A new Microsoft-developed technology called SideSight looks like something that deserves to be on a next-generation iPod touch. Or in a magician's repertoire. The SideSight technology is contained in yet another paper that company executives are presenting at the
User Interface Software and Technology conference this week. (See Microsoft's take on
new ways that cell phones could "talk" as well as
guided tours of images.),
The paper in question is titled "SideSight: Multi-"touch" Interaction Around Small Devices," and is authored by Alex Butler, Shahram Izadi, and Steve Hodges, all with Microsoft Research UK.
Touch was a revolutionary concept when it debuted with the iPhone, in part because it was implemented so well with gestures. Pinching, sliding and tapping the iPhone and iPod touch all directly impact the interface.
SideSight removes "touch" from the device and makes it a function of the paper, tabletop, or even the air that's next to the device. What does this mean? According to Microsoft, it opens up the possibility for "touch" functions to be built into tiny devices that don't actually need a touchscreen.
More:
Microsoft prototype search engine personalizes results | Computerworld | News | October 21, 2008 | By Heather Havenstein, IDG News Service
10-22-2008
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