Immersion intros next-gen MOTIV haptics for Android
updated 02:55 pm EST, Thu February 10, 2011
MOTIV haptic platform for Android introduced
Immersion on Thursday showed off its new MOTIV development platform for Android devices. The technology promises to bring next-generation haptic feedback to device makers and app developers. Immersion believed the current process of bringing haptic feedback into a user interface and applications is too complicated and that its MOTIV platform will ease this process for an interface or an app.
The technology is being introduced in two major components. It includes the MOTIV Integrator for hardware makers and the MOTIV SDK for app developers.
The former is available now and will allow companies to integrate the haptic feedback into the Android UI and works with the company's current TouchSense technology. This contains the UI Module that brings haptic feedback to any downloaded apps that use the view and notification network. A Theme Manager Module will let OEMs choose from a few haptic themes that can be changed by users. A Reverb Module will apply to apps that are not optimized for haptics and translates audio into effects.
The MOTIV SDK will ship in March and include the API, sample code, effect libraries with over 100 pre-designed effects, reference documentation, and a conversion layer. The layer will let developers quickly bring haptic effects into Android apps.
The platform will be demonstrated at Mobile World Congress next week.
