Touchpad-maker Synaptics has unveiled a new multitouch sensor, the ClearPad 3000 Series, that can track input from up to 10 fingers at once.
The transparent sensor, announced on Wednesday, makes it possible to perform complex multi-finger gestures, such as closing an application by 'crumpling' it with several fingers, or playing polyphonic sounds on a virtual piano keyboard.
Apple made multitouch popular with its iPhone, which debuted about four months after Synaptics introduced its current two-finger sensor, the ClearPad 2000, in August 2006. Though it is widely speculated that Apple is using Synaptics's technology, this has not been confirmed.
One phone that does use the sensor is the T-Mobile G1 from HTC, and manufacturers such as Samsung and LG are also confirmed customers.
The new sensor features an accuracy of plus/minus 1mm, is 0.3mm thick, and is available in sizes measuring up to eight inches diagonally.
Synaptics is also introducing a more basic model, the ClearPad 1000 Series, that supports single-finger gestures such as tapping, pinching, pressing and flicking. These sensors are available in sizes up to 4.3 inches diagonally.
The company says manufacturers already have the sensors in hand, and consumers can expect to see products containing them by the end of the year.
The sensors use capacitive technology, usually considered to be more sensitive to fingers than resistive touchscreen technology. Capacitive sensors cannot be used with a stylus or a glove though, as opposed to resistive sensors.
