While many companies have attempted to create gesture controlled devices, there are none as intuitive as Leap Motion, which uses actions that come naturally to computer users effectively, putting the control right at their fingertips!

The tiny-three inch device is the brainchild of San Francisco-based Michael Buckwald, who wanted to transform the current clunky user interface that entails complicated keystrokes, shortcuts and mouse clicks into something a little more exciting. Leap Motion sits right between the user and the keyboard and deciphers finger movements with the help of three infrared LED lights and two cameras.

While similar to Microsoft Corp's Kinect, Leap Motion is designed to be used with computers and according to the company officials, is 200 times more sensitive than the gaming controller. It is so powerful that it can even detect individual finger movements.

The $80 USD device that will be available in stores this May, will allow users to complete office tasks, paint, create virtual 3-D objects and even, edit music and video without ever touching the keyboard.

They can even play popular Smartphone games like 'Fruit Ninja', create digital masterpieces by simply allowing their imagination to soar in the air and solve puzzles or mazes. Like any other device, it does take a little getting used to, but the people that were lucky enough to test it at the recently held South by Southwest Interactive Show in Austin, Texas where it was launched, attest that it is a device like none other.

And if replacing your computer keyboard does not excite you how about using the Leap Motion to create a hologram a la Ironman style. That's what web developer Robbie Tilton did. Using a prism and an illusionary technique called Pepper's Ghost (the same illusion that is used in haunted houses and dark rides) he first projected a floating globe off the surface of a computer monitor. Then, with the help of the Leap Motion he twisted it around with just a flick of his wrist! Too cool to believe? He has a video to prove it! And this, is probably the first of many cool things web developers will do, using this interactive device. The future, just became really interesting!

Resources: LAtimes.com,geek.com,