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Mgestyk system promises gesture control on the cheap
As we've seen, it's not exactly all that difficult for someone with the necessary skills to whip up their own gesture-based control system, but the folks at upstart Mgestyk Technologies seem to think they've got something a bit more notable on their hands, and they're actually planning on selling it to the general public. While the complete details are a bit light at the moment, their system apparently makes use of nothing more than an "affordable 3D camera" and some custom software to capture even small hand gestures, which seems to work at least reasonably well in the video after the break -- though we doubt many gamers will be quick to ditch their Razer or SteelSeries mouse. What's more, while Mgestyk already has a waiting list going, they aren't making any promises about an actual release date just yet, or a price for that matter, with them only saying that it'll be "in the range of a high-end webcam."
Video: Toshiba's gesture control coming to its cell-based TVs?
Remember that Qosmio G55 laptop with gesture control? Yeah, the one with the Cell-based SpursEngine under the hood. Well it looks like Tosh is bringing that so-called "natural" gesture input to its future cell-based televisions. Judging by the latest video alone, the gesture control seems more at home on the big-screen TV than smaller-screened laptops that require a higher degree of precision and closer viewing proximity. Demonstrated on a prototype, Toshiba hints that the tech might come to future Cell-based TVs -- interesting what with the cell-based ZF televisions already announced for Europe. While we find pushing buttons on a remote about as natural (and lazy) as it gets, here's hoping for this arm-flailing gesture control on future Toshiba TVs just for the nerdiness of it. Video of the G55 gesture input as well as the prototype television show at IFA after the break.[Via AVING]
Swype could make typing easier on the iPhone
Still haven't caught on to typing on that little non-tactile keyboard on the iPhone's screen? This little tech, from the creator of the T9 system (dreaded by some, loved by others) being shown off at TC50, could be just the ticket. Swype is kind of like a gesture-based system, except that it uses the keyboard knowledge you already have -- just run a stylus (or your finger) around a qwerty-board, hitting all the letters in your word on the way, and the program will guess the word you were drawing. If you're looking for something similar that's already appeared on the iPhone, you might check out ShapeWriter's WritingPad, which we hope will be returning to the App Store soon (warning: loud video on page).It's pretty wild -- his drawing "Mississippi" set off my "awesometer." Unfortunately, while the iPhone is given just a slight mention (can you name another touchscreen device that's used as widely?), it'd probably need a little tweaking. He's using a stylus (which on the iPhone is a no), and it'd be tough to draw with accuracy on a keyboard as small as the iPhone, even on the bigger horizontal version. Still, I like it, and Apple could always consider something like this for the iTablet, whenever they decide to release that. It'd be an easy way to overlay another typing method onto an already-working nontactile keyboard.
Toshiba's Cambridge Research Lab shows off gesture-controlled TVs, image recognition
Toshiba is pulling an EyeToy, minus a diabolical plan to actually sell the thing and make a killing off of collectable elemental decks. The company's Cambridge-based Research Lab has some new video camera-based feature they're prototyping for possible eventual TV implementation. The real highlight is a fist-based cursor control -- just stick out your hand, make a fist, and control a cursor on-screen for navigating the TV's functions. You can also put up your palm to stop the madness, and even rotate 3D images on-screen, but it's all a little shaky for now. Another thing we saw was picture recognition: hold up a cue card to the TV with an image on it and the TV recognizes it and performs a pre-assigned function. Tosh is also working on speech recognition and some other things; not really changing the world, but some fun stuff all the same.%Gallery-30760%
GestureTek and Xpletive showcase 3D interactive exhibit
It's hard to say how soon GestureTek and Xpletive's latest concoction will have a real impact on the at-home 3D market, but guests at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing were able to experience flight over Vancouver (the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics) via the B.C. Explorer. The so-called immersive display was used to promote the upcoming Games and stimulate interest in British Columbia, and it enabled onlookers to step into a curved panoramic projection dome and virtually fly over one of Canada's most popular locales. Along the way, users could use gestures to pull back and watch full-screen HD movies of certain points of interest. The two firms are hoping to deploy five kiosks over the next year, though they're being awful quiet about specific applications right now.
Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Star_Wars_The_Force_Unleashed_Wii_Impressions_Unleashed'; For good and bad -- or should I say light and dark -- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii is clearly a Wii game. Side-by-side with the PS3 and 360 versions, the Wii graphics disappoint, and the complexity and frequency of enemies feels scaled back. But the Wii motion controls are regularly interesting, mapping many of the game's controls into gestures. The simplest ones feel great, like punching the Nunchuk forward to do the Force-push.After recently playing late-development versions of all four game editions--360/PS3, Wii, DS, and PS2/PSP--I think the Wii game holds up as well as any of them. I had fun throwing enemies, shooting them with lightning, and hitting them with the lightsaber. And while the Wii holds its own, I'm mildly concerned that the final game could be repetitious, just cutting down waves of attackers. Hopefully the many different attacks, and Wii-specific two-player duel mode, will keep the game interesting.%Gallery-20587%
Video: LM3Labs' AirStrike interactive holograms, because they can
We're not sure why they did it, but LM3Labs have a developed an interactive, gesture-controlled hologram technology called AirStrike. Presumably, the technology can be applied to advertising or as an event novelty. We imagine this is about as close to a God Complex as any of us non-surgeons will ever get. See what we mean in the video after the break.[Via fresh creation]
Samsung skips the touchscreen, patents gesture-based phone interface
Samsung's been getting pretty creative with cell cameras lately -- the Instinct lets you pan around web pages by tracking movement with the camera, for example -- but the company's latest patent application, for a gesture-based phone interface, might be a little less practical. The idea is to use the phone's camera to track your hand movements, which, from the drawings, should have you looking insane on the subway in no time. Of course, we've all been guilty of waving at and even talking to our devices when they're acting up, so maybe a little feedback wouldn't be a bad thing -- there's one gesture we'd definitely like to see programmed in there.[Via Textually.org]
Hands Free 3D enables your movements to control Second Life avatar
Using 3D cameras in order to let humans control interfaces by simply moving about is old hat, but for those sick and tired of being strapped to a mouse / keyboard in Second Life, take a glance at this. Hands Free 3D is a prototypical system that gives addicts members of the virtual realm the ability to walk, jump, fly and interact by simply gesturing in front of a PC-connected camera designed by 3DV Systems. Currently, it doesn't seem like this solution is on the fast track to release or anything, but we have a sneaking suspicion they aren't demoing this stuff for kicks and giggles. Peek the video right after the break.
Universal Electronics licenses motion control, hopes you don't put your eye out
Ask us what we think about voice control of A/V gear, and you're likely to get a laugh. Gesture-based control, however, is a different kettle of fish. Despite the knocks we give it, simply waving your hands through the air does make you feel more powerful than pressing a designated button. Universal Electronics (UEI) is on the same page, and has licensed motion-control technology from Hillcrest Labs to deliver more of that omnipotent feeling in its remote controls. Hillcrest's Freespace tech has already found its way into the Logitech MX Air, but we'll have to wait and see what kind of usage UEI will incorporate into its products. Creating a successful "10-foot" experience isn't going to be solved by hardware manufacturers alone, though -- optimizing the graphical side of the design is necessary as well.
Reactrix WAVEscape: like the Wii, but for advertising
We know, it's far too easy to link gesture-based anything to the Wii these days, but the Reactrix WAVEscape actually does favor the console's approach on most every level. Officially announced at CES, the system was devised by TYZX and Reactrix and is destined to lure susceptible civilians that pass by commercial displays. Essentially, the company hopes to create an "engaging advertising experience" (saywha?) by enabling consumers to interact with the ads by simply moving their arms / hands and having those motions recognized by an integrated "3D camera." Regrettably, it seems as if this technology isn't headed to the living room anytime soon, but that's what your Wii is for, right?[Via PCWorld, image courtesy of oryankim]
Hands flailing wildly with Toshiba's SpursEngine laptop
Toshiba's Cell processor-based SpursEngine B.E. was on full display at CES, with a variety of tech demos to show off its power. From HD video transcoding, facial recognition, or the always popular gesture-control Toshiba's baby went through a series of workouts, trying to be the third teammate, with your CPU & GPU, to speed heavy-duty processing. Featuring only four cores -- half the number found in the PS3 -- it handled all tasks thrown its way, check out the gallery to find out how the power of the Cell could help your PC in the future.%Gallery-13422%
Hands flailing wildly with JVC's Snap and Gesture HDTV
We've now experienced JVC's Snap and Gesture HDTV -- the display that replaces your remote by responding to audio cues like snapping/clapping, or visual ones with hand gestures -- and can confirm we are exactly the type of lazy couch potatoes this is not aimed towards. While leading a nation, signaling for a time out or expressing displeasure with another driver are best done with elaborate hand movements, we're a bit more thumb-oriented. Check out some lazily-snapped photos (auto focused, not manual) in the gallery.%Gallery-13064%
Sony Ericsson cameraphones could support gesture control
Generally speaking, the cameras that come built in to today's mobiles are less than astounding, but a recent Sony Ericsson patent application could make 'em a bit more worthwhile. The patent describes a scenario where a user could input commands by simply gesturing in front of the lens, and the phone would then be able to decode certain actions and react accordingly. Apparently, one could answer a phone (in handsfree fashion, of course) from across the room with just a flick of the wrist, and tracks streaming over Bluetooth could be controlled by waving your hands like you just don't care. Granted, users would still have to be where the handset could see them, but aside from that, the idea's not too shabby.[Via UnwiredView]
3D medical display utilizes gesture-controlled interface
Though not quite as intense as HD surgery, we'd say this thing could still project some pretty startling results. The display shown above, which was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut HHI in Berlin, relies on a pair of cameras mounted overhead and a single one integrated into its frame to capture exactly what angle the physician is gazing in at. Subsequently, the doctor can simply wave his / her finger and the image will rotate and shift as commanded in order to provide a more detailed look while keeping things as sterile as possible. Essentially, this system weds your average 3D display with a less common non-contact user interface, and while hard pricing deets weren't disclosed, the team suggested that even smaller medical practices should be able to squeeze this into their budget.[Via medGadget]
Pioneer shows off a 3D gesture controller for cars at the Tokyo Motor Show
Apparently this rig was at CEATEC and we missed it, but Pioneer is showing off a triple-screened 3D gesture controller for cars at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it looks pretty amazing. The left screen shows GPS, while the far right screen shows potential overlays -- selecting an icon from the right screen allows you to "grab" it from the middle holographic section and put it on the left GPS screen. It sounds crazy and potentially distracting, but it's got that KITT vibe we love so much, and it's interesting to see gesture and 3D come together like this. Check the read link for lots more pics of this thing in action.[Via Navigadget and Switched]
Project E helps you communicate, make friends
We'll be honest, we see nothing wrong with just phoning someone up and venting your frustrations, but for those looking to insert yet another layer in their relationship, Project E could apparently help. This interesting prototype consists of a web-based backbone (Eco), a central hub (that Exo creature pictured to the right), and a wearable piece of jewelry (Evo). Essentially, these Bluetooth-enabled devices respond to gestural based inputs and can communicate your feelings to other Project E members, and just in case you're feeling adventurous, you can pair up your Evo with a complete stranger and immediately have them added to your aggravation contact list. All in all, this just smells all too tweeny for us to dig, but we're sure there's a niche out there somewhere willing to give it some love.
Apple patent attack: the multi-touch gesture dictionary
The unstoppable Apple patent machine has struck again. This time, the Cupertino-cash-cow has applied for a patent on a new multi-touch "dictionary" which would establish gestures, or "chords" in multi-touch systems. The dictionary would not only provide a guide and somewhat-programmable system of movements, but would also function as an application which runs either on its own or in the background during other applications, allowing gestures to be recognized. It would seem that based on other recent patent requests, Apple is keenly interested in not only defining a new system of input, but owning that system as well, which likely means that the future of the company is going to look a lot lighter in the "key" department -- and really, isn't that what Jobs is after to begin with?[Via PC Joint]
Georgia Tech researchers develop gesture-recognizing watch
This isn't the first time we've seen some gesture-based technology come out of Georgia Tech, but it looks like they've made some fairly significant improvements, now touting it not just as a game interface, but as a means to control all your various gadgets. Unlike that previous system, which simply relied on a cellphone camera to track movement, this new system makes use of five infrared sensors to pick up on your gestures, which then get interpreted and sent to the device you're trying to control via Bluetooth. No word when you'll actually be able to do that yourself, of course, although the researches don't seem to see any limits to the technology's potential, even touting it as a means for doctors to control medical devices during an operation.[Via SlashGear]
Today's please-play-play-better-in-person video: DK Bongo Blast
Is the Wii doomed to half-baked waggle games, or will developers harness the awesome power of apples gestures? For a game from Nintendo, Donkey Kong Bongo Blast doesn't give us a lot of hope, at least in video form. Watch the spastic drum-roll gesture to start Donkey Kong racing in addition to other control ... um ... schemes. (And we were sick of the drum roll after Rayman Rabbids, even with the reward of kicking a bunny or launching one off a train cart.)Oh, waggle, prove us wrong.See the video after the break.
