Synaptics, recently introduced Fuse, a collaborative mobile phone concept to show the future of user interaction for handsets. The new concept smartphone enables use with one hand, sensing grips and touches from the front, back, side and front of the Fuse.

The Fuse Integrates for the first time multiple interface technologies--including multi-touch capacitive sensing, haptic feedback, 3-D graphics, and force, grip, and proximity sensing--the Fuse concept phone showcases exciting new mobile device usage models.

Fuse's innovative sensing technologies surrounding the entire device enable quick, intuitive, single-handed navigation. For example, grip sensing achieved via force and capacitive touch sensors on the sides of the phone allows the user to execute common controls such as pan and scroll. In addition to the novel side sensors,

Fuse introduces for the first time, 2D navigation from the back of the phone. This feature offers yet another mode of effective and fun single-handed control without obstructing the display or enhanced usability, Fuse combines multiple sensory input and feedback technologies including active 3-D graphics and next-generation haptic effects.

The Fuse mobile phone concept is the result of a unique collaboration between Synaptics and four global partners--TheAlloy, The Astonishing Tribe (TAT), Immersion, and Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI). With human interface and digital lifestyle in mind, the Fuse design team created a stunning and functional user interface with innovative new modes of sensing input, and visual and haptic feedback.

Each partner provided valuable expertise and contributions to the project:

    * TheAlloy led the user experience and overall product design efforts.
    * TAT enabled the effective 3-D environment and lent their extensive user interface software design skills.
    * Immersion made possible the tactile feedback, ensuring an integrated and satisfying experience.
    * TI's OMAP™ 3630 processor provided the framework and platform to leverage the enhanced multimedia, graphics and imaging features that consumers crave.

Additionally, Synaptics' ClearPad™, NavPoint™, and TouchButtons™ solutions are used in the Fuse mobile concept to offer unique capabilities--such as two-finger input, proximity sensing, grip sensing, text entry, and high-resolution finger input--providing precise pointing and navigation that can dramatically improve and enhance the user experience with a touchscreen.

Future handset innovation will rely on the relationship between technology design and designers to unlock the potential of mobile phones as an ideal computing platform. Fuse illustrates to OEMs the advances in Synaptics' sensing technologies and the collaborative effort that will inspire a new wave of multi-modal input design.
Fuse will be demonstrated during CES in Las Vegas at the Synaptics, Immersion, and TI meeting areas, and at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February.

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