Are you waiting for that moment when a simple wave of your hand will have countless files scrolling virtually right before your eyes? Without the use of a monitor screen? You know, like on those scif-fi shows and movies where one of the main characters easily interacts with a graphic user interface that is virtually surrounding them, (usually in a blue glow,) in empty air space. Think Tony Stark and his engineering lab, in Iron Man, where he physically throws electronic trash, into a virtual trash bin “sitting” high up on his wall, much like you would a basketball. (I had a more relevant Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. example, but you’d have to watch that show first….) One of my favourite things about science fiction settings is this idea of walking through virtual representations of our electronic files, and even manipulate image renderings in a 3D atmosphere. As someone who regularly has 50+ browser windows open all at once on a daily basis, the idea that I could spread them across one big “monitor” screen, keeping an eye on them all at once, is on my wishlist. While we’re not there yet, we’re definitely on the right path and Intel’s current RealSense technology has taken us closer to that reality.
Imagine interacting with your desktop/laptop screen simply by having your fingers hover over the screen, or even have your computer react to your facial expressions. It would be a great way to get rid of finger smudges on your screen (or even for the need of touchscreen on large devices,) and better yet, this technology is already available for consumer use now. With simple hand motions, and facial gestures, we now have the capability of telling our computer our intents within a multitude of apps including gaming, education, production, etc. And with an open SDK (software development kit,) programmers around the world can learn and build valuable apps for this exciting platform.
Ever cleaned up your room, just to make a video call? Have you ever moved your big desktop computer to another room, just so your friends and family don’t see the ugly wallpaper in your computer room? The Personify app can actually green-screen your background, so that you don’t need to worry about that horrific mess behind you.
The 3DMe does exactly as you think. Want to have a 3D representation of your head masked over a 3D object on your computer, say, like a dude whose all ready to ski? The 3D camera (dual-camera, which is a major part of the RealSense technology,) can scan your likeness for that personalized 3D avatar that you always wanted. It can also potentially make 3D printing a breeze.
I can’t tell you how excited I am for both of those apps above to be coming soon. Were you a fan of Carmen Sandiego way back when?? I was addicted to both her game and her show.
Still can’t picture the awesome? Good thing Intel made a video.
Devices with Intel® RealSense™ 3D camera have three lenses: a conventional camera, an infrared camera, and an infrared laser projector. Together, the three lenses allow the device to infer depth by detecting infrared light that has bounced back from objects in front of it. This visual data, taken in combination with Intel® RealSense™ motion-tracking software, create a touch-free interface that responds to hand, arm, and head motions as well as facial expressions. ~ Intel
There are a ton of devices that are already RealSense™ capable, but I think the coolest looking desktop with this technology would be HP’s Sprout. How awesome would it be to work and play in this environment?? Who wouldn’t want a virtual table screen to work alongside a desktop screen? I’ve already warned Jay that my next computer will be this one. With 3D printers available for use at companies like MakeLab, I would love to get into 3D modelling again (haven’t touched such art rendering programs since college,) and I have a feeling that this desktop would make that process all that much more fun. Also can’t help but wonder what drawing with a program like Adobe would be like!
DELL debuted their Venue 8 tablet at this past CES 2015 and won the “Best of Innovation” award, among others from PC Magazine, Mashable, etc, and thanks to Intel, look for a review of that tablet from me next week! Can’t wait to test drive this baby, that is known for its ultra-thin design, and boasting one of the best cameras for selfies, heh.
Have you had a chance to try Intel RealSense tech yet? What’s your favourite bit that you have or want to try?
Geek with Style is part of Intel Canada’s Insider’s Experience program. Compensation for my research was provided, all opinions are my own.
12 Responses
That tablet looks so neat, I want to try it out.
As for a computer that reads my facial expressions: I don’t think that would be wise. I don’t think it will be able to handle my sarcasm, confusion and anger at times haha.
Haha, YES same here for facial expressions, lol. One of my “worries” would be my husband somehow teaching my computer to turn itself off whenever I yawn (ie for sleep time for both the computer and myself, heh.) It may or may not be one of the bigger arguments between Jay and I, lol! No time for the wicked, nor the entrepreneur, right?? 😉
Wow wow wow… crazy futuristic things are coming soon! I can’t believe they are working on computers that read your facial expression. That’s something else. I would love to try 3D printers but I’m not really sure what I’d print out. It would be cool to see something print out in 3D though. Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to try Intel RealSense tech.
There’s a company in Toronto, MakeLab, that has some *amazing* toy designs to print with their 3D printers, and shows just how intricate 3D objects can be. Last time I was there, they were printing out bracelets with such thin plastic fibers that it was actually quite *stretchable*, which you wouldn’t think possible with printed plastic. And there’s actually a 3D printer that can print food successfully; the only issue at the moment is that it doesn’t taste very good yet, but imagine someday in the very near future being able to print out an elaborately designed birthday cake, or even simply dinner. 😀
That. is. sooooo. cool! Thanks so much for sharing this- it is so cool to see all of the changes that keep coming with technology- amazing!
This is definitely one of the more exciting aspects of technology to have become a reality! It opens the door for SO much potential! 😀
OMG!! The future is going to be fantastic!!!! Where in the world is Carmen? Was one of my fav games when I was little!! So excited to have it returning!
Right?! I was *so* addicted to Carmen. Am hoping to pass that addiction over to 4yo Kit Kat soon, lol.
It is truly amazing how advanced technology is becoming, it’s pretty scary as well!
50 browser user syndrome here as well lol As far as 3d printers go Aeryn, they are doing great things already but I would give the industry 10 to 20 years before each one of us have our own affordable 3d printer. They are still kind of pricey. We need a ‘mac’ of 3d printers. That’s when the real fun will begin 🙂
3d printers are amazing. Such a fun tool to learn and get creative. This would be super cool in schools and even for kids for christmas. As the tech advances we will be able to use it for more serious applications. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Google, Facebook and tons of other companies are investing heavy in virtual reality and artificial intelligence. I think in the next 50 years, it’s going to be absolutely mind boggling.