Smartwatches don't have the largest displays when compared to smartphones and tablets, but researchers are turning the tide in the hopes of improving the smartwatch size limitation. We've seen Carnegie Mellon University researchers produce a smartwatch experience known as SkinTrack that utilizes the skin in smartwatch navigation (the skin is used to create on the smartwatch), but we've also seen Samsung's virtual UI patent that uses the smartwatch to perform functions on the skin and the skin acts as the display while the smartwatch acts as the navigation tool. We have yet another company following in Samsung's footsteps with its own virtual UI, but this company is taking Samsung's concept one step further by enhancing the functionality of a smartwatch with a virtual UI.
The company in question in the Chinese manufacturer ASU, who is out to produce a smartwatch called the ASU Projection Wearable that can utilize its virtual UI in ways beyond just the smartwatch. In the video below, you'll see the smartwatch be used in typical fashion for appointments and calendar dates, but the watchface detaches from the band when in the car and mounted on the dashboard to use its virtual UI for navigation purposes. Then, when on a camping trip or out in the woods, you can use the ASU Projection device to watch movies and films -- with the Projection Wearable serving as a projection beam. You can even have the content beamed onto the ground when going for a run. Pretty cool, huh?
ASU's concept is an all-in-one setup, something that I find intriguing and a definite enhancement of the smartwatch as we know it. With a device such as this, smartwatches would certainly gain more popularity than where they are now and consumers would feel as though smartwatches were more of a must-have product. I think that the giants in the smartwatch field should definitely pay attention to this idea and grab it quickly. ASU, thanks for bringing us a smartwatch concept that definitely makes smartwatches appealing.
You can watch the ASU Projection Wearable video below.
