Add PS Vita-esque rear touchpad controls to your iPhone with Canopy's Sensus case

Minnesota-based accessories manufacturer Canopy has announced a rather innovative new case for the iPhone called Sensus, which - through the use of capacitive touch sensors - adds PS Vita-esque rear touchpad controls to Apple's smartphone.

You attach the $59 case to an iPhone 4 or 4S via your handset's 30-pin dock connector, so it doesn't require any batteries.

Unfortunately, though, Canopy's Sensus case is not compatible with the iPhone 5 (due to the Lightning dock on Apple's sixth-generation blower). Bummer.

According to Canopy, the case not only provides valuable protection for your iPhone, but will also enhance common touchscreen tasks by freeing up your phone's display and preventing smudges.

Like what you see? If so, you can pre-order one right now. Canopy is expected to begin shipping the Sensus case in Q1 2013.

You can also sign up to be notified when cases for the iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch are released.