New Scientist Breaking News - Drop sensor provides laptop motion control: "The new model of the notebook includes a motion sensor that locks the head of the hard drive in one position if the machine is suddenly dropped, to prevent damage as well as loss of data. The sensor is able to tell when the computer is moved up and down or rolled forwards or to the side.
But now software engineer Amit Singh, who lives in California, US, has found a way to turn the sensor into a novel means of controlling the system. As the sensor can be accessed using through the computer's operating system, Singh came up with some simple code to let him control things on the screen using movement. "
Steve's Commentary
Researcher Amit Singh has found a way of using the drop sensor in Apple's new Powerbook for some more trivial but innovative uses. These new Powerbooks are one of the first personal computers to incorporate environmental sensors. They have a means of detecting events in their environment (motion) and responding to them. The drop sensor is a step toward integrating the virtual world with the physical world in a very practical way. Mr. Singh's efforts mirror that of the "PC modding" subculture. Perhaps his work, and that of Apple, forshadow new directions for pc modders that will open up the doors to more "environmentally aware" computers.
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