More 3G iPhone rumors: Tactile feedback, thicker case?

Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:02PM EDT

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The Apple rumor mill continues to hum, this time with word that the iPhone might (finally) be getting tactile feedback for its touchscreen. Also: GPS, and a thicker case with a black, glossy back cover?

Palluxo is reporting that execs for Immersion, the company that brings the "rumble" to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers and vibrating "tactile" feedback to cell phones, is in talks with Apple about licensing its technology for the iPhone.

Of course, one of the biggest complaints about the iPhone is that its touchscreen interface doesn't "buzz" when you tap the virtual keys. I've tried several phones with Immersion's "VibeTonz" technology before, and the effect (which can also be used for games, music, alerts, and so on) is pretty uncanny.

Now, what's interesting about Immersion's technology is that it's essentially just software that controls a phone's "vibration actuator"—which, of course, the iPhone already has. That means that a simple software update could bring tactile feedback to existing iPhones. And here's another tantalizing detail: Immersion's new CEO used to be an Apple executive.

That's all just rumor, though—and here's another rumor while we're at it: Engadget's spies say that the new, 3G iPhone will not only come with GPS, but will also have a slightly thicker case and a new, black glossy backing.

Hmmm...GPS is nice, but not if it means a thicker iPhone (or at least, that's my take). Even more worrisome is word of the glossy backing, which might be more prone to scratches than the brushed aluminum backing on my 8GB iPhone, which (after 10 months of heavy use) has yet to suffer a serious scratch. Why fix what ain't broken?

What do you think—ready for haptic feedback on the iPhone? And if you had to pick, would you rather have GPS on your iPhone, or a thinner handset?

Related:
LEAKED: Apple to Licence Haptic Technology for iPhone [Palluxo]
The second-gen iPhone: 3G, GPS, only slightly thicker [Engadget]

Comments on More 3G iPhone rumors: Tactile feedback, thicker case?

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  • 1 Posted by giovanna3637 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    No on the black case. I agree, I have had my phone for 10 months and it still looks great. Almost no scratches to speak of. I would prefer the phone to have true GPS even if it was a LITTLE thicker.

  • 2 Posted by guitarmunkey05 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    I would go for a SLIGHTLY thicker casing for GPS. I've had mine now for about 10 months and the back is pretty well scratched up. I have two somewhat noticable scratches on the face. It's not been too abused though! The things i want to see on the new iphone: 3G, GPS, better quality camera, video taking capabilities, sound recording, picture mail I think the black case would look sharp, but it would give me one more thing that i would need to constantly wipe finger prints off (OCD) Anyone else want different iphone capabilities?

  • 3 Posted by magpagbst on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    . . . add a slide out qwerty keyboard and better compatibility with third party apps and the iphone would render all other phones obsolete . . .

  • 4 Posted by ispeak3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    I dont hope that u can turn the tactile feedback off if u dont want it cause im not into that but for GPS a VERY SLIGHTLY iphone wouldnt be bad but im not for the glossy back they should make different colors though.

  • 5 Posted by ajkuska on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Definitely GPS. If it's a decent chip (better than the ones that Nokia uses), I'd trade a thicker case for it. Yes also on the tactile feedback. It would help ease the transition for Blackberry users. I'd also like a 3.2MP or 5MP camera with xenon flash. Add those, and the iPhone is a real winner all around the world, and not just in the US.

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