Microsoft: Dance Through Your E-Mail

As part of its annual TechFest gathering in Redmond, Wash., Microsoft is showing a new method of computer interaction that uses feet instead of hands. Called "Step User Interface," or Step UI, the input device is a simple dance pad like those used for the popular game Dance Dance Revolution.

Microsoft researchers A.J. Brush, Steven Drucker and Marc Smith developed the idea after looking into ways to extend the current methods of interacting with PCs. The group has developed two compatible applications, StepMail and StepPhoto.

In StepMail, six buttons on the floor can control features such as scroll, open, close, delete, flag and place messages in folders. StepPhoto would allow for foot-controlled scrolling and sorting through digital pictures.

"Many information workers spend a majority of their time trapped at their desk dealing with e-mail. We wanted to provide them with an alternative," Meyers said. Step UI would allow frequent computer users to take a break, as well as giving more freedom to those with limited hand dexterity.

"By allowing information workers to stand and continue to read, delete and flag e-mail messages, StepMail gives them a break from the keyboard and mouse, which reduces the risk of repetitive stress injury in their hands and wrists and engages more of their bodies' muscles," he added.

Step UI is only one of 150 new concepts to be shown off at this year's event, which is expected to draw some 6,000 Microsoft employees and showcase over 400 presentations.

"TechFest is a prime opportunity for our researchers to share the results of their work with the rest of the company, get input and feedback, and discuss how to take their research forward," Microsoft Research Strategy and Communications general manager Kevin Schofield said in a statement.

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