By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
The popularity of Minority Report type augmented reality (or Tony Stark's holographic desktop) may be years away from coming to market but this hasn't stopped huge interest in VR or virtual reality headsets like Oculus Rift and even applications like Google Cardboard. Toronto-based tech hub Cordon has developed a new iPhone 6 Plus case called Pinć (as in pinch) that doubles as VR goggles complete with an in-phone augmented reality user interface which is kicking off on Indiegogo campaign to help bring their concept to fruition. Hit jump for my first impressions and their full press release.
I went to check out Pinć and saw a demo of the still conceptual but very operable (demo built on Flash) product. The 3D printed case is about the size of a larger Nintendo DS but folds open to turn into a goggles which, with the use of special lenses and finger sensors, is all someone needs to simulate various environments. The Pinć interface is very much like a 3D desktop, complete with a keyboard and various windows for apps and functions. The finished product will be more compact and Pinć's principals expect to sell it at an affordable price of $100 should the campaign be successful. Check out the full press release below.
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Please, Step Into My iPhone
iPhone case converts to ‘glasses’ for wearable, immersive computing experience
TORONTO, CANADA. – November 24, 2014 – Once the domain of nerds, tech early-adopters and hard-core gamers, virtual reality (VR) is experiencing a renaissance, thanks in part to a new device and platform by Canadian technology pioneers Cordon Media. Fresh off of Apple’s launch of the iPhone 6, Cordon is introducing Pinć (pronounced “pinch”), the only VR platform that can fit in your pocket.
Part smartphone case, part giant leap into the future of mobile computing, Pinć serves as a ground-breaking platform built on the concept of 'spatial computing' that turns browsing, multi-tasking, and shopping into an immersive virtual reality experience. The sturdy case unfolds into a wearable VR device that will enable anyone to essentially step into their phone.
“We see the opportunity for VR as much broader than just gaming. Areas like everyday computing, shopping and entertainment are very interesting for us,” said Milan Baic, President of Cordon, who leads the Pinć product development. “When we can control mobile applications in 3D environments, we get into a new realm of computing."
The current realm is limiting, particularly for developers and brands, due to small screen sizes; Pinć expands the capabilities of mobile devices by using VR and control technology to dramatically expand the interaction, work and viewing area. Navigation is controlled by wireless rings that are worn on index fingers and that the user pinches to ‘click’ with their hands.
Today, Pinć launches its Indiegogo campaign, where people can pre-order the device for $99.00 CAD. Orders will ship Summer of 2015. Pinć is also releasing an SDK for developers who want to tap into the Pinć app ecosystem in early 2015.
For the mind-blowing demos or further information, visit pincvr.com.
Short-URL for sharing: http://igg.me/at/pincvr