Microsoft Research has done some cool things in the past (though people tend to forget it because who wants to admit Microsoft can do anything good 
).
Here’s a video from the Microsoft College Tour 2009 which redefines multi-touch (jump to 00:40 for the magic, courtesy istartedsomething) -
Is this relevant to eReaders?
Perhaps.
- We do know that adding a touch screen messes up readability.
- Touch screens also smudge easily.
- We also have size vs screen issues i.e. the virtual keyboards are too small and so forth.
Having multi-touch and gestures that don’t need a screen means -
- You don’t have to have a touch screen layer that messes readability.
- No marks on your reading screen.
- A small 6″ device can create a touch area that is much larger.
- You can support a variety of gestures which gives you a lot of ‘buttons’. Instead of 3-4 actions to change the font size – just one gesture.
This in fact goes very well with pico projectors and projection screens.
We could dream up a 3-4″ device that fits in your pocket and that projects a 10″ screen and lets you gesture and write on a 20″ surface.
Lets consider an example -
Kindle 7 with Microsoft Research Touchless Technology
Consider a Kindle 7 that -
- Is just 4″ by 4″.
- Projects a screen anywhere from the size of the Kindle 2 screen to A4 to larger. It does this on to any surface and even on to the air.
- Has touchless touch on either the screen or (if you prefer) on another projected surface that can be as big or as small as you like.
- Lets you change the font, change the scrolling speed, and turn pages with simple gestures – with one gesture.
- Perhaps uses eye-tracking and eye gestures to scroll and to do highlights.
- Lets you write notes on the air/virtual surface.
Note that this is just an option – there will still be the existing models. However, there’s no question which one I’d prefer.
Filed under: evolution Tagged: | kindle future, kindle multi touch
