Touch-enabled

Tech startup IdeaClub has launched an interesting Full HD ultra-short-throw projector that offers 100-inch visuals and built-in sound, but can also be had with expansion modules that bring touch interaction, extra up time or boosted audio.

Rakuten Kobo's new Elipsa ereader is not only the largest that the company has produced so far, sporting a 10.3-inch E Ink touchscreen, but also the first to come with stylus input to allow for both reading and creating.

While there are some "smart" headphones that can perform multiple functions, the vast majority still just amplify music. A new system, however, could give those "dumb" headphones capabilities such as heart rate monitoring and gesture recognition.

Back in 2018, China's Puppy Robot launched the puppy cube interactive projector on Indiegogo, and we got to review a unit. The next generation launched early 2020, followed by the higher spec Hachi Infinite M1 Pro – which we've been trying out.

Cambridge Audio has launched the next model in its excellent Melomania true wireless earphone range. As the name suggests, the Melomania Touch offer touch control as well as the promise of "stunning sound performance and world-class battery life."

A typical sheet of paper or cardboard is neither waterproof, interactive or able to harvest energy, but an innovative new printing technology developed at Purdue University can make it all of the above.

Back in November 2018, we took a portable smart projector called the puppy cube for a spin, which offered touchscreen interaction. Puppy Robotics has now announced the release of a brighter, more powerful model dubbed the Hachi Infinite M1.

Imagine touching the armrest of your sofa to change the channel on your television, or pressing against a lightbulb stencil on the wall to turn on your smart light – these functions and many more like them are now possible thanks to new research.

Scientists in Australia have developed a new type of electronic material that is touch-responsive and just a fraction of the thickness of current smartphone screens, which could see it one day find use in next-generation mobile devices.

Touch-enabled coffee tables have been around for a while that family and friends can gather around, but they can be rather expensive. British startup Jigabyte has joined the touchscreen coffee table party and aims to significantly reduce the cost of entry.

​Back in 2012, Bruno Zamborlin revealed a tiny device that could transform any surface into a musical instrument. Now he's unveiled HyperSurfaces, which taps into the power of AI and machine learning to turn "any object of any material, shape and size" into a user interface.​

Puppy Robotics launched an interactive all-in-one projector on Indiegogo a couple of weeks ago called the puppy cube. We've had one on our review bench for the last few days, here's what we think of it.​