Soon, mute your TV just by pointing your finger

Soon you will be able to mute your TV just by putting your finger to your lips and switch off appliances by merely pointing at them!

A new software-based gesture technology developed by a Israel-based company enables consumers to control home appliances from a distance just by pointing at them.

The software called PointSwitch works with standard 2D cameras, including webcams, 'Mashable' reported.

Despite the lack of 3D information from webcams built into most laptops, tablets and phones, PointGrab's AirTouch system lets users point at icons on interfaces as if they were pressing buttons.

Users of PointSwitch will be able to turn lights or the air conditioner on or off, as well as enable more complex controls such as dimming the brightness.

They can also partially draw the shades, or increase the temperature on the thermostat from a distance.

The software also lets users grab and drag virtual controls, the report said.

The technology was demonstrated during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in Las Vegas.