Touch-enabled

Sometimes it would be useful, or even just cool, to be able to illuminate a whole wall. That is the principle behind the Helios modular LED lighting system, where hexagonal units can be joined together magnetically to cover any area and turned on or off individually by touch.

Inspired by a scene from a 2008 Batman movie, engineers from the University of Michigan (UM) have developed software that could bring touch sensitivity to all phones – and not just through their screens.

San Jose-based Synaptics is taking touch technology where it has never been before. Its SmartBar technology turns the keyboard's spacebar into a touch interface that is always within thumb's reach.

The Makey Makey, a credit card-sized board that can be used to turn everyday objects into touch-enabled "buttons," has been redesigned for portability. The Makey Makey Go has been stripped down to its bare essentials, given magnetic sticking powers and wrapped in protective plastic bumpers.

Flip cases are nice in that they offer a lot of protection, but they make it more difficult to access the phone. Moshi is aiming to rectify this problem with its SenseCover case, which features a touch-sensitive strip that allows users to answer calls without having to flip the case open.

London-based ROLI has released three versions of its flexible keyed Seaboard GRAND instrument. The first edition of the flagship GRAND model is limited to a production run of just 88 instruments. The Stage version sports 61 keys, and the Studio flavor has 37 keys.

Game developer Valve has announced the Steam Controller, a wireless gamepad that sports a touch screen in the center flanked by two large trackpads. Along with the upcoming SteamOS and Steam Machines, gamers may soon be able to enjoy a full library of PC games from the comfort of their living room.

Scientists over at Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) have invented a paper thin flexible computer keyboard that's claimed capable of transforming any area into a touch-sensitive surface.

Misa Digital's Michael Zarimis has retired the Kitara digital guitar and controller that Gizmag reviewed in November 2011, and has launched the tri-bass. The new kid on the Misa block doesn't produce its own sounds, but is used as a MIDI controller for synths and software.

Igor Stolarsky has modified his Les Paul GT to include touch-controlled synths and effects, and an onboard drum machine.

Osprey's new Portal Series provides direct-to-tablet access inside your pack.

California-based Accidentally Extraordinary is developing a pair of studio headphones featuring a capacitive touch control interface on the surface of the cable itself.