Nokia Licenses Touch Screen Feedback Tech

Just days after Apple released its iPhone, digital touch technology company Immersion said Monday that Nokia had licensed technology for future devices.

Of course, neither company is saying the move is in response to the release of Apple's iPhone, which makes heavy use of touchscreen technology. However, with the iPhone potentially 'changing the game' in mobile devices, it could be seen as a defensive measure.

Nokia is licensing Immersions' VibeTonz tactile feedback system. The company says that the system allows for devices to provide "unmistakable tactile cues" in response to touch screen presses.

The applications are numerous, such as feedback in mobile games similar to that which is found on consoles, phone vibration based on the beat of a ringtone, or other tactile signals based on call and phone events, and so forth.

"With VibeTonz technology, Nokia can very purposefully access the sense of touch and add value throughout the mobile device," Immersion CEO Victor Vegas said.

The deal allows for worldwide implementation of its technology into Nokia devices, and provides developers of Nokia software the necessary tools to incorporate the technology into applications.

An SDK will be uploaded to the Nokia developer community forum, the company said.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.