Microsoft Shows Off Its Vision For Gesture-Controlled PCs

An anonymous reader writes "Microsoft has demoed a prototype gesture-controlled PC using an augmented version of its Kinect motion sensing system. The rig detects 16 gestures and can be used to navigate Windows 8. Microsoft said it wants gestures to complement what is possible using mouse and keyboard, rather than replacing them, and the system favors simple gestures made just above the keyboard, rather than more elaborate Minority Report-style gestures. '[A] window is maximized by clenching a fist to "grab" it and then opening the hand while moving towards the top of the keyboard. Performing the same series of gestures in reverse minimize the window. Repeating the gesture while moving the hand to the left or right edge of the keyboard docks the window with the left or right edge of the screen. The same series of gestures while moving the hand to the top left and right corners of the keyboard will throw the window to the left or right of screen, but not dock it with the edge. Bringing hands together in the middle of the keyboard and then moving them to the keyboard's left and right edge with palms down and fingers splayed will show the desktop. Repeating the gesture restores the original view.'"

Comments

What happens

[ColdWetDog]

When you raise your middle finger?

Re:What happens

[NoNonAlphaCharsHere]

I've been using the same gesture at Windows machines for years. Doesn't do any good.

Re:If Apple or Google came up with this...

[UnknowingFool]

Google already did but it was an April Fool's joke in 2011. Typical MS: their joke is 30 months late and not as well executed. What you mean this is real? ;). I can see applications for Kinect for Windows but just not as a replacement for a keyboard and mouse that is right there. For presentations it might be okay.

Re:Add this to Cars

[c]

Now, imagine, if you will, that same freeway with half the 'drivers' gesticulating wildly trying to get the last Justin Bieber track to play again.

Violence will ensue.

If things even get so bad that half the drivers on the freeway want to hear Justin Bieber again, I'd think a good culling would be a desirable outcome...