Nearly 3 Billion Touchscreen Devices will Ship in 2016
Touchscreen devices have become a popular alternative to traditional mechanical-controlled devices. In 2012, reports indicate that some 1.2 billion touchscreen devices were shipped. This number is expected to balloon to nearly 3 billion, however, by the end of 2016.
Touchscreen Users Most Accurate at the Center
There are many different elements that affect the accuracy of a touchscreen device. According to Wikipedia, however, users are most accurate when touching the center of the device. In contrast, users are “much less” accurate when touching the top and bottom edged of the device. So the next time you use a touchscreen device, try to keep your touches focused around the center of the device for maximum accuracy.
Haptics Feedback Improves Touchscreen Devices
Haptics feedback is used in many touchscreen devices. Featuring vibration or some type of other tangible effect that can be felt by the operator, it offers numerous benefits. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow Scotland, haptics feedback reduces errors by 20%, increases input speed by 20%, and even lowers the operator’s cognitive load by 40%. Perhaps this is why so many touchscreen devices on the market today now feature haptics feedback.
Touchscreen Devices Have a Protective Layer
Although typically invisible to the naked eye, most touchscreen devices feature a protective layer over the display interface. Known as an oleophobic coating, it’s designed to protect the display interface from damage. The oleophobic coating literally repels sweat and moisture, preventing it from soaking into the device and causing internal damage.
Touchscreens Have Been Around for Decades
Think touchscreen devices are new? Think again. The technology has actually been around for decades, with some of the first models dating all the way back to the 1960s.
You can Use Gloves with Capacitive Touchscreen Devices
It’s a common assumption that capacitive touchscreen devices can only be operated with a bare finger. We’ve talked about this before, but capacitive touchscreen technology works to identify touch based on the operator’s electrical charge. Therefore, conventional wisdom should lead you to believe that a covered finger, such as wearing gloves, won’t work with capacitive touchscreen devices. While this is typically true, there are some gloves designed specifically for use with capacitive touchscreen devices. These gloves emit a small electrical charge that mimics the charge created by a bare finger; thus, allowing the operator to use a capacitive touchscreen device while wearing them.
