The Idea
Businesses and consumers are increasingly searching for more entertaining and interactive ways to improve their blended lifestyles through fresh and exciting experiences. Because of this, it is more appealing than ever to be able to communicate, collaborate and have these experiences both in the real world and online. Lenovo has now developed a mixed-reality solution through the Project Chronos Concept to give users a completely fresh and straightforward blend of virtual and physical experiences, motivated by the idea of making intelligent technology accessible to everyone.
Specifications
The hardware of the Project Chronos Concept comprises a sleek, contemporary host computing station that can be placed directly below or above the TV or monitor or mounted to the wall. Its revolutionary architecture and integrated RGB depth camera are optimised for low latency, allowing for quick and precise full-body motion capture. When turned off and not in use, the camera can be flipped down for enhanced security as a privacy measure.
Features
With the use of Lenovo’s Project Chronos concept, users and artists can virtually manage their lifelike avatars without the use of any motion-capture or VR wearables and without the necessity for glasses. Instead, a depth camera records the user’s movement and displays it on a monitor in their house with a DP or HDMI connector, such as a TV or large PC screen, in a 3D-rendered virtual environment. Once an avatar has been made, the user can control it with only their gestures, movements, posture and even facial expressions while watching it be reproduced on the screen almost instantly.
Usage
For those who engage with others through technology or who frequently use virtual spaces, Project Chronos offers a whole new level of freedom. For instance, without the use of a motion capture device or glasses, people can easily generate content in virtual worlds or become YouTubers with lifelike avatars. While exercising with a client remotely, a fitness coach can demonstrate porper form and movement skills. In the virtual world, one can also change into any kind of virtual character and make new friends regardless of proximity to one another, time or place. Thanks to clearly visible facial expressions and movements that can be translated up close to real-time, the gaming experience can be even more realistic and immersive.
Price & Availability
The Lenovo Project Chronos Concept, when launched officially, will cost somewhere around $16,000. The complete hardware and functionality, along with the official name, will be made public in the upcoming months, probably by the last quarter of this year. To build on this dynamic ecosystem, Lenovo is collaborating with developers, content creators and service providers to introduce a product that can give users the virtual freedom to go beyond their wildest dreams.
