New device projects web from fingertips..

MIT's 'Wear Ur World' (WUW) device puts internet literally at your fingertips

SCIENTISTS have developed a computer that lets users project the internet on to objects by waving their fingers in the air.

SCIENTISTS have developed a Minority Report -style computer, where users can project the internet on to objects by waving their fingers in the air.

The device, created by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), can turn any surface into a computer touch screen.

Users can take photographs simply by framing an object with their hands or project a digital watch face on to their wrists by drawing a circle in the air with their finger.

The device, known as "Wear Ur World" or WUW, works by cobbling together a web camera, tiny projector and internet-connected smartphone into a device that can be worn like jewellery.

Tiny sensors respond to hand movements, allowing wearers to conjure internet information seemingly from the air.

"You can use this gadget to interact with data on the internet just by selecting which information you want from a screen of options," MIT researcher Patty Maes said.

"Other than letting you live out your fantasy of looking as cool as Tom Cruise in Minority Report, it can really let you connect as a sixth sense device with whatever is in front of you."

By waving their hands over an airline ticket, it can let users know whether their flight is on time.

It can also recognise books and project reviews or author information from the internet.

The WUW is expected to be commercially marketable by 2011.

(http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,28348,25039973-5014239,00.html)