MYO Armband to Bring Gesture and Muscle-Recognition Control to Macs

[MacRumors]

Thalmic Labs has announced a $149 armband called MYO that detects motion and muscle movements to allow control of a Mac, PC, or other device using gestures (via The Next Web).

The demo video shows someone scrolling by waving two fingers in the air (mimicking the standard OS X trackpad gesture), snapping fingers to start iTunes playing, rotating a fist to increase the volume, holding up a hand in a 'stop' motion to pause a video, gesturing backwards to rewind a video and snapping fingers to play the video. The demo also illustrates a variety of other uses for the device, from delivering a presentation to controlling a remotely-operated vehicle.

Unlike Microsoft Kinect, no camera is required, but the armband approach means it will work only with gestures made with one hand rather than detecting whole-body movements.

Very cool and impressive. I hope this finds its way into our future soon - Steve Wozniak

MYO, which connects via Bluetooth, claims to work out of the box with Mac and Windows machines with APIs promised for iOS and Android developers.

The MYO is available to pre-order with limited quantities available for a late 2013 launch.

Article Link: MYO Armband to Bring Gesture and Muscle-Recognition Control to Macs

 

[ctdonath]

Sheer raging awesomeness.

 

[thasan]

bloooooody cool!

 

[Squilly]

Looks good, but I really don't find it useful. I'd rather touch my touchpad.

 

[achtung!]

minority report, here we go!

 

[imgonephishin]

It's awesome, but I'm curious as to how it interprets intended motions vs. accidental input. The clip of the snowboarder is particularly humorous. The arms are flailing around but at some point it recognizes that a little flip of the wrist means "change track."

This is not an insurmountable technological hurdle, but I'd be curious to hear how the developers address it. It could be a deal breaker if every time I scratch my butt it shares my current status to Twitter.

 

[Squilly]

It's awesome, but I'm curious as to how it interprets intended motions vs. accidental input. The clip of the snowboarder is particularly humorous. The arms are flailing around but at some point it recognizes that a little flip of the wrist means "change track."

This is not an insurmountable technological hurdle, but I'd be curious to hear how the developers address it. It could be a deal breaker if every time I scratch my butt it shares my current status to Twitter.

Good point...

 

[SpiderDude]

Rock On

I guess that starting my metal playlist will be easier now.

 

[Tankmaze]

Unlike Microsoft Kinect, no camera is required,

now that's innovation right there. cool!!

UNLEASH YOUR INNER JEDI.

ha, they really know their target markets.

edit : apple should buy this company right away.

 

[MonkeySee....]

That's some Jedi **** right there.

 

[Glideslope]

iWatch.....

Sheer raging awesomeness.

.... will be smaller. IMO.

 

[madsci954]

That's some Jedi **** right there.

My thoughts exactly. Me gusta!

 

[ProVideo]

Warning: Viewing redtube with this device might cause your computer to explode.

 

[olowott]

Awesome

Damn, who needs a touch screen mac


This is so awesome , time to saved up more.

 

[aajeevlin]

Very cool, I can see a lot of work is needed. But this is certainly a very cool idea.

 

[yourtoys7]

minority report, here we go!

I was thinking same thing, this is awesome

 

[prowlmedia]

There seem to be a number of these gesture and hand recognition devices coming up.

https://www.leapmotion.com
I have this one heading my way soon.

http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/uist2012-100812.aspx

this could be good in a wrist watch format.

They will all be very cool if integrated into the Oculas Rift!

 

[litmag01]

Wow!

This is sliced bread!

 

[guzhogi]

Anyone know if there's something this to track your exercise habits? Something like this meets Nike+ Fuelband? Some exercises don't focus on the movements but pulling/pushing/holding weights. Could give a more accurate picture how you workout. Could track things like push-ups, weight-lifting, gymnastics or something. Just a thought

 

[Krazy Bill]

Yes, it's impressive but this technology hasn't taken the world by storm - at least mainstream for a good reason. People are generally lazy and other than the occasional finger swipe on a small screen this is just too much work.

 

[somethingelsefl]

iBorgs

 

[whooleytoo]

Very clever technology, but are people going to put on an armband just to use gestures with their Mac? Particularly given the other remote-control options.

I think I'd PREFER a Kinect-like camera that's waiting for input, rather than having to take the arm-band control on & off, or wearing it all the time.

 

[PassiveSmoking]

I love the powerglove. It's so bad.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

So in the not-too-distant-future, we're all going to be running around looking like more attractive versions of Borg (well some of us anyway) that are having spasms as we are flailing our limbs around to control (do not)touch screens? I'm having visions of Malls with stores redone in (do not)touch screens and shopper's arms flailing about to browse the eInventory.

Between Google Glass and tech like this, will typical human movement & interaction (today) still be around in 50 years?

I got to tell you: I still find it a bit odd to see people walking around with nearly invisible bluetooth headsets appearing to be talking to no one (or maybe they are just talking to themselves and faking it with the headset)? Now, I envision people talking to themselves and thoroughly animating their limbs to control screens they don't need to touch anymore. I guess all that motion will help us burn calories.

 

[longofest]

Unlike Microsoft Kinect, no camera is required, but the armband approach means it will work only with gestures made with one hand ...

Yes, but imagine the possibilities for the porn industry. Only one hand needed.

Seriously though. Very cool technology that will only expand human-device interaction.