World's First Lumpy Tablet Appears at CES 2013 (Video)

The days of needing to look at your tablet to type may soon be over if Tactus has its way. The California-based company recently showed off its new touchscreen device at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Unlike your boring flat tablets, though, this one has a bumpy keyboard that rises from the tablet when required before disappearing once again.

This new technology would reduce the need for keyboard extensions for a tablet and would instead provide an all-in-one experience. Tactus does not have any current plans to develop its own tablet, though. Instead, it hopes to sell its keyboard technology to companies such as Sony and Samsung for use in their current designs.

How does it work? A fluid-filled screen covered by a polymer layer replaces the usual glass screen on a tablet, according to Tactus. When the keyboard is activated, fluid pressure increases and the liquid pushes through small holes before expanding against the top polymer layer. This causes the small bumps to form.

The technology is not only for tablets, though. Tactus pointed out that it could be used for anything with a screen- including phones and game controllers.

It's unclear how durable the new technology is. But for those that like the sound of a lumpy keyboard for their tablet, they might be able to find it on the market as early as 2013.

Want to see how it works? Check out the video below.