Challenges of Using a Laptop on a Plane
As I was flying in my economy window seat, I struggled with my 16-inch laptop. Being 6’4″, my legs were already cramped, and I couldn’t place the laptop on the tray table. It sat awkwardly on my lap, and when the person in front of me reclined, my laptop tilted to a 45-degree angle. Typing became nearly impossible, so I gave up and watched American Fiction instead.
Introducing the Spacetop G1
Sightful has launched the Spacetop G1 as an early-access product. Interested users can apply to beta test the machine while the Israeli startup continues to refine its hardware and software.
Face Computer
The Spacetop G1 offers a unique experience with its augmented reality glasses. You can dim the glasses to two different levels, making the virtual screen legible even in bright conditions. For instance, in sunny New York City, dimming the glasses made the screens perfectly visible despite the bright surroundings.
Features and Specifications
The Spacetop G1 retains many features from its predecessor. The keyboard and trackpad are comfortable, and there’s a small display built into the keyboard for additional information. It includes two USB-C ports and a built-in webcam at the top center of the lid. While it lacks a headphone jack, it supports the latest standards, though it’s not designed for intensive tasks like video editing.
Gesture Controls
The Spacetop G1’s gesture controls are impressive. You can move virtual screens with a horizontal scroll function, bringing everything to the center. A forward and back gesture on the trackpad adjusts the screen’s distance, allowing for a bird’s-eye view or a close-up of specific tasks. Additionally, using Control and a three-finger swipe upward moves the virtual screen, making it easy to work while lying down.
Sightful’s gesture control on the Spacetop G1 is first rate, so much so that Apple could learn a thing or two.
Photograph: Courtesy of Sightful
Travel Mode
The Spacetop G1 features a Travel mode that uses the glasses’ cameras and AI to keep virtual screens in place. Unlike Apple’s Vision Pro, which uses an accelerometer, the Spacetop G1 ensures your screens stay fixed even when you’re moving, such as in an Uber or on a plane. During a demo, the virtual screens remained above the keyboard even as I was rolled around in an office chair.
AI Integration
The final version of the Spacetop G1 will include an AI button on the keyboard. This AI will offer context based on what’s on your virtual screens or the physical space around you. More details on this feature are expected in the coming months.
The AR Laptop Experience
When I think of augmented reality computing, I envision sleek glasses and minimal hardware. The Spacetop G1, however, still requires a laptop-sized machine weighing over 3 pounds (1.4 kg) with a wire running from the keyboard to behind your ear. Despite this, one of my favorite features is its usability during travel. In cramped airplane seats, it recreates the effect of a large screen without being affected by the reclining chair in front of you.
I prefer the custom keyboard and trackpad over Apple’s input system, though I wish it was wireless. The G1’s glasses are also lighter than the Vision Pro, which can be tiring after several hours of wear.
However, I’m unsure if most people are ready to wear a computer on their faces. Apple’s Vision Pro had a lackluster launch, and it’s not a common topic of conversation anymore. Sightful, backed by venture capital with around $61 million raised, might need a few more generations before it appeals to the masses.
3 Comments
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