Microsoft Surface range looks to make its fabric coating smarter techradar.com

While the ability to directly interact with a device’s display via touch has become near-ubiquitous, Microsoft is looking to extend this user interaction further by exploring touch sensitivity in other materials. According to a patent submission recently uncovered by Windows Latest, Microsoft is looking to introduce smart fabrics into some of its product lines in order to act as an extra user interface alongside existing touchscreens and trackpads. The patent describes using touch sensors integrated into fabric as an interface, with this 'smart' material then embedded into a wide variety of products, ranging from tablets and headphones to wearable devices, sweatbands and even couches.