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[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[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[Google patent application could give Project Glass one true ring controller to rule them all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/google-patent-application-could-give-project-glass-a-ring-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/google-patent-application-could-give-project-glass-a-ring-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/google-patent-application-could-give-project-glass-a-ring-controller/#comments Image

Let's face it: right now, the head nods and other rudimentary controls of Google's Project Glass are mostly useful for looking good, sharing photos and not much else. A US patent application submitted last September and just now published, however, raises the possibility of more sophisticated control coming from your hands. A ring, a bracelet or a even a fake fingernail with an infrared-reflective layer would serve as a gesture control marker for a receiver on heads-up display glasses. Having this extra control would give the glasses-mounted computing room to grow by learning gestures, and it could even depend on multiple ornaments for more sophisticated commands -- at least, if you don't mind looking like a very nerdy Liberace. We can imagine the headaches a hand-based method might cause for very enthusiastic talkers, among other possible hiccups, so don't be surprised if Project Glass goes without any kind of ring input. That said, we suspect that Sauron would approve.

Google patent application could give Project Glass one true ring controller to rule them all originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braceletbraceletscontrollerfinger nailfinger nailsFingerNailfingernailsgesturegesturesgooglegoogle project glassGoogleProjectGlasshand gesturehand gesturesHandGestureHandGesturesheads up displayheads-up displayHeads-upDisplayHeadsUpDisplayHUDinfraredirliberaceLord of the RingsLordOfTheRingspatentpatent applicationpatent filingPatentApplicationPatentFilingpatentsProject GlassProjectGlassringring controllerRingControllersauronUSPTOwearable computerwearable computingWearableComputerWearableComputingwearablesFri, 18 May 2012 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sign language translator turns gestures into spoken letters, makes for a better world (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sign-language-translator-turns-gestures-into-spoken-letters/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sign-language-translator-turns-gestures-into-spoken-letters/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sign-language-translator-turns-gestures-into-spoken-letters/#comments Image

By far one of the greatest challenges of sign language has been to translate it for everyday folk that wouldn't know where to begin a conversation with the deaf. Cornell University engineering students Ranjay Krishna, Seonwoo Lee and Si Ping Wang -- along with some help from Jonathan Lang -- used their final project time this past semester to close this gap in one of the more practical solutions we've seen to date. Their prototype glove uses accelerometers, contact sensors and flex sensors to translate complex finger gestures from the American Sign Language alphabet into spoken letters: after converting hand positions to digital signals, the test unit both speaks out the resulting letters and sends them to a computer, where they can be used for anything from a game (shown in the video below) to, presumably, constructing whole sentences. Along with being accurate, the Cornell work is even designed with a mind towards how it would work in the real world, as the glove and its transmitter are both wireless and powered by 9-volt batteries. We hope that the project leads to a real product and an extra bridge between the deaf and the rest of us, but in the meantime, we'll be happy that at least one form of powered glove is being put to the noblest use possible.

Continue reading Sign language translator turns gestures into spoken letters, makes for a better world (video)

Sign language translator turns gestures into spoken letters, makes for a better world (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometercornellCornell UniversityCornellUniversitygesturegesturesglovegloveshand gesturehand gesturesHandGestureHandGesturesprojectresearchsensorsensorssign languagesign language translationsign language translatorSignLanguageSignLanguageTranslationSignLanguageTranslatortranslationtranslatorvideoTue, 15 May 2012 07:45:00 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[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[Researcher proposes Thumb on Hand gestures, no touchscreen necessary (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/thumb-on-hand-gestures-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/thumb-on-hand-gestures-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/thumb-on-hand-gestures-video/#comments Gesture research proposes Thumb on Hand Interaction, no touchscreen needed (video)Would you be willing to wear an additional device in order to avoid interacting with another? That's the conundrum posed to us by Christian Loclair, a master's student at the Hasso Plattner Institute. His thesis, titled Thumb on Hand Interaction, proposes that users control their mobile equipment with simple hand gestures that are performed independently of their device's touchscreen. This level of freedom requires that users wear a depth camera on their chest, and builds upon prior research from the Hasso Plattner Institute that required use of both hands. Loclair proposes a diverse new set of gestures that users can perform with only one hand, where one's thumb acts as the primary navigation tool and one's palm serves as a trackpad. Another set of gestures is based on the interaction of one's thumb and index finger, which allows users to control sliders and the like. Perhaps once the research team determines how to implement this technology without making our lives more complex, we'll be able to sink our teeth into this one. In the meantime, you'll find a video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading Researcher proposes Thumb on Hand gestures, no touchscreen necessary (video)

Researcher proposes Thumb on Hand gestures, no touchscreen necessary (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christian loclairChristianLoclairdepth cameraDepthCameragesturegesturesHasso Plattner InstituteHassoPlattnerInstituteinterfaceinterface designInterfaceDesignmotionprototyperesearchthumb on handThumbOnHandvideoTue, 06 Mar 2012 01:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with wireless, ultrasonic stylus and touchless gestures at MWC (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/hands-on-with-wireless-ultrasonic-stylus-and-touchless-gestures/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/hands-on-with-wireless-ultrasonic-stylus-and-touchless-gestures/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/hands-on-with-wireless-ultrasonic-stylus-and-touchless-gestures/#comments Hands-on with wireless, ultrasonic stylus and touchless gesture applications at MWCThis isn't the first time you've heard of EPOS or XTR, but it's been quite some time since we've checked in with either of the outfits. So, imagine our surprise as we stumbled on new developments from each company as we perused the Texas Instruments booth at MWC. In the case of EPOS, we're shown a stylus that, in addition to offering traditional physical touch input, also allows users to interact with a device via ultrasound. The system is built upon TI's OMAP4 platform and requires that four microphones be placed at the corners of the screen. In this demonstration, we're shown how users can manipulate objects on a 3D plane via the Z-axis by pulling the pen away from the display. Next, we're shown a new application for the touchless gesturing system that XTR first debuted back in 2010. In this scenario, it's demonstrated how tablet owners could use the front-facing camera (at merely QVGA resolution) to flip through pages of a cookbook without worry of getting ingredients on the device. The concept software was developed by a French outfit known as Stonetrip, and also allows users to zoom and pan through the pages. You'll find demonstrations of each technology in a video after the break.

Continue reading Hands-on with wireless, ultrasonic stylus and touchless gestures at MWC (video)

Hands-on with wireless, ultrasonic stylus and touchless gestures at MWC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eposextreme realityExtremeRealitygesturegesture-basedgestureshands-onmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012omap 4Omap4stonetripstylustexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsTItouchlessultrasonicultrasonic penUltrasonicPenultrasoundvideoxtrThu, 01 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's 'continuous gesture' patent application runs circles around copy and paste]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/googles-continuous-gesture-patent-application-runs-circles-ar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/googles-continuous-gesture-patent-application-runs-circles-ar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/googles-continuous-gesture-patent-application-runs-circles-ar/#comments
You know the drill, you're browsing an article about volcanos on your phone and want to know more about Eyjafjallajokull. You've got two options, commit that bad-boy to memory, or fiddle with copy and paste. Well, Google not only feels your pain, but has some medicine for it too -- if a patent filing is anything to go by. The application describes a two-part continuous gesture for easier searching on touchscreens. Imagine drawing a "g" with your finger, then circling the text or image you want to search in one motion, and you'll get the basic drift. It's also indicated that different letters could be drawn to search different sites, "w" for Wikipedia, "y" for Yahoo and so on. The patent also includes methods to search for multiple words from the same text, or even words and images. Certainly it's not too much of a stretch to imagine this becoming a standard part of Android, but, as always, we don't know for sure. That said, chances are we'll still be typing out our Icelandic friend's name by the time we do find out.

Google's 'continuous gesture' patent application runs circles around copy and paste originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcontinuous gestureContinuousGesturegesturegesture searchgesturesGestureSearchgoogleinterfacepatent applicationPatentApplicationsearchsearch gestureSearchGestureswipe to searchSwipeToSearchtouchscreenwikipediaYahooFri, 24 Feb 2012 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Globe and Mail reveals early details on Apple iTV: Siri wants to hear you shout at the big game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/apple-itv-leaked-details-siri-gesture/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/apple-itv-leaked-details-siri-gesture/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/apple-itv-leaked-details-siri-gesture/#comments

iTV rumors continue to swirl around the shady backwaters of the internet, but it's not often national papers of record decide to wade in -- Canada's, no less. According to an anonymous source who spilled the beans to the Globe and Mail, Apple's TV set will include Siri-powered voice control, with the virtual assistant also helping in those ever-pressing "programming choices". There will also be gesture recognition courtesy of a front-facing camera and (perhaps most worryingly) an on-screen keyboard for typing into a web browser and other apps. The paper couldn't confirm whether the device will play nice with the rest of la familia iOS, although another mole informed the Canadian news source that both Rogers and BCE Inc are jostling to claim a stake in the mysterious device, with Apple apparently actively courting both carriers.

Globe and Mail reveals early details on Apple iTV: Siri wants to hear you shout at the big game originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple itvAppleItvBCE IncBceInccanadagestureglobe and mailGlobeAndMailhdpostcrossitvleakRogerssiriTue, 07 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[LG waves its wand, unveils Magic Remote for Cinema 3D sets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/LG-magic-remote-smart-tv-cinema-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/LG-magic-remote-smart-tv-cinema-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/LG-magic-remote-smart-tv-cinema-3d/#comments LG whipped out the magic wand at CES this morning, with the announcement of an enhanced Magic Remote. With this new tool, users will be able to control their Cinema 3D Smart TVs with an expanded set of functions, including voice recognition, a "wheel" function, "magic" gestures and pointing. Expanding beyond the realm of simple push-button functionality, the Magic Remote's voice recognition capabilities allow viewers to enter text and other commands without even lifting a finger, while its wheel, perched at the center of the device, allows them to seamlessly scroll up and down their TVs as they would on a PC. Alternatively, users could simply point the Remote at their displays to move their onscreen cursors around the screen, or input gesture commands to control their Smart TVs with their arms or wrists. The device also features a dedicated button that allows users to instantly convert 2D to 3D, and can be used to control set-top boxes, as well. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can head past the break for more details in the full PR.

Continue reading LG waves its wand, unveils Magic Remote for Cinema 3D sets

LG waves its wand, unveils Magic Remote for Cinema 3D sets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012Cinema 3Dcinema 3d smart tvCinema3dCinema3dSmartTvcontroldisplaygesturehdpostcrossLG Magic RemoteLgMagicRemoteperipheralsmart tvSmartTvtelevisionTVvoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionMon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mogees uses contact microphone and gesture recognition to create music on any surface (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/mogees-creates-gesture-based-music/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/mogees-creates-gesture-based-music/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/mogees-creates-gesture-based-music/#comments The piezoelectric effect is an interesting phenomena. Capable of turning vibrations into electric signals, it's at the heart of the Mogees project from Bruno Zamborlin and Norbert Schnell. Here, a contact microphone is connected to a system that processes sound from unique gestures and then triggers the appropriate instrument in its database -- thereby turning virtually any surface into an experimental jam band. Different gestures may be added to Mogees, which can also recognize the difference between fingers and objects such as coins. The project isn't commercially available, but if you're unfamiliar with the magic of contact microphones, we think the video after the break will be a rather fascinating introduction. Hell, with a similar setup, anyone could be a budding musician. Just don't let it all go to your head if you make the big time.

Continue reading Mogees uses contact microphone and gesture recognition to create music on any surface (video)

Mogees uses contact microphone and gesture recognition to create music on any surface (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bruno ZamborlinBrunoZamborlincontact microphoneContactMicrophonegesturegesturesMogeesmusicmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentsNorbert SchnellNorbertSchnellpiezopiezoelectricsoundtouchvideoThu, 05 Jan 2012 23:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Western Digital releases Android app to control set-top boxes remotely]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/24/western-digital-releases-android-app-to-control-set-top-boxes-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/24/western-digital-releases-android-app-to-control-set-top-boxes-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/24/western-digital-releases-android-app-to-control-set-top-boxes-re/#comments This week, you'll be able to control your Western Digital set-top box with a free Android app. And you'll love it. Only days after releasing an equivalent app for iOS, Western Digital has just released WD TV Remote, a free Android app that connects to your Western Digital set-top box over a WiFi connection and allows you to control it from any Android-based device. The app includes one-touch access to every online service available, keyboard entry using Android's on-screen keyboard, a gesture pad for quick navigation and the ability to connect multiple Android devices at once. WD TV Remote requires Android 2.1 or later to install, as well as a WiFi network and third-generation WD TV Live Hub or TV Live system to run. In other news, development on an Android app to paint your house via gesture controls is proceeding quite nicely.

Western Digital releases Android app to control set-top boxes remotely originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Android MarketAndroidMarketgesturegesture navigationGestureNavigationhdpostminion-screen keyboardOn-screenKeyboardone-touch accessOne-touchAccessset top boxSetTopBoxTV LiveTvLiveWD TV live HubWD TV RemoteWdTvLiveHubWdTvRemotewestern digitalWesternDigitalSat, 24 Dec 2011 20:16:00 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[Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/insert-coin-prototype-peripherals-incorporate-no-moving-parts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/insert-coin-prototype-peripherals-incorporate-no-moving-parts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/insert-coin-prototype-peripherals-incorporate-no-moving-parts/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
When in doubt, strip out the moving parts and see what you wind up with. This is the idea inventor Jason Giddings is following as he turns to Kickstarter to help fund the prototype creation for a glass keyboard and mouse, both sporting multitouch functionality. The design uses the same biometric systems that currently capture fingerprints on assorted trackpads and keyboards, and uses a technique known as Frustrated Total Internal Reflection -- which incorporates a series of LEDs on the bottom of a device -- to bounce infrared light beams around the inside of the glass. This process is interrupted when a finger touches the glass, wherein a simple embedded camera captures the event, processes where the keystroke, mouse click or gesture took place and relays the signal to the computer.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers

Insert Coin: Prototype peripherals incorporate no moving parts, multitouch functionality and freaking lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometriccameraembeddedFrustrated Total Internal ReflectionFrustratedTotalInternalReflectionfundinggestureglassinfraredJason GiddingsJasonGiddingskeyboardKickstarterLEDmousemultitouchtrackpadvideoMon, 28 Nov 2011 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft outlines Code Space, looks to include Kinect in conference rooms, PTA meetings (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/microsoft-outlines-code-space-looks-to-include-kinect-in-confer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/microsoft-outlines-code-space-looks-to-include-kinect-in-confer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/microsoft-outlines-code-space-looks-to-include-kinect-in-confer/#comments If there's one thing that's certain about the Kinect, it's this; Microsoft wants it to be versatile. Case in point, Code Space -- the next extracurricular activity for the gaming controller which sees it teaming up with smartphones and laptops to present information on a shared screen. The project is aimed at presenting and exchanging code in developer meetings using a large display and simple hand gestures, though we could easily see this being adopted in both the classroom and the boardroom as well. In other news, the Kinect will be able to paint your house this spring, even if you may not be crazy about the final color...

Update: We realize it's a bit slow at times, but if you'd like to see Code Space in action, just hop the break. You'll discover the magic. [Thanks, Andrew]

Gallery: Code Space Gallery

Continue reading Microsoft outlines Code Space, looks to include Kinect in conference rooms, PTA meetings (video)

Microsoft outlines Code Space, looks to include Kinect in conference rooms, PTA meetings (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraCode SpaceCodeSpacecontentgallerygestureKinectlaptopsMicrosoftmobileResearchscreensensorsharedsmartphonesMon, 14 Nov 2011 21:38:00 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[Kinect hack lets you manage your bank account with gestures, will occupy your living room (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/#comments
You know all those convoluted gestures and hate-infused fist pumps you make every time you look at your bank account? Well, you can now put them to good use, thanks to a new Kinect hack from Lithuania-based Etronika. The company's software, which made its debut at last week's CTIA E&A event, effectively brings motion-controlled banking directly to your living room. All you have to do is stand in front of your display, clap your hands to choose an icon, or wave your hand back and forth to navigate across the app's carousel menu. This means you can pay your bills, check your balance and return to fetal position without even touching a sharp object. "A lot of banking software apps are filled with boring crap," Etronika CEO Kestutis Gardziulis explained with refreshing candor. "With our software, you could be on the couch at home, having a beer, all while dealing with your bank account and kicking back." Beer, banking and body language -- sounds scandalous! Head past the break to watch a demo video, starring Pam Beesly's doppelgänger.

Continue reading Kinect hack lets you manage your bank account with gestures, will occupy your living room (video)

Kinect hack lets you manage your bank account with gestures, will occupy your living room (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationbankbankingctiaCtiaEa2011demodisplayEtronikafinancegestureinterfacekinectkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmoneymotion controlmotion controlledmotion sensorMotionControlMotionControlledMotionSensormovementonline bankingOnlineBankingpaymentpersonal bankingpersonal financePersonalBankingPersonalFinancesensorUIMon, 17 Oct 2011 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Maide Control iPad app lets you build and view 3D models with your bare, sweaty hands (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/maide-control-ipad-app-lets-you-build-and-view-3d-models-with-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/maide-control-ipad-app-lets-you-build-and-view-3d-models-with-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/maide-control-ipad-app-lets-you-build-and-view-3d-models-with-yo/#comments
Looking for a hands-on 3D controller that won't require any five-fingered peripherals? Check out Maide Control -- a new app that allows users to manipulate 3D CAD data from the comfort of their iPad displays. Available for $4.99 on iTunes, this app will wirelessly sync an iPad with any compatible 3D program, thereby enabling modelers to mold and view their designs using an array of multitouch gestures. You can also use Maide Control to showcase models on larger displays (say, at a company presentation), or to connect multiple iPads to the same render, in case you're working on a more collaborative project. For now, the app only supports Google SketchUp and Rhino on Windows only, though the company plans to incorporate other 3D apps and Mac support in the near future. Wiggle past the break to see a pair of demo videos, or hit up the source link below to download the app directly from iTunes.

Continue reading Maide Control iPad app lets you build and view 3D models with your bare, sweaty hands (video)

Maide Control iPad app lets you build and view 3D models with your bare, sweaty hands (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3D app3D CAD3dApp3dCadappapplicationCADdesigngesturegoogle sketchupGoogleSketchuphandsipadipad appIpadAppitunesmacmaidemaide controlMaideControlmodelmodelingmousemultitouchpresentationrhinosketchuptablettouchvideowindowswirelessFri, 14 Oct 2011 08:36:00 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[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 gesture patents reveal possible dual-screen tablet focus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/microsoft-gesture-patents-reveal-possible-dual-screen-tablet-foc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/microsoft-gesture-patents-reveal-possible-dual-screen-tablet-foc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/microsoft-gesture-patents-reveal-possible-dual-screen-tablet-foc/#comments Earlier this year, we heard a slew of whispers promising a late winter launch for Microsoft's Windows 8 tablets -- there was even mention of a tab-specific OS. While it's become clear that Redmond intends for its new operating system to run on multiple devices, insight into its tablet plans are still somewhat shrouded in mystery. From the looks of these gesture patents, however, it's clear MS has been eyeing a dual-screen tablet future (hello Courier). The recently published patents, not yet granted to the company, touch upon methods for off-screen input (read: bezel-based), but mainly focus on these multi-screen input options: dual tap, pinch and expand, hold and page-flip, hold and tap, and finally, bookmark hold. As you can glimpse from the image above, the patents handle simultaneous touch screen input, allowing a user the ability to swap images between screens, or even freeze a page on one side while continuing to browse on the other. By the looks of things, Sony might have some fierce competition in the multi-screen tablet market. Head to the source below to get a fuller look at these touch-based solutions.

Microsoft gesture patents reveal possible dual-screen tablet focus originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesturegesture patentsgesture-basedGesturePatentsgesturesMicrosoftMicrosoft Windows 8MicrosoftWindows8MSmulti-screenpatentpatentsslateslatestabtablettabletstouch screenTouchScreenWindows 8Windows8Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Patty, Microsoft's Surface 2.0 stress test robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/meet-patty-microsofts-surface-2-0-stress-test-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/meet-patty-microsofts-surface-2-0-stress-test-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/meet-patty-microsofts-surface-2-0-stress-test-robot/#comments Locked behind a gated fence and unseen by the public until now, lives Patty, Microsoft's Surface 2.0 stress test robot. Designed to see just how much Gates' touchscreen can take, this lady bot uses 80 compressed air-driven probes, six motors and a robotic moving head to apply maximum stress to the display. It works as such: by giving Patty a command, engineers can move probes across the screen at 25 inches per second -- mimicking the movement of fingers, hands and whatever else it might encounter IRL. With so much multitasking, it's no wonder she comes with a giant red emergency stop button -- just in case. See Patty do her thing by hitting the source link below.

Meet Patty, Microsoft's Surface 2.0 stress test robot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesturegesturesmicrosoftmicrosoft surfaceMicrosoftSurfacemultitaskingmultitasking gestureMultitaskingGesturepattyrobotstres testsstress teststress test robotstress testsStressTestRobotStresTestssurfacesurface 2.0Surface2.0Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Touch Mouse to take center stage at UIST Student Innovation Contest]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/microsoft-touch-mouse-to-take-center-stage-at-uist-student-innov/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/microsoft-touch-mouse-to-take-center-stage-at-uist-student-innov/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/microsoft-touch-mouse-to-take-center-stage-at-uist-student-innov/#comments
It's August, and that can only mean three things: vacations, back to school shopping, and another UIST Student Innovation Contest. Taking center stage this year is Microsoft's Touch Mouse -- a multitouch gesture-based peripheral that we first saw earlier this year. UIST contestants will have to come up with cool new ways to interact with the mouse, with the winning innovator receiving $1500, and $500 going to the runner-up (trophies are apparently involved, as well). All entries will be demoed on October 17th in Santa Barbara, and the winners will be announced on the following day. Hit the source link for information on registration, or squeeze past the break for a video from UIST chair Kayur Patel, along with a clip on the Touch Mouse.

Continue reading Microsoft Touch Mouse to take center stage at UIST Student Innovation Contest

Microsoft Touch Mouse to take center stage at UIST Student Innovation Contest originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestgestureinnovationMicrosoftmicrosoft touch mouseMicrosoftTouchMousemouseMSmultitouchmultitouch gestureMultitouchGestureperipheralsanta barbaraSantaBarbarasciencestudentstudentstouch mouseTouchMouseUISTUIST 2011UIST Student innovation contestuist student innovation contest 2011Uist2011UistStudentInnovationContestUistStudentInnovationContest2011videoTue, 09 Aug 2011 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm acquires gesture recognition IP from GestureTek, aims for Snapdragon integration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/qualcomm-acquires-gesture-recognition-ip-from-gesturetek-aims-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/qualcomm-acquires-gesture-recognition-ip-from-gesturetek-aims-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/qualcomm-acquires-gesture-recognition-ip-from-gesturetek-aims-f/#commentsWhat's superior to a shiny new Snapdragon, blazing all sorts of benchmarking trails in your next tablet and / or smartphone? Why, a Snapdragon with a pinch of IP from GestureTek, of course! Qualcomm has today announced its intentions to acquire "certain assets" from GestureTek, a long-standing developer of gesture recognition technology. We've seen the aforementioned outfit touch the mobile (and not-so-mobile) realm before, but now it looks like it'll be more aggressively touching devices with Qualcomm silicon. It's a strange move, indeed, but it could be one that signals a shift in the way chip makers are looking out for themselves. OEMs have long tried to skin their Android devices in a way that'll breed loyalty to a brand (rather than an OS), but loyalty to a CPU? According to Qually (yeah, what of it?), the buy will give it access to "key engineering resources," and while GestureTek will maintain "other assets in continuation of its gesture-controlled public display and digital signage business," we suspect the consumer-facing aspects will soon have a new master. We're told that the tech will be woven into current and next-gen Snapdragon processors, but only time will tell what sort of seamless wizardry will result. Hope your digits are ready.

Continue reading Qualcomm acquires gesture recognition IP from GestureTek, aims for Snapdragon integration

Qualcomm acquires gesture recognition IP from GestureTek, aims for Snapdragon integration originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engineeringgesturegesturesgesturetekqualcommSnapDragonMon, 25 Jul 2011 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: The bedeviled bezel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/17/switched-on-the-bedeviled-bezel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/17/switched-on-the-bedeviled-bezel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/17/switched-on-the-bedeviled-bezel/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

One of the few homages that the Palm Pre paid to the Palm Pilot was the gesture area, a separate part of the display face below the screen used for swipes just as the Pilot had a separate area devoted to entering Graffiti strokes. Unfortunately (like Graffiti before it), the gesture area was one of the least intuitive aspects of the Pre's operation, and HP has been moving away from it as a required navigation element. On the TouchPad, the gesture area has been scrapped in favor of an iPad-like bottom button.

But HP hasn't outright ignored the bezel on the TouchPad. Users can still swipe inbound from the bezel as an alternative way of bringing up its card view. Indeed, in 2011, it seems like nearly everyone has been taking a swipe at the bezel around touchscreen displays. First, RIM introduced inbound bezel swipes as a key navigation element on the PlayBook for activating menus, bringing up applications to launch, and its own webOS-like app switching interface. Microsoft showed how inbound bezel swipes will be part of the navigation for touchscreen devices in Windows 8. And MeeGo also uses the inbound bezel swipe as its keystone user interface element on smartphones...

Continue reading Switched On: The bedeviled bezel

Switched On: The bedeviled bezel originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bezelcolumngesturehpinteractionplaybookrimswitched onSwitchedOntablettouchpadwebosSun, 17 Jul 2011 17:38:00 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[Sliding Keyboard: it's like Swype, but for Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sliding-keyboard-its-like-swype-but-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sliding-keyboard-its-like-swype-but-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sliding-keyboard-its-like-swype-but-for-windows-phone-7/#comments In the Android realm, Swype has been life-changing for many; of course, reverting back to the messaging ways of old has been a must when jumping ship to WP7. Now, gesture tracing crosses the aisle, and it's hopping over to Microsoft's turf courtesy of Invoke IT's Sliding Keyboard. With the look of the regular ol' WP7 keyboard, this set of arm floaties records the user tracing out text, just like ex-Android fans are accustomed to. The company goes a bit further by offering a pair of goggles -- in the form of Bing search, text messaging and email options along the bottom of the app. Sure, it's seeing its fair share of first-revision bugs (word recognition seems a bit poor based on early reviews), but at a cool $1.29 (and a free trial preceding that), it's a good bit cheaper than a therapy session. Right?

Sliding Keyboard: it's like Swype, but for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBinggestureInvoke ITInvokeItkeyboardphoneSling KeyboardSlingKeyboardsmartphoneSwypetracingUIWindowsWindows Phone 7WindowsPhone7Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:32:00 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[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[Microsoft patent application shows custom Kinect gestures, roaming user profiles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/22/microsoft-patent-application-shows-custom-kinect-gestures-roami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/22/microsoft-patent-application-shows-custom-kinect-gestures-roami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/22/microsoft-patent-application-shows-custom-kinect-gestures-roami/#comments
Since Kinect entered the world, modders have been hacking it for everything from playing Tetris to controlling a web browser. And really, Microsoft never seemed to mind. In case it wasn't obvious how much the company wants you to help find new uses for the technology, the folks in Redmond have filed a patent application for custom profiles. We can see that having implications for gaming and even Windows shortcuts, but for now Microsoft expects it to improve Kinect's accuracy by learning how you move -- after all, no one jumps or points or apes Lady Gaga's dance moves in exactly the same fashion, right? In other cases, the system might note that you prefer to make an "X" sign instead of a checkmark when selecting an object onscreen. And those personalized settings can roam over a network, shadowing you as you switch devices. Personally, we're stoked about the idea of making our best Julian Assange dance a bona fide gesture, but we'll be happy enough if Kinect can make up for our natural ungainliness.

Continue reading Microsoft patent application shows custom Kinect gestures, roaming user profiles

Microsoft patent application shows custom Kinect gestures, roaming user profiles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesturegesturesKinectMicrosoftMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectpatentpatent applicationpatent applicationsPatentApplicationPatentApplicationspatentsroaminguser profileuser profilesUserProfileUserProfilesFri, 22 Apr 2011 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect-driven 'Jellybean' armchair hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/kinect-driven-jellybean-armchair-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/kinect-driven-jellybean-armchair-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/kinect-driven-jellybean-armchair-hands-on-video/#comments Yes, this is what happens when you combine Kinect with a recliner on a motorized platform -- perfectly normal people doing awesome zombie impersonations! This week at Microsoft's MIX 11 web developer conference, the enterprising Clint Rutkas of Coding4Fun / Channel 9 fame showed off his Kinect-driven "Jellybean" armchair on stage during the keynote, and later let our very own Sean Hollister take it for a spin. Sadly, we missed our chance to capture this special occasion on video for posterity when the laptop used to control this armchair overlord ran out of juice in the final stages of our practice run. The motorized platform uses eight batteries, four omnidirectional wheels each with its own motor, and a pair of motor controllers connected to a laptop which interprets the input from Kinect (using the new SDK for Windows) and provides visual feedback to the driver. A gesture interface brings the entire contraption to life and even includes a hand signal to recline the armchair. Take a look at some closeup shots in our gallery below and watch our video of the recliner in action after the break.

Gallery: Kinect-driven armchair hands-on

Continue reading Kinect-driven 'Jellybean' armchair hands-on (video)

Kinect-driven 'Jellybean' armchair hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armchairChairChannel 9Channel9Clint RutkasClintRutkasCoding4Fungesturehackhands-oninterfaceJellybeanKinectMIXMIX 11Mix11modreclinerrobotvideoFri, 15 Apr 2011 11:31:00 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[Evoluce releases Kinect-based 'Win & I' gesture interface for Windows 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/evoluce-releases-kinect-based-win-and-i-gesture-interface-for-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/evoluce-releases-kinect-based-win-and-i-gesture-interface-for-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/evoluce-releases-kinect-based-win-and-i-gesture-interface-for-wi/#comments We've already seen Evoluce toy around with using a Kinect to control Windows, but it's now taken things one step further with its new "Win & I" software, which promises to let anyone do the same with minimal effort. That comes in both a home edition that offers gesture controls for Windows 7 itself, plus Media Center and other applications (which could be particularly handy for a home theater), as well as a business edition that apparently adds some extra controls specifically tailored to Microsoft Office, and PowerPoint in particular. Head on past the break for a quick video demonstration, and hit up the link below to snag the software if you're interested -- the home edition runs €20, or just under $30 (Kinect not included, obviously).

Update: Well, it looks like Evoluce already has a bit of competition. Upstart company So Touch has now also released its Air Presenter software that will let you liven up your next presentation with more gesturing and hand-waving than usual.

Continue reading Evoluce releases Kinect-based 'Win & I' gesture interface for Windows 7

Evoluce releases Kinect-based 'Win & I' gesture interface for Windows 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evolucegesturegesture interfaceGestureInterfacegesturesinterfacevideowin and iwin iWinAndIwindowswindows 7Windows7WinIMon, 04 Apr 2011 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Evoluce announces 46-inch display with built-in 3D sensors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/evoluce-announces-46-inch-display-with-built-in-3d-sensors/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/evoluce-announces-46-inch-display-with-built-in-3d-sensors/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/evoluce-announces-46-inch-display-with-built-in-3d-sensors/#comments We've already seen Evoluce toy around with Kinect hacks and multitouch displays, and it's now inevitably managed to combine the two. The company has just announced its new I-Voluce display, which fuses a standard 46-inch LCD with some integrated "3D depth sensing technology" that's apparently not simply a repurposed Kinect -- exact details on it are light, but it will apparently work from a distance of up to 13 feet, and it relies on Windows 7 for an OS. That's obviously not designed for home use, but Evoluce does see plenty of potential for the displays in public spaces like museums, as well as in office and education environments. For those that prefer a more hands-on approach, Evoluce also has an updated version of its Surface-style multitouch table, the Evoluce Two, which also packs 3D depth sensing technology and can accommodate up to six users simultaneously. Of course, neither exactly come cheap -- look for prices to start at €3,995, or about $5,600.

Continue reading Evoluce announces 46-inch display with built-in 3D sensors

Evoluce announces 46-inch display with built-in 3D sensors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d sensor3dSensorevoluceevoluce twoEvoluceTwogesturegesture controlsGestureControlsi-volucemotion controlmotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlsmultitouchFri, 18 Mar 2011 03:38:00 EST<![CDATA[How to enable multitasking gestures in iOS 4.3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/how-to-enable-multitasking-gestures-in-ios-4-3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/how-to-enable-multitasking-gestures-in-ios-4-3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/how-to-enable-multitasking-gestures-in-ios-4-3/#comments Unfortunately we knew that iOS 4.3 wouldn't end up shipping with those nifty four- and five-finger gestures, but what we didn't know was how easy it'd be to enable them. That's right, getting even more touchy-feely with your brand new iPad 2 is just a few clicks and a 4.5GB download (to your Mac) away -- if you've got $5 for Xcode of course. Sound intriguing? Click past the break for the info.

Continue reading How to enable multitasking gestures in iOS 4.3

How to enable multitasking gestures in iOS 4.3 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegesturegestureshowtoiosipadipad2multaskmultitaskingmultitouchmultitouch gesturesMultitouchGesturesvideoMon, 14 Mar 2011 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/kinect-hack-turns-arduino-controlled-delta-robot-into-aggressive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/kinect-hack-turns-arduino-controlled-delta-robot-into-aggressive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/kinect-hack-turns-arduino-controlled-delta-robot-into-aggressive/#comments Candy crane, teddy picker, claw machine, whatever you call it, this arcade mainstay was robbing children of their golden tokens long before we slid into our first pair of Hammer pants, but despite the changing face of the plush offerings within, the crane game's remained mostly the same. Now a team of students at the Bartlett School of Architecture have produced a Kinect hack that could change the way you drop that claw. The rather temperamental delta robot enlists the ever-hackable peripheral in combination with Processing and Arduino to mimic the movements of a user's arm. As you can tell by the video below, the delta hasn't quite figured out the subtleties of human gestures, but the robot's creators say they intend to implement "several autonomous behaviors" once all the kinks are worked out. Frankly, we'd pay our weight in tokens to see the crane game bite back at an unsuspecting whippersnapper. Video after the break.

Continue reading Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video)

Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade gamesArcadeGamesarduinoarmautonomousbartlett school of architectureBartlettSchoolOfArchitectureclaw craneclaw gameClawCraneClawGamedeltadelta robotDeltaRobotgamegamesgesturegesture controlledGestureControlGestureControlledgestureshackkinectkinect hackKinectHackprocessingrobotrobot armRobotArmulcuniversity college londonUniversityCollegeLondonvideoMon, 07 Mar 2011 23:02:00 EST