Sony recently unveiled a new “Future Lab Program” to show off prototypes of some of the concept devices the company is working on. And some of the first Future Lab concepts are on display at this year’s SXSW conference in Austin, Texas.
Engadget spent a little time checking out the prototypes, and seems impressed by the technology, if a little skeptical about the commercial viability of these products.
Here’s what Sony is showing off:
Arc Concept N is a voice-activated device that you wear like a necklace. It can pair with your phone and give you directions, read you the news, or snap photos, among other things. The camera is covered up when it’s not in use (unlike the much-feared camera on Google Glass devices).- There were also two projector demos, including one that points down at a flat surface and lets you “touch” the projected images and interact with them, and another that has a speaker setup that makes it sound like audio is coming from the same place where you see the projected images.
- Sony is also showing a haptic controller that combines a touchscreen, accelerometer, and physical feedback.
It’s not clear if any of these projects will ever turn into real products that you can buy. But Engadget reports the tech demos are pretty impressive. You can find more images and details at Engadget.