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AutoTrader.com Unveils Automotive App for Leap Motion
[July 12, 2013]

AutoTrader.com Unveils Automotive App for Leap Motion


Jul 12, 2013 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- AutoTrader.com is releasing a new app that gives car shoppers and enthusiasts the ability to experience new vehicles online without physically touching a mouse, keyboard, mobile device or computer screen.



According to a release, Driver's View by AutoTrader.com is the first automotive app to be released for Leap Motion. The Leap Motion Controller creates a 3-D interaction zone around a user's computer, allowing actions on the screen to be precisely controlled through natural hand and finger movements in the air. The Driver's View app gives users a three-dimensional sense of walking around the exterior of a new vehicle and sitting in the driver's seat, all controlled by a series of simple hand movements in front of their computer screen. The app was developed in partnership with Evox Images.

"This is our first exploration of gesture technology to help facilitate the car shopping process, and we see it as an exciting emerging opportunity," shared Nick Park, director of product innovation, AutoTrader.com. "This app starts to explore an immersive online experience that more closely replicates the live experience someone would have in a dealer showroom, and we look forward to hearing what consumers think." AutoTrader.com noted that upon launching the app, users can swipe in front of their screen to explore more than 30 all-new or significantly refreshed 2013 and 2014 model-year vehicles. When they've found a car they'd like to experience, the user points to select the vehicle of their choice. They then have the option to explore the interior or the exterior of the vehicle.


Additionally, in the interior view, by simply panning their hand up, down, left or right, the user can navigate through an immersive 360 degree view of the car's cabin, mirroring the experience they would have if they were physically sitting in the driver's seat. A clenched fist will stop the panning motion and hold the visual stationary; mimicking placing the hands at 10 and 2 on a virtual steering wheel and turning it left or right will return the view to a driver facing forward.

In the exterior view, the same panning motion mirrors the experience a shopper would have walking around a stationary vehicle on a dealer lot or other physical location. A clenched fist will also stop the panning motion in this view. In both the internal and external views, annotations are visible near key features on the vehicle. When a user points at an annotation, more information appears about that feature.

"We focus on and are largely invested in innovation; part of that innovation is developing next generation image products. We are pleased to provide our 360 Interior Panoramas and 360 Exterior Spin products for AutoTrader.com's Driver's View app and explore the possibilities of gesture technology," said David Falstrup, CEO, Evox Images.

AutoTrader.com is an automotive marketplace.

Evox Images is a library of photo, video and interactive vehicle imagery.

More information: press.autotrader.com www.multivu.com/mnr/59578-autotrader-releases-first-automotive-app-for-leap-motion-controller evoxstock.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected]))

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