Brought to you by Leap Motion, who created a gesture tracking device a few months ago, has a new app, Free Form. Located in 'Airspace', Leap Motion's app marketplace (which has grown from 75 to about 150 apps since it's launch), Free Form is their next step toward improving gesture-controlled tech. Just like playing with Play-Doh, virtually, you will not believe the work you can accomplish at the tips of your fingers, just no mess involved. The man who co-founded Leap Motion, as well as did the math, David Holz, is to thank here. Words describing why Leap built this new app are, in short, to address some of Leap's shortcomings (better finger tracking means better designs). The 3D gesture controller is already in 2,500 stores in 25 countries, as well as signing with HP to incorporate the tech into their Envy 17 laptop. Wow. Who knew?

 
Developers have been sincerely involved and drawn to Leap Motion since it's launch, and with the addition of Free Form, their intention is to extend the vision of interacting with computers. The easier the better, and that is what this does. The power to create amazing things without even touching an object is, in itself, special. As said by Holz, he sees Free Form "as the Paint (program) equivalent for Leap Motion. And, after seeing it in action, we found Free Form to be both a powerful tool and a fun place to play and create with digital clay". As seen in the video, this time around, there are no bumps with Leap, rather, it actually runs buttery smooth. Just seeing hands move and gracefully sculpt and color objects on the screen is simply enticing. You are able to adjust the brushes, the shape of the mold, tweak the image in limitless ways. Best part? Once properly shaped, it is ready to be shipped, to that 3D printer of course! Don't you love the idea of creating something onscreen and having it tangible the next thing you know it?

 
Right now, Leap Motion is available for desktop. Do not be surprised at all if we see this compatible with smartphones and tablets before we know it. It will eventually have the ability to share GIF captures of your creation via social networks, if that is what you're into. Soon enough, the existing tracking software will be updating its "smarts" to observe and track all the joints in your hands, including pinching and grasping movements! Something to be even more thrilled for- the app is capable of far more than customizable 3D-printable files. Leap is open sourcing the application. It could become "a place to experiment with new interface ideas", says Holz. Developers should go at this thing and run! Need another reason why? Free Form is free, beginning today, the 20th (for Leap Motion developers). Along with the idea that society is "on the cusp of 3D printing", individuality and fun are among the most essential aspects of creation. I suspect that is what Leap Motion is all about. The full update, which will be better than ever by the time it hits consumers, is expected to launch 2014. Sorry for the wait but Free Form will not be ready for public consumption until it does exactly what you see in the demo, and does it well.