Feb 05
We geeks all have the same platonic prosthesis ideal: Luke Skywalker’s badass Star Wars mech-hand. We’re getting there, bit
     |
Oct 02
If, like many of us, your hands are too small to to comfortably use the Galaxy Note 3’s giant 5.7-inch display, you’re in luck. Android Central has uncovered a hidden tiny screen mode for your tiny baby dwarf hands.
| |
Oct 09
Microsoft Research crafts wrist-worn device that tracks hand gestures in 3D space (video)
Posted in: Today's Chili 
A team led by researchers at Microsoft’s UK-based R&D lab has crafted a system that tracks the full 3D pose of a user’s hand without the need for a pesky glove. Dubbed Digits, the Kinect-inspired rig latches onto a user’s wrist and utilizes a diffuse infrared light, IR laser, camera and inertial measurement unit to track fingertips and just five key points of a hand. Leveraging a pair of mathematical models developed in-house after studying the mechanics of the human hand, the group uses the captured data to extrapolate the position of a user’s paw. The team envisions the solution as a supplement to touch-based interfaces, a method for eyes-free control of mobile devices and as a gaming controller that could work in conjunction with Kinect or similar systems. In its current state, the device is composed of off-the-shelf parts and needs to be tethered to a laptop, but the ultimate goal is to create a mobile, self contained unit the size of a wrist watch. Hit the break to catch a video of the setup in action or tap the second source link below for more details in the group’s academic paper.
Filed under: Misc
Microsoft Research crafts wrist-worn device that tracks hand gestures in 3D space (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink 
New Scientist | 
Microsoft Research, ACM | Email this | Comments
Oct 03
We’ve seen Microsoft’s Kinect used in countless ways, but 3Gear Systems means to better these predecessors with the beta release of its SDK, which turns all the subtleties of hand movement into actions. In addition to using two Kinect cameras for accuracy, the software compares hand poses against a pre-rendered database so gesture commands are executed with little lag. It offers complete control of a virtual 3D environment from the comfort of your natural desk position, so you won’t have to worry about flail fatigue after long stints. A free public beta is available now until November 30th, at which point bigger companies will require a license, while individuals and small enterprises will continue to get complimentary access. We know what you’re thinking — it’s just another Kinect hack — but we suggest you reserve judgment til you’ve seen the demo below, showing examples of how the API could be used for CAD, medical, and of course, gaming applications.
Continue reading Akimbo Kinect hack offers precise control with minimal effort (video)
Akimbo Kinect hack offers precise control with minimal effort (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Sep 07
New beBionic hand almost doubles its grip-strength, steered by user’s electrical ‘skin signals’
Posted in: Today's Chili 
RSL Steeper’s beBionic3 still packs the same wireless chip, customizable silicone overlays and speed controls of its predecessor, but is now stronger and more durable. It’s been redesigned with an aluminum chassis and new thumb and can now handle up to 99 pounds of weight, with almost double the grip-strength of its predecessor. The bionic hand traces faint electrical signals across the user’s arm skin, amplifying them to the five digits, which can contort into 14 different grips. The mouse configuration, demonstrated in the video below, lets the user operate both buttons while holding onto the peripheral. The hand will cost between $25,000 and $35,000, depending on both the hardware and software configurations. See how the third-generation bionic limb grabs blocks, ties shoe-laces and wields pens after the break.
Filed under: Misc, Robots, Science, Alt
New beBionic hand almost doubles its grip-strength, steered by user’s electrical ‘skin signals’ originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 06:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink CNET | beBionic | Email this | Comments
Jul 23
So, uh… cat bites are pretty bad, as it turns out. I was in the ER yesterday, after my sweet cat Franny sunk a tooth into the top of my left hand, causing it to swell up like a balloon. I’m now on a strong antibiotic and some stronggg painkillers, but it’s still a baseball mitt-sized mit that hurts like hell in any position other than upright and can’t be used. I’m typing with just my right hand, right now. More »
Who's in charge here?
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.