Hands Off

In the past few decades, computers have improved exponentially, in accordance with Moore’s law, but the way we interact with them has changed relatively little. Ball tracking in mouses has been replaced by lasers for greater sensitivity and new stylish keyboards, which can quickly change their layout and are fully customizable, have begun to replace the generic plastic keyboards we’ve been using since the late 1970s. Despite the invention of wireless technology, the way we use our increasingly powerful machines hasn’t changed…until now. LEAP has developed a motion sensing hand tracker that replaces the conventional keyboard and mouse setup.

tumblr_lultziNpzX1r4sudwo1_500

The Leap Motion sensor, a USB enabled device, controls a computer with hand movement in real time. While this is not a new concept, the Leap is a revolutionary product. Other devices attempting to utilize hand controls have emerged in recent years and none of them have gained any real traction in the computer market. These devices have been clunky, expensive, and frustratingly inaccurate. Leap is hoping to succeed where others have failed by providing increased accuracy, low cost, and intuitive controls. In contrast to the Microsoft Kinect, which has been hailed for its incredible 3D tracking, the LEAP can detect 10 fingers at once and is 200 more times precise. It can detect subtle hand movements such as swipes, pokes, reaches and grabs, allowing the user to control a computer with great precision and accuracy.

Leap Motion is creating a new app store to accompany the device, with an emphasis on free and cheap apps. Many of the games which have become favorites on the Apple app store will be available for the Leap. However, it can also perform more complicated computer tasks such as internet browsing and PC gaming. The Leap is compatible with Mac and PC and will be available at Best Buy for $80 beginning in May of this year.  I’m really excited about this technology, especially because it looks like something out of Minority report. Do you want one? I’m about to click the pre-order button on their website. Check it out below.

2 thoughts on “Hands Off

  1. Pingback: 30 DMC: Day 28 – Your Favourite Action/Adventure Movie | Rhey of Sunshine

  2. Mike Giallorenzo

    This actually looks really cool. I think after the initial craze regarding the Wii I lost interest in most motion control stuff (never got a kinect, playstation move etc.), but this thing actually seems… feasible? Depending on the amount of support it gets in terms of compatible applications and whatnot, I might pick one up

Leave a Reply