Hillcrest launches Scoop Pointer air mouse, more
updated 12:25 pm EDT, Wed August 31, 2011
Improves motion sensing accuracy and relability
Hillcrest Labs has unleashed a new portfolio of motion control products for CE vendors and consumers. For manufacturers, the company has released the Freespace MotionEngine, an embedded software platform for inertial and magnetic sensors. For end users, Hillcrest announced the Scoop Pointer, a follow-on in-air mouse to its Loop product, which it released in 2009.
The Scoop Pointer is a wireless input device for Mac and PC computers. It offers six-axis motion control, a scroll wheel, and nine programmable buttons. There will be two versions available, one optimized for TV viewing and one intended as a laser pointer. Although Hillcrest has been selling its Loop predecessor directly or through Amazon for $79, The company said it will sell the Scoop to the home market through partners.
The Freespace MotionEngine provides a sensor-agnostic solution for MEM-based motion control devices using accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers. It provides sensor fusion, calibration and controls 3D device motion, gestures, and cursors. The current engine can be found in LG's 3DTV LCD HDTV, Roku's Roku 2 streaming gaming player remote, and Logitech's MX Air Mouse.
In addition to the Freespace MotionEngine and Scoop, the company announced a new OEM version of its Kylo Web browser for TV. The updated version supports 1080p viewing and uses a new Mozilla rendering engine that enables faster JavaScript performance, HTML 5 support, and CSS3 support. Kylo is intended for for consumers who connect PCs and Macs to TVs, Windows-based set-top boxes, interactive classrooms, business presentations, and interactive kiosks that require a web interface.
The Freespace MotionEngine and updated Kylo app are available now. The Scoop will be available in the fall of this year.
