Haptics Technology Turns Phones into Weapons

SlashRating©
17
slashdottit! tm

SkinnyGuy writes "Virtually all of our phones have little motors that make vibration possible. Now there's a company working on taking the abilities of these mini motors much, much further. Touch-Bak's technology allows for users to send 'virtual punches' and jabs, and can send phones flying from the hands of users if they're unaware of the service. It's all a bit on the extreme side and, to his credit, the PCMag.com author recognizes that, but it's still a fascinating application of the little understood Haptics technology. '"Imagine," Galsworthy continued, "that you know your buddy Kyle is in an important meeting and you know that he keeps his phone in his pocket. You can deliver a digital punch right to his thigh. He jumps out of his seat during the meeting and . . . it's hilarious!" Galsworthy was so tickled by this description of events that he was lost in fits of laughter on the other side of the phone. To me, this service is childish and, well, kind of stupid.'"

First April Fools Story?

[echostorm]

I'm willing to bet this is the beginning of a VERY long day.

Bullshit

[Wuhao]

You know how I know it's an April Fools post? Because if it were real, cell phone companies would charge you $10 a month to opt out of it. They'd call it something like "TotalRingControl(TM)" and initially they'd let people send these messages for free to annoy the shit out of every right-thinking businessperson who 1) depends on their phone, and 2) has the $10 to burn. Then, 3 months later, they'd switch it to $2 a telepunch without telling you, and charge another $.50 just to receive one.

Re:First April Fools Story?

[Sancho]

The editors clearly think that it is funny. That's kinda sad. My April 1st is always "Day Without Slashdot Day" brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department. Guess I should have stopped earlier on the 31st.

the aprilfools tag

[Devil's BSD]

I really think this tag should be removed for today. It really takes the fun out of things...