Reflections on Merging AR Laser Keyboards with PassThrough Technology
Today, I tested an interesting combination: a laser keyboard paired with PassThrough AR. Yet, as I soon found out, the synergy between these two wasn't relatively as seamless as I had imagined. Let's dive into the details.
The appeal of AR is undeniable. AR promises a more immersive and interactive experience by overlaying digital information in our physical environment. Adding a laser keyboard to the mix sounds like we are living in a Sci-fi movie and the future of computing is finally here.
The appeal of AR is undeniable. AR promises a more immersive and interactive experience by overlaying digital information in our physical environment. Adding a laser keyboard to the mix sounds like we are living in a Sci-fi movie and the future of computing is finally here.
The Reality of the Experience
My initial interactions with the AR laser keyboard were filled with wonder. But as I spent more time with the system, several challenges emerged:
Lighting Limitations: To function optimally, the laser keyboard requires a dark environment and, ideally, a dark surface to project its keys. In contrast, the PassThrough AR needs a well-lit setting to detect and track objects quickly. This fundamental mismatch made it tricky to find the ideal environment to use both simultaneously.
Latency Issues: The slight delay between my actions and their representation in the AR display was off-putting. This lag, albeit minor, can lead to a disconnect between the user and the digital environment, making typing or other interactions frustrating and inaccurate.
Clarity Concerns: The AR system's representation of the real world lacked the clarity and crispness we're accustomed to with our natural vision. This made tasks such as reading text on regular displays challenging, almost feeling as though I had been rendered to be "visually impaired."
After fumbling and struggling, I did manage to type "Hello world" with errors; luckily, Google Docs auto-correct did its job. But if I compare my typing speed, my grandmother could outpace me without sweat. By the end, I lacked the confidence even to stop the screen recording or close a Google Docs window using this tech combo.
The Road Ahead for AR and Laser Keyboards
While the melding of AR with laser keyboards holds incredible potential, our current technological reality suggests we might be a few iterations away from a truly seamless experience. User experience (UX) and productivity remain paramount, and any tech integration that doesn't enhance these elements might be more of a novelty than a necessity.
Nevertheless, as with all emerging technologies, there's room for growth and refinement. As tech enthusiasts, all we can do is hope for rapid advancements and remain open to retesting these tools in the future. For now, however, I'll stick to my traditional keyboard, using with or without AR.
While the melding of AR with laser keyboards holds incredible potential, our current technological reality suggests we might be a few iterations away from a truly seamless experience. User experience (UX) and productivity remain paramount, and any tech integration that doesn't enhance these elements might be more of a novelty than a necessity.
Nevertheless, as with all emerging technologies, there's room for growth and refinement. As tech enthusiasts, all we can do is hope for rapid advancements and remain open to retesting these tools in the future. For now, however, I'll stick to my traditional keyboard, using with or without AR.
