Software development company Sightful launches the world’s first augmented reality laptop: Spacetop. The device replaces the conventional screen with AR glasses to give you an immersive view of your favorite programs. It is a suitable device for remote work, becoming a standard worldwide.
It is exciting to discuss how these innovations will become viable mainstream products. Will the Spacetop be a handy device for working anywhere? Or will the augmented reality feature become an inconvenient gimmick? Nevertheless, the Spacetop will show how AR technology expands to more facets of daily life.
Let’s find out by discussing the first-ever augmented reality laptop. I will explain its features and controls, such as the unique button commands and gestures. Then, I will elaborate on the company’s vision for creating such a unique device.
How does the Spacetop work?
The most noticeable feature of the world’s first AR laptop is it doesn’t have a screen. It resembles half a portable computer with a pair of sunglasses wired to it.
Yet, the Israel-based company Sighful says the Spacetop is a “100-inch laptop.” Treat the image users see as a projection on a surface. It would span 100 inches diagonally.
You start the device by turning it on and wearing the augmented reality glasses. They project tabs directly in front of the user while remaining invisible to everyone else. You control the AR laptop similarly to a regular one.
You move windows, type messages, and perform most tasks with the keys and touchpad. However, it has proprietary button combinations for unique functions. For example, simultaneously press the shift key to center the screen to where you’re looking.
What truly sets it apart the Spacetop is the augmented reality function. Its proprietary operating system, Spacetop OS, projects a computer screen into the air before you.
It stays in place even if you walk away from the keyboard. Also, you will see different parts of that projection as you move your head. Its built-in camera tracks your movements.
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The cool part is that the AR glasses are part of the controls. Back up from the keyboard, and the projection zooms out, revealing your other opened programs.
Move away further, and you will get a full overview of all your active apps. The best part is that it lets you maintain awareness of your surroundings.
You see the desktop clearly, but you can also see behind and around it. Moreover, the AR glasses emit audio you can hear and others can’t. As a result, you can use the Spacetop outside your home safely.
What are some issues with Spacetop?
Photo Credit: newatlas.com
The first-ever AR laptop has a few points for improvement. First, it needs better hardware to become more useful daily. Here are its specifications:
- CPU: Snapdragon 365
- GPU: Adreno 650
- RAM: 8GB
- Battery life: 5 hours
- Storage: 256GB
- Size: 1.57 in. x 10.47 in. x 8.8 in
The RAM is too small, especially because the Spacetop runs augmented reality technology. Also, its design involves opening multiple tabs simultaneously.
Nowadays, 8GB is the minimum for school and office work, not demanding features like AR. Expect this portable PC to crash more often than conventional ones.
Second, you need more storage than 256GB. You could fill that space quickly, even if you only use it for work. You would need external storage for files, or it would lag eventually.
Lastly, the Spacetop costs $2,000. That is too much money only for testing a novel device. Moreover, you can purchase more powerful laptops for half the price.
What is Sightful’s vision for Spacetop?
Knowing why the Sighful company would create such a device is interesting. CEO Tamir Berliner told tech insider The Verge Spacetop is the “obvious future of computing.”
“We are looking forward to the day when we forget about the laptops we have today,” Berliner told The Verge writer Monica Chin. Also, his company intended the AR device for remote workers.
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“Laptops are the centerpiece of our daily working lives, but the technology has not evolved with the modern, work from anywhere, privacy matters, ‘road warrior’ mentality. Meanwhile, augmented reality is full of potential and promise but is yet to find its daily use case,” said the CEO.
“We are at the perfect moment for a significant paradigm shift in a device we all know and love.: You may order your Spacetop from sightful.com.
Conclusion
Sighful launched Spacetop, the world’s first augmented reality laptop. It is an interesting concept, but most people may not try it due to the $2,000 tag.
The AR computer also needs more powerful hardware to become more viable for daily use. Nevertheless, this laptop will likely improve significantly in the future.
More products and services are adopting augmented reality. Learn more about them by following Inquirer Tech for the latest digital tips and trends.