An event held at the Flux Innovation Lounge in Engage Production’s trendy East London offices showed some of the apps and products set to make a splash in 2015.
At one end there was a Leapmotion attached to an Oculus Rift. Collider by Funktronic Labs lets you use your hands to move objects around as you travel through a psychedelic space. It showed glimpses that virtual reality really needs virtual controls to feel real.
At the other, an app that lets you check out your make-up in real time before you apply called Face by Holition. Unlike Panasonic’s Magic Mirror this won’t be limited to your boudoir. An iPad or iPhone’s front facing camera tracks your face and features and paints the makeup on.
Planar’s transparent screen looks to revolutionise point of sale advertising, but also comes with potential educational benefits, particularly in museum displays. It gives you an idea of what the future of retail could look like.
Other highlights included a huge interactive video wall, one of iMakr’s 3D printers and another augmented reality app, Digital Bridge, that aims to make interior design a doddle.
Undoubtedly the star of the show was Robothespian. He’s been around for a couple of years but this part creepy, skinless, T-800, part cute and cuddly Wall-E robot is both impressive and hilarious.
Used primarily as a teleconferencing tool it moves with lifelike precision and comes with screens for eyes that convey a surprising amount of emotion. Just watch the excellent impression of one of the best scenes from Star Wars sequel Empire Strikes Back to see what it can do.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
