Stories with Tag Future of Computing

• I ditched my laptop for a pocketable mini PC and a pair of AR glasses

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  Posted: 2025-04-12 21:50:39

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  A writer replaced their laptop with a Morefine M6 mini PC and Nreal Air AR glasses for a week, aiming for ultimate portability and a large virtual workspace. While the setup provided a surprisingly functional experience for coding, writing, and web browsing with a simulated triple-monitor array, it wasn't without drawbacks. The glasses, while comfortable, lacked proper dimming and offered limited peripheral vision. The mini PC required external power and peripherals, impacting the overall portability. Though not a perfect replacement, the experiment highlighted the potential of this technology for a lighter, more versatile computing future.

  In a recent experiment detailed in Tom's Guide, writer Tony Polanco recounts his endeavor to replace his traditional laptop with a markedly more compact and arguably futuristic setup: a pocket-sized miniature personal computer coupled with a pair of augmented reality glasses. Motivated by a desire for enhanced portability and a less cumbersome mobile computing experience, Mr. Polanco opted for the Morefine M6 mini PC, a device diminutive enough to fit comfortably in a pocket, and the Nreal Air AR glasses, which project virtual screens into the wearer's field of vision.

  This transition, however, was not without its challenges. While the portability of the mini PC proved undeniably convenient, its reliance on external power sources presented occasional logistical hurdles. Connecting the small device to available displays in various environments, from hotel televisions to airplane seatback screens, sometimes required a certain degree of technical maneuvering and the utilization of adapters. Furthermore, the inherent limitations of a pocket-sized device, such as the absence of a built-in keyboard and trackpad, necessitated the use of supplementary peripherals like a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, adding another layer of complexity to the setup.

  The Nreal Air AR glasses, while offering the intriguing prospect of a large virtual display accessible anywhere, also introduced their own set of complexities. Mr. Polanco noted that the glasses, while comfortable for shorter durations, became somewhat cumbersome during extended use. Additionally, the tethered nature of the glasses to the mini PC, while necessary for their functionality, introduced a physical constraint that occasionally proved inconvenient. The projected virtual screens, while impressive in size, also presented challenges regarding focus and clarity, particularly when attempting to discern smaller text or intricate details.

  Despite these difficulties, Mr. Polanco found the overall experience surprisingly positive. The freedom afforded by the miniature PC and the potential of augmented reality glasses hinted at a compelling vision of future computing. He highlighted the significant advantage of being able to access a full desktop computing environment from virtually anywhere, a benefit that outweighed some of the inherent drawbacks of the setup. While acknowledging that this particular combination of technologies is not yet a perfect replacement for a traditional laptop for all users, he concluded that it offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where computing is more portable, personalized, and seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. The experiment served as a valuable exploration of the evolving landscape of mobile computing and the potential of emerging technologies to reshape our interaction with digital information.

  • AR Glasses
  • Augmented Reality
  • Mini PC
  • Portable Computing
  • mobile computing
  • Laptop Replacement
  • productivity
  • Technology
  • Wearable Technology
  • Computing
  • Hardware
  • Innovation
  • Future of Computing

  Summary of Comments ( 164 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43668192

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters were generally skeptical of the practicality and comfort of the author's setup. Several pointed out that using AR glasses for extended periods is currently uncomfortable and that the advertised battery life of such devices is often inflated. Others questioned the true portability of the setup given the need for external batteries, keyboards, and mice. Some suggested a tablet or lightweight laptop would be a more ergonomic and practical solution. The overall sentiment was that while the idea is intriguing, the technology isn't quite there yet for a comfortable and productive mobile computing experience. A few users shared their own experiences with similar setups, reinforcing the challenges with current AR glasses and the limitations of relying on public Wi-Fi.

  The Hacker News post "I ditched my laptop for a pocketable mini PC and a pair of AR glasses" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a number of commenters sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the practicality and future of this type of setup.

  Several commenters expressed skepticism about the current state of AR glasses for productivity. They pointed out issues like limited field of view, poor image quality, discomfort during extended use, and social awkwardness in public settings. Some suggested that current AR glasses are better suited for specific niche applications rather than general-purpose computing.

  One commenter questioned the author's choice of using a separate mini PC, arguing that a modern phone could likely handle the computational workload and simplify the setup. They also highlighted the potential for future phones to directly integrate AR capabilities, further streamlining the experience.

  Another commenter emphasized the importance of input methods, suggesting that a comfortable and efficient input solution is crucial for replacing a laptop. They discussed the limitations of current AR interfaces and expressed hope for future advancements in this area.

  A few commenters shared their own experiences with similar setups, using tablets, portable monitors, and Bluetooth keyboards to create mobile workstations. They discussed the trade-offs involved in portability versus functionality and offered insights into the challenges and benefits of ditching a traditional laptop.

  Some comments focused on the potential future of AR and mobile computing, envisioning a future where powerful pocket-sized devices combined with advanced AR glasses could replace traditional laptops for many users. However, they acknowledged that significant technological advancements are still needed to realize this vision.

  Overall, the comments reflected a mixture of excitement about the potential of AR and mobile computing, tempered by realism about the current limitations of the technology. While some commenters were intrigued by the author's experiment, most agreed that a truly laptop-replacing AR experience is still some way off.

• Halliday AR(Not?)/AI Glasses

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  Posted: 2025-01-26 13:38:36

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  Karl Guttag analyzes the newly announced "Halliday" AR glasses, skeptical of their claimed capabilities. He argues that the demonstrated "AI features" like real-time language translation and object recognition are likely pre-programmed demos, not actual artificial intelligence. Guttag points to the lack of specific technical details, reliance on pre-recorded videos, and improbable battery life as evidence. He concludes that the Halliday glasses, while potentially impressive AR technology, are almost certainly overselling their AI integration and are more likely sophisticated augmented reality, not AI-powered, glasses.

  Karl Guttag's blog post, "Halliday AR(Not?)/AI Glasses," delves into the intricacies of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) as they pertain to potential future eyewear, taking inspiration from the fictional "Ready Player One" depiction of the "OASIS" and its interface through specialized glasses. Guttag argues that true AR, as envisioned in science fiction where computer-generated imagery seamlessly blends with the real world, is significantly more challenging to achieve than many anticipate, and is unlikely to manifest in the near future, especially in a lightweight, comfortable glasses form factor. He contends that the technological hurdles related to display technology, processing power, and battery life are substantial and will require breakthroughs beyond current capabilities.

  The author dissects the concept of "AI glasses," differentiating it from true AR. He posits that while sophisticated AI assistance integrated into eyewear is a more achievable near-term goal, it would not constitute actual augmented reality. Instead, such glasses might provide information overlays, real-time translations, or object recognition, but without the immersive, visually integrated experience of genuine AR. Guttag illustrates this distinction by referencing current smart glasses which offer limited functionalities like displaying notifications or basic navigation information, which he argues are more akin to "heads-up displays" than true AR.

  Furthermore, the blog post explores the complexities of generating realistic and contextually relevant augmented reality experiences. Guttag highlights the necessity for advanced scene understanding, object tracking, and real-time 3D modeling, all of which demand substantial computational resources. He emphasizes that achieving true AR requires not only displaying information within the user's field of view but seamlessly integrating it with the real world, accounting for lighting, depth, and occlusion.

  Finally, the author touches upon the potential societal implications of ubiquitous AI-powered glasses, raising concerns about privacy and data security. He acknowledges the potential benefits of such technology, such as assisting individuals with disabilities or providing real-time information access, but also cautions against the possible misuse of personal data collected by these devices. The overall tone of the post suggests a cautious optimism towards the development of advanced eyewear technology, emphasizing the distinction between the hype surrounding AR and the more realistic near-term prospects of AI-assisted smart glasses. He encourages a more nuanced understanding of these technologies, separating the fantastical promises of science fiction from the practical limitations of current and near-future engineering realities.

  • AR Glasses
  • AI Glasses
  • Halliday
  • Augmented Reality
  • artificial intelligence
  • Wearable Technology
  • Smart Glasses
  • Future of Computing
  • Virtual Reality
  • Mixed Reality
  • Technology Review
  • Product Review
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Innovation

  Summary of Comments ( 7 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42830033

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss the practicality and potential invasiveness of the Halliday glasses. Several express skepticism about the claimed battery life, especially given the purported onboard processing power. Others question the usefulness of constant AR overlays and raise privacy concerns related to facial recognition and data collection. Some suggest alternative approaches, like bone conduction audio and smaller, simpler displays for notifications. The closed-source nature of the project also draws criticism, with some arguing it limits community development and fosters distrust. Finally, the high price point is mentioned as a significant barrier to entry.

  The Hacker News post discussing Halliday AR/AI glasses generated several interesting comments, primarily focusing on the skepticism surrounding the product's claims and feasibility.

  One commenter questioned the practicality of the glasses' purported ability to identify objects and people in real-time, highlighting the significant computational resources required for such a task and the limitations of current edge computing capabilities. They doubted whether the glasses could genuinely deliver on these promises given current technological constraints.

  Another commenter expressed concerns about the privacy implications of constantly recording and analyzing the user's visual field. They questioned the security of the data collected and the potential for misuse, echoing a common apprehension surrounding always-on recording devices.

  Skepticism about the claimed battery life also surfaced. A commenter pointed out the high energy demands of computer vision tasks and cast doubt on the feasibility of achieving the advertised battery life with existing technology.

  Several commenters drew parallels between Halliday and other products making ambitious claims that ultimately failed to materialize. This historical context fueled further skepticism about Halliday's likelihood of success.

  The overall sentiment in the comments leaned towards cautious pessimism. While some acknowledged the potential of AR and AI integration, the majority expressed doubts about Halliday's ability to overcome the significant technical hurdles and privacy concerns associated with its proposed functionality. The lack of concrete technical details and the reliance on marketing jargon contributed to this prevailing skepticism. Several commenters expressed a desire to see more substantial evidence before accepting the company's claims.