Coach Poatoes Thrown for a Loop
Colin Dixon, Broadband Media Practice Manager
June 15, 2009
One of the problems that has plagued my ability to watch web video on my TV is the mouse. When I’m slumped on my sofa watching video on the new Hulu client or on abc.com it really is a pain to have to sit up, find a flat surface and navigate to the next video with a regular wireless mouse. Well, it looks like I just found a cool alternative that allows me to remain in my recumbent posture while I hunt for the next show to watch.
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The folks at Hillcrest Labs sent me their new Loop pointer mouse using Freespace® technology to play with and I have to say I’m impressed. Since the mouse uses gyroscopic technology all you need to do to move the pointer on the screen is move the ring back and forth and up and down. You don’t need to point it at the screen and it doesn’t need to be held flat or at any particular angle. Just grab it from what ever position you’re in and waggle it about from your wrist!
There is a little button cluster right under your thumb. The standard mouse buttons are provided - select, right click and a scroll wheel - plus a handy “hide cursor” button. This is great if you’re watching video and want the arrow out of the way.
Installation couldn’t have been easier: I just plugged it in and windows took care of finding and installing the drivers. The most difficult thing about the whole process was installing the batteries in the loop. This was a bit fiddly but only took a minute or so. I’m not sure how long the batteries last but I’ll keep you posted here if they die in an exceptionally short period of time.
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One of the things I really like about the Loop is the way it adapts to my shifting position. If I find my wrist is getting tired in one position I can simply drop my arm to a different one. The mouse automatically adjusts.
I’m pleased to see products like this arriving. The Loop helps solve the problem of selecting stuff from the web to watch from across the room and perhaps makes me think a pointer on TV can be made to work after all. It looks pretty cool on the coffee table as well!
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About Colin Dixon
Colin Dixon
Senior Partner, Advisory
Formerly: Senior Executive at Microsoft/Web TV, Liberate and Oracle
Colin Dixon is the senior partner for TDG’s advisory services. He is a Senior Technology Consultant with a background building and managing all aspects of a technical business. His extensive experience includes new media, communications, networking and network management - industries where he has a proven record of developing and delivering top quality products and services on time to meet market needs.
Colin has held senior executive positions at Microsoft/WebTV, Liberate and Oracle where he was responsible for technology and business teams delivering to the Cable, Satellite and IPTV industries. Over the last 15 years, he has led various corporate departments including engineering, business development, product and program management and marketing.
Colin is a published author and accomplished speaker including presentations at major industry shows such as NAB and IBC. He graduated from the University of Reading in England with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He holds a Masters in Engineering from the University of Florida and has post-graduate business education experience from Stanford.