Newsletter 5 – SDK 0.7.6 released with Linux support, Airspace, Organizations

Hello,

In this week’s newsletter, we’re pleased to announce the release of SDK 0.7.6, which includes Linux support and new finger tracking. We also have details about Organization accounts in Airspace, exciting new apps from the forums, and upcoming events in the developer community.

Featured News

SDK 0.7.6 released with Linux support, new finger tracking

The latest version of the SDK was released last night with some great new features:

Beta release of the Leap Linux SDK for Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, 12.10, or newer. It’s early, but we’d love your feedback and support in bringing our software to this important platform.
New finger tracking, which handles a greater variety of finger orientations and positions (such as parallel to the Leap device). This allows for more stable finger tracking across a wider range of movement, especially for thumbs.
New screen projection functions, which provide perpendicular projection onto located screens (press “B” twice to see in Visualizer).
Device standby mode will now automatically engage after non-use for 5 minutes. Device will re-engage within 1 second of seeing a hand. In the future this will be configurable and much quicker to resume.
New settings to enable/disable WebSocket connections and to adjust device frame-rate and range sensitivity (this will help with people who are encountering some environmental interference with their device).
Expanded documentation: complete references for Java API, Objective-C API, preliminary API references for Python and C#/Unity.
Bug fixes including NaN values in JSON data sent to JavaScript clients and CircleGesture::duration.
New device firmware to improve robustness of firmware updates.

We’ll be improving the build over time, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on the latest SDK thread.

Airspace is now open for submissions

On Thursday Airspace™, the Leap Motion app store, opened for submissions from the developer community. With the big launch approaching, we encourage everyone to put in their finishing touches and start submitting now. In order for your software app to have the best chance of being considered for the May 13 ship date, we suggest submitting by April 19.

Before then, we encourage you to establish your Organization account (which allows you to reserve your name and be the administrator) by clicking on the “Submit Your App” button and setting it up. You can submit a build for feedback – please submit early and often. Read more in the news post.

Forum Highlights

Old game, new tricks. Kokak has resurrected his Stacker 3D game for iOS with Leap Motion support for a simple and intuitive stacking experience.

When displaying photos on a projector or large screen, gesture control can help maintain your presentation’s rhythm and flow. That’s why the creators of Unbound for Mac – an upcoming photo manager – have integrated their software with the Leap Motion Controller.

Brad Larson wants everyone to be able to reach out and manipulate molecules. Check out his latest video, where he shows off the prototype Mac version of his molecular visualizer, aptly named Molecules.

Digital kanban boards are a great way to maintain workflow in a busy workplace. But do they have to feel so… digital? JonnyFunFun has been working on a JavaScript mashup with TargetProcess’ digital board and the Leap Motion Controller for a more physical experience.