Panasonic today announced [JP] what it says is the world’s first gesture-controlled TV, meaning the device doesn’t require you to use the remote control or touch the screen (at least for basic operations). Instead, you can change channels by waving your hand to the right or left in front of the display (if you’re 5-10cm away), thanks to the 2 motion sensors the TV comes with.
It’s also possible to adjust the volume that way: just move your hand to the upper right corner if the TV is not loud enough or to the upper left corner if you want to lower the volume.
Panasonic says the gesture-based control is practical when users are in the kitchen to cook, for example. What’s also interesting is that the web-connected TV can be used to access a special recipe site [JP] run by Panasonic – again, by gestures only if needed.
Spec-wise, the VIERA DMP-HV200 is a portable, waterproof 10.1-inch α-Si TFT LCD TV with multiple tuners for Japanese TV, 1,024×600 resolution, Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11, an SDXC card slot, and a USB 2.0 port (buyers also get a remote control).
Panasonic will start selling the TV in Japan on March 18 (price: $640).