Changing the Landscape for Computing: Gesture-Based Interfaces

In the beginning of the year I looked back on the last decade and many of the major milestones we’ve reached in regards to new and innovative technology. I also said that although I see major improvements to the technology we use today, I don’t see anything as major as we did in the last decade. Well, I may have spoken too soon.

In the article “You, Too, Can Soon Be Like Tom Cruise in ‘Minority Report’,” written by JENNIFER 8. LEE, we are given a major dose of the future of computing. Lee introduces John Underkoffler, co-founder of Oblong Industries, and the creative brain behind the futuristic computer interface that is used in the movie Minority Report.

During the annual TED conference in Long Beach, Calif., Underkoffler uses special gloves to demonstrate the gesture-activated interface.

The interface allows you move “photos and forms” on a screen; using movements like push, pull, stretch, zoom in/out and rotate using six degrees of control.

According to the article, “Mr. Underkoffler said this gesture technology was already being used in Fortune 50 companies, government agencies and universities, and he predicted that it would soon be available for consumers. ‘I think in five years’ time, when you buy a computer, you’ll get this,’ he said.”

The New York Times also recently reported video games soon to come out with gesture controls, which I think are sure to put Nintendo Wii to shame.

This technology is a work in progress towards eliminating the use of a traditional keyboard, mouse and screen setup. Many technologies have been working towards computing in a more seamless and user-friendly way; especially Apple products (i.e. the MightyMouse and the iPad).

This interactive technology is sure to change the way we use computers and overall the way we work at our desk.

I am now eating my words with the release of this technology, and can’t wait to see how it is commercially sold and incorporated into our everyday lives.

February 19, 2010