The future of computer input devices

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: Sahakiel
The problem with touch screen and the like is that you're limited to specific applications. Touch screens work on cell phones because of their size. Touch screens fail on large screens because of their size.

Promethian and Smart Boards are 6 feet across. Calibrated correctly, they're very accurate.

 

[Sahakiel]

Originally posted by: DrPizza

Originally posted by: Sahakiel
The problem with touch screen and the like is that you're limited to specific applications. Touch screens work on cell phones because of their size. Touch screens fail on large screens because of their size.

Promethian and Smart Boards are 6 feet across. Calibrated correctly, they're very accurate.

I was referring to the use of large touch screens, not their accuracy. A large touch screen can be troublesome for a general use computer, especially if the user is 2 foot tall or handicapped.

The way I see it, accuracy and calibration are moot points. Extrapolating past and current development trends, in general, accuracy will increase while the need to calibrate decreases.

The keyboard, while ubiquitous, is not the best way to interact with a computer. The invention of voice recognition, touch screen, handwriting, and the mouse are all proof of that. The keyboard became universally tied with general computers simply because it was the best interface given the limited technology. Recently, technology has given general commodity computers the ability to use other interfaces which is why we are seeing these other interfaces start to permeate the general user space.

Given a year by year increase in computational power, processing ability, accuracy, algorithm development, and all the other fun factors that contribute to the simple act of interfacing with a computer, it's reasonable to assume that future machines will be capable of processing multiple input types. Much as some people navigate windows using only a keyboard while others use only a mouse, alternative input methods allow users to interact in a method that fits their current situation and application. Password input will probably stick with keyboard and other direct input methods until such a time as bio-signature becomes available. On the other hand, CAD using 3D interaction might be preferable. For handicapped or disabled users, the increased processing power available to computers means they don't have to buy special equipment just to do what the average user can do. The interface they require is already built-in and easily adapted to their particular situation.

 

[oogabooga]

I imagine the future of computer input devices are a lot like what we currently have. There will still probably be some form of keyboard / mouse.

I can see that then being augmented by touchscreen, motion capture, voice/eye recognition. I could see voice (if it works as well as say - star trek) being a rel big improvement for me personally. I'd love to tell my computer what to do.