- Looking to cater to Android OEMs hoping to offer something similar to Apple's 3D Touch pressure-sensing/haptic feedback tech (arrived with the iPhone 6S/6S+), Synaptics (NASDAQ:SYNA +0.9%) has unveiled ClearForce, a technology it promises will crate "new dimensions in user interfaces such as speed scrolling, zoom, gaming, and text or photo editing by applying variable force with a finger or stylus."
- ClearForce-capable smartphones are expected to arrive in early 2016. Use cases include variable speed scrolling and gaming controls, picture zooming/panning, image editing, and device unlocking/wakeup.
- Analog Devices (ADI -1.1%) is believed to be supplying Apple with controller ICs that enable 3D Touch. Meanwhile, Immersion (IMMR -0.1%) has inked licensing deals with numerous Android OEMs for its haptic IP; it's still hoping to strike a deal with Apple.
- Also: Synaptics has launched three new lines of ClearPad touch controller ICs for mobile devices. A new flagship line for smartphones (the 3700 series) supports ClearForce, as well as SideTouch edge gesturing. Back in July, the company began sampling a second-gen TDDI (integrated touch controller/display driver) IC.
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Last week: Synaptics soars after reportedly rejecting $110/share buyout offer