The reign of the mouse could be at an end as motion-sensing devices become more popular and easy to use, says Mark Samuels
Computing, 03 Apr 2008
The information age is about evolution and transformation. Applications, hardware and other devices are quickly out of date because of the rapid nature of change.
This makes the mouse something of an anomaly, as it has been the dominant control mechanism for the best part of three decades. Its strength is its usability.
Learning to use a mouse is simple and the device provides point-and-click access to applications and resources.
On the downside, however, the mouse lacks portability and requires a hard surface to work.
A more intuitive alternative must exist. Step forward motion sensing, which allows users to control resources with a hand movement.
The most well-known motion-sensing device comes with Nintendo’s Wii gaming machine. Called a Wiimote, it allows users to control in-game characters with the move of a hand.
Sales are up and those usually excluded from the gaming experience – such as my auntie – suddenly see the benefits of playing
Mark Samuels features editor, Computing
A Wiimote takes some getting used to, especially when playing boxing with a friend.
But the revolution in controlling inspired by the Wiimote has helped Nintendo regain the gaming crown from Sony.
Sales are up and those usually excluded from the gaming experience such as my auntie suddenly see the benefits of playing.
But how will motion sensing transfer to business users?
It will be through the up-and-coming generation of youngsters who have moved beyond text messaging into social networks and playing games online.
Analyst Gartner says advances in computing power are already enabling the development of practical alternatives to the mouse, based on gestures, movement and facial recognition.
And motion sensing is moving beyond the Wiimote. Freeware application Nokmote, for example, allows users to control their Nokia N95 through motion sensing. Like the Wiimote, subtle movements allow the user to control characters on the phone.
Although Gartner expects “gestural computing” to develop as a long-term business trend, the analyst says IT directors should buy a Wii and play computer games to observe how users interface with technology devices.
Being a technology leader has never been such fun. Anyone fancy a game of boxing?
What do you think? Read Mark Samuels’ blog at: http://knowledge.computing.co.uk
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