This is really interesting hoping i can discuss here since my Wife just rolled her eyes and walked out of the room when I told her 
Discuss!
http://bit.ly/ti4K9H
-Gary
Discuss!
http://bit.ly/ti4K9H
-Gary
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Apple buying patents for new touch technology?
- Thread starter GarytheiPhonema
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DWT is not the best technology, since it's a simple on-off light interruption. No pressure detection, for example.
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However, interest is high in alternative touch screen methods, partly because China's supply of rare earths used to make transparent circuits on the screen are running out.
So, everyone figured that by the end of this decade, there would be no more capacitive screens as they are made today.
Fortunately, Japan just discovered that the ocean floor between Hawaii and Tahiti is chock full of rare earths, which should alleviate both the touch problem and keep a whole bunch of other electronics (hi-cap batteries, LEDs) available as well.
(It would also get rid of China's stranglehold on the world's supply. They've recently been holding back to raise prices.)
--
However, interest is high in alternative touch screen methods, partly because China's supply of rare earths used to make transparent circuits on the screen are running out.
So, everyone figured that by the end of this decade, there would be no more capacitive screens as they are made today.
Fortunately, Japan just discovered that the ocean floor between Hawaii and Tahiti is chock full of rare earths, which should alleviate both the touch problem and keep a whole bunch of other electronics (hi-cap batteries, LEDs) available as well.
(It would also get rid of China's stranglehold on the world's supply. They've recently been holding back to raise prices.)