![Next-Generation Touchscreen Devices Could Have 'Physical' Buttons [VIDEO]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/062YEuCPu8fkaOfzjHKDRwN/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647021020.jpg)
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A company called Tactus Technology, based in Fremont, Calif., specializes in one thing -- bringing back physical buttons for touchscreen devices.
The patented technology called the Tactile Layer has been in development since 2007. Buttons appear when needed and disappear from sight when texting or dialing is done. The Tactile Layer can bring tangible buttons to ebooks, tablets and all other touchscreen devices.
The keyboard uses "innovative microfluidic technology" to work its magic -- buttons pop up due to fluid pressure within the cover layer. Actual buttons will only appear when a keypad is in use.
"To emphasize, this is not a trick of your senses using vibration or stimulation, but rather real physical buttons that rise out of the surface of the screen," the company writes.
The integration of the technology is simple. Tactus is currently looking for device and component manufacturers to integrate the Tactile Layer into next-generation devices. See the video above for more information.
The prototype was revealed for the first time this week at the Society for Information Display Week in Boston, Mass. Products with Tactus technology are expected to hit the market in 2013.