Cool Design: Holographic Projection Interface

Check out this interesting portable computing concept that I found on PSFK, from a post titled Augmented Reality Using Holographic Projection. This portable interaface is known as Ringo and was designed by Ivan Tihienko. It enables users to interact with the computer using their hands and feet. It is based on holographic projections; the video below illustrates several potential capabilities including messaging, GPS and a cool two-player game of air hockey.

The concept is very cool, I predict that this technology could revolutionize the way we interact with computers (rather obvious prediction, I know). It would add a physical dimension to the interface that will afford many new interaction possibilities at home or on the go. In public environments this type of interface will be leveraged primarily for multi-user applications. Many people would feel uncomfortable flapping their arms in the air in public spaces in order to write a message or carry out other similar interactions. However, in more private places users will likely engage in wider variety of both single and multi-user interactions.

In the realm of mobile devices this technology could be marketed as a task-specific gadget, such as a gaming system; it could also be included as a secondary interface on mobile phones/PDAs (I want one on my phone). This interface is not appropriate as a primary interface on mobile phones/PDAs because the privacy provided via traditional interfaces is more appropriate for many type of applications. For example, you don't want people to be able to read your emails, or SMS conversations; you probably don't want them to always know who you are calling as well.

Taking GPS Games to the Next Level

Earlier today on PSFK I came across a posting from Hamburg about an awesome GPS-based game showcased in this year's Ars Electronica Festival. There are several cool thing about this game: it offers an immersive multiplayer experience that is based on the concept of a "hungry pack of wolves chasing after a sheep herd"; to succeed players have to react to real- and virtual-world obstacles on their pursuit; to impact the game players can also place real objects that have virtual properties; lastly, it enables "visitors" to keep track of the game's progress on a real-time map that keep track of the location of the wolves and sheep (players). Check out the video on the original posting on PSFK.