Microsoft’s research lab in Cambridge, UK has developed a new way to interact with the digital world using hand gestures. “Digits” uses 3 different IR cameras to track the positions of fingers with respect to each other.

One of the applications for this technology includes 3-D spacial interaction with a mobile device. By assigning gestures to certain functions, the user could conceivably control any aspect of a device. This also allows for vision free control of the device. In example used in Microsoft’s video, they assigned the the “thumb’s up” to answer an incoming call.

Other applications include sign language interpretation and endless possibilities for gaming. Could this be the new controller for X Box 720? Guess we will have to wait to find out.