Release at last

Microsoft have finally released a software development kit for their kinect product.  This allows developers to write new user interfaces for the PC.  Using this technology with a PC and projector you could create a fully interactive presentations using gestures and use you fingers to trace as pointers etc.  There is a lot of potential for applications in the retails industry for interactive catalogues and augmented reality.  I wouldn’t be suppressed to see some amazing novel uses for this technology.  Here is a link to a few examples that have been developed before the official release of the software development kit.  Microsoft will also be watching closely as they too aren’t sure where this technology will end up being applied.

3D Holo with feeling

I have been doing some research on 3D projection systems as they are just starting to become an interesting and novel was of promoting products when I came across this exciting demo.  The youtube link shows some experimentation with curved (lenticular screen) and a way of adding some tactile feed back from 3D holographic objects.  Amazing use of ultrasound and some wii controllers, I think this has some potential in the gaming and home entertainment industries.

A day in 2014

A nice YouTube video from a company called Tat which demonstrates the possible future advances in screen technology that could be made by the year 2014. A bit optimistic but not too far away, the mirror screen technology linked to gesture monitoring devices like the Kinect or Primesense 3D could effectively be created today but wouldn't be ultra thin or compact enough (unlike the embedded technology in the bathroom mirror for example).  Definately need anti-misting on those surfaces for the devices to be usable. The transparent screen is cool but you would again have to think about it location to maximise its additional features.

 

New Surface 2 from Microsoft

Microsoft have launched a new version of it's Surface. It's uses 'Vision based interaction' which in effect means that the surface technology uses each infra red pixel as a camera and the surface can actually see documents laid out onto it's surface.  Microsoft call's this 'Pixel Sense' and will allow developers to create some amazing applications. The PC itself and infra-red technology has been shrunk down to fit in just 4 inch thick table. It has an unbelievable responsiveness. Just watch the demo at the CES2011 show on Youtube.  I can think of hundreds of applications from Hotels, Banks, Restaurants, Travel agents, the list goes on....

 

Building Projection with 3D mapping

Check these videos out on Youtube to see some amazing projection using multiple 22k HD projectors with 3D mapping of the building. The animation is astounding and very life like. Especially when the building crumbles away and also where it looks like you are looking into the heart of the building. The castle one is also just as amazing with it melting at the end of the presentation.
Enjoy... Youtube Links:

Smart TV

Intel, Microsoft and YouView have just recently announced the merge of Media, Live TV, Internet search and social linking via the medium of Television or 'Smart TV Interface'.  Intel are looking at the integration directly into the television where Xbox are using their xbox360 console to link the various media technologies and the internet (as announced in their E3 2011 conference) and finally YouView will launch a new TV box that gives access to the same or similar services and functions.  These 'channels' will be a very rich target area for marketing especially with the feature of friends and family social linking (this will give you the visibility of what your friends have brought and recommended and what they are watching etc.). 

A sustainable future from Microsoft

Here is an interesting insight from Microsoft and their vision of a near future time and the use of media embedded in an everyday environment.  The video is on YouTube and is well worth a watch even if you aren’t a Microsoft fan.  Interesting if Apple did the same sort of exercise it would be interesting to see the different visions from each of these giants.  I enjoyed the way the information systems where employed in everyday situations.  I wonder if Microsoft had seen the Corning promo before they created it, or vice versa.   The use of glass or polymer based materials with digital embedded technology and the use of wireless communication to allow interaction between them is very interesting.  To speculate where by any glass or acrylic object could be utilised as a display screen or information source.  I particularly like the section where the guy follows an arrow on the floor to go to the meeting point.

A day made of glass

A day made of glass

I've just seen an amazing video or I would even go as far as to say 'a vision' of an amazing future of glass.  Corning have released a promotional video called 'A Day made of Glass' which is viewable via Youtube.  The video shows an day in the near future and you will just have to watch it to get an idea of the impact of technology in the home and work place.  Exciting times for us ahead as I can see a huge take up and application in education and business sectors.  When you investigate further into Corning you will see that they are leaders in most of the technologies used in digital marketing and the new development of intelligent glass and projection systems as well as green glass used in LED/LCD screen technology.  In my opinion they are well worth keeping an 'eye on' for future developments in our industry.