Fast Forward: Upcoming Technology

Once in a while I come across a new piece of technology and suddenly feel the urge to tell everyone I know about it. Ok, so here are 3 new pieces of technology which I think are awesome.

1.) Cell Phone Projector (DLP Pico-Projector)

If anyone doubted Texas Instruments' sincerity in taking the mobile projection world by storm, now would probably be a good time to start boiling some crow. Making good on its wishes to cram DLP into even the most minuscule of locations, the company will be demonstrating its newfangled DLP pico-projector to select media groups, and apparently, those interested in taking a peek better have a front row seat. The mini projector will supposedly "fit in your fingertips," but beyond that vague descriptor, we're not exactly sure about the hard measurements. Notably, it appears that TI's wee PJ could act as a standalone unit "or as an integrated component in a mobile device," which would definitely spruce up current smartphone offerings. Sadly, there wasn't an estimated timeframe as to when we'd (barely) see these devices crammed into cellphone enclosures, but it's just a matter of time before we're streaming live television shows and simultaneously beaming 'em up for all of the subway car to see.

I love this idea because we, as mobile DJs, get asked OFTEN if we own projector / screens. We've thought about investing into a projector many a time but we've always just rented them from third parties. If we had projectors built into our cell-phones we could show presentations at any moment anywhere. AND for meetings / consultations, what better way to sell a product then display our services in full color on the client's living room wall. I love it.

2.) Project Epoc

Mad scientists at Emotic Systems have come up with a way for gamers to

control on-screen action using only a player's thoughts and emotions. The helmet has sensors that monitor neural activity that can turn that electrical data into fireballs and dragon punches. Users can get a hang of the braintoy in only a few hours so once developers start embracing the unit, it will make the Wiimote look like the powerglove.

I'm a big video game fan and the idea of controlling a game entirely through thought seems really futuristic and belongs in some distant time like... 3026 but those engineers in Japan are making alot of "head-way" [HAH now whose the master of puns vin] and we could potentially see this technology in production within the next 8-10 years.

Project Epoc is a headset that uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals naturally produced by the brain to detect player thoughts, feelings and expression. It connects wirelessly with all game platforms from consoles to PCs. Project Epoc now makes it possible for games to be controlled and influenced by the player's mind.

Engaging, immersive, and nuanced, Emotiv-inspired game-play will be like nothing ever seen before.

3.) 3-D LCD TV

As part of its "extensive" coverage of this year's International Meeting on Information Display in Korea, AVING has a brief write-up on a 42-inch LCD monitor from LG that can switch between 2D and 3D modes at the touch of a button. These LCD TVs exploit your depth perception by sending a different image to each eye tricking your brain into thinking Michael Jackson is actually in your living room.

A 3-D filter sends light in 25 different directions so images are viewable from almost any angle with no distortion. You can actually walk around the images on your TV! Hello holograms!

-Shadow