Legendary DIYer Johnny Chung Lee may have only been with Microsoft for a
few months, but it looks like he's already making his presence felt, even when he's not working on projects himself. His latest effort involves getting videos from the User Interface Software and Technology (or
UIST) conference online, including this look at a new muscle-computer interface developed by Phd student Scott Samponas and some other folks working with Microsoft Research. While it obviously has a number or potentially exciting and practical uses (like controlling devices when you're hands are full, or when you're running), Samponas et al apparently just couldn't help themselves from demonstrating one of its most obvious applications: an true implementation of
air Guitar Hero. Video after the break.
posted Oct 27th 2009 11:59PM
Once again Microsoft fails to invent.
This is awesome!
Does this mean that I can go to the next tab when I have my hands busy while looking at porn?
@hgaara
Yes that means you can go to the next tab =), but assuming you are a working man and not a rich millionaire playboy (if you are, you should be making porn not watching it), I recommend dual displays instead, without costing you a LOAD of money.
I see what you did dere
No, it means that getting your hands busy watching porn might make your computer switch tabs, shutdown, launch a video IM session with your mom, or open a webpage with a Steve Ballmer picture, depending on the way you touch yourself (scary...)
no this is not awesome, this is japanese tentacle porn realized. I think I'll just stick with natal.
did anyone see how he missed his index finger when calibrating?
EMG: always cool.
He forgot to put it on "lefty flip" mode. Maybe that's why he missed that green one at 1:05.
Does this work on invisible boobs?
This is ingenious work at Microsoft. Let's use the MUSCLES of video game players.
As long as Gamers don't all of a sudden regress into physically grotesque blobs, or Monte Burns-like cryptkeeper physiques, this product will be a smash hit!
Take that Miyamoto!
*facepalm
In the event your post was not a joke, EMG would work regardless of the muscle mass. So long as there is an action potential fired the EMG would be able to read and interpret it.
troll different
You know, Microsoft did definitely did the right thing in hiring Johnny Chung Lee.
Also, Johnny has nothing against our beloved Nintendo. Check out all of his Wii remote based projects...including the AMAZING head-tracking immersive technology demonstration. His YouTube video is THE perfect example of how someone can BLOW YOUR MIND with common and affordable things. What an amazing mind that young man has!
He also released full source for his work on head tracking and it has been adapted to work with low-latency cameras (like the Playstation Eye) and facial recognition software.
What about the other muscle.
Awesome.
IN SOVIET RUSSIA, GUITAR HERO PLAYS YOU!
Come on engadget, this is super old stuff....
Of course... if you guys bother to watch Channel 10 podcast other than sucking up Apple iTablet rumors.
what the hell...what does apple have to do with this post?? stop being jealous with Apple...
He's talking about how the news here is flooded with lame apple funded advertisements. Saying THIS STORY IS OLD NEWS has much to do with this.
Quit defending Apple.
Thanks, I work out.
like controlling devices when you are hands are full
indeed.
Is it also too much to ask for them to research a way to stop making their consoles defective?
My cousin is on his 3rd 360.
"When is Microsoft going to stop researching dumb things that will never get real use and put their RnD budget on useful things like trying to improve human interfacing with computers and making a better UI?"
First off, this is a new way of "human interfacing." Last I checked, no one else had a muscle movement interface
Second, If you're referring to windows, wrong department. This is gaming RnD, not windows Rnd.
And as far as you'r cousin's 360s are concerned, its an issue that's been bitched about for a while now. Find something new to complain about.
Uh, being able to control things with alternative interfaces so that we can move beyond the stifling paradigm that is the desktop computer and into more portable devices is pretty important?
"...Microsoft is huge, bloated, and money hungry."
If they were money hungry, why would they make something that "...will never get real use"? Ever think that this can be used to improve human interfacing with computers? Microsoft has enough money that they can RnD all they want, and will still have enough for side-projects like this one.
But how would you use the fifth fret?
Play on easy / medium difficulty...?
Seriously, though. It was just a perfect way to visually demonstrate how the interface works
Your thumb has muscles too. Just because they made it so the thumb doesn't control anything doesn't mean that you couldn't press a finger to your chest instead of your thumb, enabling the use of all 5.
Kegel muscles.
No, wait. Kegel muscles would be star power.
A Google search for "Johnny Chung Lee" will quickly reveal what an idiot you were when you wrote that.
Seriously...do it.
you probably would have said the same thing about MS researching their Sync technology but many automotive experts agree that it's the most user-friendly in-car tech on the market. Microsoft's R&D Budget is so huge they can easily afford to throw a bunch of noodles against the wall and see which ones stick.
Scott SAPONAS
Johnny Chung Lee taught me how to turn a wall in my room into a enormous multi-touch whiteboard, you're argument is invalid.
Fatal error: Unable to detect muscles.
ARG, I got a "fetal error" message on windows the other day. It turns out that an update somehow set all my services to off. T_T
I got it fixed but the phrase now has new relevance to me....
(and my grammar is atrocious :/) your*
I was thinking about playing Star Wars, this could be really awesome. Imagine pushing and hanging the enemy in the air with two hands...
I think Natal already does that, no EMG needed.
That's how progress is made idiot. Someone needs to do this. So what if Microsoft is trying different things. That's what I expect a mega computer corporation to do: Research new ideas.
Keep spending consumer's hard earned dollars on useless research projects. Stay classy Microsoft.
Keep trolling, iDouche.
Good to see Microsoft innovating again.
Yes, you hypocritical dickwads, it takes guts, intelligence and money and the project may never see production but that actually is innovation.
Congrats. You sir, know the value of research for its own sake and how any idea that is studied will be valuable at some time.
I bet if this was white, shiny, and sounded shitty people would be all over it.
Ah, yes, the 'throw shit at the wall and see what sticks' approach.
And if that fails, copy Apple.
Which is a big step up from their old strategy.
1.Copy Apple
2.Bundle it with DOS/Windows/etc
I'd love it if Engadget would try an experiment and make a news story like this run for an hour as a Microsoft concept, only to later reveal it as one of Apple's.
I reckon comments like this would go straight from "Microsoft throw shit at the wall and see what sticks" to "gosh, amazing innovation and a sure sign that Apple is leading the way as always"
Yes! Soon I'll be able to get my Zune to play "Gin and Juice" every time I throw up a Crip sign.
. . . and some Metallica whenever your throw some horns.
that means I will be able to restart my computer after a bluescreen when I contract my muscles in my hands by doing the bird with both hands?
tl;dgj
N900 must've been typing using this device.
I can change the music without getting up and ruining the mood
my first step as a consumer to become cyborg, SIGN ME UP! I'm drooling just thinking of the convenience/laziness of always being connected to a computer, powerfully mobile phone perhaps. Also, think of all the stats you could get of your self throughout the day (BAM you know I'm a geek now; stat collector) you computer could tell you at the end of the day, "dude you were bloody lazy get out and doing something". I feel like we are some how on the precipice of an new age with fluid human-computer cooperation. can't wait.
Miles, If you can't see the potential of this tech, you really have no business on a tech blog.