By Meghna Murali
We have all experienced difficulty in hearing properly with the audio speakers in our smartphones. From cracky sounds to cupping hands around the speakers, we have tried all possible techniques to achieve a better quality of sound. With advancements increasing in the field of smartphone technology, Google has now come up with a new announcement! According to reports from Bloomberg, Google has acquired a UK-based startup company named Redux. The company mainly specialises in the fields of animation, arts and technology. Recently, the company began to produce innovations in haptic feedback technology. In simpler context, this unique technology can convert your touchscreen into audio speakers!
What is haptic feedback technology?
The word ‘haptics’ has been derived from the Greek phrase word for ‘I touch’. Also known as ‘tactile technology’, it mainly makes use of vibrations and different types of pattern waveforms in smartphones. These pattern waveforms convey a particular kind of information to the user. Vibrations such as that of alarms, bells and visual alerts mainly use haptic technology.
Haptics can usually be found in LED’s and in smartphones. The addition of haptics provides two major benefits. Firstly, it enhances the user’s experience of using a particular kind of technology. Most devices with touch displays have in-built haptic systems. They are also cost-effective in nature and can be easily constructed. Apart from this, the vibrations and patterns increase the concentration of the user when he or she is performing a certain task.
A single screen can be incorporated with various touch effects. For example in tablets, the virtual keypads showcase ‘short press’ and ‘long press’ buttons.
Touchscreens into audio speakers
Google had acquired Redux, in the month of August 2017. The final acquisition took place in December 2017. In April 2017, Redux introduced a new piece of technology, which mainly involved the use of haptics for surface audio technology. One can physically feel the buttons and keys on the touchscreen. With the use of haptics, Redux enabled an audio layer to the display, instead of physically mounting speakers onto the smartphone. This specially designed audio panel can provide a louder, better quality stereo sound directly from the screen. Thus, the use of haptics frees up space inside a headset for batteries and other components.
The Google-Redux bond
The acquisition is extremely important for Google, as it gives it an edge over other big companies like Apple and Samsung. It also opens up a new arena for marketers. Over the past two years, Google has been making efforts in improving its home speakers. Last year, they announced ‘Smart Display’, whereby touchscreens were added to smart home speakers. This acquisition coincides with the above-mentioned motive. The conversion of the touchscreen into audio panels could considerably decrease the size of smartphones. One can also eliminate the fear of ruining speakers when exposed to water.
Featured Image Source: Wikimedia Commons