Among the new technologies on display was an experimental flat panel TV from Toshiba that viewers can control, not just wirelessly, but remotelessly. (Yes, I know that's not a word. Again, sue me.) The TV uses something called "gesture control," which basically means you control the onscreen navigation options by waving your hands around. A camera on the TV itself tracks your movements and responds accordingly.
“The
gesture-control research is extremely exciting and is opening an array
of possibilities for consumers, such as new interfaces for TVs and
interactive displays in shop windows and information kiosks,” said
Professor Roberto Cipolla of the University of Cambridge, who is
heading up the project. “The gesture interface may not replace a remote
controller, but can provide an alternative way to interact with a PC or
display. Imagine never having to search for the remote controller to
turn the TV volume down when receiving a phone call."Ah, such high-class problems we have these days. But Roberto is a good guy. Back in the day, we were a mean double-play combo on the Information Engineering International Softball Team. And there is something appealing about the idea of phasing out the cultural artifact that is the television remote. I'm always losing that stupid thing. Here's an idea. Instead of a tetherless remote, what about putting the TV controls on the TV itself? That way, you'd just have to get up and walk over to push the buttons. Or better yet, why not use dials?
Always thinking!
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