New 3D technology transforms the home computer

CBS
21 May 201203:01

TLDRChena neck from CBS News Tech Talk explores Leap Motion's 3D motion sensing technology with co-founder David Holtz. The device, accurate hundreds of times more than Microsoft Connect, allows for intuitive 3D interaction with computers. Applications range from architects and engineers to gaming. It's set to release this winter at $70, promising an effortless, tablet-like experience in the air.

Takeaways

  • 🎮 Leap Motion introduces a highly accurate 3D motion-sensing device for home computers.
  • 💡 The device provides a 3D input interface, ideal for tasks such as architectural and engineering design.
  • 🖱️ It offers enhanced interaction, similar to using a touchscreen device, without needing to physically touch the screen.
  • 🕹️ Leap Motion differs from Microsoft Kinect, as it is more accurate and plugs directly into a computer.
  • ⏳ The device will be available for purchase in the winter for $70.
  • 🖐️ It allows users to control the computer with small finger movements, offering precise and effortless navigation.
  • 🌐 Users can browse websites or control apps like they would on a tablet, but in mid-air.
  • 🎮 Leap Motion can be used for gaming, offering accuracy by mapping small hand movements to large areas on the screen.
  • 🔄 The device supports multi-finger tracking, allowing multiple users to interact with the screen simultaneously.
  • 📡 Leap Motion opens new possibilities for 3D interaction and enhances computer control for various professional and casual uses.

Q & A

  • What technology is being discussed in the video?

    -The video discusses 3D motion-sensing technology developed by Leap Motion.

  • Who is being interviewed in the video?

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

  • What is unique about the Leap Motion device compared to other motion-sensing technologies?

    -The Leap Motion device is the world's most accurate and powerful motion-sensing device, offering precision that is several hundred times greater than devices like Microsoft's Kinect.

  • How can the Leap Motion device be used in real-world scenarios?

    -It can be used by professionals such as architects and engineers when working with 3D models, allowing for more natural interaction with digital spaces.

  • How does Leap Motion compare to Microsoft's Kinect in terms of usage?

    -Unlike Kinect, which is designed for Xbox 360, Leap Motion connects to a computer and is much more accurate.

  • When will the Leap Motion device be available and at what price?

    -The device will be available in the winter for $70.

  • How does the Leap Motion device replicate the experience of using a tablet or smartphone?

    -Users can interact with their computer in the air, similar to how they would swipe and navigate on a touchscreen device.

  • How does Leap Motion handle gaming applications?

    -Leap Motion maps small hand movements to a large area on the screen, allowing for fast and accurate control without tiring the user.

  • What does the demo with the map of New York show about the device's capabilities?

    -The demo shows how small finger movements can accurately control and rotate a 3D map, showcasing the device's precision in tracking multiple fingers simultaneously.

  • Where can viewers find more information about the latest technology?

    -Viewers can find more technology news and updates on cbsnews.com.

Outlines

00:00

🖥️ Introduction to Leap Motion's 3D Motion Sensing Technology

Chena neck from CBS News Tech Talk interviews David Holtz, the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Leap Motion, to explore their 3D motion sensing device. The device is described as the world's most accurate and powerful motion sensing technology, with potential applications ranging from architecture to engineering. It aims to provide a 3D input method that enhances the user's connection with computers, similar to the experience with tablets and smartphones. David contrasts Leap Motion with Microsoft Connect, highlighting the superior accuracy and computer compatibility of Leap Motion. The device is set to be available in winter for $70. A demonstration of web browsing with Leap Motion is mentioned, suggesting an effortless interaction similar to using a touchscreen but in the air.

Mindmap

Keywords

3D Motion Sensing Technology

This refers to technology that allows devices to detect and interpret human movements in three-dimensional space without physical contact. In the video, this technology is demonstrated through the Leap Motion device, which tracks hand and finger movements to control a computer. It connects the user to the computer with an interactive, touchless experience.

Leap Motion

Leap Motion is the company behind the motion sensing device being showcased in the video. The device offers high accuracy in tracking hand movements and allows users to interact with 3D spaces on their computers. This transforms tasks such as design, gaming, and browsing into immersive, gesture-controlled experiences.

David Holtz

David Holtz is introduced as the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Leap Motion. In the video, he explains the capabilities of their 3D motion sensing technology and provides demos to show how it can be used in different settings, such as gaming and web browsing.

Architects and Engineers

Architects and engineers are given as examples of professionals who can benefit from using Leap Motion’s 3D motion sensing technology. For tasks that require designing or working with 3D objects, such as creating a house or airplane, the precision and ease of controlling digital objects with hand gestures make this technology practical for real-world applications.

Kinect

Kinect is Microsoft's motion sensing device for the Xbox 360, which also allows users to interact with games and apps through gestures. In the video, it is compared to the Leap Motion device, with the Leap offering far greater accuracy and compatibility with personal computers, unlike Kinect which is limited to gaming consoles.

Touchscreen Experience

The touchscreen experience is described as a familiar interaction method for smartphones and tablets. Leap Motion extends this concept to computers, allowing users to control their screen with hand gestures in the air, similar to how they would use touch on a tablet but without actually touching the screen.

Gaming

Gaming is highlighted as one of the potential applications of Leap Motion’s 3D sensing technology. It allows for precise, gesture-based interaction in games, mapping small finger movements to large areas on the screen, enhancing accuracy and reducing the physical effort required, as compared to traditional touchscreen controls.

Accuracy

Accuracy is a key feature of the Leap Motion device, mentioned several times in the video. The device can track even the smallest finger movements with precision, allowing for detailed interaction with digital content. This level of accuracy is emphasized as a major advantage over other motion sensing devices like Kinect.

Winter Release

The release timeframe for the Leap Motion device is mentioned as 'this winter,' indicating the product's upcoming availability for consumers. This detail adds urgency and relevance for viewers interested in acquiring the technology.

$70

The price of the Leap Motion device is highlighted as $70, making it relatively affordable compared to other high-tech devices. This cost, combined with its advanced features, makes it appealing to a wide range of users, from casual consumers to professionals.

Highlights

Introduction of Leap Motion, a highly accurate 3D motion-sensing device.

David Holtz, Leap Motion co-founder, discusses the innovation in motion sensing technology.

The Leap device is much more accurate compared to existing technologies like Microsoft Kinect.

The device is compact and plugs directly into a computer, unlike Kinect, which is for Xbox.

Available for $70 and set to release in the winter season.

Real-world applications include architects designing houses and engineers working on 3D projects like airplanes.

David demonstrates how the Leap device can be used for effortless navigation on websites like CBS News.

The Leap Motion technology mimics the touch experience of a tablet or smartphone, but in the air, without physically touching the screen.

Gaming applications are also discussed, with accurate hand and finger tracking for control.

Leap’s precision allows very small hand movements to cover a large area on the screen.

Multiple users can interact simultaneously, as shown when both the interviewer and David control the screen.

David explains the ease of rotating 3D objects and maps with simple hand gestures.

The device offers precise tracking of multiple fingers for complex actions in various software.

It is versatile, supporting a range of applications from gaming to professional design tools.

David Holtz thanks CBS News for showcasing the Leap Motion technology and wraps up the demo session.