Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and ASU Tech have debuted a smartwatch that has an in-built projector, with finger-tracking technology that directly projects apps onto the skin. In simpler terms, the arm is turned into a touchscreen.
The LumiWatch is the first of its kind to use a fully functional laser projector, depth sensor array and has 40 square centimeters of interactive surface. It is approximately 5 times larger than a standard smartwatch.
The ingenious LumiWatch device supports an Android operating system and can connect to Bluetooth and WiFi.
The creators posted a video of the prototype smartwatch in action, demonstrating the swipe-to-unlock mechanism and the continuous 2D finger-tracking abilities.
The user is seen in the video unlocking the watch, opening apps and even editing photographs right on his arm.
If it is eventually retailed, the device is expected to cost around $600, cheaper than many current smartwatches on the market.
The 15-lumen projection laser is bright enough to an extent that the screen can be seen outside during the day.
The watch contains a Qualcomm 1.2Ghz quad-core CPU with Android 5.1, 786MB of RAM, 4 GB of memory and a 740 mAh lithium-ion battery which can last an entire day when used occasionally, according to the researchers.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
Credit: Mohille Cahillane/ DailyMail.com
