Canopy unveils Sensus touch case for iOS devices at CES
updated 06:23 pm EST, Mon January 7, 2013
Initially to be offered for iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5
Aimed primarily at gamers and visually-disabled users, a new iPhone case from Canopy offers 10-point touch input on the back and right side of the case which enables use of custom apps without ever blocking the screen. The technology has applications in gaming, drawing and will braille users, among other options. The Sensus case is being shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, but will be available to retail this summer.
The initial offering will be cases for the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4/4S models, with cases for the iPad and iPad mini (along with the fifth-gen iPod Touch) are also being worked on. Though the Sensus case will not work with core OS functions (other than scrolling), it can be compatible with a wide range of apps, from full-screen photographic applications to being able to zoom in on (for example) maps without covering up the screen at any point.
The case, which also doubles as a standard protective iPhone case, comes with a Braille Keyboard app as well as a program that lets users know which of their existing apps is compatible with the Sensus. Because it communicates with the iPhone through the 30-pin or Lightning port found on the iOS devices, the cases offers a standard micro-USB charging port. The Sensus case should sell for between $60 and $100.
