Greg Ponesse — March 2, 2006 — Unique
References: cnn
Ever feel like you're not making good enough use of your feet when you're catching up on your e-mail or sorting through all those digital pictures you took on that last vacation?
Computer scientists in Microsoft Corp.'s research division have developed a color-coded "dance pad" with buttons you can tap with your feet -- or jump on -- to scroll through electronic files.
"StepMail" may never make it to store shelves, but that's no concern to Microsoft, which spends billions of dollars a year researching far-out technologies without worrying about whether the gizmos will ever make it to store shelves
Computer scientists in Microsoft Corp.'s research division have developed a color-coded "dance pad" with buttons you can tap with your feet -- or jump on -- to scroll through electronic files.
"StepMail" may never make it to store shelves, but that's no concern to Microsoft, which spends billions of dollars a year researching far-out technologies without worrying about whether the gizmos will ever make it to store shelves
Trend Themes
-
Foot-based Computing — Developing new user interfaces that utilize the feet for input offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in computing.
-
Alternative Input Devices — Exploring new ways to interact with computers beyond the traditional input devices allows for disruptive innovation in user experience.
-
Gesture-based Computing — Incorporating physical gestures into computing interfaces offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in human-computer interaction.
Industry Implications
-
Computer Hardware Manufacturing — Manufacturers have the opportunity to develop new hardware that supports foot-based computing as an alternative input device.
-
Gaming Technology — Gaming companies can explore new ways to incorporate foot-based input in game design.
-
Healthcare Technology — Using foot-based input in digital healthcare technologies can improve accessibility and ease of use for patients with limited mobility.
3.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
