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On Tuesday during IFA 2013 in Berlin, Bluetooth Smart innovator CSR introduced a device it claims as being the world's thinnest wireless touch interface. The flexible device measures just 0.5 mm thin, and combines CSR's low-power wireless technology with the latest in printable, flexible electronics and touch screen sensing.
The device can be integrated into a protective cover, extending the touch interface of a tablet or smartphone, and even used to create a large touch zone on a desktop.
"With minimal weight and bulk, a full keyboard experience can be added to a tablet without taking up valuable screen area," the company said. "Thin enough to slip behind the pages of a notebook, it can be used to pick up handwriting and sketches from the nib of a modified pen."
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The new super-thin touch device wirelessly connects using CSR's Bluetooth Smart-optimized CSR1010 chip, a new entry in the company's CSR µEnergy range. This chip makes the new touch device compatible with iOS devices, Android 4.x devices, Mac OS X "Mavericks" and Windows 8 PCs using only a fraction of the power used by the standard Bluetooth spec. CSR claims the device even has a latency of 12ms and less, promising near instant visual feedback.
While CSR supplies the Bluetooth portion of the new touch device, Atmel provides the touch silicon that senses multiple touch-based inputs. This silicon is encased in a flexible membrane containing printed conductors supplied by Conductive Inkjet Technology (CIT). This solution is made possible by a reel-to-reel printing process that enables copper and other conductors to be applied to ultra-thin and flexible membranes, the company said.
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"Consumers want innovative, portable wireless accessories that just work with their mobile devices," says Paul Williamson, Director of Low Power Wireless at CSR. "The ultra-thin touch surface we've developed is a perfect example of how Bluetooth Smart can give them just that. We're committed to working collaboratively with developers using the CSR µEnergy platform to help them bring similar next-generation accessories to the market quickly."
The company introduced the new super-thin tech during the show as the world's thinnest wireless keyboard. However, CSR said the tech serves as an example for developers who are interested in bringing similar next-generation accessories to market.
source:tomshardware