Most of the multi-touch research that has taken place has been pioneered by Jeff Han at the NYU Dept of Computer Science. He has also started a new company, Perceptive Pixel, that develops FTIR Multi-touch systems.
These multi-touch applications range in their specific look and use. But they all rely on having the ability to interactively manipulate information using single and multi-touch hand gestures. Some applications even have the ability to manipulate objects and data in a spatial way.
More information can be found here and here.
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