(CES) Connected ring transforms your palm into a touch interface

A lire sur: http://www.atelier.net/en/trends/articles/connected-ring-transforms-your-palm-touch-interface_426848

By Thomas Meyer January 16, 2014 

Showcased at CES 2014, the Fin ring – which enables you to control a screen remotely just by rubbing your fingers and thumb – is the latest step in the ongoing dematerialisation of control devices for connected objects.

India-based RHL VisionTechnologieshas just launched its first fund-raising campaign on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo and plans to deliver the first generation of Fin rings in autumn this year. This latest ‘wearable’ accessory takes the power to control screens and other connected objects ‘anytime, anywhere’ to a new level, never before achieved. One of the top fifteen startups in the world fighting it out on the TechCrunch Hardware Battlefield at the CES 2014 event in Las Vegas, this startup has come up with a product that makes controlling connected screens much easier, not least providing significant help to people with poor sight.

A Bluetooth ring

Fin is still at the development stage. You wear this tiny accessory on your thumb as a ring and the various gestures you make with your thumb and fingers can then be interpreted by Bluetooth technology and transmitted to the nearest connected object. A user can for instance remotely control his/her smartphone and connected TV just by applying pressure with the thumb or making a movement of the hand. For example, by gently sliding your thumb down your index finger you can adjust the volume of your mobile phone, or move your music player forward to the next track simply by swiping your finger across your palm.

Ubiquitous control

In the long term, the RHL developers are planning to further refine the technology, including making the touch control system smarter by linking one specific command function to each finger. The Fin ring could also help people with vision problems to manipulate touch screens, enabling them to command all their connected platforms through a simple hand control system. When it comes to connected vehicles, Fin could provide a genuine seamless experience by allowing a driver to take full advantage of the new functionality offered by the connected car, without having to take his/her hands off the steering wheel. Drivers will for instance be able to browse online or call up music apps without detracting in any way from the driving experience.