Neonode to Introduce New Touch Sensing Solutions at CES 2014

Neonode Inc., a Sweden-based optical touch technology developer, will be introducing its latest MultiSensing solutions at the International CES 2014 in Las Vegas this week, including a Neonode-enabled laptop and a low-energy Bluetooth 4.0 enabled module for tablets and smartphones.

The company will demonstrate a 14-inch Windows 8 notebook, as well as a 19-inch monitor that integrates its latest optical multi-touch and proximity technology, while its enabled touch sensing module will be integrated into cases for tablets and smartphones, including to iPhone 5. The module, according to a statement released this week, will “easily and inexpensively extend the range and types of human interface control well-beyond the device's physical touch screen.”

Neonode previously demonstrated its Bluetooth module technology at Mobile World Congress 2013 using a case fitted for the iPhone. In a video created by the company, a person is seen playing a racing game on an iPhone using gestures to steer without touching the actual device.

The company also announced at Mobile World Congress 2013 that it was working on incorporating the technology into smartphones in addition to the cases, according to DigitalTrends.com. Neonode signed a deal with China-based Shenzhen Wave to add its Smartphone One platform to the company’s phones at the end of 2013. So while a Smartphone One announcement hasn’t been made for the U.S. yet, it looks as if the company is one step closer to bringing its case technology stateside.

"Our patented MultiSensing(R) technology has emerged from years of design-driven innovation, and is now enabling user experiences that could transform the way the world interacts with devices,” CEO Thomas Eriksson, Neonode said in a statement. “Thus, we are very excited to invite our customers attending CES to experience our latest touch innovations."

The company also has something up its sleeve for the automotive market. It will also demonstrate a multi-function steering wheel – developed in partnership with Texas Instruments – that will allow the driver to use gestures to control a vehicle’s audio and visual systems instead of traditional buttons.

Neonode announced back in March that it signed a partnership with Volvo to bring an in-car infotainment system called the Sensus Connected Touch to the company’s vehicles. The system, which runs on the Android operating system, can be operated with any object, including a bare or gloved finger, a stylus or pen.