New device attempts to replace the clicker with gestures
We have yet to see any evidence that people prefer gesture-based input systems to traditional button-based ones, especially given decades of ingrained button-clicking habits (as well as the fact that buttons are usually clearly labeled with their functions). But that hasn't stopped researchers from contuniously developing new gesture-based systems, like the new one Scottish researchers proposed earlier this year for portable audio players. And now Australian scientists are attempting to apply the gesture concept to the venerable TV remote control with a small device that straps to your hand and recognizes various gestures (like as palm-up to fast-forward through a recorded program). While having something tethered to your hand might help those of us who are constantly losing our remotes, we can't help but think that most viewers would still rather click than wave — thus keeping those hands free for more important tasks like holding onto a brewski and a bowl of chips, or for commentary of programming by way of particular gesticulations that can't be reprinted on a family-friendly web site such as ours.
[Via gadgetblog.it]
