Sony also into getting AR glasses out there, tries not to be too late to party

Jumping into the fray a little late, Sony files a patent for its take on an HMD display not unlike Google's Project Glass.

Source: Engadget

Sony Debuts Wonderbook at E3, gamers et all wonder why books and games need to merge merge in the first place

In an educational augmented reality approach, Sony shows off its Wonderbook at E3 for the Playstation 3. The device uses existing Playstation Eye along with the Move controller to enrich the experience of a 12 page blank book (which has points of referance for the PS Eye to recognize). Now, I am a believer in gaming technology being used for learning but I do think that this is a very limited approach to learning. In my opinion, a book is a book and interactive games are just that. I really don't get where the two can be mixed, especially with such a limited sized book. This is basically a pop-up book for a new generation. I don't see how it would encourage actual reading, but I do love the augmented reality aspects. I could see this working much better as a side quest in an actual game, rather than a sole implementation.

Microsoft Debuts Xbox SmartGlass at E3, shatters similar offerings from rivals

The idea of Xbox SmartGlass is really a combination of things. First, it is meant to be a cross-platform input and display device from any mobile device for your gaming and TV web surfing (thanks to Internet Explorer also coming to Xbox). What is unique is that the software will extend beyond Windows 8 devices, and cater to iOS devices like iPhone and iPad, as well as Android phones and tablets. It was also demonstrated to be able to pick up a movie where you left off on a tablet or phone and finish playing from the Xbox in your living room. This kind of playback sync requires you to be playing said media content purchased through the Xbox Marketplace, which is unfortunately only available through Windows devices and Xbox 360 consoles. More information about the media can be then displayed on the phone or tablet about participating content, such as interactive maps and IMDB-like info. Pretty slick.