So this is what 2 Kinects can do

After all this talk of a Kinect 2 waiting in the wings for the release of next year's Xbox Next  launch, I can't help but think that a current Kinect x 2 could well be a better option instead. Check out how accurate that the folks at 3Gear Systems seem to be coming along with their own software tools (SDK). This could provide some real benefit in the engineering, medical, and you-name-it fields. Maybe this could even make real games beyond dancing and parlor games actually playable using Kinect(s).

UPDATE:

 Thinking back to those leaks from the Microsoft: Roadmap to Fordaleza (glasses) that surfaced several months back, it dawned on me that maybe this is more similar to what Microsoft has in mind for Kinect v2 than just a higher res camera and a closer field of vision. The roadmap is old, but maybe the 2 Kinects will indeed stay as they were envisioned here years ago.

 

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.

A couple of holographic-y type of displays shown from MS Research

First up from Microsoft Research is called TeleHuman, and it aims to display a person like they are standing right in front of you. It captures the person's image using 6 Kinect devices and projects the image onto a cylinder via a 3D projector. All of those kinect devices capture the demonstrator from every angle so you can walk around the cylinder as if it were a real person. A second team is using the same tech for its BodiPod application, where various layers of the human body can be revealed in real time. Maybe they are getting ready for an X-ray version of Kinect.




Next up is called the Mirage Table. The goal of Mirage Table is to simulate interaction with the user as if they are sitting in front of you. The tools are a curved screen that merges with the table, a Kinect capture device, and a 3D projector. This is neat and Microsoft research has done some similar things in the past, but this combines several ideas into one, more practical one. You have to use your imagination while watching the video because the interaction objects are supposed float in virtual space in front ofthe viewer. Without 3D glasses and the actual viewer's perspective, you just can't get the same effect.