Microsoft OmniTouch gives us what we all want, maybe
What you are seeing here is a project from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University, and it could easily be the future.
This OmniTouch has the amazing ability to turn any surface into a touchscreen. All of this is possible with this shoulder-mounted device that is both pico-projector and Kinect.
So if you want to use your hand to run applications, just hold it out and the proper buttons will appear. Forget about a tablet PC, all you need is just a paper tablet!
What I really like is how the user can just go to a nearby wall if they want to see an email. He or she can even finger paint on the wall, using their hand as a palette. Yes, the hand can be used as an interim interface, like when you want to project your display on your desk, for example.
Considering that we didn’t have a lot of the devices that we have now ten years ago (heck, we haven’t even had iPhones for half a decade), one has to wonder where we are going with mobile technology. I can’t help but think that this could be the future, if this shoulder-mounted device was a little bit smaller and less protruding. If it was the size of a button, I’ll bet people would be more open to it.
In the meantime, I am content with sitting back and letting the future surprise me.
Join 5 reviews or comments
Max Says: October 21, 2011 at 11:04 pm
Ha ha. Prototip Iphone 5?
Reader Says: October 22, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Man, they say that phones and conventional stuff will disappear by 2020. I guess by that time, This “Fifth Element” would be the newer phone. Smartphones may just be your average Cellphone.
Jenna Says: November 6, 2011 at 10:09 am
Amazing technology… Technology has come along way and it is not going to stop anywhere soon. For mobile technology it is just the beginning. Would be convenient and smaller is always better.
Duncan Says: November 6, 2011 at 10:12 am
Sounds so cool. I agree with the commenter who posted about the device should be made for your ear rather then your shoulder. It just makes more sense. However time will tell.
Will Says: October 21, 2011 at 9:14 pm
I like the idea.
Would rather that they make a ear mounted system sort of like the ear mounted camera with mic in the movie “The fifth Element”.
Maybe even with add on like thimbles fo all fingers or some type of tracer dots on the finger nails so deaf persons could use sign language to use as voice and be played through some type of speaker. with that.. people could use it as a translator also, and when others talk it could translate back through the ear piece or the deaf persons would be able to look at any surface and the words would display for them if the other person they are talking to can’t sign.. just a thought.