Microsoft's Future Surface Trackpad 'Listens' to Itself for Auto-Calibration, Challenging Apple's Force Touch

According to a report from Windows Latest on November 17, Microsoft has filed a patent for an innovative "haptic-sonic" trackpad, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple's renowned Force Touch technology found in MacBooks. This new technology could redefine the user experience on future Surface devices.

Similar to Apple's Force Touch, this new patented trackpad forgoes a traditional physical-sinking mechanism in favor of haptic feedback motors that simulate the sensation of a click. However, Microsoft's design takes a significant leap forward by introducing a unique element of self-awareness.

The core innovation of the patent lies in its ability to "listen." The system leverages the laptop's built-in microphone to capture the distinct "click sound" produced by the haptic motor each time a user interacts with the trackpad. This captured sound is then compared by the Windows system or firmware against a preset "target" reference sound, which represents the ideal acoustic and tactile feedback of a perfectly calibrated, brand-new trackpad.

Through this acoustic comparison, the system can accurately assess the current performance of the haptic feedback. This allows it to perform automatic micro-adjustments to compensate for any changes in feel caused by hardware aging or structural shifts in the device's body over time, ensuring a consistent user experience.

Furthermore, Microsoft's system includes a clever fault-tolerance mechanism. If the microphone analysis detects an abnormal click sound, it can determine that the internal haptic actuator may be malfunctioning or degrading. Instead of leaving the user with a dead trackpad, it can automatically switch to a backup solution, such as using the device's speakers to play a simulated click sound. This intelligent switching between haptic and sonic feedback is an innovative approach not yet publicly explored by competitors.

The ambition of this patent extends beyond a single device. Microsoft envisions transforming the haptic signal into a universal "haptic event." Once the system self-calibrates, the operating system can intelligently redirect this event to the most appropriate device. For instance, if the trackpad's haptic motor fails, the same feedback pattern could be seamlessly transferred to a connected haptic mouse, gaming controller, or other supported peripheral, creating a durable and consistent tactile experience across the entire device ecosystem.

Back to blog

Related Posts

  • _{region} ( _{language} )

    • _{area}

    _{region}
    _{language}