Google announced the availability of Project Soli, which is a chip that is embedded in any device; such as a smart watch, phone, computer, or tablet. It allows developers to come up with a set of gestures that can be performed without having to physically interact with a device. For example; a developer could design a virtual dial that the user can interact with by making a gesture that resembles turning a dial. Sense the user doesn’t directly touch the device, the number of gestures that can be created is only limited by the developer’s imagination.
From the Developer
Soli is a new sensing technology that uses miniature radar to detect touchless gesture interactions.
Soli is a purpose-built interaction sensor that uses radar for motion tracking of the human hand.
The Soli chip incorporates the entire sensor and antenna array into an ultra-compact 8mm x 10mm package.
The concept of Virtual Tools is key to Soli interactions: Virtual Tools are gestures that mimic familiar interactions with physical tools. This metaphor makes it easier to communicate, learn, and remember Soli interactions.
Virtual Tool Gestures
Imagine an invisible button between your thumb and index fingers – you can press it by tapping your fingers together.
Button
Or a Virtual Dial that you turn by rubbing thumb against index finger. Imagine grabbing and pulling a Virtual Slider in thin air.
Dial
These are the kinds of interactions we are developing and imagining.
Slider
Even though these controls are virtual, the interactions feel physical and responsive.
Feedback is generated by the haptic sensation of fingers touching each other. Without the constraints of physical controls, these virtual tools can take on the fluidity and precision of our natural human hand motion.
