Israel-based company PointGrab revealed their new PointGrab AirTouch technology at CES 2014. Unlike other interactive gesture driven interface software like Kinect by Microsoft or Leap Motion, which require specialized hardware to play games and the like, The PointGrab AirTouch operates with 2D cameras.
PointGrab AirTouch allows the controller to point to icons on interfaces like they were pressing a button. The user can also grab and drag icons around the screen, pause DVR playback, choose a channel by writing it in the air in front of the screen, and even mute the setup by placing a finger to their lips. The motions don't need to be exaggerating either; subtle, natural movements are all that's needed to operate the system. The PointGrab AirTouch will revolutionize the way we watch TV
Motion-Controlled Channel Surfing
The PointGrab AirTouch Turned Heads at CES 2014
Trend Themes
1. Motion-controlled Interfaces - The PointGrab AirTouch technology is leading the charge in motion-controlled interfaces.
2. Gesture-driven Technology - PointGrab AirTouch is disrupting traditional button-pressing and remote-based TV watching with gesture-driven technology.
3. Camera-based Interaction - PointGrab AirTouch's use of 2D cameras instead of specialized hardware lowers the barrier to entry for interactive interfaces.
Industry Implications
1. Television Technology - PointGrab AirTouch has the potential to disrupt the television industry by providing a new way to interact with content.
2. Home Automation - The potential for motion-controlled interfaces extends beyond television, offering opportunities for disruptive innovation in the home automation industry.
3. Virtual/augmented Reality - The success of PointGrab AirTouch could pave the way for more widespread adoption of camera-based interaction for virtual and augmented reality applications.