September 12, 2035 - Are you kidding? Is it possible to beam
myself? No, of course not, but you can now make a 3-D projection
of yourself anywhere in the world. The first product for real
teleimmersion has been released, the Telebeamer.
It consists of four 2-meter pillars, to set up so they form a
square of about 4 square meters. Anything within the box
(preferably you) is scanned in three dimensions, and can easily
be projected in another box with the same setup. The great thing
is that you can have someone else projected in the same box
where you are, at the same time as you are projected in that
person's box. In that way you can truly communicate with each
other from different parts of the world.
In the pillars there are 3-D scanners as well as 3-D projectors.
They are wireless connected to your computer where you have
specific software that connects with the person that you would
like, that have the same software and 3-D box as you. With the
microphone and speakers that goes with the installation you can
easily talk to the other person when he or she is projected in
front of you.
In the future the manufacturer intends to provide a three-party
connection, so people from three Telebeamers can meet. They are
also developing game versions where you for instance can play
table tennis together with a projected ping-pong ball. Even
though an installation is a bit bulky they hope that a shuttle
can bring a Telebeamer to Starbright Hotel on the moon, so the guests
there can get a visit from home.
Even if it sounds cool, don't expect that this will be the
Christmas present of the year. First you need two of them to
have someone to communicate with, and secondly, they cost US$
12,900 each, so they are mainly for businesses.
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