3D display/interface (in air)

[bbloke]

I've just noticed the "Heliodisplay," which projects a 3D display in the air. An overview can be found at:

http://www.io2technology.com/technology/overview

with pictures at:

http://www.io2technology.com/technology/images

and... what really caught my attention... a movie of the gadget in use at:

http://www.io2technology.com/media/Helio_2006_v1.mov

[ra3ndy]

I'd like to say that's ridiculous...... perhaps even a very clever hoax, but some part of me just can't accept that it isn't real...

They say you can hide this thing in things like a coffee table... I'd totally put it in an R2-D2.

[sinclair_tm]

just look at the pics, and video, close. the box is putting something in the air, like a fog machine or humidifier, and it just projects the image on it. as far as the tracking fingers for pointers, i'm sure it uses the same tech as the white board thingy that you put on the side of the board, and it logs all you draw, and puts it into your computer. macaddict mag reviewed one a couple years ago. i think it would be cool to have. it would really belong on a future mac media hub. run front row from it.

[Mikuro]

Originally Posted by http://www.io2technology.com/technology/overview

These projected images and video are two-dimensional space (i.e. planar) but appear 3D since there is no physical depth reference.

Uhhh....wha? Me confused. I guess I'd need to see it in action, but it sounds decidedly non-revolutionary. Especially with the waviness. It looks a lot like the stuff I roll my eyes at in bad sci-fi/spy movies.

[Lt Major Burns]

yep. but it is fun though.

Thing is, it's not meant to be a replacement for your 23" cinema display, it's not going to offer crisp images and perfect coloursync. it's more closely a replacement to those 42" plasma's that appear at every available opportunity in bars, clubs, show rooms and tradeshows etc. it's a funky way of displaying stuff, and it's undeniably cool and futuristic and pointless as well.

it's cool

[Thank The Cheese]

definitely has the cool factor, but also the why factor. The image is not clear and sharp enough to be used as a work machine, or even for movies, and the ripple effect that the modified air creates would make you sea sick.

Still, it's hardly being sold at K-Mart, so you can't be too critical of something that isn't for sale (AFAIK?)

EDIT: Just noticed the purchase section. OK, then I will be critical

No price on the purchase page, that's a very bad sign