Waving the Channel
Television viewers will soon be able to change channels with a wave of the hand. A new TV set with a chip-based infrared sensor embedded in its front maps the depth of objects in the room, making it possible to detect hand motions–even when the lights are low. A sharp wave powers up the set; a circular motion flips the channel; an up-and-down motion controls volume. The product is expected to be available in 2010. 
Courtesy of Canesta
Product: Hitachi gesture-recognition television
Cost: Not available
Source: www.canesta.com
Companies: Hitachi, Canesta
Keep Reading
Most Popular
Large language models can do jaw-dropping things. But nobody knows exactly why.
And that's a problem. Figuring it out is one of the biggest scientific puzzles of our time and a crucial step towards controlling more powerful future models.
The problem with plug-in hybrids? Their drivers.
Plug-in hybrids are often sold as a transition to EVs, but new data from Europe shows we’re still underestimating the emissions they produce.
Google DeepMind’s new generative model makes Super Mario–like games from scratch
Genie learns how to control games by watching hours and hours of video. It could help train next-gen robots too.
How scientists traced a mysterious covid case back to six toilets
When wastewater surveillance turns into a hunt for a single infected individual, the ethics get tricky.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.