The projector phone features sensors and cameras to project visual interfaces on a surface. (Image Credit: Zarif Ali/TED)
Apple’s mixed reality headset has stirred up a lot of excitement among tech enthusiasts due to its potential. Even then, mobile tech may just as well be more futuristic thanks to the hand projector. Humane, a startup promising a new product that could “reshape the role of technology in our lives,” took the stage at TED Talk 2023. It unveiled an AI interface projector that could make a huge leap in mobile technology, potentially replacing smartphones down the line.
Humane founder Imran Chaudhri demonstrated the small projector device during the TED Talk conference. The smaller-than-a-smartphone projector features cameras and sensors that project visual interfaces on surfaces such as hands and tabletops. As the device beamed out a visual interface, Chaudhri used voice commands and gestures to take an incoming phone call. According to Humane’s public patents, the device could be used every day for different purposes, including viewing map directions, visual aids for cooking, repairing a car engine, and daily schedule run-downs.
In addition, Chaudhri demonstrated the device’s voice translator feature that turned his English into French with an AI-generated voice retaining his timbre and tone. The device also has a non-invasive alert whenever the user misses any notifications. For example, it would say, “You got an email, and Bethany sent you some photos.”
More interestingly, the Humane team consists of ex-Apple employees. For instance, Chaudhri, a Director of Design at Apple, contributed to the iPod, iPhone, Mac, and other devices. Bethany Bongiorno worked in the software management of MacOS and iOS at Apple. So far, Humane has received over $230 million in funds from SalesForce CEO Marc Benioff, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Microsoft.
Nobody knows Humane’s next move, but maybe mobile technology could shift to screenless interfaces, mixed reality headsets or continue with smartphones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvWqqs1dJ0I
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