Connect with us

Hardware

Google Glass to Project Aura: aiming for HoloLens and the Enterprise

blank

Published

on

google-glass-project-aura-details-leaked

Google Glass used to be a device for which people got nicknamed “glassholes” for, with a limelight of about a year. As the year is coming to an end, Google Glass resurfaces as Project Aura, the augmented reality headset. In a patent awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to Google, we get an early glimpse into what Google engineers have been working on in the past 5 years or so. The new version of Glass, now interestingly named Project Aura, is still an awkward-looking device that won’t go unnoticed, but it will be much more refined than the original Explorer consumer version ever was. In a bid to give Microsoft’s HoloLens a real competitor, Project Aura aims to vastly improve upon the hardware and software capabilities of Google Glass by using higher-end technology and a well-developed software.

Once you look at the short-lived history of Google Glass and what impact it had, you may realize that while the concept was good, its implementation was flawed and the design was obnoxious – at the time. The world wasn’t ready for “glassholes”, and the tech wasn’t all there either. The Google Glass Explorer program was halted in January 2015, after the high price, poor performance and looming privacy and security issues of the wearable sent the project down the drain. Or so it appeared, at first. Project Aura was announced shortly after and while it was not clear from the start that the two had any connection to each other, the Google Glass patent confirms the connection.

Appointing Tony Fadell as head of Project Ara development added a  new angle to Google Glass and what it stood for and reinforced that although the wearable had originally been an experiment which could be dropped, it had the potential to become a product consumers would not end up mocking. Seeing as the Explorer program began in 2013 and died just over a year later, it had been made clear to Google that Glass, in that state, had no place on the consumer market. So Glass was pulled and kept as an enterprise solution, while the team focused on improving the wearable and turning it into Project Aura, the future of Google Glass.

google-glass-patent-project-aura-design-release-date

Patents awarded don’t guarantee products on the market, but the buzz around Google Glass and Project Aura has been intensifying. There are quite a few chances that within a year, we are going to be able to test the first prototypes of a new HoloLens competitor. Microsoft’s augmented reality headset made waves when it was announced, thanks of course to the visually impressive demo videos that the company released as well as the hype created around the company after Windows 9 suddenly became Windows 10 out of the blue and the Spartan browser first got in the limelight. Google and Microsoft are getting closer as competitors as both companies began dwelling in wearables, virtual reality, augmented reality, console gaming and creating their own ecosystem.

Microsoft and Google both have their innovations in various departments, Microsoft raising impressive aces with Office 365, Cortana, Azure and Continuum and Google integrating hardware and software with Android Wear, Google Cardboard, Android One and more. But when it comes to sales and revenue in the mobile device department, they`re both behind Apple, regardless of innovation. Project Aura and Microsoft HoloLens are the means through which these companies can disrupt as much as Apple. Augmented reality is a field relatively absent in the media, despite the innovative nature of both these devices being hyped for so long. HoloLens development is moving along nicely, and Project Aura seems to be bound to catch up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3rNIxMlKmI

 

The patent listings explaining what Project Aura is and how it is supposed work differently than Google Glass reveal a device that still has a flawed design, but makes up for it with a refined user interface and more usable, practical features for enterprise and casual customers at the same time. With a design based around the usage pattern of a monocle, Project Aura looks just as ridiculous as Google Glass, but smaller. Although the monocle design with the rectangular hardware, positioned to cover the wearer’s eyebrow, seems like a more minimalist and practical approach than the glasses approach of the first generation, it still looks futuristic and alludes to how one would imagine security officers in a post-apocalyptic 1984 monitored wirelessly by a tyrant government. Nonetheless, it’s a step in the right direction.

project-aura-google-glass-patent

With a curvy handle that slides behind your ear holding the monocle of Project Aura in place, the entire device looks a lot like a robot-worm. The odd shape will however facilitate a comfortable fit to any wearer’s head, in a bid to eliminate concerns of it falling and breaking. The side of the device is housing a touchpad and its hardware, which will be used to interact with the device. The main way Project Aura and its wearer will be communicating however will be voice commands. In a similar fashion to HoloLens, Project Aura will firstly be aimed at the Enterprise and industrial segments of the market. With 3D augmented reality projections overlapping the real world, it’s the most sensible way to market the wearable.

Although it would be an interesting experience to hang around a consumer version of Project Aura, it doesn’t suit consumer tasks. Project Aura will be made with designing, architecture, management, financial and maybe even journalism purposes in mind, leaving little room for the wearable to fulfill tasks like social media, entertainment or casual media consumption and interaction. With miniatural hardware and specialized software applications, Google Glass was already a device aimed at the Enterprise – releasing it as a consumer device was just a test. I don’t t hink Google ever meant this wearable to be a consumer gadget.

Although the patent reveals little information about how Project Aura will work, it does stand as a bit of a guide to what Google engineers are working on, and what they could be aiming to create. Our best bet is that at Google I/O 2016, we will at least have a prototype of Project Aura to test. Until then, we’re going to be on lookout for more info, because this does sound like a product Microsoft and Google will eventually have disputed over.

As part of the editorial team here at Geekreply, John spends a lot of his time making sure each article is up to snuff. That said, he also occasionally pens articles on the latest in Geek culture. From Gaming to Science, expect the latest news fast from John and team.

Hardware

8 Effective Ways to Cut Energy Costs During Summer

blank

Published

on

blank

As the temperature rises during the summer months, so does our energy consumption. Air conditioners, fans, and other cooling systems work hard to keep us comfortable, but they can also lead to skyrocketing energy bills. However, with a few smart strategies and adjustments to your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your energy costs without sacrificing your comfort. In this article, we will explore eight effective ways to cut energy costs during the summer season.

Utilize Natural Ventilation:

  1. Make the most of cooler evenings and early mornings by turning off your air conditioner and opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through your home. Consider using window fans or installing attic fans to draw in the cooler air and expel warm air. By relying on natural ventilation, you can reduce your reliance on energy-consuming cooling systems.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings:

  1. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you are away from home or during the night when you’re sleeping. A recommended temperature is around 78°F (25.5°C) for a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Consider using a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature adjustments, ensuring optimal energy savings without compromising your comfort suggest Corgihomeplan.co.uk.

Take Advantage of Shade:

  1. Direct sunlight can significantly increase the temperature inside your home. Utilize window coverings, such as blinds, shades, or curtains, to block out the sun’s rays during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, consider installing outdoor shading devices, such as awnings or pergolas, to prevent direct sunlight from entering your windows and heating up your living space.

Enhance Insulation:

  1. Proper insulation is essential to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Inspect your doors, windows, and walls for any leaks or gaps that can let in warm air. Seal these areas with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. Adequate insulation not only helps cut energy costs but also improves overall energy efficiency.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting:

  1. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures to reduce your overall energy consumption. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Similarly, replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED lights, which consume less energy and emit less heat. These small changes can make a big difference in reducing your energy bills.

Practice Smart Cooling Habits:

  1. Instead of solely relying on air conditioning, adopt smart cooling habits to stay comfortable. Use ceiling fans or portable fans to create a cooling breeze, as they consume significantly less energy than air conditioners. Additionally, dress appropriately for the weather, opting for lightweight and breathable clothing, and stay hydrated to help regulate your body temperature naturally.

Maintain and Clean Your Cooling Systems:

  1. Regular maintenance of your cooling systems is crucial to ensure they operate efficiently. Clean or replace air filters regularly, as dirty filters obstruct airflow and make your system work harder. Schedule professional maintenance at the beginning of the summer season to inspect and tune up your air conditioning unit. Properly maintained systems operate more efficiently and consume less energy.

Unplug Electronics and Appliances:

  1. Many electronic devices and appliances continue to consume energy even when they’re not in use. Unplug chargers, gaming consoles, televisions, and other devices when you’re not actively using them. Consider using power strips or smart power plugs that allow you to turn off multiple devices with a single switch, ensuring they’re not drawing power in standby mode.

Conclusion:

With these eight effective ways to cut energy costs during the summer, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable living space without the burden of exorbitant energy bills. Implementing these energy-saving strategies not only helps

Continue Reading

Gaming

Astro Bot Is Cuter With This Plush Toy

blank

Published

on

blank

Fangamer’s latest plush is another hit. Astro Bot, the adorable robot from Astro’s Playroom, is now a licensed soft toy.

Astro’s plush form, 7.5 inches tall, is adorable. He can be posed on your shelf because his antenna and limbs are articulated. He’s not for sale yet, but you can sign up for pre-orders.

Astro has previously been made into a Nendoroid figurine. Whether it’s a plush toy or a plastic figure, this little character is great. Team Asobi, when’s the next game?

Do you like this Astro Bot plush?

Continue Reading

Engineering

RVs can use the more expensive Starlink internet connection from SpaceX

blank

Published

on

blank

For its hardware kit, an upfront payment of $2,500 is required.

While the Starlink service for RVs provides a way to stay online even while you are off the grid, it has one significant drawback: It cannot be used while moving. Now that you may utilize Starlink on moving vehicles, SpaceX has released a new version called “Flat High Performance” for RVs. To use the service, you merely need to be prepared to pay nearly five times as much for the required dish.

The Flat High Performance Starlink for RVs has a larger rectangular terminal with a 35 percent greater field of view than its normal version, making it ideal for use when moving. Additionally, it features improved GPS capabilities that provide the dish the ability to connect to more satellites, making it possible to access the Starlink internet even when a vehicle is moving. The terminal has higher performance in hot weather and snow as well as improved weather resistance. However, the Flat High Performance dish must be permanently mounted on top of your RV as opposed to the conventional version, which can be set down on the ground.

Flat High Performance is already available for pre-order in a few locations, and deliveries will begin in December. Be aware that the hardware kit for it costs $2,500 and includes the dish and mount. Only $599 must be paid up front for the regular Starlink for RVs’ equipment. Like the basic version, the service itself costs $135 per month, which is $25 more than a standard Starlink connection. However, you are not required to pay for the months you do not utilize the service because you can pause (and unpause) it at any moment.

Continue Reading

Trending