Leap is the future of interaction with computers unless Microsoft Kinect captures the PC market first with motion control. The Leap creates an eight cubic foot space that you can interact with. Leap Motion claims that the device is “200 times more sensitive than existing touch-free products and technologies.” Thus it can be used on any screen. Microsoft Kinect on the other hand is made for the living room and requires users to stand pretty close to the sensor. Belgium’s Softkinetic had a similar device at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show.
PC and laptop makers are already working on integrating stereoscopic webcams like Microsoft Kinect. The Leap is designed to be used on Windows 7 machines. The team says it will be ready to support Mac OS, Windows 8, and Linux machines in the near future. The device lets the user click, grab, scroll and use “touchscreen” gestures like swipe and pinch to zoom in 3D space. The great thing about this device is that the Leap can tell if you are holding a pencil or pen. It will change the way it lets you interact based on that.
No one has worked with the device first-hand as of yet. Everything we have seen is mocked ups. Leap’s launch goal is Winter 2012 and developers will be able to get free developer kits in the next few months by applying to participate in the developer program.
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