For those unfamiliar with the world of computer science and language technology, gesture recognition is a machine’s interpretation of human gestures through mathematical algorithms. You may remember seeing this type of thing in futuristic and sci-fi movies like “Minority Report,” but this seemingly far-fetched concept is becoming a technological reality. Fraunhofer in Munich is developing a new 3D gesture control system which is designed so that the user can interact with objects and images without even touching them. You simply reach our your hand and grab an object (virtually, of course) and from there, move it, rotate it, scale it. Whatever you would do with a touch and a click, only this time a mere gesture is required. To delete an object you can grab it and throw it off the screen. The machine can recognize multiple hands and fingers simultaneously so that interaction among several users can be possible. I’m sure the older generation is still baffled at the concept of a touch-screen, and now a touch-air!

We can’t exactly say this is a “summer must-have” but it is pretty cool. If you want to be the most fascinating person at a summer bbq this year it would be as simple as showing up with this new portable watermelon cooler and heater. The Marugoto Tamachan created by Joybond is yet another odd but amazing gadget to come out of japan. The heating feature is not ideal for a watermelon but it does make the device more functional and useful in other seasons because it can store hot food and drinks. Specifically, the Marugoto Tamachan holds 14 pounds and is sized at 50.2×35.4×39.2cm (weight: 6.3kg). The cooler is only sold in Japan and goes for $230 but there are ways apparently to get it shipped to the US.

Shower mirrors are often more frustrating than they are helpful. Constantly having to wipe off the surface of the mirror and most likely cutting yourself shaving while doing it. The Reflect shower mirror created by Industrial Design teacher Nick Paget is both a shower head and mirror that prevents condensation to make shaving in the shower 100% easier. Flipping through a Sharper Image or SkyMall magazine you can find mass amounts of shower mirrors that look appealing and sensible but are essentially pointless to purchase because of the condensation. Paget’s Reflect mirror changes the shower mirror market with its innovative yet simple ability to prevent condensation.

The Apple iPad released in April 2010 might be expanding its customer base beyond techies and people just looking to own the newest and greatest Apple product on the market with the finger painting application available for the iPad. Artists may want to consider trading in their canvases, acrylic paints and paint brushes for the iPad that can seemingly create a genuine looking painting without the clumsiness of all the materials typically used. Apple is constantly trying to look for ways to make people’s lives a little easier and a little more streamlined. The finger painting application gives artists a new and innovative way to pursue their passion and create their work.

Coca-Cola has officially revolutionized the “Fountain,” swinging an entirely new spin on what we already know and love. Catering to the 21st century insatiable desire for choice and customization, Coca-Cola has come up with the Freestyle. Yes, you are literally free to choose your own style of carbonated drink that you make up on the spot, to be crafted special for you in front of your own eyes. The Freestyle is a touch-screen soda fountain, featuring 104 different flavors to mix with whatever you like: soda, flavored water or even energy drinks. The Freestyle has one nozzle, one stream of carbonated water, and a series of flavors released into the stream.

Logitech company Ultimate Ears presented their custom fit earphones at NAMM this past week. This is a great solution for anyone who has earbuds that tend to fall out or make your ears sore after prolonged use. Ultimate Ears takes an impression of the inside of your ear and then make a pair fit just for you accordingly. You can also customize them in a wide variety of colors and graphics. Check out more images after the jump.

Sony is about to drop a new line of HDTVs in Japan. The Bravia LCDs come in a ton of different shapes, sizes, and price tags. The one that will put the smallest hole in your pocket is the EX300, which ranges from ¥70,000-90,000 ($770-$990) and features a 1,366 x 768 resolution in a 22, 26, or 32-inch model. For four times that pricetag you can get the EX700 model at 52-inches with LED backlight, a thinness of only 22mm, widgets and other cool features, and network ability for YouTube and DLNA compatibility. There’s also the EX500, which is the 40-inch, 120Hz, 1080p model for ¥130,000 ($1,400). All the models will be available in Japan on February 25th, and will hopefully launch in the US and Europe sometime after.

Skiff, LLC and Sprint just announced on January 4th that the Skiff Reader will be previewed at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. The Skiff reader is the first e-reader for newspapers and magazines – much larger than the Kindle at 11.5 inches and a 1600×1200 resolution, but only a quarter of an inch thick. It only weighs a little over a pond and can last, on average, over a week of use between charges. The device will connect to the Skiff digital store via Wi-Fi and Sprint’s 3G network and can be used for not only newspapers and magazines, but books, blogs and other content as well from multiple publishers. It is also durable since it is made out of a flexible sheet of stainless-steel foil instead of glass, and can actually bend a fair amount without damage.