iPhone turns motion-controller

The flood of new product releases ahead of Computex Taipei, the biggest IT show in Asia, present some interesting innovations, writes Gizmag.

One new release certain to cause a stir is Asrock's AIWI, an Apple app which turns an iPhone or iPod Touch into a Nintendo Wii-type motion controller for computer games.

It also uses the touch-screen as a touch pad for controlling the cursor and keyboard functions of a computer. It might just have some serious implications for the future of the computer and TV human interface.

Argentina's Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation has set up a sectoral nanotechnology fund to be used for investigation, development and innovation in this emerging technology, states Nanotechnology and Development News.

The fund will grant non-refundable contributions of up to $7.8 million and will focus on the development of nano-materials and nano-sensors, as well as stimulate technology transfer in the areas of health, cosmetics, and agro-industry.

Daniel Lupi, president of the Foundation Argentina de Nanotecnolog'ia, said: "[T]his initiative confirms our will to orient the results of our scientific research toward society.”

Innovators from around the world will converge on the LA Convention Centre in July as the Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (Siggraph) hosts the annual Emerging Technologies exhibition, reports Gaming Today.

It will feature many innovations that may eventually alter the way people play video games and use computers. This year's 22 finalists include proof-of-concept technologies like the gesture control system for computers and an in-air typing interface that could one day eliminate keyboards all together.

Sony unveiled its 360-degree auto-stereoscopic display, a technology that allows 3D without glasses from any angle. Other entries include a humanoid robot and human taste simulations via the Meta Cookie.