From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hillcrest Labs
Hillcrest Labs
Hillcrest Labs invented Freespace motion-control tech- In 2010, Hillcrest released the Kylo browser, a free
nology and the first motion-controlled remote for tele- Web browser for Windows and Mac OSX, optimized for
vision.[1] Freespace allows users to control images on a viewing on a TV screen.[26] Hulu blocked users of Kylo
screen by using natural motions, allowing for a new way from accessing the site. Hillcrest released a new version
of interacting with television content. It is currently used that worked with Hulu, and Hulu blocked it again.[27] Al-
in several products, such as the Magic Motion motion- so in 2010, LG came out with the Magic Motion remote,
sensing remote controls that come with some of LG Elec- which used Hillcrest’s technology to allow users to
tronics’ televisions.[1][2][3][4] Other licensees of Freespace change channels with gestures.[3]
include Logitech, Sony’s videogame division,[2][4]Roku,[5] In 2011, Hillcrest raised new funding from NEA, Al-
[6] Universal Electronics[2][7] and Zillion TV[8][9] Hillcrest lianceBernstein, Columbia Capital, and Grotech Ven-
also invented the first graphical zoomable interface for tures.[28]
television[10] and Kylo, the first Web browser optimized
for television.[4][11] Hillcrest is based in Rockville, Mary-
land.
Technology and current prod-
ucts
History Freespace Motion Control Technology
Founded in 2001 as Hillcrest Communications the com-
Communications, Freespace Motion Control Technology combines in-
pany changed its name to Hillcrest Laboratories in telligent motion algorithms with MEMS accelerometers,
2005.[11] Founder Dan Simpkins, who had previously gyroscopes and other sensors to translate natural mo-
founded SALIX technologies, recognized that television tions into cursor movement. The software compensates
content was becoming increasingly difficult to navigate, for human tremor and inadvertent movement, consis-
and he wanted to make it easier. Hillcrest developed tently generating intended cursor movement.[29][30][31]
Freespace motion sensing technology, which translates a The Freespace MotionEngine software is embedded in
user’s gestures into screen motion. This allows a remote the Roku 2 Big Game Remote, released in 2011, which us-
control to operate as a mouse for the television.[1] The es Freespace to control Roku’s streaming players.[6]Free-
company also developed a graphical, zoomable interface space is also used by LG for its Smart TVs and Magic Mo-
for television content. Early investors included Grotech tion Remote.[3] The Logitech MX Air Mouse uses Free-
Ventures,[1] New Enterprise Associates and Columbia space, and Popular Mechanics called this mouse the “best
Capital.[12] pointer we’ve tried.”[17] Another Freespace-enabled
product is the Universal Electronics remote control. [7]
Timeline The Loop pointer
The Loop pointer, enabled by Hillcrest’s Freespace
In 2006, Hillcrest introduced its first products: the Loop
technology, is like a mouse for television. Replacing the
pointer and the HoME television navigation system, with
traditional 50-button remote control, the Loop senses the
a graphical, zoomable interface.[13][14][15][16]
viewer’s wrist movements and translates the gestures in-
In 2007, Logitech licensed Hillcrest’s technology for
to onscreen movement. It has four buttons and a scroll
the MX Air, a mouse that could be used in the air.[17]
wheel.[3] The Loop uses radio waves to communicate
In 2008, Hillcrest licensed its technology to Kodak, for
with a USB antenna connected to a computer that is also
the Kodak Theatre HD Player and Pointer Remote.[18][19]
connected to the television, so it doesn’t need to be
Also in 2008, Universal Electronics and Texas Instru-
pointed at the PC, or even have a direct line of
ments licensed Freespace for use in remote con-
sight.[32][33][34]
trols.[7][20]
The Scoop pointer
In 2009, Hillcrest released the Loop pointer for sale
The Scoop pointer is a Freespace enabled in-air
directly to consumers.[21][22][23] PC World Magazine
mouse that is lighter and newer than the Loop. It has nine
named The Loop pointer one of the “top 100 products
buttons and a scroll wheel.[30]
of the year”[24] and one of the “greatest tech designs
Kylo Web browser
ever.”[25] Also in 2009, Nintendo and Hillcrest settled a
Kylo is a free Web browser that is optimized for the
patent infringement lawsuit that Hillcrest had brought.
TV screen with a 10-foot user interface. It has large fonts
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.[2][4]
and buttons, and an onscreen keyboard. The Kylo brows-
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hillcrest Labs
er was released in March 2010, and is available for Win- [13] PC World October 2, 2006. Dan Tynan. The Future of
dows and Mac OSX.[4][26][27] Fun. Coming soon: All the movies, music, and TV
you want, when and where you want them.
Awards [14] PC Magazine January 11, 2006. Jeremy Kaplan.
Anywhere, Anytime TV.
• CES Best of • Washington Smart CEO [15] Cnet.com November 8, 2006. Michael Kanellos.
Innovations in the Future 50 (2009) Space-age remote control coming in 2007.
video accessories • PC World Top 100 [16] Popular Mechanics 2007. Retrieved November 11,
category (2006) (2009) 2011. Glen Derene. Wii 2.0: Loop remote lets you
• Popular Mechanics • CES Innovations click by gesture.
Editors Choice (2007) Design and [17] ^ Popular Mechanics October 1, 2009. Logitech’s MX
• The Gazette of Politics Engineering Award Air Cordless Laser Mouse: Best Pointer We’ve Tried
and Business 25 CEOs Honoree (2010, 2011, (with Video).
You Need to Know 2012) [18] Engadget January 22, 2009. Paul Miller. Kodak’s
(2008) Theatre HD Player with gyro-based Pointer Remote
unboxed and reviewed.
[19] The Wall Street Journal November 26, 2008. Katherine
See also Boehret. Family Snapshots in the Splendor of HD.
Business and economics portal [20] Electronic Design October 8, 2008. Remote Controls
Exploit Freespace Technology.
[21] The New York Times December 9, 2009. Nick Bilton.
Cable Freedom is a Click Away.
References [22] U.S. News Money November 23, 2009. David Lagesse.
[1] ^ The Washington Post May 1, 2011. Steven Overly. As iCandy: Tech Gifts Beautiful Inside and Out.
the TV market shifts, Hillcrest Labs may find its [23] Bloomberg Business Week June 16, 2009. Christ
spotlight moment. Albrecht. Coming Quickly to Your TV: Gesture
[2] ^ The Wall Street Journal August 25, 2010. Nick Control.
Wingfield. Hillcrest Sees More Movement from TV, [24] PC World October 26, 2009. The PC World 100: Best
Game Companies. Products of 2009.
[3] ^ Engadget.com August 26, 2010. Tim Stevens. [25] PC World July 13, 2009. Hello, Gorgeous! 15 of the
Hillcrest Labs brings LG’s Magic Motion remote to Greatest Tech Designs Ever.
life, cheekily points out that Sony uses it, too. [26] ^ Macworld.com Mar 22, 2010. Christopher Breen.
[4] ^ PC Magazine August 26, 2010. Mark Hachman. First Look: Kylo Media Browser.
Hillcrest Wireless Mouse Coming to LG TVs, Sony [27] ^ The Washington Post May 28, 2010. Rob Pegoraro.
Gaming. Kylo TV-friendly browser adds Hulu workaround
[5] The Daily Record August 19, 2011. Hillcrest Lab (update: gets blocked again).
software licensed by Roku. [28] Gigaom.com April 13, 2011. Janko Roettgers.
[6] ^ CED Magazine September 30, 2011. New Products - Hillcrest Labs Raises $5.5M to Remake Your TV
October 2011. Remote.
[7] ^ Engadget March 17, 2008. Steven Kim. Universal [29] TechJournal South January 7, 2008. Hillcrest Labs
Electronics licenses motion control, hopes you rings up $25M D round.
don’t put your eye out. [30] ^ Electronic Design September 8, 2011. William
[8] The New York Times March 4, 2009. Saul Hansell. Wong. Natural User Interface Employs Sensor
ZillionTV: Another Set-Top Box, With Ads. Integration.
[9] The New York Times March 5, 2009. Eric Taub. [31] Cable & Satellite International September/October,
“What’s On Tonight?” Just Got Easier. 2011. Stephen Cousins. A view to a thrill.
[10] Macworld.com November 11, 2006. Dan Moren. CES [32] Forbes.com November 16, 2007. Camilla Webster.
Unveiled@NY ‘07: Point and click coming to set-top Dream Tech Toys
boxes? [33] The New York Times June 15, 2009. Eric Taub. A
[11] ^ Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved November 11, Wireless Mouse That’s Surfaceless Too.
2011. Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc. [34] Gizmodo June 15, 2009. Mark Wilson. The Loop
[12] Techjournal South April 13, 2011. Rockville-based Controls Your TV Like the Wii for $100
Hillcrest Labs nabs $5.5M for motion control tech.
External links
• Official website
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hillcrest Labs
• kylo.tv
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hillcrest_Labs&oldid=469963183"
Categories:
• Companies based in Rockville, Maryland
• Companies established in 2001
• Technology companies of the United States
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