[earlz]

I've had exactly this idea before, but never pursued it because I couldn't get past the problem of shadows. It looks like this doesn't either. ie, if you are making a vertical pinch gesture and you happen to get it precise enough, it's possible that the top finger will be left in the dark and thus undetectable. Maybe because depth can be sensed, software can compensate.. I still imagine this will be a problem though, as well as resolution

Also, how well will this thing work in daylight and direct sun?

[Zikes]

Most likely the detectors/emitters are in a diagonal crosshatch pattern, which would also greatly simplify detection and resolution on the axis perpendicular to the air bar:

    /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
    \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
    /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
    --------------------

[fit2rule]

As an app developer who has had to deal with these kinds of state issues for, now, over a decade (pre-iOS touch was also happening, kids), I can only say this: so what?

Code for the case, and move on. WIMP is a baseline from the 70's that we need to move on, from. So, even if tis but a single-click, with de-bounce, 'tis a step up from the option. Shadows are an option; but if you know that you're going to be coding for Air.bar anyway, its just something you need to inform the GUI design team about, and move on.

Me, personally: I love this. I think its exactly what we need. I've had a Leap Motion on my desktop with much whimsy; that I can now take a touch-upgrade with me on my MBPro means I might actually be able to attain my desired goal of having a consistent, common, grounded touch interface in all of my apps. On all supported platforms.

I'm gonna get one.

[lurkinggrue]

> WIMP is a baseline from the 70's that we need to move on.

Yeah! Screw accuracy and fine control.