Sci-fi fans and computer users are always fantasizing about ever more advanced computer interfaces and Leap Motion is more than happy to provide. Leap Motion is a new 3D motion control sensor designed to put usability quite literally in the user’s hands.
Compatible with both Apple and PCs, users need only to plug the three-inch long device into an available USB port to interact with their computers. Replacing all clicking, dragging, and dropping, Leap Motion leaves the empty space between the user and the computer available for a range of fluid, natural motion control.
At a panel during SXSW, CEO and co-founder Michael Buckwald’s goal with this new technology was to fundamentally change how people interact with their computers. “People shouldn’t have to wear keyboards on their arms or strap accelerometers to their heads. They should be able to reach out and grab want they want from an interface,” Buckwald said.
Although Leap Motion is impressive on its own merit, CTO and co-founder David Holz perhaps put it best by saying, “[a] product can be as amazing as we want it to be, but it won’t succeed if the developers aren’t there.” Fortunately, there are currently over 60,000 apps available for Leap Motion.
Holz revealed, while speaking at the SXSW panel, that his inspiration for developing the Leap Motion was a desire for “the technology that understands me.” Rather than create another pre-programmed motion control system that doesn’t perform as the user desires, Leap Motion gives the user the ability to directly interact with the computer on his or her own terms.
The potential uses for this new technology are endless. For example, Holz cited that this level of motion capture in an educational setting could be invaluable to helping students relate to and understand complex concepts like quantum particles.
Currently, the remarkable product is available for online pre-order directly from Leap Motion to be shipped on May 13 for $79.99 and for purchase at Best Buy in stores beginning May 19.
CORRECTION: Techcitement has been notified that there may have been some miscommunication those 60,000 available apps. While more than 12,000 developers have been sent developer units to work on applications for the technology, the actual number of applications available on Airspace, Leap Motion’s application store, at launch is not yet determined.
I
like the myo more. Last thing I need is another gadget to bang around,
slip here and there, clutter up my desk, and look, another cord! I need
more cords in my way! The Myo is out of the way I can put books and
other materials on my desk between me and the computer.