Greg Ponesse — March 2, 2006 — Unique
References: cnn
Ever feel like you're not making good enough use of your feet when you're catching up on your e-mail or sorting through all those digital pictures you took on that last vacation?
Computer scientists in Microsoft Corp.'s research division have developed a color-coded "dance pad" with buttons you can tap with your feet -- or jump on -- to scroll through electronic files.
"StepMail" may never make it to store shelves, but that's no concern to Microsoft, which spends billions of dollars a year researching far-out technologies without worrying about whether the gizmos will ever make it to store shelves
Computer scientists in Microsoft Corp.'s research division have developed a color-coded "dance pad" with buttons you can tap with your feet -- or jump on -- to scroll through electronic files.
"StepMail" may never make it to store shelves, but that's no concern to Microsoft, which spends billions of dollars a year researching far-out technologies without worrying about whether the gizmos will ever make it to store shelves
Trend Themes
1. Foot-based Computing - Developing new user interfaces that utilize the feet for input offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in computing.
2. Alternative Input Devices - Exploring new ways to interact with computers beyond the traditional input devices allows for disruptive innovation in user experience.
3. Gesture-based Computing - Incorporating physical gestures into computing interfaces offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in human-computer interaction.
Industry Implications
1. Computer Hardware Manufacturing - Manufacturers have the opportunity to develop new hardware that supports foot-based computing as an alternative input device.
2. Gaming Technology - Gaming companies can explore new ways to incorporate foot-based input in game design.
3. Healthcare Technology - Using foot-based input in digital healthcare technologies can improve accessibility and ease of use for patients with limited mobility.
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