Intel showcases 'gesture-control' ultrabooks at CES 2012

Intel has unveiled its line of gesture-controlled ultrabooks at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The chip maker's touchless laptops will feature built-in tilt sensors and credit card readers for making transactions online.

Mooly Eden, Intel vice president and general manager, revealed at the firm's CES press conference that there are more than 75 ultrabook designs in the pipeline for 2012, some of which will be powered by its Ivy Bridge chips, while others will feature touch-screens as well as physical keyboards.



Intel showcased its touchless technology with video footage of a flight simulator and gesture-controlled slingshot game. The firm also announced a "strategic alliance" with Nuance, the company which powers Apple's Siri.

"For the first time you will have a great performance without having to have a headset," said Peter Mahoney, chief marketing officer and general manager of Nuance's Dragon software.

"Unlike other systems it doesn't have to go to the cloud. It will all happen on the ultrabook so you will get great performance."

Eden also demonstrated how near field communication support will allow users to purchase goods online by swiping their credit cards against their computers. Cards will be paired with specific readers to prevent thieves from using stolen ones with other computers.

Intel pledged to launch its biggest marketing campaign in almost a decade to promote its ultrabooks line. The gesture-controlled models are not expected to be released as part of the initial wave.

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