3M Empowers Android Developers to Create Multi-Touch Applications for Large-Format Devices

Android Kernel Patches for 3M High-performance Multi-touch Systems and Displays are Now Available

As the Android operating system expands as a preferred programming platform for smartphone and tablet-based applications, Android developers are seeking to push the boundaries of this open source platform. Now, with 3M’s release of Android kernel patches for its multi-touch display and systems products, Android developers have the ability to scale their applications for display sizes up to 46 inches, and more importantly, create new multi-user, collaborative applications based on the flexibility and familiarity of the Android operating system. Android multi-touch kernel patches for Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), 4.1-4.3 (Jelly Bean) and 4.4 (KitKat) are now available at the “Driver and Kernel Support” link on www.3m.com/multitouch.

“High-performance, multi-touch Android applications are key to expanding the reach of 3M multi-touch systems and displays,” says Diego Romeu, global business unit manager, 3M Electronic Solutions Division. “We are excited and looking forward to seeing the next generation of Android-based applications that take advantage of our large-format multi-touch displays and systems.”

To help enable Android developers to tap the power of 3M’s high-performance multi-touch technology – for display sizes ranging from 15 to 46 inches – 3M has created kernel patches for popular Android OS versions that will allow software designers to communicate directly with 3M’s industry-leading multi-touch electronics. By communicating directly to the touchscreen controller, Android applications can benefit from the ultra-fast touch response and the high touch threshold inherent in 3M’s projected capacitive technology, which is capable of up to 60 simultaneous touches.

In addition, 3M has released a series of Linux kernel patches for developers interested in creating high-performance multi-touch applications with 3M multi-touch systems or displays. Linux multi-touch kernel patches for Linux 3.0.1, 3.0.31, 3.4.1 and 3.4.10 are available at the Driver Support link on www.3m.com/multitouch.

More information about 3M Multi-Touch Systems (ranging from 15 to 47 inches) and 3M Multi-Touch Displays (ranging from 18.5 to 46 inches) can be found at www.3m.com/multitouch.

About 3M Electronics Division and 3M Touch Systems Inc.
The 3M Electronic Solutions Division offers innovative solutions to the global electronics market, such as touch systems and multi-touch displays; static control products; copper interconnect systems; cables and cable assemblies; carrier and cover tapes and trays; flexible circuits; and embedded capacitor materials. Information about 3M electronics offerings is available at www.3M.com/electronics.

3M Touch Systems Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the 3M Electronic Solutions Division, provides innovative touchscreen systems and display solutions to customers worldwide under the 3M and MicroTouch brands. 3M touch products are commonly used for single-touch and multi-touch applications that include casino gaming, foodservice, hospitality, industrial, interactive digital signage, healthcare, exhibits, retail point of sale and self-service. Information about 3M touch solutions is available at www.3M.com/touch. Information about 3M Company is available at www.3M.com/about.

3M is a trademark of 3M Company.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

Linux is a trademark of Linux Foundation.