Similar to architects who rely on design software such as AutoCAD and Rhino 3D to create plans for new buildings, application developers often use collections of programming tools called software development kits (SDKs). During CES 2023, Helsinki-based Port 6 showcased its Touch SDK tool set. Port 6 is on a mission to empower people to control Augmented Reality (AR) apps with hand gestures. Programmers at Port 6 employ the Touch SDK to create prototypes that use gesture detection for tasks such as playing musical instruments, typing, playing games, and more.
The Touch SDK is available today for developers who create smartwatch apps for Wear OS, Google’s Android operating system for wearables. There is no iOS version for the Apple Watch at this time. Port 6’s goal is to make gesture controls for human computer interaction accessible to many more people at a reasonable cost. Currently focused on expanding Touch SDK’s toolset for smart watches, the next steps include launching a smartwatch powered by Touch SDK, followed by releasing a hardware development kit, Eventually Port 6 hopes to be a standard interface for consumer electronics products.
Gesture detection has potential to help folks with all sorts of impairments, especially when combined with smart home devices such as lights, locks, thermostats, security systems, appliances, communications, entertainment systems.
