Hands-Free Videophone combines augmented reality with glasses
Augmented reality glasses may have lost some steam over the past few months, but that does not mean they are disappearing from the horizon of the commercial market. NTT Docomo, a leading mobile network operator with a keen interest in NFC technology, has developed a new head-mounted augmented reality device called the Hands Free Videophone. The device enables users to receive video calls without having to rely on any kind of handheld device. The Hands-Free Videophone is part of Docomo’s ongoing research and development project concerning high-tech glasses.
Device capable of creating digital video based on user’s face
The Hands Free Videophone is equipped with three cameras that are used to capture a user’s face. The cameras capture several pictures, which are combined in real time and converted into a video, which can then be sent to another device. In its current state, the Hands-Free Videophone and produce high definition images and videos, but the device’s cameras and augmented reality system are not yet powerful enough to render complex movements, such as those seen in the mouth during speech.
Device may have a future amongst traveling business professionals
The device is designed to create a digital video based on the face of its wearer. As such, the device will be completely invisible on the digital representation of the user when conducting a video call. This may be a welcome feature for those interested in augmented reality but turned off by the often bulky designs of head-mounted technology. Docomo believes that the Hands-Free Videophone could eventually find a great deal of use amongst the business community, especially those who frequently travel for work.
Development to accelerate in near future
NTT Docomo is committed to the continuous development of the Hands Free Videophone. The device is currently in the prototype stages of development, but Docomo believes that its work on the project will begin to accelerate within the next few months. The company is currently focused on improving the video rendering capabilities of the device so that more detailed videos can be produced.
There is a lot of attention surrounding mobile commerce and the various platforms that are becoming available to consumers, allowing them to participate in the burgeoning industry. Consumers have proven themselves to be keenly interested in the concept of using their mobile devices to make payments for goods and services, thus boosting the demand for mobile commerce platforms. Google has already launched its own platform, successfully attracting consumers from around the world. The company will soon face its most significant competition in the industry, however, as the Isis platform prepares for launch later this month.
Challenges facing platform may have been overcome
Isis is a mobile commerce platform and joint venture from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. The platform is much like other of its kind; it is able to facilitate mobile transactions using NFC technology. Unlike other platforms, however, Isis has managed to acquire the support of most of the world’s major credit and financial institutions. Despite this support, the launch of Isis has been delayed several times in the past, largely due to concerns regarding security and the viability of the features it offers.
October 22 marks beginning of aggressive promotional campaign
Isis is currently conducting trials of its platform in New Jersey and international markets, and believes that the time is quickly approaching for an official launch. As such, Isis has announced that it will launch to the commercial market on October 22 of this year. That day will mark the beginning of a near-month long promotional campaign in which consumers can purchase certain NFC-enabled mobile devices at a significant discount and receive a Visa pre-paid card that will be used with the platform.
Isis may be able to beat out Google in mobile commerce industry
Isis is poised to be the most significant competition that Google and other companies invested in mobile commerce will face. Backed by the support of a multitude of financial and credit organizations, the platform has already established a strong attraction with consumers. Moreover, Isis has been working hard over the past several months to educate consumers on how to use the platform to conduct mobile payments, something that other companies have not done.
