Cirque sets new trackpad standard; The creator of GlidePoint technology makes the trackpad easier to use with "generation 3" features.

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 1996--Cirque Corp., the original developer of GlidePoint(R) technology, Monday announced the next generation trackpad, with features that make trackpads more practical and easier to use.

"GlidePoint technology was first introduced in 1994 as a new approach to cursor control. Even in it's infancy, the trackpad's smooth, reliable operation rapidly became a standard for portable computers. As this acceptance spreads to the desktop environment, the trackpad has evolved to provide more surface area and better motion control," said Jim O'Callaghan, Cirque's executive vice president of marketing and sales. "Now we're raising the trackpad standard by adding features that make the device easier to use in mainstream applications."

Cirque has developed the GlidePoint(R) Sensation for IBM-compatible computers with advanced software for motion extension, audible feedback, absolute positioning, and improved sensitivity for smoother, more reliable trackpad performance. In addition, Cirque will introduce a new, patent-pending overlay that incorporates texture for tactile feedback from right "tap" commands and motion extenders. An animated tutorial for quick and easy adoption of features will be included in the software.

As the leader in the fast-growing trackpad market, Cirque will offer the same easy installation, standard driver compatibility, and adapter accessories the company provides with its other retail products. The Cirque GlidePoint(R) Sensation will ship with serial and PS/2 connectors. The driver is compatible with DOS, Windows, and Windows(R) 95 environments, and a comprehensive manual is included for English-, French-, and German-speaking customers.

At $89.00 (SRP), Cirque anticipates a street price of $79.00.

NEW FEATURES

GlideExtend(TM)

In the past, the stationary edge of the trackpad periodically presented an inconvenience during drag, draw, or highlight operations. When a finger reached the edge of the pad, the user was required to either hold a button down to reposition the finger or let go of the operation and restart the drag from a new position. To overcome this problem, Cirque introduced patent-pending GlideExtend on it's Macintosh product last fall and will now include this feature on the GlidePoint Sensation.

GlideExtend differs from other motion extension approaches by allowing the user to retain direct control of the computer cursor at all times. When the user's finger hits the edge of the pad, GlideExtend "knows" if the user is in drag, draw, or highlight mode and automatically holds this function until he/she has repositioned the finger on the pad, similar to repositioning a mouse on a mousepad. GlideExtend will "time out" after 3 seconds or as indicated by a tap on the pad. Thus, the user is always in control and is never required to "steer" rather than directly guide the cursor.

Right tap gestures

All standard Windows mouse products have at least two buttons, with primary and secondary functions. The primary (or left) button performs simple functions such as selection, drag, draw, and highlight operations. The secondary (or right) button, also known as the "option" button, provides direct access to commonly used commands within the software.

GlidePoint products recognize "taps" on the trackpad surface as primary button functions. The new GlidePoint Sensation takes this a step further by recognizing "right taps" on the trackpad surface. The upper right corner of the product is shaded to indicate this right tap area. Users can now perform all button functions without lifting a finger off the pad.

"The natural evolution of pointing devices is to sleeker, more durable form-factors," said Jack Kelliher, new products manager. "We believe that future generations of trackpad users will rely entirely on tap gestures, eliminating the need for clunky, expensive, and poorly placed mechanical buttons."

Sensory feedback

Until now, taps on trackpad products were silent, unlike clicks on a standard mouse button. Cirque's new GlidePoint Sensation introduces "clicks" and "beeps" that provide audible feedback to standard input commands.

In addition, Cirque has added texture to the trackpad's surface, indicating the GlideExtend and right corner zones so users know they have successfully tapped and when they have initiated a motion extender.

"Sound and texture work together to allow the user to concentrate on the application and not the input device," said Jim O'Callaghan. "The Sensation provides these practical features to make power users even more productive."

Absolute mode

An important step toward stylus input and more advanced character recognition, absolute mode allows the user to transform the trackpad into a tablet-like device for graphical input. "Absolute mode adds functionality by giving the user both mouse-like and tablet-like positioning," said Jim O'Callaghan. "This feature is essential for character recognition and advanced stylus input in the future."

Improved sensitivity

With earlier trackpads and other pointing devices, moving the cursor quickly across the screen, especially when changing direction, produced a noticeable lapse in response. Cirque's new generation trackpad responds faster to the movement of a finger across the pad. The result is crisper, even more direct cursor control.

Three programmable buttons

The new Cirque GlidePoint Sensation offers three programmable buttons. The left bottom button defaults to a primary function, the bottom right button defaults to a secondary function, and the upper two buttons are paired to offer auxiliary operation on either the left or right side of the pad. All functions can be reoriented with the Cirque driver.

HOW GLIDEPOINT TECHNOLOGY WORKS

The GlidePoint trackpad achieves high internal resolution (1,000 cpi) using a patented mutual capacitance sensing system. A grid of electrodes lies hidden beneath the touch surface. Presence and movement of a finger alters the mutual capacitance between electrodes, which is measured by precision electronics. Wherever a finger goes on the surface, the cursor goes on the screen. Tapping on the pad simulates button "clicks". Tap and hold creates "drag", draw, and highlight operations.

GlidePoint is a solid-state technology with no moving parts to clog or break down. Mechanical buttons are available for optional use.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

All Cirque trackpads come with a lifetime warranty, toll-free technical assistance (1-800-GLIDE-75), and Cirque's free GlideGuarantee(TM) customer service program.

Cirque, a privately-held Utah corporation, was founded in 1991 with a mission to provide intuitive and rich interfaces for direct fingertip control of computers. As the original developer, Cirque holds the patents for GlidePoint technology and manufactures a broad product line of trackpads and trackpad modules for retail and OEM customers. Cirque currently licenses patented GlidePoint technology to Alps Electric Inc. and other non-disclosed companies.

CONTACT: Cirque Corp., Salt Lake City

Kristiana Ellis, 801/467-1100, ext. 121