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David Pogue: The Multi-Touch Screen

pogue.blogs.nytimes.com — The Multi-Touch screen, Apple, Jeff Han and that there was a lot he wasn’t allowed to say

Who dugg this? Made popular Mar 28, 2007

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  • unit101, on 10/12/2007, -12/+69"Let us know when someone finally demonstrates a use for this gimmick."

    iPhone.

    "Also, Macs don't have a right mouse button."

    Actually, they do.
  • Aggaman, on 10/12/2007, -3/+21Such interfaces are absolutely necessary!!!

    Try operating an aroused woman without multi touch sir!!!

    (Perhaps you did, which explains your anger...) ;)
  • GeneralAntilles, on 10/12/2007, -7/+18Ah, one can take much comfort in the angry rantings of the visionless.
  • coryvb123, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10"Who works like this? Not even an air-traffic controller."

    Just because no one works like this now doesn't mean they can't work like this once the technology is available. Once the technology is ready for, say an aircraft controller then I could totally see an airport totally redesigning their control towers to use it. Imagine having a "giant" table with a overlay of the entire airport on it. Or a magazine editor at a desk with a "giant" screen before them with all the articles/images laid out digitally. The editor could move anything, re size anything, edit any words, edit any images.

    I mean come on... get your head out of the present and look to what COULD be.
  • miker71, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10"multiple finger touchscreens are excessive"

    even using one finger on multi-touch is better than using one finger on a screen meant for a stylus. IMO.
  • VickyB, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8As you can see from the original Tech Demo from last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKh1Rv0PlOQ - the project has certainly improved. Just because it's been demoed in front of a crowd on a large screen doesn't mean that the technology can't scale down. Just take a look at Jeff demonstrating the Photo application and surely you can't be impressed and see its possible potential? I believe the crowd's reaction says it all.

    Like all cutting edge tech its usefulness will start off limited but this has so much more potential.

  • caldroun, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10Multi-touch Pr0n..nuff said.
  • LiquidIse, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7I want to see the specs of the comp driving this
  • glxyjones, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11The mouse "point-and-click" technology has been so ingrained in us and we have become so used to using it, it's hard to see the practicality of a different technology.

    I can imagine a day when instead of looking up at a monitor to do everyday computer use, simply having a large touchscreen embedded into our actual desk. Seriously, you may look like a fool, but if you're at work or at home, just look down at your desk and act like you're using multi touch manipulation like Jeff does in his video's. I'm just using my imagination and I think it would be incredibly efficient.
  • afwjam, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4wouldent call it ackward, hell of a lot easier then a laptop with two buttons. My thumb doesent want to move around, my fingers dont mind.
  • evilTak, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4@SwitchReport:
    I see that you've never used a touch screen before...
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3how long will it take to get touch-sensitive monitors to an acceptable price point. that seems to me to be the limiting factor in this technology's use and proliferation.

    cuz, damn, it is pretty to watch.
  • ophello, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us." -- Western Union internal memo, 1876

    "Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." -- Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895

    "But what ... is it good for?" -- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.

    "640k ought to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981

    "The relative worthlessness of this technology becomes clearer with every repetitive demo. This is the most overhyped gimmick in years." -- willynilly, visionary, commenting on Multi-touch technology, 2007
  • j4200, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4I've always hated the mouse personally. Can't wait for something thats much more direct.
  • afwjam, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3You obviously havent used a new macbook. Its amazing how something so simple as the trackpad recognizing two fingers greatly improves my user experience. two finger right click, scrolling and control zooming. I feel impotent on a laptop without it. I know it is a simple example but I am sure it will just get better and better.
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1IT's been around for a while, there is a few interesting ones on youtube
  • theheadguy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I really hate this "David Pogue" guy. Over the last year or so every time he writes an article he claims to be an "insider" yet most of the time he knows absolutely NOTHING in advance whatsoever and his fascination with Apple is purely based on their name and how it can get his juvenile writing in the news. This article basically says -nothing- but it has the word "Apple" in it which is a reason to write so that he can get more page views.
  • bcasper1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1
    http://www.thelastminuteblog.com/2007/03/19/new-jeff-han-video-multi-touch-ui/
  • Vimo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3I actually am very impressed about that interface system. Maybe it will take a while until that "desktop" will get popular in standart computer systems but i think that the multi-touch system has an enormous potential. Think about people who have to deal with big graphics (like building plans for architects, civil engineers, ...)
    Also, you have to think that with this technique, you won't need any other accessory like mouse, keyboard.
    Imo a very nice progress in Interface-Design
  • superkendall, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I hate touch clicking too. I turn it off. What I love is what the other poster said - being able to scroll in any direction with two fingers. That part has me prefer to use my trackpad over my desktop mouse for browsing and even some photo work.

    Multitouch is so much more than clicking.

    Also what it takes people a long time to realize about the Mac, is that it actually makes heavy use of the beloved X-Windows "Focus Follows Mouse" ideology - but not to raise focus on a window as much as raising focus on a component of the window. So if you have multiple scrolling sections of a window controlling the scroll is as simple as moving the mouse cursor around the window to the region you want to scroll, then using the two finger scrolling (or a wheel on a mouse if you have that).
  • EtherGnat, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2"But it won't matter shortly, as the mouse itself will be gone."

    I know how cool the multitouch demos look, but the technology is not going to replace a mouse (it might supplement it) 99% of the time. It's not ergonomic to operate a computer that way, and if you reposition your monitor to a location where it's more comfortable to operate the touchscreen viewing the screen would be murder on your neck. Dual screens would be a possibility, but that destroys the connection between your input and your actions so it's pointless.

    Multitouch is an improvement over traditional touchscreens, but it's still subject to many of the same drawbacks and limitations. It might revolutionize some limited areas of computing but other than that it's just a fun feature.
  • machiz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I actually think this article is pretty interesting and I love the New York Times, but does anybody else loathe David Pogue! I find him so annoying especially in his video blogs!
  • phill, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I want a FingerWorks Keyboard!
  • aegis9975, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Nintendo also had a multi-touch screen patented for a portable game device, but

    http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/27/multi-touch-ds-patent-and-dsorganize-software-makes-a-pda-out-o/

    Also here's the video of the multi-touch from David Pogue's article in action
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp-y3ZNaCqs&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ejoystiq%2Ecom%2F2006%2F02%2F16%2Fmulti%2Dtouching%2Dis%2Dgood%2F
  • lastword2, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1mouse is just zero dimensional, this multi touch opens a new frontier for the GUI... My grandmother would use this
  • mabhatter, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2you bring up a great issue how crumby interface software really is!!! the WIMP model has served us well, but it's old and time to die. We have lots of stuff out there and people trained in the "old way" and that's the trouble. Multi-touch has to be put out there as BETTER than what we have... better enough to rewrite 90% of computer-dom and still make money. If there's anybody that can pull it off, it's Apple though.
  • nofxjunkee, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@glxyjones (#5892112) said: "The mouse "point-and-click" technology has been so ingrained in us and we have become so used to using it, it's hard to see the practicality of a different technology."

    This is why people still type Qwerty instead of something better. What a shame.
  • nofxjunkee, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I can't say I've ever hated the mouse (in general, I've hated a mouse I was using at the time), but I have always preferred the keyboard. Directness is key.
  • j_bellone, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2If you watch the youtube video that someone posted above it seems that the screen he was using in his demo a year ago was glass. The image was projected onto a smoked glass screen. Something like this could provide for an easy cleanup. But maybe this is a good thing!

    "Darling, wash your hands before you use the computer."

    Thank you very much!
  • sn00kie, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Quantum Technology Management, Ltd. v. Apple Computer, Inc. - File December 21, 2005, word of this lawsuit only emerged in the most recent 10-Q filing after Apple acquired Fingerworks, Ltd., the original company the lawsuit was filed against. Quantum is alleging infringement of U.S. Patent number 5,730,165 entitled “Time Domain Capacitive Field Detector.” The complaint seeks unspecified damages and other relief. On May 11, 2006, Quantum filed an amended complaint adding Cypress Semiconductor/MicroSystems, Inc. as a defendant. Apple answered the complaint on July 31, 2006 denying all material allegations and also filed counterclaims for non-infringement and invalidity. Quantum replied on November 30, 2006 to Apple’s counterclaims and filed a More Definite Statement.

    "http://crunchgear.com/2007/01/15/multi-touch-technology-and-where-its-going-nextoh-and-apple-didnt-invent-it-either/"
  • burnblue, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I think it's wrong to digg down willynilly's well presented argument just because we may not agree with it. As a matter of fact, I can totally see his point (even if we think he's missing something).

    Touchscreens are cool. I can't imagine using a phone/mobile device now without a touchscreen. However, I use my phone with _one hand_. A lot of new devices coming out now force two-handed navigation, and it is this forced behavior that I have a problem with after seeing the current demos by Steve Jobs and Jeff Han. There are great potential uses for multi-touch, so don't demo things that used to be actually easier with single-touch. As willynilly said, connection of two entities simultaneously is great.. multiple (fored) input points on one entity might not necessarily be.

    Anyways, bring on the multi-touch devices, and find great new ways to interact with our software.
  • jwdav, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"Get back to me when there is a real use for this"

    Audio & lighting control consoles - any control system that would benefit from a 'soft' user interface. You don't see a lot of buttons and knobs on Star Trek ...
  • ZergyPoo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Perhaps. I think we're still thinking about it in terms of what we're used to.

    When you have a flat screen sitting on the desk, how do you protect the screen when you move the device? What about having two people use the same screen at the same time? Playing a split-screen racing game or something. This is easily done on a keyboard, with a mounted screen that everyone can see, but how would it be done on a flat-lying touch screen?

    I'm not saying that it's not a good idea, I'm just saying there's a lot more to think about before it'll replace our current control schemes.

    Also, I was just reading an article, I think it was in the BBC about how Laptop sales are quickly overtaking desktop sales. That's an interesting trend.
  • Ediebriquette, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1@willynilly

    as a former film editor that worked with actual work prints, i miss the days of being able to use my hands to "cut" the film. yes, digital editing is a hell of a lot faster, but the switch from film to digital was one I made out of necessity. if I had my way, I'd still be laboring over a Steenbeck instead of an Avid.

    Ever since the demonstrations of Multi-Touch have been surfacing, I've been dreaming of the integration with programs like Final Cut. It's quite asinine for you to suggest that, just because it has no immediate application for you, it's "overhyped."

    Multi-Touch is a true step forward to regain something that has gotten lost in the film editing industry. I am certain that it's not the only application.
  • macspec, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Two fingers on current Apple laptop trackpads along with a click equals a right click. A little awkward, but it's there.
    You can set this under System Preferences.
  • DigitalComposer, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"To move to this era of having a screen embedded in our desk would take us away from the portability and usability we've become accustomed to. I would never get a "computer" like this, just like I can't see myself buying a desktop computer.

    Also, while I agree that touch-screens have the potential to replace the mouse, they would have to go a long way to replace the keyboard."

    Maybe a screen not embedded in the desk, but one that lays flat on the desk. Many people still buy desktops.
  • Flarup, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1two people would be able to work it (her) at the same time.
  • lastword2, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0it blew me away!
  • Bodhidharmazen, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I want to play games with such an interface. Getting closer to VR.
  • superkendall, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1The story has nothing to do with the lawqsuit, it's about how Apple bought out a touch-sensitive screen company founders and brought them on board...
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I really can´t see myself using this on a laptop. I mean I have a hard time cleaning my monitor without touching it, and my keyboard is always getting dirty.

    Touchscreen cellphones are another thing I won´t be spending my money on. I mean, come on, the Prada, Treo, Iphone etc they all look cool but... really, isn´t this just a bit overhyped? With my cheap SE v600i i can eat chicken with my hands and still answer the phone without thinking "oh my, cant get it dirty"

    anyhoo, I´m no early adopter, I´m more of a mainstream kinda guy, saves me a few $
  • ZergyPoo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0"You obviously havent used a new macbook. Its amazing how something so simple as the trackpad recognizing two fingers greatly improves my user experience. two finger right click, scrolling and control zooming. I feel impotent on a laptop without it. I know it is a simple example but I am sure it will just get better and better."

    I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I frequently turn off touch-clicking on my laptops because I think it gets in the way.

    Apple could have incorporated this feature while at the same time putting two buttons on the computer, to accommodate more user-styles, but instead they chose to only include one.
  • ZergyPoo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1To move to this era of having a screen embedded in our desk would take us away from the portability and usability we've become accustomed to. I would never get a "computer" like this, just like I can't see myself buying a desktop computer.

    Also, while I agree that touch-screens have the potential to replace the mouse, they would have to go a long way to replace the keyboard.
  • ChumpChief, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2Use: Games. 'Nuff said.

    I agree it's probably not gonna be so useful on the phone. The nifty tricks he does in the video (moving multiple windows around at once, throwing 50some pictures all over the screen, etc.) rely heavily on having a huge viewing area.
  • geminitojanus, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1"Just because it's been demoed in front of a crowd on a large screen doesn't mean that the technology can't scale down""

    Step one, stop lumping all multi-touch technologies into one bin; there are some compatible components about it (mainly for one, the software that does point recognition, finger recognition and gestures; while not 100% compatible it should be possible to modify and make agnostic the sensor software), but the hardware is *completely* different and Hans hardware does not scale in the downward direction (and capacitance sensors don't scale up very far either).
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2"It's not ergonomic to operate a computer that way,"

    Only if you're a fat, lazy bastard.

    Also, critics said that no gamer would get off his/her butt to wave a remote around in the air to play a game.
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3Touch screens will never be a huge success.
    Because humans will always have oily and dirty fingers.
    And also because simple job in devices with touch screens require lot of movement with precision.
    Mouse can do the job with precision with very little movement.
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1oh and another thing...i really don´t like this pogue guy, he´s kind of a biased prick
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