New device attempts to replace the clicker with gestures
posted September 21st 2005 4:20PM
We have yet to see any evidence that people prefer gesture-based
input systems to traditional button-based ones, especially given decades of ingrained button-clicking habits (as well
as the fact that buttons are usually clearly labeled with their functions). But that hasn't stopped researchers from
contuniously developing new gesture-based systems, like the new one
Scottish researchers proposed earlier this year for
portable audio players. And now Australian scientists are attempting to apply the gesture concept to the venerable TV
remote control with a small device that straps to your hand and recognizes various gestures (like as palm-up to
fast-forward through a recorded program). While having something tethered to your hand might help those of us who
are constantly losing our remotes, we can't help but think that most viewers would still rather click than wave — thus
keeping those hands free for more important tasks like holding onto a brewski and a bowl of chips, or for commentary of
programming by way of particular gesticulations that can't be reprinted on a family-friendly web site such as ours.
[Via gadgetblog.it]
"We have yet to see any evidence that people prefer gesture-based input systems to traditional button-based ones..."
I would think that the wide-spread use of the mouse for UI interaction would be a decent amount of evidence.
This makes me think of that one Tom Cruise movie where he fast-forwarded and rewinded video with his hands using gloves. Yeah, that was coo.
But I'd rather be doing what I usu do while watching tv: either surfing the web or knitting. Couldn't do that with that thing on my hand. Although, can you imagine a universal one of these--Tv, cable, vcr, dvd, receiver, tuner, etc etc in one hand!? Eeek!
I've been using Maxthon for several months now for web browsing and I can't live without my mouse gestures. I could see hand gestures being cool. It worked for "Black and White"
Anyone else find the associations between this device and the new Nintendo controller somewhat amusing?
paralipsis:
EXACTLY. So, is this evidence for a doom forcast for the 'N'ovative console???
hmm, too much work still, now how about imbedding them in your hand? Sure, you might cause an epileptic seizure ever time you do jumping jacks, but what are the chances of exercising anyway?
It would make watching your porn a little more difficult...
The idea is not new, but novel nonetheless....but what happens if you gotta drop a deuce and you only have one hand? I'd like to see you explain your way out of that usage case you dirty Australian scientists!