New sensors from Synaptics will let devices recognize the touch of up to 10 fingers at a time.

(Credit: Synaptics)

Touch screens that track two fingers will soon seem basic. At least if you compare them with the multitouch-sensor ClearPad 3000 Series, recently announced by Santa Clara, Calif.-based Synaptics.

The transparent sensor tracks up to 10 simultaneous finger touches–we assume that should cover most uses–making possible complex multifinger gestures such as closing an application by “crumpling” it with several fingers, or playing polyphonic sounds on a virtual piano keyboard.

(Credit: Synaptics)

Apple made multitouch popular with its iPhone, which debuted about four months after Synaptics introduced its currently shipping two-finger sensor, ClearPad 2000, in August 2006. Though widely speculated that Apple is using Synaptics’ technology, that has not been confirmed.

One phone that does use the sensor is the T-mobile G1 by HTC, and manufacturers such as Samsung and LG are also confirmed customers.

The new sensor features an accuracy of plus/minus 1 mm, is 0.3 mm thick, and is available in sizes up to 8 inches diagonally.

That supported screen size, and the speculated relationship between Synaptics and Apple, makes us wonder if this sensor is what Apple’s been waiting for to launch its much-rumored tablet.

…

Randall Bennett, co-creator of The 404 and now the host of TechVi, joins us on today’s show to talk about his journey around the globe, a few of his new projects, and how he’s saving the world one post office box at a time.

(Credit: Randall Bennett)

We’…

Originally posted at The 404

The Toshiba NB250-310 Netbook can charge USB gadgets all the time.

(Credit: Toshiba)

The Netbook arena keeps growing, but it’s a good thing new features sprout up once in a while to keep our attention going. Toshiba’s NB205 line of Netbooks are on their way to the U….