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View Full Version : Second Sight Screen Shipping Soon


Jonathon Watkins
03-22-2004, 09:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.iisvr.com/products_mobility_ssm1100_specs.html' target='_blank'>http://www.iisvr.com/products_mobil...1100_specs.html</a><br /><br /></div>Last year, we posted a story about a <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8290&amp;">"cool display adapter"</a>. Well, a new version is being shown publicly at Cebit, Cebit NY, E3, and FOSE in Washington, DC for the first time next week. The product should ship in 4-6 weeks time from now – though the pricing is not available yet.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/HUDAloneLabeledsmall.jpg" /> <br /><br />"Many applications require the full screen display of a laptop AND the pocket sized portability of a PDA. Second Sight delivers this, as it offers the equivalent of a desktop monitor in a low profile, compact form factor. The M2100 is the small and light (sic), weighing less than 2 oz. So light you won't know you're wearing it! Second Sight is easily readable in either daylight or darkness. The display connects directly to virtually any CompactFlash (CF) or PCMCIA slot on PDAs and notebooks. Our software for Pocket PC based PDAs, allow for full VGA screen information (640X480 pixels) to be displayed on the M2100 display, giving the user, access to high resolution content from images to schematics and more." Yes, schematics are all fine and well, but what about the games? :wink: <br /><br /><br />So, landscape VGA (640X480) at 60Hz refresh rate a few cm away from your eye. Can you guys see yourselves using this kind of device and what would you use it for? Is it took too geeky for words, or just the thing for your busy tech filled lives?<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/allthreesmallcopy.jpg" /><br /><br />Oh and by the way, you *will* be assimilated! :robot: :lol:

carphead
03-22-2004, 09:11 AM
Can we tie this into Ed's post about most useless application never invented? :wink:

eric linsley
03-22-2004, 09:24 AM
i think id siue it as a tv. watchin all my dvd=pocket pc movies

enemy2k2
03-22-2004, 09:47 AM
"The M2100 is the small and light (sic)"

ROFL, they may as well have written it 'teh'. :D

I have high hopes for tech like this, I hope one day it will enable displays that are indistinguishable from a pair of stylish sunglasses. Can't wait for that. High res stereo display for when you need it for surfing, work, or entertainment. Otherwise a persistent small peripheral display in a corner of one lens for just when you're out and about - maybe jogging or something displaying news feeds or what have you.

popabawa
03-22-2004, 09:47 AM
So light you won't know you're wearing it!

I think everyone else might notice! :mrgreen:

Still, we need something to kickstart the development of VR applications for PPC eh? :wink:

I can forsee a whole new interface metaphor for Agenda Fusion.... Week 2D, week 3D...

Iain.

bjornkeizers
03-22-2004, 09:57 AM
I don't really see the point in this. On a PC, yes it might be handy, but only if it was wireless and if you had a wireless mouse. You could leave the laptop in the bag and watch on the headset... that would be cool.

But if it needs a cable, the farthest you'll be able to go would be what... two, three meters? With all that cable behind you? I don't think so.

And on a PPC.. welll, that would be totally useless. Not only would it be too large and bulky with all the cable and stuff to carry around with you, the cable would get in the way, and how would you even control the PPC?

You'd need to use the stylus on the screen, which means, you *have* to look at the screen, which kind of defeats the purpose of this headset...


I just don't see it happening. Make it wireless and I'll buy one, but only for my laptop.

Phoenix
03-22-2004, 11:12 AM
Unless there's some sort of wearable data input and retrieval mechanism along with a wearable computer, this device in and of itself would be worthless/pointless while working with a PPC or a laptop/desktop. If you have to look at your PPC's screen or your laptop's/desktop's keyboard/touchpad/mouse to navigate, input, and retrieve data - well, you'd already be looking at those screens at that point... so what would be the point of having another screen closer to your eye? Wouldn't that be redundant and a bit idiotic? Why would someone use a stylus with their PPC or type/navigate on their laptop/desktop while looking through this display to see what they're doing when they could simply look down, up, or straight ahead 12 inches in front of their face to see the computer screen itself? Nobody would need this device to do that. Beyond this, it would only be for a nerd who likes the idea of looking futuristic or some ridiculous thing of that nature. Headpieces are for wearable computers, not computers and devices that already have their own screens.

I love technology of all kinds, but it has to be practical and make sense, otherwise it has no value.

However, the device coupled with input hardware like small dual keyboards perhaps (one for each hand) or a wrist keyboard - with an integrated touchpad to control screen positioning for the purpose of navigation as you would with a stylus or mouse pointer, (and for a PPC, the software and drivers to make that a possibility), would then be fantastic. Voice control alone would not be sufficient. At that point I could see a market for it. People who need to see, retrieve, and input data and who need the power of a full-fledge computer (which a PPC couldn't provide) while remaining fully mobile (even more so than a laptop would allow), and who want the ability to quickly toggle between tying up their hands to manage data and freeing their hands, and who also wish to find a better way of managing data and navigating without taking their eyes off of other things to much and perhaps also for privacy/anonequity issues (which is what an eyepiece/headphone would provide) - well, those people would make great use of this type of technology. Of course, then this would just compete with those companies/universities that design, develop, and maybe manufacture full-fledge wearable computers such as MIT (MIThril) and Xybernaut, for instance.

A headpiece alone makes no practical sense, but with input and control devices and a matching computing system, it would.

Not a bad looking headpiece, though.

jonathanchoo
03-22-2004, 11:20 AM
This could be marketed at the vertical market where people are in need of their hands all the time such as doctors or mechanics where instructions could appear on screen.

Good for porn too.

webagogue
03-22-2004, 11:43 AM
could be marketed at the vertical market where people are in need of their hands all the time such as doctors

If my doctor strapped one of these to his head and then plugged it in to a PPC I would bolt. "Scalpel... forceps... retractor... DAMMIT! Someone hit the reset switch on my iPAQ.. and be careful not to hit the hard reset!"

This was a cool (but still geeky) idea before VGA PPCs. Now that we are (several) months away from more VGA units, who needs to look like a Borg fanboy? :twisted:

Actually, even if I got 1024x768 or higher I wouldn't wear one of these things.

jizmo
03-22-2004, 12:07 PM
No, it's not geeky by any means .. Actually, it'll go well with the Scott eVest and will look very stylish while driving to work with your Segway. :roll:

/jizmo

dMores
03-22-2004, 12:09 PM
maybe all those taxi drivers could use it, instead of watching their dashboard-mounted-laptop-dvd-player they could keep an eye on the red light and drive off as soon as it turns green, instead of holding everything up until the green starts flashing again.

:evil:

jonathanchoo
03-22-2004, 12:21 PM
could be marketed at the vertical market where people are in need of their hands all the time such as doctors

If my doctor straped one of these to his head and then pluged it in to a PPC I would bolt. "Scalpel... forceps... retractor... DAMMIT! Someone hit the reset switch on my iPAQ.. and be careful not to hit the hard reset!"

This was a cool idea before VGA PPCs. Now that we are (several) months away from more VGA units, who needs to look like a Borg fanboy? :twisted:

I am sure in serious surgery they would plug such things like this into proprietary computers rather than a consumer product such as a PPC. I think the most they would do is getting video feedback.

VGA PPCs? Yamn... In two years time we will be whining on why Microsoft did not build in XGA support into the OS. I want UXGA support now damn it!

jonathanchoo
03-22-2004, 12:23 PM
maybe all those taxi drivers could use it, instead of watching their dashboard-mounted-laptop-dvd-player they could keep an eye on the red light and drive off as soon as it turns green, instead of holding everything up until the green starts flashing again.

:evil:

http://www.germancarfans.com/images/News/2030514.001.4.jpg

Now imagine if we have PDAs capable of beaming images to solid materials like a glass.

yslee
03-22-2004, 01:00 PM
More dork wear! Pass!

I like HUD idea in cars, and in BMW, no less. :D

Perry Reed
03-22-2004, 01:45 PM
More dork wear! Pass!

I like HUD idea in cars, and in BMW, no less. :D

I've driven a couple of cars with HUDs; a Pontiac a few years ago and just recently a Corvette. It is nice to have your speed and tac displayed on the windshield so you don't have to look down, especially at uh.... higher speeds. :)

Radimus
03-22-2004, 02:06 PM
once again in the arena of a targeted audience... combine this withe the new wristform PDA, where the device could simulate a virtual input device/keyboard... perhaps add a thumb trackball for pointing and this would be a cool wearable PC solution. pack a solar charger or a small hand or pedal dynamo... someone produced a battery charging device that went into boots that would recharge while you walked...

Large display area, 'instant on' PDA, large storage due to the new micro HD, expansion with bluetooth, SD and CF devices. Military, emergency services, police, outdoor sporters (hiking, climbing, biking. skiing, etc)

Once again, a very tight market for these type devices... untill someone build them into sunglasses, then you could watch movies or read at your convenience

wjsteele
03-22-2004, 02:17 PM
I was just talking to a guy over at a medical conference the other day. He was telling me about "SecondSight" getting ready to deliver a HMD that is only $100 to $200. Could this be the one? Hope so! :silly:

Bill

SiliconAddict
03-22-2004, 02:23 PM
Now! Do it now! Assimilate me! :D

groan
03-22-2004, 02:29 PM
But, can i play UT2K4 on it? taht is teh question!!!11

Ekkie Tepsupornchai
03-22-2004, 03:42 PM
Actually, while I applaud the technical capability, what I wouldn't be able to withstand that hasn't been mentioned yet is the 60Hz refresh rate. I'm particularly sensitive to low refresh rates (anything below 75Hz is very noticeable to me). I think this could be a strain to the eyes (or should I say eye) fairly quickly.

Jonathon Watkins
03-22-2004, 03:46 PM
I was initially worried by this as well - but - the screen is an LCD, so it shouldn't really matter - right?

Darren Behan
03-22-2004, 04:02 PM
Once again, if you have to use the CF slot what good is it? The only thing I can see this being useful for is watching movies and unless you have a dual slot PPC (which I am guessing most of us don't) how many times can you watch the trailer for Agent Cody Banks: Destination London?

That said, god forbid anyone creates an SD version. Yeah, I just got done saying that it's useless as a CF which would make it useless as a SD as well but who wants to be out geeked? And that Frankie Muniz is kind of dreamy...

db

Kati Compton
03-22-2004, 04:35 PM
I'm thinking uneven eye wrinkles.

I don't know about you, but when I use my computer monitor, I'm using both eyes. I think to comfortably use this display and not get dizzy, I'd be closing the non-screen eye a lot...

Deemo
03-22-2004, 05:00 PM
Someone get that guy a haircut!
That's where his money should be going :wink:

feo
03-22-2004, 05:39 PM
Give one of this to PT. It will take him a weekend to come up with a killer application that would give us the urge to hand over our wallets.
I am still not over GPS driven playlists...

Janak Parekh
03-22-2004, 05:43 PM
Give one of this to PT. It will take him a weekend to come up with a killer application that would give us the urge to hand over our wallets.
Excellent point! And he'll appear on TV and dash all the arguments about it looking uncool and such. ;)

I am still not over GPS driven playlists...
It's a product in the making, if someone has the money and desire. :D

--janak

T-Will
03-22-2004, 06:50 PM
Give one of this to PT. It will take him a weekend to come up with a killer application that would give us the urge to hand over our wallets.
I am still not over GPS driven playlists...

My thoughts exactly...it'll be interesting to see what pt comes up with for this thing.

surur
03-22-2004, 06:56 PM
Give one of this to PT. It will take him a weekend to come up with a killer application that would give us the urge to hand over our wallets.

thats pt (http://www.flashenabled.com) btw. note the small caps :lol:

Kevin Daly
03-22-2004, 07:58 PM
It is too geeky for words, and of course I would use it. 0X

Rudolf
03-22-2004, 08:49 PM
I belive the answer for the question of small PDA vs Large screen will be the Scanned Beam Technology, where the image is directly projected to your retina using lasers instead of using head mounted LCD displays. This would make it possible in the fusture to wear a watch sized PDA and still have very high resolution screen, just by galcing towards your PDA. As it actively scans your eye it could be even possible to track your eye movement and use it as an input device too. Microvison is neatly progressing on this area. I hope they will succeed.
http://www.mvis.com/technology/displays.html

Jonathan1
03-22-2004, 09:20 PM
Actually I would seriously want to get one of these. I do a lot of around town driving and am always using MapPoint to chart my route. Looking down is a potential driving hazard. If I could have a screen just off axis of my straight-ahead sight it would be a godsend. Any ideas how much this thing would cost?

Then again I'm looking at getting a Prius next year with GPS built in so it'll be a moot point :)

bobmay
03-22-2004, 10:25 PM
If this was coupled with killer voice recognition using the built in mic you would not need any other input devices. I would use it then!

Jonathon Watkins
03-22-2004, 10:29 PM
Looking down is a potential driving hazard. If I could have a screen just off axis of my straight-ahead sight it would be a godsend.

Would that be legal? I was hearing that in the UK anyway, it is illegal to drive with headphones on. If that's true, then how much more dodgy would this thing be? :?

Jonathan1
03-23-2004, 01:59 AM
Looking down is a potential driving hazard. If I could have a screen just off axis of my straight-ahead sight it would be a godsend.

Would that be legal? I was hearing that in the UK anyway, it is illegal to drive with headphones on. If that's true, then how much more dodgy would this thing be? :?

Probably not but cops have better things to do then pull me over. :razzing: ;) That and they would have to be on my right to see it since there is only one headphone on the thing. Also it looks like the thing can flip up. So when it’s not in use I could just turn the thing up so its out of the way.

When are we going to have HUDs in our cars? I want it now dang it! ;)

altden2002
03-23-2004, 07:24 AM
Can you say "vaporware"? Wake me up when they have the price and firm ship date. :sleeping: :sleeping:

Kacey Green
03-26-2004, 03:24 PM
Unless there's some sort of wearable data input and retrieval mechanism along with a wearable computer, this device in and of itself would be worthless/pointless while working with a PPC or a laptop/desktop. If you have to look at your PPC's screen or your laptop's/desktop's keyboard/touchpad/mouse to navigate, input, and retrieve data - well, you'd already be looking at those screens at that point... so what would be the point of having another screen closer to your eye? Wouldn't that be redundant and a bit idiotic? Why would someone use a stylus with their PPC or type/navigate on their laptop/desktop while looking through this display to see what they're doing when they could simply look down, up, or straight ahead 12 inches in front of their face to see the computer screen itself? Nobody would need this device to do that. Beyond this, it would only be for a nerd who likes the idea of looking futuristic or some ridiculous thing of that nature. Headpieces are for wearable computers, not computers and devices that already have their own screens.

I love technology of all kinds, but it has to be practical and make sense, otherwise it has no value.

However, the device coupled with input hardware like small dual keyboards perhaps (one for each hand) or a wrist keyboard - with an integrated touchpad to control screen positioning for the purpose of navigation as you would with a stylus or mouse pointer, (and for a PPC, the software and drivers to make that a possibility), would then be fantastic. Voice control alone would not be sufficient. At that point I could see a market for it. People who need to see, retrieve, and input data and who need the power of a full-fledge computer (which a PPC couldn't provide) while remaining fully mobile (even more so than a laptop would allow), and who want the ability to quickly toggle between tying up their hands to manage data and freeing their hands, and who also wish to find a better way of managing data and navigating without taking their eyes off of other things to much and perhaps also for privacy/anonequity issues (which is what an eyepiece/headphone would provide) - well, those people would make great use of this type of technology. Of course, then this would just compete with those companies/universities that design, develop, and maybe manufacture full-fledge wearable computers such as MIT (MIThril) and Xybernaut, for instance.

A headpiece alone makes no practical sense, but with input and control devices and a matching computing system, it would.

Not a bad looking headpiece, though.

You could have a mouse similar to the eraserhead pointers on a laptop and a single button to represent a tap, hold it for a tap and hold!

Jonathon Watkins
03-28-2004, 03:06 PM
When are we going to have HUDs in our cars? I want it now dang it! ;)

I was in the US back in '93 and I was in a Nissan that had a HUD. It also had a numeric keypad to get into the car. They are around - just not too popular - becuase we are not asking for them enough I guess.