The SmartBar Brings Touch Capabilities to Keyboard Spacebars
Rahul Kalvapalle — June 4, 2015 — Tech
San Jose-based company Synaptics' SmartBar technology converts the humble spacebar into a touch-based interface that is always within your thumb's reach.
The SmartBar offers a wide range of functions. Holding the left thumb stationary while sliding the right thumb left and right can be used for vertical scrolling. Thumbs can be moved closer or farther apart to zoom in and out. Swiping a thumb in either direction can be used to select text, while pushing the spacebar with both thumbs launches a customizable pop-up menu.
By taking an old computing element like the spacebar and adding modern touch functionality to it, Synaptics has proven that computing innovation doesn't always have to be based on an 'out with the old, in with the new' philosophy. Rather, old form factors can be enhanced with modern tech for greater functionality.
The SmartBar offers a wide range of functions. Holding the left thumb stationary while sliding the right thumb left and right can be used for vertical scrolling. Thumbs can be moved closer or farther apart to zoom in and out. Swiping a thumb in either direction can be used to select text, while pushing the spacebar with both thumbs launches a customizable pop-up menu.
By taking an old computing element like the spacebar and adding modern touch functionality to it, Synaptics has proven that computing innovation doesn't always have to be based on an 'out with the old, in with the new' philosophy. Rather, old form factors can be enhanced with modern tech for greater functionality.
Trend Themes
1. Touch-based Spacebar Keys - Synaptics' SmartBar technology transforms the spacebar into a touch-based interface, offering increased functionality.
2. Thumb-driven Gestures - SmartBar enables users to perform various actions like scrolling, zooming, selecting text, and launching menus using thumb gestures on the spacebar.
3. Upcycling Retro Elements - The integration of touch capabilities into the spacebar demonstrates the potential for revitalizing classic computing components with modern technology.
Industry Implications
1. Computer Hardware - The SmartBar technology opens new opportunities for computer hardware manufacturers to create keyboards with enhanced touch capabilities on the spacebar.
2. User Interface Design - The incorporation of touch-based spacebar keys introduces new possibilities for user interface designers to improve user interactions and functionality within various digital platforms.
3. Peripheral Device Market - The SmartBar's touch-enabled spacebar offers potential for the peripheral device market to develop innovative keyboard accessories with expanded touch functionality for user convenience and efficiency.
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