Berkley’s SoftStep Foot Controller lets you control PC with your feet

Berkley has recently made a unique claim of creating the world’s first foot controlled PC. Now this is definitely a source of joy for at least two large categories of people. First are the disabled people who have been patiently waiting on the side-lines to get noticed, and thereby, they have been offered some help in surfing the waves of computer technology. And second, the gamers of course! They will be overjoyed to get access to an additional set of control options at the tips of their toes.

SoftStep Foot Controller

Interestingly, the SoftStep Foot Controller was originally designed and developed for neither of these categories, but actually for the musicians. But now anyone can use their feet to browse the internet, open and close applications along with folders and files. And once you get the hang of it, you can apparently even use it to text, chat and even wonders.

So how does this PC work? Very simply actually, through its KeyWorx software interface! The SoftStep Foot Controller helps to integrate ten sensitive keys, these include the navigation pad, making it easier for us to navigate with our feet.

SoftStep Foot Controller

The product does have some unarguable advantages. The most important thing is that this device will certainly reduce the dreaded Carpal tunnel syndrome risk which affects most of us who spend too much time on computers.

Another advantage is that since the SoftStep weighs only around 1.3 pounds, it is portable and can be easily carried or set up anywhere you wish, without any kind of hassle.

While it is very difficult to imagine that the majority of computer users will exchange the comfort of their mouse or other hand held interface tools for a foot controller anytime soon.

Bill Buxton from Microsoft Research feels that it could serve as a complement. He is optimistic that since this foot enabled interface promises substantial payback, computer lovers will embrace this new step and give it a try, if not invest time and energy to learn its intricacies.

Via: DailyCal