Controlling Computers With Hand Movements

While computing power has grown exponentially for decades, the way we interact with our computers has essentially stayed in one flat dimension by using a mouse, keyboard and recently touch. The next new thing in interactive computing devices is an iPod-sized USB peripheral called Leap, which creates an 8-cubic foot, 3-dimensional space that allows users to control their devices using hand movements. The system uses a 1.3 megapixel camera and infrared LEDs to detect movements as small as one-hundredth of a millimeter. It links to a variety of operating systems and even allows you to customize gestures. Multiple units can also be networked to expand the interactive area.

In addition to basic on-screen navigation, Leap could eventually be used for gaming, graphic design, virtual sculpting, and translating sign language into text. Its small form factor will also make it easy to integrate into laptops and tablets. It’s currently available at a retail price of $69.99.