One of the prototype apps places the user inside Times Square, with projections on every wall For internet addicts, it could be the ultimate way to stay in touch - an entire apartment turned into a giant, online screen. The walls show Facebook updates, and life-sized friends during video chats. It can also be controlled from anywhere - even bed - using gestures or speech. The system works uses projectors and sensors already available. 'The hardware is complete but only 40 percent of the software is finished,' said Ion Cuervas-Mons, director of Think Big Factory, a Spanish design agency which created the project. 'Everything in the house can be used to communicate, the interface is ubiquitous. 'Through projections that are activated by the presence of a person, we can control everything with the movement of the hands: the lights; turning on any electrical household appliances; music; even connecting to Skype for a conference from any part of the house.' The system aims to replace the current slew of keyboards and remote controls needed to interact with technology. However, Mr Cuervas-Mons claims much of the technology will be invisible. 'I don’t think that an Openarch home is going to look any different,' he said. 'New technologies must be non-intrusive and natural.' |