Replacing that annoying "every haptic response is a mechanical vibration" model with tactile interfaces

A bloggy press release is making the rounds today from Senseg, but the concept is so cool it’s worth clicking through to browse around the vendor website. The VC comes from “the founding engineers, Skype, and the Finnish Early Stage Growth fund,” which at least sounds promising. File this one under Cool Stuff To Watch:

Senseg technology applies an innovation in biophysics to bring a haptic effect to the traditionally passive touch user interface. When felt through one’s fingertips, it provides a sophisticated sensory experience. Whether flat or curved, transparent or opaque, the Senseg solution can be easily applied to any touch interface surface. The solution package comes complete with tixel laminate technology, electronic module, and software APIs.

As very tiny electrical charges pass into the tixel (a portmanteau meaning tactile pixel) elements, the individual tixels generate a controlled electric field which extends several millimeters above the surface. Senseg E-Sense is a wholly new way of creating a sophisticated sensation of touch without the use of less sensitive haptic technology like vibration or mechanical actuators such as motors, piezoelectric actuators or electro-active polymers.

Virtually any surface regardless of the size or form factor can be Senseg E-Sense enabled. For example, tixels can be part of the fabric in a wearable cloth, or part of a glass object. The tixel is highly durable, free from any mechanical movement or wear.