Twitter Tests Digital Touch Feedback with Virtual Material Collection
(Twitter Tests Digital Haptics with Virtual Material Library)
Twitter is trying new technology. This technology lets users feel things through their screens. It is called digital haptics. Haptics means touch feedback. Twitter wants to make using the app more interesting.
Right now, touching your phone screen feels flat. It feels the same everywhere. Twitter wants to change that. They are testing haptic feedback that changes. It changes based on what you touch in the app.
Twitter is building a library of virtual materials. This library holds digital versions of textures. Think of textures like rough wood or smooth metal. The app could make your phone vibrate differently for each texture. You might feel a buzz for a button. You might feel a soft pulse for a fabric icon.
The goal is to make Twitter feel more real. Adding touch could help users understand the app better. It might make using Twitter faster. It could also make tweets and profiles feel more alive. Imagine feeling a subtle vibration when liking a post. Or feeling a different buzz when scrolling past an ad.
This testing is early. Twitter is trying it with a small group of users. They are mainly testing on newer phones. These phones have strong motors for vibrations. Twitter needs to see if people like it. They also need to check if it uses too much battery.
The virtual material library is key. Designers could assign textures to different parts of Twitter. A retweet button could feel like clicking a switch. A profile picture might feel like glass. The possibilities are being explored.
Twitter believes touch feedback is important. Screens are visual. Adding touch adds another way to connect. It could make digital things feel less digital. Other companies use haptics in games and apps. Twitter wants to bring it to social media.
(Twitter Tests Digital Haptics with Virtual Material Library)
There is no final decision yet. This is just an experiment. The test will help Twitter decide. They need to know if it improves the experience. They also need to know if it works well for everyone. Users in the test group will provide feedback. Twitter will listen to this feedback carefully. The future of touch on Twitter depends on these results. Testing continues for now.
