Immersion is soliciting project proposals from qualified researchers and students investigating haptic human-computer interaction. We have a limited number of Samsung i718 smartphones with VibeTonz® tactile feedback to loan for academic research purposes. This smartphone platform includes software and content development environments (for Windows) and is capable of high fidelity programmable tactile feedback.

To participate in the program, on or before March 31, 2008, send via fax or email as noted on the Program Agreement form:

1) A half-page project proposal and
2) A completed and signed Program Agreement form (pdf)

We will review all submissions and contact selected researchers to arrange for the delivery of loan equipment. Submissions received after March 31, 2008 will also be reviewed. All submissions are subject to equipment availability. Acceptance of any project proposal is in Immersion’s sole discretion.

Project proposals in the following areas are of particular interest, but all ideas are welcomed:

• Tactile feedback enhanced graphical user interaction
• Mobile platform tactile feedback
• Tactile messaging
• Usability analyses
• Quantitative performance studies
• Psychophysical effects

About the i718: The Samsung i718 is a quad-band GSM smartphone that features a large resistive touchscreen and runs Windows Mobile 5.0. Content development is enabled with Immersion’s VibeTonz Studio graphical authoring tool. Programmatic access to the high fidelity VibeTonz kernel is provided by Immersion’s VibeTonz SDK.