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Microsoft Shows Off Its Vision For Gesture-Controlled PCs

Posted by Soulskill on from the wave-your-hands-in-the-air-like-you-just-don't-care dept.

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.'"

12 of 139 comments (clear)

  1. What happens by ColdWetDog · · Score: 5, Funny

    When you raise your middle finger?

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    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
    1. Re:What happens by NoNonAlphaCharsHere · · Score: 4, Funny

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

  2. Can we skip this stage of UI by i+kan+reed · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Touchscreens are a big enough step down from mouse and keyboard for getting utility out of computers. Can we just skip all the steps until AI conversation/mind reading? Thanks.

  3. Add this to Cars by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Cars should have this! There is no good reason to lean forward and touch a screen to adjust the volume and skip a track. If we had gestures in cars that would be a real breakthrough.

    1. Re:Add this to Cars by ColdWetDog · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Cars should have this! There is no good reason to lean forward and touch a screen to adjust the volume and skip a track. If we had gestures in cars that would be a real breakthrough.

      Let's think this one through, AC.

      Imagine going down your typical American freeway, surrounded by barely controlled four ton (3600 kg) home entertainment centers at 70 mph (110 km/hr for the rest of you). 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.

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      Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
    2. Re:Add this to Cars by c · · Score: 3, Funny

      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...

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      Log in or piss off.
  4. Wow ... by gstoddart · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So no I have to lift my hands from the keyboard to control stuff?

    Just how many of the normal motions I make with my hands will trigger random window events?

    Sorry guys, but this sounds like a terrible idea, and not one I'd be interested in.

    So does having a camera/motion tracker in front of me all day long, especially since Microsoft has already tipped their hand at being able to gather all sorts of extra data with it.

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    Lost at C:>. Found at C.
    1. Re:Wow ... by QuietLagoon · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I have to lift my hands from the keyboard to control stuff?

      Don't worry, this is just Microsoft trying to look innovative. This, too, shall pass.

  5. Re:If Apple or Google came up with this... by UnknowingFool · · Score: 3, Funny

    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.

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    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  6. Re:Windows 8 is not Keyboard friendly by SternisheFan · · Score: 4, Informative

    you're doing it wrong....

    You may just need a primer for windows 8 shortcuts

    http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/windows-8-keyboard-shortcuts/

  7. Re:Windows 8 is not Keyboard friendly by UnknowingFool · · Score: 3, Insightful

    My opinion is that MS doesn't do well with simplicity and minimalism. You might say that Win 8 is a step in that direction but in order to use Modern well, you need a touchscreen. Add this new sensor, that's 4 different interfaces. That's not simpler; it's more complex.

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    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  8. Dear Microsoft by clickclickdrone · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I want a keyboard, a mouse and Windows 7. Anything GUI wise that belongs on a phone/tablet or involves me talking out loud or waving at my PC, well basically, sod off.

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    I want a list of atrocities done in your name - Recoil