyager.

[MacFly123]

Originally Posted by inkswamp

Starting to think Samsung might want to hire some porn stars to advertise this one.

LOL that made me laugh. I saw someone on here once post a link to an accessory that turns the iPod into a sex toy lol.

I think this would be good as long as it is very subtle and doesn't waste the battery!