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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  • 6 Posted by joshuawalcher on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    You've used phones with VibeTonz before and that's great and all., but don't you think it'll be a serious drain on the iPhone's battery? I'm guessing the other phones you tried had a max battery life of 2-3 hours with VibeTonz on.

  • 7 Posted by johndahl2003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    I wonder if they are doing the thicker case for other reasons... the button tolerances are too tight... any case damage and the buttons stick. Right now my volume keeps turning itself down because the button is stuck, and I have had problems with the power button in the past.

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

    If you are worried about scratches, get a case. I'm going to get one for my iPhone with my tax return this week... or as soon as I get it. I might get some other things for my iPhone too at http://www.iphonedownloadworld.com

  • 9 Posted by bdamonr on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    I for one like my iPhone just the way it is. I have used my google maps to locate where i am and get me out when i get lost, so why the need for GPS when I can simply use it and read signs. And as for the thicker case, that would have to be a negative too.

  • 10 Posted by uncebayman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    I would like to be able to receive picture messages w/o having to go to some website to view them, But dont get me wrong I love my i phone but it does need some fine tunning!

  • 12 Posted by jtoys2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:43PM EDT Report Abuse

    I would rather have it both GPS and and a smaller phone. Why can we have both. Also glossy is good.

  • 13 Posted by austinreid98 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    No on thicker case. I have had my phone since the day it came out. June 29th,2007 it looks brand new

  • 14 Posted by smd2438 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have been content with the existing iphone to this point. Edge is slow but much better than what I was used to - no mobile internet. 3G would be an improvement but I would be reluctant to buy a new phone for it. GPS would be great but in large cities the tower triangulation gets real close. Why would anyone want a camera in a phone - I just don't get it. You want a decent camera why not buy one. I dislike having to surrender my phone when entering many court buildings, company headquarters, etc. because it contains a camera.

  • 15 Posted by gfisher00 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    No to glossy black case. Yes to GPS. (How much thicker are we talking? Will it still fit in a shirt pocket?) Couldn't care less--one way or the other--about "tactile" feedback from the keyboard, but I do wish you could copy and paste from notes to emails to other apps--that's my biggest complaint. Had my iPhone about 9 mos., and don't know how I ever got along without it.

  • 16 Posted by gowithvickie on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    so Im thinking about finally taking the jump and getting an iphone with my tax rebate...should I wait until summer..Ive heard rummors about an update.

  • 17 Posted by cygnusx8 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    Black cover rumor has already been debunked yesterday. It was just an aftermarket housing. New phone will be thinner and most importantly $200 cheaper thru service provider. Only $199 now (now = soon)!

  • 18 Posted by kyle_r_coffey on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    Thinner handset, with the awesome screen you can just look up directions, and most people that actually use/have a GPS system already have one in their car, why put one on the phone? Save room, go thin, no GPS.

  • 19 Posted by chrstphrstphns on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, I have a Blackjack II and I am still happy but still also waiting for the iPhone to really step up to the plate. Now, I must admit that I do like what it can do so far but its just not a enough. Call me greedy. But I travel worldwide and I would like a phone where I can swap out the sims. Also, the hard drive is just not big enough. For a person that carries a 160g iPod Classic, its just not even close to enough space. How about a 40 or 60g hard drive? I am patiently waiting for Apple to brig more to this creative device. Until then, I will have to suffice with another creative device. Cheers.

  • 20 Posted by supafu2000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    the black back was already debunked on applerumors to just be a 3rd party casing for the iphone. Its not the "new" iphone. Engadget has a HORRIBLE track record when it comes to picking out apple stuff

  • 21 Posted by lileslover on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    The black backing rumor was actually just a protective case made in hong kong.

  • 22 Posted by zghannoum on Thu Sep 3, 2009 11:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    GPS only if ONLY slightly thicker. I like the burshed case. Would like to see the iPhone use ActiveSync with Notes functionality. Don't care about Vibe Tonz.

  • 23 Posted by gregsbach on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think I would take the thicker case regardless of the GPS. This is based on the fact that I have held an Iphone and I always feel as if I am about to pop it out of my hand and right onto the floor. Of course this subject is moot for me as I do not have the proper carrier, I won't leave my current company and I refused to sink money into a hacked version. Let's get some rumours on the opening up of carriers...that is what I am down for!!!

  • 24 Posted by michaela389 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    "...add a slide out qwerty keyboard..." Definitely do not agree on that! The soul genius of the iPhone is having the ability to simply TOUCH the screen; however, I wouldn't mind seeing the accelerometer turn the keyboard on the iPhone horizontally (when you turn the phone) to make it a bit easier to type. Also, I'm not wiz when it comes to cell phone technology, but would an average consumer really see a difference in a 3G iPhone? GPS would be nice, but the phone already has a feature that approximates your position within a mile or two... and, unless your trekking through the Sahara or some Man vs. Wild stunt, I really don't see the need.

  • 25 Posted by morganpdx on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'd like to see better integration between the calendar and google maps! Many times I've wished I could just click on the location text area and have it show up on the map...Also, I'd like to be able to save my voice mail off to my computer if necessary, and paying for ringtones? Come on... Other than that...I LOVE my iPhone. Will never go back! As for the haptic, I can take it or leave it, but better GPS would be nice. Thicker case would be fine, if it was as durable or better than it is currently.

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