Google LiquidGalaxy, would be even better with multitouch :)
I came across this rather awesome Google project in my RSS feeds today, LiquidGalaxy
Essentially, it’s 8 large screens integrated as a single Google Earth UI, complete with a gazebo for the user to stand in.
After reading this, I had a thought. This would be even better if the screens incorporated multitouch!, perhaps using these, or if there
was a podium in the center with a smaller screen supporting multitouch, for which a number of other options exist too. One challenge would be deciding which display, or all of them, to add multitouch to. If only one, it’d have to be clear to the user which one they use. If all, the software would have to be able to accommodate that. Personally, I feel like a central podium with a smaller display “feels” like it would work the best from a user’s point of view.
Taking it a step beyond multitouch, it could possibly use an available body tracking technology instead of, or to augment multitouch. If the Nintendo Wii can do it, why not this ?
For quite a while now I’ve been eying the multitouch options, and have even parted out (but not purchased) an inexpensive set up for some DIY MT action. Sadly, as happens all too often for me, other priorities supersede the fun excursions.
Nonetheless, combining the mentioned capabilities would make for some amazingly engaging interactive environments, which while fun and neat, have some immense and practical educational ramifications.