Nurhisham Hussein
02-09-2010, 11:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8504373.stm' target='_blank'>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/...ure/8504373.stm</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Hand-held devices could soon have pressure-sensitive touch-screens and keys, thanks to a UK firm's material that exploits a quantum physics trick.The technology allows, for example, scrolling down a long list or webpage faster as more pressure is applied."</em></p><p> </p><p>Samsung has just licensed a new hardware technology that allows for greater pressure sensitivity in screens and keys. So what's so special about "quantum tunneling composite"? The two biggest knocks on resistive screens are that they're not sensitive enough to use easily with your fingers, plus the screen registers touches as either on or off with no in-betweens. On the other hand, you can use practically anything to interact with it. Capacitive screens on the other hand are great at touch sensitivity, but you need a special stylus/pen to get pressure sensitivity. QTC might just be capable of combining the best of both technologies - use anything you like, plus pressure sensitivity, plus touch sensitivity - all in a package as thin as a human hair. Now won't that be worth seeing? Samsung is already using QTC in hardware keys in a limited way on some handsets. Hopefully the technology will have progressed enough to put into screens in the near future.</p>