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Once upon a time there was a program called Photoshop, created by the Knoll Brothers. Twenty years and eleven versions later, it basically remains unchanged. Except for the damn bloody tabs.
Synaptics, best known for developing the Zune Pad and Android G1 screen, have unveiled two new multitouch gestures for their PC touchpads: two-finger flick and ChiralRotate. Two-finger flick is fairly self explanatory — you swipe your finger from side to side on the trackpad and it will move through a series of files, such as photos, and initiate different app-specific "modes" with a flick up or down. ChiralRotate lets you move your finger in a circular motion on the trackpad, and it will move through a series of images in full screen or slideshow mode.
Apple has been working in new multi-touch technology that combines touch interfaces with input from the camera and the microphone. For example: this will allow you to select text in the iPhone, say "copy," go to another application and say "paste" to make this task really easy. The most intriguing part, however, is the use of a camera in laptops and desktops.
What you're looking at here is an actual Wii-like 3-D controller interface that can track objects like your hand in real time. It may look a little shoddy, but what's amazing is that this very functional 3-D interface was built by a hobbyist with parts most DIYers can find in their couch cushions--six resistors, aluminium foil, wire, a cardboard box, and an Arduino microprocessor to crunch the numbers. That's it. It couldn't be more simple. But how'd he pull it off?
As an alternative to touchscreen control, Keynetik has designed a prototype motion-interface for portable devices that requires just a single hand to operate. Using multiple accelerometers, it can cleverly distinguish the user's gestures from mere accidental "interference" motions, and even works whether you're left- or right-handed. With control buttons resting under your fingertips on its curved chassis, its operation really is one-handed, so you're free to do whatever you like with the other one. If you own a Nokia N95 and fancy some mono-mano action, you can try out the "RockNScroll" test version they've built. [Technabob]
Hitachi's StarBoard combines your computer with a chalkboard in a seamless fashion. Controlled by an IR pen, the Starboard allows you to edit Excel spreadsheets, easily map diagrams or, as Jesus is doing here, draw Batman.
The StarBoard can integrate with any computer and projector, though Hitachi recommends their vertical projection model. Nicest bonus? You can record AV and play it back later. The StarBoard was just announced here at IFA and will run 4,600 euros. But damn does it look good—and super easy to use.
Pico is a computer interface that can move electromagnetic pucks, merging the digital and physical worlds. In this video from earlier this year, see how researcher James Patten has used his unique combination of projection, magnets and computing to help visualize problems such as determining the best place to put a group of cellphone network transmission towers. Imagine the games you could play with this thing! [James Patten]
Thinking of buying that super-expensive graphics tablet? Maybe you don't need to, because Suck are offering this digital pencil that mimics the human finger, allowing it to be used on touch pads.
Using a pencil is more intuitive than drawing with a touch-pad, but I'm not sure how useful this is actually going to be, cute as it is. It's made from a 'super special space age silicone' and should be available soon. [Suck]
Apple is a further tinkering with its MultiTouch interface, now showing how it might be implemented on a Macbook Pro in a patent application that extends the idea from an earlier filing in 2004. No, you won't be smudging up that gleaming screen with your pasty paws—the touchscreen on this Macbook is not actually a touchscreen at all, but a seriously widened touchpad.
FuRo and Leading Edge Design, the guys who came up with the Halluc II robot have been showing off the little Linux beastie's moves, using their Hull cockpit. Boasting a 150-cm hemispherical screen which displays video from the camera embedded at the front of the robot, the cockpit has another little trick up its sleeve. Check out the two vids below.
