MIT Media Lab's Smarter Objects eyes-on | Engadget

Subscribe To Engadget Today: bit.ly/YA7pDT
Watch More Engadget Video Here: goo.gl/mMdoa
While patrolling the halls of the CHI 2013 Human Factors in Computing conference in Paris, we spied a research project from MIT's Media Lab called "Smarter Objects" that turns Minority Report tech on its head. The researchers figured out a way to map software functionality onto tangible objects like a radio, light switch or door lock through an iPad interface and a simple processor / WiFi transceiver in the object. Researcher Valentin Huen explains that "graphical user interfaces are perfect for modifying systems," but operating them on a day-to-day basis is much easier using tangible objects.
Read our full eyes-on with Media Lab's Smarter Objects here: goo.gl/Hcmjh
Engadget provides the web's best consumer electronics & gadgets coverage. Launched in 2004 by former Gizmodo editor and co-founder Peter Rojas, Engadget now covers the latest mobile devices, computers, TVs, laptops, personal electronics, hardware, tablets, and cameras. Engadget's video property is a part of the AOL On Network.
Get More Engadget:
Read: engt.co/YZHYeP
Like: on. YZI4mL
Follow: bit.ly/YFfj0L

[@0cujo0]

This is so awesome!

[@hurdurrr1]

This looks like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie. Awesome work.

[@throwawayaccount24]

Looks more like an IPad than an Android tablet. All white, grey square symbol in a circle button, plus the lightning power connection is a give away.

[@St_M_]

Wow, this is pretty nice. Can't wait to see more applied AR tech pop up, preferably combined with meshnet connectivity.

[@Tzemran]

There is no control mechanism mentioned. It just maps an interface on the screen without any mechanism to control anything. You still have to adjust the control knobs on the device to control the device...

[@GingerChristmas]

It's running on an Android tablet, and since Google Glass uses Android as well it could be pretty easy to port over.

[@Scubadog_]

Well, it's possible. If you could make it recognize hand motions and always overlap the interface with your hand, you could get a similar effect.

[@greatestNothin]

Google glass plus this equals awesomesauce. You could set up all kinds of custom controls all over your work or home (provided you have a smart home). Would be cool to have a jukebox control just on the wall, no physical dials needed!

[@Stike96official]

That is epic!!!

[@danielvutran]

Epic stuff ftw imo

[@FnooneXnoname]

Love it

[@Gr1pp717]

I think it would be pretty difficult since glass lacks a touch screen, and you would have to bend your head at a weird angle to see the device and overlay. But integrating with something like oculus rift and visual tracking (v=1GhNXHCQGsM) it seems doable in the very near future.

[@user-xn6ol8pd5h]

Dreams come true.

[@timbremer]

This is the future.

[@VladislavKusmin]

Its magic!

[@KomputerKid1]

That's cool!!!!!!

[@WolfySnackrib666]

Maybe it was the radio that thumbed the video down because he's worried nobody will use him no more?

[@ASFALT21]

But what if I draw a line from speaker to radio ?

[@JoshuaLatos]

Do you ever thing someone thumbs down something just to fuck with the rest of us?

[@rocospi]

That's some Jarvis shit right there.

[@TehLulz4u]

Crazy.

[@NewToneProducer]

Minority Report is becoming real life!

[@AbsurdAsparagus]

augmented reality. such as google glass could utilize this for additional controlls

[@triforcelink]

Google, you know what to do!

[@WNVLD]

That would be cool on google glasses

[@nepaliman5716]

Google glass + this = ironman ( without gun, money or girls)

[@jonasrohde]

Could this work with Google Glass ?

[@ChazDunn]

I don't know what I just watched.

[@OpoSai]

I love engineering

[@3anpaFFka]

it is future

[@file83]

You could SKIN THE WORLD

[@lawlerzwtf]

Wow that is freaking awesome. Looks like a really huge step towards virtual reality. Also, FIRST!!

[@Tzemran]

Why?

[@KomputerKid1]

iPad 4

[@user-tu3pg4ei1y]

Holy shit... Future is near, i tell you.

[@hiero.]

One title.... Watch Dogs

[@thoriqmuhammad6447]

augmented reality?

[@gravel84]

Google Glass + this.

[@arvinbehshad]

Tony Stark would be jealous.

[@chessonmyshirt]

So basically not ironman.

[@Declixion]

This + Oculus rift

[@cefarious999]

Iron man????

[@ThePyrotrojan]

Science fiction becomes science fact.

[@Mauldy]

mother of god...

[@jaym2323]

He probably jail broke his iPad, Apple would charge $100,000 for this tech,

[@TotallyModern]

Fail