3M Revolutionises User Interactivity with 10-Finger Multi-Touch Capability

Diversified technology company 3M today announced a 22-inch high-definition, multi-touch LCD display for professional and prosumer (professional consumer) applications that need up to 10-finger touch input or multi-user interactivity with a very fast response time. The new M2256PW Display demonstrates 3M’s commitment to push the boundaries of traditional touch technology. While most multi-touch technologies support two-finger touch and gestures, 3M’s multi-touch technology supports 10-finger touch input and advanced gesture capability.

Introduced in June 2009 as the 19-inch 3M Multi-touch Developer Kit, this revolutionary technology offered software developers a ‘full multi-touch’ hardware platform for the first time. "We have received enormous interest in our multi-touch platform from software developers across a diverse range of sectors and we look forward to seeing the exciting concepts that they create for their next generation games, systems and user applications," commented Paolo Pedrazzoli, marketing operations manager, 3M Touch Systems.

Utilising this new technology, software developers are able to initiate a technological leap in the way users interact with all types of information and to expand traditional touch interaction to include multiple users and increase collaboration. Applications taking advantage of this high level of interactivity include computer aided design, digital signage, computer gaming, security monitoring systems, education and training, and teleconferencing

The 3M Display M2256PW features a high-definition 1680 x 1050 LCD screen, DVI and VGA video input, audio input, USB and RS232 (serial) dual-mode communication protocol and durable, anti-glare front surface. The M2256PW display is compatible with Windows 7, so no third party touch drivers are required. For Linux and Windows XP/Vista/7 operating systems, 3M plans to offer a multi-touch driver and software utility, and will offer communication protocol documents for customers who wish to develop their own drivers.

3M Touch Systems provides innovative touchscreen technology products to customers worldwide under the 3M and MicroTouch brands. Popular single touch, gesture touch and multitouch applications include casino gaming, retail point of sale, foodservice, hospitality, self-service, industrial, healthcare and interactive digital signage. For more information about MicroTouch products, visit www.3M.co.uk/touch. For an overview of popular touch technologies and terminology, visit www.touchtopics.com

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3M and MicroTouch are trademarks of 3M

About 3M Touch Systems, Inc.
3M Touch Systems Inc., a subsidiary of 3M, operates globally and is part of the 3M Electro & Communication business, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. For more information please visit www.3M.com/uk/touch.

3M – practical and ingenious solutions that help our customers succeed
3M is a $25 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M employs some 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. It produces thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets and its 45 technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life - the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and in 2008 it launched the MPro range of pocket projectors.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing more than 3,500 people across 18 locations, including 12 manufacturing sites.

Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.


Press contacts:
Paolo Pedrazzoli Beky Cann
3M Touch Systems Neesham Public Relations
Tel: 00 39 02 7035 3437 Tel: +44 (0) 1296 628180
Email: ppedrazzoli1@mmm.com Email: bekyc@neesham.co.uk