We've seen a few early attempts at touch-based editing interfaces, using devices like the iPad. It may take some time for touch-based tools to mature into something better/faster than good ol' fashioned keyboard input, if ever, but the developments are interesting to say the least. Now, Editors Keys are working on a totally gesture-based system for the Leap Motion Controller, for 'lift of a finger' interfacing with Apple Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere & Photoshop, Avid & Pro Tools, and beyond. As always, editors will have to judge whether Minority Report-style control over their NLEs is viable. That said, it will be quite fascinating to see where technology like this goes. Read on for a demonstration by Editors Keys.

First, here's a brief intro to the Leap Motion Controller (retail $80), courtesy LM's YouTube channel:

Next is a YouTube review of the device in general by Engadget. The full-text review asserts the following, as of July 22, which may be useful to keep in mind (my emphasis):

It's clear that it's not cut out to replace a touchscreen or mouse as a primary input device. Not yet, anyway. Some developer may well figure out a way to take full advantage of the Leap's capabilities with a novel UI, but for now, it's best suited for creative pursuits, not productivity.

None of which amounts to a "this and only this is the future -- NOW!" type of endorsement by any means, but again, this is all very young. It's probably worthwhile to read and watch with a fair amount of skepticism at present, but the review also underlines Leap Motion's future potential.

Finally, with kudos to Wolfcrow for the find, here's Editors Keys on YouTube with their custom app for the Leap Motion -- still a work in progress, for sure:

Not convinced? I'm sure you're not alone. This tool will surely come with its growing pains, to be felt by both developers and early users alike. Things can only be improved as time goes by, though, and I'm sure we'll be hearing more about this tool, or ones like it, further down the line.

I'm not entirely convinced, but I do think it's amazing we can even take this into consideration. At the very least, I think Leap Motion and Editors Keys should be commended for their efforts in ironing out the possibilities that gesture-based interfaces may hold.

Editors Keys has responded to comments on YouTube, including the following:

We're developing this app further so -- it will learn the degree and speed at which you shuttle through video to make it very accurate. We're thinking of doing some two hand gestures too.

The developers at Editors Keys seem quite receptive to feedback, so if you have any constructive comments to make, be sure to let them know! The app for Leap Motion Controller doesn't seem to have a name yet (that I could find, at least,) nor has any release date been announced. According to PremiumBeat, "The finished app should support over 50 unique gestures for video editing and retail for 99 cents."

What do you guys think? Will the lack of physical feedback prove to be a deal breaker for editors? How could a Leap Motion-style interface complement your working style? How do you envision the future of technologies like this benefitting editors and filmmakers?

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[via Wolfcrow]