Whenever you take a look at the keyboard and mouse combo, you’d probably think that these input devices have pretty much achieved the same status as that of the wheel. After all, if something isn’t broke, why fix it? The brains behind the MagicMouse device think differently though, coming in the form of a 3D ultrasonic computer mouse. This unique design is the result of an idea from five undergraduates, and has been chosen as one of the 10 inventions to be honored with the PopSci Invention Awards. What does the MagicMouse do exactly, you ask? Well, it works like a regular mouse except that you wear it on your finger instead of using your whole hand to manipulate a mouse.

The MagicMouse permits a computer user to control and manipulate their computing environment by simply pointing at the monitor. An array of receivers are used to track the motion of the minuscule ultrasonic transmitter located on the index finger. This means users will be able to move the cursor about the screen by mere gestures, pointing and moving their index finger accordingly. You can also zoom in on the display by moving the hand nearer or farther from the screen. I wonder what happens when you want to type a document while wearing the MagicMouse – will you see erratic jumps and movement of the onscreen cursor?

Since the MagicMouse utilizes a standard mouse protocol in its communication with the computer, there is no need to install special or additional software. All you need to do is plug it into any available USB port and you’re good to go. I wonder whether this will take over the mouse should it be commercialized, or will it remain a novelty item.

Source: Gizmag