In Finland, writes David Cohen, researchers at Helsinki University of Technology's Air Guitar Project recently demonstrated software that adds actual electric guitar sounds to the passionately played air guitar. According to a New Scientist report, the virtual guitar hero wears special gloves, allowing his gestures to be tracked by computer's camera, which then adds riffs and fret board tricks to match the movements.
As a follow-up, the researchers are working on a version that will be compatible with a normal webcam and computer, thus giving aspiring rock stars the opportunity to practise their art in the privacy of their own bedroom, dungeon, bathroom or whatever.
Readers wishing to know more about the project, which is also supported by Italy's Milano Polytechnic University, can learn more about the air guitar's technology, sound synthesis and latest model by clicking here. Please note: actual air guitars cannot be downloaded from this site.
