Taptic Engine - What "feeling" is it supposed to be emulating?

[urkel]

Does anyone know what the Taptic Engine effect is supposed represent?

Apple Watch - Feels like a finger tapping or nudging you
MacBook Trackpad - Emulates the movement of the classic trackpad without actually moving
iPhone 6S/6S+ - ??? A silent toaster ding saying "Thanks for waiting, your action is now complete" ???


I'm not trying to make a joke here. In relation to the Watch and Trackpad then I simply don't understand the physical response I'm supposed to associate this with. So I'm curious what others view that Taptic effect is supposed to be emulating.

 

[iMacDragon]

I've noticed that if you let up the pressure after the peek and push again for the pop it needs far less pressure that way.

 

[HEK]

Perhaps it's a new sensation, not to be associated with any previous experience or feeling.

3D Touch for me is totally foreign taking a short time to adjust. My muscle memory is not used to it after years of past iPhones. I do suspect that given a couple weeks use, going back will be just as odd a feeling.

 

[kirkhuffy]

The Taptic Engine is what has replaced the vibration motor we know from iPhones past. In the instance of 3D Touch I suppose you can say it's giving you physical feedback for actions rather than audible feedback by playing a sound.

 

[nutmac]

For me, iPhone's taptic feedback feels closer to Apple Watch than MacBook, but with much greater precision, sharper, and less lag. On Apple Watch, the experience is often muddy and delayed.

Neither truly feels like a click (ala MacBook) but I find the sensation to be very pleasant and addictive.

 

[urkel]

The Taptic Engine is what has replaced the vibration motor we know from iPhones past. In the instance of 3D Touch I suppose you can say it's giving you physical feedback for actions rather than audible feedback by playing a sound.

I guess I didn't realize the Taptic Engine replaces the Vibration motor so that's a huge benefit because the old motor was incredibly loud and now it's just a quiet vibration.

As for the physical feedback being an "alert" makes sense. But still, I was really hoping for the Trackpad feel that actually makes it feel like a natural downward press rather than the artificial "press and wait for response" thing we're seeing now.

 

[redman042]

I've noticed that if you let up the pressure after the peek and push again for the pop it needs far less pressure that way.

I've noticed the same for both peek/pop and the keyboard touchpad functions. To initiate either, give a quick stab of pressure then let off so that your finger is just resting lightly on the screen. Give another stab of pressure to initiate pop, or the select mode if you are using the trackpad function. Works much nicer that way.

 

[urkel]

Give another stab of pressure to initiate pop, or the select mode if you are using the trackpad function. Works much nicer that way.

Good tip Here's something I just realized:

Force Touch Keyboard = Mouse Cursor Mode
Double Touch Tap = Highlight Mode

If working with something as big as an iPad Pro then I'd still prefer a mouse but on a phone then this is great.

 

[mattopotamus]

For me, iPhone's taptic feedback feels closer to Apple Watch than MacBook, but with much greater precision, sharper, and less lag. On Apple Watch, the experience is often muddy and delayed.

Neither truly feels like a click (ala MacBook) but I find the sensation to be very pleasant and addictive.

It definitely reminded me of the apple watch right away. I would not be surprised if it is the same motor.

 

[kirkhuffy]

I guess I didn't realize the Taptic Engine replaces the Vibration motor so that's a huge benefit because the old motor was incredibly loud and now it's just a quiet vibration.

As for the physical feedback being an "alert" makes sense. But still, I was really hoping for the Trackpad feel that actually makes it feel like a natural downward press rather than the artificial "press and wait for response" thing we're seeing now.

Then we would have a blackberry storm copy. And god damn that phones screen has so many problems. I personally went through 6 due to screen click defects

 

[Sgt.ThroatPunch]

Does anyone know what the Taptic Engine effect is supposed represent?

My research indicates that the Taptic Engine is meant to closely resemble the pulse induction of a rabbit vibrator.

 

[jess222]

 

[lordofthereef]

I haven't used a trackpad with the technology, but this doesn't feel strange to me. I feel it does exactly what it's supposed to do; alert me that 3D Touch is being activated by means of a tangible movement.

Out of curiosity, can it be turned off (whilst leaving 3D Touch on)? I can see myself using it while I get very used to 3D Touch and just disabling it once in well accustomed.