A new leak by well-known Chinese tipster @Leaksfly suggests that Xiaomi is apparently developing a pressure sensitive display technology. Huawei and Apple have already released smartphones featuring pressure sensitive touch displays, with more manufacturers expected to follow suit.
According to the leak, Xiaomi has filed patents for a pressure sensing touchscreen technology, similar to Apple’s 3D Touch. However, it cannot be determined if the technology will make its way to the upcoming Mi5 flagship. Xiaomi might also partner Synaptics to include its ClearForce technology on the Mi5. It must be noted that the Mi4c makes use of the Synaptics ClearPad S3708 touch controller, which supports both ClearForce and SideTouch technology. Although, only SideTouch has been enabled on the device.
It has also been rumoured that Samsung is teaming up with Synaptics to include the force sensing technology on the Galaxy S7. The Korean electronics giant is one of the partners for Synaptics’ ClearForce, among other OEMs and LCMs. Synaptics has mentioned that the technology is currently available only for smartphones, with support for wearables and tablets coming soon. Samsung patented its own pressure sensitive display technology last year. Similar to Xiaomi, it is unclear whether Samsung will opt for ClearForce or go with its own in-house technology.
Apple’s introduction of the 3D Touch on the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus has opened up the possibility of manufacturers implementing pressure sensing displays on upcoming devices. Huawei might have beaten Apple to the post of releasing the world’s first pressure sensitive smartphone, but, it is the iPhone 6S which is expected to popularise the technology. Apart from Samsung and Xiaomi, OnePlus is also tipped to have used Synaptics ClearForce on its soon-to-be-released OnePlus X smartphone.
Xiaomi has been known to have derived “inspiration” from Apple products. The design aesthetics of its devices are remarkably similar to those of Apple. With other manufacturers also contemplating bringing out devices with 3D Touch-like technology, it would be a tad bit unfair accuse Xiaomi of ripping-off Apple. The Xiaomi Mi5 is expected to become the first smartphone to be driven by the Snapdragon 820 SoC. It remains to be seen whether the company incorporates a pressure sensitive display on the device.
Source: GforGames