If you've ever dreamed of a time when you wouldn't have to control your computer using a mouse and keyboard, then get ready because that day has arrived. Well, sort of. Check out Leap, a small device (currently under development) that will allow you to interact with your computer-IN 3D-using hand gestures. According to its creators, Leap "is more accurate than a mouse, as reliable as a keyboard and more sensitive than a touchscreen." Think of it as a Kinect but for your computer.

The people behind Leap have managed to develop a technology that "is 200 times more accurate than anything else on the market - at any price point. Just about the size of a flash drive, the Leap can distinguish your individual fingers and track your movements down to a 1/100th of a millimeter."

Leap is super intuitive, and will be able to tell "thumbs from fingers, and even handheld items like pencils", allowing users to control it through their natural movements.

Additionally, Leap can be linked to several applications as well as operating systems, and you'll be able to set up a network of more than one Leap device to have more areas of interaction.

How It Works

Roughly the size of an iPod, Leap comes as a peripheral that you can plug into any USB port on your computer. To set it up, simply launch the Leap Motion software, calibrate it with a wave, and you should be good to go.

How You Can Use It

Whether you're using your computer for technical projects, creative works, or even just games, Leap can really make your life a lot easier. If you're an artist, use Leap to freely illustrate characters for your graphic novel. In charge of the business side of things? Leap can help you construct your next presentation-graphs and all. If you're in it for the fun side of things, imagine playing Fruit Ninja or Angry Birds without even touching the screen. Or imagine scrawling your signature in thin air and seeing it appear on an actual document. As Leap's website aptly says, "the possibilities are endless".

What's more, the creators of Leap envision the technology to go beyond computers. They want Leap to be used even in consumer products, appliances, medical equipment, and more.

How to Get It

The device will retail for $69.99. Leap hasn't hit the shelves just yet, but you'll be able to pre-order it through their website. Only a limited number of devices are available, so if you're really hungry for it, be sure to act quickly. It's estimated to ship in December of this year or January 2013. (Let's keep our fingers crossed.)

For Developers

Developers who can't wait to put Leap into action will be able to get a hold of free developer kits and access Leap's SDK. Simply fill out a form with your basic information as well as details about past projects and what you intend to do with the Leap developer unit. If you're qualified you'll get a free developer kit from Leap Motion.