Golden-i Microdisplay

The device above you is a visionary prototype designed by Kopin, a display manufacturer for the military. The device above is outfitted with a tiny .34 in. SVGA display - that is, it has the resolution greater than many smartphones at 800x600ppi (similar technologies could produce a full HD 1280x1024 at a mere .56 in.) Given the displays placement, it is claimed to approximate a 15in desktop computer. Placed at a slightly downward angle, it will not obstruct the viewer's vision; instead they have to look slightly downward, as we naturally do when watching where we are walking. The device is also outfitted with Windows CE running on a Texas Instruments OMAP 3530 chip with a ARM Cortex 8 core as well as wi-fi and Bluetooth support. The computer itself is controlled by verbal commands and head movements.

Given all of this, I find that which is most exciting is the cost: between $1,500 - $2,000 this device is by no means cheap. But these prices are realistic. Typically I see new technology such as this retails for 10K - keeping it well out of reach for the average consumer.

This device feels like the direction of future cellular and computer technologies. The ability to just continuously wear an unobstructive device, giving us easy access to our computer/cellphone/music needs seems very attractive. The device above is by no means minimalistic, and to be honest, you would probably look like a cyborg walking around with one of these. But the truth is, such a device is pushing technology further. The applications of a device that is wearable seems endless. For instance - reading on one's back, checking e-mail on the go, keeping a planner/calendar nearby, breaking news at a glance, supplemental streaming information when playing video games, an on-board music player, etc.

Regardless, that which makes this device so revolutionary is not that it is a computer, not that it is a display, but that it is a movement towards continual usage wherever we may be - as Bluetooth was for cellphones. Granted I feel this design will go much further in the future - Bluetooth was about not carrying your phone. This device is very well changing the needs of your phone. The biggest current issue in cell phone technologies is screen real estate. Such a device sounds like a very promising solution.

My biggest concern is that similar to current cellphone usage issues. A wireless device should not imply use to multi-task when people should not be multi-tasking - such as when driving.

Read: Golden-i Microdisplay
Read: Breakthrough Pixel Shrinking Technology