Microsoft's SideSight: Something Apple Should Watch | Hacker News Reader

Microsoft's SideSight: Something Apple Should Watch

gearlog.com

13 pointsashishk9 comments

The only quirk I see, as opposed to multi-touch (iPhone) is that you'd have to set this device down or hold it in very awkward ways. If you're at a desk that's fine, but it'd lead to precarious situations with not holding on very securely to your device.

I definitely do not see this staying in it's current incarnation. Having to set a mobile phone down in order to use it highly inhibits usability. The lack of tactile feedback might also be a problem.

I do, however, see this tech progressing to other devices and maybe migrating to the front of the phone. If the interface is calibrated well, you could very well have a touch phone with 3D gestures (push/pull/grab/rotate/etc) and you wouldn't need to worry about fingerprints on the screen. Iron man's 3D modeling device, anyone?

Agreed. I know it's a Microsoft research project, but playing devil's advocate:

What's the point of a mobile device again?

Oh, right. :)

well here's what i see with the tech, forward about 5 years.

mobile PC eyewear. you're walking around doing whatever it is you want to do, and to access your PC systems reach out in front of you and make gestures. the IR emitted from the glasses reflects and takes note of your hand/finger positions and interprets your actions as interface operations.

far-fetched? maybe i watch too much power rangers

Deleted comment

trust me. the second i release a patch that turns EVERYONE you see into jessica alba i'll be banking benjamins.

word up

Just like a multi-touch phone, you can hold the device with one hand, and gesture with the other. What's the big deal?

think he's saying that fully grasping the device as you would normally do would inhibit the sensors which appear to be lined down the sides of the device.

Neat but I can't imagine what useful features would require me to wave my fingers around the phone instead of touching the screen.

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