Skinput: Your Skin, Now A Keyboard

Your next cell phone may not have a built-in keyboard of any kind - you may just be able to use Skinput instead. Now in development at Microsoft, Skinput is slated to become the newest form of human-computer interface. Although Skinput is still a few years away from being offered commercially, same day payday loans might get you your own Skinput system.

Skinput seems to be based on vibrations

Despite the visions of sci-fi writers across the world, the Skinput system does not rely on implants in your skin. Rather, an armband that goes around your elbow will record and transmit vibrations through Bluetooth connection. Touching your skin in placed will produce certain vibrations giving you virtually a “keyboard” that will exist on your skin.

Pair together Skinput and a projector

Originally, Skinput was an interface that only went one direction. Commands can be sent to your phone or computer through the armband. However, to see fully interactive menus or to read anything, you would have to pull your phone out. A small pica-projector, however, could solve this problem. A prototype is mounted on a frame above the arm, although there are hopes of shrinking this projector.

When can you get Skinput?

Skinput is still two to seven years away from commercial application. Currently, the Skinput system is only 96 percent accurate with a five-button system. A full navigational system and keyboard would need 30 keys at least and would need to be 99 percent accurate. Even though it is still years away, Skinput will probably begin as a very expensive system, almost as costly as car loans. When technology improves and shrinks, Skinput will probably become more affordable. Software programming specialists are considering the possibility of this new user interface already. The Skinput system could be paired with contact lens for a fully integrated day to day cell phone.

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