Synaptics Launches New Era of Revolutionary Human Interaction Solutions for Mobile Computing Devices

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Synaptics Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNA), a leading developer of human interface solutions for mobile computing, communications and entertainment devices, today announced that ForcePad, the breakthrough next-generation TouchPad, will be coupled with its new state-of-the-art ThinTouch keyboard technology and industry-leading ClearPad Series 7, to deliver the ultimate touch solution for notebook PC and other mobile device OEM partners. 

Synaptics raises the bar with the ground breaking ForcePad solution that delivers industry changing usage models for high-performance Ultrabooks with the Microsoft Windows 8 "touch first" operating system, which demands flawless Human-Computer-Interaction (HCI).

"Synaptics has reimagined the notebook and timed these innovative solutions with the Ultrabook and Windows 8 design cycle," said Tim Bajarin, president at Creative Strategies, Inc. "Synaptics pioneered the original TouchPad, evolved it to the Image Sensing buttonless ClickPad, and now introduces the ForcePad with an array of touchscreen and ThinTouch capacitive keyboard solutions that redefines what is possible in HCI."

Synaptics reinvents HCI with three key notebook innovation platform capabilities:

• ForcePad --- the ultimate next-generation TouchPad is a multi-finger, variable force detection, capacitive TouchPad that offers a large "modern touchpad" gesture area that is up to 40% thinner than today's ClickPads, enabling thinner and lighter Ultrabooks, making it ideal for the fast and fluid Windows 8 touch experience by adding a new dimension of control to the notebook human-computer interaction.
• ThinTouch --- the definitive ultra-thin keyboard technology that complements the rapidly growing Ultrabook market trends of thinner form factors and improved battery life. The latest design innovations achieve up to 40% reduction in thickness from today's conventional keyboards, improved manufacturability and reliability, as well as improved backlighting. With the addition of capacitive technology, new usage models enable industry changing multi-modal (TouchPad, keyboard and touchscreen) user experiences.
• ClearPad Series 7 --- leveraging the heritage of the ClearPad family, the high performance Series 7 solutions are designed to meet the demanding Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows RT touchscreen requirements and now support up to 17" touchscreens.

"ForcePad literally redefines the human-computer interface for every notebook and desktop PC user who wants the ultimate touch experience.  ForcePad provides the industry's best performing and most innovative TouchPad, and provides an unparalleled consistent and premium user experience to PC OEMs across their portfolio of products," said Mark Vena, senior vice president and general manager of Synaptics PC Division.  "With the addition of ThinTouch technology and the capabilities of ClearPad Series 7, our partners can achieve a 'Better Together' integrated experience that only Synaptics can deliver."

Synaptics is working with key software partners to develop optimized ForcePad-based applications to add an exciting new dimension to the user experience.  Synaptics is currently sampling ForcePad with multiple PC OEMs and anticipates notebook PCs with ForcePad technology to begin shipping mid-2013.  Notebook designs using Synaptics new ClearPad Series 7 capabilities are expected to ship in late 2012, while ThinTouch technology will be sampling to PC OEM customers today.

For up-to-the-minute Synaptics news, follow @SynaCorp on Twitter. For more information on Synaptics' products and solutions, please visit www.synaptics.com.

About Synaptics
Synaptics delivers intelligent touch solutions for intelligent devices. As a leading developer of human interface solutions for the mobile computing, communications and digital home entertainment markets, Synaptics solutions enhance the user experience.  The ClearPad™ touchscreen product family supports devices ranging from entry-level mobile phones to tablets. The TouchPad™ family, including ClickPad™, is integrated into the majority of today's notebook PCs.  Synaptics has shipped over one billion capacitive touch solutions to date. (NASDAQ: SYNA) www.synaptics.com

Synaptics, ForcePad, ThinTouch, ClearPad, TouchPad, ClickPad, and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

For further information, please contact:

Nick Rottler         
Synaptics
408-454-5388
[email protected]  

Bridget Kemps
Edelman for Synaptics
650-762-2943
[email protected]

SOURCE Synaptics Inc.