A new venture in television created by a San Francisco-based startup combines web content with television programming in a way that makes information-rich viewing experiences nearly seamless.
InAir presents television programming side-by-side with related web content. For example, a viewer could watch a show on NASA's Voyager spacecraft while simultaneously accessing information from NASA's website. The product's three-person team believes that this new dynamic could eliminate the need to multitask on other devices, such as a tablet or smartphone, to glean information about a TV show currently being viewed.
SeeSpace, the startup responsible for InAir, is calling its creation the world's first augmented television, because it can truly augment reality, in contrast to products like Samsung's Smart TV.
Using InAir with a 3D television allows the extra info to float in front of the TV set, while on a normal television the information is layered within the screen. Content can be manipulated with hand gestures using the Kinect, Leap Motion, or with a free app which will be available for iOS and Android devices.
InAir will also come with a software development kit that will allow developers to expand the product's capabilities.
The InAir experience can be set up on any HDMI-capable TV by plugging it directly into the TV set and a cable box. Smart TVs will be able to use their built-in wireless capabilities to access the Internet, but InAir can be connected separately to an existing Wi-Fi network when operating with a standard television.
As of this writing, InAir's Kickstarter campaign has already raised more than $87,000 of its $100,000 goal, with about a month left to go. For an $89 donation, backers can get an early version of the InAir, which is expected to ship in September.
Image: Kickstarter
InAir will also come with a software development kit that will allow developers to expand the product's capabilities.
The InAir experience can be set up on any HDMI-capable TV by plugging it directly into the TV set and a cable box. Smart TVs will be able to use their built-in wireless capabilities to access the Internet, but InAir can be connected separately to an existing Wi-Fi network when operating with a standard television.
As of this writing, InAir's Kickstarter campaign has already raised more than $87,000 of its $100,000 goal, with about a month left to go. For an $89 donation, backers can get an early version of the InAir, which is expected to ship in September.
Image: Kickstarter