Adaptive Pointing – Implicit Gain Adaptation for Absolute Pointing Devices

If you've tried using a laser pointer, you know it's very hard to hold it still. Some guys at the University of Konstanz have found a way to make it easier to point with a device like the Wii-mote.

They assume that most clicks are a combination of a fast move to get close to the target, and then a slow move to accurately position the cursor. During the fast move they use absolute position, but they switch to relative position as soon as the cursor slows down. I think this sounds like a great idea. My only fear is that it will feel a bit sticky. But then, I think I would prefer a slight stickyness to the jittery feeling you get with absolute pointing.

Here's the original paper.