Remember that spark you feel when you graze your crush’s arm? Well, your iPhone gets that same feeling. But how does a small screen made of glass react with your fingertip to type and swipe on the screen? In short, it’s electric. We talked to the experts at Bloomington’s Mac Experience store for the digital 411.
The ‘durable’ touchscreen
This first type of touch technology, the resistive system, is used mostly in restaurants and hospitals because of its durability. While the monitor is on, an electrical current runs between the two layers. When something touches the screen, the two layers touch in that exact spot. It doesn’t matter if you are touching the screen with your fingertip or a balloon.
The ‘everyday’ touchscreen
The capacitive system is the mechanism most touchscreens use. It’s made of a layer of glass that stores an electrical charge. When you touch the screen with your finger, the amount of charge changes at that specific place of contact.
What about when I use two fingers to zoom in on a smartphone?
The iPhone has a special “multi-touch user interface” that allows you to touch multiple spots on the screen simultaneously. A coordinate grid lets the iPhone sense changes at every point of the grid to determine the location and movement of more than one touch.
And those gloves with the tipped fingers?
These special, conductive gloves contain copper wiring in the tips of the forefingers and thumbs for use on touchscreens. The copper wiring in the tips creates a connection from your finger to the screen.
Where can I get the gloves in Bloomington?
Target: Pack of three “Tech Touch” gloves $9.99
Macy’s: Timberland Touch Screen gloves $29.99
Urban Outfitters: Deena & Ozzy Texting gloves $20
