Posted on Wednesday, June 03 2015 @ 16:59 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Synaptics is showcasing its new SmartBar technology, a new solution that its touch sensitivity and finger-based gesture support to the keyboard's space bar. Possible applications include scrolling, zooming, rapid editing, etc.
Tt eSPORTS will be one of the first firms to adopt the technology in an upcoming gaming keyboard.
Synaptics Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNA), the leading developer of human interface solutions, today announced the availability of its new SmartBar™ technology, further expanding the company's portfolio of innovative solutions into the untapped desktop PC market. Designed specifically for desktop PCs and notebooks, Synaptics' SmartBar technology is a first-to-market solution that adds unique touch gesture features to the keyboard space bar, providing OEMs with the ability to create and deploy products that enhance productivity and usability for consumers.
Early adopters, including Tt eSPORTS, the gaming accessory division of Thermaltake, benefit from the new capacitive sensing spacebar using Synaptics® exclusive SmartBar technology with finger-based gesture support. SmartBar offers a variety of innovative and programmable functionality to the underutilized spacebar. As the natural resting spot for the thumbs, users can now use SmartBar touch gestures for rapid editing of text, simplified zoom, or any number of customizable functions enabled by the provided macro editor. Speed and productivity are made possible with SmartBar in uses such as performance gaming and office programs.
Key SmartBar Features:
Rapid Editing – A single-thumb swipe gesture on the space bar can be programmed to select an entire word – forwards or backwards in the document – for rapid editing of text.
Effortless Zooming – A double-thumb pinch or expand gesture on the space bar zooms in or out on a document or image for effortless zooming.
Programmable Logical Buttons – SmartBar can be configured with up to five logical buttons, each of which can be programmed to execute a macro using the included macro editor. This provides shortcuts to critical game controls or repetitive desktop functions.
"Tt eSPORTS, with Synaptics' innovative SmartBar technology, is once again leading the industry with creative and exciting solutions that will benefit our customers," said Kenny Lin, chairman and CEO of Thermaltake. "Enabling keyboard spacebars with this powerful solution highlights our commitment to offering the most personalized and highest quality experience."
"Desktop PCs still represent a sizeable portion of the PC market, especially in the commercial segment, but most desktop users have been left behind in terms of next-generation interfaces such as touch," said Tom Mainelli, VP of Devices & Displays at International Data Corporation (IDC). "Companies are always looking for ways to help drive employee efficiency, and feature-rich, touch-enabled keyboards represent a straightforward, affordable way to help increase worker productivity."
"Synaptics has been expanding its offering within the PC industry and has seen significant traction among OEMs and ODMs for our innovative SmartBar technology," said Huibert Verhoeven, senior vice president and general manager, Human Interface Systems Division (HISD), Synaptics. "Integrating our touch and biometrics technology into the desktop market is a natural extension of our solutions, and just the next step in our mission to further advance the human interface revolution."
