New 3D technology transforms the home computer

CBS
21 May 201203:01

TLDRIn this CBS News Tech Talk, David Holtz, CTO and co-founder of Leap Motion, introduces a groundbreaking 3D motion-sensing technology. The Leap Motion device offers highly accurate motion detection, surpassing Microsoft's Kinect by providing precision control for activities like browsing the web, designing architecture, or even gaming. At $70, it connects to your computer, allowing users to interact with the screen by simply moving their fingers in the air. The technology offers effortless control, bringing tablet-like navigation to a desktop environment with unparalleled accuracy.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 Leap Motion introduces a new 3D motion sensing device designed to enhance interaction with home computers.
  • 💻 The device is touted as the most accurate and powerful motion-sensing tool in the market.
  • 🏠 Leap Motion can be applied in fields like architecture and engineering for 3D modeling, making it highly useful for professionals.
  • 🕹️ It provides a more connected experience between users and their computers, similar to the way tablets and smartphones do.
  • 🎮 Unlike Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360, Leap Motion is much more accurate and plugs directly into the computer.
  • ⏳ The device is expected to be available for purchase by winter, priced at around $70.
  • 👆 Leap Motion allows users to interact with their computer using subtle hand and finger motions, offering an effortless browsing experience.
  • 📱 It brings a touchless experience similar to using a tablet or smartphone, but in the air and on larger devices like computers.
  • 🎮 Leap Motion can also be used for gaming, allowing precise control with just small finger movements, avoiding hand fatigue.
  • 🖐️ Multiple fingers can be tracked simultaneously, enabling collaborative interactions on-screen.

Q & A

  • What is the name of the motion-sensing device mentioned in the video?

    -The device is called the Leap from Leap Motion.

  • Who is David Holtz, and what is his role at Leap Motion?

    -David Holtz is the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Leap Motion.

  • How is Leap Motion different from Microsoft's Kinect?

    -Leap Motion is much more accurate, being several hundred times more precise than Kinect. It also plugs into a computer rather than a gaming console like the Xbox 360.

  • When is the Leap Motion device expected to be available, and what is its price?

    -The Leap Motion device is expected to be available in the winter and is priced at $70.

  • What are some real-world applications of the Leap Motion device?

    -The Leap Motion device can be used by architects, engineers, or anyone working with 3D objects, making it easier to interact with and manipulate 3D designs.

  • How does the Leap Motion device allow interaction with computers?

    -The Leap Motion device allows users to control their computers by moving their fingers or hands in the air, offering a touch-free experience similar to tablets or smartphones.

  • What is one of the benefits of Leap Motion's accuracy in terms of motion tracking?

    -The device is so accurate that very small finger movements can control a large area on the screen without needing to move the entire hand.

  • How can Leap Motion be used for gaming?

    -Leap Motion can be used to control games by tracking small, accurate finger movements, which is especially beneficial for games that would normally rely on touchscreens.

  • What feature does the Leap Motion device offer in terms of multiple users?

    -The Leap Motion device can track multiple fingers, allowing more than one person to interact with the screen simultaneously.

  • How does Leap Motion enhance user interaction compared to traditional devices?

    -Leap Motion enhances user interaction by offering a highly accurate and effortless way to control computers, allowing users to manipulate 3D environments and perform complex actions with minimal movement.

Outlines

00:00

🖥️ Introduction to Leap Motion Technology

The video begins with Chena Neck from CBS News Tech Talk introducing the topic of 3D motion sensing technology. She is joined by David Holtz, the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Leap Motion. David briefly explains that Leap Motion offers the world's most accurate and powerful motion sensing device, which is particularly useful for applications involving 3D design and input.

🏠 Real-World Use Cases for Leap Motion

David describes various real-world applications of the Leap Motion device, explaining that it can be used by architects working on buildings or engineers working on aircraft. The device allows for a more intuitive interaction with 3D objects, providing a sense of connectedness similar to that of using tablets and smartphones.

🎮 Leap Motion vs. Microsoft Kinect

Chena draws a comparison between the Leap Motion device and Microsoft's Kinect, a motion-sensing device for the Xbox 360. David explains that Leap Motion is several hundred times more accurate and plugs into a computer. He reveals that the device will be available in the winter for $70.

🏡 Using Leap Motion at Home

David demonstrates how Leap Motion can be used for everyday tasks, such as browsing websites like CBS News from a distance. He compares it to using a tablet or smartphone in the air, making it effortless to navigate without directly touching the computer. The device brings touchscreen-like functionality to traditional computers.

🕹️ Leap Motion for Gaming

David discusses how Leap Motion is also useful for gaming. He emphasizes the device's accuracy and speed, explaining that small finger movements can control large areas on the screen without requiring significant physical effort. This precision makes it ideal for tasks that would otherwise be tiring on touchscreens.

🌍 3D Mapping and Gesture Control Demo

In a demo, David and Chena explore a 3D map, with David showcasing how small finger movements allow precise control of the interface. Multiple fingers can be tracked, allowing both participants to interact with the map simultaneously. The demonstration highlights the ease and fluidity of using Leap Motion for 3D manipulation.

📱 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Chena wraps up the conversation by thanking David for the demo and insights into Leap Motion. She encourages viewers to stay updated with the latest technology news on CBSNews.com.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡3D motion sensing technology

3D motion sensing technology refers to systems that can detect and track movements in three-dimensional space. In the video, Leap Motion is showcased as a highly accurate motion-sensing device, allowing users to interact with their computers through physical gestures in mid-air, without needing to touch a screen or use a mouse.

💡Leap Motion

Leap Motion is a company that has developed one of the most accurate motion-sensing devices. In the video, their technology is highlighted for its precision and ability to map small hand and finger movements to control on-screen content, offering users a new way to interact with computers.

💡David Holtz

David Holtz is introduced as the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Leap Motion. He provides insight into the development and use cases of the Leap Motion device, discussing its capabilities and applications in various fields like gaming, design, and architecture.

💡Microsoft Kinect

Microsoft Kinect is a motion-sensing device used with the Xbox 360 gaming console. In the video, Kinect is compared to Leap Motion, with Holtz explaining that Leap Motion is several hundred times more accurate, designed for computer use rather than console gaming.

💡3D input device

A 3D input device is hardware that allows users to input information into a computer by interacting with objects in three-dimensional space. The Leap Motion device is discussed as a 3D input device, enabling detailed control of digital environments for professionals like architects and engineers.

💡User interface

A user interface refers to how users interact with a computer or device. The Leap Motion device offers an innovative interface by allowing gesture-based interactions in 3D space, mimicking the experience of using a touchscreen but without physically touching the screen.

💡Accuracy

Accuracy in this context refers to how precisely a device can track movements. The Leap Motion technology is praised for its exceptional accuracy, allowing even small finger motions to be detected and mapped accurately onto a computer screen.

💡Gaming

Gaming is highlighted as one of the potential applications for Leap Motion's technology. The ability to control games with small hand movements makes it an immersive experience, with Holtz mentioning that motion control in gaming could become less tiring compared to touchscreen interfaces.

💡Architecture and Engineering

Architecture and engineering are mentioned as fields that could benefit from Leap Motion technology. The precision of the motion sensor makes it easier for professionals in these fields to work on complex 3D designs, manipulating structures in digital environments using hand gestures.

💡Multi-finger tracking

Multi-finger tracking refers to the ability of a motion-sensing device to track multiple fingers simultaneously. The Leap Motion device allows both the user and another person to interact with the screen at the same time, enabling collaborative work or complex interactions in the digital space.

Highlights

Introduction of Leap Motion's 3D motion sensing technology.

David Holtz, Leap Motion CTO and co-founder, discusses the technology.

Leap Motion is described as the world's most accurate and powerful motion sensing device.

Real-world examples of Leap Motion include architects and engineers working in 3D environments.

Leap Motion provides a connected experience with computers, similar to tablets and smartphones.

Comparison made to Microsoft Kinect, highlighting Leap Motion's increased accuracy.

Leap Motion is a small device that plugs into your computer, with hundreds of times more accuracy than Kinect.

Availability announced for winter at a price of $70.

Demonstration of Leap Motion's use for browsing, allowing users to interact with a screen without touching it.

Leap Motion mimics touchscreen gestures in mid-air, offering a tablet-like experience on a computer.

The device is accurate enough to map small finger movements across large areas on the screen.

Potential gaming applications for Leap Motion, using small hand movements for high precision.

Demonstration of controlling a map with minimal finger movement, highlighting its precision and ease.

Multiple fingers can be tracked at the same time, allowing for collaborative interactions on the same screen.

Closing remarks on the potential of Leap Motion for future technology, with a reference to CBS News for updates.