Microsoft's Research division has previewed a prototype system that utilizes a wearable projector as an alternative to touch-based input restricted to dedicated displays on devices such as smartphones. The technology, which was developed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University,
Independent gaming developer Quokka Studios has brought the first eight-point multitouch game to the iPad. Few games that have been developed for the iPad multitouch interface have used more than two touch points simultaneously, even though the iPad can handle up to 11 simultaneous touches. Panopticon engages users in a unique multitouch gaming experience as the video embedded below demonstrates.
Regular Rate and Rhythm Software have updated their flagship product Rowmote Pro to v3.2, adding support for true multi-touch gestures -- allowing iOS devices such as iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads to control both Apple and third-party apps on a Mac or a pre-2010 Apple TV, in a manner similar to a Magic Trackpad.
BumpTop has released its self-named 3D-desktop utility for Mac OS X. It presents a user's Mac desktop in a three-dimensional display, with four walls -- left, right, front and back -- and a floor, which is essentially the standard Finder desktop. It supports features such as Exposé Quick Look, while enabling multi-touch gestures for trackpad-equipped MacBooks and MacBook Pros.
At the currently ongoing PDC show in LA, Microsoft is holding demonstrations of its Surface PC for members of the industry and developers. At the same time, Microsoft showed off a notable new version of the Surface PC developed by the software giant's engineers from Cambridge, England. Called SecondLight, it allows the table to project different images than those projected on its screen on a translucent surface such as tracing paper held above the surface. The images are projected through the table itself, with Microsoft describing the technology as a magic lens.
Developer Will Henderson recently unveiled a beta of MultiClutch
Apple has developed a system that will allow users to define their own gesture-based commands in Mac OS X, according to a recent patent filing. Co-invented by Wayne Westerman, who helped found the FingerWorks company largely credited with pioneering multitouch displays, the patent would let users enter a control panel which adds both basic and advanced levels of multitouch control to the existing trackpad options. In an advanced mode, the software would be capable of recognizing different finger patterns, or chords, and assigning different actions depending on the swiping motion associated with those cords.
