http://aplus.com/a/google-soli-project-future-is-here
I have envisioned the same finger movements for controlling the likes of Google Glass. The key difference is I figured special gloves or fingertip implants would be the way to go – more solid state.
your fingertips control your movement left/right or up/down with special gloves or implants
http://mapmerge.net/special-glasses-nowspecs/
(published March 17 2015)
More than ever before, people live away from where their family are/were based. Amongst the many difficulties this creates, we have the problem of visiting graves in a convenient way. Instead of travelling for hours for a 10 minute memorial, what if you could travel to the site virtually?
A virtual representation of the graveyard is unlikely to have the desired outcome. However, a real connection could be achieved using a telepresence robot that is provided by the cemetery.
This aspect could be a powerful selling tool for the entire mapping system, given that almost everyone would like a more efficient means of visiting their deceased relatives.
Map Merge will of course have a reference system, as all maps do. This is best left to the experts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a combo:
I would expect them to be intertwined, where any of the three can be used to refer to the same location. Maps merged. Google and Apple Maps already combine the first two.
One problem with modern map apps and GPS devices is the entry of addresses. They tend to be quite long and take time to type in. The devices are often small and typos occur.
One solution is of course speaking to an AI like Siri or Cortana. I don’t think they are anywhere close to being easier than typing yet. And ultimately, it seems people just prefer typing – they have certainly chosen texting people over phoning them.
So there is an opening for a shorthand/shortcode entry for addresses. I foresee a system modelled on domain names. Just like they are the licence for a shortcode that maps onto (hard to remember) IP addresses, vanity (or custom) street addresses can replace any of the three references above with a short name.
@robskelton can be typed into Google Maps or TomTom, and the app will know where to go because I would have purchased @robskelton for that purpose, and mapped it to where I live. I don’t know how much people or businesses would pay for this, but it could be as big as the domain name system.
I figure there could be different types of @ddresses (pronounced at dresses), because unlike domain names, the location of the person entering the @ddress can be taken into account.
Global, singular – @robskelton works for everyone in the world. Enter it into a Kiev autonomous cab, and it will say the expected journey time is 3 weeks.
Local, singular – @robskelton but only purchased for a state within Australia. I think state level works best, just like personalised car license plates. The system will choose the @robskelton for the state I am enquiring from.
Global, multiple – @macdonalds@ – the trailing @ indicates that I know it has numerous locations, and I want to go to the nearest one.
I mentioned autonomous cabs for a good reason. They will be the second use of self-driving vehicles after delivery drones, both initially in CBDs. When people climb in they will need to articulate where they want to go. I know that I would prefer to type in @macdonalds@ into a console over conversing with an AI.
Utility, monetised. And it can be pseudo-compulsory like the domain name system. When someone wants their address to be part of the system, they will be asked how they wish to refer to it. Do they want 32SnakeHeights.Daylesford.3460AU, or @BurgerShackAU?
The Ricoh Theta 360:
This is a handheld video camera, not unlike the the Flip of a few years ago (which we used and loved). It takes 360 degree videos (or still shots) – easily.
From the promo videos it looks perfect, and if the tech is up to the task (good imagery, no stutter or lag) it might well be.
If there’s a bunch of folk, partying in a circle – awesome.
HOWEVER… I think enough iPhone pics have been taken in my family for me to relive the scenarios and see why 360 won’t be so great.
To take the pic or video, the implication is that everyone in a 360 degree direction is happy to be filmed. I can think of many examples where that just won’t work. For example, the barman. For example, the one person out of your group of 12 who isn’t keen – in a static pic they just move out of the way. Now you are asking them to leave the room.
The potential for others running your take is magnified. So is someone acting inappropriately or not in sync with the mood.
And of course not all of the 360 might be worth looking at. The examples used to sell such devices are ideals, not reality.
You might need a lot of takes.
But, yeah, sure – if you are skydiving, or driving a F1 car, or any situation GoPro suits, it might be great.