Sightful's Spacetop replaces the conventional laptop display with AR glasses, offering a remarkably user-friendly experience. Created by a new company called Sightful, founded by former executives of Magic Leap. [1]

Figure 1. AR Laptop (Image: Sightful)

Figure 1 shows Sightful's Spacetop. The world's first AR laptop, Sightful's Spacetop, provides the unparalleled convenience of a virtual 100-inch screen. It empowers users to display numerous windows and applications, enabling efficient work from any location.

Why AR Laptops?

Traditionally, laptops have been constrained by the size of their screens, which determined the overall dimensions of the device. The display size directly impacted the physical size of the laptop itself.

How it works

It is now available for purchase through an exclusive invitation-only early access program, priced at $2,000. Delivery to selected participants will commence in early July. While anyone can apply, Sightful is particularly interested in "enthusiastic early adopters" who can offer valuable feedback to help enhance the overall experience of the product. [2]

The Spacetop operates on a customized operating system, designed to support various web-based applications like Zoom, Google Workspace, and Figma. However, the initial version of Spacetop is not intended for power users or gamers, as the focus lies on other functionalities. The backers of Spacetop suggest that such individuals may want to wait for a future version that caters specifically to their needs. [3]

Sightful, the startup behind Spacetop, is based in Tel Aviv and is led by CEO Tamir Berliner and COO Tomer Kahan, both of whom previously worked at Magic Leap, an AR headset manufacturer. The company has successfully raised $61 million in venture funding to support its endeavors. [3]

The manufacturing of Spacetop devices is handled by Wistron, a prominent contract manufacturer known for producing laptops. The necessary AR glasses for the Spacetop experience are provided by Nreal. Interested individuals can sign up now, and shipments of the devices are scheduled to commence in July as promised. [3]

According to Sightful, the AR glasses included with Spacetop provide a resolution of 1080p per eye, ensuring sub-pixel viewing resolution for a high-quality visual experience. Additionally, the Spacetop has the capability to connect to a conventional monitor for certain features, and future software updates are expected to unlock even more functionalities. [3]

AR laptops, like Sightful's Spacetop, revolutionize computing with virtual 100-inch screens and multi-window capabilities. They offer immersive experiences and compatibility with web-based applications. While not initially tailored for power users or gamers, future iterations and software updates hold promise. AR laptops blend AR glasses and traditional monitors for adaptability. Overall, they represent a transformative computing experience with great potential.

References:

1. https://www.pcmag.com/news/this-augmented-reality-laptop-can-beam-a-100-inch-screen-to-your-eyes
2. https://www.wired.com/story/sightful-spacetop-augmented-reality-laptop-hands-on-news/
3. https://www.axios.com/2023/05/18/augmented-reality-laptop-virtual-display

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Transform Your Viewing Experience with an Augmented Reality Laptop: Immerse Yourself in a 100-Inch Screen, AnaTechmaz, pp.256