What is the Leap Motion Device?

FAQs
GENERAL

What exactly is The Leap?
The Leap is a small iPod sized USB peripheral that creates a 3D interaction space of 8 cubic feet to precisely interact with and control software on your laptop or desktop computer. It’s like being able to reach into the computer and pull out information as easily as reaching into a cookie jar.

The Leap senses your individual hand and finger movements independently, as well as items like a pen. In fact, it’s 200x more sensitive than existing touch-free products and technologies. It’s the difference between sensing an arm swiping through the air and being able to create a precise digital signature with a fingertip or pen.

What can I do with The Leap?
The possibilities are endless, really. Computer power has grown exponentially over the years, but the way we interact with those computers has not. With LEAP, virtually every kind of application, across every industry, can be re-imagined.

Art. Healthcare. Engineering. Operating Systems. Gaming. If you can imagine it, we’re pretty confident there’s a remarkable member of our developer community who is already working to create it.

What is Leap Motion technology?
Leap Motion technology is a breakthrough in computer interaction, using a patented mathematical approach to 3D, touch-free motion sensing and motion control software that’s unlike anything that currently exists on the market or in academia. Developed over the past 4 years, Leap Motion moves far beyond the current technologies designed for distant arm waving.

How much does The Leap cost?
The Leap will retail for $69.99, and a limited number are currently available for pre-order at LeapMotion.com.

How does The Leap impact computing?
For decades people have been given a dream of what computers would be – from Star Trek holosuites to Tom Cruise swiping through Minority Report’s 3D computer interface. But it’s never made it out of the lab and into real life – until now. The ability to control any computer with nuanced hand and finger movements will fundamentally transform the way people interact with computers.

Who is The Leap ideal for?
Everyone! We envision a day in the near future when our motion control technology will be used in most consumer products – not just computers, but cars, appliances, medical devices, light switches and more. There are already many great uses for a variety of people.

Artists and creative types can use The Leap to emulate a stylus or easily create 3D images.
Anyone can use The Leap to interact with Windows 7/8 or Mac OS X by clicking, grabbing, scrolling and using familiar gestures like pinch to zoom in 3D space.
Users pointing a pen at the signature line of a document to sign it in space.
Engineers can interact more easily with 3D modeling software.
Gamers can play more easily and many will modify with Leap in mind.
Surgeons can control 3D medical data with their hands without taking off their gloves.
Who is LEAP? How did you get started?
The original inspiration behind Leap came from our frustration with 3D modeling— something that took 10 seconds in real life would take 30 minutes with a computer. Molding virtual clay with a computer should be as easy as molding clay in the real world. The mouse and keyboard were simply getting in the way.

Could we figure out a way to control computers in a better, more natural way—and without settling for the limitations of available technology? After four years of hard work, we’ve got the answer. Now it’s time to have fun.

What makes Leap Motion stand out?
Leap Motion is the only technology focused on bringing motion control to the desktop – rather than trying to take what’s been built for TV (large gesture sensing) and make it work for computers. We incorporate natural motions and finger tracking in far greater detail and sensitivity, than any product on the market. The Leap is ~100x more accurate than any other motion sensing/natural user interface on Earth.

How do I pre-order a LEAP?
We have a limited number available for our first shipment this winter. Early birds catch the worm – so click here to order. We won’t charge you until the product is ready to ship.

How can I get a free developer kit?
We’re distributing thousands of kits to qualified developers, because, well, we want to see what kinds of incredible things you can all do with our technology. So wow us. Actually, register to get the SDK and a free Leap device first, and then wow us.

Do you support windows?
Yes! We also support native touch emulation for Windows 8.

How about Linux?
Linux support is on the agenda.

When do dev-kits ship
Depending on which batch you’re in; anywhere from 1-3 months.

What are the tech specifications for the LEAP?
TBD.

What if I have a question that is not covered here?
We have full-time staff dedicated to community outreach. Write community@leapmotion.com.

Why does Leap Motion matter? What problem do you solve?
Computers have always been remarkable. The ways we’ve connected to those computers, however, have always struck us as clunky. Typing? Seriously? That’s fine for writing a novel. But it’s hardly the most natural, intuitive way to communicate.

It may seem unorthodox, but remember: all the big innovations have been viewed that way, too. Wireless. The horseless carriage.

Who are your partners?
Our partners include many of the world’s largest companies. In the consumer electronics space for example, we expect to integrate our technology into tablets, smart phones, laptops and game systems.

Tell me about the Leap Motion team.
Our initial technology breakthrough came from co-founder and CTO David Holz. David was working on a PhD in mathematics from UNC Chapel Hill and left to pursue Leap Motion. Before that, he was conducting research for NASA on fluid mechanics.

Michael Buckwald is the CEO and co-founder. Prior to founding Leap Motion, Michael was the CEO of Zazuba.com.

Michael and Dave are childhood friends from Florida.