Thats pretty cool. I like it when technology surprises me with what it can accomplish

Apple needs a kick in the pants before they catch up to Nokia... Nokia just took yet another step ahead with this technology. I own a Nokia N95-8gb and it already blows the iPhone out of the water.

The big question is does Nokia have a patent on this. Apple's products could really benefit from tactile feedback in my opinion.

I think the answer is "duh", but that's not likely to stop Apple. The patent situation is a Mutually Assured Destruction scenario. Nokia could likely sue Apple and get an injunction granted on the sale of iPhones. This would be devastating for Apple, but Apple could just as easily sue Nokia, and that would be equally devastating.

Neither company can afford the risk of getting an injunction granted on their products, and both companies know this.

Maybe, but there might be prior art. I remember a Popular Science article last year about some Chinese phones with this technology.

The lack of tactile feedback has been keeping me away from most touch screen devices. I has to compromise for the iPhone but this kind of technology I think will make touch screen devices a lot more user friendly.

I'm guessing someone didn't like my post very much. If you want to better understand what I mean about lack of tactile feedback try using a touch screen remote control. Heck, try using one of those keyboards that project onto your desk and tap on a wooden board for a bit instead of a regular keyboard.

Tactile feedback tells your brain that you actually DID something without you having to look and observe the actual result. Even though the iPhone doesn't have real tactile feedback I found it very odd to use the on-screen keyboard when the phone is on vibrate. Even the little clicky sound it makes helps in making it easier to use.