Apple looking to license iPhone haptics?

Apple may be looking to license haptic technology from another company, as the industry looks to develop and incorporate more touch feedback technology into devices. Immersion Corporation, a patent-driven digital technology company, has reportedly hired a former Apple executive and has had talks this week to license the haptic technology for in Apple's iPhone. On Thursday, Immersion Corporation announced that it had appointed former Apple executive Clent Richardson to the position of President and CEO and a new report claims that Apple this week began talking to Immersion about a potential licensing agreement for its technology. [corrected]

Online website Palluxo claims that an Apple employee has leaked information about a meeting last Tuesday between senior executives of the two companies and that another was scheduled for Friday. The source confirmed that the executives were expected to continue discussions over licensing of and implementation issues for iPhone haptics.

Haptic technology brings feedback or physical sensations to touch technology, enabling users to receive specific response to different types of physical interaction with various devices.

Nokia has also licensed haptic technology from Immersion, allowing it to incorporate a wide range of tactile feedback in it cellphones, including the upcoming "iPhone-killer" Tube 5800, the report claims.

Filed under: iPhone
Other story tags: Nokia, patent, haptics, licensing