Keynetik's motion tracking prototype handset spotted in the wild
By Darren Murph 
posted November 13th 2007 4:58PM
posted November 13th 2007 4:58PM
Let's face it: the device pictured above isn't likely to arrive in America (in that form, anyway) anytime soon, but apparently, the hardware is the least important aspect. InfoSyncWorld was able to get its paws around Keynetik's prototype handset, which currently sports the same name and relies on a user interface with (surprise, surprise) the very same title, too. Apparently, this mobile -- which looks like a cross between a mobile gaming unit and a PDA -- includes a UI that is surprisingly intuitive thanks to the motion tracking support and its ability to take commands from two joysticks and four buttons. For instance, users can select icons by simply tilting the device in the desired direction and subsequently pressing a button, which reportedly makes browsing through tunes and contact lists a lesson in simplicity. Unfortunately, there's no telling if or when Keynetik's creation will ever go commercial, but feel free to check out a few more glimpses of the first edition after the jump.
This tilt detection concept reminds me of the myOrigo phone that automatically orients itself back in 2003.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/07/02/reg_testdrives_myorigo_motion_control/
Whats with the weird and bulky outer shaping?
Ergonomics. Its designed to fit around your hand, rather than them expecting your hand to fit around it like most consumer electronics these days.
gizmondo, anyone?
What a strangely shaped device...ah the modern face of ergonomics...
YES!
What the Gizmondo would look like if it was some kind of Chinese spacecraft.
fail.
Soo...does it also grate cheese for taco Tuesdays??!!?!11?
Is it just me, or did they blatantly steal these icons: http://interfacelift.com/icons-mac/details.php?id=1863 ?
They didn't lift it off the black and blue set - it's directly taken from Apple OS X. If Keynetik even considers on selling here, they either better try to buy rights to use those icons or prepare to get sued!
You say "spot" as if it would be easy to miss it . . .
It looks like the old Nokia 7710