In May 2013, Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook hinted
to the attendees of the All Things Digital Conference that the future of
technology is in wearable computers. What will that mean for gamers? It means
game controllers are going to get a hell of a lot more interesting.
Here are few ways wearable technology could take
gaming into the future.
1.
Canon Mixed Reality Head? Set
Canon’s
Mixed Reality headset is coming out as a competitor with Google Glass in the
augmented reality eyewear field.
This
headset is like something out of Minority Report: it allows you to manipulate
the three-dimensional space around you. The wearer can be in an empty room with
just a desk and suddenly be transported to the cockpit of an airplane with the
ability to move objects using gestures.
Combined
with motion capture technology used in games like LA Noire, we’ll soon be able
to make ourselves a real part of the games we play.
2.
Thalmic Labs MYO Armband
Wireless
handheld game play technology has taken off in recent years: Nintendo Wii and
Xbox 360 were vital to this development. Wireless technology continues to
evolve, giving us more and more possibilities for our technology.
Thalmic
Labs’ MYO armband takes this wireless technology to another level. Users attach
the band and can rewind videos, write on a Smart Board, or control wireless
vehicles at the flick of their wrist.
With
the armband, users will interact with games, controlling the virtual player
with their own actions.
3.
Telepathy One Headpiece
Conceptualised
by Design Labo Inc., this piece of technology is a fine metal band that wraps
around your head with an ear bug on each side.
This
piece is taking on Google Glass with its sleeker design and tiny
micro-projection unit that projects a 5-inch screen to the right of your face,
so you can see the people you’re chatting to, or read documents. The thin form
of the Telepathy One Headpiece doesn’t interfere with your vision.
What’s
the relevance for gamers? Playing games anytime, anywhere – without lugging
around a heavy handset.
4.
Plastic Logic’s Flexible Plastic
Displays
Plastic
Logic has created thin and flexible plastic display screens
that are exceptionally durable.
With
a flexible touch screen, this paper thin display could revolutionise the
wireless action games. This piece of tech also lets you split one piece of
content onto multiple screens to make one giant display. Imagine being able to
roll up your video game screen and take it with you wherever you go or combine
your screen with a friend’s for a bigger display.
With
a touch screen and animation capabilities, this technology could be used for
dancing or movement games - rather than looking up at a screen, you
follow the directions on the Plastic Logic display which would connect directly
with the game console. Digital Twister, anyone?
5.
BEARTek Bluetooth Control Gloves
This
glove conceptualised by BEARTek acts as a controller to electronic devices
tethered to it. Different hand motions allow the wearer to execute a number of
commands, such as playing a song or answering a phone call. You can also
disable the functions so you can use your hand freely without performing the
command.
The
power from the glove comes from a separate piece of hardware, so it’s easily
interchangeable among BEARTEK gloves.
Combine
this awesome technology with the Telepathy One Headpiece and one day, gaming
opportunities will be infinite! This awesome piece of tech is still in the Kickstarter
phase but has raised enough capital that the development work is now near
complete.
Author Bio
Alyssa
James is a freelance writer with over four years of
research and writing experience. Her work has appeared in the Globe and Mail,
Travel + Escape, Matador Network, peer-reviewed journals and local newspapers.
