Puyocon: Perfect Peripheral or Japanese Junk?
Puyocon is an innovative pointing device developed by the Entertainment Computing Laboratory of Japan's Tsukuba University. We're not sure, though, whether that innovation represents an evolution or just a bizarre mutation. As opposed to a standard mouse, which relies on a 2-D plane to interact with your computer's similarly 2-D interface, Puyocon moves in three dimensions. Incorporating 14 pressure sensors and a three-way acceleration sensor, the Puyocon responds to rolling, squeezing, and even throwing.
We can see how Puyocon could be an amazing gadget for 3-D gaming, as it proves to be in the updated 'Marble Madness' demo in the video below. The developers claim that the device is more intuitive than a normal mouse, and easier to use for children and seniors who may have trouble with multiple buttons. Obviously, there would be a significant adjustment period for anyone transitioning from a traditional pointer to Puyocon, but the concept does intrigue us.
Still, for fine graphics work, we'll stick with our pen tablets and even our troublesome trackpads. There is something to be said for working on flat planes, and we imagine it cannot be replicated by Puyocon. Regardless, Puyocon is still a prototype, so we won't be trashing our mice anytime soon. [From: Coolest Gadgets, via: DVICE]
