Your future computer may be able to do more than just detect your gestures and last longer on a charge. Microsoft has filed a patent for transparent display technology for laptop transparent and mobile devices that can actually project holographic images right before your eyes.
In the patent’s claims, Microsoft describes a projection device that would be “coupled to the mobile base for displaying the image,” which seems to be in reference to future cameras that will be built into devices. Additionally, the claims describe a transparent display that would come with a holographic optical element for directing light from the projector towards the user’s eye.
3D Image
The result would be a 3D image that appears to float in mid-air, which you could interact with using your hands. It’s not clear if the technology would be used for gaming, productivity or something else entirely, but it’s an intriguing idea that could take wearable computing to the next level.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that this is just a patent and there’s no guarantee that Microsoft will ever turn this into a real product. However, the company has been working on similar transparent display technology for years, so it’s certainly possible that we could see a version of this in the future.
Don’t be a Google Glass hole: 10 etiquette tips
As Google’s Glass Explorer program continues to grow, more and more people are getting their hands on the company’s highly anticipated wearable computer. And as the number of Glass users grows, so does the potential for social gaffes.
Here are 10 etiquette tips for those lucky few who are already using or will be using Google Glass:
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Don’t be a creeper
Google Glass has the potential to be an incredible tool for recording and sharing your life experiences. But it also has the potential to be used for nefarious purposes, like secretly recording other people without their knowledge or consent. So if you’re wearing Glass in public, be respectful of other people’s personal space and don’t use the device to record anyone without their permission.
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Don’t be a Glasshole
Just because you’re wearing Google Glass doesn’t mean you can be a jerk. Remember, if you act like a entitled douchebag, people are going to treat you like one – even if you are wearing $1,500 of cutting-edge technology on your face. So be polite, be considerate, and don’t do anything that would make someone else uncomfortable just because you can.
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Be aware of your surroundings
Google Glass is still in its early stages, which means it’s not always reliable. So if you’re wearing the device in a situation where you need to be aware of your surroundings (like driving or walking down the street), be extra cautious and pay attention to what’s going on around you.
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Don’t be a distraction
Google Glass can be distracting, both for the person wearing the device and for the people around them. So if you’re wearing Glass in a meeting or other situation where people are trying to focus, be considerate and turn off the device or at least put it away so that it’s not a distraction.
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Ask before taking photos or videos
Google Glass makes it incredibly easy to take photos and videos without anyone knowing. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If you’re going to take a photo or video of someone else with Glass, always ask for their permission first.
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Be careful with personal information
Google Glass has the potential to gather a lot of personal information about the people around you. So if you’re wearing the device in a public place, be mindful of the information you’re sharing and don’t share anything that could be used to identify someone without their permission.
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Don’t use Glass while driving
This one should be obvious, but it bears repeating: don’t use Google Glass while you’re driving. Not only is it illegal in most states, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. If you need to use the device while you’re on the road, pull over to a safe location first.
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