“Skinput”: Resistance is Futile

I saw this over at engadget and Geekologie and the more I think about it, the more impressed I am by this technology. In the video they talk about saving space with mobile devices, so this interface is a way of expanding your teeny gadget to a useable size. Which will be great, once it doesn’t require a big honkin’ armband with a baby octopus of wires attached to it.

Aside from the novelty aspects of controlling your iPod without touching it directly, I’m extremely interested to see where this goes in terms of people with physical disabilities. So far the programs are using various points in the arms and hands that produce distinct bio-sounds, but it stands to reason that the rest of the body could be mapped as well. People with limited motor function could have controls mapped to their range of motion that correspond not only to their music player, but their phone and computer as well.

It’s just a thought, and it’s a lot of work ahead, but I think this is definitely some tech to keep an eye out for in the future. I just have to learn to quit drumming my hands when I rock out, or I’ll accidentally dial my mother.