FingerWorks

FingerWorks was a technology company that specialized in gesture recognition technology, particularly in the development of touchpads and keyboards. The company was founded in 1998 by John Elias and Wayne Westerman of the University of Delaware. FingerWorks' products were notable for their use of multi-touch technology, which allows users to control devices through complex finger motions.

History

FingerWorks was established in 1998 by John Elias and Wayne Westerman. Westerman, who was suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome due to excessive typing, teamed up with Elias to develop a keyboard that would reduce the strain on the fingers. Their research led to the development of the iGesture Pad, a device that used multi-touch technology to interpret complex finger motions.

In 2005, FingerWorks was acquired by Apple Inc., a move that was seen as a significant step towards the development of Apple's own multi-touch devices, such as the iPhone and iPad. Following the acquisition, FingerWorks ceased production of its own products, but its technology continues to be used in Apple's devices.

Products

FingerWorks' product line included the iGesture Pad, the TouchStream keyboard, and the TouchStream Mini. These devices were notable for their use of multi-touch technology, which allowed users to perform tasks such as scrolling, zooming, and right-clicking by making specific finger movements.

The iGesture Pad was a mouse replacement that used multi-touch technology to interpret complex finger motions. The TouchStream keyboard, on the other hand, was a full-sized keyboard that also functioned as a touchpad, allowing users to type and perform mouse functions without moving their hands off the keyboard.

Legacy

FingerWorks' technology has had a significant impact on the development of multi-touch devices. The company's technology is used in many of Apple's products, including the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook trackpads. FingerWorks' multi-touch technology has also influenced the development of other touch-based devices, such as Microsoft's Surface table.

See also

• Multi-touch
• Gesture recognition
• Touchpad
• Apple Inc.