Apple Strong-Arming its Multi-touch?

There are rumors floating around that Apple is trying to defend its multi-touch technology as strict proprietary technology. And that they will defend ‘legally’ against anyone who tries to copy the iPhone multi-touch. Multi-touch refers to the ability of a device to recognize a variety of screen contacts (such as gestures and use of multiple fingers). And there are juicy rumors that Apple strong-armed Google into leaving out true multi-touch features on their HTC G1 Android phone. Google complying of course to keep the relationship in tact.

Things might not be so rosy for Palm with its new Pre phone - a phone with full multi-touch technology. It may not be so easy for Apple to defend multi-touch technology as its own since the technology itself dates back to 1982 at the University of Toronto. It may have too many gray areas and may not be defendable as intellectual property. It will be interesting to see if Apple can control this market or will free enterprise once again guide the wireless industry to newer heights?

Source: Information Week