Last Friday we showed you one of Google’s April Fools pranks, Gmail Motion, which was basically Gmail controlled by a range of funny hand actions. This prank video humorously suggested that users could compose and send emails using exaggerated body movements. Now, the innovative team over at the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) at the University of Southern California has taken this concept a step further by creating their own version of Gmail Motion using Microsoft’s Kinect.
Turning Fiction into Reality
The ICT team has demonstrated that what started as a joke can be turned into a functional reality. Using the Kinect’s advanced motion-sensing technology, they have managed to replicate the Gmail Motion concept. As you will see in the video below, they are able to create emails and also send them using a range of different motion controls. This is not just a simple mimicry of the April Fools prank; it showcases the potential of motion-sensing technology in practical applications.
The video demonstrates the ICT team’s ingenuity in utilizing the Kinect’s capabilities to interpret various gestures as commands for composing and sending emails. For instance, a simple wave of the hand can open a new email window, while a specific gesture can send the email. This project not only highlights the versatility of the Kinect but also opens up discussions about the future of human-computer interaction.
Implications and Future Prospects
The successful implementation of Gmail Motion using Kinect technology has broader implications beyond just email. It suggests a future where motion-sensing technology could be integrated into various aspects of our daily digital interactions. Imagine controlling your entire computer or smart home devices with simple gestures, making technology more accessible to those with physical disabilities or those who prefer a touch-free interface.
Moreover, this innovation could pave the way for more immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. By incorporating motion-sensing technology, users could interact with virtual environments in a more natural and intuitive manner. This could revolutionize fields such as gaming, education, and remote work, providing more engaging and interactive experiences.
Very clever, you can see the original Gmail Motion video below, which was, of course, an April Fools prank.
In conclusion, while Google’s Gmail Motion started as a humorous April Fools prank, the ICT team’s real-world application using Kinect technology demonstrates the potential for innovative and practical uses of motion-sensing technology. This project not only showcases the creativity and technical prowess of the ICT team but also invites us to imagine a future where our interactions with technology are more seamless and intuitive. As technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how these advancements will shape our digital experiences and daily lives.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
