Mouse-free computing is something we have just begun to taste. We have touchscreens on many devices including tablets, phones, and e-readers. These let us access the web; send texts, and emails all without using a mouse. So is this the shape of things to come? Will we eventually leave the mouse in the dust and move on to more advanced ways of communicating with our computers?
Gesture sensing
Consumers who play video games have been using this for a while. The Wii and the PlayStation employ gesture-sensing technology. This technology allows users to grasp a wireless remote and utilize their body movements to swing a racket, jog in place, or shoot menacing robots on screen. Even though this technology has not been perfected it’s not difficult to imagine how gesture sensing could possibly be applied to computing.
Multi-touch technology
Multi-touch technology is another interactive innovation that is being utilized in a few common devices, namely, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones. This technology allows users to tap icons to open program, pinch or extend their fingers to zoom or minimize the pictures on their screens. As this is a relatively new technology it is still being refined. How do you think this will be utilized in the future to allow us easier navigation around our computers?
Voice recognition
This technology has been around for a while but has had a lot of kinks. As these get worked out, it will continue to gain popularity. This technology allows people to simply speak commands to their computer to complete them. The most common vendor for vocal recognition software is Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Once this technology is refined the possibilities for its utilization in computing are endless.
While there are numerous ways computing can be improved through hands free navigation technologies. It’s likely we will not see the well known mouse disappear for some time.
Take IT Away 