Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, or Mixed Reality headset as Apple likes to label its AR/VR gadget, show a significant advancement in wearable technology fueled by limitless expandability. One of the best features of these devices is they operate using gesture and voice commands, thanks to onboard sensors and cameras.
Even with their potential, AR glasses continue to be a niche product unlike smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles which are still the go-tos for many. A designer based in South Korea thinks the gestures and voice controls are hard to use in public, and since these glasses don’t have physical buttons, they don’t have a broad user base. Enter Cylin, a cylindrical portable PC that features AR glasses and a controller as a creative fix.
Designer: Sun-il Kim
Right now, the way you interact with AR glasses isn’t very smooth, mainly in public spaces, or when you need to write something quick. To turn these computing glasses into useful tools for all scenarios— be it relaxing with some videos at a coffee shop or drafting an article for a magazine in a public space, designer Sun-il Kim has created Cylin, which operates like a scroll.
This device features a slot for the glasses, a scroll-style keyboard for quick text input, and it includes a mouse for more accurate navigation. Tapping away at a virtual keyboard or using gestures can be a hassle, and adding an actual keyboard would just bulk up the AR glasses and spike the price. So, the Cylin presents a convenient alternative that adds functionality without sacrificing fun, making it practical for daily use in numerous settings.
As a compact PC shaped like a small cylinder that combines a mouse, keyboard, and AR glasses, the Cylin might sound like an overkill. But considering the issue it’s responding to, it could be a feasible option. If it garners interest from folks like us, it may very well create a whole new product category on its own.
