Apple preparing to take its multi-touch technology to the next level?
Apple's MacBook Air and MacBook Pro both already boast a multi-touch trackpad, but according to investment bank, Piper Jaffray, Apple is already developing systems that will rely entirely on touch technology.
Analyst Gene Munster, said to investors:
"Looking into 2010, we expect Apple to advance its touchscreen technology, known as multi-touch, from simple trackpad features to a complete MacBook touch with touchscreen keypad features. Discussions we have had with component suppliers indicate that Apple is already testing full multi-touch Macs, but the software requirements will likely lead to a launch timeframe of 2010."
The comments were part of a report which also hinted at likely upgrades to the iMac and Mac mini - as soon as within the next 90 days. Munster also suggests that further updates to the MacBook and MacBook Pros will be delivered in time for the educational buying season.
The touch-screen revelations might not come as a complete surprise to some. With Apple's multi-touch technology proving to be hugely popular on its iPhone device, it certainly isn't outside the realms of possibility to envision a touch-based version of Apple's Mac OS X by 2010.
However, could a touchscreen eliminate the need for a trackpad completely? That might just be too big a challenge in the immediate future, but Apple and other manufacturers alike look to be betting big on touch technology.
Apple's biggest competitor, Microsoft, is also hard at work with touch technology, pushing to bring its touch-based Surface devices to consumers as quickly as possible. It is widely believed that the Redmond giant's next operating system, Windows 7, will focus heavily on touch interaction.
The end of the keyboard and mouse has been predicted each and every year for as long as we can remember, could that end now actually be closer than we think? Share your thoughts in the HEXUS forums.
