Leap Motion is a sensor that allows us to control the computer through gestures in the air, using both fingers and with full hands. What it does is draw a virtual image from our hands and wrist joints, and track all movements.
To use it, we will have the feeling of being in the typical scene of sci-fi movie where the characters interact with the computer making movements in the air. The big difference is that in them there is always some reference floating in the air, with this system we have to make gestures to the screen as only reference.
We are used to the computer inputs in two dimensions, such as the mouse or a touch screen, so the leap motion reveals the third dimension, adding depth. Although it is a great innovation, as well as everything new, adopt it will cost and be able to get to see the possibilities that can offer a device as well, because here are many parties involved, especially the ecosystem developers need to create applications for Leap Motion.
The system for the user is very simple. It has a sensor the size of a USB flash drive that plugs into the USB port and that detects the movement of our hands over it, interpreting the gestures that go by actions on the computer. Depending on the application we use can be used to move a globe or even sculpt in the air after a three-dimensional figure that can be printed using a 3D printer.
Leap Motion requires an application that is installed on your computer to work with the drivers and the “Airspace” platform, which enables us to run applications we acquire for its ecosystem. It brings with it some pre-installed applications and although there are many free on its platform most of them are paid.
True, it is a great innovation and see how trace our hand gestures is spectacular. There are applications such as drawing and some games, that with a little practice can make it work well, but in general, the answer is not really good, especially when put hands singing, which is not detected correctly.
The product is now in a phase that is useful for everyone. People who like trying new things will probably enjoy such a different system. Our experience with Leap Motion is probably with some training can make it work, but in general, it is rather difficult to perform specific actions on the computer with a simple gesture in the air.
Tried several applications, such as Weather Channel that allows rotate and zoom gestures on a globe, but neither the response nor the experience was good, especially compared to what can be achieved with a touchscreen. We also tried to use one of the applications of the Airspace to make presentations with Keynote and it didn’t work as expected. In conclusion, we are confident that Leap Motion has great potential and the technology is completely new, but is still far from being useful for the average user.