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
Leap motion is a device that allows input to a PC/Mac via hand and finger motion without the need to touch anything (open space). This is plugged into your USB port and it begins working with any Leap-enabled software. Only the specialized applications that have the compatibility are able to use Leap motion. All of the compatible applications can be found on their sub-site 'Airspace'. They have an assortment of categories to choose from, e.g. Games, Educational, Scientific. The creative tools found in the App Store seems to be quite unique, and the artistic/design skills involved seem very immersive.
Looking at the capabilities of Leap Motion, it could potentially lead to a new way of working with devices. This is especially prominent in the field of gaming and creative 3D designing. Therefore I feel this device will more than likely be aimed at Gamers and 3D designers. At its current stage it seems quite limited with its versatility.
Leap Motion Introduction Video
Cybertecture Mirror is a mirror monitor that is digitally displayed. It is the first of its kind to produce a visual display, on a mirror, with many applications to run at its disposal. The mirror is of a standard size (80 x 50 x 5 cm) and can be put anywhere in the house, where appropriate. The interface is mainly controlled by a separate device (remote control or smartphone), but does incorporate some other forms of interaction (e.g. motion detection, voice recognition). The interface is also customisable, allowing for different choices in display themes, to the overall layout of the display. There are various applications available for the Cybertecture Mirror, some keeping you up to date on the latest News and Weather. But the main applications seem to be based around Health/Fitness. One of them involves lifting weights, whilst the mirror monitor checks to see if your posture and arms are positioned correctly (uses lines to guide you). There is also an add on which can check your weight and keep a record of it, to see how you've progressed. All of this data will be stored via cloud storage.
Personally, I find this device to be quite a Novelty. Most of today's applications are available from pretty much any device, and it seems to be quite unnecessary to have this attached to a mirror. However, if you are a tech fanatic or person who likes to keep in shape, this is probably for you. The interface is quite slick, and is definitely a benefit for someone who likes to keep track of their fitness. Ideally, the designers created this mirror to be used in the bathroom, as it has waterproof protection. Overall I must say, the quality of the design is very good, but its usefulness seems to be somewhat lacking.
Video Link
Paradrome is a unique paragliding simulator. It is extremely effective at producing a realistic experience for the user, by having an interactive design that allows you to move as if you were actually Paragliding. The features of the simulator include: a seat, a harness and two pulleys. Once strapped in, you can function the para-glider by simply pulling on the two pulleys (right and left). The movement of the wings is affected by how fast and how much you pull them, e.g. for a sharp turn, pull long and fast.
You will be given a set course to complete, which will needed to be done within at least 5 minutes. The environment/setting around you will be volcanic, where you will need to weave in and out of the lava crevasses to reach the top of the volcano (as demonstrated in the video clip below). Depending on how fast you complete the course, you will be rewarded either with a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal (gold being fastest, bronze being slowest).
I believe Paradrome is appropriate for any age group. However, I feel it is more appropriate for people above the age of 16, who have a particular interest in extreme sports or specifically paragliding. I personally find that it would be very good for training purposes and also for those who are scared/wary of the heights involved. If the simulation were to be improved (although not needed), it could include wind factors with a blower to simulate the affect.
A video demonstration of Paradrome
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. 
