The Leap Motion Controller, at $79.99, is the most affordable gesture-based controller available on the market, and the company behind it has just released a free 3D modelling app called Freeform.
Freeform applies the gesture controller’s technology to modelling in such a way as to make you feel like you’re moulding clay. Working with a ball of virtual clay with which you can mould whatever you like, the Leap Motion software allows users to change materials — between clay, glass or plastic — and choose from more than one brush to work with.
So far, there have been a few complaints from users, suggesting that there are still a number of bugs to work out, but Leap Motion has taken a cue from Elon Musk, recognizing that, in order to bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, they’ll have to start incorporating 3D printing into the mix.
