Apple files patent for 'squeezable' technology, here's what it may mean for iPhone users

[Matrix]

NEW DELHI: Smartphone giant Apple has patented a new technology called 'Mobile Electronic Device with Squeeze Detection'. It promises to change the way iPhone users interact with their devices.

 

According to the patent, the company is working on squeezable sensors. These sensors will reportedly allow users to squeeze the sides of their iPhones for functions like opening menu, activate the voice assistant Siri and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"A force sensing compliant enclosure for an electronic device may include at least one deformable housing wall. At least one strain concentration portion may be located on the deformable housing wall where strain caused by application of a force that deforms the deformable housing wall is greater than at other portions of the deformable housing wall. The strain concentrating portion may have a second thickness that is thinner than other portions of the deformable housing wall. One or more sensors may be positioned in the strain concentration portion and may sense strain caused by the application of the force that deforms the deformable housing wall," says summary of the patent application filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

 

 

The squeezable sides technology appears to be similar to Apple's 3D Touch. Introduced first in iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus smart[phones, the 3D Touch technology offers users different options depending upon the amount of pressure exerted on the screen. The technology senses how deeply a user presses the display, letting him/her do more than ever with iPhone's apps and games. 3D Touch-enabled actions seeks to allow users to complete essential tasks more quickly and simply or engage in enhanced gameplay.

 

 

Squeezable sides technology is not new in smartphones. HTC U11 samrtphone, launched last year, boasts of squeezables sides. Google's Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 too have 'squeezable sides'.  

 

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