Check out this cool mod from Josh Santangelo from Stimulant. Josh used a Wii balance board to make this Microsoft Surface PC pressure sensitive.
What do you get when you mash-up Microsoft Surface with a Nintendo Wii Balance Board? Pressure-sensitive surface computing! Yes, this is Surface sitting directly on the Balance Board (it supports 600 pounds, we checked).
Here, Josh Santangelo (who conceptualized and coded this mashup) demonstrates a simple application that lets users create bubbles of various sizes and roll them around the table by pressing on the edges of Surface. You also get a sneak peek at the WPF/Silverlight physics engine we’ve been working on as well. Pressure sensitivity adds an extra dimension to the Surface experience and opens new doors on an already highly advanced platform.
Innovative Use of Existing Technology
The ingenuity behind this mod lies in the creative use of existing technology. The Wii Balance Board, originally designed for fitness games, is repurposed to add a new layer of interactivity to the Microsoft Surface. The Balance Board is capable of detecting weight and pressure, which Josh leveraged to create a pressure-sensitive interface. This opens up a myriad of possibilities for developers and users alike. Imagine using this technology in educational settings, where students can interact with digital content in a more tactile and engaging way. Or consider its application in design and art, where pressure sensitivity can add nuance to digital creations.
Potential Applications and Future Developments
The potential applications of this technology are vast. In gaming, for instance, pressure-sensitive controls could lead to more immersive and intuitive gameplay experiences. In professional environments, such as graphic design or architecture, the ability to manipulate digital objects with varying pressure could enhance precision and creativity. Moreover, this innovation could be a game-changer in accessibility, providing new ways for individuals with disabilities to interact with technology.
Here’s a video of this cool mod in action.
Stimulant: Microsoft Surface + Nintendo Wii Mashup from Stimulant on Vimeo.
Head on over to Stimulant for more details.
via Engadget
The video showcases the mod in action, providing a visual representation of how the pressure-sensitive Surface works. Watching the bubbles change size and move around the screen based on pressure inputs is fascinating and demonstrates the practical applications of this technology.
In conclusion, Josh Santangelo’s innovative use of the Wii Balance Board to create a pressure-sensitive Microsoft Surface PC is a testament to the endless possibilities of technology when combined with creativity. This mod not only enhances the functionality of the Surface but also paves the way for future innovations in various fields. Whether for gaming, professional use, or accessibility, the integration of pressure sensitivity into surface computing holds great promise. We look forward to seeing how this technology evolves and what new applications will emerge from this groundbreaking work.
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