Clear for Mac to Support Leap Motion Controller

[MacRumors]

Realmac Software, the company behind popular gesture-based task list Clear, today announced that Clear for Mac will work with the Leap Motion controller.

Leap Motion's controller is a touch-free device that allows users to control their computers via hand gestures in three dimensions. It works in conjunction with the Leap Motion software, and development units have been sent to 10,000 developers around the world.

The Clear for Mac team was one set of developers that received a Leap Motion test unit, and over the last few months, the group has been working to add support for the Leap Motion controller. In a demo video, a user is shown clearing to-do items from Clear with finger swipes in the air, while a full hand swipe switches lists.

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Over the past couple of months, we've been stealthily working on adding support for this futuristic piece of hardware to Clear for Mac - and today we're thrilled to announce that Clear for Mac will soon support the rather incredible Leap Motion controller.

The Leap Motion controller is currently available for pre-order from the website for $69.99. It is expected to ship in early 2013. Clear for Mac is available for $6.99 from the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Clear for Mac to Support Leap Motion Controller

 

[baryon]

I mean that's totally amazing and futuristic, but all this technology for something that's still faster to do with a piece of paper and a pen? I know I know this has other features too, but it seems like all this tech could be put to better use that really takes advantage of the motion recognition tech, etc...

 

[heehee]

Will it work with powerpoint or keynote in presentation mode?

 

[sza]

Leap Motion's controller seems amazing, however, I am afraid my arm may get fatigued after using it for a while

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

While it's a fantastic bit of kit, it doesn't solve the vertical "touch" surface issue. Your arm will get tired after a while, I'm sure. Unless it's good with you resting your elbows on the table.

 

[locoboi187]

It's a great idea and that's all it is for now. From the videos, I think it needs to work out a few things. I wouldn't buy the first generation of these types of products.

 

[furi0usbee]

So not practical. So you are going to sit there all day waving your hand? What is that guy even doing with a computer? That keyboard/touchpad? He doesn't even notice it's there. Why doesn't the guy just get an iPad and use his fingers? Much easier on the arm muscles.

Forgive me, but nothing will take away my mouse/keyboard (on a computer). I have a retina MBP. The touchpad is awesome, 10x less control over my Magic Mouse. I have voice control... never used it. I can type > 100 WPM. When Siri and her ilk can beat that, I'll consider.

Maybe if you want to move your arms like that, get a Wii or something. But anyone who is creating content, will be using mouse/keyboard, and anyone who is consuming content (in the Apple ecosystem) will most likely be using an iPad, and using their fingers.

Sorry, but count me out. Somethings stand the test of time (mouse/keyboard) because there is nothing else that does a better job.

EDIT: I can see potential use for it on live porn sites... maybe to show how much you appreciate the model. Not that I'd ever use it as such.

Bryan

 

[raazman]

Leap Motion's controller seems amazing, however, I am afraid my arm may get fatigued after using it for a while

You can use it to build arm strength.

 

[extricated]

This is early-on in a long (and evolving) line of new interface devices.
Great concept, but, as many have pointed out, will get your arm tired fast.

Admittedly, I'm no visionary, so I'll just wait and see what happens - I have no viable suggestions to contrast against established methods.
Looking forward to what innovation lies in the future.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

People who are complaining aren't seeing the the point. You WONT be using this EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. You apply simple gestures to the UI that give you quick commands you need. Nothing precise, simple. Then you keep using your mouse and keyboard combo and apply leap for something that needs a gesture and feels more natural.

There are certain things that a mouse and keyboard will always do but there are other that can fee more natural.

 

[Lancer]

People who are complaining aren't seeing the the point. You WONT be using this EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. You apply simple gestures to the UI that give you quick commands you need. Nothing precise, simple. Then you keep using your mouse and keyboard combo and apply leap for something that needs a gesture and feels more natural.

There are certain things that a mouse and keyboard will always do but there are other that can fee more natural.

1+

I agree, and I really wish the new iMac came with this tech built in. it would answer the whole touch screen debate going one step forward like some TVs now have and xBox has been using for a while

Yes a lot of the time it would go unused but it would bring back some of the wow factor missing from recent Apple product launches. The sensor could be built in to the iMac, maybe behind the Apple logo?

 

[curmudgeon32]

A better solution for Clear for Mac would be to make it work better with a keyboard and mouse. The iOS app is nice, but it's very cumbersome on the Mac. I regret buying it.

 

[lotzosushi]

Patiently waiting for mine... I pre-ordered spring last year! According to their Twitter they are going to announce the official ship date this week.

I've also pre-ordered the Myo. We'll see how well these might work together for some real hands free magic! I can't wait.

 

[mozmac]

"Hey, navigating an Xbox via the Kinect totally sucks. Let's bring that functionality to the Mac!"

----------

Patiently waiting for mine... I pre-ordered spring last year! According to their Twitter they are going to announce the official ship date this week.

I've also pre-ordered the Myo. We'll see how well these might work together for some real hands free magic! I can't wait.

I'm more excited about the Myo. I hope that lives up to the potential in the video. Super cool.

 

[Krazy Bill]

I am afraid my arm may get fatigued after using it for a while

But think of all the houseflies you can now terrorize and keep at bay.

 

[fruitycups]

These are a hard sale as long as its easier to do this by trackpad

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

This would make for an amazing input device on a TV... sit back in your couch and point at what you want.

It would work well for something like a TV where you only occasionally want to change anything (IE, because you're watching TV) and you wouldn't want to use it for hours on end (IE, because you're playing a game... as opposed to when you're at work and working on the computer for 4+ hours at a time.)

 

[a0me]

At least we don't have to worry about fingerprints on the screen.

 

[jms969]

So not practical. So you are going to sit there all day waving your hand? What is that guy even doing with a computer? That keyboard/touchpad? He doesn't even notice it's there. Why doesn't the guy just get an iPad and use his fingers? Much easier on the arm muscles.

Forgive me, but nothing will take away my mouse/keyboard (on a computer). I have a retina MBP. The touchpad is awesome, 10x less control over my Magic Mouse. I have voice control... never used it. I can type > 100 WPM. When Siri and her ilk can beat that, I'll consider.

Maybe if you want to move your arms like that, get a Wii or something. But anyone who is creating content, will be using mouse/keyboard, and anyone who is consuming content (in the Apple ecosystem) will most likely be using an iPad, and using their fingers.

Sorry, but count me out. Somethings stand the test of time (mouse/keyboard) because there is nothing else that does a better job.

EDIT: I can see potential use for it on live porn sites... maybe to show how much you appreciate the model. Not that I'd ever use it as such.

Bryan

Ahhhh the ramblings of those that do not understand disruptive technologies

 

[aloshka]

Other than looking retarded, why would someone use this over say... I don't know. A trackpad? Looks like so much more work. Have to move you hand up and down to select an item before you do a gesture.

Just seems weird. Move your finger in a one inch swipe vs swaying your whole damn arm to click.

 

[lotzosushi]

To be honest I don't really see myself getting tired on a normal day's use with hand motion gestures. I've played tennis for over 10 years, and those of us gamers that have played Wii/Kinect should be used to at least an hour or so of constant hand motions in the air.

Either way, I feel like this kind of technology will only really for showing off or fun games for now until they gain more support for different software. I hope it works out well! Also, I remember reading this earlier around CES that some new 2013 Asus computers will come bundled with a Leapmotion.

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/01/leap-motion-asus/

 

[ThunderSkunk]

I operated one of these during a design, graphics, and object-based targeting software demo.

Whatever you guess they would be like, they're pretty mind-blowing to actually use.

Apple should be doing everything they can to acquire and integrate.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Has anybody used this?

 

[Nimrad]

They should implement those functionalities into the trackpad on the MacBooks. I can see some use for it, like replacing the touch gestures, but this is not something I would buy as a separate product.

 

[johnmacward]

I mean that's totally amazing and futuristic, but all this technology for something that's still faster to do with a piece of paper and a pen? I know I know this has other features too, but it seems like all this tech could be put to better use that really takes advantage of the motion recognition tech, etc...

I actually believe this is still true. I still find it faster and easier to WRITE tasks down on a piece of paper rather than jumping through the 7 or 8 steps required to put a reminder or note on my phone, that goes for iPhone, Android or anything else. It's still physically easier and more satisfying to write it than type it where mistakes are easy to make and frustration increases.