Linux gets multitouch support

Regardless of the fact that the majority of people don't even own a touch capable screen, multitouch is still something that Windows 7 users across the world are privy to. If the screen can support it, it'll work. Linux users haven't been as fortunate… until now.

Liliputing reports that the ENAC Interactive Computing Laboratory has put together a video showing off multitouch support on a computer running Linux (Fedora 12). The "hack" allows existing applications to be used with a multitouch display. This is done through modifying the kernel, patching the X.org evdev driver, and using supported hardware. While this is by no means an official release of multitouch support, it's clearly a step in the right direction.

If you'd like to give it a try, here's what you'll need:

• Linux kernel 2.6.31 or more recent
• Computer with a Broadcom 5974 trackpad or NTrig surface, a 3M, Acer T230H or DiamondTouch panel, or an Asus EeePC T91MT
• Stantum MTP, Stantum HID, 3M, Acer (not working properly), Asus (not working properly), or DiamondTouch driver (NextWindow is in the works).
• Import bits from hid-core.c and hid-ids.h into the drivers/hid directory of your kernel sources.
• X.org version X11R7.5, available for instance in Fedora 12
• Benjamin's X.org evdev driver and multitouch management client.

If you try it out, please leave a comment and let us know how it goes.