News & Events > Feature Article

Analog joystick for mobile phones

By Larry Garfield
21 December 2004

Varatouch has developed what it claims is the world's smallest analog joystick. Measuring 3.3 mm high and 12.7 mm across, the Nanopoint is intended for use in mobile phones and handhelds where a greater degree of control is required. Analog technology is still the leading technology for joysticks as its infinite-positioning capability offers far more flexibility and sensitivity than the on-or-off nature of digital controls, although so far it has not been possible to shrink an analog joystick down to a mobile phone nub.

Varatouch expects the joystick to be used in gaming-centric mobile phones as well as mobile devices with larger or more complex menus or more advanced applications, as it will allow for variable-speed scrolling.