Microsoft SideSight makes for multi-touch off the screen

We've all heard about and seen the Microsoft Surface device in action. And one thing is for certain: the company is committed to utilizing multi-touch surfaces is new and interesting ways. But what if no surface was required at all?

Microsoft has a new research project called the SideSight. And rather than using multi-touch gestures on a screen, you would be making them around the device. Equipped with a bunch of proximity sensors, the SideSight would be able to detect your gestures made all around it.

Making a quick motion toward the device would equal a click and making a twisting motion would rotate images. The prototype is based on an HTC Touch model, but this is a long way from being production ready.

[via Engadget]