[Review] Leap Motion

The technological advances never cease. Computers and gaming consoles get faster and more powerful. Virtual reality is becoming an actuality. Even motion-sensors are getting smaller. The flash drive-sized Leap Motion controller is a prime example of this.

Wikipedia states: “The Leap Motion controller is a small USB peripheral device which is designed to be placed on a physical desktop, facing upward. Using two monochromatic IR cameras and three infrared LEDs, the device observes a roughly hemispherical area, to a distance of about 1 meter (3.28084 feet). The LEDs generate a 3D pattern of dots of IR light and the cameras generate almost 300 frames per second of reflected data, which is then sent through a USB cable to the host computer, where it is analyzed by the Leap Motion controller software using "complex maths" in a way that has not been disclosed by the company, in some way synthesizing 3D position data by comparing the 2D frames generated by the two cameras.”

I first heard of the Leap Motion controller, a couple years ago, but only recently became really interested in it, as I now have a more capable computer. This has allowed me to experiment with new things. I was also curious about the Leap from an accessibility perspective. It could have major implementations for physically challenged individuals.

Installing the Leap is very simple. All you have to do is download and install the drivers and app store, and plug in the Leap. Of course, you have to create an account to install any of the 150+ apps on the store, but that’s standard fare, nowadays.

In general, the Leap’s tracking is pretty accurate and with very low latency. What this means is the devices recognizes your movements in real-time. This is a very good thing, because as a gamer and even a general user, any sort of input delay can be a hassle. The device also recognizes finger movements fairly well, so you can pick up objects on screen. You can also utilize real-world objects to use the Leap, such as a pencil or chopsticks. This is a tremendous plus for individuals who can’t use their hands.

There are a couple problems that I have with the Leap. One such is while tracking is pretty accurate, it is by no means perfect. There have been several instances where I’ve had to let it recognize my hand for a second before I could use it again. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s still annoying. The other problem is that personally I can’t seem to find the center of the sensors. This  is a problem when I use the Leap as my mouse, because I keep accidentally clicking stuff I don’t want to. However, this may only be due to Cerebral Palsy.

Would I recommend the Leap Motion controller? Yes, because not only is it an awesome piece of technology, it is also a  huge help for physically challenged individuals. The Leap Motion controller has a MSRP of $79.99 USD. Regardless, you can purchase it from major retailers such as Amazon and BestBuy, as well as through Leap Motion, Inc’s website.

Rating: 5 Stars
Accessibility Rating: 4 Stars

Leap Motion develops motion-control hardware and software. Leap Motion was formerly known as OcuSpec Inc. and changed its name in May 2012. Leap Motion was founded in 2010 and is based in San Francisco, California. (Souirce: Bloomberg)  They graciously sent me a Leap Motion controller for review, and I sincerely thank them for doing so.