jDome is a special interface setup for gamers, that allows 180 degree field of view. The screen is described as a Dome shape that can be erected from a flat pack form (this is meant to be for every gamer). Then all you need is a projector shining on the outer shell of the dome, and the setup is complete. The field of view is extremely important for most First Person Shooter gamers, as it allows more visibility for the user.
However, since this comes through a projector, the visual quality will be dependent on the projector. The experience is still quite flat, and not as immersive compared to holographic or virtual reality interfaces. It can be involved in simulators, but the realistic experience will be somewhat lacking.
jDome experience
Most Thermostats are boring, dull and essentially only provides access to the central heating in your household. Nest Learning Thermostat completely changes the design aspect of normal thermostats and reinovates its programming capabilities. With the slick, nest shape circular design, it makes for a smoother finish than regular thermostats. The control function just being a ring that you turn around like a valve, allows for you to change the temperature as you suit. The device already programs itself, and is able to learn/adapt to your temperature changes and remember them for you. It also saves energy whilst not in use.
Personally I find this to be quite a novelty, but at the same time a benefit to household owners who want that extra cool device. The target audience is mainly aimed at household owners, who have busy lifestyles or who want to be efficient with their resources (i.e. electricity and heat). I do like the design, but it feels quite unnecessary to have something like this, considering at how most go for £150+.
Video Link
This unique set of lightweight glasses, performs augmented reality right before your eyes. The holographic interface it uses, produces 3D imaging that allows you to interact with them via hand motion/gestures. This effectively requires a collaboration of devices for it to function properly.
The device consists of:
- 9 axis Motion Tracking
- 3D HD projector display at 40 Degree field of view.
- 3D surround sound
- Depth Camera with 3D sensors
- High Quality Lenses
I can see this as being the next step into how we interact with devices. I imagine a lot of gamers or tech fanatics finding this device of particular interest. The multiple purpose uses of this device is that it can also make a hologram of your Smartphone or Laptop. This reduces the amount of devices you would need to carry and instead, make it possibly the only device you would need.
Demonstration video
Oculus Rift is a 3D virutal reality headset/googles, that provides an immersive experience to enter a virtual world. The 3D design takes into account depth, scale and parallax. This effect makes sure your eyes can perceive the images produced, as if they were in the real world. This is completely different to 3D movies/games where an image is only raised. The field of view is around about 110 degrees, which is close to an actual human's field of view. With the ultra responsive head tracking system, you can seemingly move your head to look around the virtual world, in real-time, without the need to use a keyboard/mouse/game-pad. The current headset/googles are very light, only weighing in at 369g, so no neck damage should occur from the weight.
This device is mainly aimed at gamer's looking into the first-person (FP) genre. But there could easily be potential other uses, e.g. educational, scientific.If it takes off, it could provide a huge benefit to all current/developing simulators out there. However, there are considerable downsides that still need to be ironed out. Firstly, a lot of people experience motion sickness from using the device, which is a big discouragement for most users, e.g. you would have to take breaks very often. Secondly, there are potential dangers in using this device, since you would be cut off from the real world, you are unaware of objects around you. And lastly, it's only limited to specialised games and the FP genre. But overall, the device is definitely a huge contender in the future of gaming, and potential breakthrough into virtual reality.
Overview of Oculus Rift
The physical design of Car Driving Simulator is very similar to that of a real designed car. They typically come with a steering wheel and two pedals (Accelerator and Brakes). There are various degrees to the level of design in a car simulator, e.g. movement motion (collision detection), environment factors. Since technology is limited, no virtual reality exists for car driving simulators at the moment.
Most are aimed at gamers, but some do go towards people learning to drive (that is properly). Overall though, it is mainly for entertainment purposes instead of educational. The video link below will show a City Car Driving simulator game, and how it performs with replica driving apparatus.
Video Link
Although touchscreens have been out for a very long period of time, there has been speculation on whether or not you could create a touchscreen that could bend. It does seem rather odd to have something like this, but the potential uses of this feature could be particularly beneficial. Apple has been working on the new iWatch, which is an LCD screen display watch that can obviously wrap around the wrist. This does seem quite gimmicky, but it is potentially a new concept for a smartphone. With the ability to perform similar tasks to an iPhone or iPad, it could possibly be the next best thing to hit the market.
However, there are a few downsides to this or potential hitches. Firstly, the methods of charging the battery could be difficult, as the device is described as being very thin, that Lightning or Micro/Mini-USB connectors wouldn't be possible to use (so solar charging?). Secondly, durability factors as it seems that it will be a pretty fragile device. Lastly, does it have a fixed curvature or will it naturally bend, as this will be a big decision factor for most users.
Typically anybody above the age of 5 would be interested in this. Although the interface is still a form of touchscreen, will the flexible/bend factor make this more useful than it already is?
Flexible Technology in motion
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a device that controls robotic arms/legs through cognitive responses or monitoring brain activity. This is mainly aimed at people with mobility problems or issues with motor functions. The device will record the electric responses/signals in the brain and convert the data into the robotic arm/leg to function as if it were a real arm/leg. For the device to work, it has to be implanted into the brain and to connect wirelessly to the robotic arm/leg. It is currently still in progress, but it will soon be fully functional. There have been prototypes already created and tested on animals (monkeys and pigs), with very promising signs. However, the main issue is for human usability. The size of the chip/circuit will need to be significantly reduced in order for it to be safe.
How Brain-Computer Interfaces work
jDome is a special interface setup for gamers, that allows 180 degree field of view. The screen is described as a Dome shape that can be erected from a flat pack form (this is meant to be for every gamer). Then all you need is a projector shining on the outer shell of the dome, and the setup is complete. The field of view is extremely important for most First Person Shooter gamers, as it allows more visibility for the user. 
