Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LG launches 'upgraded' SP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/lg-launches-upgraded-smp820-smart-tv-upgrader-box-in-june-for-ab/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/lg-launches-upgraded-smp820-smart-tv-upgrader-box-in-june-for-ab/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/lg-launches-upgraded-smp820-smart-tv-upgrader-box-in-june-for-ab/#comments LG launches upgraded SMP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US

Should you have the impulse to turn your dumb display into a full-fledged Smart TV, LG has revealed the second iteration of its Smart TV Upgrader box is ready to hit the marketplace. The original ST600 box was released last year, and this new SP820 was announced earlier this year at CES. It adds LG's Smart TV experience complete with Magic gesture and voice controlled remote to any HDTV with an HDMI input. There's access to both 2D and 3D streaming content from the internet, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct and any new apps LG rolls out for its platform. Similar to Apple's TV box and the Roku family, it's a palm sized device intended for easy installations. An even smaller, stripped down SP520 version that supports fewer apps is already on shelves with a $120 MSRP, although sale prices range from $80 to $99. The SP is shipping in June for 199,000 won ($169 US), while there's no word yet on a US release, we'll probably wait to see if LG can add enough apps to compete as a third party before jumping in.

LG launches 'upgraded' SP820 Smart TV Upgrader box in June for about $170 US originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 22:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ddlnagesture controlGestureControlhdmihdpostminikorealgmagic remoteMagicRemotesmart tvsmart tv upgraderSmartTvSmartTvUpgradersmp820streamingvoice controlVoiceControlwifi directWifiDirectMon, 28 May 2012 22:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/leap-motion-gesture-control-technology-hands-on/#comments Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on

Leap Motion unveiled its new gesture control technology earlier this week, along with videos showing the system tracking ten fingers with ease and a single digit slicing and dicing a grocery store's worth of produce in Fruit Ninja. Still, doubts persisted as to the veracity of the claim that the Leap is 200 times more accurate than existing tech. So, we decided to head up to San Francisco to talk with the men behind Leap, David Holz and Michael Buckwald, and see it for ourselves. Join us after the break to learn a bit more about Leap, our impressions of the technology, and a video of the thing in action.

Gallery: Leap motion control technology hands-on

Continue reading Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on

Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesturegesture controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlsgestureshands-oninfraredirleapleap motionLeapMotionmotion controlmotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlsvideoFri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Accelerator company profiles: Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/kinect-accelerator-company-profiles-freakn-genius-gestsure-te/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/kinect-accelerator-company-profiles-freakn-genius-gestsure-te/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/kinect-accelerator-company-profiles-freakn-genius-gestsure-te/#comments Image

Microsoft's Kinect Accelerator program kicked off over a month ago, but at the time we were only made aware of the participant start-ups' names, not their innovations. So, when Microsoft offered us the opportunity to talk with the folks behind four of the program's participants -- Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku -- we jumped at the chance. Join us after the break to see what this quartet of fledgling companies has planned to propogate the Kinect effect further than ever.

Continue reading Kinect Accelerator company profiles: Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku

Kinect Accelerator company profiles: Freak'n Genius, GestSure Technologies, Kimetric and Styku originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freakin geniusFreakinGeniusgestsure technologiesGestsureTechnologiesgesture controlGestureControlkimetrickinectkinect acceleratorKinectAcceleratormicrosoftmotion controlMotionControlstart-upstart-upsstartupsstykutechstarsWed, 23 May 2012 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/hillcrest-labs-tcl-v7500-freespace/#comments Image

It's only been a few days since Hillcrest Labs open sourced its Kylo web browser for TVs, and now the company's back with yet another announcement. Well, this time it's more about TCL who's just declared its top TV market share in China. Much like the Roku 2 and LG TVs with Magic Motion remote, Hillcrest's Freespace engine has been outted as the enabling technology behind TCL's recently announced V7500, a 3D smart TV series featuring a heavily customized Android 4.0.3 and a 7.9mm-thick bezel. This means users can interact with and play games on this slim TV via motion and cursor control on the remote (there's also voice control here but it doesn't look like Hillcrest has anything to do with it). There are no dates or prices just yet, but TCL better be quick as Lenovo's got something very similar ready to ship soon.

Gallery: Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend

Hillcrest Labs takes its TV motion control system to China, becomes TCL's new best friend originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0.3Android4.0.3ChinaFreespaceFreespace MotionEngineFreespaceMotionenginegesturegesture controlGesture RecognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitionhdpostcrossHillcrestHillcrest LabsHillcrestLabsice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmotionmotion controlMotionControlsmart tvSmartTvSTVSTV OSSTV OS1.0StvOsStvOs1.0TCLtelevisionTVV7500Wed, 23 May 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/#comments Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game

In many respects, Microsoft has led the charge towards a future of gesture-based controls with its Kinect, and other tech giants like Samsung and Apple are getting in on the action, too. The move to motion controls isn't limited to the big boys, however. Leap Motion has created a new device, called the Leap, it claims is 200 times more accurate than existing technology and will take gesture controls to the next level.

It's about the size of a pack of gum, and once connected to your computer via USB, it creates a eight-cubic-foot virtual workspace. Within that area, it tracks all ten of your fingers simultaneously to within 1/100 of a millimeter -- that level of accuracy allows for rudimentary gestures like pinch-to-zoom and more complex actions like manipulating 3D-rendered objects. Naturally, the company isn't telling much about the black magic making it happen, but Leap Motion claims that its software can be embedded in almost anything with an onboard computer, from phones to refrigerators. Users can customize it to suit their needs with custom gestures and sensitivity settings, in addition to chaining multiple Leap devices together to create a larger workspace. Plus, Leap Motion has created an SDK for devs to create Leap-compatible applications and an app discovery platform to distribute them to others. That means the Leap can work in a variety of use cases, from simply navigating your desktop to gaming and computer-aided design. The best part? Leap brings you this next-gen UX for a mere $69.99, and a select few can pre-order them now, with the full roll-out coming this winter. Full details follow in the PR below, and you can see the Leap in action in the videos after the break.

Continue reading Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game

Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d gesture control3dGestureControlgesture controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlsgesturesleapleap motionLeapMotionmotion controlmotion controlsmotion sensorMotionControlMotionControlsMotionSensorsdkuxvideoMon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung shows off production 55-inch OLED HDTVs at the 2012 World's Fair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/samsung-es9500-oled-worlds-fair/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/samsung-es9500-oled-worlds-fair/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/samsung-es9500-oled-worlds-fair/#comments Image

We got a first hand look at Samsung's stunning 55-inch OLED HDTV prototypes earlier this year during CES, but now it's surprising the world by showing off the first mass produced ES9500 models at the 2012 World's Fair (which is apparently still a thing?) in Korea. Beyond the Smart Interaction voice and gesture control, Smart Content and Smart Evolution upgradeable dual-core CPU features found in its other high-end HDTVs, Samsung has also built in Smart Dual View technology. This lets users watch two different programs (2D) on one screen at the same time using the set's 3D glasses and sound fed through headphones. Since each pixel is individually lit, Samsung says its OLED tech has 20 percent better color reproduction than existing LED-backlit LCD HDTVs. There's still no word on exactly when these will ship and for how much, however with competition on the way from LG, these fresh-off-the-factory-line flat panels are a sign we won't be waiting long. Other than new display tech, Samsung also took the opportunity to officially announce bigger LCD models on the way in sizes from 60- to 75-inches. Check the galleries below for a few pictures straight from the expo, as well as our shots of the CES display.

Update: According to the Associated Press, company officials expect it to go on sale in the second half of the year for over 10 million won, around $9,000 US.

Gallery: Samsung ES9500 55-inch OLED HDTV

Gallery: Samsung 55-inch Super OLED TV eyes-on

Continue reading Samsung shows off production 55-inch OLED HDTVs at the 2012 World's Fair

Samsung shows off production 55-inch OLED HDTVs at the 2012 World's Fair originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 01:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 worlds fair2012WorldsFair55-inchbreaking newsdual viewDualViewes9500gesture controlGestureControlhdpostcrosshdtvkoreaoledpricesamsungsmart contentsmart dual viewsmart dualviewsmart evolutionsmart interactionSmartContentSmartDualViewSmartEvolutionSmartInteractionvideovoice controlVoiceControlworlds fairWorldsFairThu, 10 May 2012 01:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Huawei throws R&D dollars at gesture control, cloud storage, being more 'disruptive']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/huawei-gesture-control-cloud-storage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/huawei-gesture-control-cloud-storage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/huawei-gesture-control-cloud-storage/#comments Huawei throws R&D dollars at gesture control, cloud storage, being more 'disruptive'

Undeterred by the fact that even humans struggle to interpret certain gestures, Huawei says it's allocating a chunk of its growing R&D budget to new motion-sensing technology for smartphones and tablets. The company's North American research chief, John Roese, told Computerworld that he wants to allow "three-dimensional interaction" with devices using stereo front-facing cameras and a powerful GPU to make sense of the dual video feed. Separately, the Chinese telecoms company is also putting development cash into a cloud computing project that promises to "change the economics of storage by an order of magnitude." Roese provided scant few details on this particular ambition, but did mention that Huawei has teamed up with CERN to conduct research and has somehow accumulated over 15 petabytes of experimental physics data in the process. Whatever it's up to, Huawei had better get a move on -- others are snapping up gesture recognition and cloud patents faster than you can say fa te ne una bicicletta with your hands.

Huawei throws R&D dollars at gesture control, cloud storage, being more 'disruptive' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CERNcloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStoragedatacenterdisruptdisruptivedual front-facing cameraDualFront-facingCamerafront-facing cameraFront-facingCameragesturegesture controlgesture recognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitiongpuhuaweijohn roeseJohnRoesemobilepostcrosspetabyterdresearch and developmentResearchAndDevelopmentstereo cameraStereoCamerastereoscopicsteroMon, 30 Apr 2012 05:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony VAIO E Series 14P gets Ivy Bridge processor nudge, improved display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/sony-vaio-e-series-14p-gets-ivy-bridge-processor-nudge-improved/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/sony-vaio-e-series-14p-gets-ivy-bridge-processor-nudge-improved/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/sony-vaio-e-series-14p-gets-ivy-bridge-processor-nudge-improved/#comments Sony VAIO E Series 14P gets an Ivy Bridge nudge

While they may not be the Sony ultrabooks we're still all itching to see, the company's E Series 14P laptops have reappeared with some Ivy Bridge bones. According to Sony Australia, the previously Intel Core i3 processor has been bulked up to a third-generation 2.1GHz Core i7-3612QM, capable of 3.1GHz with Turbo Boost. That's not the only difference, with the 14-inch display boosted to 1600 x 900 and a new choice between AMD'S Radeon HD 7670M or Intel's HD Graphics 4000 to provide the graphical horse power in the updated hardware. The aluminum-splashed laptops, priced at $1,500 AUD (around $1,608 USD), will still house Sony's Gesture Control functions. This should allow you to navigate around websites and media playback with some arm flailing -- provided you're using Microsoft perennials like Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Media Player. These updated specs are tinged with some (minor) bad news; it looks like the pink iteration won't be getting the same improvements seen on the black and white models. Regardless, monochrome fans can hit up the source for all the new details.

Sony VAIO E Series 14P gets Ivy Bridge processor nudge, improved display originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>14P3612QMcore i7Core i7-3612QMCoreI7CoreI7-3612qme seriese series 14pESeriesESeries14pGesture Controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlsintelIntel 3rd generationintel Core i7-3612QMIntel3rdGenerationIntelCoreI7-3612qmivy bridgeIvyBridgelaptoplaptopsnotebooknotebookssonysony vaioSony Vaio ESonyVaioSonyVaioEvaiovaio e seriesVaioESeriesMon, 23 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony unveils E Series 14P laptops with gesture-based controls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/sony-vaio-e-series-14p/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/sony-vaio-e-series-14p/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/sony-vaio-e-series-14p/#comments Image
They may not be the thinnest or most powerful machines Sony's ever introduced, but the new trio hopes to catch a few hearts here and there. A follow-up to those flashy VAIOs we saw a while back, these E Series models are each packing a 14-inch, 1366 x 768 display, an Intel Core i3 2550M CPU with 4GB of RAM and your choice of AMD Radeon HD 7670M or Intel HD Graphics 3000 -- all while promising up to seven hours of battery life. Run-of-the-mill specs aside, Sony's Gesture Control feature will allow you to swipe between pages and adjust bits like music playback -- though, at the moment it only works with Windows Media Player, IE9, PowerPoint and PowerDVD. The company's yet to reveal the 14P's price tag, but in the meantime you can decide which color best suits you by checking out the gallery below.

Gallery: Sony VAIO E Series 14P press shots

Sony unveils E Series 14P laptops with gesture-based controls originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>14Pe seriese series 14pESeriesESeries14pGesture Controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlslaptoplaptopsnotebooknotebookssonysony vaioSony Vaio ESonyVaioSonyVaioEvaiovaio e seriesVaioESeriesTue, 10 Apr 2012 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubi-Camera frames photos with fingers, fails to call you fabulous (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/ubi-camera-frames-photos-with-fingers-fails-to-call-you-fabulou/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/ubi-camera-frames-photos-with-fingers-fails-to-call-you-fabulou/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/ubi-camera-frames-photos-with-fingers-fails-to-call-you-fabulou/#comments ImageGesture control's no longer restricted to P.K. Dick novels, having firmly broken away from its fantasist scifi roots into practical, everyday use. It's only natural then that those advancements, typically reserved for computing, would bleed into other areas of consumer tech, like digital imaging. For researchers at Japan's Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences, that manual dexterity appears to be the next great photographic leap, as the L-squared hand-framing you're accustomed to seeing photogs mime on TV and film could wind up replacing physical point-and-shoots soon.

The team's prototype, dubbed Ubi-Camera, may look more like a mini-cube than mini-cam, but it works rather intuitively: simply hook it onto your index finger, adjust the focus by moving the "viewfinder" nearer to your face for wide-angle shots or further away for close-ups and then snap away using the side-mounted shutter button. The project's not without its hiccups, however, as the in-development unit's infrared sensor, used to determine range, can be easily affected by lighting conditions. Additionally, there's no zoom function, as that process is handled entirely in post on a desktop PC. All told, these are really rather small bumps in the road to an inevitable marketplace debut. Next up for IAMAS? Crushing people's heads with your fingers. At least, that's on our wish list. Video demo after the break.

Continue reading Ubi-Camera frames photos with fingers, fails to call you fabulous (video)

Ubi-Camera frames photos with fingers, fails to call you fabulous (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracamerasgestureGesture ControlGestureControlIAMASInstitute of Advanced Media Arts and SciencesInstituteOfAdvancedMediaArtsAndSciencesJapanphotographyresearchresearchersUbi-CameravideoWed, 28 Mar 2012 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go eyes-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/samsung-unleashes-smart-touch-remote-and-wireless-keyboard-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/samsung-unleashes-smart-touch-remote-and-wireless-keyboard-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/samsung-unleashes-smart-touch-remote-and-wireless-keyboard-we-g/#comments Along with announcing the official release details for its 2012 Plasma and Smart Interaction TV lineup today, Samsung also introduced its Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard. Essentially serving as the replacement for its 2011 Qwerty remote, the new Touch variant will come included with the ES7500 and ES8000 LED models and E8000 Plasma display. The retro-looking slab features tactile controls for channel switching and adjusting volume on its edges, while the middle section is dedicated to gesture controls for interacting with services like Smart Hub. Notably, the remote also features a built-in microphone which will assist with voice controls if ya happen to be far away from your TV. Moving along for those who like to type, the Wireless Keyboard will be available separately and features most of what you'll find on the remote cleanly affixed on its right side. We're also told that it's compatible with both models of the Galaxy Tab 2. We haven't heard any word on pricing or availability, but check out the gallery below and a cameo of the remote in the video past the break for further details.

Update: Sammy reached out and let us know that its new Wireless Keyboard will be priced at $99 once it hits shelves.

Gallery: Samsung Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard



Edgar Alvarez contributed to this post.

Continue reading Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go eyes-on (video)

Samsung unleashes Smart Touch Remote and Wireless Keyboard, we go eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ES7500ES8000Galaxy tab 2galaxy tab 2 10.1Galaxy Tab 2 7.0GalaxyTab2GalaxyTab210.1GalaxyTab27.0gesture controlGestureControlhands-onhdpostcrosshdpostminihdtvledplasmaPlasma E8000PlasmaE8000remotesamsungsmart hubsmart interactionsmart touch remotesmart wireless keyboardSmartHubSmartInteractionSmartTouchRemoteSmartWirelessKeyboardvideovoice controlVoiceControlTue, 06 Mar 2012 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[The best Kinect to come: Microsoft's Xbox 360 spring showcase]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/the-best-kinect-to-come-microsofts-xbox-360-spring-showcase/#comments The best Kinect to come: Xbox's spring showcase, 2012Like the Nintendo Wii before it, Microsoft's Kinect has been braving the storm of new peripheral adolescence, awkwardly shuffling users through jump, wave, lean and jiggling gameplay, typically at a leisurely pace. Sure it's had its moments on the dance floor, but aside from being a good listener, the spatially aware sensor hasn't exactly redefined core gaming. Almost a year and half after its launch, however, the often hacked device is taking another crack at reaching the hardcore. We dropped in on Xbox's spring showcase this weekend to find out how that effort is going -- see what we found after the break.

Continue reading The best Kinect to come: Microsoft's Xbox 360 spring showcase

The best Kinect to come: Microsoft's Xbox 360 spring showcase originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlFable: the JourneyFable:TheJourneygaminggesture controlGestureControlhands-onKinectKinect gamesKinectGamesMass EffectMass Effect 3MassEffect3microsoftMicrosoft Corpmicrosoft xboxMicrosoftXboxmotionmotion controlMotionControlPeter MolyneuxSci/TechSteel Battalion Heavy ArmorSteelBattalionHeavyArmorvideo gamesVideoGamesvoice controlVoiceControlXboxXbox 360Xbox360Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 flexes its imaging muscle (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/qualcomms-snapdragon-s4-flexes-its-imaging-muscle-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/qualcomms-snapdragon-s4-flexes-its-imaging-muscle-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/qualcomms-snapdragon-s4-flexes-its-imaging-muscle-video/#comments Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 flexes its imaging muscle (video)While we already know that Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 will offer a quad-core variant, incorporate LTE and use a 28nm manufacturing process, the company posted an article to its media blog ahead of Mobile World Congress showcasing the new features provided by the chipset's Image Signal Processor. You're likely familiar with some of the imaging functionality available in Qualcomm's existing Snapdragon processors -- technology like Scalado's Rewind (pictured above) which we've covered before. The new SoC cranks things up a notch with support for up to three cameras (two in the back for 3D plus one front-facing), 20-megapixel sensors and 1080p HD video recording at 30fps. In addition to zero shutter lag, the Snapdragon S4 includes proprietary 3A processing (autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance) along with improved blink / smile detection, gaze estimation, range finding and image stabilization. Rounding things off are gesture detection / control, augmented reality and computer vision (via Quacomm's FastCV). Want to know more? Check out the source link below, then hit the break for video demos of the S4's image stabilization and gesture-based imaging chops.

Continue reading Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 flexes its imaging muscle (video)

Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 flexes its imaging muscle (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracameraphonecomputer visionComputerVisionFastCVGesture ControlGesture recognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitionimage processingImage SIgnal Processorimage stabilizationImageProcessingImageSignalProcessorImageStabilizationimagingMobile World Congressmobile world congress 2012mobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012QualcommQualcomm FastCVQualcomm SnapdragonQualcomm Snapdragon S4QualcommFastcvQualcommSnapdragonQualcommSnapdragonS4RewindS4ScaladoScalado RewindScaladoRewindSnapdragonSnapdragon S4SnapdragonS4tabletvideozero shutter lagZeroShutterLagSat, 18 Feb 2012 23:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Media Center released, why not wave and shout at your HTPC?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/kinect-for-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/kinect-for-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/kinect-for-media-center/#comments Kinect hacks previously brought gesture and voice control to Boxee and XBMC, and now that the Kinect for Windows hardware has been released we've got a solution for Windows Media Center. The aptly named Kinect for Media Center brings all the normal playback controls (for WMC and add-ins like Netflix) to your fingertips and lips, at the cost of $6.99. While its control scheme seems to be fully featured there are unfortunately some limitations -- it doesn't work with the Xbox 360 Kinect due to Microsoft's restrictions, and it also doesn't work with WMC extenders. What is included are filters to keep your content from accidentally triggering the voice controls (something some of us have had problems with on the Xbox 360), and configurable settings for right or left hand dominance or sensitivity. You can check out a video demo of the beta version (compare to a demo we saw last year from the makers of the Amulet voice control remotes) embedded after the break, or head directly to the site to try it out yourself if you're sure that finding the remote has simply become to much of a hassle.

Continue reading Kinect for Media Center released, why not wave and shout at your HTPC?

Kinect for Media Center released, why not wave and shout at your HTPC? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesture controlGestureControlhdpostcrosshtpckinectkinect for windowsKinectForWindowsmc7media centermedia pcMediaCenterMediaPcmicrosoftsdkvideovoice controlVoiceControlwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterwmcWed, 15 Feb 2012 01:34:00 EST<![CDATA[LG Google TV and Magic Remote Qwerty hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/lg-google-tv-magic-remote-qwerty-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/lg-google-tv-magic-remote-qwerty-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/lg-google-tv-magic-remote-qwerty-ces/#comments While Samsung waits to debut its take on the Google TV platform, LG is already showing off its hardware, including a new remote control. For LG's part, it has decided to blend the QWERTY needs of a Google TV controller with its existing Magic Motion remote gesture control and scroll wheel technology. The result is a decently well balanced dual-sided remote with relatively simple controls. Because of the shape and added weight, we actually preferred this remote to the lighter original Magic Motion remote for pointing in our brief hands-on time. The scroll wheel was also a great help, and made it an improvement over the v1 Google TV remotes in pretty much every way possible. We'll need more time with the clicker to know for sure, but the Magic Remote Qwerty is probably our favorite out of the three options presented at CES (Sony, Vizio). We won't lean either way on LG's skinning of the Google TV experience just yet, although if you're a fan of the company's existing connected TV menus (we weren't so much in our review) then you'll be glad to know these are very similar. Check the gallery below for a couple more pics of the remote and the TV itself.

Gallery: LG Google TV & Magic Remote QWERTY hands-on

LG Google TV and Magic Remote Qwerty hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012flip remoteFlipRemotegesture controlGestureControlgooglegoogle tvGoogleTvhands-onhdpostcrosskeyboardlgmagic remoteMagic Remote QWERTYMagicRemoteMagicRemoteQwertyqwertyremoteremote controlRemoteControlscroll wheelScrollWheelThu, 12 Jan 2012 00:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Smart Interaction gesture controlled HDTV demo (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/samsung-smart-interaction-gesture-controlled-hdtv-demo-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/samsung-smart-interaction-gesture-controlled-hdtv-demo-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/samsung-smart-interaction-gesture-controlled-hdtv-demo-video/#comments Samsung revealed some of its 2012 HDTVs would include a built in camera and mic to enable a feature it calls Smart Interaction, which is just a brand name for voice and gesture control. We stopped by the company's massive CES booth today and squeezed between all of those 55-inch OLEDs to get a quick demo, and found it mirrored the suddenly common Kinect functionality we've become accustomed to closely. Like Microsoft's add-on, Samsung's setup has a keyword that activates it (Hi TV) and like the recently upgraded Xbox 360 dashboard, there has been a lot of work done to make sure it recognizes many real words. A key difference from the Kinect however, is that Samsung has also developed a Bluetooth-connected IR blaster that can sit in front of your cable box and extend the control to other devices that way. As you can see in our video of the presentation the control was generally tight and responsive, however it still lacks truly natural communication and the test volunteer had some trouble turning the TV off. Check out the video after the break and see if a future of talking to the TV is for you -- we'll be on the couch with our remotes.

Continue reading Samsung Smart Interaction gesture controlled HDTV demo (video)

Samsung Smart Interaction gesture controlled HDTV demo (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothcesces 2012Ces2012gesture controlGestureControlhands-onhdpostcrosshdtvir blasterIrBlasterremotesamsungsmart interactionsmart tvSmartInteractionSmartTvtvvideovoice controlVoiceControlWed, 11 Jan 2012 22:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung has Smart TVs with dual core CPUs, cameras and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/samsungs-has-smart-tvs-with-dual-core-cpus-cameras-and-a-55-i/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/samsungs-has-smart-tvs-with-dual-core-cpus-cameras-and-a-55-i/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/samsungs-has-smart-tvs-with-dual-core-cpus-cameras-and-a-55-i/#comments Samsung's CES 2012 press conference is going on right now, and it's unveiling new products including the top of the line ES8000 LED model that packs a dual core CPU to run its apps, and an integrated camera and microphone for "Smart Interaction". Beyond that, the "Smart Evolution" feature will let users swap out that dual core processor for something heftier later on if they want to upgrade. Finally "Smart Content" is the umbrella term for a wave content and apps including, of course, Angry Birds, and an upgraded version of AllShare that pulls from the cloud, and can even control other compatible devices. The ES8000 edge lit LED line ranges in size from 46- to 65-inches, and features Smart Interaction cameras and mics for videoconferencing as well as voice and gesture control. Check after the break for the press release with all the details, or follow along with our liveblog.

Gallery: Samsung 2012 Smart TVs

Continue reading Samsung has Smart TVs with dual core CPUs, cameras and more

Samsung has Smart TVs with dual core CPUs, cameras and more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012es8000gesture controlGestureControlhdpostcrosshdtvlcdledmobilepostcrossoledsamsungsmart evolutionsmart interactionSmartEvolutionSmartInteractionunes8000voice controlVoiceControlMon, 09 Jan 2012 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Google TV adds LG to the fold, will demo new hardware along with Sony, Vizio (update: video, pics!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/google-tv-officially-adds-lg-to-the-fold-will-demo-new-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/google-tv-officially-adds-lg-to-the-fold-will-demo-new-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/google-tv-officially-adds-lg-to-the-fold-will-demo-new-hardware/#comments The second round of Google TV hardware will be in full swing at CES 2012, and the folks at Mountain View just officially announced LG is joining the list of hardware partners at the show. While we know Logitech was taking a pass on the latest hardware, previously announced partners Samsung, Sony and Vizio are still in and the latter two will have new hardware to show next week. While this morning's announcement by Marvell revealed the platform's switch to ARM processors from the Intel chips it launched on, the company mentioned MediaTek is also on board to build compatible chipsets, while the line of products from LG will run on the company's own L9 setup. LG's press release (included after the break) reveals the HDTVs it's bringing out will feature its Cinema 3D FPR technology as well as support for a "Magic Remote QWERTY" that combines its gesture and voice control Magic Remote with, you guessed it, a QWERTY keyboard. It will have two lines of TVs based on the Android OS, while it continues to feature its own NetCast setup in other displays. While Samsung is mentioned as building new devices, it does not appear they'll have any to show off just yet, which matches the rumors that had gone around earlier.

Update: LG has posted some pics of the Google TV sets (above, after the break) featuring its custom interface, although we're still waiting for a peek at that remote. According to the company, users will have the option of using LG's UI or the default Google TV build, so whichever way you prefer should work. The Google TV team has also uploaded a fresh trailer on YouTube ahead of CES, featuring several apps and promising this is just the beginning -- check it out embedded after the break.

Continue reading Google TV adds LG to the fold, will demo new hardware along with Sony, Vizio (update: video, pics!)

Google TV adds LG to the fold, will demo new hardware along with Sony, Vizio (update: video, pics!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarmbreaking newscesces 2012Ces2012cinema 3dCinema3dconnected tvConnectedTvfprgesture controlGestureControlgooglegoogle tvGoogleTvhdpostcrosskeyboardlgmagic motionMagic Motion Remote Controlmagic remoteMagicMotionMagicMotionRemoteControlMagicRemotemarvellmediatekqwertysamsungsmart tvSmartTvsonyvideovizioThu, 05 Jan 2012 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's Magic Remote enables voice control for its smart TVs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/lgs-magic-remote-enables-voice-control-for-its-smart-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/lgs-magic-remote-enables-voice-control-for-its-smart-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/lgs-magic-remote-enables-voice-control-for-its-smart-tvs/#comments
LG was quick to introduce Wii-style motion controls and pointing to its smart TV controllers, but its new Magic Remote also adds voice recognition, allowing you to enter search terms without ever contemplating the alphabet. In a radical move, it also conjures up a scroll wheel -- perhaps for no reason other than to spite Samsung's now dowdy-looking QWERTY rival. The fact that it can control your LG Cinema 3D TV without forcing you to star-jump is a happy bonus. There's a full PR after the break, although no sign yet of availability or pricing.

Continue reading LG's Magic Remote enables voice control for its smart TVs

LG's Magic Remote enables voice control for its smart TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinema 3dCinema3dgesturegesture controlGestureControlhdpostcrossLGLG cinema 3dLG Magic RemoteLgCinema3dLgMagicRemotemagic motion remotemagic remoteMagicMotionRemoteMagicRemoteremoteremote controlRemoteControlscroll wheelScrollWheelsmart tvsmart tvsSmartTvSmartTvsTV remoteTvRemotevoice controlVoiceControlTue, 20 Dec 2011 08:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Trio of Microsoft projectors lets you get quasi-physical with AR interaction (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/trio-of-microsoft-projectors-lets-you-get-quasi-physical-with-ar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/trio-of-microsoft-projectors-lets-you-get-quasi-physical-with-ar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/trio-of-microsoft-projectors-lets-you-get-quasi-physical-with-ar/#comments You have to hand it to the tireless folks toiling away within Microsoft's Research department. They're hard at the task of making tomorrowland today's province. Perhaps spurred on by the rapturous response to their HoloDesk, the Cambridge gang's previewing yet another virtual reality, and this time it's a handheld trio. The palm-friendly devices, split up into camera, room and SLAM models, incorporate pico projectors, coaxial IR cameras, inertial measurement units (IMUs) and the company's Kinect (for the latter two only) to project augmented visions onto surrounding surfaces. If you've been honing your shadow puppetry game over the years, that oft-used skill's about to get very useful. The environmentally aware (no, not the Go Green! kind) systems allow for shadow- and touch-based interaction with the CG overlays, offering pinch functionality, icon selection and even painting -- don't worry, it's definitely removable. This neat tech hat trick could one day soon spare you a trip to IKEA, letting you test out potential decorative pieces from the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, we can't get handsy with the futuristic projectors just yet, so the video after the break will have to suffice.

[Thanks, Pradeep]

Continue reading Trio of Microsoft projectors lets you get quasi-physical with AR interaction (video)

Trio of Microsoft projectors lets you get quasi-physical with AR interaction (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARaugmented realityaugmented reality advertisingAugmentedRealityAugmentedRealityAdvertisingCambridgefuturegesturegesture controlGestureControlIMUIMUsIR cameraIrCameraKinectMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftKinectMicrosoftResearchMSpico projectorPicoProjectorprojectorprojectorsresearchvideoTue, 01 Nov 2011 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Hisense Series XT710 TV helps you exercise your La-Z-Boy sans remote]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/hisense-series-xt710-tv-helps-you-exercise-your-la-z-boy-sans-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/hisense-series-xt710-tv-helps-you-exercise-your-la-z-boy-sans-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/hisense-series-xt710-tv-helps-you-exercise-your-la-z-boy-sans-re/#comments You might feel like the king of the couch, but let's face it -- picking up the remote can be exhausting. Hisense is hoping to lighten your load with the launch of its new Android-based Smart TV with hands-free eyeSight gesture recognition technology -- the Series XT710. Slated to launch in China, the TV features a 2D sensor, designed to understand your hand movements and interpret your every channel changing whim. Besides flipping between reruns of Law and Order and Jersey Shore, couch potatoes will also be able to play games and access Android applications through the intelligent tube. Now, if it could only help us pop our popcorn. Jump past the break to check out the full PR.

Continue reading Hisense Series XT710 TV helps you exercise your La-Z-Boy sans remote

Hisense Series XT710 TV helps you exercise your La-Z-Boy sans remote originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAndroid SDKAndroidSdkchinaeyesightgesture controlgesture controlledgesture recognitionGestureControlGestureControlledGestureRecognitiongooglehdpostcrossHisenseSeries XT710SeriesXt710smart TVsmart tvsSmartTvSmartTvsTVWed, 26 Oct 2011 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reportedly preparing Silverlight-like app framework ahead of Xbox Live update]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/#comments Earlier this month, Microsoft announced a new slate of Xbox Live partnerships with Verizon, Comcast, and a host of other content providers. Now, the company has unveiled new details about the code upon which these new apps will run. Sources close to the situation tell GigaOM that the new framework, code-named "Lakeview," will be based on Silverlight, but will also bring a few new features from Xbox Kinect, including voice recognition and gesture-based controls. More intriguing, perhaps, are insider claims that Microsoft's new content partners stream video using Apple's HTTP Live Streaming, rather than Redmond's Smooth Streaming. GigaOM's sources went on to say that Microsoft has been introducing major changes to the platform over the past few weeks, in the hopes of having it ready for third-party developers once the Xbox Live update rolls out. Spokespersons for Xbox and Silverlight said they have "nothing to announce" about the new framework, though GigaOM reports that Redmond is aiming to release the update on Black Friday.

Microsoft reportedly preparing Silverlight-like app framework ahead of Xbox Live update originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationBlack FridayBlackFridaycodecomcastcontentframeworkgestureGesture ControlGestureControlhbo goHboGohdpostcrossHLShttp live streamingHttpLiveStreamingkinectlakeviewmicrosoftproviderrumorsilverlightSmooth StreamingSmoothStreamingverizonvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionxboxxbox 360xbox kinectxbox livexbox live updateXbox360XboxKinectXboxLiveXboxLiveUpdateMon, 10 Oct 2011 06:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-new-tv-providers-on-xbox-360-in-the-us-and-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-new-tv-providers-on-xbox-360-in-the-us-and-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/microsoft-reveals-new-tv-providers-on-xbox-360-in-the-us-and-int/#comments Just as the rumors indicated, Microsoft is bringing video from a number of providers beyond the ones it initially announced to the Xbox 360 in its fall update, including big guns like Verizon and Comcast. While Verizon is promising "a selection" of its live TV channels on the Xbox 360 as expected, Comcast is only bringing its Xfinity TV video on-demand offerings (no AnyPlay powered live TV -- yet) to subscribers when it launches "in the coming months." Other notable providers include Lovefilm (UK, Germany), BBC TV (UK), HBO Go, and Syfy. As promised during E3, the services integrated with Xbox will offer support for search across all available video, as well as support for Kinect voice and gesture controls. The universal search is looking good since it pulls together various services into one UI (as we discussed on our podcast yesterday), but the reality is content providers and geographical limits on what services you can pick from are still throwing up walls between users and content. Check after the break for PR detailing what you'll be able to access and where, as well as a video intro to all the tasty new TV services.

Gallery: Xbox 360 TV integration

Continue reading Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video)

Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbingbreaking newscomcastdashboard updateDashboardUpdatefall dashboard updatefall dashboard update 2011FallDashboardUpdateFallDashboardUpdate2011fios tvFiosTvgesture controlGestureControlhbo goHboGohdpostcrossiptvlovefilmmicrosoftsocialtvverizon fiosVerizonFiosverzionvideovideo streamingVideoStreamingvoice controlVoiceControlxboxxbox 360xbox livexbox live tvXbox360XboxLiveXboxLiveTvxfinityxfinity tvxfinity vodXfinityTvXfinityVodWed, 05 Oct 2011 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/fujitsu-arrows-tab-lte-f-01d-with-gesture-control-hands-on-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/fujitsu-arrows-tab-lte-f-01d-with-gesture-control-hands-on-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/fujitsu-arrows-tab-lte-f-01d-with-gesture-control-hands-on-vide/#comments Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on
We'll probably never match Japan's obsession with waterproof gadgets, but anyone would appreciate how the local manufacturers also manage to keep them thin and light at the same time. The Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D we fiddled with here at CEATEC is one such example: while it's thicker than Samsung's 10.1-inch counterpart by almost 3mm, we were surprised that Fujitsu's latest Android tablet also weighs just under 600g -- not bad considering it's suitable for use in the shower.

What's more, the F-01D comes with a rather unique feature that's great for use in the bathroom or the kitchen: camera-based gesture control, which works in the browser (to scroll pages or go back and forth) as well as the 1seg or DLNA TV viewer (to change the channel and volume). You'll see in our video after the break that the gestures worked liked a charm for us, though initially we had to make sure that the tablet wasn't facing any strong light behind us (a typical problem in large conventions). Anyhow, if you're up for grabbing an F-01D, it'll be available on NTT DoCoMo in Japan next week.

Gallery: Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D hands-on

Continue reading Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on (video)

Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidArrowsArrows TabArrows Tab LTEArrows Tab LTE F-01DArrowsTabArrowsTabLteArrowsTabLteF-01dCEATECCEATEC 2011Ceatec2011DLNADoCoMoF-01DfeaturedfeaturesFujitsugesturegesture controlGestureControlhands-onHoneycombJapanNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoOMAP4tabletvideowaterproofWed, 05 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ASIMO mimics your every move, edges closer towards Single White Robot territory (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/asimo-mimics-your-every-move-edges-closer-towards-single-white/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/asimo-mimics-your-every-move-edges-closer-towards-single-white/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/asimo-mimics-your-every-move-edges-closer-towards-single-white/#comments Hey, look Engadgeteers! It's another Kinect hack -- except this one uses a real deal robot. Honda ushered ASIMO out to the crowds at IEEE's 2011 International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems to show off its newly acquired pop and lock skills. Alright, so the silicon-gutted fella can't krump with the best of'em yet, but he can probably do the locomotion -- it all depends on your dance repertoire. After toiling away in their mad scientist lairs, the researchers behind the bot have managed to devise a means of mimicking human movement that translates mapped points on a user's upper body into real-time, robot-replicated motion. The devious among you are likely imagining left-of-center uses for the tech, but let us deflate that mischievous balloon; there'll be no instances of "stop hitting yourself ASIMO" here, as engineers have built-in collision and stability safeguards. The so-lifelike-it's-Uncanny advancements don't end there either, since ASIMO also contains a database of text-inspired gestures -- giving our future robot friend a means of physically expressing his cold, "I hate you so much right now" robo-tone. Other than finding himself at home in Italy, these innovations are sure to put ASIMO on the other end of our remote-controlled behest. Click on past the break to see this automated mime drop it like it's hot.

Continue reading ASIMO mimics your every move, edges closer towards Single White Robot territory (video)

ASIMO mimics your every move, edges closer towards Single White Robot territory (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASIMOgesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesHondaHonda ASIMOHondaAsimoInternational Conference on Intelligent Robots and SystemsInternationalConferenceOnIntelligentRobotsAndSystemsKinectkinect hackKinectHackMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectrobotrobotsvideoSat, 01 Oct 2011 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Surface-controlled robots to boldly go where rescuers have gone before (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/microsoft-surface-controlled-robots-to-boldly-go-where-rescuers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/microsoft-surface-controlled-robots-to-boldly-go-where-rescuers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/microsoft-surface-controlled-robots-to-boldly-go-where-rescuers/#comments Ready to get hands-on in the danger zone -- from afar? That's precisely what an enterprising team of University of Massachusetts Lowell researchers are working to achieve with a little Redmond-supplied assistance. The Robotics Lab project, dubbed the Dynamically Resizing Ergonomic and Multi-touch (DREAM) Controller, makes use of Microsoft's Surface and Robotics Developer Studio to deploy and coordinate gesture-controlled search-and-rescue bots for potentially hazardous emergency response situations. Developed by Prof. Holly Yanco and Mark Micire, the tech's Natural User Interface maps a virtual joystick to a user's fingertips, delegating movement control to one hand and vision to the other -- much like an Xbox controller. The project's been under development for some time, having already aided rescue efforts during Hurricane Katrina, and with future refinements, could sufficiently lower the element of risk for first responders. Head past the break for a video demonstration of this life-saving research.

Continue reading Microsoft Surface-controlled robots to boldly go where rescuers have gone before (video)

Microsoft Surface-controlled robots to boldly go where rescuers have gone before (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DREAM ControllerDreamControlleremergency respondersemergency responseEmergencyRespondersEmergencyResponseGesture ControlGestureControlgesturesHolly YancoHollyYancoMark MicireMarkMicireMicrosoftMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoft Robotics Developer StudioMicrosoft SurfaceMicrosoftResearchMicrosoftRoboticsDeveloperStudioMicrosoftSurfaceresearchresearchersrobotRobotics Developer StudioRobotics LabRoboticsDeveloperStudioRoboticsLabrobotsSurfaceUMLUniversity of Massachusetts LowellUniversityOfMassachusettsLowellvideoThu, 11 Aug 2011 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/apple-seeks-patents-for-3d-and-physics-metaphor-gesture-contro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/apple-seeks-patents-for-3d-and-physics-metaphor-gesture-contro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/apple-seeks-patents-for-3d-and-physics-metaphor-gesture-contro/#comments Deep in the stodgy bowels of the USPTO sits a folder full of Apple patent applications specifically for gesture controls. A few more pages from that expanding tome were just made public, and the concepts unearthed are certainly thought-provoking. The first involves using a proximity sensor in addition to the touch panel to register gestures in 3D. For example, you could use three fingers to mark out the corners of a triangle on the screen and then "pull up" and pinch to create a pyramid for use in a CAD application. The second idea involves gestures based on intuitive "physics metaphors" that are recognized using motion sensors. So instead of navigating menus in order to start a file transfer between an iPhone and iPad, the user could arrange the desired files on the phone's screen and then pretend to "pour" them onto the tablet -- an idea which rather reminds of the funky Project Blox. Oh, did we just make a Cupertino lawyer twitch?

Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3D gesture3dGestureApplegesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesintuitivemetaphormotionmotion sensorMotionSensorpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationphysicsphysics metaphorPhysicsMetaphorproximityproximity sensorProximitySensorUSPTOMon, 11 Jul 2011 22:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect app promises you'll wear flowery skirts, and you'll like it (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/08/kinect-hack-promises-youll-wear-flowery-skirts-and-youll-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/08/kinect-hack-promises-youll-wear-flowery-skirts-and-youll-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/08/kinect-hack-promises-youll-wear-flowery-skirts-and-youll-like/#comments Don't be shy now: which of you doesn't love raiding your mother's closet and trying on her paisley dresses and velour tracksuits? That's more or less the idea behind Virtual Dressing Room, a Kinect program that taps into the clandestine thrill of sneaking into other people's boudoirs. Unlike some other shopping hacks we've seen, the app goes beyond just pilling on 2D pieces, but uses 3D models so that the items mold to your limbs, with the shadows and creases in the virtual fabric changing as you preen for the camera. That all comes courtesy of a special physics engine, while the app itself was written in C# along with Microsoft's XNA tools. Arbuzz, the group that dreamed this up, says the project's still a work in progress, though we can see this, too, being used to relieve those of who are allergic to shopping malls. Until then, you'll just have to settle for watching some other guy work a knee-length skirt.

Continue reading Kinect app promises you'll wear flowery skirts, and you'll like it (video)

Kinect app promises you'll wear flowery skirts, and you'll like it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arArbuzzaugmentedaugmented realityAugmentedRealityCclothesclothingconceptexperiencegesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesKinectKinect hackKinectHackvideoVirtual Dressing Roomvirtual realityVirtualDressingRoomVirtualRealityXNAFri, 08 Jul 2011 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's NUAds interactive advertising to harness powers of Kinect, 'change television as we know it']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/microsofts-nuads-interactive-advertising-to-harness-powers-of-k/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/microsofts-nuads-interactive-advertising-to-harness-powers-of-k/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/microsofts-nuads-interactive-advertising-to-harness-powers-of-k/#comments Microsoft's NUAds interactive advertising to harness powers of Kinect, 'change television as we know it' The folks over at Microsoft Advertising are quite fond of their latest brainchild, so much so that they're calling the Kinect-enabled advertising platform "irresistibly interactive." NUAds -- which snaked the NU in NUI -- feeds off our need for interactivity, allowing advertisers to lure us in by enabling points of gesture and voice control. Think the latest Snuggie spot is super cool? Just say "Xbox, Tweet," and all your friends will know it. Want to know more about Mariah Carey's latest fragrance? Say "Xbox, More," and the info is all yours. Wondering where you can pick up a box of Nad's edible hair remover? Say "Xbox, Near Me," and you'll get a text with the location of the closest Nad's retailer. Want to vote on the hottest new Bratz doll? Give your girl a thumbs up. So Microsoft may have engaged a host of more respectable partners, namely Adidas, NBC, and Coca Cola, for its demo of the voice and gesture-enabled advertising platform yesterday, and NUAds does indeed serve up promotions in an entirely new way, but will it really change how we view the boob tube for good? Check out the video demo after the break, and weigh in the comments below.

Continue reading Microsoft's NUAds interactive advertising to harness powers of Kinect, 'change television as we know it'

Microsoft's NUAds interactive advertising to harness powers of Kinect, 'change television as we know it' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingapplicationgamesgaminggesturegesture controlGestureControlin gamein game advertisingin-gameInGameInGameAdvertisinginteractive adsinteractive advertisingInteractiveAdsInteractiveAdvertisingKinectMicrosoftNuadstelevisiontrade marktrade mark applicationtrademarkTradeMarkApplicationTVUSPTOvideovoicevoice controlVoiceControlXBox KinectXbox LiveXboxKinectXboxLiveWed, 22 Jun 2011 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/#comments Does anybody actually enjoy the laborious process of trying out clothes? The sheer physical effort, the risk of breaking a sweat... it's just not for us. We're much more comfortable with virtual reality fitting rooms, which is where Microsoft's Kinect motion camera has found yet another raison for its etre. Razorfish, the folks who already impressed us with some neat Kinect hacking, now have a new shopping platform that's said to actually wrap clothes around your frame and thereby provide a 3D preview of what you and they would look like together. The current iteration only shows some giddy ladies exploring the wide world of handbags, but they do look suitably impressed with the system. There are also sharing options via QR codes and NFC, plus the obligatory social networking tie-ins. Skip after the break to see the KinectShop on video.

Continue reading KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video)

KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmentedaugmented realityAugmentedRealityclothesclothingconceptexperiencegesturegesture controlGestureControlgestureshackhackingkinectkinect shopKinectShopmotionmotion controlMotionControlrazorfishretailshopshoppingvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityMon, 13 Jun 2011 03:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Kudo Tsunoda doesn't tell us a thing about Windows 8 support for Kinect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/#comments Microsoft asked us to drop by at E3 to chat up a generically identified "Xbox executive," imagine our surprise when we found Kudo Tsunoda hiding behind door number six. Wearing his signature shades, Kudo gave us a brief primer on what makes Kinect great, or at least a heavy endorsement of Kinect Fun Labs. While we can certainly dig the bite-sized gadgetry Fun Labs has to offer, we like to dig deeper -- will the Kinect hardware ever be integrated into other devices? Any plans for Microsoft's 3D tracking camera and Windows 8? Kudo did his best to feed our ravenous appetite for answers.

It wasn't easy on poor Kudo, of course -- more than once we saw him glance longingly at his wrangler, a friendly PR rep keeping him from spilling the beans on anything too awesome. Probing about Windows 8 and Kinect produced one such look, and while our man very lightly suggested that Microsoft does more than games -- and that the dual-camera device might start showing up on other devices -- the big M had nothing to announce at that time. Kudo did go on to say, however, that we can expect to see new, innovative, "oh my gosh, I can't believe Kinect can do that" experiences at E3 year after year, citing this year's keynote for some recent examples. While we couldn't coax any leaks about Xbox or Kinect successors out of the man, it's good to see Microsoft's continued dedication to improving the platform.

Kudo Tsunoda doesn't tell us a thing about Windows 8 support for Kinect originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011gesture controlGestureControlinterviewkinectkinect fun labsKinectFunLabsKudo TsunodaKudoTsunodaMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion controlmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionControlMotionSensingMotionTrackingWindows 8Windows8xboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/#comments Microsoft's E3 keynote may have exploded with deeper Kinect support, but nothing caught our eyes quite as sharply as Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's rifle-exploding Gunsmith demo. A Ubisoft representative showed us how it's done: separating your arms separates your deadly firearm into a gorgeous display of floating screws, components, and accessories, which can be effortlessly modified, swapped, and replaced with gesture and voice commands. Too picky to decide for yourself? Then don't: just tell Gunsmith what you're looking for. For instance, saying "Optimize for range" produces a weapon any sniper should be proud of -- even better, we found that commanding Gunsmith to "optimize for awesome" birthed a rifle (pictured above) sporting an underbarrel shotgun attachment. A gun attached to a gun? Yeah, that works. Weapons can be tested in Gunsmith's gesture-controlled firing range, an engaging shooting mode exclusive to the Gunsmith weapon editor and not usable in regular gameplay. Head past the break for a hands-on (figuratively speaking) video.

Continue reading Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)

Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e3 2011E32011gaminggesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesGhost ReconGhost Recon: Future SoldierGhostReconGhostRecon:FutureSoldierhands freehands-onHandsFreekinectmotion controlmotion gamingMotionControlMotionGamingUbisoftvideovideo gamesVideoGamesvoice commandvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix for Xbox 360 updated with Kinect support, everybody wave!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/netflix-for-xbox-360-updated-with-kinect-support-everybody-wave/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/netflix-for-xbox-360-updated-with-kinect-support-everybody-wave/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/netflix-for-xbox-360-updated-with-kinect-support-everybody-wave/#comments The next time you hit the Netflix app on your Xbox 360 the update we heard about at CES will be waiting, bringing Kinect owners the ability to flick through their videos (like ESPN3 and Zune have since the peripheral launched) without digging a controller out of the couch cushions. After the 43Mb update downloads waving ones hand for the camera or saying Xbox will pull up the new menu seen above, which auto sorts selections for browsing by voice or gesture based on what it thinks you may want to watch next. Selecting "browse all" brings you right back to the standard menu and is probably the method most will want to stick with, however being able to pause the movie quickly during playback by simply saying Xbox, Pause (or FF, rewind, skip scene, etc.) is quite convenient. Not near your Xbox? Check out a brief video of it in action after the break.

[Thanks, George]

Continue reading Netflix for Xbox 360 updated with Kinect support, everybody wave!

Netflix for Xbox 360 updated with Kinect support, everybody wave! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesture controlGestureControlhands-onkinectmicrosoftnetflixstreamingvideovoice controlVoiceControlwatch instantlyWatchInstantlywavexboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/#comments Unless you're into weird promotional mascots, video games, or measuring the rotation of the earth, the PlayStation Move probably hasn't caught your eye. Here's an idea: what if you could wave it about to control your PC? Earlier this week, electronics hobbyist Jacob Pennock used the Move.me C library to build a gesture-controlled mouse driver, and we've got the project's tech demo after the break. Watch as Pennock launches Facebook by drawing an "F," starts a video with a jaunty "V," and closes a few items with a quick "X" motion over the offending windows. Control motions are loaded through the creator's own gesture recognition library, called hyperglyph, which he claims can record motions with 98 percent accuracy. As Move.me is currently a closed beta, Pennock is keeping the source code under wraps, but he hopes to eventually put the driver to use controlling a gesture-based Linux media center. Pretty neat, but not quite enough to stave off our Kinect hack envy.

[Thanks, Robert]

Continue reading Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video)

Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlcontrollerDIYdo it yourselfdo-it-yourselfDoItYourselfdriverdriversgestureGesture ControlGestureControlgestureshackhacksinputinput deviceInputDeviceJacob PennockJacobPennockmodmodsmotion controllerMotionControllermotionplusmousemovemove.mePlayStationplaystation moveplaystation move controllerPlaystationMovePlaystationMoveControllerSONYSun, 10 Apr 2011 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/#comments It had to happen. When Google showed off a new and revolutionary Gmail Motion control scheme yesterday, it failed to fool most people, but it didn't fail to catch the attention of some motion control geeks with Kinect cameras on hand. Yep, the FAAST crew that's already brought us a Kinect keyboard emulator for World of Warcraft has taken Google to task and actually cooked up the software to make Gmail Motion work. All your favorite gestures are here: opening an email as if it were an envelope, replying by throwing a thumb back and, of course, "licking the stamp" to send your response on its way. Marvelous stuff! Jump past the break to see it working, for real this time.

Continue reading Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video)

Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april foolsAprilFoolsfaastgesture controlGestureControlgesturesgmailgmail motionGmailMotiongooglehackhackingkinectmotionmotion controlMotionControlrecreatedsloowsoftwareuniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversityOfSouthernCaliforniauscvideoSat, 02 Apr 2011 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 IPTV rumors ride again with 'Project Orapa']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/xbox-360-iptv-rumors-ride-again-with-project-orapa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/xbox-360-iptv-rumors-ride-again-with-project-orapa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/xbox-360-iptv-rumors-ride-again-with-project-orapa/#comments Just because Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV service is finally supported on the Xbox 360 after years and years of expectations (as seen above) doesn't mean the rumor mill stops, with rumors surfacing of a "Project Orapa" that reportedly combines Xbox Live, Kinect and IPTV service all in one. ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley has heard from tipsters that it's related to the previously rumored Ventura multimedia project and will let subscribers to Mediaroom powered IPTV services like U-Verse use Kinect's gesture and voice recognition like ESPN3 already does to control their TV experience while Xbox users would get "more content." We should find out how much of this is reality and how it ties into previous rumors pretty quickly, since it's apparently going to be in testing this month, and available by the upcoming holiday season.

Xbox 360 IPTV rumors ride again with 'Project Orapa' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesture controlGestureControliptvkinectmediaroommicrosoftmicrosoft kinectmicrosoft mediaroomMicrosoftKinectMicrosoftMediaroomproject orapaProjectOraparumoru-verseventuravoice controlVoiceControlxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLiveFri, 11 Mar 2011 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Interactive storefront displays show up at Canadian Starbucks, window licking discouraged]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/interactive-storefront-displays-show-up-at-canadian-starbucks-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/interactive-storefront-displays-show-up-at-canadian-starbucks-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/interactive-storefront-displays-show-up-at-canadian-starbucks-w/#comments Starbucks has given the caffeinated crowd a new reason, other than the free WiFi, to stop by a couple of locations in Toronto and Vancouver -- interactive window displays! Taking sidewalk passers-by on a journey to assemble their favorite Tazo teas, the interactivity comes via a vinyl screen, projector, and gesture controls. We've already seen an interactive storefront in the US, so its about time our friends up north got some geekified advertising of their own. Vid's after the break.

Continue reading Interactive storefront displays show up at Canadian Starbucks, window licking discouraged

Interactive storefront displays show up at Canadian Starbucks, window licking discouraged originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisementsadvertisingcanadaGesture ControlGestureControlinteractiveinteractive displayinteractive windowInteractiveDisplayInteractiveWindowstarbucksTazo teaTazoTeavideowindowMon, 07 Feb 2011 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Wavi Xtion motion sensing control system demoed at CES (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/asus-wavi-xtion-motion-sensing-control-system-demoed-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/asus-wavi-xtion-motion-sensing-control-system-demoed-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/asus-wavi-xtion-motion-sensing-control-system-demoed-at-ces/#comments ASUS may not be anywhere close to ready for its Wavi Xtion to hit retail shelves (we're hearing Q2 of 2012), but that didn't stop our brethren over at Engadget Spanish from stopping by for a hands-on demonstration at CES. We'll spare you the details on how it works, but in practice, we learned that it's quite similar to Kinect. Not shocking considering that PrimeSense is behind both boxes, but the primarily difference seemed to be the reaction time. ASUS' solution wasn't quite as snappy as the Kinect, being slower to recognize and translate motions in testing. Of course, we wouldn't expect a product that's 18 months out from mass production to be completely on top of its game, but feel free to head on past the break to see exactly what we mean.

Continue reading ASUS Wavi Xtion motion sensing control system demoed at CES (video)

ASUS Wavi Xtion motion sensing control system demoed at CES (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5GHzASUScesCES 2011Ces2011gesture controlGestureControlkinectmotion controlMotionControlOpenNIPrimeSenseset top boxset-top-boxSetTopBoxstbstreamervideoWaviWavi XtionWaviXtionwirelessXtionXtion PROXtionProTue, 11 Jan 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips uWand hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/philips-uwand-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/philips-uwand-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/philips-uwand-hands-on/#comments Philips has been touting its uWand "direct pointer" remote for a good while now, but we've never had the chance to actually use one ourselves. Today that omission has been rectified as we got our mitts around this motion / gesture-based controller and gave it a quick test drive. It works by having an infrared camera embedded in the front, which detects an IR beacon in your TV and thereby judges its own distance, tilt and relation to the TV. That then allows for things like motion-based zooming, pointing the remote at the particular thing on the television that you want to "click" on, and navigational shortcuts attached to gestures performed with this handheld. There's also a nice spacious keyboard on the back, assisting in the use of all these Smart TVs CES has been littered with. Philips' intention is to license the technology out to other manufacturers, which could result in consumer products by 2012 -- so yeah, it's not terribly close to your living room yet, but our gallery of images is.

Gallery: Philips uWand hands-on

Continue reading Philips uWand hands-on

Philips uWand hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011gesturegesture controlGestureControlgestureshands-oninfraredirkeyboardmotionmotion controlmotion sensingMotionControlMotionSensingphilipsphilips uwandPhilipsUwandqwertyremoteremote controlRemoteControluwandvideoSun, 09 Jan 2011 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's 2011 Smart TVs focus on easy, instant access]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/lgs-2011-smart-tvs-focus-on-easy-instant-access/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/lgs-2011-smart-tvs-focus-on-easy-instant-access/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/lgs-2011-smart-tvs-focus-on-easy-instant-access/#comments We already got a peek at LG's Smart TV Upgrader box, but now it's revealing a bit more info about why it thinks anyone will be opting for their app-laden displays this year. Deriding the QWERTY remotes offered by competitors, LG's big idea is a simple dashboard with four elements, controlled by its Magic Motion gesture control remote. We'll still need to wait for some hands on time with its DLNA sharing and web browser to see if the simple life is the way, but if you were freaked out by all the buttons on Sony's Google TV remote then your sometime is now.

Continue reading LG's 2011 Smart TVs focus on easy, instant access

LG's 2011 Smart TVs focus on easy, instant access originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscesces 2011Ces2011gesture controlGestureControllgmagic motionMagic Motion Remote ControlMagicMotionMagicMotionRemoteControlsmart tvSmartTvMon, 03 Jan 2011 23:39:00 EST