3D Touch – Touching the future
Ravindra Gondaliya
Rai University, Ahmedabad
Abstract
3D touch – Some of you might have heard this word; even some of you is using it already. People who are technologically matured keep talking about it. 3D touch is a new age of innovation and not just a touch. Apple has introduced this ultimate touch technology in the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and the iPad Pro which aroused the excitement during the launch. We can say with launch of this kind of amazing feature, we are on the edge of new touch technology. This article will give a detailed view on 3D touch and its working.
What is 3D Touch?
3D touch is a whole new way of interacting with apps which has changed user interfacing now a day. 3D touch is one type of input method like force touch but is different from it in a far way. Basically, 3D touch senses pressure user applied on iPhone display; hard or soft for example and will give options according to it. Peek – soft press and Pop – a harder press are two results of 3D touch. With Peek, just lightly press on the screen, and you’ll get a popup of information depending on what app you’re in.
In mail, for example, you can lightly press on an email and you’ll get a quick peek at what that email contains. If you see it important, just press a little harder and you’ll pop into it. Seems easy, right? Taking another example, on home screen, just peek (soft press) on the Camera icon and it will show you different options like – take selfie, record video or take photo. After that, when you pop on any option, it will execute the action. Thus 3D touch makes easier to get information at a glance and navigation between the Apps. If you want to know how to use 3D touch go to - http://www.imore.com/how-use-3d-touch-iphone-6s
How it works?
According to apple, 3D touch is the result of teamwork by capacitive sensors and strain gauges. At pressing iPhone display, microscopic changes happen between cover glass and backlight. It is measured by capacitive sensors. The amplitude of pressure will be measured by strain gauge and will be converted to electrical signals. The amplitude will determine how much force user has applied and according to it display will give response. The Haptic technology which simplifies vibrations in touch with the help of a “Taptic Engine”, allows the 3D Touch to differentiate between a soft touch, tap and a hold press.
Difference between Force Touch and 3D Touch
Force touch can sense the pressure applied on the display. It can also measure the difference in pressure applied on the different places of the screen whenever user goes for a multi-touch. However, due to capacitive sensors and strain gauges, 3D touch gives lightening fast response better than force touch.
Conclusion
With 3D touch, the future of touch technology seems at its peak for now. 3D touch has made improvements in overall experience of user to interface with their phones. However, users facing problem in their finger muscles would like to avoid using 3D touch. But, for now, it seems this will bring lots of functionality and convenience in the field of touch and interaction. Till then, have some peeks and pops.
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