Leap Motion bounds ahead with 3D motion control

Leap, the new 3D motion control system, is accurate down to the hundredth of a millimeter level and can reflect movement by any of a user's fingers.

The Leap system is designed to give users extremely responsive hands-free control over their computers. The company says it offers 200 times the sensitivity of existing technology, including Microsoft's Kinect.

The Leap, which is expected to be released early next year, should cost $70 and come with access to an app store where developers will make their creations available. The device connects to a computer via a USB port.

Unlike existing technologies, the Leap can recognize each of a user's fingers, allowing him or her to control things at the finger level.

One example of how the system is useful is that anyone can zoom in or out of a map using the same pinching gestures smartphone users have become familiar with. Except they don't need to touch a screen.