The Internet is falling hard for a new hands-free gadget that lets you control your computer without having to use a mouse.
Tech development startup Thalmic Labs is on the verge of releasing the Myo, a wearable armband that allows users to interact with technology through motion commands. Sensors in the device measure the electrical activity in and motion of the user’s muscles, allowing the device to tell when the wearer makes a specific control gesture.
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The device will come with a few handy preprogrammed commands, such as a mouse click, a double click and scroll, according to MIT Technology Review.
The one-size-fits-all armband connects to Windows, Mac, iOS or Android devices via Bluetooth 4.0. It is currently available for pre-order ($149) and will ship to consumers in September.
While motion-tracking technology isn’t anything new, it’s worth noting that the Myo armband differs from, say, the Microsoft Kinect, because it does not require a camera to constantly monitor movement in the room.
The Myo arm band comes in both black and white.
In a review of the technology, Digital Trends said that the Myo “makes using Kinect look like drunk charades.” The outlet later noted, “Myo is hands down the most sophisticated gesture control device in the biz, and is far superior to any camera-based system we’ve ever encountered.”
Excited? You're not the only one.
Thalmic Labs’ website says a comprehensive list of compatible apps and programs will be released to the public soon.
"We're building the future of human-computer interaction and we're excited about how new computer interfaces will shape our lives," a Thalmic spokesperson told The Huffington Post in an email. "For us, the Myo armband is a first step down a long path in that direction."
Check out the Myo in action in this concept video from Thalmic:
h/t Unilad
Tech development startup Thalmic Labs is on the verge of releasing the Myo, a wearable armband that allows users to interact with technology through motion commands. Sensors in the device measure the electrical activity in and motion of the user’s muscles, allowing the device to tell when the wearer makes a specific control gesture.
(Story continues below.)
The one-size-fits-all armband connects to Windows, Mac, iOS or Android devices via Bluetooth 4.0. It is currently available for pre-order ($149) and will ship to consumers in September.
While motion-tracking technology isn’t anything new, it’s worth noting that the Myo armband differs from, say, the Microsoft Kinect, because it does not require a camera to constantly monitor movement in the room.
In a review of the technology, Digital Trends said that the Myo “makes using Kinect look like drunk charades.” The outlet later noted, “Myo is hands down the most sophisticated gesture control device in the biz, and is far superior to any camera-based system we’ve ever encountered.”
Excited? You're not the only one.
Post by George Takei.
Thalmic Labs’ website says a comprehensive list of compatible apps and programs will be released to the public soon.
"We're building the future of human-computer interaction and we're excited about how new computer interfaces will shape our lives," a Thalmic spokesperson told The Huffington Post in an email. "For us, the Myo armband is a first step down a long path in that direction."
Check out the Myo in action in this concept video from Thalmic:
h/t Unilad