As one might expect, total touch screen module market revenue is rising quickly and will reach $16B in 2012 and $32B by 2018, as reported in a new study by NPD DisplaySearch (see figure below). Tablet PCs and smartphones are currently the primary market drivers for touch screen module growth. But as we look forward to this period of rapid market growth for touch screen user interfaces, two questions come to mind: Where will touch interfaces penetrate further and who will derive the financial benefit from the increasing acceptance and application of touch?

Since mobile device applications of touch interfaces have become very widely adopted, designers of other products have looked to apply touch to bring an up to date look and feel to their products. For example, Vantage (Orem, Utah) is launching a 7-inch wall-mounted touch screen controller intended for applications in high end home control systems for lighting and environment settings, and entertainment controls (see photo). Vantage will be exhibiting the integration of the touch screen controller with their residential, marine and commercial control systems at the upcoming CEDIA Expo to be held September 5-8, 2012, at the Indiana Convention Center, in Indianapolis, IN.

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