Trends in Japan - CScout Japan Blog

StellarWindow shows stars you could be looking at

Written by: Michael Keferl on September 9, 2008 at 12:26 pm | In Technology & Gadget Trends | 1 Comment

When we first met Fairy Devices in 2007 they were showing off a simple prototype on a laptop computer, but it was clear that they were doing something special. Now it seems they’ve come a long way, and have the tablet PCs and models to prove it!

Using software and a USB device with an embedded ~~GPS receiver and~~ 6-axis sensor StellarWindow is a window to the stars. That is, it shows you the universe that you would see if not for all of the bulky things that are in front of you. When plugged in to a tablet PC it can determine where, which direction, and at what angle the screen is facing, and changes in real time as you move it.

stellarwindow fairy devices planetarium

It’s an interesting twist on Augmented Reality as well. Instead of superimposing information on top of real images as in Cyber Figure Alice, it removes parts of physical reality (the planet and everything on it) to give information on what you’re not seeing.

Fairy Devices homepage

Tags: Augmented Reality, StellarWindow
Category: Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Fashion & Lifestyle Trends

Cyber Figure Alice with VIDEO

Written by: Michael Keferl on July 22, 2008 at 8:45 pm | In Technology & Gadget Trends | 9 Comments

Today CScout Japan made a trip to the Wireless Japan Expo to check out what’s going on in the mobile world…but mostly we were on the lookout for shiny toys and fun gadgets. We weren’t let down!

Although we still have the Frepar Networks Communication Pod in our hearts (exclusive video coming soon!), there’s a new interactive computer girl on the block. Today we had a chance to play with this nifty little augmented reality toy/software from Geisha Tokyo called Cyber Figure Alice (covered recently by Asiajin).

cyber figure alice 1

Included with the package will be software, cubes, and sticks printed with cyber codes. While running the software, if you point your webcam at the cube Alice will then make that her centerpoint for entertaining oh-so-geeky you. She changes costumes, stands on the cube, walks around, and even sweeps up a little!

cyber figure alice 2

All is well until you start pestering her with your cyber sticks, each with varying patterns on each side that represent a different tool, such as a big grabber hand or a poking finger, that you can use to to flirt with your new digital girlfriend. Or, if you’re mean, torment her endlessly.

cyber figure alice

There are still a few kinks to be worked out before the Fall 2008 debut, but in general the experience was quite smooth and fun. We especially loved how the floor opens up with stairs and Alice walks down to change costumes. Using the cubes as frame of reference, there are many opportunities for adding more characters and interactive options. After all, since two cubes are included that could just well mean that we can have two characters at once. Girl fight!

Below is a quick video of Cyber Figure Alice in action. Enjoy.