Physical Computing with MIT’s Siftables
Siftables is the latest example of a Tangible User Interface (TUI), an emerging technology that aims to use physical objects as interface for computing needs. Siftables, however, differ from traditional models with the addition of a sensor network user interface , which gives them a 
groundbreaking level of coordination and interaction. The inventor, David Merrill, wowed onlookers at the technology, Entertainment, Design (TED). People started buzzing about this topic after the presentation in February 2009.
Using Siftables
Inspired by children blocks and logos, developers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Labs has created some new models for computing that has some big potential for serious games. Siftables is nothing but technology which combines a technical user interface with wireless sensor network in to a platform that lets users physically grasp information and sort it interactively. Small cookie sized blocks are equipped with proper display screens and you can view and use it in variety ways. All you need to do is you just need to upload your files which you want in each block. For example you can upload a images as I said in each block and then sort the digital photos or you can display letters in each block to play word games.
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Advantages of using Siftables
Siftables is the best way to communicate with computers. The Nintendo Wii remote and Microsoft’s surface multi-touch display have begun to change the way we interact with computers, but even these gives them feedback in a conventional way. This is a new human-computer interface that would take advantage of our abilities to grasp objects, move them around and understand the special relationship between them.
A group can be programmed to either solve problems independently, or take their orders from the desktop computer, and controls an application running on the computer. The blocks can solve problems independently. According to Merrill, he says, the devices are likely to be used initially for games because people have addiction towards high end games specially youngsters.
Siftables interaction platform
Siftables can sense their neighbors, allowing application to utilize topological arrangement. No special sensing surface or cameras are needed. Each Siftable unit consists of a short range infrared communications, a3-axis accelerometer, Bluetooth radio, flash memory, an integrated processor, a lithium polymer battery, some hardware and the USB ports.
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April 18th, 2009
Great site