Tech Discussion 5/2/14: Prototype Microsoft Keyboard That Recognizes Hand Gestures

A team at Microsoft Research created a prototype mechanical keyboard that understands hand gestures given above the keyboard or even on the keyboard. Each keyboard has proximity sensors embedded in a printed circuit board. The sensors are in between the rows of keys in order to track the movement of the user's hands as they touch the keyboard or hover over it. The keyboard operates at above 300 hertz, which is enough for it to pick up very fast movement. The user can swipe up, down, left, and right, change applications and windows by hovering the hand in place, and zoom by pinching. There is even a way to play games by using this keyboard. For example, there is a steering wheel gesture that allows users to control an onscreen car in a racing game. To read more click here.