Microsoft develops new sensor that tracks hand and finger movement

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A Microsoft Research team based in Cambridge, UK has developed a new motion sensing controller that senses your hand and finger movement using cameras and infrared lasers.

It is worn around the wrist like a wristwatch or a bracelet, and while it’s a little unseemly right now, Project leader David Kim says the final device will be the size of a wristwatch and completely wireless.

A video was also shows, demonstrating the intuitiveness and the accuracy of the sensor, and apparently, no line of sight with the screen was required. We’re guessing line of sight with the Kinect sensor will probably be required.

The investors also said (via New Scientist) that the device is a result of trying to create a technology better and more accurate than the Kinect.

It’s called Digits, “freehand 3D computer interaction without gloves”. A short blurb on Microsoft Research’s site describes it as follows: “Digits, a wrist-worn gloveless sensor developed by Microsoft Research in Cambridge, UK, enables 3D computer interaction in any environment and is practical beyond computer gaming.”

Bring on the finger jokes.

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