When Windows introduced their latest multi-touch OS last May, the whole world was abuzz with this latest development. Finally, a whole new way and fully-interactive approach to personal computers. The days of simple keyboard-mouse interaction is slowly being dissipated by the advent of touch-screens. Back when the stylus was introduced, there was a mad uproar to be able to scratch your screen and see the results. Tablet PCs, handheld devices, even the Nintendo DS, all incorporated this technology to give the public what they crave – more interactivity and a personal approach to their gadgets.

So when Windows demonstrated their “touch” technology, people geared up for 2010 when this nifty system will finally be released. It promises to change the way we interact with our PCs dramatically. Because now, we can give it our own personal touch.

Reuters report on the upcoming Windows touch-screen

But what if it could touch back?

This is the technology that’s missing in today’s interactive touch-screen devices. Windows 7 may provide a revolutionary way of using our PCs, but it’s still very dependent on visuals. Typing on the screen will not give us the same experience as keyboard retraction does. It will be impossible to play the virtual piano without pouring much concentration on the graphical ebony and ivory. We can touch it, but we can’t feel it.

This is why haptics technology plays a vital role in interactive consumer devices. This exciting innovation is slowly being introduced in the mobile phone arena. And this technological revolution across all techie gadgets is just above the horizon. I know it’s there, I can feel it.