For one, to use Leap Motion, you only have to plug it into your computer's USB port and install a piece of software. That's right! And it will only cost $70 when it comes out later this year. What more, there are indications that the technology will be integrated in laptops and other devices in the future.
But Leap Motion has the potential to be much more than the next iteration of the mouse. A quick walk-around in the official forum and you'll be exposed to a myriad of great ideas, some incredibly innovation and others just plain fun. Here's a rundown:
1. 3D scanning. Since Leap Motion can essentially track and map anything with supreme accuracy in the workspace, it can easily be devised to scan an object in 3D. Now if you connect a 3D printer to the Leap Motion device, you can actually get a full-blown replicator!
2. Interaction with virtual 3D models. This is an obvious use of Leap Motion. Architects and engineers can easily explore a 3D model on their computers by virtually rotating, zooming in and out, etc. Perhaps surgeons may also find this useful though as they can explore scans and other records without removing their sterile gloves.
3. Sign language. As an accessibility tool for deaf people, Leap Motion may allow for a more intuitive experience.
4. Gaming. Angry Birds and chopsticks is just the beginning.
5. TV remote replacement. The couch will be our home.
6. Directing a virtual orchestra. This can be fun but can also be the perfect tool for conductors.
7. Dental opportunities. You can stick in a smaller iteration of the Leap Motion device in your mouth and spin it around a little to get a full model of your teeth. This is a subset of 3D scanning but I could not not mention such dentist fun.
More. . .