Broadband and Mobile Style
The Future of Broadband and Mobile Style as Visualized by Designers
Innovative technologies are burgeoning, ranging from all-IP networks and broadband Internet technology, to expansion of visual communication and personal authentication systems, as well as fusions of broadcasting and communication. Along with these innovations are business revolutions of the contents market, especially in the area of entertainment, and mobile e-commerce.
These two types of innovations are gradually bringing significant changes to our daily lives. Various new lifestyles are now emerging: styles of enjoying information and communication as forms of entertainment; styles of enjoying media using stylish, accessory-like, wearable devices; and styles of self-expression. The models we are introducing here are visualized examples showcasing the broadband and mobile key technologies that will be available three to five years from now.
vial:
Wearable Media Player and Communicator
vial's pen-shaped main body is an accessory-like, wearable gadget to enjoy music via a network. It seamlessly transforms itself to be used as a communication device. The compact viewer and input device can be used whenever it is needed for browsing text or visual information. It can be connected wirelessly to the main body. The round keypad can be freely rotated according to the type of contents--visual or text.
PRISM:
Private AV Theater and Computer
PRISM features a flat display that can be rolled into the main body, a compact flat-panel speaker, and a keyboard that slides into the main body. When all parts are stored, it can be enjoyed as a sleek audio player. The display can be pulled out a little for browsing mail or title lists. Finally, by using the full screen this flexible device turns into a private AV theatre.
FLIPPER:
Mobile Internet Viewer
Flipper can be fully operated with one hand. Among mobile users, one-hand operation is an even more important issue than handy size. Using a trackball that can be operated from both the front and back sides, and a jog dial synchronized with a screen menu, this easy-to-navigate device allows operation using either hand, in horizontal as well as in vertical position.
Palette:
Mobile Terminal and Service Realizing Comic-Like Communications
Using a built-in color LCD under a transparent keypad, the display changes dynamically in response to the operation. This instrument serves as a perfect interface for various entertainment applications. As an application example, images that are taken by the built-in camera could be uploaded to a server, where they are dramatized and deformed in comic-style. This is an idea for a new form of visual communication.
Glass Navi:
New Style of Positioning Information Terminal and Service Using GPS
Glass Navi searches location points and integrates a 3-D image onto the actual landscape through its binocular-shaped viewer. Detailed information can be recalled by zooming in on the selected point. In addition, high-quality images can be enjoyed as if seen on a giant "52" monitor.
Chameleon:
Chameleon proposes a style of self-expression using the badge-shaped unit for playing music and visual images that are downloaded from the Internet. The main body has a built-in rotating scanner. Any graphics can be scanned and forwarded to the play unit, where these visual images are animated with digital effects and synchronized with the music. The play unit display also functions as a speaker membrane that, in contrast to headphones, leaves the ears free to enjoy activities, including sports.
