LG Electronics this week introduced its Touch 10 monitor optimized for use with Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8-based operating system. The new touchscreen-enabled display supports up to ten touch-points and is designed for consumers looking to enjoy an enhanced touch computing experience with conventional PCs powered by Windows 8.

“This is a compelling new product that re-imagines the touch experience and shows that LG is an industry leader in developing the next generation of touch monitor products,” said J.J. Lee, executive vice president and head of the IT business unit at the LG Home Entertainment.

LG Touch 10 is a 23” monitor with touchscreen functionality and 1920*1080 resolution. The display utilizes an in-pane switching (IPS) pane with advanced color and clarity. LG did not release full specs of the new monitor, one should probably expect advanced high performance IPS (AH-IPS) panel with improved colour accuracy and greater light transmission as well as lower power consumption compared to several years-old display. According to LG, the monitor’s setup is hassle-free and the full touch functionality is available as soon as the monitor is connected, no extra software is required.

Most touchscreens utilize a two-finger recognition system which allows for basic manipulation of onscreen elements. LG’s Touch 10 monitor affords users the ability to use all their fingers at the same time, meaning they can perform a number of new actions, such as dragging and rotating multiple items simultaneously. The highly responsive touch screen also enables the user to take advantage of Windows 8 features, including the on-screen keyboard. The Touch 10 monitor also supports a capacitive stylus (purchased separately) should the user prefer a pen-like interface.

“Smartphones and tablets have already proven that consumers are ready to fully embrace touch features. Our 10-point touchscreen takes it one step further by exponentially expanding the range of interactive possibilities. We believe this technology will excite and inspire software developers and users alike,” added Mr. Lee.

The 23” monitor with touch-screen capability is designed to be great for musical applications featuring virtual pianos, synthesizers and string instruments. A range of touch-friendly apps is available from the Windows Store. A 23” full-HD (1080p) display is also good for watching movies, playing games and doing various jobs.

Consumer-class touchscreen displays have been pretty rare so far because Microsoft’s Windows operating systems did not support proper multi-touch functionality. With the introduction of the Windows 8, the touchscreen support problem is essentially solved. However, the vast majority of touch-enabled PCs are all-in-one systems, such as Dell XPS One or Apple iMac. LG’s Touch 10 is probably the first consumer-class monitor with touch support that can be attached to a typical desktop or notebook PC with Windows 8 installed.

The Touch 10 monitor will be available in South Korea next month followed by markets in Europe and elsewhere. LG has not announced price details of the product.

Tags: LG, LG Electronics, Windows 8, Microsoft