controls

Myo gesture-control armband uses muscle power

From "Minority Report" to the Kinect, we've been on a tech quest for touchless gesture control that frees us from the shackles of mice and old-style controllers. We want to get in on the action and use movement to command our digital devices.

Myo from Thalmic Labs takes that gesture-control desire and builds it into an armband you wear on your forearm.

The Myo uses a combination of motion sensors and muscle activity sensors to track gestures. When you snap your fingers, wave your hand, or point your finger, it translates that movement into a gesture based on the muscles used. An ARM processor and rechargeable batteries power the armband, which communicates with devices using Bluetooth low energy. … Read more

Finer details about PlayStation 4's DualShock 4 controller, Eye camera

As Sony explained the hardware and software in the upcoming PlayStation 4 yesterday, two very important input devices -- the DualShock 4 controller and PlayStation 4 Eye camera -- also debuted. But Sony wasn't completely up front about how it will all work.

Fortunately, an official Sony press release (PDF) sheds further light on the two crucial pieces of PS4 hardware.… Read more

Sony gets touchy-feely with new DualShock 4 controller for PS4

Turns out the leaks were right.

Alongside the unveiling of the PlayStation 4 today, Sony showed off the new controller that goes with it called the DualShock 4.

Key among the new features is a built-in touchpad that goes in the very center of the controller, adding an extra level of control and interaction with games and on-screen menus. There's also a built-in microphone jack, and a share button nestled next to the trigger buttons that lets gamers stream their gameplay live to friends in real-time.

During its press conference, Sony promised that the new design improves the built-in … Read more

The three quickest ways to open the Control Panel in Windows 8

When I'm not blogging for CNET, I test and review laptops and desktops. During the getting-to-know process for each system I review, one of the places I usually stop by first is the Control Panel to tweak a setting or two before I start running benchmark tests. In the good old days of Windows 7 and XP, I simply clicked on the Start button and selected the Control Panel from the Start menu. With Windows 8, however, that path does not exist.

If you are using a tablet or refuse to engage in keyboard shortcuts, you'll need to … Read more

Sony files patent for EyePad

Sony is eyeing its own EyePad via a patent, but it's not a gadget designed to compete with Apple's popular tablet.

Instead, the Sony device would act as an input control for an entertainment console and could wind up as a controller for the current and upcoming version of the PlayStation.

Published last week by the European Patent Office, Sony's patent describes a wireless controller that looks like a small tablet with a touch-sensitive surface. Motion sensors would be able to detect the movement and position of the controller. The device could also sport a couple of … Read more

Track your children's phone usage with Parental Control

Even though smartphones and tablets can be both fun and useful for children, these devices also open children up to a dangerous world of unlimited information exchange. Whether it be inappropriate text exchanges, adult Web site content, or excessive usage that may rack up fees, Parental Control will help safeguard your kids.

Parental Control is quick to set up on a mobile device. For the most part it runs in the background and is not visible through normal use. The program itself is password-protected so the child may not simply disable it or delete it. The main portion of the … Read more

Nightlight brings timed, multicolored, and voice-controlled illumination to your bed chamber

If a smartphone can replace your watch, music player, and camera, why not your night-light? Nightlight supplies an adjustable level of comfortable light to satisfy the basic functionality of a night-light, plus it offers sound detection that allows users to control the app by voice.

Setting up Nightlight takes no time at all and is very easy. The main menu is clean and simple to deduce. In the Options, users can choose the color of the light and the light source, and whether to use the screen or the camera flash as the light source. Nightlight also lets users adjust … Read more

PS4 prototype controller revealed?

Sony will reveal the future of the PlayStation brand at a New York City event next Wednesday, but one of the company's surprises may have just leaked. Destructoid has obtained an image of what is rumored to be the PlayStation 4's new touch screen-equipped controller.

A "trusted source" has confirmed to IGN that the leaked PlayStation 4 controller image is indeed real, but is only a prototype. The final design could change. An industry source confirmed the same to gaming blog Kotaku.

The image matches up with previous reports, which suggested the PS4 controller would be … Read more

Michael Dell to use own money to seek majority control -- report

Just weeks after reports surfaced that Dell was looking to go private, the company's founder appears willing to put his personal funds where his mouth is.

Michael Dell may kick in equity financing of $500 million to $1 billion combined with his 15.7 percent stake in the company to seek majority control of the company, according to Bloomberg. That would push his ownership stake past 50 percent.

With the investment, Dell would be contributing more than half of the total $8 billion to $9 billion equity check. The remainder of the takeover would be financed by debt and &… Read more

How to pair, control your Apple TV with a Bluetooth keyboard

With the release of iOS 6.1 for iOS devices, the Apple TV line quietly received an update as well. The update adds iCloud support for purchased music, Up Next support (although this was already present on an Apple TV), and the ability to pair a Bluetooth keyboard to your Apple TV. By pairing a keyboard you can control playback, navigate, and enter search queries all from the comfort of a physical keyboard.

To pair a keyboard, make sure you've updated your Apple TV to the latest OS. You can update it by going into Settings > General > … Read more