Introducing the Isophone

[Robert Levy]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3103616.stm' target='_blank'>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3103616.stm</a><br /><br /></div>"Many people tend to do other things like walking, reading or even cooking, when they are on their mobile phone. But does that mean you are not really concentrating on the conversation itself?<br /><br />Researchers have come up with a device that effectively shuts out the outside world, leaving you to focus on what you are saying. The Isophone is a gadget that blocks out all peripheral sensory stimulation and distraction, letting you talk in a quiet and calming environment."<br /><br />Sounds like a pretty good concept, right? Well there is only one catch (there's always a catch). "Whenever you want to make a call, you will need to have your Isophone with you, plus a heated swimming pool."<br /><br /><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39329000/jpg/_39329666_isophone203b.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/><br /><br />That's right... a heated swimming pool. The Isophone is essentially a big floating helmet-like device that you put over your head. It is designed to cut off your perception of everything other than the voice of the person on the other end. Check out the linked article from the BBC for more details and photos.<br /><br />While I can't imagine using one of these, it's good to see that there are still people who don't let common sense get in the way of their quest for innovation.

[Mike Temporale]

You can't feel anything because you're basically floating around in water that's heated to body temperature, which removes the distraction of gravity, and allows the user's body to blur into the environment.

....

"Whilst it's not necessarily very efficient, in many ways it's very pragmatic, in that the user will be totally focused on who they're talking to," said Mr Auger.



I don't think I could focus 100% on the conversation. the first thing I would be thinking and most likely it wouldn't leave my head until I left the water is: "I must look like a total loser" and "man, it is dark in here"

Of course, once my mind starts to wander (and it will, or you haven't been on a real conference call where 90% of the conversation doesn't apply to you) I will be thinking: "this water is awfully warm. I think I gotta to pee now. ;) )

One thing is for sure, I won't be falling asleep during the call. :lol:

I can't think of any phone call where this would be pratical. If the call is that important, then you most likely will need a computer, or a pen and paper handy.

[encece]

While I can't imagine using one of these, it's good to see that there are still people who don't let common sense get in the way of their quest for innovation. Funny! :D

[Janak Parekh]

What, you guys don't have heated swimming pools handy in your back pocket? :lol:

Water does have some immersive properties. I could imagine a movie-like future where we're immersed in water with VR headsets to totally abstract us away from the real world... 8O

--janak

[encece]

LOL....I lost count of all of them! :D