We really are living in the future.
The most recent example of this is a new screenless laptop design released by a company called Sightful called the Spacetop G1.
Instead, this futuristic machine uses augmented reality glasses for all visualization.
As Laptop Mag reports, Sightful has partnered with AR glasses company XReal to develop glasses that will handle all of the visual aspects of the device, creating a product that's literally never been seen before.
The element of augmented reality means that the display is no longer tethered or limited to the body of the laptop, giving users an almost infinite amount of “screen space.”
This is a concept called “spatial computing.”
“For the first time, there's a reason to use spatial computing that's born out of an everyday need,” said Sightful CEO Tamir Berliner. “The answer is productivity, and that product is Spacetop G1.”
The XReal Glasses look like bulky Ray Bans and store within a cutout in a flap attached to the bottom half of the device.
It's a cool concept, but it remains to be seen whether the technology will catch on — the hefty $1,900 price tag may be a hindrance.
“The concept of an AR laptop is certainly an interesting idea, but we expect there will be problems with implementation, especially since it's Android-based,” Emily Wang, co-founder of Viture mixed reality glasses, told Laptop Mag.
Users will no longer be able to run Windows or Mac applications on their devices (at least not natively).
The Spacetop G1 runs a custom version of Android, so it shares more DNA with tablets and smartphones than traditional laptops.
The technology is super cool and gadget-loving types will likely adopt it quickly, but don't expect the Spacetop G1 to replace your traditional laptop anytime soon.
“For many people, the gains may not outweigh the sacrifices they make to get them,” Wang said.
This futuristic laptop may still be a little ahead of its time.
If you find that interesting, you might also want to read about quantum computer simulations that “reverse time” and may result in physics being completely different than it was before.
