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.
Global augmented reality market forecasts from Mind Commerce
Mind Commerce, a leading market research and consultancy firm, has released a new report concerning the global augmented reality market. The report, titled “Augmented Reality: Global Market Analysis and Forecast 2012-2017,” highlights the various trends that exist in the global market and provides some insight on why augmented reality may be growing so popular. Mind Commerce suggests that one of the reasons augmented reality is becoming so popular is because of the large number of smart phones and high-tech mobile devices currently available.
Report ties growth of global augmented reality market to rise of smart phones
According to the report, Mind Commerce suggests that augmented reality is currently a niche market opportunity. The technology is capable of presenting consumers with a wide array of digital content and entertainment. Because the entertaining aspects of augmented reality are so prolific, the technology has seen limited practical use, thus is less appealing than other interactive technologies that can provide practical services. This is likely to change, however, as companies like Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm begin finding new ways to make use of augmented reality.
Growth may be powered by government interests and cloud computing technology
The report predicts that the global augmented reality market will see exceptional growth over the next several years. Developers of augmented reality applications are expected to benefit greatly from the growth the market experiences, especially as the world’s governments begin showing more interest in the technology. Cloud computing is also expected to contribute to the growth of the augmented reality market, enabling more robust services to become available to consumers.
Mind Commerce offers glimpse at trends directing global augmented reality market
Mobile technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Demand amongst consumers for new, highly powerful mobile devices is rising. As technology becomes more advanced, the possible uses of augmented reality continue to expand. The report from Mind Commerce aims to forecast the advances made in the augmented reality field over the next few years, providing those interested in the report with some insight on the trends that are affecting the market.
