The latest rumor to make its way around claims that Apple is looking to put tactile feedback into the iPhone. In English: Apple wants to make the keypad move when you touch it.

In addition to being a rumor, the story is also in the very early stages, as the reports only claim that Apple execs are meeting with Immersion Corporation, the company that does feedback technology for Sony's Playstation controllers. An anonymous Apple employee claims that the two sides are discussing ways in which the technology could be used in the iPhone.

Welcome news for everyone who continues to struggle with the animating keypad.

29 Apr 2008

One of the big gripes amongst iPhone newbies has been the inability to have any sort of feedback when typing a message. On normal keypads, the user gets the sensation of pressing down a button. Since the iPhone's keypad is on-screen, users only have the visual cue of an animating button to let them know when a key is pressed. A seemingly small issue, until you first try it yourself.

Many users have adjusted to the issue over time. For many dyed-in-the-wool Crackberry users, however, the on-screen keypad has been a dealbreaker. If it's done right, tactile feedback on the iPhone could be a nice addition that brings a few more into the fold.