Haptix Lets You Transform Any Space Into a 3D Multitouch Surface

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By Luisa Rollenhagen2013-08-15 07:00:44 UTC

Touchscreens have revolutionized the way we interact with media. But so far, touch technology has mostly been limited to screens.

Now, two engineers have developed a sensor called Haptix that enables any surface to become a multitouch control system for your television or computer — whether it's a screen, a keyboard, or even a table.

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Haptix isn't the first system to introduce gesture control. Leap Motion created a controller that allows users to execute commands on computer screens via hand gestures.

Darren Lim, one of the creators of Haptix, told Mashable that "unlike Leap Motion, Haptix doesn't rely on infrared," which means it can be employed in "all lighting conditions and on reflective surfaces."

Lim also called Haptix a "mouse-killer," explaining that because of 3D-tracking and multitouch integration, users can scroll, swipe and zoom, as well as select items by tapping on the converted surface.

What's more, Lim said Haptix's 3D sensing provides tactile feedback, and lets users see their fingers onscreen before they touch the surface, among other features.

Haptix aims to raise $100,000 on Kickstarter, and its campaign is set to launch next week.

Currently, Haptix supports Windows operating systems from XP onwards and Ubuntu. The team also plans to incorporate a developer API, as well as support for Android and OS X in the near future.

Do you think the Haptix system will improve the way we interact with technology? Watch the video, above; then let us know in the comments.

Homepage image: Haptix

Topics: Apps and Software, Dev & Design, Gadgets, Haptix, multitouch, Newsy, Startups, Tech, Work & Play